《Albirth.》


 Chapter One.

    There comes a point in every young hunters life, when the Legion of Hunters designates each individual hunter on what the Legion calls The Grand Hunt. This time comes at the age of 20, once the young hunters had studied the many forms of Kakara and hand to hand combat for 18 years within the foundation of the academy.


    Most the young faces standing before the three Elder Priests were existed and ready to be assigned their first hunt. It is in their eyes their first true steps towards a hunters path. A time when their 18 years of hard work could truly be tested.


    Exiele Bourne stands amongst the young hunters, his eyes studying the beautifully crafted pillars which supported the grand frame of the sacred chapel. The last time he was within this section of the academy, was the year before. Where he and all other progressing hunters were ordered one by one to display their current standing on Kakara. Exiele In this time found most his progression was on a physical basis. The main form he had been studying and practising was known as Creator.


    This form means he could only generate his Kakara into a solid form, condensing the raw energy down into a mailable matter, as opposed to a blast, or a spell. Though he is still yet to form something that was solid enough to be used as any kind of weapon ¨C he had become very talented at the enchantment of weapons and tools, making them stronger and more effective through the use of condensed Kakara.


    One of the Elder Priests stood from his grand throne and held both his arms up in an inviting fashion. His aged face was caped with a gold edged, white and purple robe, which cast a deep shadow upon his brow.


    ¡°Hunters, we have stubbled upon the most important stage of your development¡±, he paused, placing a hand on his quartz throne for support. ¡°The annual Grand Hunt has arrived, in which you will be sent off on your first official hunt¡±.


    Excited whisperers echoed throughout the huge chapel.


    ¡°Your names will be read out individually and you will be handed a scroll detailing your hunt, which will take place a week from now. It is advised you study the location of the hunt, as well as the entity you are to kill. Above all Else, as a hunter, knowledge is your closest Aly¡±.


    Exiele broke his gaze, and began to look around the chapel once more, it had been a year since he had last stood within its masterfully crafted walls. Typically, the sacred chapel is off limits to all hunters. They would pass it everyday while traversing to the various towers and chambers which made up the academy, as it¡¯s at the forefront of the castle. But each day they would pass without batting an eye. At this point the rules of the academy were burned into their skulls.


    ¡°Kelly Mayne¡±, the priest¡¯s aged voice bellowed. Kelly in turn separated from the large crowd of young hunters and walked over to the Priest, bowing down to show respect. The priest did the same, before handing him a large scroll, and placing a hand on his forehead. The second Elder Priest then stood from his throne and began channelling a pure mass of Kakara called Elato - which began to release a beautiful purple glow into the air surrounding his arms. It was a simple healing spell he was conjuring, but the sheer concentrated energy of the Kakara was overwhelming. The first priest then said in a deep tone.


    ¡°Kelly, your path as a hunter begins here¡±.


    Smoke began to rise from his clasped fingers, as a long gash opened up on Kelly¡¯s head, travelling past his left eye and down his cheek, ending at his edge of his mouth. Then the second priest released a purple tendril of pure Kakara from his hands, which stretched out like a pouncing Cobra and graced Kelly¡¯s skin. Healing the open gash instantly. Exiele watched on as the gaping flesh and muscle reformed into a deep scar. Kelly then made his way back to the group. The next hunter called up was Hank, who was masterfully talented at a rarely utilised form of Kakara known as Reverbo, which is in simple terms, an art of perception, and trickery. He was handed his scroll, and the scar of light was sliced and healed upon his head. A further 8 hunters were called forth before Exiele¡¯s name was called out by the first Elder Priest.


    ¡°Exiele Bourne¡±, the Priest bellowed, eyes locking with his. Exiele smiled, before stepping forward from the crowd and making his way past a few large marbles pillars, which stretched up and connected to the stained glass ceiling above. Then once reaching the end of the column, he stopped to stand before the Elder Priest. He bowed down once, before straightening again.


    The priest nodded thanks, before handing Exiele his large waxed scroll, which he eagerly took in one hand, looking down at it with wide, excited eyes. He wanted to scream out and celebrate, but he knew that was strictly against the rules of the Sacred Chapel, only the Elders could speak. And in the ceremony of light, it was meant to be completely silent.


    The priest reached forward and placed his hand upon Exiele¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Exiele, your path as a hunter begins here¡±.


    A rush of scorching hot pain sliced through his skull, as he watched blackened clumps of smoke rise from his burning wound. The second priest then lifted his hand, releasing small tendril like arcs of solidified Kakara which radiated out from his clasped fingers, and reached out to grace Exiele¡¯s forehead. Healing the flesh wound instantly. Exiele bowed once more, before making his way back into the crowd. Bearing his scroll proudly in his hands.


    For most the hunters in the chapel, the Grand Hunt will be their first time outside of Mount Elisir ¨C the largest mountain within the Mankrik Mountain Range ¨C where the Legion of Hunters academy was built.


    The outside world had seemed so far away for so many years, that now the prospect of adventuring further past the mountain was an exciting, but fearful task. Exiele had spent many, many hours studying the other kingdoms, trying to memorise all the cities and towns each kingdom held.


    The academies library was one of the most fruitful in the kingdom, he had heard this from the third elder priest, who speaks of the library in such a high regard, Exiele thought it may be the only ¡°God¡± he truly worshipped. Considering this, it was not a hard task to gain an infinite knowledge of the lands that lay beyond the grand castle. Nor was it difficult to learn of the many different forms Kakara could take. Though this was a much more difficult thing to study.


    From what he understood of the Grand Hunt, each of the hunters would be given an individual hunt, which would involve going to a certain location within Dreashire, and killing whatever creature or entity had been assigned to you. A simple enough task he figured. But from speaking to the elder hunters of the Legion, he came to understand that the hunt wasn¡¯t the hard part, it was the travelling and survival which made it difficult. In more cases than not, the creature you are to kill, isn¡¯t the strongest, nor most feared entity in the lands you travel. Instead the things you come across in your travels are. That is what the Grand Hunt symbolises. Your ability to adapt and survive against the harsh realities of the kingdoms. Your ability to use your wisdom to not only survive the journey, but also to complete your hunt.


    The priest called the remaining 20 hunters up, giving them their assigned scroll, before scarring their faces with the mark of the Hunter. Bringing them into the Legion with open arms. They had been waiting their whole life for this moment, and after 18 years of relentless training and studying. They would finally be recognised as true hunters. Though not all would survive past their first true hunt a week from now. Even Exiele knew there was a good chance he would die before completing his first Grand Hunt, but that was a path they all knew was possible. The second priest sat back down into his intricately crafted quartz throne, a light purple hue still radiating from his clasped hands. Leaving only the first priest still standing.


    ¡°Hunters, I ask for your complete attention as I bring this service to a close¡±.


    What little chatter was happening, cease almost instantly.


    ¡°As you are all aware your scroll will detail everything you must know about your first hunt. And your Scar of Light will inform all beyond the Legion of you profession¡± he paused. ¡°Now, a week from now the Grand Hunt will begin, and you will for the first time travel out into the grand kingdom of Dreashire, where many wonders, and horrors will await. Before this weeks end, you will be in need of armour, weaponry, as well as a steed to assist you in your travels¡±.


    The third priest stood to take over from the first, who sat back down onto his glowing throne.


    ¡°Reales will provide you all with a suitable horse given your needs, and provide the saddle and armour for the horse also. Throughout your hunt, your steed will be your everything. Holding all equipment and weapons you may wish to bring, as well as any books, tomes or maps. Though we would recommend you only bring the things of upmost importance¡±, the third priest paused, ensuring all eyes were on him, once satisfied he continued on.


    ¡°As for weaponry and armour, refer to your blacksmith in regards to this. They will provide you with all you are in need of ¨C A map will be provided to each of you as necessary on the day of your hunt, and as for any books or scrolls, refer to the Elder Historian to grant you copies of your required scrips, scrolls and books ¨C Any questions thus far¡±. Silence followed.


    ¡°Very well, on the day of the Grand Hunt, you will set off at 10 in the morning. So it¡¯s recommended your sort what you need the day before to ensure you forget nothing before leaving. Once you set off on your journey, you will have a further week to complete your hunt, am I understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes Elder Priest¡±, the hunters replied in unison.


    ¡°Very well¡±, he said, passing a hand through his thick grey beard. ¡°You are dismissed hunters¡±.


    ***


    Bitter cold air darted through the dense tree line that surrounded the outside of the chapel. Their branches danced as the clawed hands of the breeze brushed past them.


    ¡°Have you finished that handheld pick axe?¡±, Exiele asked Miles, his assigned blacksmith. A talented one at that.


    ¡°Yes ¨C but you will need to travel back to my shack to collect it, I didn¡¯t want to risk bringing it to the sacred chapel ¨C in case the Elders found it¡±.


    ¡°Good thinking¡±, Exiele smiled, passing a hand through his lightly stubbled face.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°If I do manage to find a Kakara gem, I could be forming my Kakara into a focused blast before I¡¯m sent off on the hunt¡±.


    ¡°I hope it¡¯s worth the risk¡±, Miles sighed. ¡°The Elders won¡¯t be pleased if they catch word¡±.


    ¡°Well you are the only person in the Legion aware of my plan, so if they do, it will be your head I¡¯m hunting, not the beasts¡±.


    Miles stifled back a laugh. ¡°Using my own weapons against me, that would be a grave mistake¡±.


    They both laughed at that.


    ¡°Any luck on forming weaponry out of solidified Kakara yet? You¡¯ve been trying for years¡±.


    The smile faded from Exiele¡¯s face.


    ¡°No, not yet¡±, he looked down at the cobble path below. ¡°My enchantments are as effective as ever though. Just a few days ago I managed to conjure enough concentrated Kakara into my wooden training sword, to smash it directly through solid rock, splitting the boulder completely in half. While my wooden sword remained whole and unharmed. I imagine if I conjured the same amount into one of your freshly forged swords, I¡¯d be able to decapitate a dragon with relative ease¡±.


    ¡°I highly fucking doubt that¡±, Miles laughed. ¡°Have you been studying the solid matter you want your Kakara to form? You cant imagine your Kakara will be able to shape into a matter it¡¯s host doesn¡¯t understand¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯ve spent too much time researching otherwise useless materials as it is Miles, I¡¯m not an Alchemist¡±.


    ¡°No ¨C but Creator Kakara isn¡¯t far off the art of Alchemy. I¡¯m just simply providing advice¡±.


    Exiele sighed. ¡°I know, I know. It¡¯s just frustrating. I¡¯ve been trying to perfect this form of Kakara for as long as I can remember. I¡¯m not far off 21 now, and I should really be mastering a new form¡±.


    They both took a hard left, across a large wooden bridge which connected two large jagged sections of the mountain, which split down the middle, meeting with a river miles below.


    ¡°Like you said, your enchantments are at a masterful level, you just need to stay focused on progressing, that¡¯s all you can do¡±.


    Exiele didn¡¯t reply, he just looked out into distant horizon, the setting sun sending it¡¯s last rays of light, before it collapsed down behind the shadowed tree line, and darkness suffocated the surrounding lands.


    ¡°How¡¯s my sword and armour coming along? Did you manage to get that dragon blood crystal after all?¡±.


    ¡°Barely ¨C I managed to find some dragon blood down in the storage chamber, but no crystals. Luckily I know an alchemist called Algath, who was able to proses and distil the blood, before utilising Kakara to form it into a solid crystal form¡±.


    ¡°How much did he charge?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, he just said to let him see it once I forge it into a handle for your great sword¡±.


    ¡°I told you not tell anyone about it¡±.


    They both finally reached the end of the bridge, taking the left path towards a long row of wooden shacks, the other path lead to the main tower of the academy.


    ¡°Well if I didn¡¯t tell him, we wouldn¡¯t have the dragon blood crystal right now¡±.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point¡±.


    ¡°God¡¯s above¡±, Miles sighed, wiping his face with his hands.


    ¡°Have you started on the handle yet?¡±


    ¡°No not yet, I prioritised the pick axe because you needed it tonight. I¡¯m gonna start forging the crystal when I get back¡±.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have too tonight Miles, you¡¯ve had a lot to make since the Grand Hunts so close. Just get some rest¡±.


    Miles smiled, punching Exiele¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t need rest, your the one who needs a rest, with the Grand Hunt coming so close¡±.


