《Blessed with a curse (BwC) [Tryout.]》 0.Life and death(prologue) At the start of creation on the planet of Gamma the five high gods was in a disagreement over how things should be run. Many cracked eggs doesn''t often give a good omelet, one needs to add something more. Therefore the gods were fighting another and when gods fight it is like anything ever seen. mountains being split, seas and continents being destroyed and reformed. Many disputes lead to the planets life to die out over and over again until the gods finally came to an agreement, or to say a sort of compromise. Anyone who broke it will feel the wrath of the others gods combined. The main point in the agreement was that they will not get directly involved in the planets life. Before that was set in motion they agreed to create a life form of their own liking that they could watch over as time passed. A pet race they could watch run around on the surface of the earth and bemuse them. The beast-men, fierce and nimble. The elvish race, wise and beautiful. The dwarven race, short and sturdy like rocks. With their stable and nimble hands good at crafting. The weak but adaptable human race. Not gifted in either way, they were the weakest of all the races. The last was not one but several different weaker subspecies that would evolve to the so called fauna and wildlife. What was not planned and a side effect of the many fights between the gods was that a form of godly essence had been shattered all over. The planet itself become covered with this godly essence. The essence itself was harmless and become a thing that seeps into the earth and even into the air itself. Lesser life forms like animals got changed over the time they lived and died. They become a bit more clever and a lot stronger and faster. The strongest and fastest was the beast race. The other races also got changed but to a lesser degree because their bodies where more complex then the animals and plants. While some animals and plants even evolved to other species the main races stayed mostly the same. Soon to be threaten to extinction. While the races did fight among themselves before, they were never close to be wiped out. But now when they become the weakest species on the planet they had to use other means to survive. The first race to use the godly essence were the elves. They seems to have a higher affinity for it and by using the essence and bending it to do their will they manage to do extraordinary things. Soon the could fight off the animals and plant life that threatened them. The dwarfs didn''t have a high affinity with the essence but was very swift with their hands. Well traveled over the ground as well as below they have evolved their craftsmanship to a higher degree then the other races. They could not use the essence like the elves did, they didn''t have affinity for it. But the crafty dwarfs soon learned another way to use it and that was to infused their creations with the essence to enhance them. The beast race was not gifted in using the godly essence external like the elves and neither to use it on tools like the dwarfs. Instead they took the essence inside their own bodies and refine it to evolve their raw strength and speed even more. Soon they became feared for their beast-like strength thanks to their affinity in internal use of the essence. While everything seems to develop around them the humans could not use magic as well as elves, they were not as good at crafting as the dwarfs and neither did they have the strength like the beast race did. Being the lowest gifted race they had to work harder then the other. Their will to live and adapt after their environment made them prosper even thought the humans weren''t as gifted in magic, craftsmanship and didn''t have a strong body While not gifted they could still use external, internal and embodiment techniques(imbue equipment), but to a lower degree then their gifted counterparts. Even thought each attribute is weak, by combining them they overcome their weakness and became strong enough to survive. Humans soon spread and even triumph over the other races to some degree with their advantage in number and perseverance. The dwarfs, beast-men and elves had a longer life then the humans and therefore also a much less productive rate. While the humans spread their settlements the other races stayed put and didn''t grown in numbers by a lot. ....... The only one that was an outcast, the Trickster god that created the human race was looked down on with spitefulness after what played out on the planet. The gods couldn''t help their races or involve themselves on the planet. Nearly helplessly they could only watch as the outcome before them played out. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Gods don''t act on feelings like some mortal, yet they acted against the Trickster because they couldn''t understand why their creations, who was in their own eyes perfect was even less powerful then his creation. On the day the human god/the Trickster was assaulted by the other gods. They was conferring among themselves if they should split him up and cast his being around the empty space or lock him into a prison. The trickster was much weaker them so he had no saying in the matter, but they couldn''t kill him. Just hinder him. Time has no real meaning to a god and so he waited in a prison of a kind, bored and grinding down the walls of time with his powers. Powers so much weaker in comparison to the other gods that he might as well be using a rusty spoon to dig a hole in a concrete wall. But he had time, then finally... ...... -Damn... Life wasted. If only I could do it all over.. The ordinary looking man was sitting on a park bench watching some people walk by. Normal built, neither strong nor weak. Nor was he overly fat or skinny. Well, not to overly fat anyhow, just chubby and lazy. At this moment he regretted everything in his life. Squandering his life he was currently unemployed and 29. No girlfriend and soon no apartment. Sam was his name. -I was born in the wrong age and place.. [Sigh] At an early age he was bored with most things and swept through it with his ignorance. Now older and a bit wiser he was regretting it to his very core, but he was still lazy and he felt that it was too late to change himself. Earlier in life he was naive and thrusting, which lead to some suffering under his childhood. He was smart but did only average at best in school because of disinterest and laziness. He blamed it on the other things but deep inside he know that it was his own fault. Kindness, righteousness and laziness is not a good mix. And life did go on. He dreamed away and wished for something to happen to him but nothing ever did. So he squandered his life away day by day. It all lead up to this moment, one could call it a life changing event. While pondering about his life and bad luck he felt a prickling feeling and looked up. It was then he noticed a man at the other side off the street waving slightly at Sam. With a coy smile he pointed to Sam''s side where a little girl was standing with her mother, she was cute with golden hair holding a pink small rubber ball she got today at a store. The mother was so busy talking with an acquaintance that she failed to notice when her child dropped her ball. [Roll, roll, roll] It rolled out to the side and off to the street. -My ball! (little girl) It all happened in a flash and without thinking Sam rushed off after the girl to push her back up to the pavement. Unlucky as he was, the momentum and angle made him fell out backwards and was hit by a passing truck. -Crap... (Sam) The last thought he had was that he didn''t want to die and that he would work harder than ever if given a second chance. Thinking on his little sister, brother and mother. They would cry if he died, even if he was a worthless human being he didn''t want to see them in tears. Sam felt a slight happiness at seeing the girl laying on the pavement side unhurt. With tear-filled eyes looking his way. ''She is going to be okay. But damn she is going to have nightmares! But with some shrinks and medicines she will probably be okay...'' Just before everything went black Sam noticed something strange. The same man that stood at the opposite side of the street and waved at him before it all happened was now standing one meter from the girls mother, on his side. ''How did he get here?''(Sam) With that coy smile on his lips as if finding this moment entertaining. A split second later he was gone, he vanished into thin air. No one seems to have noticed, but then again it wasn''t that strange because most were busy looking at the girl, or Sam being run over by a big dooms-truck.... ''Bloody hell?!'' Some even tried to take up their mobiles to take a pick. Perhaps unknowingly moving their super addicted blog-fingers. Knowing that it''s an event not often seen, worth capturing on a picture and blog about. When everything ended a voice rang out inside of Sam. -Welcome Sam, to your new chance at life. Chapter 1. Reborn Sam was brought out to the light into a wonderful new life! Hell, no! It was a new life with lots of mumbling and strange smells. The pain at being born and taken out of the warm embrace to a crappy place isn''t the most pleasant experience. Especially if you are born with memories of a past life and a grownups mentality, all smacked together inside a newborns baby''s body. To add more, it seems that this body was dropped from start. Not that Sam noticed ever being dropped, but how could he know if he was dropped? He would probably be to brain damaged to remember it by then. Maybe he lost his memory of it and became stupid. A handicap at start wasn''t a success in his book. Something was amiss. That was obvious. Firstly his, what he believe to be his parents are moving very slow. Like a movie being played in slow motion. His brain clearly must have suffered some kind of damage, or so he thought. ''My brain must been shaken up pretty badly or... it might be that my mother is a drug addict and I got disabled from to much LSD?'' (Sam) His mother looked happily at him with a gently smile. Sam on the other hand was giving her a doubtful suspicious stare. She have a pretty face, around 19 years of age with golden hair curling down the side of her face. A bit sweaty but that didn''t make her less beautiful. ''So young!'' ''And clearly not an addict.'' Sam sighted in his mind and was frightened of the possibility of being a retard at birth, more so then being reborn. His mother doesn''t seem to be a person that would take drugs, or drop her newborn baby. She had nearly an saint like aura instead. His father was around 20 years of age and is very handsome, with his black hair and sparkling gray eyes that seem to be delighted by the sight of Sam. ''Hey... Keep your hands away.''(Sam) Frowning at his father, which made him look even cuter. His father put his hand on his head and ruffled Sam''s hair(the little hair he did have) in delight. ... It took Sam 50 years to come to the conclusion that he wasn''t stupid or disabled from birth. Just "Special". Some parents think of some of their handicap children as special, but Sam truly was. Did it take Sam 50 years to realize it? Maybe he was a super retard after all. In reality it only took him a year. It''s just that his brain seems to work at fifty times faster speed than normal. Having been reborn with an adult mind and memories one should think he would been faster to figure that out, but it was not as simple as that. Under a year, people moving at the speed of 1/50 made it nearly seem like people stopped moving. The outdrawn sounds that was more a buzz then anything made understanding the new langue even harder. Under this short time for his parents, he spent fifty years of nearly going insane. Just crapping oneself and being able to smell and feel it for fifty times longer was a mental torture. Trying to hold it in was impossible as a child and even worse so for Sam. He only tried it ones because his father and mother were in the room. After that painful experience he just let it have its course. Eating was weird and he tried to think of something else when sucking on his mothers breasts from hunger. For him a stranger he just "meet". It was nothing sexual and the feeling was just warm, but it was still something hard to except with an adult mind in a baby''s body. ''She is my mother and this isn''t strange.'' Sam is trying to persuade himself mentally every time he eats and is hugged closely. For Sam it was feeling is dignity being cast down on the floor and stomped on at first, but that was just his adult mind speaking. The worst part was that he could hardly move his body even thought he knew how to. It was hard to coordinate it and move at what he felt very slow speed. Halfway doing something he could have fallen asleep from the boredom alone. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Half a year after his birth he dislocated two of his tiny fingers by willing his body to move faster and crab on to a toy he wanted to throw away in frustration. This happened twice on the same hand on two different fingers so it was of course very painful. Worse thing was that when he moved his body faster than it was built to handle. He was still a little baby after all so he got a physical breakdown. His body started to shake all over and go into shock. It only lasted a short while but the pain was unbearable and for him very long, just a minute in real time and fifty for him. Having feeling the pain for nearly an hour was nearly worth it, because it was then he saw something spectacular. His mother (that took her god damn time getting there) started to sing for him in a (retarded and slow motion way.)very gently and slow manner until a light in the air around her fingers formed. Then she hovered her hands over him, so slightly touching his skin. Even thought it took only a moment Sam could see the phenomena in detail thanks to his brain working overtime even thought he was in pain. After that day he learned that there is something that resembles magic in this world. Sam was truly delighted and a lot more careful to not harm his fragile infant body after experience how much of an harmful effect it could have. He was truly frustrated at the beginning from being in such a small, powerless and fragile state. Thankfully he did persevere. It was mostly because he finally got a new chance and it was in a world where magic could be learned. The days went by and after 1 year he have learned how to understand his parents langue and that his family name was Fendor. He, himself was named after his great grandfather Venir. Sam or Venir, still didn''t dare to speak and still had a hard time grasping what they said because of the time lag. Still not able to move recklessly and break down by mistake he was bored as hell. Only thing he could do was to try and learn about this worlds magic and listen to his parents talking. ''As long as I am patient and going slow it should be okay to try it out.... To think magic exists here in this world!'' He was truly happy for this but soon found out it was extremely hard to understand and use in reality. With no one to guide him in it he had to take his time and experiment when he was alone. Time that went by and he learned that his father and mother was of low blood, not a noble, yet not a commoner either. An outcast noblewoman and her man that was a skilled fighter. His father was stationed to guard outside some city walls, it didn''t pay that well if you think about how high the rate of being killed was. But Venirs family managed to get by. His parents did own a house in the outskirts of a small town and his father did have to travel by horse three hours each day, back and forth. Adding up to riding only, it took six hours and with the work he had to do he could be gone for days and only be home for a day at a time, so Venir didn''t get much time to see his father. His mother did work as a healer before Venir was born and now stayed home to take care of him. ..... Half a year later a child started to glow in a blue light and then slowly float up and hover in the air for a short time before descending again. A cute and fast but delighted giggle could be heard from the crib. ''I did it...''