    Exiele shrugged, stopping in front of Miles¡¯ little wooden shack. Which had snake like tendrils of dark smoke rising in clumps from the little stone chimney on its rugged roof.


    ¡°Nothing changes though, I¡¯ll only be gone a week then I¡¯ll be straight back the academy¡±.


    ¡°Yes nothing changes ¨C but you will travelling down into Dreashire. Where non of us have ever travelled before. And we have both read enough to know the lands are not a safe, or inviting place to travel. It¡¯s a Barron wilderness full of creatures and entities beyond our comprehension¡±, he paused, pulling his key from the pouch on his chest.


    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say, is that you need to understand how dangerous the Grand Hunt, or any other hunter¡¯s path truly is. Honestly, I¡¯m just saying. Not every one makes it¡±.


    ¡°Gods above, I knows not everyone makes it Miles. And what a lovely thought to shove down my throat a week before I leave ¨C Besides, I know the wilderness is incredibly dangerous, but I will only been travelling through baron lands a part of my hunt, most the time I will be travelling through towns or¡­¡±, he paused, realising mid speech. ¡°Maybe even a city, I¡¯d love to see a city in person Miles. Imagine it. Imagine walking the streets of The Holy City of Baneswell¡±.


    His words drifted off into an avalanche of hopeful imagery, and thoughts. Miles smiled, opening the large wooden door of his shack, which thudded lightly as it smacked against the wooden planks beyond the doorway. They both went to step through into the warmth of the little shack, but the sound of Venus¡¯s voice made them both freeze in place.


    ¡°Exiele, I have an offer¡±.


    For a moment they thought they would just pretend they didn¡¯t hear him, and just enter the shack without another word. But something about his tone made Exiele pause. Nothing Venus did or said ever lead to any good. But as he put it, he had an offer.


    Exiele turned to face the tall Hunter, he wasn¡¯t as advanced as Exiele with Kakara, but what he lacked in ability, he had in raw strength and build.


    ¡°What¡¯s the offer?¡±, Exiele asked, leaning against the shack.


    ¡°I would like to offer you to a duel, wooden swords of course. But that is not it¡­¡±, he paused to build more tension.


    ¡°Well get on with it then¡±, Exiele butted it.


    Venus sneered, before continuing. ¡°Who ever wins the fight, will get a head start before leaving for the Grand Hunt. Who ever finishes their hunt and returns to the castle first wins, and the other will owe them 100 silver coins¡±.


    Exiele¡¯s eyes widened. 100 silver coins was no small amount. In fact for all the hunters, especially at this stage of their development, would be making the equivalent in about a year of saving.


    ¡°100 hundred silver coins?¡±.


    ¡°You heard me¡±.


    ¡°Gods above if that isn¡¯t the biggest pile of hogs shit I¡¯ve ever heard, I don¡¯t know what is¡±, Miles laughed, but quickly hushed himself when he realised neither of them took any notice.


    ¡°And whoever wins this duel will get a head start on the other?¡±


    ¡°Of course, as I said¡±.


    Exiele knew he clearly had some sort of plan in his head, but like most other hunters within the Academy, he knew Venus¡¯ so called plans were never as effective as he thinks.


    ¡°You know you will lose the duel, and so I will get a head start. So why risk losing 100 silver coins. I assume you know the odds are stacked against you?¡±.


    Venus¡¯s face began to redden, but he quickly tried to compose himself. ¡°To underestimate, is to be a fool¡±, he hissed.


    ¡°Well I¡¯ve underestimated you many many times before, and each time I have been right to¡±.


    Venus¡¯s lip began to quiver with anger. ¡°Do you except, or do you not¡±.


    Exiele shrugged. ¡°I except¡± he said, holding out his hand. Venus reluctantly shook it.


    ¡°No Kakara can be used, only natural sword play¡±.


    ¡°As always¡±.


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow morning then. By the alchemy chambers¡±.


    ¡°See you there, make sure you practise as hard you can before hand¡±, Exiele called out as Venus disappeared behind a large row of shacks, which lay a few metres down the path. Illuminated only by the light orange glow of torch light coming from each of the shacks crooked windows.


    ¡°Stupid¡±, Miles sighed, finally stepping inside his shack. Exiele followed close behind.


    Entering the very familiar working grounds of one of the most talented young blacksmiths the academy had ever produced. It was a messy shack, truth be told. But as the Elder Priests would say, sometimes methods, lay within the madness. And Exiele supposed Miles¡¯s methods, we¡¯re hidden within the madness of his workspace.


    Disregarded armour plates and odd half finished weapons lay disregarded on the wooden floorboards. Anvils old and new, lay in a random assortment around the room. Two huge shelves held the largest collection of manuals and journals of some of the most revered blacksmiths of the 5 kingdoms that Exiele had ever seen. On the furthest wall of the shack, a large desk held all of Miles¡¯s materials and oddities, which would be much more suited within the chamber of an alchemist.


    A large furnace laid close to that, painting the room in vivid orange hues.


    ¡°Your pickaxe is here¡±, Miles called over, who had already walked over to his work desk, and began examining the dragon blood crystal.


    Exiele followed suite, glaring down at the small pickaxe which laid atop the messy desk.


    ¡°Perfect¡±, he said simply. Picking up the small axe in his strong hand, it wasn¡¯t gonna break through pure obsidian, well not without some Kakara enchantments. But it should be solid enough to break through some Kakara gems. Which is all he needed it for.


    ¡°Just remember, whatever you do, don¡¯t let the pickaxe heat up too much, and that means no Kakara enchantments either¡±.


    Exiele looked over at Miles, his eyebrows screwed up into a confused face. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because the pickaxe¡¯s metal is formed from condensed Dragon bone, and condensed Balisk steel. In other words, it¡¯s highly explosive when reaching a certain level of heat¡±.


    ¡°Gods Above, then why use explosive materials?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all I had, luckily enough Algath informed me of its explosive capabilities when I informed him I was using it to make a metal foundation ¨C don¡¯t worry I didn¡¯t tell him what it was for¡±.


    ¡°Well if I come back missing an arm, I will see to it your put to death¡±.


    Miles laughed. ¡°If the metal reached a level of heat to explode, you would be missing a lot more than an arm¡±.


    Exiele carefully slipped the small handheld pickaxe into his side pouch. Which slid down between a handful of Kakara manuals, and a large scroll detailing the map of Dreashire ¨C something he figured would come in handy when traversing through the lands.


    ¡°Well I better start heading down to the forested lake before it gets too dark. Don¡¯t want to have to deal with those bleedin¡¯ Hogbats¡±, he sighed, stretching out his arms above his head.


    ¡°Very well, I will have some peace to work with then¡±, Miles smiled, retrieving a chisel from a wall of handcrafted tools, which hung eagerly to the wooden shelf before his desk. Before leaning down and carefully examining the small mound of dragon blood crystal.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow¡±, Exiele called out, passing through the shacks rugged front door, feeling the light kiss of the breeze as it rushed past him from the wilderness of the mountain outside. He had some Kakara gems to find.

 Chapter Two.

    Exiele urged past the long clasping branches, which clawed out towards his quickly moving shadow, while he traversed the wildly uneven brush which covered the length of the muddy, rain sodden earth below. He had searched 3 small caves so far, to which he found no gems. Though, he expected the last one he searched did indeed hold them, though he was not willing to travel deep enough to find them.


    The caves here were unpredictable, and most were alive in essence. Changing its passages and caverns as it so pleased. So, it was a smarter choice to keep the exist in sight, or else you risk the possibly of being trapped until you eventually died. That being something he didn¡¯t want, he decided he would only search as deep as the natural moonlight outside could reach. Though, thus far, this has done little to help his search.


    Exiele stopped before a large boulder, which laid upended, next to a long skeletal tree, bearing many fresh emerald coloured apples. He placed his pouch on the cold stone; Before rummaging through it, looking for a small scroll he had written a few weeks past. His hands scurried past the pickaxe and manuals, and made contact with the small scroll they had been searching for. He pulled it out quickly, opening it and reading through the neatly written scripture. It was an ancient spell he had gathered from one of the Elder Priests personal libraries, he was only allowed a few minuets to look around, after he saved a large herd of their livestock from a pack of Hogbats. The Elder relented, and awarded him with 5 minuets to look through his personal collection of manuals and Scrolls. So when he found the spell he needed, he quickly wrote it down on a free bit of scroll he had laying around in his pouch. Knowing that once he began his search for the Kakara gems, the spell would come very much in handy. And that had proven true.


    Trailing his fingers along the text, he closed his eyes and began to centralise his Kakara, focusing its energy within his heart. He felt it¡¯s electric like heat travelling through his veins. Covering his skin in goosebumps. And as he felt as if his chest was gonna burst from the dense ball of Kakara developed within, he released it into the scroll. The script began to glow a vivid purple, small tendrils of violet energy rose in clawing clumps from the page, circling around in small semicircles. Then the energy solidified, and began to trail off from the glowing scripture, and make its way deeper into the tree line. It had worked.


    Smiling, Exiele began to follow the trail of purple energy, which floated in the air before him, like smoke in a windless sky. He walked for a further 20 minuets, passing a small river as well as another wooden bridge which connected the two half¡¯s of the mountain. In this time the purple energy began to glow more violently, as he drew closer to his end destination. The unending rows of trees began to grow less and less dense, until there was only a tree every 3 odd metres. Leaving more room for thick bushes and foliage to grow.


    His leather boots sunk a few inches below the sodden mud, before popping back out again. Wetting his feet. There was a brief opening, in which a large lake rested amongst a circumstance of boulders and giant rocks. This is where the energies path ended. Exiele scoped the area, unable to see as much as he wished he could. As the moonlight failed to cut deep enough into the suffocating shadows which surrounded him.


    Carefully, he began to lower himself down the boulder before him, placing his muddy boots on a small rock which jutted out from the bottom of the large boulder. Then as he lowered his body as far as he could, he dropped down onto the wet earth below. Finding himself encircled by a wall of moss mangled boulders. His eyes narrowed, glaring to the energies end point, which stood at a small, blackened opening wedged between three huge rocks, which acted as an entrance way of sorts.


    Passing the lake, Exiele walked over to the entrance way, glaring into the darkness beyond. He couldn¡¯t make anything out from outside, so using the little Kakara he could muster at that point, he formed a small orb of illumination. Which quickly fought back against the shadows, as they in turn ran away from its grasp. Revealing the intricate innards of the damp cave. Long lines of winding vines, and ancient foliage clung in desperate clumps from the wet walls. And a few water rotten planks of wood were placed along the floor, covering hole¡¯s which had undoubtedly broken many ankles in their time.


    He urged forward, keeping the orb only a few feet in front of him, allowing him to scope the cave much more thoroughly. Towards the back-end of the chamber was another dark opening, which seemed to dart off both left and right. And just beyond that another chamber laid in pure blackness. He shivered. Exiele turned his attention to the walls of the cave, and began to look for any signs of Kakara Gems. Though after an in depth search, he found no gems. Which left him with two options, he either leaves within a gem. Or, he risks going deeper into the cave. Neither option seemed very inviting. But after some thought, he decided on the latter, and walked deeper into the chamber towards the second opening. Besides, he had used a spell specifically crafted to make finding Kakara gems easier. And it had led him directly here. Which meant at least one was somewhere not too far away.


    He took the gamble. Following the small planks of rotten wood, Exiele made his way carefully over to the second opening. His orb of illumination doing little to fight against the almost complete blackness held within it. His hand reflexively rested on his daggers handle. Focusing his Kakara on the little floating orb, Exiele sent the glowing sphere deep into the dark chamber first on its own, at least then if something was hiding within the shadows, he would have time to react. But quickly found the chamber empty once the orb had completed a whole lap of its circumference. But something did strike him as strange. He felt a sudden influx of energy travel back from the orb, a solidified mass of pure Kakara, which reverberated through his spine, rattling his bones to the core.


    It felt as if he had lighting trapped within his stomach. The glow of the orb grew more intense as it passed the back of the chamber a second time. What ever was disturbing his flow of Kakara, was coming from deeper within the chamber. Exiele took a deep breath, now gripping his dagger so hard, his knuckles had whitened from the pressure. Then he stepped through into the darkness, a cold freeze sliced through his skin. An unnatural cold which seemed to shred away every inch of heat his body once held. His body began to shiver violently. But he urged forward, willing his orb of illumination to remain floating in place, where it¡¯s glow was at its fullest. Small flakes of purple energy dropped from the burning sphere, dissipating into a fine mist as it disburse into the cold air.