(Venir) Some more giggling could be heard before the child was sound asleep from exhaustion and overuse of mana. If anyone would have seen this then they would have panicked. Thankfully the rest of the Fendor household was sleeping and unknowing of what was to come. Chapter 1.1 Saras POV -You stay here! The pain was bearable to some degree but seeing her husband running around like a headless chicken made her a tiny bit irritated, or a lot! Sara was usually calm and very kind, but today was her first childbirth. -Take it! (Sara) Sara grunted and stared at Dan until he stood still and then ordered him to hold her hand. His face was easy to read, filled with nervousness and panic. Even thought they have a "Mother" there to help them at their first childbirth. It wasn''t all to uncommon that something complicated could happen, even with a Mother present it wasn''t a hundred percent success rate. (The Mother is a midwife/small town healer that is skilled in magic that helps ease a childbirth.) Today was a normal delivery and nothing extraordinary except that the child was awful quiet when he came out. At first they thought he was stillborn until he started to scream in anger. The midwife looked him over for any harmful abnormalities before handing him over to his mother. -It''s a healthy boy. Congratulations. (The Mother) Sara smiled happily and laughed when she saw that they baby frowned at her. *Super-cute warning* He had his father''s gray eyes and his mothers golden hair, yet it was a bit duller in shade then her own. -Look at him. He is so cute and it''s a boy. Just like we discussed, he should be called Venir after your Great Grandfather. (Sara) Dan stepped closer and carefully took him in his arms proudly. ''He is so tiny.'' -Hmm.. Venir? (Dan) Venir looked at him with a deep frown, as if thinking about the name he was given. It made Dan smile wide and feel happier than ever. He ruffled Venirs hair and handed him over to Sara again with a dazzling smile. -The name Venir suits him very well. (Dan) ... Weeks passed by quietly, perhaps to quiet. First Sara was very happy but soon she started to feel worried. -Dan, he has been so quit. (Sara) He doesn''t make much sound and several weeks have passed. You don''t think something is wrong? (Sara) -I am sure he is fine. The Mother would have said something at his birth if something was wrong.(Dan) Before Dan could say anything more Sara heard a bright scream from the child''s room, a bright and soul breaking sound. Pale in face Sara ran over and saw little Venir laying in his crib with two fingers bent in a strange way, held up high. Where he lay he was having some kind of spasm and clearly in pain. She didn''t know what had happened but she hurried over and starting to cast a healing spell. It took about a minute. She was white in her face from worry. A hint of panic could be seen in her eyes even after the fingers was healed and his tiny body stopped shaking. -What... (Sara) Sara was near tears. A giggling sound of delight could be heard all the sudden from the crib. Venir looked at his mother with his hands held high, he clapped a few times as if a to applaud her. -You scared your mother... (Sara) Sara started to sob and Dan caressed her back in a confused state. After closer inspection on Venir they couldn''t tell what had caused him to get hurt. Worry could be seen on both faces. Sara was just happy her son was alive but she would kept a close watch over her son from there on. Time passed but nothing like it ever happened again. ... Months passed quickly and at the age of two Sara heard Venirs first word. -Mom. (Venir) Sara looked at her son in shock when he spoke that word in a crispy clear voice out of nowhere. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ''Such a cute voice''(Sara) Wide eyed she soon noticed him pointing at the books in their small bookshelf. -Read. (Venir) -Mom? (Venir) Those were just two short words but they were heaven sent for Sara. She had been worried for him under such a long time. He hadn''t said or even done much under those two years. And suddenly spoken two words with a crispy clear voice with a bright childlike voice. -You want mom to read for you? She smiled at him in delight and was about to pick out a story she read many times but never thought he listened to. He always seems to be thinking about something else and looking at something. What made her more surprised was that he chock his head and pointed to another book close to it. -Mom? The book he pointed at was about basic magic and herbs. Not something a little child at his age would like to hear about. But there wasn''t much to chose from the start either. The family only owned a few books and they where mostly about useful things except the history book she read for Venir, they had some exiting battles of heroes from a long time ago. -This? But it''s about fauna and herbal making mostly. Not very interesting to read. (Sara) Venir nods with a smile and Sara can''t help but take it out and sit down to educate him with it, reading out laud and pointing at the few pictures. Every time Venir pointed at a word she stopped to read it out aloud. From that day she understood that her son was very gifted and smart. Earlier she was afraid and thought of him as fragile and perhaps even disabled mentally, but when she now looking into his gray eyes Sara changed her mind. He seems to look at the book with a hunger after knowledge. ... Nearly three years old and walking around with a book everywhere Sara was very amused, she didn''t think her son had learned to read yet and he was just attached to them. -Hump.. He sure likes to carry around those dusty old books. (Dan) Dan muttered because he tried to run around with him on his shoulders once but Venir told him in a calm and clear voice he wanted to get down. He then tried several other childish things with him but he was acting less a child then Dan himself. Sara chuckled at that and wasn''t worried the slightest, she were very proud of her son. -Daddy feels lonely.. (Dan) Dan came forward and complained to his wife when Venir had gone to his room with his book. -Give him some time... Perhaps you can teach him the sword when he gets older. (Sara) At that Dan''s eyes brighten like candles in the dark before he kissed her passionately. -Of course! When he gets little older I will teach him all I know! He hehe! (Dan) -But perhaps we should start thinking of making him a sibling, he might be lonely you know... (Dan) Dan smiled and pretended to sound thoughtful and wise while saying that. It made Sara chuckle inside. -I haven''t notice that... (Sara) Dan pretended to not hear her teasing him and instead picked her up in his arms while Sara laughed out loud. -You beast! (Sara) She got carried to the bedchamber to enjoy some alone time with her husband. Dan was in a brighter mod when he went to work. Sara sighted with a small smile. ''He is such a simple minded husband, but that''s one of the many things that made me fell in love with him.'' (Sara) Chapter 1.2 Official naming day At the age of five it was time for the big official naming day. Long back in time humans had a hard time surviving out in the world. It was more common that children before the age of five died than lived. The weak were weeded out fast. So the parents back then didn''t use a calling name and only called them either boy or girl in hope of not getting to attached with. It might seem a cold way to handle matters, but when the rate of dying was higher than eighty percent it seems like a good idea. Time passed and the humans started to strive, the child death wasn''t as common anymore. But the old ways were deeply rooted and soon become some sort of tradition. As more time passed by it became something of a big event to celebrate and be happy about. The Fendor family was no exception from that tradition. Dan even took a whole day off with the help of a friend taking over his work shift for him. ''So this is why I wasn''t celebrated at my yearly birthdays?'' (Venir) Venir got the impression that they didn''t celebrate birthdays at all in this world. His parents haven''t giving him any presents at the age of one or two so it was not that strange of him to think they didn''t celebrate it in this world. Seeing his parents stalk around as stealthy as cats in hunt for mice made his hearth warm. It was easy to get attached to them and feel like a family even thought it sometimes felt weird when his daddy wanted to play with him. Dan also on regular basis asked him if I made some new friends. Dan often took his chance to tell Venir about his days as an adventurer. At first it was very interesting but when his material got old and he repeatedly told him about his days of bravery it started to get a bit annoying. Venir even started to doubt the truth of it all. Until the day he saw his dad at the backside of the house moving around and swing is sword with sweat dripping down his skin. It was nearly erotic and seems to be taken out of a teen movie. Venir''s eyes nearly popped out of his skull, jaw on the ground. ''Damn.... But he is ripped, look at those abs and eight-pack.. and his moves are so smooth...''(Venir) Venir imagined himself looking and moving around like his father. He told himself he was his son so he should of course be able to be like him if he worked hard in the future. Today Dan didn''t look as cool as he did on that specific day. With his gray eyes sparkling and sneaking around while trying to pretend it''s a day like any other, he wouldn''t even have been able to fool a blind man. -Venir. Daddy want some alone time with his son. (Dan) He held out a wooden sword at Venir, a smaller version then the other he held under his left arm. -What do you think about playing a bit at the background? Mommy got things to do so... And you are starting to get older so its time you started to exercise. (Dan) -All that reading inside the house with dusty books isn''t good for you. (Dan) Venir know he wanted to pull him out of the house while Sara made some food for the celebration. Not wanting to spoil the moment he went along, although he didn''t feel like being beaten blue by Dan on his first birthday party. He know all too well how strong his father was from watching him move around and train. He still took the wooden sword with a smile and though back and imagined himself being just as strong. -Okay dad. (Venir) It all ended pretty fast and with a few painful strikes. ''Old man... I am a kid for god sake!'' (Venir) Grinning in pain Venir looked at his daddy who seems to hum happily for some reason. -My son is stronger than this! Come on! Move your feet more and don''t stand like a log with feet buried in the earth. (Dan) Dan felt very proud of his son at this moment and wanted to spur him on harder, cached up in the moment. ''My son got potential!'' (Dan) Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The taunting made Venir''s who in this life very prideful. After years of secret training he felt he had the right to be. While slowly dragging himself up he got interrupted before he could start the fight again. An angry yell that made Venir smile wider then humanly possible, resounded in the air. -Mom! (Venir) Chuckling inside he ran to Sara that embraced him. -Dan! What the heck are you doing?! (Sara) Dan pales at seeing Sara standing in the doorway looking at him with a stare that could burn any man to crisp. -Hmm.. Dear.. I was just.. (Dan) He took a step backward as if ready himself to run off if needed but Sara was ignore him and looked at Venir instead. With a warm smile that never reached her sparkling eyes that were filled with anger she looked very scary. -Venir my boy. Come inside and wash off. I warmed some water for you, when you are done we can eat. (Sara) Dan exhaled and walked inside without a drop of sweat on him and as vigor as always but with a sad look on his face. Like a dog hanging with its head from doing something bad he walked inside. Venir was a little irritated because of that, he didn''t even manage to get him to move from his spot where he was standing when they fought. Hearing Dan trying to explain and plead to cool his mom''s temper made Venir feel a lot better though. ''One could learn a lot from him, mom is already giggling.'' (Venir) Sighting he washed off and went inside. Not long after had entered the dining room he was happily "surprised" by his mom and dad. Walking to the dinner table he soon found to his delight that his mother have made a wonderful cake. A cake that seemed to disappearing like with magic by the help of a father and sons fast hands. -Hrmp! (Dan) Dan made a sound like he wanted to say something after the cake was gone. Both father and son was sitting with swollen bellies in tight shirts and enjoyed the moment. -Today is a special day for you. At the age of five you are going to be officially registered with your name as our son. (Dan) -Therefore we have two presents to give you, one from your mom and one from me. (Dan) Dan took out a sword. Compared to Venir it looked like a giant two handed sword but Dan held it easily in one hand. -This is a simple one handed sword, but is in the hands of a skillful swordsman, a deadly weapon.(Dan) -You are yet to young to be able to wield it. But when the times come.(Dan) He pulled the sword out of its scabbard and it gave of a dangerous glint. It was a cold steel blade that seems to have been oiled and newly sharpened. It had no magic enchants and wasn''t special in any way. It was just a solid weapon meant for killing. -As my father told me... Hrmp! (Dan) Dan straighten up and seems to be ready for a long speak. -A man needs a weapon to be able to defend himself and those close to him. When time comes and you need to take up this sword your daddy will have cultured your skills enough to make you able to defend yourself. -If you ever get a pretty lass or two to protect, you will understand the importance of the sword.... Sara sighted and stepped forward before he could say more, with a bright smile toward Venir she handed him a book. -I know you wanted to learn more about the world and I have bought this. I hope you like it. (Sara) Venir was clearly much happier. He nearly jumped up and down in his seat from getting a book that contained some common history about the other races. Books are hand written in this world and therefore very expensive. -Thanks mom! And thanks dad! (Venir) -Tomorrow you will follow me to the nearest city where I work and inscribe you as our son. (Dan) While saying that he smiled and ruffled Venirs hair until it looked like a crappy bird nest. Chapter 1.3 Look at me my son! -Dad, why didn''t we inscribe me at or own town. Or just sent a letter about it? (Venir) -Our town? haha! That''s no town, only a few houses clustered together. (Dan) Truthfully Venir wanted to be nice to Dan, he knew that his hometown if it could even be called that was very small. Only teen houses was clustered together at the town and only five at the outskirts including his own home. Before being reborn he did live in a minor city and that place had several thousand more people clustered together. With houses and apartments, you didn''t even have to walk far before seeing a store. In his new life, his town didn''t held even one "real" store but he didn''t mind it that much. But it did happen now and then that he started to miss small things, like a toilet with toilet paper and flush-able water. Ice cone at the summers and a bookstore close to home. It was all trivial things in the long run. In his town they mostly traded items with another and a few copper coins, rarely silver and never gold. Although this world used money it wasn''t used that often in minor towns on the outskirts. One gold coin was hardly ever seen. If they did it was pretty much useless because they didn''t have enough things to trade for it among themselves. Lastly there where the Adamant coin and it was usually only used by high nobles, kings/queens and rich merchants. None in Venirs town had seen one and did not care to even dream about ever obtaining it. (The currency is 100 copper to a silver: 100 silver to a gold: 100 gold to a adamant coin.) .... -Venir, you will probably be chocked of the size of this city but it''s in truth to be told only a minor one. Yet it have two blacksmiths, several stores and a small keep! (Dan) Clearly Dan was very proud to be a watcher for the city even thought he didn''t earn much and it could be potential lethal if bandits or some monsters where to attack. -Why do we need to go to a city? It is because its there we have an appointed mage and it''s apprentices from the kingdom. Only they can registrar ones name officially. (Dan) -It''s not complicated, only a few drops of blood is needed but it needs to be fresh. Therefore we need to meet them personally.