    As he drew closer to the orb, he noticed another glowing light within the distance, which flickered with beautiful violet colours. Projecting patterns of light on the surrounding damp, moss covered walls of the cave. The colours danced within darkness, presenting a path to follow. And so he did. Realising in this time, the rotten wooden planks which had once been guiding his feet, had now disappeared, or had broken after their many years of use. So he trekked carefully, avoiding the gaping chasms which covered the water drenched floor. The energy within his body spiked as he got closer to the odd glow, it felt like bolts of lighting were travelling through his pulsing veins. Filling his body with a brightness he had never experienced. He willed his orb to move closer to the second source of light, the burning sphere glided through the darkness with an elegance only the gods above could replicate, and came to a sudden halt as it reached the dancing white light. Exiele smiled. There, sandwiched between two small boulders, was a large glowing Kakara gem. It¡¯s crystallised form collected the swirling energy which emitted from the orb, and sent the glowing energy dancing through the thick air.


    Its surface was rough and angled, but the colours held within, Exiele couldn¡¯t put names too. They were entirely new to his eyes. He dragged the small pickaxe from his pouch, gripping the handle hard, and began to chip away at the rock surrounding the gem. Ensuring to take small breaks every few minuets to ensure the mental didn¡¯t overheat. And after 20 minuets of hard work, a small section of the gem, no bigger than a grape fell down and landed in his palm. He felt the pure Kakara emitting from the small crystal in powerful waves, travelling down his arm and striking like electrical currents in his veins.


    He had succeeded in the first step of his plan. Exiele slipped the Kakara gem and the pickaxe back into his pouch and turned ready to head back outside, but found the opening he had once travelled through, was now no more than a wall of pure stone. As if it hadn¡¯t existed in the first place.


    ¡°God above¡±, he whispered, his voice small, yet it still boomed throughout the hollow chamber. Turning back he found the second opening gone also, now he was stood within a chamber with no exit. The orb flickered lightly, as the air went still. No breeze passed through.


    For a while Exiele stood frozen in place, clawing through his brain for possible spells he could muster up to make an exit, but non came to his mind. All the spells he had learned off by heart, were enchantment based. And the spells he had written in his pouch, would not benefit him in his current situation. He drew a breath. Trying to steady his racing thoughts. He figured he could try channel enough Kakara into the pickaxe to try and smash through the caves walls, but remembered quickly that would do little except for explode his body into little chunks of scorched flesh. Then his mind passed an interesting thought, he remembered it from an old book he had read.


    So called living caves, we¡¯re not actually living. Instead the caves were simply prone to the immense energies that natural forms of Kakara hold, such as gems and elder trees. This steady stream of energy can warp the caves lay out, moving around channels, tunnels and chambers along with the immense waves of Kakara. in other words, the natural energy can rearrange a caves layout, but cannot change the cave itself. And as Exiele turned to examine the cave he stood within, he found he was no longer standing in a cave at all. Instead, he was standing in a very clearly man made cobblestone room. Which had a large oak, steel rimmed door on the furthest wall from where he stood. Which made it clear to him, this was no natural happening caused by large amounts of centralised Kakara, no. This was some sort of illusion formed by the hand of a very knowledgeable wizard or sorcerer. Which in turn, only lead to more questions.


    For a long while Exiele just stood still in place, glaring around the empty room. Considering what his next move should be. He didn¡¯t know where he was, or how he got there. But he was there. And lacked any real weapons, which didn¡¯t help the growing anxiety in the deepest pits of his stomach. And after searching the room as thoroughly as his panicked mind could manage, he found nothing. And so decided he had to open the door and see what waiting for him on the other side. If not, he would just slowly stave to death and his body would rot away within the room, never to be seen again. Listed by the historians as another hunter who had died before their first Grand Hunt. That, he wouldn¡¯t allow. Making his way across the cobbled floor, he paused before the large oak door. Making his glowing orb dissipate into itself, painting the room in complete darkness once more.


    At least then, if someone or something was in the next room, he wouldn¡¯t be seen through the darkness. He unlatched his small dagger, and gripped it tight within his hand. His other hand wrapped around the large golden handle which hung at the doors midpoint. It¡¯s metal was cold to the touch. With a deep breath, he slowly creaked the door open, orange light spilled out from the room beyond, which flickered elegantly within the dense blackness which surrounded him. Then the room fell into his line of sight.


    It was what looked like a giant ancient crypt, the walls were of a solid lime stone, which was aged and withered, and long lines of hieroglyphics and symbols were carved within their moss riddled surface. On either edge of the crypt were giant pillars of pure obsidian which were connected to the each wall at odd intervals. In the centre of the ancient room was a large grand tomb, made up of several small pyramids which sat atop the main bulk of the limestone sarcophagus. By the tombs side three figures loomed, their wrists gashed open as they poured their blood down onto a makeshift diagram carved into the floor. Their blood filled the carvings, and began to glow a vibrant crimson. They wore long black robes, which covered their long, slender frame. The same symbols marked on the ancient walls, were carefully sowed into the black fabric with thick red string.


    Exiele knew the Kakara they were utilising in this ritual, an ancient long since forbidden form known as the dark arts, or more commonly Blood Kakara. Once a long time before his birth, the academy had manuals and spells detailing this ancient form, but a young hunter named Diziri had used the manuals in an attempt to summon an Elder Demon. He failed. And for his attempt, he had his hands and feet cut from his body, and he was banished to live the rest of his days in the Ghali Che Prison, located in the Outer Kingdoms, far beyond the reach of any civilisation. The academy then destroyed all traces of the dark arts from the castle. Later on the act of Blood Kakara was made a sin punishable by death in all 5 of the main kingdoms.


    The cloaked figures drained their blood until the diagram below was completed, then they all covered their arms once more within the thick black cloth of their sleeve.


    ¡°Brothers we come a step closer to our Lord¡±, one of the figures bellowed, rising his arms up into the air. Dripping blood fell from his open wrists and fell upon his face. The other figures followed suite. Painting their faces crimson with gore.


    ¡°Until death does us part, we shall serve with our flesh and blood, until our rightful god, conquer of all, rises from damnation ¨C from soil and dirt, to the black abyss above all, we shall follow our destiny, to breath life into his lungs once more¡±.


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    The blood diagram below their feet began to burn violently, scorching red flames burst form within its centre, flakes of unimaginable energy peeled from the crimson painted lines, as each cloaked figure placed a blood stained hand onto the decaying tomb before them.


    ¡°We shall locate the final vessel, and see it through to the arms of the one above all. Of flesh and blood, we shall return it to the god of all gods. And in turn, rising from ashes, the one true emperor will arise¡±.


    ¡°Of flesh and blood¡±, they all chanted as one. Releasing their bloodied hands from the tomb. The crimson flames of the blood diagram roared as they grew more intense, painting the rotting crypt in a deep burgundy hue.


    Exiele went to take a step back, but found a wall in place of the door, his body collided with the decaying lime stone with a hard thud. The figures turned to face him. Their eyes burned a glowing red, cutting through the deep shadows cast by their cloaks.


    ¡°It seems brothers. The seeker of the vessel is within our presence¡±.


    Exiele tried to pounce with his dagger, but his body was completely frozen still in place. As if all the force of gravity was holding him down.


    ¡°It is convenient you would fall upon us at this time¡±, the figure said, his pale white skin now painted crimson with drying blood. ¡°For your bond will now be made in blood¡±.


    ¡°Of flesh and blood¡±, the other figures chanted from behind, their glowing red eyes fixed on his.


    ¡°Come forth¡±, it said, holding up its bleeding hand. Exiele¡¯s body began to float towards the figure, he tried desperately to break free from the figures hold, but even when centralising all his Kakara, he was unable to move in any way. He stopped before the figure, he could see now through the shadows cast upon the things face.


    Realising that the figure was not a human in anyway, no it was a different race entirely. One that he did not recognise. Then the figure rose it¡¯s crimson hands above its head, a burst of blood spirted out from its slit wrists and began to swirl in circling motions above its palms. Exiele watched as the blood solidified, mixing with the things Kakara, slowly forming a glowing red dagger. Its gore stained hands wrapped around the daggers burning handle.


    ¡°Prepare the scrips¡±, it growled towards the other two cloaked figures. They bowed lightly in unison, before reopening their wrists and feeding their blood into the scorching diagram etched into the floor. The crimson flames still roared from its centre. Burning Exiele¡¯s skin with its unnatural heat. The cloaked creature smiled towards Exiele, revealing a line of tiny razor sharp teeth which laid within rotting gums.


    ¡°Come closer seeker¡±, it hissed, using its hands to drag him closer. His body floated through the air at a steady pace. He could feel the things warm, putrid breath brush past his face, as his body froze before the figure.


    ¡°Present me your arms¡±.


    Exiele¡¯s arms began to rise up, as if strings were connected to each limb, and the figure was the puppet master who controlled them. He tried to scream, but no voice came, it felt like an invisible gag was forced down his throat.


    ¡°Very good¡±, the creature smiled, which stretched far to wide across it pale cheeks. It¡¯s beady red eyes still glaring deeply into his. It rose the blood dagger to its cloaked chest, holding it out as if to present it to Exiele.


    ¡°Of flesh and blood¡±, it whispered below its breath, followed by a brief silence. ¡°Isral, collect the vessels¡±.


    ¡°Very well brother¡±, the figure replied, walking towards the back end of the rotting crypt. After a few moments, Isral wondered back clasping a set of giant decaying gold armour plates, which must have been at least 8 feet tall when pieced together, and what looked like a beautifully crafted thick gold necklace. Which at its peak held one of the largest blood crystals Exiele had ever seen, held in place by long bone like claws of faded gold.


    He placed the objects into the burning diagram. The objects, or vessels as the figures called them, were instantly encased in the roaring red flames. Isral then resumed feeding his blood into the diagram engraved on the floor.


    ¡°Seeker¡±, the third figure growled, it¡¯s voice was guttural and deep. ¡°Your blood will be bound by fate, and with it your bond will be formed¡±.


    ¡°Of flesh and blood¡±, they all chanted. Their eyes eager.


    ¡°May your path, be forged in blood seeker¡±, the figure hissed, the burning crimson flames below, cast his face with a red hue. His demonic eyes burning as if a stars core had been stored behind them. The creature lifted the blood dagger above Exiele¡¯s upheld arms, the razor sharp blade pressed into his skin, a single stream of blood fell down, and dropped from his fingertips.


    ¡°Our time will soon arise brothers¡±.


    The blade sliced into flesh, opening into veins, and Exiele watched as his wrist burst with with fresh, warm blood. Which fell down into the burning diagram, before the flames ate them within the scorching heat. Pain roared through his arms, he wanted to violently thrash in pain, but his body was locked in place. He was an unwilling host. His eyes widened in terror.


    ¡°Of flesh and blood¡±, they all repeated, their voice growing in urgency, until only their voices could be heard. Whirl-winding through his brain; And echoing through every inch of his being. His blood ran freely from his wrists, the cuts so deep, quartz like bone could be seen beneath.


    The first figure slowly rose its dagger into the air, letting Exiele¡¯s blood fall down upon his face, still chanting. Then all three of them stepped into the roaring flames. Their robes were lit ablaze in unison, a scorching inferno of crimson heat. Thick clumps of black smoke began to spread around the ancient crypt, filling Exiele¡¯s lungs and vision with spiriting lines of blackness. The figures now no more than black shapes inside a wall of glowing, burgundy fire.


    They continued their ritual, guttural voices chanted from within the flames. Exiles blood still flowed down into them, fuelling them with his Kakara. The main figure began to step out from the flames which roared all around him, his robes now nothing but shredded tears of black cloth, which had been burned into its bone white flesh.


    ¡°Vessel¡±, it roared, rising its arms, revealing giant reptile like black wings which connected to the creatures inter arms. ¡°You are now bound by blood¡±.


    The other figures now emerged, their bodies encased with violet flames. Their blackened wings presented out to the gods.


    ¡°Of flesh and blood¡±, they roared. The flames beginning to encase the surrounding crypt. The moss and vines which infected its limestone walls began to catch ablaze, sending armies of blackened smoke bellowing out into the surrounding room.


    ¡°The one above all will rise in blood, and shed his own amongst the tarnished lands¡±.


    One of the figures began to step towards where Exiele was locked in place. His vision was blurred by swirling streams of black smoke, which burned his watering eyes. He tried to scream with all he had, but still nothing came. Instead, thick clumps of smoke would fill his suffocating mouth.


    ¡°Remember Seeker¡±, it said, lifting its arms into the fire drenched air. ¡°You are bound by fate and of blood¡±.


    The black smoke filled Exiele¡¯s vision. A blurred avalanche of crimson flames and blackened debris. He could see nothing else. He could feel his life depleting. And most horrifying of all, he could do nothing about it. His arms were still held out before him, drained of all their blood. Emptied from all his life. Tears began to stream down his black stained face.


    Shadow like smoke began to twist and spiral around him like a frenzied tornado, it roared within ears like distant war drums. He felt his presence peel away, as his body began to crumble and reform as one with the smoke. Roaring through the scorching crypt, until as the flames encased him within a blast of crimson light. Everything went black.


    ***


    Exiele awoke within the warmth of his bed. Bright sunlight shot out from between his closed curtains, revealing his untidy shack. His head hurt, and when he sat up a sudden wave of nausea rushed through his stomach. The first first thing he did was check his wrists, but he found no wounds or cuts, then jumping from the bed Exiele grabbed his pouch that laid on the messy floor. Opening it as if his life depended on it.


    Rummaging past the assortment of manuals scrolls and books that laid within, his hand brushed past the small pickaxe and wrapped around a small rough object. He dragged his hand back out his pouch and found a small glowing Kakara gem within his palm. A shivered passed down his spine. He had no wounds or cuts to suggest what happened, actually happened. But he still had the Kakara gem, which meant he had went inside the cave, and found the gem within its depths. It had to be a dream. But then how did he get back?


    No matter how many times he repeated it in his mind, he couldn¡¯t remember leaving the cave or the ancient tomb, let alone walking back through the Forested Lake, past the bridge and all the way back to the shacks. His brain couldn¡¯t wrap around it. Exiele placed the small gem on his bed, feeling it¡¯s electric like energy surging from its surface.


    Before digging back through his pouch, emptying it onto his bed, which was painted orange from the slowly burning embers of his fireplace. He moved his pickaxe to his small wooden side desk, he knew he likely wouldn¡¯t be need of it for a long while. He then piled all his books together, then moved his scroll¡¯s next to the pile of tomes. His eyes widened in disbelief. In his desperate haste to retrieve a Kakara gem, he had completely forgotten about the scroll the Elder Priest had given him the day before.


    It laid unopened atop a piled clump of his warm blanket. It¡¯s yellow stained pages flaked at its corners, and a purple frayed ribbon wrapped around its width, sealed with purple melted wax. Exiele grabbed the scroll as if it held all the knowledge of the lands, tearing the melted wax from the ribbon and tore the scroll open so it laid flat of his bed.


    Exiele Bourne.


    Your path as a hunter begins here.


    Your hunt will take you to the Floating City of Gididas, in the county of Relis located at the furthest northern corner of Dreashire. Once arriving at the destination you will be greeted by three Elder Architects of the Builders Sect, who will take you to the Fallen Temple of Riverdeath, an ancient temple once home to Evereth, God of the Three Daughters.


    Here you will find Galoth, an ancient gatekeeper who guards the temple¡¯s entrance. This is the entity you are to kill. Before collecting its blood as proof.


    As for the reasoning behind Galoth¡¯s demise, the Three Elder Architects are to survey the temple and begin to plan for a renovation, which they will then return to the Builders Sect. This cannot be done without the entity guarding its gates being killed.


    If you complete your hunt, the Sect have stated you will be welcome to the renovated temple as and when you wish.


    May the scar of light lead your way.


    Legion of The Hunters.


    Exiele spent a few moments rereading his assignment, his imagination running wild. He had wanted to see a city first hand, but for his first to be the Floating City of Gididas, was a blessing he could not remove from his brain.


    Not only was it a city, it was a city built through the pure will and energy of an Elder God. And the temple, over the years he had read so much about its symbols of strength and mastery, up through its colossal rise, all the way down to its eventual collapse when the Siege of Gods saw it through to its bitter end. Excitement roared through his veins each time he read through it.


    He set the scroll back down onto his bed and leaned back, resting his head on the soft pillow which laid just behind his back. A mix of excitement, confusion and fear roared through his gut. With a deep breath he began to regain control of his thoughts and emotion, thinking what his next step should be.


    His mind found the answer almost as soon as he started looking for it. He had to speak to someone about what had happened the night before, he knew he couldn¡¯t speak to the Elder Priests, as would have him punished for months if they found out he had been looking for Kakara Gems without any blessing from the Legion.


    But Miles, Miles would know what he should do. Exiele stood from the bed, making his way across the messy floor and over to his chest. He needed a bath, but that was the smallest of his worries. He still had to fight Venus by the alchemy chambers, then he had to meet with Reales to collect his steed. After that he would have to start channelling the Kakara from the gem, if not he wouldn¡¯t have enough time to utilise it for the hunt. And on top of all that, he had to figure out what really happened the night before.


    Whether the blood ritual had really taken place, or if it was some strange dream. He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache on the horizon. But first, he had to meet with Miles and get this fight with Venus out the way.


    Pulling out his rudimentary black leather armour plates, which all hunters within the academy wore. He began to throw them onto his body, strapping them securely to his limbs. Then he grabbed one of the few wooden training swords he kept piled together at the bottom of his chest, and strapped it to his belt along with his silver dagger.


    He figured tomorrow he could visit the Elder Historian to gets prints of some of his favourite scripts and spells, later on he could visit the alchemist Miles has brought up, Algath if he remembered right. To get some freshly mixed elixirs, and by then he would have a few days remaining to study his hunt and the surrounding lands, as well as being able to process the Kakara within the gem. Satisfied with his plan, Exiele readied his pouch with everything he would be needing, before leaving through the small crooked front door of his shack.

 Chapter Three.

    The newly risen sun glowed vibrantly within the cloudless blue skies above. Its burning heat graced the Makrik Mountain Range, casting away the deep shadows which lingered from the night before. Miles and Exiele relished this heat while walking along a small dirt path which lead them past the combat fields of the academy. Where most of the hunters within the Legion had learned all their skills in hand to hand combat and sword play.


    ¡°And you have no memory of leaving the cave?¡±, Miles asked, one eye brow rose high above the other.


    ¡°Non at all¡±.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s certainly weird¡±, he sighed, digging his brain for answers. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve just read too much into the forbidden arts¡±.


    Exiele scowled. ¡°I haven¡¯t read anything about blood Kakara, or blood rituals in years. And even if I wanted to, there¡¯s nothing in this academy that even mention it¡¯s name. So why would I just dream of it?¡±.


    Miles went to reply but Exiele carried on. ¡°And how did I still have the Kakara gem? It was just sitting my pouch exactly where I left it. Your telling me, as soon as I found the Kakara gem, I fell asleep, then slept walked all the way back to my shack?¡±


    ¡°Well it¡¯s that, or you had your soul bound to the ancient demon which the three figures were trying to summon¡±.


    Exiele screwed his face, while kicking the dirt below his feet. ¡°It wasn¡¯t a demon they were trying to summon, they said it was the one true emperor, the god above all gods or something like that¡±.


    ¡°The one true emperor eh, the god above all gods. That sounds like a load of generic dream reality¡±, Miles said with a chesty laugh.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking around Miles¡± Exiele hissed. Miles paused for a moment, eyeing his best friend of 10 years. He had known him long enough to know when something was bothering him, and whatever happening that night. Dream or not, had effected him greatly.


    ¡°Look, if you really think something was behind it. Speak to Reales when you collect your horse, he¡¯s the only Elder in the academy who wouldn¡¯t care about you finding a Kakara gem. Shit, he¡¯d probably just congratulate you¡±, he paused, taking a calculated breath. ¡°Plus he has a lot, I mean a lot more knowledge with that kind of stuff. I¡¯m just a blacksmith Miles, I can¡¯t even channel Kakara, so I¡¯m out of place as a person for advice¡±.


    That made Exiele smile, only a little, but Miles took it as a win.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, how didn¡¯t I think of Reales. He¡¯s half way towards being an Elder Priest himself¡±.


    ¡°Yeah exactly¡±, Miles laughed. ¡°Did you check your scroll after all? Where¡¯s your hunt?¡±.


    Exiele¡¯s eyes lit up as if two burning furnaces were directly behind them.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe¡±, he roared in excitement. ¡°The Floating City of Gididas, the entity I¡¯m suppose to kill is Galoth, who¡¯s a gatekeeper for the fallen temple of Riverdeath¡±.


    ¡°Hold on a second ¨C your going to the Fallen Temple of Riverdeath? The one built by the elder god Evereth?¡±. His words were like a child¡¯s. Giddy excitement glowing in his face.


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s how i reacted, I must be the luckiest hunter the Legion has ever bred¡±.


    But Miles¡¯ eyes quickly turned worried. ¡°Why would they send a beginning Hunter to kill a gatekeeper for an ancient temple built by an elder god? I can¡¯t imagine that gatekeeper¡¯s any ordinary beast¡±, he paused. ¡°I spoke to Yomet and he¡¯s being sent only a few miles away from the academy, to Heinsend, to kill an infected Hogbat of all fucking things¡±.


    Exiele¡¯s smile broadened. ¡°Because they know I¡¯m the only hunter who can beat it¡±.


    Miles laughed, masking his sudden worry. ¡°Just, be careful out there. I¡¯ll end up killing my self if I¡¯m reassigned as Venus¡¯s blacksmith¡±.


    ¡°God¡¯s above, I¡¯m not gonna die Miles¡±. Exiele¡¯s words echoed out into the distant blue skies, sending a few birds darting out from in between the dense leaves of the tree¡¯s above. They both stopped before a small water fall, which fell elegantly from a small cliff that rose high above them. Holding out their arms, they stepped forward into the collapsing water. The sun reflected within its glowing surface. Then, with a flash of purple light, they were shot up the waterfall, and out at the top end. They stepped out from the small river dry, as it wasn¡¯t actually water, instead it was a condensed form of Kakara created by an Elder Priest named Thaos thousands of year¡¯s prior.


    They then made their way back onto a small dirt path, which wrapped around a large tower made from cobblestone, with large pillars of chiselled quartz wrapped around its exterior at odd intervals. They followed this path directly towards the alchemy chambers.


    ¡°What you think Venus¡¯s plan is?¡±


    Exiele shrugged. ¡°No clue, I don¡¯t think anyone could muster the same plans he does, he¡¯s defiantly up to something though¡±.


    ¡°Last time he tried to strangle you with a rope of solidified Kakara if I remember correctly¡±.


    ¡°Yeah, but he barely managed to get it around my neck. It was more like a loose necklace than any kind of noose¡±.


    They both laughed. Finally reaching a large flat plain of grassy land which stretched the length of the small cliff they walked along. On the far end they could see a huge cobble structure where all the alchemy chambers were situated. Exiele would be travelling past this section of the Academy again tomorrow to collect some elixirs. But for now, he would be using the flat land for his duel with Venus. Really they should have used the combat fields, but if the Elders caught wind of them having an unsanctioned sword duel, they would likely have one of their fingers removed. He didn¡¯t want that, and nor did Venus. So the land before them would do.


    In the distance a small black shape moved towards them, coming out from the shadow cast by the archway of the alchemy chambers. It was Venus, and he looked as if he had murder on his mind. Instead of wearing the usual black leather armour the hunters wore in the academy, he wore freshly forged plates of solid silver. Which looked strange pieced together with the small wooden training sword in his right hand. Exiele stifled back a bellowing laugh. Venus looked as if he was facing the final beast in his Grand Hunt. He had clearly come prepared. Exiele dropped his pouch onto the floor giving Miles a nod, before walking out to meet with Venus in the centre of the grassy plain. Deep gusts of hot air graced his skin as he drew close.


    He closed his eyes, centralising his Kakara, it wasn¡¯t aloud in this duel. But you could never be too careful. And he would have to be a fool to trust Venus not to use his. The energy spiralled throughout his body, travelling through his veins and pumping throughout every inch of his being. He felt a deep reverberation rattle through his bones as the Kakara began to gather within his heart. Condensing down into mailable matter.