(Dan) -If we were of higher rang then we could have asked them to send one to us, but that is impossible, so we need to go there and do it like everybody else. (Dan -But don''t worry my son! With me here you won''t come to harm under our journey and we got our trusty steed to carry us. He might not look at it, but he is fast when he wants to. (Dan) Dan was chuckling and seems certain, but Venir was skeptical. After reading about wild animals Venir know it was not uncommon that wild animals sometimes would wander off and attack people even on the roads. Pento, the horse was not exactly young either. He might been a great warhorse once, but his glory days where long over. Now he was pretty scabby. If you listened closely over a long time you could even hear him letting out air. ''His prime days are clearly over and we are two riding him. If we meet a dangerous beast he would clearly not be able to run away.'' (Venir) Even thought Venir was worried Dan seems very relaxed and even happy. Scanning the surroundings for any danger. ... Under the first hour of riding nothing happened other then Venir feeling his left and soon right button cheek falling numb from all the riding. -Dad, I need to pee... (Venir) Venir said in a low pleading voice and didn''t dare tell him he needed to stretch his legs because he was unused to riding. Dan would surely make fun of him. -Alright but stay close to the road. (Dan) Walking off to the side and taking a long breath while smacking his own button in hope of waking it to life again. Good thing is father was feeding his horse Pento at that moment. Dan would most likely have smirked at the sight of his soon smacking and rubbing his own butt. While he was busy rubbing his butt Venir notice in the corner of his eye something glimmering between some trees. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ''Shiny!'' (Venir) It blinked twice and a growl could be heard while it slowly walked out from its hiding. The animal was two meter in height and resembled a wolf, but the differences was that its teeth that it soon showed more resembles a sharks. It had not two eyes but two on each side of its head and its fur had a metallic tint to it. The light seems to be reflected on its black fur in a sickening way whish made Venir stand frozen in place. He was close to pee himself at that moment and know that he was done for. -Idiot son! Steep back! (Dan) A flash could be seen and Dan stepped between them with his sword held high. For some reason he blinked at Venir with a bright smile. -Look how it should be done. (Dan) He walked forward, slowly and let the demon wolf initiate the first attack. [Woosh!] [Slash!] Dan parried the wolfs sharp fangs while at the same time slashing at its left paw. The sword sunk in and made a deep flesh wound. A metallic sound could be heard when the sword passed through its thick fur. It all happened in a flash, very gracefully. -You first got to slow a beast down as soon as possible when they are faster than yourself. (Dan) Dan said aloud and then with a very flashy move went in for the kill [Woosh..] [Slash.] [Slash.] [Slash!] It all happened so fast that Venir only could stand there dumbstruck and watch how cool is dad in fact is. In just a moment the demon wolfs head was cut off. What he didn''t know was that Dan was overly flashy in his moves. He had wounded the beasts front leg to make it easier to show off. He wanted to make his son see him at his best. It worked until.... -What do you think of your dad now? hehehe! (Dan) Standing over the giant wolf and posing like in some hunter photo Dan was smiling wide. Venir only let out a sight and blushed. He felt like a fool for thinking his dad looked so damn cool. ''Why did he have to spoil the moment!'' (Venir) Venir walked over to praise his dad without much faking, he was still a tiny bit red on his cheeks when he did so. It was a weird moment with Dan standing atop a demon wolf being praised by his own son. All the while his son is split between if he should stand next to him and pose and be proud. Or hide under a bush in shame for his dads behavior. If some other would have passed on the road he would most likely pretended he didn''t know him at all. When everything calmed down they had to do the dirty work of cutting the demon wolf up and bury its parts at least one meter from another. Venirs dad explained the importance of it while they were set to work. -We don''t have time to burn it so we need to cut it up like this and bury the parts a bit from another so it won''t get risen as an undead. (Dan) It seems in this world where godly essence could be found everywhere, it had some strange effects on the dead too. It was punishment by death to leave any corpses of animals laying around after killing it because of this phenomena. If the undead roamed around and killed other people it could create and epidemic of undead. While they were slower as undead they were also much harder to kill. Fire or total dismemberment was the only way to stop them. .... The rest of the way continued without an accident, no more beast attacked. Venir and Dan in the end arrived safely and could finally see the walls of the city in the distance. Venirs legs had by then fallen asleep and dangled like two useless sticks on the sides. His ass most likely had changed in color to a nice red shade, without himself needing to check it out. The pain alone was enough to tell. Happy to jump down he was determined to walk the last part up to the gates. All the while Dan smiling and whistling happily like this was his best day ever. Chapter 1.4 City life After entering the city by the southern gate they headed straight to the wise-mans square. Along the way Venir was busy gawking at the environment around him to even notice his father talking. Dan soon gave up and quietly just led Venir along. It looked like a an old role playing town set in Europe. Except some items was clearly not sold in his world. One store he passed had some strange bottled up contents used for alchemy or perhaps even magic. Ears, fangs and some glowing grass. -Buy a slave! Be it for working or pleasure, we have them all! (Bald man yelling) -Fresh apple pie! Come while they are still warm and juicy! (Old Lady at a small stand.) -Come in, come in! (Fat salesman with a glint in his eyes.) -We got the best materials and skilled smiths making our weapons and armor. The world around him have exploded in a buzz of life. It surely was different from living at the countryside for 250 years. He have nearly become a hermit under this time. He hardly spoke to his parents. If he did he liked to keep it short and straight to point. Because it takes a long time and is bothersome to speak in a slow manner at first. To be all fair his voice and speaking ability is some of the most crispy and crystal clear. Thanks to his disablement he needed to make the sound build up and it sounded a little like singing out the words. Under the long time he has lived, which is only 5 human years he has gotten a fairly good grasp of his ability and able to not become a total cripple. Now strolling along the streets he walks fairly well, but sometimes needs to stand still and take a break. Pretending to look at something while gathering himself. One would think walking is natural and easy but try walking a long way at what he feels is a 50 slower speed for several hours, it is not as easy as it might seem. He have to control his muscles at a every minute now because he is not used to all the sights and sound taking in around himself disturbing his natural walking stile wish took him 100 V-years to learn. (Will from now on refer to his own way of handling time in V-years/hours/minutes. Venirs own years. ) ... At a bigger stone structure wish resembled a short and very wide tower people where standing in three lines. ''Seems to have gotten to the right place'' (Venir) Dan naturally guided them to one of the lines with a proud looking face as if say "Hey. Look. I got a kid too." The other kids in the lines where around the same age as Venir, some might even be older, or just look it. At the end of their line a kid around 9 year was sitting and making each child spill some blood for her. Venir thought this sort of profession suited her very well. Why? Because she was red haired and concentrated until her eyes seems to sparkle every time she took two drops of blood. One would think she collected blood on her free time as well, just for the fun of it. Stepping closer he noticed she was fairly beautiful with her with skin and small nose. Like a nobles doll. Venir had a long time studying her after all and felt a small blush creep up on him when he was pushed at the back and notice he was standing at the front of the line. ''Eh?!'' Venir was truly chocked because this was the first time he didn''t feel the time go slowly, but it ended in an instant. Pushed in his back he nearly fell head down in the dirt. He manage to get his balance back and looked around. No one seems to care and the girl was one of those. -Family name, the relative first please. (Girl) She looked at Dan while he bent forward and took the needle she handed him. -Dan. Family name Fendor and the father of the child. (Dan) ''Heck! That can''t be sterile after all the other people before us used it!'' (Venir) -Did you hear that? Fendor he said. (unknown man.) While Venir was busy thinking on something else he didn''t notice people behind him gasp slightly at Dan mentioning his family name. Dan pricked a finger and dripped some blood down in a bowl. The girl took it and started to hymn in a very calming and beautiful voice while Venir listen like spellbound, finding it all very fascinating. Both her and the caster ritual. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it When she was done she seem to see something no one else did and nodded as if she have confirmed Dan''s identity. -And this is? (girl) -This is Venir, my son. (Dan) Venir was standing still like a statue and looking into her eyes. Strangely her eyes was scarlet red color. ''Aww. Pretty'' (Venir) -Shrimp. If you are to scared then move along. Others are waiting in line. (girl) The red haired girl held forth the needle and started to look annoyed. ''Not that pretty...'' (Venir) He took the needle and hesitated only a second.(in V-time was nearly a minute, so he took his goddamn time deciding.) ''If other people have used it and its been used for years without complains then it can''t be harmful.'' (Venir) He pricked his skin and dropped a few drops down on a silver plate as instructed by the girl before him. It started to shine while she chanted and soon something could be seen written on the plate in red letters. She studied the plate for a time then handed it over to Venir. -Here, this is yours now. (girl) Venir took the plate with his right hand. Before he had a chance to read what it said on it, it seems to melt and creep inside his skin. By the time he was trying to figure out what have happened it was already gone. He felt nothing from it but he nearly panicked just by looking at it happening. -Your son have no ability to become a mage. His affinity and internal godly essence is lower than the average human. She then looked at Venir like feeling sorry for him. She was herself a mage in training and had more then thousand times more inner godly essence then him. Even if one was a commoner, if one became strong enough as a mage one would naturally be conferred the title of a lower noble. This was however a big shock for Venir. -Eh?! But.... (Venir) Before he could say more Dan started to lead him away to the side. The two guards posted to protect the apprentice girl looked at him with a bit of bloodlust, they where probably bored and wanted some action after standing still day after day. -Come, no worries. Dad isn''t much better and I am strong, right? (Dan) He smiled assuring at Venir trying to comfort him. But in reality he was also a bit taken back. After all. His mana pool which was common was a hundred times bigger. Worse thing was that Venir himself. Since birth have trained in magic and was certain he would have a lot more mana then the average person. He have trained every day in secret. Obsessed with the tough of magic and now it was crushed in a moment. He was close to tears. -Hey hey... Calm down. (Dan) -C-c-calm d-down? (Venir) ''I trained for 250 years and is useless still?!'' (Venir) [sniff] [sob] -Hey... Stop this... (Dan) Dan squatted down before him and with a smile said calmly. -Why so upset? Magic isn''t everything. (Dan) -Its handy, yes. But one can live without it and I will teach you the way of the sword instead. -More useful than some silly spells. -They are just for show. -Dad is strong, right? Venri could only nod at that and started to brighten up at the idea of himself well trained and being able to cut the head of a demon beast like his dad did. ''He is right. I can''t give up now after only one setback. I did promise myself to give it my all in this new life.'' (Venir) -Y-yeah. You are right. (Venir) Some girls at the side was looking at them and was whispering how cute Venir was and how good his dad looked. Venir indeed was cute, super cute in fact. With teary gray eyes and half-curly dirt-blond hair he could been in some advertisement for help the children. With that said Venir blushed some and took Dan''s hand to pull him away from prying eyes. -Lets go home. Chapter 1.5 Home sweet home. Or is it? After arriving at home Dan let Venir rest. It only for a short time before he was pulled out to the backyard. -It''s no point in dwelling on things that can''t be done and instead concentrate on what you can do. Daddy is going to help you cheer up and became strong. (Dan) -You want to be able to at least be able to help me protect mother if something happens, right? (Dan) Venir that listened could only nod at that, although she was plenty strong herself. She could just glare him down to submission. But while thinking that an image of a red haired beauty crept on when he thought at being strong and able to protect someone. But he discarded that after remembering something unpleasant. ''Shrimp? I will show her who is a shrimp.. Just because she is a mage in training.'' (Venir) ''I can''t let myself become weak like I was in my other life. This world are also filled with all kind of dangers.'' (Venir) Dan could see his son made is resolve so he smiled and started to instruct him on how to strengthen his body without having negative effect on his growth. -Its important you have a strong body and the ability to control it well. Because you are still young and a bit tiny we need to strengthen your body before training in the ways of the sword. (Dan) -The fastest and best way is to use the external refining technique while training your body the regular way. The regular training will consist of muscle, speed and flexibility training to build you from the ground up. (Dan) -It is hard and will be painful but nothing will beat a refined body. (Dan) At those words he is flexing his own body slightly. Strength, speed and flexibility packed together. His handsome and masculine face didn''t