    ¡°Exiele¡±, he heard Venus¡¯s voice say. He opened his eyes, the brightness of the sun cutting through his vision. Venus stood only a few metres away, both hands clasped around his wooden training sword.


    ¡°Venus¡±, he said in return, unsheathing his training sword and readying his position. ¡°Only sword play, I don¡¯t want you trying to play any tricks¡±.


    ¡°As we agreed¡±, Venus growled, steadying his stance. His silver armour plates clattered together as he repositioned his legs. Exiele¡¯s eyes bore holes into his skull, he gripped the wooden handle of his sword harder.


    ¡°Today¡±, he said. ¡°You will face defeat¡±.


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    He launched himself forward, driving his sword directly towards Exiele¡¯s head. Taken aback, Exiele rose his sword to block the attack, but Venus quickly redirected his blow. Swinging it full force towards his shoulder. Exiele put his weight down on his back foot and pivoted out the way. Watching the wooden sword rush past his face, slicing through the air no further than a finger¡¯s length away from his face. Exiele then made an attack of his own, lashing his sword up into Venus¡¯s armpit at lightning speed. The thud of wood on bone echoed throughout the open plain. Venus stumbled back bearing his teeth.


    ¡°You thought you would get a free attack in? Before we officially started?¡±, Exiele growled. Venus stormed forward again, swinging his sword violently towards Exiele¡¯s face. Exiele took a few heavy steps back while shielding the attacks, watching the tip of the wooden sword swipe a few inches away from his nose. Taking a deep breath, Exiele drew his sword back, gripping its splintered wood tight within his clenched fists. Then he launched an attack towards Venus¡¯s stomach, which left a narrow margin of skin unprotected by the silver armour plates. But Venus leaped out the way, stamping down on Exiele¡¯s sword before it had a chance to land, the wood warped and splintered from his weight.


    At the same time Exiele pounced forward and head-butted Venus with the force of a rhino, blood erupted from his nose like a grotesque volcano, sending him a few steps back while clutching his now broken nose. Exiele lifted his sword once more, and with two carefully placed steps, leaped forward and smashed the wooden blade into Venus¡¯s unprotected neck. He let out a choked gag, before lashing his hand out as fast as a whip. Catching Exiele square in the jaw. Then with a still bleeding nose, Venus swung his wooden sword down under Exiele¡¯s guard, aiming towards his ribs. Exiele barely had time to block the strike with his arm, sending waves of pain down his forearm and deep into his shoulder. Venus then drew his sword back in a vicious arc, ready to pounce again, but Exiele managed to kicked at his knee before he could land a strike. Throwing him off balance almost instantly. Exiele launched himself forward, wrapping his arms around the back of Venus¡¯s legs, before forcing him down onto the soft grassy floor. Trading punches the whole way down.


    ¡°You ready to tap out yet?¡±, Venus growled, using his sword to block the numerous strikes Exiele was lashing down onto him.


    ¡°So soon?¡±, Exiele smiled. ¡°I¡¯m barely warm¡±.


    Thinking fast, Venus let go of his sword and rolled out the way, allowing Exiele¡¯s body to fall face first onto the floor. He let out a pained grunt before quickly jumping back to his feet, steadying his balance. Gripping both his own, and Venus¡¯s training swords within his clasped hands.


    ¡°Do you want to tap out?¡±, he grinned.


    Venus sneered, clenching his fists so tight they began to shake. Small flakes of green energy began to fall from between his clasped fingers.


    ¡°I will not lose¡±, he growled, visible waves of green Kakara now flowing down the length of his arm. Wrapping around his flesh like vines growing on an ancient tree. The glowing energy radiated around his fists, burning so bright Exiele had to squint his eyes.


    He couldn¡¯t lie, he was impressed. He knew Venus¡¯s energy levels were no where near his, but either way, his control over Kakara had improved greatly since their last fight. In fact, he could feel Venus¡¯s energy levels rising by the second.


    ¡°Come and attack then¡±, Exiele said, holding both the training swords before him like the pincers of a giant spider. Venus launched towards him ¨C a blinding ray of green energy shot from behind his body, propelling him forward through the air. His burning fist held back, aiming towards where Exiele stood. Exiele leaped out the way as Venus¡¯s fist flashed by his field of vision. Waves of pulsating energy blasted through the ground where Exiele had been standing only a few seconds prior. Clumps of mud and grass shot in the air from the impact. Venus threw his other hand towards Exiele, but he had already parried out the way before his arm could fully extend.


    Exiele reached within his body, channelling his Kakara through his heart and condensing it down into both the wooden swords he held. Careful to only centralise enough to disintegrate each of Venus¡¯s attacks. He didn¡¯t want to kill him. No matter how nice that would be. Purple tendrils of Kakara spilled through the splintered wood of the swords, radiating out into the surrounding air.


    ¡°I thought it was only sword play¡±, he said, shaking his head. Venus launched another assault, a flurry of lighting like punches lashed towards Exiele, who carefully dodged each blow while taking calculated steps backwards. He would have to wait for an opening, he didn¡¯t want to rush his strike and cause more damage to the grassy field. The elders would be annoyed enough as it is.


    Venus sent one last punch, flashes of green light flashed from each knuckle as they collided with one of the wooden swords held up to defend Exiele¡¯s head. The blade shattered in a small explosion of purple and green energy. The blast sent both Hunters back a few inches, but Exiele was rushing forward before Venus could steady himself again. A flash of purple Kakara shot through the air, before the other wooden sword smashed into the side of Venus¡¯s head. His body was thrown a metre back before crashing into the ground with a hard thud.


    He wouldn¡¯t have any long lasting injuries, except for a bad headache when coming back around. Exiele had made sure of that. He could have made Venus¡¯ head explode from the inside out if he really wanted too ¨C he was far too advanced in comparison to Venus for him to even stand a chance. Though he was tempted to at least hurt him enough to prevent him from continuing to the Grand Hunt, he knew nothing would be more crushing than that. But he knew better, he knew another defeat would weigh on him enough to satisfy both him, and whoever else had to deal with him in their younger years. Exiele sat down on the soft grass, catching his breath, trying to reduce the levels of Kakara which still roared through his veins. A small crowd of young hunters had gathered on the far end of the field, near the alchemy chamber. Which meant the Elder¡¯s wouldn¡¯t be far away.


    ¡°We gotta go¡±, Miles called out to him, waving his arms around as if he was on fire.


    ¡°Yeah yeah I know¡±, Exiele moaned, standing back on his feet. Dropping the shattered remains of Venus¡¯ training sword down next to his passed out body. He¡¯d definitely have trouble with migraines for a few weeks, that¡¯s for sure. He smiled at that. Then while walking back over to Miles ¨C who had already began following the path back towards the waterfall ¨C He noticed something odd.


    Something large and deathly black cut through the blue skies in the far distance. A single large shape which looked like a stroke of pitch black paint, carefully layered atop a canvas painted a deep blue. It glided through the air effortlessly, before nosediving down towards the distant lands beyond the mountain. His eyes widened, as he watched crimson flames burst from the black shape, a burning inferno which struck the distant lands with such force its impact could be heard even from the mountain. An army of blackened smoke and roaring crimson flames shot up into the skies above, spiralling in grand arch¡¯s, before disbursing into the debris filled air. Exiele¡¯s mouth gaped open in disbelief, it was a dragon. He hadn¡¯t seen one in his entire life. And even from as far away as he was, he could see it¡¯s unimaginable size and power first hand. Dragons were rare in Dreashire, even rarer in the county of Makrik, where the Makrik Mountain Range was located. So the mere sight of it snatched all the breath from his lungs. Miles saw the amazement in Exiele¡¯s eyes, and followed the path of his gaze. He was only able to say two words.


    ¡°God¡¯s above¡±.


    The black dragon soared through the crimson flames and shot back up into the sky, its huge wings beating back against the blackened smoke which rose in desperate clumps from the decimated land¡¯s below.


    Dragons do not naturally travel to Dreashire, it¡¯s simply not in their nature. Which is why Dragons were so rare to see in these lands. But that thought only brought with it unease, as it meant the Dragon was in some way being controlled, which in turn could mean one of the armies had formed a bond with it. A task even harder than killing the beast. He shivered.


    Dragon whisperers were a thing of legend, believed to be as rare as the dragons themselves. An individual who had the ability to split his own, and the dragons soul in half, and through the use of their combined Kakara, rebind them together as one. The last known figure in history to do this was Horas, thousands of years earlier. Even then, most believed it to be a myth.


    ¡°Exiele come on we have to go¡±, Miles said, eyes still wide, watching the black shape become smaller and smaller as it glided further and further away. Until eventually, it¡¯s form disappeared amongst the armies of glowing white clouds. Exiele nodded slowly, blinking himself back to reality. The group that had gathered by the alchemy chamber¡¯s were now only a few paces away from him, all pointing towards the distant skies with surprised and fearful eyes. He could see two Elder Alchemists running over towards the herd of young hunters, roaring angry words and commands. He took this as his cue to leave. And began to sprint back down the dirt path, leaving Miles panting behind him.


    It had taken them only 10 minuets to travel back down the waterfall and across the mountain back to the shacks. Never relenting in their pace the whole way back. In their hurry to avoid any confrontation, they had run directly into one of the Elder Priests, who was thankfully unaware of Exiele¡¯s duel with Venus. So Exiele simply smiled, before quickly slithering away before he caught word. Miles in turn had returned to his own shack to resume his work on Exiele¡¯s great sword. Which had been coming together nicely the past few days. In fact, just the night before he had discovered a very effective way of cutting through dragon blood crystal with minimum effort. Using the little dragon blood he had left, he would pour the liquid over the crystal and leave it 10 minuets. By the time the 10 minutes had passed, the crystal would be infinitely more easy to cut and shape. This was because the dragon blood¡¯s natural form was not a crystal, and when the crystal makes contact with its original form, it would in time begin to degrade back into its natural liquid formation. Making it more mailable, and less prone to shattering.


    Miles dropped the crimson mound of crystal into a small pot of dragon blood, leaving it to rest. In the mean time he resumed sharpening the swords colossal blade. Which was so fine, it could slice perfectly through stone slabs without any Kakara enchantments. If his timing was correct, he expected to be done with the sword in the next 2 days, which would leave him enough time to finish off Exiele¡¯s chest plates. Which had fallen down his list of priorities when Exiele had requested a pickaxe to be made, and then urged him to finish his sword first, so he could get use to it before leaving for the hunt. He sighed, leaning back in his small wooden chair. He had a lot of work to get through in a small amount of time. But he would finish it, he was sure of that.

 Chapter Four.

    Exiele stood before a giant obsidian gate which would lead him down into the lower sections of the mountain where Reales lived. The huge opening was draped over in neatly wrapped vines, which clutched to the obsidian fencing as if it¡¯s life depended on it. Just beyond the gates reach was a giant staircase which was carved into the mountain itself, each step was jagged and worn after years of storms and unrelenting weather had withered them down.


    Reales had said he would get them renovated so many times Exiele had lost count, but he still wished the Elder had followed through. As now whenever a hunter walked down the giant staircase, there was a solid chance a chunk of rock would fall from beneath their feet, and they would collapse miles down before splattering onto the lands far below. So it was a smarter choice to remain as close to the mountain¡¯s wall as possible, that way if you did fall, you would be able to grab hold of the rugged rocks poking out from it¡¯s surface.


    There was a much faster way to the lower sections of the mountain, that being the many tunnels and caves which interlock within the innards of the mountain. But these tunnels were strictly for the Elders use only, so there was no way he would manage to get down to Reales that way. There was no avoiding it, he had to go down the staircase. With sweat pouring down his brow, he began his decent. Trailing his hands along the mountains wall, prepared to grab hold of any kind of support in case one of the stairs gave way from beneath him. The trek was long and stressful. At one point nearing the middle mark of the staircase, a few of the steps were missing, leaving Exiele no other option than to jump the small gap. But after about 20 minuets of constant shuffling, he had finally reached the grassy lands of the lower section of the mountain.