make matters worse. ''I can understand why mom fell for dad, it was clearly his good looks and kindness, not for his brainpower. '' (Venir) -Alright dad. What should I do first? (Venir) He was trying to look positively at what was to come, after all it was still a fantasy world. Even if he had to train hard he will do everything in his power to do it. ... Under the days that went by Venir found out to his delight that the body refining technique used was something he had done since his second year. He thought it was a way to improve is mana pool but it seems one was born with his/her mana pool set from the very beginning and it didn''t expand at all over the years. This information he got from his mother. He desperately wanted to improve his magic so he asked her for advice but in the end it was impossible to get a bigger internal mana pool. Venir reasoned out it was most likely because his soul comes from another planet of existence it was so small from birth. His mana pool was too small to learn any advanced spells like healing, medium and grand spells. Like throwing Fireballs and conjure lightning down from the sky''s. But the bitterness of that knowledge vanished over time. Seeing no point in worrying and telling his parents of his own self studies in magic, his many V-years spent in experimenting he kept quiet about it from them. What''s the point in talking about it if he was never going to be utilize it fully? If he couldn''t improve his chant-less magic over time he might as well try something else first. Body refining come very natural to Venir because he started so early in age. The amount godly essence/mana he could draw upon was great. (Godly essence= mana. Will use the word mana more instead godly essence from now on.) His body also had a lot of it he gathered over the years. While he thought he could use it to improve his own mana pool, which was wrong. He could now instead use it in the body refining technique. It was clearly not a wasted effort, it now made it easier for him to improve faster. Venir got a little boost from thinking like that and used it to its utmost. .... His dad told him there are several known and to him unknown stages and sub stages in the art of the sword and body refining. First is the stage of controlling and pulling godly essence from the air and earth into oneself, then use it as fuel to build on the body when training. Like taking godly steroids. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Second stage is to start to refine the mana inside one''s body. Make it purer and able to pull in more of it. The second stage can only be used safely when the body is filled with mana and can''t contain more. But refining isn''t something Dan seems to know how to do himself and therefore left it out for now. Third stage is to evolve one''s body with taking in enough refined mana until one can''t take in more. Same as second stage in theory but much harder. It''s an immense difference and after that you can try to reach the fourth stage but Dan don''t know anything about it himself so he told Venir to concentrate on the first two stages for now. It would take him years to master just those. These three/four sub stages compile to the first stage of body refining technique. The first stage at sword art was the mastery of one''s own speed, strength and flexibility. Each of those where a sub skill to master the first stage in sword art. If one master all of them the power leap would be tenfold. There are several more stages in both sword mastery and body refining, but let''s leave it at that for now. Dan is at the first stage of body refining and close to second stage. With this his wounds heal faster and his strength, speed and flexibility are being fairly inhuman in the eyes of Venir. To add it at top of it, Dan has reached second stage in sword mastery and can therefore fight monsters with steel like skin and is famous at town for being very skilled. .... Dan thought his son was a genius in training when he saw his son sit for hours at the backside yeard meditating. But after having doing it for 3 years Venir found this stage pretty calming and it wasn''t before now he noticed something profound about it. Thinking back on the time when he saw the red haired girl he have always struggled to grasp his current affliction. It was simple yet very complex and hard to master. -haha! That I didn''t notice it! (Venir) Relaxed and not thinking on anything. Just feeling the world around him, Venir started to feel a higher sense of being. Like being one with the air and nature around him. It was at this stage when his brain took in everything and at the same time didn''t concentrate on something specific, it was then time itself seems to catches up to him. In this relaxed state of mind he could see everything clearly, like he was being colorblind before, he now could see things clearly. ''Just be, don''t think. See everything.'' (Venir) Unknowing Venir has reached the mental stage of a body refiner at forth sub stage. He was able to naturally refine and pull the mana inside himself as long as he was in this harmonic stage. Bypassing the other stages and combining them into on. Thanks to his unique disability where is brain work overtime and also makes him have a hard time sleeping. Now it finally works to his advantage. The stage wasn''t complete and he often lost himself at the most small sounds. To prevent that he often sat alone and meditated before heading out to train. Unknowing to himself while sitting in a meditate position the air itself seems to vibrate around him. ''If I can master this I might be able to live normal life and become stronger at the same time.'' (Venir)
Body refining. Stage 1
Stage1. ControlStage2. RefineStage 3. EvolveStage 4. Alternative sub stage. One with nature.
Body refining. Stage 2
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..... (To explain the body refinement method I tried making a table to simplify it. Hope it helps. And the forth stage is something only Venir himself invented thanks to his disablement if it wasn''t obvious. I named it "One with the nature" for now. Chapter 1.6 Earning his keep His mom has often said he was handsome but mothers always think their sons are the best and cutest. Venir was no exception so he never gave it much of a though if it was true or not. But at his current age he now look much better than he ever could have wished for in his other life. Gray piercing eyes, dirt-blond and slightly curly hair with a solid body that any young women would been happy to be embraced in. At the age of nine Venir have trained daily in meditation with the body refining technique and exercise until is muscles ached from pain. He could run for several miles without being out of breath and being able to lift several hundred kilograms. Truth to be told he have gotten quiet addicted to his newfound power and training schedule. Every morning he was up earlier then his parents and meditated before heading out to train for hours. Meditation has become a daily duty for him and made his life much easier. He was now able to live fairly normal as long as he meditated on a regular basis. When he did, he could now relax even when talking and converse in what seem to him a normal time frame. It did happened that he sometimes got back to his other state when he did concentrate on something or got surprised and lost his calm state of mind. Not only his mind but his body had evolved greatly. Having grown fast, he was close to 1.7m now at the age of nine. In his last life he only was a little taller at the time of his death. With his power he should look like a bodybuilder but he still looked pretty much slim even thought he now had an eight-pack under his shirt and visible muscles running along his arms, yet not bulging ones. So how could he then lift several hundred kilograms and run like a freak? It was simple. His body was now at it last form in the first stage of body refining and just needed the last leap to become a stage two body refiner. Half a year before when Venir sat and meditated he felt that his body had been become filled to the brim with refined mana and couldn''t take more. Naturally his growth rate also started to slow down after that and finally stop. What he didn''t know was how extraordinary it was to reach that state at such a young age already. His father hasn''t reached that stage yet and was only at the early, second sub-stage, struggling how to refine his mana. For people it would normally take several years to refine mana and if they are lucky they might be at its final sub stage of body refining when they reach their 40''s. Then comes the bottleneck and most haven''t gotten passed that stage at all. Venir is at that point. He is starting to get frustrated when having to struggled to his outmost to improve his body and nothing seems to improve at all. Seeing their son work hard mad of course the parents happy but when his mod started to get sullen and he was starting to talk less and less. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation..... -Venir. Come over here for a while, your mother and me want to talk to you. (Dan) Not knowing what it was all about he took a seat at the dinner table and started to worry if he had done something bad when both his parents looked at him. -Venir... Dad and I have discussed and... (Sara) -We think you should get a part time work in the city. (Dan) Dan interrupted Sara before she could sugar coat it and both looked at him and tried to explain it in detail. It seems like they been worried for Venir. Not playing around with friends and only been training day after day. To add up, he now have started to be in a grumpy mod and hardly spoke with his own parents. This made Venir shocked and could only nod in understanding. ''What a fool I have been. Of course they would worry about me.'' (venir) -Son. I have already found a work for you in the city and you will follow me there tomorrow when I am traveling there. (Dan) -It might be fun... (Sara) -Fun or not. A man need to be able to make his own money and learn how to use it. (Dan) -And... I thought it was time to train you in the way of the sword. Looks like you are strong enough to be able to handle the basics. (Dan) -It will be easier if you were a bit closer to me when I work, that way we could start your training after I finished my shift. (Dan) It was a good idea and Venir only nodded because he didn''t have anything to say in the matter. He had troubled them enough is it is. -We will both travel home when I am off from my work of course. Your working schema will add up with mine. I have seen to it. (Dan) Venir now understood what he was talking about and looked at his mother that already had misty eyes from trying not to cry. ''She will be feeling lonely, being here all alone.'' (Venir) Like she could read his thought, she smiled at him in a comforting way. -Don''t worry about your mother. Its time I get back to work myself. Lots of people needing me here and I have already been away for far too long from my duty as a healer. (Sara) -Some extra earnings isn''t too bad either. We have had a harder time with only Dan working. (Sara) ... That day it was decided that Venir should start working at an Inn. He would get a small room while working and staying there. The costs for it would be taken from his salary directly and then Dan would teach him the way of the sword after the shift was over. It was going to get hectic for a normal nine year old but Venir was in a better mood already. Just thinking about being able to learn sword art and earn some money of his own was wonderful. -I will work hard, mom and dad! (Venir) ''Living in the city. This will be great.'' (Venir) Chapter 1.7 City life -I.. I I-mpossible!(Innkeepers daughter) -What? No. This is my son Venir I talked about. We don''t look alike?(Dan) -No, no. It''s not that. (Innkeeper) Venir and his father has finally arrived at his workplace to shock the innkeeper and her daughter. -Didn''t you say he was nine years old? (Innkeeper) -Ah. Yes he is nine. He just have been through a growth spurt lately. He-hehe! (Dan) Dan smacked Venir on the back and smiled wide. -Let me reintroduce him again then. This is Venir, my nine year old son. He will be in your care from now on Shena. -Hmm.. (Innkeeper Shena) ''He doesn''t look like nine. More like 16 or older. But very good looking... Jackpot!'' (Shena) -We were only stunned. He looked a little older than nine, that''s all. But we will happily show him around and set him in work first thing tomorrow. The innkeeper Shena seems to say it with sparkling eyes for some reason and then yelled out to her daughter which startled both Dan and Venir. -Violet! Take the kid to his room and then show him around. (Shena.) Violet was clearly named after her hair color and her parents bad naming sense. Short haired and candy violet in color. A face that was more cute then beautiful. Around 1.7 in height. Currently she was biting her under lip and looking at Venir with a skeptical expression. ''Like hell he is only 9. He is nearly as high as me! And those eyes...'' (Violet) -Don''t stand there and stare, let''s get a move on squirt. (violet) She seems a tiny bit angry at something while she yelled at Venir to follow her. She lead him upstairs and on the way when she didn''t think he noticed she eyed him sideways. It made Venir uncomfortable, he wasn''t used to be with other people and now a girl around 19 years of age looked at him like some strange animal. ''Best pretend I don''t notice her looking at me.'' (Venir) What Venir could tell from the short time they walked, Violet was a pretty open minded and nice person. She talked about her mother and that her dad died some years back from a monster attack, so her mom was now the Innkeeper and owner of the place. Violet herself was helping her mother run it, a sort of unspoken Vice Innkeeper. So if Venir had any questions he should come to her. The Inn was called The Wild Dendor.(A Dendor is a demon boar) A creepy sign on the outside with a dead Dendor, skewed on a lance. That was their trade and welcome sign. Weirdly enough it seems to work, the Inn was quiet popular among both nobles and commoners. Adventurers could often be found there talking about different rumors. They got a cook, a cleaner and one waiter, whish was Violet. She was a sort of multitasked personnel and jumped in where it was needed. They had two waiters before but one ran off with a costumer. Clearly it wasn''t out of the ordinary, Violet explained to Venir. This is also why they will give Venir a chance to work here. It seems Dan drink and eat here moderately often, when he heard they needed a waiter he asked if his son could get a chance to try it. He was pretty familiar with Shena by then, so it wasn''t a big favor. He told her his son was nine and needed a good start and if she could give him a small room while he worked it would be good enough. The pay didn''t have to be that high as he was still a kid. But when they got there, what they saw wasn''t just a small scrawny kid but a kid that was well built and high enough to be called a late teenager. His face was very handsome and not cute at all. He was clearly a man, not a kid. Both Shena and Violet got shocked when Dan presented him as his son and was about to tell him it was a lie when the boy bowed and in a crispy clear voice presented himself. Without thinking clearly Violet stuttered and broke the illusion for Shena. *-I.. I I-mpossible!(Violet)* They both seemed sincere and she saw no point in refusing Dan''s son to work there. On the contrary. Watching Violet walk away with Venir, Shena turned her attention to Dan. -So. For how long is he going to work here? (Shena) -I can''t say. But for a few months if that is fine with you? (Dan) -Ho hoo ho! Of course! He can work and stay as long he want as he wants to. I thought you were going to send me a scrawny kid for some extra help. Not a healthy young man. (Shena) Dan was scratching his head and haven''t been seeing it like that. Venir was only 9 after all. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.Smiling while thanking the innkeeper again for giving his son a chance. If any trouble comes up she was to send him a message. After that Dan left for his work shift and Venir was putting in two sets of cloths he had with him in his small room. It was no more than a bed and a wardrobe, with no window to the outside. It was more a closet then a room, but Venir wasn''t unhappy. He was hoping to save more money this way. After meditating he went to bed because he didn''t want to trouble the innkeeper and her daughter. Tomorrow as going to be a busy day for Venir anyhow. He needed to go up early to meditate before he started to work and after work he was supposed to meet Dan for his sword training. .... At the morning he had just finished his meditation when he heard a light knock on the door. Before he could answer or even open the door Violet peeked inside. She looked quite disappointed when seeing him sit on the floor already awake and dressed. -It''s time for work Boy. (Violet) -You may call me Venir miss Violet. (Venir) When he stood up and greeted her in that manner she started to blush slightly and got irritated for no reason. -You are just a kid and I am the vice innkeeper so I will call you whatever I want. Humph! (Violet) Venir just raised an eyebrow and wondered what mad her act like this. Shrugging it off and walking pass her and politely responding to her behavior. -If you wish to call me that, fine by me. (Venir) -Errr... (Violet) Lost for words she pretended that nothing have been said and done. Instead she walked off and showed him to the main room where they serve food and drinks. -We take orders and you write them down on this C-plate. When the cook have the food done you will see it checked on the C-plate. (violet) -You then go and get the food and drink that are ordered. Deliver it to the costumers and don''t forget the payment. (violet) She showed Venir a blank slate she called a C-plate and gave him a pen to write with. It made it very confusing. -Hmm. What''s a C-plate? (Venir) -Are you dumb? You are holding it. (Violet) -I meant to say. How do I use it? (Venir) -Ah. Never seen one I guess? Country bum, let me show you.(Violet) She took it and showed him how it worked. By holding it, it was automatically activated and used very little mana. It is used to send messages to another board in the cooks kitchen. They are copy boards and everything written on either one is shown on the other. They seem to be in sync with another in some magic way. Like a text message but with magic instead. Very simple and very effective instead of running back and forth between the tables and the kitchen to order. They are only used in small areas like offices and inns because of the short range needed between them to work. Only twenty meters away from another and they won''t work at all. ''Cool. Magic is used for this too. Convenient.'' (Venir) -Thanks for teaching me Violet. (Venir) He was very honest in his thanks when looking at Violet which made her blush and laugh silly. -Hehe. Of course! If you need any more help ask this big sis. (Violet.) ... The day then started with costumers coming in and ordering food and drinks. In the early morning there were not that many people and Venir manage to do pretty well. But later on the stream kept increasing and soon Venir was running around and trying to keep up with all the new orders. It wasn''t hard, but he wasn''t used to so many people around him and it all got much worse as people jumbled together yelled and laughed. He lost his calm and ended up with his handicap activating. Seeing everything in slow motion was infuriating and he couldn''t do much about it. It felt like his workday lasted forever. When he finally was done he was mentally exhausted. -You look tired. Hehe! (Violet) She was sweaty but other than that in a very good mood. She doesn''t look tired at all, either mentally or physically. -Don''t look so down it will get better. (Violet) Venir could only nod and smile at her when he slowly regained his calmness. He know she was a nice person and just wanted to show him. Violet thought that because she has been working here longer than Vanir, also could handle it better than him. -I need to be off and meet my dad now. But thanks for today and see you later big sis. (Venir) Chapter 1.8 Training -We will start with the most basic. (Dan) Venir was standing in a round circle of sawdust and sand. Made for training in martial arts and weapons. Outside the big circle and all around them where training weapons of all sorts. Spears, daggers, swords and shields on wooden stands. And some weapons Venir couldn''t even put a name too. Dan had gotten permission to exercise here after his shift was over. In general they used this place for training the guards and new recruits but later at evening it was usually empty. -Let''s see how you move first. Attack me. (Dan) -I don''t want to hurt you... (Venir) -Hurt me? You got to be joking brat. Come at me and try.(Dan) -If you manage to touch me I will give you a whole silver coin! (Dan) Venir know that Dan clearly looked down on him. He had no skill whatsoever from sword fighting but he have improved a lot over the years. Smiling Venir breathed in and looked at Dan. ''Don''t regret this old man.'' (Venir) -I am coming for you. (Venir) In a short moment Venir was right before Dan''s face and his eyes was wide in alarm. Dan was clearly going to go easy on him and was surprised by his sudden movement. Venirs speed might even be better than his. [Woosh!] [Smack!] Venirs wooden sword was aiming for Dan''s left shoulder but was instantly blocked by a another wooden sword. Dan smirked and was angry at himself for being nearly overran by his own son. [Swish!] [Swish!] [Swish!!] Venir have seen this attack being used earlier on a demon wolf and instantly cut off its head. The swings seems to combine and become one smooth strike. He manage to avoid one strike, blocking it with his sword and the other was easily avoided by leaning to the right. But the last strike was still going in and with a fright from the unusual bloodlust he felt from Dan he unconsciously used his left free hand to push him away. [Bam!] The wind seems to have solidified and shoot out from Venirs hand to slam into Dan and make him stagger backwards. He was going down on a knee and holding his stomach with a surprised expression. -What? (Dan) -Dad?! I am sorry. (Venir) He dropped his training sword and rushed forward to where Dan to help him up. But it wasn''t needed, Dan was unhurt and just surprised by the sudden attack out of nowhere. -What happened? It felt like someone used magic on me. (Dan) Dan was looking around himself and saw no one so his eyes in the end rested on Venir. Feeling guilty he told him everything about his training in magic. He left out the part of being reincarnated with memories of a past life. Other than that he told him about himself trying to learn magic on his own. -Chant-less casting? But... I have never heard of it before. (Dan) Dan and Venir sat down to have a long father and son talk. In the end Venir was patted on the head and told he was amazing. Not only was his body flexible, strong and fast. He could also cast spells without any chanting. He was told to hold that part a secret for now and concentrate on his sword training instead. He was after all very weak in magic and at most it could be used to help him. But using it for fighting was impossible for him. -I have never heard of your way of body refining, but you are clearly at a higher stage then me. (Dan) He grumbled at that but was also very proud of his son. -Yet... Even if you have a stronger body now, your sword skills are not even at its most basic stage. Even I could have killed you easily if I did go all out. Hehe. (Dan) -Don''t look so down. From now on we well train you hard and build you up from the ground. (Dan) -You got the body for it and more. If I had known earlier perhaps... Nah. You are still a kid. Bahah! -Couldn''t have started to train you when you where younger or you would have been here in your diapers hitting training dummies. That would been a sight! Hahaha!(Dan) After talking it out for a bit and some father and son bounding, Venir was getting instructed on how to stand and move. He was hitting at some training dummies over and over again until he know where to hit and how to move while doing so. The thing that have stopped him previous now contributed ones again to his faster understanding and growth. While relaxing and listening. Seeing and feeling every move his father showed he had a easier time grasping the concept of it. When he released his meditative state and concentrated on doing the same movement his father showed him he once again moved in his own V-time. Being able to grasp the technique and precise movement was easier. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Dan standing by the side to correct him if needed. He was clearly ones again stunned by Venir, his son was like a war god to his eyes. Every time he showed him something he nearly perfected it at his first try. It was like he was meant to use the sword from birth. The thought scared him. .... Under a year. The Inn Venir worked at got crowded with people, a lot of them was women. In ages from teens and up to lady''s in their 40th''s they were all drinking wine and chatting happily. -There he is... (Woman) Venir was walking to the table in a nice set of clothes the Innkeeper had specially made for him under the first week. She said it was his work clothes and must be worn when he worked. To not make it suspicious she had a matching set being made for Violet too. His clothes where a tight fit and clearly made his backside and broad shoulders stand out. Every time he moved it was like the clothes caressed him. They were quiet comfortable and he didn''t mind, but what he did mind was the stares he got from the women. At first it wasn''t a problem, the women were few and they just looked. But as time did pass more and more started to visit this Inn for some reason and soon it was being more than just stares. -Don''t be angry. They are just giving you tip. (Shena) -And waiters keep all the tip. You should be happy and work harder. (Shena) Those where the words Shena used when he wanted to complain about being hit on his butt while walking pass a table. Some lady had put down a few copper coins in his back pocket and then smacked it. -To see that it doesn''t fall out. (Pretty woman) She smiled innocently and Venir of course blushed and walked away speechless. After that it escalated. He ones told them he was just ten years old but they just laughed it off and said he was such a cute kid. Time went by and he got used to it and even manage to relax and joke back to them. They weren''t acting to badly and he got a lot of tip from it so he should be thankful. The only person that seems to be in a bad mode was Violet, she could often be seen staring daggers at Venir and a few times at a the costumers backs too. When that happened her mother tried to correct her attitude by pulling her away teach her one or two things about life. Because Shena earned a lot from having Venir entertain the costumers she couldn''t have her daughter spoil it just because of some teenage jealousy. Wine wasn''t often sold, mostly ale and food was going regularly. But since Venir started working there, women have started to come, they didn''t eat much but they drank wine. Tipsy women made more men go there. The men then ate and drank ale. It all was a snowball effect. The Inn was soon going better then never before. ..... Waiter at the day and at the eve he was training with his dad. He was a quick learner and soon could even slightly improve the sword art his dad been teaching him, to make it into his own style. From the side it looked like he wasn''t conducting dull sword strikes anymore but were dancing. The first strike moved over to another in a graceful way. ''Finally starting to grasp my swordplay.'' After seeing Venir improve to such a degree Dan has started to train his swordplay by his side. But clearly he wasn''t as graceful as his son, but it have improved and was just as deadly. -Son. We need to head back tomorrow to your mom. So let''s go back and wash up.(Dan) -We need to go early in the morning. (Dan) He looked forward to meet his wife and Venir was just as happy to be able to see his mom. They could only see Sara ones or twice a week because it was such a long trip between the city and their home. They both longed to get home. Venir had now become eleven years old and is close to twelve. He have earned a fair share of money thanks to all the tip he got from working. He have set away some for himself but also saved up for something special to give his mother. He had it carefully packed down in his pocket. It was a beautiful silver necklace with a blue teardrop looking gem hanging on it. It was simple and yet very beautiful. Venir thought it would fit her perfectly, it had cost him about half his savings and held no magic enchantments but it was worth every coin if he could see his mother smile. Chapter 1.9 Home, sweet... home. Authors warning: Hello and thanks for reading up to this point. Its been a slow start and it will build up in the future. This chapter will involve gore and more. So those with a faint heart should skip this page. Its the Last page in the first Chapter. Cheers and enjoy your reading! ................................................................ -It''s awful quiet now when I get back to the country. Seems like I am getting to used to that noisy Inn. (Venir) He was riding behind his dad and looked around him while they headed through the little community of houses. No one was out and it was very quiet. After riding for a while Venir felt something was wrong. Not even one person could be seen and not even a bird could be heard. Dan seems to have notice the same thing and stepped down from the horse while leading it closer to a house. Hello!! Anyone inside?! Its Dan, we are passing trough on our way home... (Dan) No answer. Not a sound and that made Dan draw his sword and hush with a finger to his mouth to let it be known Venir should be quiet. Venir nodded without a word and looked at Dan while he walked soundlessly to the doorway. The door itself was standing halfway open and he stepped inside. It took some time and when he came out, it was with a pale face. Dan looked at Venir and seems to collect himself and find the right words. He didn''t want Venir to worry more then necessary. -Son, you need to stay here while I ride ahead. I will come back. But you must stay here and hide if you see or hear something move. Don''t go inside the house. (Dan) He nearly pulled Venir down from the horse and then pulled himself up in a hurry. -You hear me. Stay here! I will be back for you! (Dan) -Dad? (Venir) Before he could ask anything Dan set off in a rush in the direction of their home. Standing there not knowing what to do he felt worried. ''What''s happening? Something is clearly not right.'' (Venir) At first Venir was standing as he was told, not a sound could be heard and it made him feel uncomfortable. He was looking at the house from where he stood and tried to figure out what had made his dad ran off without him like that. As time went by, several hours in fact. Venir started to get restless and glanced at the door to the farmers house. Starting to wonder what was inside it. No sound had come from the house since Dan left. The farmers family that live here had not yet to show themselves either. It was all to strange. Finally Venir took one step after another to the door of the house. Ever so slowly he walked closer. -Hello?... Anyone home? (Venir) No answer and he started to feel a smell fermenting the air. It was a strange smell he never had felt before. It was a heavy smell of iron and decay. Something else but it was hard to describe. Unable to move forward at first, Venir stood there still at the doorstep. After a while he forced himself to walk inside, every step felt wrong and he