    He was once more greeted by a huge obsidian gate, this time in it¡¯s centre the name Reales was etched into it¡¯s dark surface, the name glowed with vibrant blue Kakara. Flakes of energy rose from each letter, lingering within the freshness of the mountain¡¯s air, before dissipating into a glowing blue mist. Exiele gripped the gate¡¯s large obsidian handle, which was carved into the shape of a three headed lion, and went to open the gate, but found it was locked.


    ¡°Reales¡±, he called out, glaring in-between each of the pillars. But no reply came. Only the gentle chirping of birds in the distance.


    He sighed, wrapping his hands around each of the pillars. He would have to get in the old fashioned way. Using his foot against the handle, he pushed himself up, using his hands to grip the upper section of the gate, before leveraging himself up, then dropping down on the other side of the gate. His leather boots collided with the soft earth below. He was careful to avoid treading on any of the large multi coloured flowers which decorated the beautifully thick grass. He knew Reales loved his garden, and the destruction of his flowers was one of the few things which would anger the Elder. He took a moment to breathe in some of the fresh air, before trudging his way across the plain of flowers and onto a makeshift pathway formed out of large rocks dug deep into the soil. The path wrapped around the cliffs rugged wall, which pocked out a man¡¯s length providing some shade closer to it¡¯s surface. Large squares were cut into the walls face at odd intervals, allowing enough space for a lantern to be placed within each. It got very dark very quickly on the lower sections of the mountain. And lanterns were necessary to see through the almost complete blackness the night provided.


    ¡°Reales?¡±, Exiele called out once more, watching an army of light brown and blue birds fly out from the small bushes which covered the length of the surrounding land. Though again, no reply came. He walked down the path for a further 5 minuets before passing Reales¡¯s storage chamber. Which was a large wooden structure made up of an upper and lower floor, the upper section of the chamber hung over a few metres acting as a balcony, two thick wooden pillars held the it up as support. Exiele poked his head around the corner of the large steel rimmed oak door, but found only darkness within. As all the curtains were drawn closed. Which meant Reales would not be within its depth¡¯s. So he continued forward once more, enjoying the warmth of the sun as it graced his skin. The stone path below slowly turned into a wooden path, which rose a few inches above the grassy floor. The wood creaked as his feet travelled along it¡¯s width. Then he reached a small bridge, which crossed over a beautiful pond filled to the brim with fish. He tried to call out to Reales a few more times, but again no reply came.


    He was close to turning around and heading back to the shacks, but after some careful consideration, he decided he would check Reales¡¯s cabin first. If he wasn¡¯t there, he wouldn¡¯t be anywhere on the lower sections of the mountain. And so he continued forward, following the wooden pathway step by step. Keeping an eye out for any outward poking nails which covered the wooden planks.


    After a few more minuets, the cliff wall wrapped around to the right, covering the surrounding land in thick shadow, leaving a small circular gap of about 5 feet where the path followed. Exiele had to duck his head down to avoid hitting it against the rocks jagged edges. Once passing this opening, the wooden path disappeared and was replaced with more long grass, which stretched up past Exiele¡¯s knees. In the close distance he could see Reales¡¯s wood and cobble framed cabin, which had long serpent like strands of smoke rising from its cobbled chimney. A good sign.


    Passing a few more ponds along the way, Exiele stopped before Reales¡¯s wooden cabin. The sun reflected within it¡¯s glass windows and momentarily blinded him as he glared around his surroundings. He could see the large wooden stable just behind the cabin. And next to that a large cobble structure, which had no walls, instead it held 4 large pillars at each corner, which held up the ceiling of the structure. In the middle was a big cauldron which held a mix of Kakara and water.


    Glaring off to the right of the cabin, towards the edge of the cliff. He saw the unmistakable sight of Reales meditating his Kakara. His bulky frame sat cross legged, levitating a few inches above the ground. Streams of blue Kakara swirled around him in beautiful arc¡¯s as his thick grey fur blew gently in the wind. Reales was a Catomi, a race that took the form of a large wolf, though their bodies were much more like an upward standing bear. With thick armour plate like mounds of pure muscle, covered with a dense layer of coloured fur. Though his had greyed over his 300 years of life. Exiele debated whether to call out his name or not, he didn¡¯t want to distract him from his meditation. But the thought was quickly erased from his mind when Reales¡¯s bellowing voice called out to him.


    ¡°Did you not see my gate locked Exiele?¡± His words echoed throughout the grassy lands surrounding them.


    ¡°I¡­ I did but I thought I¡¯d make sure you were busy before leaving¡±.


    ¡°And do you see that I am busy?¡±


    Exiele carefully examined the question, he couldn¡¯t tell if it was a trick or not.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a trick question¡±, he added, as if hearing his thoughts.


    ¡°I do Elder Reales, I will leave now¡±.


    Reales laughed, turning his aged head towards where he stood, still levitating above the ground. ¡°No need Exiele, are you here for your steed?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ but I¡¯d also like to ask some questions if you wouldn¡¯t mind¡±.


    ¡°Not at all¡± he said, slowly levitating higher and higher from the floor, before dropping down onto two clawed paws. ¡°Let us walk to the stable while talking¡±.


    Exiele nodded in agreement, lightly jogging to catch up to where Reales stood. ¡°Now what are you questions?¡±


    Over the next few minuets Exiele recalled his dream with as much detail as he possibly could. Making sure to bring up he had originally been in the cave looking for Kakara gems, before seemingly being transported into the ancient crypt. Where the three hooded figures had been taking part in a blood ritual. Reales¡¯s eyes narrowed, a look of worry developing on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s is certainly strange¡±, he said. ¡°Not anything an individual such as yourself should be dreaming¡±.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t feel like a dream though Reales, that¡¯s why I felt like I needed to ask for advice¡±.


    Reales shrugged. ¡°I have no advice for you Exiele, though I will say even if this dream did in fact happen, there would be little you would be able to do. What is it you said they named you?¡±


    ¡°The seeker of the vessel¡±.


    Reales¡¯s eyes widened, before he quickly masked his surprise. ¡°I see¡±, he paused. ¡°The ritual you saw is what I assume to be a summoning ritual. Usually this act would be with the focus of trying to summon an ancient demon or entity. Though it seems to me, in your dream, the figures were focused on summoning a long since passed individual. Probably an individual with immense power. And the vessels they were speaking of, would be a part of the individuals soul. And they would need to collect each of these vessels before the true summoning ritual could take place¡±


    Exiele nodded slowly.


    ¡°The problem is, the worshippers summoning the entity, are unable to retrieve these vessels themselves, therefore they would need to seek an external force to retrieve them. Which is why they would name you the seeker of the vessel¡±, he paused, passing an eye over Exiele.


    ¡°Be honest with me Exiele, have you been practising the forbidden arts in any way?¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°No, no of course not¡±.


    ¡°Good¡±, he said. ¡°There is a reason that it was made an offence punishable by death in the 5 kingdoms. The practice of blood Kakara is an infection, and every time people release their tainted blood into the Albirth¡¯s natural stream of Kakara, the infection is spread throughout all of the world¡¯s natural production¡±, he paused. ¡°I have no reason to believe that your dream was random, Exiele, not at all. But even if it is based in reality, it is not a concern of yours¡±.


    ¡°How¡±, Exiele blurted. ¡°It happened to me¡±.


    ¡°Yes, it did. But you are in no position to do anything about it. And even if I don¡¯t believe it to be, it is most likely, simply a dream¡±.


    Reales paused before the large wooden stable, before turning to face him. His wild emerald eyes locking with his. ¡°Exiele your focus should be whole heartedly focused on the Grand Hunt, the moment your focus wavers on your hunt, you will be killed. You need to keep your path focused. I will bring this dream up with the Elders and we will discuss whether it will be worth checking the cave you entered for any traces of Blood Kakara. But, from this moment on, I don¡¯t want you thinking or worrying about it in anyway¡±. He smiled. ¡°Besides it would be a great shame if you spent so much time worrying, you wouldn¡¯t be able to harness all the energy within your Kakara Gem, making your whole mischievous journey a waste of time¡±.


    Exiele laughed at that. ¡°I would prefer you don¡¯t tell the Elder¡¯s though Reales¡±.


    ¡°I must, any matter concerning Blood Kakara, dream or not. Will be shared not only with the Elders, but also the Dreskof Empire itself¡±


    Exiele nodded. ¡°Ok, well just don¡¯t tell them about me looking for a Kakara Gem, just tell them I was¡±, he paused. ¡°just wondering around¡±.


    A smile broke in Reales¡¯s face, revealing a line of razor sharp teeth. ¡°I give you my word ¨C now, before we enter the stable, what was your other question?¡±


    Exiele broke the eye contact, letting his vision pass the clear blue skies above, watching as small birds burst out from in-between the fluffy white clouds.


    ¡°Did you see the black dragon earlier?¡±


    Reales¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Oh yes, wasn¡¯t it a beauty¡±.


    ¡°It was, it was. But I was thinking about it, and don¡¯t you think it¡¯s strange that it would be here?¡±


    Reales shrugged, placing one clawed hand on the thick wooden frame of the stable. His deep emerald eyes steady of his. ¡°It is certainly a very rare occurrence, in my 133 years as part of the Legion situated in Dreashire, I have only seen two dragons, including that wonderful beast from earlier today¡±.


    ¡°So do you see why it¡¯s strange? And for the dragon to attack so suddenly, then leave straight away after casting it¡¯s flame. It didn¡¯t seem like a natural occurrence, it was too smooth, too perfectly timed¡±. Exiele held out his arms to further express his thoughts.


    ¡°So what is it you¡¯re suggesting¡±, Reales asked simply, squinting his eyes as a cloud passed the sun, allowing it¡¯s rays of light to reach them undisrupted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, like you said, it could just be a rare occurrence we were lucky enough to see first hand¡±, he paused, locking eyes with Reales. ¡°But, I thought maybe it could be something different, something more unnatural¡­ What if a Dragon Whisperer has emerged within the lands?¡±


    Reales laughed. ¡°You do have a good imagination Exiele.


    ¡°I¡¯m being serious Reales, like I said it could be a stretch. But I don¡¯t know, it seemed strange. Too perfect and swift. And like the legends say, one day a Dragon Whisperer will arise again, and with it a new empire will arise¡±.


    A smile creaked across Reales¡¯s whiskered snout. ¡°Dragon Whisperers have long since passed, and indeed legends say one shall rise again ¨C a mage able to split one¡¯s own soul as well as the soul of the dragon. Reuniting them as one. But thus far in our time, the legend has run thin. The last known Dragon Whisperer was Horas, one of Albirth¡¯s most feared emperors, forging his control through blood, and the ember flames of his Elder Dragon, Safir¡±, Reales paused, taking a breath. ¡°His Blackclaw empire rose from a small group of rebel mercenaries, to one of the most powerful empires the United 5 kingdoms, and the outer kingdoms, had ever seen. An army of over 350,000 soldiers at the time, split into 30 separate Imperial Battalions. Add that to the empire¡¯s most feared weapons, three Elder Dragons, able to produce flames as hot as the earths core¡±. Reales¡¯s eyes began to bulge as he continued, waving his arms in the air with each word.


    ¡°And even over a thousands years later, the Blackclaw Empire is still one of the most feared and powerful armies within the 5 main kingdoms ¨C but gods above, apologies, I get lost in the history of our little floating rock. As for your worry, Horas was the last know Dragon Whisperer, and with his death within the Siege of Gods, his three Elder Dragons were slaughtered. And seemingly with it, the breed of Dragon Whisperers were wiped clean from the kingdoms¡±, he paused, thinking out his words before releasing them. ¡°Is the rise of a Dragon Whisperer impossible? no. But the chances would be much less than thin; A dragon naturally travelling into the wrong kingdom is the most likely answer¡±, he shrugged. ¡°But enough of this talk, let us find you a steed¡±.


    Exiele nodded slowly, trying to take in all of the information. ¡°Gods above¡±, he whispered under his breath. ¡°How incredible it would be, to be a Dragon Whisperer¡±.


    ¡°It would indeed¡±, Reales said, pulling a small glowing solidified mass of green Kakara from his pouch, which had been forged into the form of a large key. He quickly slipped the glowing key into the huge oak sliding doors of the stable. He twisted the key twice, before an echoing click reverberated through the grassy lands surrounding them. The door let out a sigh of disapproval, before slowly sliding to the left. Revealing a huge open wooden room, massive chandelier¡¯s painted the impossibly large stable with a warm orange hue. On either side of the colossal wooden room, were long lines of hard oak fencing which separated a seemingly unending set of squared areas of fresh grass. In each of these area¡¯s about 5-6 horses rested, each of them looking over to their new visitor.