wanted to turn around. It was dark inside so it was hard to see at first but when his eyes slowly got used to the darkness he stumbled backwards and then started to puke. There was blood everywhere in the room. On the table, some chairs and the walls. Some flesh decorated it on and off. Like some sick artwork. At the floor lay the family members or what was left of them. One arm could be seen and other parts that was added up in a pile. It was the whole family, more or less. Rushing out of the house and trying to puke ones again. It didn''t work, only bile come out. Standing on all four on the ground and try and grasp for air he finally understood why Dan had to leave him and gallop away. ''I would slow him down and he needed to get to mom fast. But... mom. Dad.... No, no.'' This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. -They, or whatever it is that killed those farmers might been just passing through here. Mom might still be okay. No, of course she is okay. -Yeah, she is fine. Venir dreaded for the possibility but tried to stay positive. He slowly stood up and then took to deep breaths before he left at an amazing speed toward his family house. ... At the house he slowed down and was well aware of not having his sword. His dad gave him one at his birthday but it was inside the house. Dan could not be seen anywhere so he stealthy moved forward and around the back of the house. -Dad? -Mom? Venir didn''t dare to yell so he spoke nervously and hope he wouldn''t encounter something unpleasant. [Scratch...] (?) -Eh? M-mom? (Venir) He slowly walked inside when he didn''t get an answer, the door was already broken and lay on the floor. Of course Venir did know that it wasn''t a good sign, but he had to know what have happened to his parents and why Dan isn''t answering. ''N-no blood. That''s a good sign.'' So far Venir couldn''t see any blood on the floor or the ground but he heard a scraping sound and something that reminded of chewing. What he found was an Demon boar. An omnivores that often was seen in the forest, it mostly stayed away from humans and only attacked when they were very hungry or angry. But now after smelling something wonderful strolled into the empty house and took a bit of the food on the floor. M- m-mom? Venir rushed forward and kicked at the Dendor with all his might and it was sent off and crashed into the nearest wall. He hardly looked at it as he knelt down by the nearly unrecognized corps of a ones very beautiful woman. -N- Noooo!! -It''s a lie!! The Dendor slowly raised up angry and stared at Venir with red eyes before slamming into him and sending Venir flying to the side. Venir lay still on the floor and the demon boar was going return to its snack. It was when the demon boar was just about to take a new bite when it felt a chill run down it''s spine. Watching to its left it saw how Venir slowly stood up. At that point it felt a fright and wanted to flee but was unable to move. -Don''t touch my mother, you fuck! [Smach!] [Crack.] It all happened in a moment. He was just there beside the boar with his fist buried in his left eye and up in its brain. Venirs hand was broken but he took it out like it was nothing and let the dead boar crumble to the floor. A crackling sound could be heard as the bones in his hand slowly healed and relined themselves thanks to his refined body. It was painful but Venir at this time didn''t even notice it. In chock Venir slowly got a blanket and wrapped up his mother carefully and walked outside. He made a grave after have been sitting with here and crying like a madman. -Father... where are you. Venir roamed around like a zombie in search of his father but couldn''t find him either alive or dead. The only thing he could find was some prints on the ground. He couldn''t tell if it was human or animal but it lead into the forest. Nothing other to do he followed the trail further and further away from the house. He had no food and nothing prepared for traveling, just his sword he found inside the house before he left. The trail on the ground to beckoned him on but soon got less and less clear to follow. Venir were lost but continued walking like nothing other mattered. His gray eyes was now dry and no tears fell. They looked cold and hollow. Rustling and growling sounds could soon be heard all around him but Venir was calm like never before. -Come.. Chapter 2.0 Dans POV ''Faster. Must go faster!'' (Dan) Dan was currently riding back to his house as fast as possible. To not waste time he had left Venir back at the farmers house where he would be safer. He dreaded that his wife Sara might be in danger or at an even a worse state. From the looks at the farmers family it was done to look like a butchery of a madman, but Dan could see trough it. .... When Dan reached his house he dismounted and listened if he could hear anything unusual. When no sound could be heard he moved in haste to the house. He didn''t dare make a sound even thought he wanted to yell his wife name, just to make sure she was alright. ''Getting myself killed won''t help anyone.'' (Dan) He know he had to keep his calm when he walked inside. Nothing seems to have been touched, no smell of blood and no damage to the door. But it stood halfway open so he was careful when he walked inside. First thing he saw was the back of a golden haired woman. She wore his wife''s clothes and for a second when he saw her back he was going to yell out to her but stopped himself. -Who are you and where is my wife? (Dan) [Sigh] (?) -What gave it away? I was going to greet you here in the kitchen with a smile, slowly turning around and then.. Bam! Stab you in your belly. Hehe! (?) The woman turned around. She was very pretty. With large golden eyes and dark skin, her ears were slightly pointy and longer then a humans. If it wasn''t for the situation Dan would probably enjoyed the sight a bit longer. -Ah well.. You don''t have to worry about her. You will soon be dead anyhow. (Woman) Dan pulled out is sword and understood that his wife must be alive from her way of speaking. The woman pulled out two bent knives, one in each hand and smiled at Dan. If it wasn''t for that smile one would think she was going to ask him out for a dance. Sharp teeth could be seen glimmering and hear eyes now resembled a predators looking at its pray. -Lets have some fun boy. I am starting to get hungry. (Woman) Dan haven''t seen a Dark elf in person but know from the stories that she clearly was one of those. Sharp teeth and a carnivore to the boot. They are rarely seen and is said to live far up in the north. Normal elves got a light alabaster like skin, they eat mostly berries and other crap. Sometimes cooked meat, but not very often. Dark elves were a race that had branched off from the normal elves long ago. It was said they started to eat raw meat and be corrupted by the godly essence in the demon beasts they ate. They differs by the dark skin and sharp teeth. And that they love to fight and kill for fresh meat. They have no real city and roam around in the darkness like some demon in children tale. [Swish!][Clang!] -Where is my wife?! (Dan) -I guess I could tell you. She is fine.. For now. (Woman) She seems to be toying with him, avoided his sword in the last moment and parrying it with a slight touch of her daggers. She danced around him and cut him over his arm. It was a shallow wound. [Slash!] -Where is your son? We have been told there was one. (Woman) -Eh? What do you want with my family? (Dan) -It is of no importance for you. You are soon to be dead. hehe! (Woman) -Lets end this now. (Woman) Her eyes gave of a soft glow as she started to increase in speed and suppress Dan. She wasn''t as strong as him, but she was faster and more agile. ''I need to finish this fast or I am done for.'' (Dan) Dan was desperate and backed away slowly. The woman smirked at the sight thinking her pray soon will get cornered. In the kitchen corner Dan found what he was looking for and swiped his sword sideways, in what seem to her a desperate last strike. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Slashing to her side, Dan''s sword moved faster than before but she relaxed and held both her daggers at her side waiting for the blow to come. But before the weapons collided she screamed in surprise as Dan throw out his other hand and a cloud of flour blinded her. He had grabbed some flour behind is back that his wife used in bakery and manage to blind her for a moment, but that was all he needed. It might be a cheap trick, but in a life and death situation Dan couldn''t be picky. [Slash!] [Stab!] Dan took the opportunity to slash at her throat and then ram his sword trough her belly up to the hilt. Pushing her down with all his might, at the same time when she lost her balance he pulled his sword out in a smooth arc. Blood and some guts could be seen falling out. She fell backwards to lay on her back and look up at Dan with wide eyes, confused by the sudden change. Some last desperate sounds could be heard while the woman tried to hold her throat with her left hand to stop the blood, her other hand was busy trying to stop her intestines from gliding out from her stomach. When Dan was sure she was dead he stepped forward and searched her body for any clues, when done he left here laying like that. Normally he would of course have stayed and burned the body, but he had no time. He would inform about it when he could at the closest city. It will either way take one to two days before it got to become an undead. So he had time for that later, but no time to lose on finding his wife. Sadly the assassin/kidnapper didn''t have anything on her other than a bottle of Shenka. Which wasn''t strange, they mostly never did have anything on them from keeping them to be identified by others if ever was killed. The Shenka was an dark elf favorite drink and the bottle was just of the ordinary kind. Nothing to make it stand out so Dan throw it in a corner in disgust. (Shenka is a mix of blood, a hint of Jasmine and a lot of alcohol.) ''At least she is alive. The woman clearly stated that.'' (Dan) Dan searched around the house but nothing could be clearly seen. Some indications was that they had taken the road to the west but Venir was still waiting for him at the farmers house to the east. He did however follow the road for a bit in hope on catching them. It might not have been that long since they left. Sadly Dan could not find them after been following the road for about an hour and he wasn''t sure what to do. In despair he turned around and galloped back. ''I need to get back to Venir first. After making sure he got someplace to stay I will start search for her again.'' (Dan) He was resolute to find her but he had his son to look after and he was currently waiting for Dan so he had to take care of him first. That is what his wife would have wanted Dan to do he thought as he rode back to the farm. ... Back at the farmers house Dan got another bad experience, Venir couldn''t be found anywhere. -Venir?! (Dan) After yelling and looking for Venir for an hour Dan sat down and started to cry. It took him nearly half an hour before he could start think clearly again. ''Something isn''t right... The woman asked where my son was, so he couldn''t have been taken or killed by them. I see no sign of struggle here so he can''t have been attacked by a beast either.'' (Dan) After searching for hours he gave up. It was with bitterness he started to rid toward the city. He needed to tell the guards and get some help to search for his son and wife as soon as possible. -I will find them... Even if it will be the last thing I do. (Dan) Chapter 2.1 Lost and found In a forest called Oliver Woods a woman in the start of her twenties was sitting with her back to a tree. A good looking young woman with red curly hair that pass down her shoulders and stop at her breasts, a nice figure that could be seen even though she now wore a robe. She was shivering at the moment and a hint of panic could be seen in her eyes as she looked around herself. Clearly fleeing from someone or something. She was out of breath from all the running. The woman was not of the athletic kind. She could often be seen strolling around inside a park or be seen reading some books on her free time. Today was the day she regretted not training her body as much as she did her mind, but it was not uncommon that mages was lazy and untrained people. They just had to chant and wave their hands to get something done. She was of course no exception from that. Her status as a mage graduate have just recently granted her the title of a lady. A low noble, but still a lady. Dressed in a fine cut red robe with silver threaded flowers embroidered around her fine bosom she looked to be ready to go to a ballroom. In the deep forest it looked out of place. But it all made sense when she was riding there with five guards at her side earlier. Armored and armed to their teeth. Her first mission granted by a higher noble was to find out and if possible clear out the trouble that been roaming the roads and nearby forest. If it wasn''t possible she was to get back and get more assistance. It was supposed to be an easy mission and she had asked for it. Now she was close to failing it and dirty her new noble name. If she manage to survive. [Growl..] Shuddering the women looked sideways to see a two meter tall Demon wolf, but this wolf had a white colored fur and looked to have a more solid and muscular body then a normal one. This was a more rare kind of wolf that often could be seen closer to the mountains, not here in the woods. It was a Demonic Dire wolf. Compared to its common wolf this kind was much more vicious, faster and stronger. The wolf had some blood covering it, but most of its blood was from her former guardsmen that got torn to shreds by its claws and jaw. The guards only manage to shallowly hurt it with their swords. The mage could probably had killed it, but was to terrified to be of any use when the beast actually attacked. Stuttering she could not chant or cast any magic. When only one guard was left she shamefully ran off in tears into the woods. Now waiting for her death she was in panic and could hardly even move. -H-h-help... (Woman) The Dire wolf was clearly bored by her, it wanted her to run some more before he was going to kill her. Lifting its right paw to end it he suddenly falls forward and looking at the ground closing in on him. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. In fact it was the wolf head that was falling to the ground while the body soon collapsed afterward. Behind it a human figure could be seen. In dirty and tattered clothes, with a beard and long hair he looked like a homeless person except for the fact he held a sword in his right hand. Looking at it closely it was also in a bad shape, it was even a miracle that the sword was still holding together. The women looked at the man and wonder what was going on. He could not have killed the beast, could he? She slowly stood up on unsteady legs and carefully approached the unknown man. At a closer look, this homeless person was ripped and tall. Around 1.8m with a slim muscular build to him. It was hard to tell his hair color because it was too dirty. It even had a few leaves in it. entangled in a mess. His beard looked no better. The only thing that she could clearly see was his eyes. Gray and mysterious. -T-thanks.. (Woman) -You saved me there, my name is Dinastra. But people call me Dina. (Dina) The man looked at her for a long time and it was starting to get awkward. Shrimp.. (Hobo) Eh? (Dion) She went red in her face. With her red robe and red hair she looked like a tomato. -Y- you... S-shrimp? (Dina) Clearly she was starting to get upset but before that could happen the homeless person pointed at himself. -Shrimp. (Hobo) Eh?! (Dina) ''Is he a retarded hermit that lives alone in the forest?'' (Dina) She was starting to back off a bit but the man didn''t seem to care either way. Instead he hunched down near the Dire wolf and starting to cut it up. Dina soon relaxed when he didn''t seem to do anything harmful or even say a word to her. Instead she looked at what he was doing while she tried to figure out why he seemed so familiar. Of course she hadn''t meet a hobo like him before. It was all very strange. The hobo soon put the meat down nearby and was about to leave. When Dina saw that, she got up in fright of being left alone. But she didn''t have to worry as she followed him she noticed he just started to gather some firewood. She helped to some degree without a word and picked up a few dry branches and then followed him back to the dead beast. ''Is he going start a fire?'' (Dina) Watching him staple the wood and then with a flick of his left hand a jet of flames shot out and the wood was ignited. -E-eh?! (Dina) She was of course stupefied by what had happened. Clearly he was not a normal everyday city-hobo. Chapter 2.2. How to become a forest-hobo. Part 1 of 2 The first two days when Venir left for the forest after the "loss" of his mother, he had a hard time remembering. It was like he was walking in a thick fog of sorrow, aimlessly wandering around like a ghost. When he woke up from his daze he realized that he was completely lost and alone. Only big three''s all around. How long have he been wandering around for? [Grumble..] He nearly jumped high from fright of the sound until he figured out it was coming from his own stomach. Hungry, tired and in a miserable mood. To make things worse he could soon hear a few rustling sounds around him. [Growl!] He was surrounded with only a sword as his weapon. The growling was getting lauder until Venir finally could see the three animals that that had made the sound. About 1.2m in height, they resembled cats in the overall appearance. Giant mutated cats with a horn in the middle of their foreheads and two tails swinging like whips behind them. Unlike ordinary cute cats they had large sharp teeth that seem to be hanging over their under lip. ''Why do most wild animals have to look like freaks?'' (Venir) Starting to prowl around him watching for his weakness. Venir didn''t move and waited for them to initiate the attack. One of them in the end lost patience and attacked. [Swipe!] Aiming for his left leg, Venir moved backward to avoid an injury. Another cat did take this opportunity to attack him from behind. Without looking Venir could hear a soft sound coming from behind. He turned around just in time to block the attack with his sword, a metallic sound could be heard when the claws hit the sword. Venir counter attacked with a right leg swipe at the same moment and sent the cat flying. It hit a three and lay there unmovable. The other two was more careful after that and tried to attack from both sides at once. [Woosh!][Woosh!] Thanks to Venirs training with his dad he now have a good grasped of his ability''s and could now without much worry cut the head of one of the cats at his right side and on his left side form an orb of wind that shot out and hit the last cat in the side. Normally such a weak magic attack would have done nothing to it, but now in the air it had its aim thrown off. It showed a slight shocked expression when gliding adrift through the air. The cat had already lost its life before it landed on the ground once again. .... First a week, then a second week and finally a whole month passed by and Venir had unknowingly wandered further inside the forest. He was at this point extremely dirty and his cloths have started to fall apart from all the animal attacks. Claws had shredded his cloths and he had to be more careful then ever when fighting wild beast or he would have to wander the woods completely naked. Blood covered most of his body and it didn''t help to try and keep clean. More blood soon took its place. At least he didn''t have to starve. It was plenty of strange wildlife here and Venir was like a magnet to them. In a mile around him they soon sniffed him out thanks to his bloody cloths. It was troubling at first but he soon got used to it. His magic made him able to make a fire and grill the meat without a problem. It might not be very strong, but it was still plenty useful. At the first month he was lost, he tried hard to find a way back or out of the forest but soon gave up. The longer he ran and walked the more he felt like the forest was endless. He started to feel lonely after two months had passed and it was starting to get to him. It was at that point when sitting alone he started to meditate. It has been such a long time since he last did that and used the body refining technique. Making his mind calm down and flow like a river he soon noticed that the forest held a thicker quantity of mana then it did at the more human populated places. Like at his home, it did only held a tenth of the mana density of what it did here. Under this meditation he noticed he could improve some more. ''Maybe I need to be surrounded by a higher density of mana to be able to refine more inside myself?'' To try his own theory he ventured into a thicker field of wildlife and sat down to meditate. There he found out his theory was correct. The thicker the mana was in his surrounding the more he could refine and absorb. The density of the mana changed with the environment. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Continuing his travelers this way until his first winter. He was lucky to find a cave with a giant wild beast inhabiting it. ''He looks so fluffy and warm.'' Venir was looking at the fur of the two meter tall and terrifying animal. It made the Demon Bear feel a cold shiver run down its spine. *Danger!* Its sense told him to run away. But it was the king in this part of the forest and feared by others animals. It had never felt fear before and therefore attacked without thinking. It was on that day it became transformed into food and a nice cozy fur pelt for Venir to sleep in. He also took over its cave and moved in. With some remodeling, covering the entrance and the fur on the stone floor he was ready to survive under his first winter. Without someone to talk to, Venir mostly meditated in his cave under the winter season. It was also under this lonely time he discovered something more profound under his meditative state. He did learn he could make his body produce more heat by willing it to heighten its temperature. It could be used to keep warm when walking outside but it wasn''t very effective in the long run. The body needed fuel to produce that much heat and it come from eating food. It was a wasteful way and only useful if he was desperate and lived out in the wild under a winter. But he was now inside a cave so this technique wasn''t used that often. ''Ah?'' He had meditated under several months and only been able to use his body in a advanced state of body control. But it was not until now he felt he could move the mana around his body. Will it to move with his bloodstream. Just like willing his body temperature to rise but in a more profound manner. Earlier he had just purified and packed mana inside his body. But when he tought about it clearly it was an unnatural state. By willing it to move with his blood, stretch and retract itself with the muscles. It started to become a part with him on a different level and degree. ''Not just use it to enhance and empower myself.'' ''I need to make it a part of myself.'' Venir was sitting there for days and willing the refined mana to become a part of him. First his toes, then his feet and then the legs. He wasn''t sure how long he had been sitting there when he was just about to fuse and will the mana to flow with his mind. When meditating the surrounding air shimmered and seems to be visible moving around him. like a river of air circling around him. Venir was too busy to notice any of this when he now tried to make his own mind a part of the refined mana. ''Nearly there... Ah?'' Venir was first delighted when he finally made the mana start to move with him, like it was a part of him... until. -Aaah?! The pain spread out from his mind. It started to feel like his whole body was burning up from the inside. Somehow Venir know if he stopped his meditation now he would surely die. His mind would shatter into pieces and his body would be burnt to ash. The fire didn''t lessen but increased over time until his body was shaking violently. Thankfully he was still conscious and able to endure. Sweat was pouring down his face and back. He was drenched in sweat by the time his skin started to peel itself off. It was like his body was trying to reject the mana fusing with his body. Thanks to his regenerative power his body healed when braking down. The regenerative power was more enhanced in his meditative state so he wouldn''t die but he could still feel the extreme pain of it breaking down and then regenerate itself. This happened continuously. ''What''s happening to me?!'' It took Venir several days before the pain lessened and he fell down unconscious from all the strain his body had to endure. He was both thirsty and hungry when he wake up the next day but he was alive and that could be said to be a success in itself. Preparing some food and eating in a slow manner he found himself feeling great. No remaining or visible damage could be seen on his body. In fact he felt better than ever when he had eaten. He noticed that he felt lighter and more lively. But it could be he was just feeling happy from being alive. Chapter 2.2 How to become a forest-hobo. Part 2 of 2 When the first winter was at end, Venir was happy to be able to venture out into the forest once again. Most animals stayed away from him after he killed the demon bear so he had to hunt them down if he wanted food. Which he didn''t mind, he had started to feel sorry for some of them being stupid to attack him. He could hardly eat all the meet they left after them. He could of course not tell how much his body had changed. Feeling a lot more alert. Faster, stronger and more flexible but with nothing to compare to he was just thoughtlessly happy to have survived a winter. Venir didn''t meditate for several weeks after what had happened because it had frightened him and he didn''t want to experience it again anytime soon. Instead he was exploring the area around the cave in parts. One area to the south, then north, then east and lastly south. There were just forest all around him so he picked a random direction and started to walk, unknowingly where it would lead him. It continued like that for a long time. He walked, then hunted for months. At first he killed like he normally did, with his sword in his right hand he stroked out. It was too easy and the creatures died after one strike so he started to used his left arm instead. He didn''t use any magic other then when he needed to cook some food, but soon he found out that he was just as good with his left arm as he was with his right. ''I can''t use my feet to wield a sword...'' Venir clearly started to get delusional in his loneliness. But after inspecting his sword closely he noticed for is first time. His treasured sword that have saved him many times, the sword he got at his birthday was close to falling apart. He felt stupid and was close to tears. ''Should have taken better care of it. Its jagged and rusty from all the blood I left on it.'' After that moment he tried to handle it with better care, but it was already in a pretty crappy state. Instead of using the sword he was from now on using his feet and fists to fight beast. It sure took longer but that was because he didn''t know any martial arts. Still the beast he fought all died in the end. And the meat got nicely tenderized by using his fist and feet to beat it to death. ''Hmm. That is one of those that taste like chicken when grilled. Too bad there are no nice herbs around to make it taste even better.'' Demon beast was soon nothing else then food to Venir after a long of fighting. His skills at fighting had greatly improved under this time. He was like a beast when moving in the forest and not many animals did dare to get to close anymore. By now it had gone a long time since he last meditated and he had nearly repressed what had happened last time. One day when bored he sat down to meditate, he was careful and took his time. At that instant he found out that his body was clearly different from befor. Every cell and part in his body was filled with mana, but instead of being filled to the brim and laying still. It was now more a part of him. Moving with every part of him. The mana he tried to refine and pull inside was more naturally absorbed then before. It was a very pleasant experience and he could feel his body grow every time he sat down to use the body refining meditative technique. After that day he started to meditate daily once again. He have nearly full control over his mind and did only suffer relapses when he himself concentrated on only one thing. But that was a good thing. Because when he was fighting beast he could at will now slow down time. Only troubling thing was that it was a mental strain. To changed between each sense of time over and over made him feel sick in the long run. There was clearly a drawback to it, but now he could at least use it in whatever way he wanted, more or less. He also believed that it will only get better the higher his body refining become. If he manage to get to the highest degree of body refining he might not suffer at all from changing his sense of time. ... Years passed and Venir had by then walked pass several minor cities, towns and roads thanks to his bad sense of direction. If he had just gone straight he would have easily found a road or some sort of human life. But thanks to him going in crisscrossing way and then taking another turn when finding an animal to fight. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Sometimes it even happened he went back on himself. Currently he is a hundred mile from his parents house and close to a main city road. Thankfully it is on this day he will meet his first human being in a very long time. If he had known, perhaps he would even have taken a dip in a nearby brook. Not that it would have helped much as his clothes was now very dirty and close to fall apart. He had gotten a beard over the time. His hair is now about shoulder length and so dirty it is hard to tell if it is a dirt blond color. Only his Gray eyes looks clear and sharp. He is now a 16 year old forest hobo that''s around 1.8m tall. Clearly he looks much older becouse he is covered in dirt and a beard. He is physically very fit after living so long in the forest trying to survive on his own. It''s just hard to tell with the shabby cloths and dirt covering him up. Only thing that make him stand out is his eyes and a silver necklace he wear around his neck, clearly made for a woman the wear. Thankfully its barely visible. .... *The Hero saves the damsel in distress to later on cook and eat the beast.