    The side walls of the wooden stable had large hollow gaps travelling through their mid point, allowing the horses to get some fresh air. Reales urged Exiele forward. ¡°Here in this stable, are some of the most magnificent, powerful beasts of any of the 5 kingdoms¡±, he slipped the large glowing key into his pouch wrapped around his thick, fur matted chest. ¡°I have no advice regarding the picking of a steed. Instead I would say, let your soul do the picking. Like the Elders said, in your Grand Hunt, or any hunt beyond that, your steed will be your everything¡±.


    Exiele nodded. Slowly walking down the long line of fenced sections. Locking eyes with each of the beautiful horses. His feet dragged across thick clumps of hay, which were scattered in bulk across the wooden floors.


    Reales followed closely behind him, passing a hand across each of the horses, who seemed to lift their heads up and smile towards him.


    ¡°Do any take your notice the most?¡±, Reales asked, his hand was resting on the back of a beautiful, muscular white and black horse. Its eyes seemed to glow within the sunlight reflected between the wooden pallets.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±, Exiele replied, his eyes gazed across the hundreds of horses, marvelling at their sheer size and strength.


    One beautiful, large pitch black steed walked out from the outer fenced section, it¡¯s shoulders we¡¯re wide and well built. Its back legs were were as thick as Exiele¡¯s width. The horses ocean blue eyes locked with his, a sense of peace roared through his core. Its blackened mane blew gently as a gust of wind blew against it¡¯s face; it moved forward, ushering it¡¯s head into Exiele¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Ilius¡±, Reales said, walking next to Exiele and resting his hand on the steed¡¯s muscular back.


    ¡°He¡¯s beautiful¡±, Exiele said, the horse seemed to nod thanks.


    ¡°One of the most wonderful I have ¨C I do believe, Ilius is the perfect pick for yourself¡±.


    Exiele nodded in agreement. ¡°Like you said, I think he picked me¡±, Ilius waged his thick black tail from left to right. His hooves leaving deep marks in the moist grass below.


    ¡°Let us see for armour¡±, Reales smiled, walking over to the large lock on the side of the fence. He grabbed the same glowing key from within his pouch, and after channelling a small amount of solidified Kakara, the key¡¯s original form began to change. Then, once the morphing process was complete, Reales clicked open the lock, and allowed Ilius to trot out into the walkway. His hooves collided with the wooden floorboard¡¯s with an echoing clunk. He lifted his head up nudging Exiele. Exiele smiled.


    Reales lead them down the walkway, and before an open wooden platform which held an assortment of armour plates and mounts.


    ¡°Now as you see here, I have a small amount of amour plates forged for mounts, most are either died as black as obsidian, or as white as quartz. Though the colour does not change the masterful craftsmanship¡±, he paused with a grin, opening another small cupboard, which revealed three panelled walls of armour, and weapon mounts specifically designed for the horses within the stable. ¡°Forged by me first hand¡±.


    Exiele marvelled at the endless walls of armour; Each plate was so thoroughly polished, the sun¡¯s reflection could be seen clearly within their surface. On the left side of the wooden frames, all of white armour plates were stored, and on the right side it was the black ones. His eyes were drawn to this side. The darkness of the plates would fit well to Ilius¡¯s pitch black frame.


    ¡°Can I get a full obsidian black armour plate set, as well as a large two weapon Mount¡±.


    Reales seemingly began to collect the objects before Exiele finished his sentence.


    ¡°A very good choice¡±, he said, balancing each of the thick plates of solid metal on his forearms. ¡°Shall we bring them outside?¡±


    Exiele nodded, carefully leading Ilius along the wooden walkway and towards the closest exit. Sunlight spilled out from the beyond the slatted doorway. Reales walked ahead of them, taking careful steps while leaning slightly backwards, allowing the heavy plates to lay against his chest. ¡°Once we ensure the armour fits comfortably, I shall resume my meditations¡±, he huffed.


    Exile smiled, knowing this was his polite way of saying he wanted some peace. ¡°Sounds Good¡±.


    For the following 20 minuets, Reales went through each section of armour, and ensured they fit Ilius comfortably. Then he went about adding straps and hinges, as well as a few more adjustments to ensure the armour could be put on quickly and efficiently. Ilius stood still in place throughout this process, every so often he would look up and watch the other animals surrounding him. Getting lost in their beautiful colours. Then, once finished, Reales led Ilius down into the independent stables, where each Hunters horse would be allowed to roam free. Thankfully this grassland had a travelling waterfall, meaning he could get down to Reales¡¯s and back up to the academy much easier. Avoiding the horribly withered staircase. Exiele and Reales exchanged a few more words before Exiele travelled up the waterfall and made his way back over to his shack. Where he spent most of the remaining day and night meditating above the Kakara Gem, channelling it¡¯s seemingly infinite amount of Kakara.

 Chapter Five.

    The tunnel¡¯s were suffocating on hot days; Reales had come to know this fact incredibly well throughout his time within the Legion. If you didn¡¯t have a strong pair of lungs on you, chances were, you would suffocate if you stayed within the channels for too long. The tunnels themselves were simple enough ¨C the section he currently traversed was made with glowing stone taken directly from the Ulious Mega Volcano, located at the Mountains of Jeruslie. Which had been worked down into manageable slabs, and used to decorate the walls and floors, though Reales had always disliked the darkened green glow they produced. Though other forms of glowing stone, such as the naturally forming stones of the Friknik Ocean, he loved. And used regularly in his land, to add a nice blue glow to his collection of shacks and chambers. The many other tunnels and channels hidden within the mountain were made up of an assortment of cobblestone slabs and walls, others were made with wooden pallets, and some were simply nothing but carved earth.


    Reales turned the corner at the end of the walkway, and continued down into a long wooden tunnel which seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Though his powerful body closed that distance quickly. For him, a steady stroll was as fast as any mortal man¡¯s full sprint. Considering he was currently running. His speed was almost too fast for eyes to detect. He was in a rush, and needed to meet with the Elder Priests as soon as possible. He had left to meet them almost as soon as Exiele had started back to his shack. He couldn¡¯t waste a single second. Something was going on, and for some reason Exiele was made part of it. He took another left, zooming past a tunnel made of pure metal. His clawed feet rattled against its dull surface. Initially, Reales had sent out  what the Legion calls a Driskoli, or in more simple words, an emergency meeting wave. This technique was simple enough, high ranking members of the Legion with enough efficiency in the many forms of Kakara, would be able to transfer a concentrated wave of energy which would be detected by other high ranking members. Then the recipient would send a wave of energy back to inform the sender that they had received it. This was utilised by the Legion as an effective way to request emergency meetings without any information being leaked.


    But after waiting for a few minuets and receiving no wave of energy back from the Elders, Reales quickly sent a messenger hawk directly to the Elder¡¯s Sanctuary. He didn¡¯t know if they had received it or not, but either way, he was urging towards the meeting chamber as quickly as he could. This was a matter that had to be discussed and investigated before it evolved into a genuine problem. And any wasted second could be the difference between success, and failure. He crossed into a small open cavern, which was decorated with long skeleton like bushes of twisting vines.  Then he quickly turned passed a natural waterfall and entered yet another long glowing stone tunnel. He wasn¡¯t far now. A few more left turns would send him directly to the staircase which lead to the meeting chamber.


    After only 5 more minutes of running, Reales came face to face with a giant 10 foot tall, 7 foot long wooden, gold rimmed door. Which stretched from wall to wall, and from floor to ceiling. Along its wooden surface at odd intervals, were large gold semicircles, no bigger than an apple. Which were lined across its width in groups of 3. On either wall next to the door, three large lanterns provided a dull orange glow. Behind him a colossal set of stairs seemed to travel down to infinity. The blackness beyond the stairs was so thick, it might as well been painted on by an artist.


    Reales carefully placed one clawed hand onto the splintered surface of the door, positioned in the centre of three gold semicircle¡¯s which formed a triangle. He closed his emerald eyes. Taking deep breaths. Centralising his Kakara.


    He had to channel his Kakara into a perfectly triangular formation, so each of the three points connected perfectly with the gold semicircles. A hard task, even for him. Naturally any shape or form made of three points, was a near impossibility to replicate with Kakara, unless the individual was exceptionally gifted within its many arts. Historians and scholars call it the Figure of Three, though it is still deemed a mystery as to why it takes place.


    With one final deep breath, Reales began to channel his collected Kakara into his hand, a glowing green mass began to spiral throughout his fingers. Travelling into the splintered wood of the door, thin lines of centralised Kakara began to stretch out to each of the gold semicircles, which began to glow a bright emerald. Reales opened his eyes, watching the snake like tendrils of Kakara interlock with one another, forming a perfect triangle. The door grunted once, before slowly opening inward. Orange fire light spilled out into Reales¡¯s view, blending in with the green mist which still emitted from his hand.


    Beyond the doorway, the massive meeting chamber was revealed, which looked more like a court than anything else. On all surrounding walls, rows of wooden seats wrapped around each of the corners. About 15 rows of seating was lined on top of each other. All facing down towards the three giant quartz thrones which sat within the centre of the room. To Reales¡¯s relief, the three Elder Priests were sat on each of them. Impatience written in their face. Standing next to them was Malachi, the hand, and younger brother of the Emperor. Reales hated him with all his heart. But he forced a smile.


    ¡°Reales you requested an emergency meeting?¡±, one of the Elder¡¯s said, a questioning tone emitting from his voice. The other two Elder¡¯s looked up at him.


    ¡°Yes¡±, Reales said, walking closer to the centre of the room. ¡°I have received some disturbing news¡±.


    ¡°Speak of this news¡±, Malachi bellowed, his hands crossed against his heavily armoured chest.


    Reales growled. ¡°I do not answer to outsiders Malachi, I will await for the Elders to request me to speak¡±. His words were like venom.


    ¡°Speak¡±, the third Elder said.


    Reales nodded. ¡°I was speaking with Exiele Bourne, one of the hunters preparing for the Grand Hunt. He spoke of a dream he had¡±, he paused for a short moment. ¡°From what he told me, he was meditating in the outer stretches of the Mountain. I had told him it was a good place for channeling Kakara. In this time he said he found a large cave that sat next to the Forested Lake, and his curiosity got the best of him¡±.


    The Elders leaned forward in their thrones, listening intently.


    ¡°It was once entering the cave that he realised the entrance had disappeared. Then, when looking around the chamber he found he was no longer in a cave at all, but a man made room. He said he left the room through a wooden door, which lead him into an ancient crypt¡±, he paused, taking a breath. ¡°It is here where my concerns starts Elders, for he walked directly into a summoning ritual. He said the robed figures were bone white with small sharp teeth and glowing red eyes. Then he detailed that they had reptile like black wings. Do these entities sound familiar to you Elders?¡±


    Their eyes narrowed. ¡°Denita¡¯s¡±, they said collectively. Reales nodded.


    ¡°That was the thing that made me worry. There is no way that Exiele would be able to figure out, or know what a Denita is, or what they look like. On top of that, the amount of details he spoke of regarding the ritual, no Hunter of this Legion would be able to gain knowledge of¡±.


    The Elders nodded. ¡°This is very worrying indeed¡±, one of them sighed. Leaning back on their throne. ¡°Continue¡±.


    ¡°Towards the end of the ritual, the Denita¡¯s became aware of Exiele¡¯s presence. They called him the Seeker of the Vessel, and drained his blood into the tainted flames. It seems that Exiele has been chosen to find the next vessel they seek ¨C Once this process was over, Exiele said everything went black. And he awoke in his shack¡±.


    ¡°And so it was a dream¡±, Malachi butted in, a smug look painted on his face.


    ¡°How can one dream of things they have no wisdom of?¡± Reales hissed. ¡°You are not part of the Legion and therefore do not understand. Denita¡¯s have remained in the shadows since the Siege of Gods. Migrating to the outer kingdoms where they have stayed in relative silence. It has only been the past few years that sighting¡¯s of them in the main lands have emerged. And unlike the 5 Kingdoms, Blood Kakara is not a sin within the outer kingdoms. Therefore they have undoubtedly become very adapt to its forms and powers¡±.