* After saving Dina from a monster like beast, Venir thought it would be a waste to not cook and eat the exotic animal he killed. It might taste very good so he made a fire like he usually did to grill it. With his right hand he casually made fire out of thin air form without a word. It shoot out like a small flamethrower from his hand and ignited the dry wood instantly. For a demonic beast this fire wasn''t enough to kill it so it was of no use other then to start a fire. -H-how did you do that? (Dina) Dina was shocked from seeing it happen without a any chanting, she was just about to offer to do it when he lighted the fire with the flick of his hand. Venir wasn''t used to talk with other people anymore so he scratching his head and tried to find the right words to describing it. When he couldn''t, he shrugged his shoulders helplessly and started to grill the meat in embarrassment. Dina hunched down at the opposite side of the fire and looked at Venir as discreetly as she could. It made Venir feel uncomfortable as this was his first human contact he had for years. To add it up its a person he have meet before. It was when he had became five years old and gone to the city with his dad to officially inscribe his name that he had met her. She was a novice mage at that time and had called him a shrimp. Clearly she doesn''t remember him. But then again, he was only five at that time and he have changed a lot over the years that passed. He only remember her because of her pretty face and the grudge he had for a while from hearing her call him a shrimp out of the blue. Looking closer at her she have also grown a lot. Unknowingly his eyes went to her bosom and she soon stared daggers at him. -You got a death wish? (Dina) Red in face he looked away and passed her some meat she instantly refused. Perhaps it was because of his dirty hand that held it? Either way he ate it and tried to pretend she wasn''t there. -What are you doing in the woods dressed up like that anyway? (Dina) She was pointing at his cloths and made a sign as if he smelled. Venir didn''t take much offence from that because he had not found somewhere to bath under the nearest three days. He knew he must stink pretty badly. Lost. (Venir) Lost? In this forest... For how long? (Dina) Hmm.. (Venir) He wasn''t sure how much time has passed so he just shrugged his shoulders and continued eating. It made Dina a little angry. ''He is way to nonchalant. And who the heck would lose track of time... Eh.. No way. He have been here for months, all alone?'' (Dina) That was Dina''s only explanation to his shabby cloths and behavior. He must have been lost for a month and survived somehow. She had no idea it was much longer than that. -Alright. Don''t worry. I will help you because you saved my life. (Dina) -But we should take a part of the beast with us before we burn it. A proof its dead and report what have happened to the... (Dina) - Erm.. And you shouldn''t really be eating that. (Dina) Chapter 2.3 Welcome to the city! It took about ten minutes to get out to the main road thanks to Dina casting a magnetic spell that helped her locate were north was. Yeah. She couldn''t tell from the sun, the forest or the stars. She was a city woman, but she was still a lot more useful than Venir. He was going to wander off in a complete opposite direction. ''It''s a miracle that he even manage to survive out here.'' (Dina) Under their walk to the city they didn''t talk much, not from the lack of trying from Dina. It was just that Venir was pretty bad having a social conversation at this moment. -So. Where are you from? (Dina) -Hometown. (Venir) -Okay... So, how did you end up in this state? (Dina) -Got lost. Tried to get home, got more lost. (Venir) -I see.. (Dina) The conversation didn''t go that well and Dina didn''t manage to get much out of it. But Venir was quiet happy by the situation, he enjoyed her company. She talked a lot, but being with another human once more was very comforting. When they both finally reached the city of Phen. They were already best of friends... Or not, but Dina had at least got to understand Venir was from some lesser village and that his house was close to city of Como. (It''s the city where Venir got his name inscribed and his father used to work at.) She told him that she have been staying in that city under a short period when she was younger. When she was in training to become a mage. Venir of course already know all about it and only nodded when she told him about it. -I saw you. (Venir) Dina was then told about Venir being there with his father to inscribe him as at the age of five. -I see, I see... Wait!! (Dina) She started to remember a young boy that had grey eyes and an extraordinary small mana pool. Dina would normally never remember him because there were a lot of children under a two day time she inscribe. The small mana pool and grey eyes mad him stand out in her memory. -No way! You are only sixteen then! Four years younger than me?! (Dina) Dina had the right to be skeptical, Venir with his current state looked very old and was far taller than her. But she could not deny that he had called him himself a shrimp and she vaguely remember calling him that when she was younger. Looking at him made her doubted it. ... The city of Phen was a lot bigger than the city Como. With that said it was about ten times bigger and their walls was about 6 meters high. The guards at the gate were looking at Venir and thought about to stop him. Not in need of more beggars inside the city walls they were about to stop him, but before they had a chance do that a pretty mage hindered them. They recognized her from her "stature" when leaving the city gates with five guards escorting her. She now had arrived with a beggar instead of the five guards. -Lady Dinastra. Have something happened? (Guard1) -I will talk to the city lord about that in a moment. But first I need to escort my savior and.. Get him cleaned up. He have been having a hard journey. (Dina) The guards could only look at Venir and wonder what kind of hard journey that would be too look like that. It was not their job to ask questions to a noble so they let her pass with her special acquaintance. Inside the city walls they were greeted by a buzz of life, the street was paved with stone and the houses were also of higher class then the last city Venir was too. Following the main street and walking by Dina''s side he stood out like a sour thumb up a nobles butt. It was clear he shouldn''t be walking close to such a pretty lady. Other nobles started to walk sideway as Venir walked by. He smelled like a dung truck and felt so out of place he wanted to run for it. Stolen novel; please report. -Venir. Not that it matters, but do you have any money? (Dina) -Ah. Yes. I have. (Venir) Suddenly being brought back to reality he remember he needs money to live here. So he took out the money pouch he haven''t used since several years back when he worked at the Inn. Not knowing how much things would cost he handed it over to Dina. She seems to understand and didn''t mind. -It''s not much to live on... This is all you got? (Dina) -Hihi. No worries. You saved me so I will take care of you until you can get started. I own a big house with lots of rooms. (Dina) Dina seems to think Venir was harmless and was kind of glad she could help him straight away. She hated to feel she owned people. After it was said and done Venir followed Dina to her house and she was of course happy to show him around. It was a single store house with 6 room. Not exactly what Venir would call very big but Dina was clearly very proud of it. -I got an own maid that clean and take care of me. Her name is Cinda, be nice to her. (Dina) -That is nice. (Venir) -I will be in your care from now on. (Venir) He bowed to the maid and she was a bit taken aback with her master taking home a clearly homeless person. But she said nothing about her taste, he was after all very polite so she offered to warm some water for a bath instead. Before know it he was laying in a warm bath after washing of layer after layer of blood and dirt. His clothes he did fold up neatly and put at outside the bathroom. The maid took them carefully while he was busy and frowned. ''What am I suppose to do with these? I better burn them.'' (Cinda) After conferring with her master Cinda was sent to get some clothes he could use. The clothes he got were very comfortable. Nothing fancy and didn''t fit him that well but it was much better than his old clothes. The maid was not sure about size so she took somewhat larger cloths for him to be sure he didn''t have to walk around naked. She could always refit them if needed herself. She even got him a shaving knife and when he was clothed he was set down on a chair to be groomed. His natural hair color was finally seen and the made was starting to imagine he wasn''t too bad looking but it was still a long way to go. First he got his hair cut down to a descent size and then Cinda hunched down before him and started with big concentration shave him. It was her first time but she was steady on her hand and halfway trough she started to blush for some reason. When dinner was ready Dina sat and waited for Venir to get down. It seems like her maid have taken a liking to the male. It have taken several hours until she said she was done and by then Dina was bored and wondered what was going on. Her maid had told her refitting the cloths, cut his hair, shave and all that would take some time, but this was ridicules. The maid finally was walking up to the table and was red on her cheeks. -Ho ho. He is ready now. Shall I tell him to come down for dinner? (Cinda) -Are you joking with me? What do you think I have been waiting for? (Dina) She was clearly starting to get angry at this point and thought the maid had gone crazy. But it all went away when Venir stepped inside the dinner room. His clothes was only of ordinary cotton but he wore it like a king. Although he didn''t look that confident at the moment when both the woman looked at him entering he sure was looking different from before. -Eh? Who are you? (Dina) Chapter 2.4 Venir Fendor. It wasn''t that strange to find Dina wondering who he was. Compared to before it was like a different person. The current Venir had dirt-blond hair curling down to end at his chin. His face was chiseled out and very manly looking. The tight fitting cloths the maid enjoyed refitting to his body showed off his body in a very good way. From his body, to his voice and then to his grey deep eyes. It all made a complete set. He looked like a king and Dina could only stutter in a confused state while the maid blushed and looked hungry at Venir. -My lady. Don''t you recognize your own guest? (Cinda) The maids tone was very playful and she was clearly also very surprised in a good way when Venir was clean, shaved and got his hair cut. It''s like finding a gem inside a rock. -V-venir? (Dina) Yes? (Venir) While Dina was blushing and turning around in her chair Venir was shown to his seat by the table. The maid had by now gotten a little more used to the sudden change after being with him for such a long time. But she still blushed when she thought back on how she had touched his body while fitting in the cloths. She had taken the opportunity to tell him she needed to measured his shoulders with his shirt off. And what a treat that had been, thinking back on it she nearly started to drool. Venir unknowingly of this sat down and looked at Dina on the other side of the table. Waiting for the signal to eat. He was very hungry at this point but Dina was just sitting there and looking at Venir. It was getting very uncomfortable and the maid had to break it off with telling him to start. She understood her master clearly needed a few more minutes to regain herself. -Not hungry? (Venir) -Eh?! Ah! (Dina) She finally regained her senses and looked at her food instead of him, red in face. When dinner was over the maid showed him to his room while Dina sat at the table looking at him leave. She wasn''t sure if her legs would work and therefore sat still. Venir himself was wondering why she had acted like she did just now but guessed she must just been tired after all that have happened. The maid directed him to one of the better rooms to sleep in and was left alone. Being clean and in a house again made him feel very tired. It seems like he must have built up a lot of stress from such a long time fighting for his life in the forest. He could never be totally relaxed when living in the forest, he had to be vigilant even when he slept or he would have died in his sleep. Smelling the bedding he found it had a scent of lavender. Smiling he went into the big bed with his cloths and fell asleep as soon as his head was touching the pillow. ''Soft.'' ... Early next morning Venir had his first sleep in. He slept to eleven when a knock come at the door. He had to look around for a moment to before he recalled where he was. -Yes? (Venir) -Dinner will be ready in an hour. If you want to freshen up before that I have warmed some water for you in the bathroom to be used. (Cinda) -Ah. Yes. Thank you very much Cinda. I will hurry. (Venir) Giggling could be heard outside the door and then footsteps leaving. Venir started to meditate as he usually did but it found it not that helpful as the mana density wasn''t that high her. He only felt refreshed but no mana was refined into himself this time. He took the maids advice after he was done and took a bath and then went to the dinner room. Awaiting Dina was waiting in a good mood for Venir. She pretended like nothing had happened yesterday and only looked at him in short intervals. -Venir. Sit down and enjoy the dinner. If you want too we can go out on a stroll in the city afterward. (Dina) This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. -Yes, that sounds good. (Venir) Venir didn''t feel like going out but seeing Dina happy like this made him change his mind. She had after all let him sleep over and even gave him some cloths for free. He didn''t want to disappoint her. Now when Venir have slept well and was in a much more relaxed manner he even slowly started to open up to Dina. He told her his story. It made it become awkward in the end because she soon started to weep at his story of losing his mother and then wandering for several years alone in the forest. It even got so far that snoot could be seen dripping down her pretty nose at her plate with food. The made that was standing by the table also was red eyed although it wasn''t as bad as crying right out. -I-Itch T-terrubly. T-tho think Venir hash sho hard t-time. (Dina) -Its okay now.. (Venir) Not knowing what to say when seeing her react like this, he tried to change the subject instead and asked her about how she come to end up in this city. Her story was of course not as emotional as his. She was a commoner from start until she become a novice mage in training. After she graduated she was granted a noble rank and took work for a high noble in this city. But her first mission was about to end in a failure and that is when she met Venir. Her knight in a hobo''s armor saving her... She were going to go and visit the lords mansion after she been showing Venir around today, to report about what have happened. She asked if he wanted to come with her there too with pleading eyes, he could not find a reason to say no so he ended up saying yes in the end. His answer made her so happy she started to jump up and down in her seat from the joy. This bouncing was a pleasant experience and when Venir this time looked a bit lower then her eyes. This time she just blushed without a word and was wiggling in her seat. When he looked up and their eyes meet again she looked away with red cheeks. He could just raise an eyebrow at that. He was clearly not used to this behavior, neither in this life or his other as he wasn''t to popular back then. No women had acted like this before and he didn''t know how to react. He let it slide and pretend nothing have happened before things got to become to complicated. They ate and went out to look around. Dina was clearly in a very happy. All smiles she took his right arm in her and guided him along the street and soon dragged him inside a store to buy him some better fitting cloths and try them on. He felt out of his element walking around in the city with a pretty woman beaming in joy. It wasn''t that long ago he was sleeping on the ground and wearing shabby cloths. The only reminder he had now was his sword that he still wore at his side. It was very much useless for fighting but he still couldn''t part with it. It was given to him by his father after all. The other thing he held dear was a necklace he now wore himself and was meant to give away to his mother. Thinking on his parents, walking with a pretty girl at his side and now dressed in a black silk shirt with silver thread embroidery in it he suddenly see someone that look familiar to him. But it can''t be, because this man got a stubby beard and looks pretty shady compared to the person he used to know. But he still stopped and looked at the man in shock and uttered a single word that seem to stun the man. -Dad? (Venir) The man turned around looking confused and their grey eyes meet. -Eh? V-Venir? (Dan)