    ¡°And what are you as the Legion of Hunters doing about it? Last time I checked it was the Empire who protects the lands, and if a threat of Denita¡¯s arose, it would be our battalions that deal with them. Not you¡±.


    Reales clenched his clawed hands together. ¡°The Denita¡¯s are not my worry, Malachi. It is what ever they are trying to summon. We don¡¯t know what or who it is. Or what kind of destruction it could bring to our lands¡±.


    ¡°Silence¡±, one of the Elders roared. Standing to his feet. ¡°We still don¡¯t know if any merit is behind the dream¡±, he said. ¡°But it is a serious enough matter for us to look into it. If this dream is reality, Reales is right¡±. He turned to face the hand of the Emperor. ¡°It is true that it is the empire that protects these lands, but it is our Hunters that make it a safer place to travel. Therefore I expect more respect from you¡±. He turned back to Reales.


    ¡°If Exiele has been made the seeker of the vessel, we must keep an eye on him in his travels. He may end up helping the Denita¡¯s without even knowing it. Blood Kakara is a dangerous form, one that even the oldest and most wise of practitioner¡¯s cannot fully grasp. This is not a matter to argue about who does the best for the kingdoms. This is a matter that we need to discuss as one and come to a plan of action. If this dream was indeed a reality, it means that the Denita¡¯s are in contact with an ancient entity, one that they worship, and are trying to resurrect. And I assure you Malachi¡±, he turned to face the hand. ¡°If what they are attempting is successful, there¡¯s no way of knowing how much power the entity may have¡±.


    Malachi nodded. ¡°I agree¡±, he said, placing one gauntleted hand on the Elders shoulder. ¡°But a dream of a man who has never stepped foot off this mountain, is the least of mine or the emperors worries¡±, he paused. ¡°The Blackclaw Empire is growing in its power by the day, they are declaring more and more battles towards our borders. Even now, there are 4 different battles going on, all focused on this war. I cannot avert our focus from our immediate worries, worries which have merit. Especially for something as small as a dream¡±.


    The Elder brushed his hand off his shoulder. ¡°I do not expect you too Malachi, and I do not expect you to understand the full extent of what this dream could mean. But I do need you to understand, if this dream truly does have merit, the Blackclaw Empire will be the smallest of your worries¡±.


    The second Elder Priest stood from his throne. His long white beard fell down past his stomach. Braided at its end.


    ¡°I have a suggestion¡±, he bellowed. The third Elder Priest nodded, before taking a seat. ¡°Like the Elder Priest said, we do not expect you to do anything about it as of now Malachi. It is our job to find whether this is truth or not. But, in the event that we find true merit within this dream. Proof of its reality. Can we trust you, as the hand of the Emperor, to provide us with troops to help negate this issue before it evolves into something beyond all of our capabilities¡±.


    Malachi seemed to consider the Elder¡¯s words, before nodding. ¡°I give you my word, in place of the Emperor¡±, he said, bowing lightly. ¡°Though, I will request it is solid proof, and not philosophical¡±.


    Reales smiled at that. Clearly he knew the Elder¡¯s well. In turn, the Elder nodded in agreement, before lowering himself down into his quartz throne.


    ¡°Now¡±, Malachi continued. ¡°I trust this matter is now covered, may I in turn add one of the Emperors own worries¡±.


    ¡°Of course¡±, the third Elder said, plucking some loose fabric from his large white robes. Malachi smiled, before continuing.


    ¡°As I¡¯m sure you are all aware, there has been many sightings of a black dragon in Dreashire, you don¡¯t need to be wise to know this isn¡¯t something that just naturally happens. If it was only one occurrence, then just like the dream, it wouldn¡¯t hold much merit. But over the past month, there has been over 10 official reports from the 3rd and 4th battalions of the Empire stating they saw the dragon roaming the skies. Over 150 reports if you include civilians also¡±, he took a breath, glaring over at Reales, before turning once more to face the Elders. ¡°The emperor is growing fearful that within the Blackclaw Empire, a dragon whisperer has arisen¡±.


    ¡°Out of these reports, how many were separate occasions?¡±, Reales asked, his eyes wide.


    Malachi¡¯s face grimaced. ¡°We have it listed as at least 5 separate occasions the past month¡±.


    ¡°Then it is not an asking matter¡±, one of the Elder Priests bellowed. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been 5 separate dragon sightings in Dreashire since Horas¡¯s death along with his 3 Elder Dragons over a thousand years ago. And now In a month there has been 5? It is undoubtedly a Dragon Whisperer of some kind¡±.


    Malachi¡¯s eyes screwed up, clearly it wasn¡¯t the answer he was looking for.


    The priest continued. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean that the Dragon Whisperer is working with the Blackclaw Empire¡±.


    Malachi scowled. ¡°Just today the dragon attacked a small village not far from this mountain. Strangely enough, it held two of the most important blacksmiths in this county. Both of which worked heavily with our battalion¡¯s. Doesn¡¯t that seem a bit strange Elder Priest?¡±


    ¡°Strange indeed, but if the Blackclaw Empire was planning on destroying your means to armour and weaponry, then surely they would attack The Elmcroft Estate, where the bulk of your military¡¯s weapons and armour is crafted¡±.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Malachi turned away from the Elder¡¯s, his stained black Dreskofian armour was as dark as the surrounding shadows. ¡°This is not a matter that we can leave alone Elder¡±, he paused. ¡°A dragon, and a dragon whisperer. Something that has been considered a myth for hundreds of years. And if that dragon whisperer is working within the Blackclaw Empire, there is no way of knowing how much blood will be shed throughout the lands. We can not just simply carry on, and hope nothing happens¡±.


    ¡°No¡±, Reales cut it. ¡°You can¡¯t. So if I were you, I would begin work on some defensive weaponry which will be able to fight back against the dragon. That way if it is within Blackclaw, you will have preprepared defensive measures to minimise damage ¨C But don¡¯t attack the dragon until you know that it is within Blackclaw¡¯s ranks, dragons are rare as it is¡±.


    Malachi nodded, his armour clanked as he turned to face him. ¡°That is the only reason we haven¡¯t attacked it yet¡±.


    ¡°That is a very good suggestion Reales¡±, the Elder said with a smile. Reales was taken aback, he had never seen any of the Priests smile. Then the Elder turned to face Malachi.


    ¡°I would set your blacksmiths to make the catapult contraption The Order called The Halis. That is what was used to kill Horas¡¯s three Elder Dragons millennia ago. I expect with the jump in machinery over the past few decades, you will be able to make some highly effective weapons¡±. The Priest seemed to get lost in thought for a moment.


    ¡°The arrows utilised in the Halis should be at least 6 foot in length, meaning the Halis itself should be much larger than that. And on the tip of the arrow, use some enchanted ice crystal. Dragons are natural bearers of fire Kakara, and any kind of ice or water Kakara can disturb their flow of energy¡±, he paused. ¡°We have some old blueprints of the original Halis¡¯ utilised in the Siege of Gods, but like you said with Exiele¡¯s dream, I want some real proof that the dragon whisperer is working with Blackclaw before I get prints copied for your blacksmiths¡±.


    Malachi eyes focused on the Elder Priests. ¡°Very well Elder, we have a few troops of researchers and soldiers looking into the matter, we hope to hear back from them in the coming weeks¡±, he paused, a harsh expression forming on his face. ¡°But if this dragon whisperer attacks before we get those blueprints, I will see to it that each of your heads are placed on stakes at the forefront of the academy¡±.


    The Elder smiled. ¡°We both know, you wouldn¡¯t be able to do that Malachi. You are far to low a rank, even as the emperors hand. Now show some respect while your under our roof. If I remember correctly, it was you who was asking for advice¡±.


    Malachi grimaced. Resting his hand of the handle of his blackened long sword. ¡°The emperor shows you and the Legion respect everyday, that¡¯s why your academy is still standing, and your castle isn¡¯t being used directly by the Empire¡±, he paused, forcing himself to stop before carrying on with his sentence. His jaw tensed visibly as he clenched his teeth.


    ¡°Very well¡±, the third Elder Priest said, slowly standing from his throne. ¡°I believe this meeting is over¡±.


    Malachi scowled, before making his way to the furthest side of the meeting chamber. Stopping before a small replica of the large doorway to the chamber, but on a much smaller level. He placed his hand on its splintered surface, before with a sudden burst of white, the door swung open. Revealing a steady stream of water jetting down from above.


    ¡°If it were to me, this academy would have been made a part of the Empire a long time ago¡±, he hissed. Before holding out his arms, and walking into the water. His body shot up and disappeared out of view.


    The Elder¡¯s followed closely behind, walking towards the travelling waterfall. ¡°Fucking fool¡±, one of them whispered.


    ¡°Elder¡¯s¡±, Reales called out, still standing before the now empty quartz thrones. They all turned to face him.


    ¡°We must treat this dream as if we already know it¡¯s a reality, it¡¯s far to dangerous to ignore¡±.


    Each of them nodded. ¡°And we shall, once I get back to my chambers I will contact a local Inspector to examine this cave you speak of. I would advise you and Barion go with him ¨C if there is Blood Kakara taking place on this Mountain, I want to know how it has been made possible¡±.


    With that, each Elder Priest stepped through into the jetting stream of water one by one, disappearing as they shot back up to the surface, leaving plumes of foaming white in their wake. Leaving Reales alone in the meeting chamber once more.


    ***


    It had been a long day so far. Exiele sat on a small wooden stall, watching the Elder Historian slowly print out each of the 30 spells he had requested. He had debated whether to take a nap or not while waiting, as he had ended up staying up most the night before meditating with the Kakara Gem, slowly processing its steady stream of energy. Only managing to get about 3 hours sleep until he was woken up by Miles knocking on his door. That was a few hours back now, and Exiele could feel agitation growing within his gut, as he watched the Historian take their merry time printing his spells.


    Usually this free time would be filled up with combat training, in both Kakara forms, and sword play. But for the week before the Grand Hunt, the hunters were left to their own devices, training and preparing themselves in whatever way they see fit. And if Exiele was to be honest, he didn¡¯t feel like waiting 5 hours to get some spells printed was a very effective use of his time.


    He turned his gaze away from the Historian, and over to the long set of bookshelves next to him, which seemed to stretch on for infinity. The library was made up of 5 separate levels, each of these levels held approximately 500 different bookshelves all lined up next to each other, then another 500 bookshelves above them. Each bookshelf held about 1000 books, and 500 scrolls each. So as you could probably imagine, finding what you want in this maze was almost impossible. Luckily enough the Historians set up a Kakara system in which you could write the name of what you were looking for in a large enchanted leather bound book, which would be placed at the entrance to each of the 5 levels. Then, once writing what you want down onto it¡¯s stained decaying pages. The scroll, spell or book you were looking for would levitate from its respected bookshelf, and over to where you were standing. But this system had gotten a bit wonky over the years. And most the hunters utilised the Historians, who somehow knew where every scroll and or spell was located.


    Exiele was currently sat on the 3rd level of the library by the Historians area. He could still see the short man copying each script one by one with a floating quill, and he was still taking his merry time.


    ¡°Exiele fucking Bourne¡±, he heard a voice bellow from behind him. Exiele turned to meet eyes with Jilo Dee, another hunter awaiting their Grand Hunt. He was a tall and thin lad, who wore round black spectacles which looked far too large for his face.


    ¡°Jilo, I haven¡¯t seen you in ages¡±, Exiele smiled, standing from the small wooden stool.


    ¡°Yeah you haven¡¯t, cus I¡¯ve been out in Dreashire visiting the best brothels the lands had to offer ¨C it turns out they take a liking for hunters¡±, he winked.


    Exiele laughed. Jilo had a pension for making stories up, most of them were dramatically over the top, and always made to make him seem like the knight in shinning armour. But every so often he would try pull something like this off.


    ¡°Yeah right¡±, Exiele grinned. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t last two seconds off this mountain on your own. Though, the brothels were at least believable, no way you would be getting anything for free out there¡±.


    Jilo laughed. ¡°Believe what you want my friend, but the proof is in the pudding¡±. He said with a wink.


    ¡°What you doing in the library anyway? You come to get some spells printed?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I got 20 spells, 3 scrolls and 2 books to be copied¡±.


    One of Exiele¡¯s eye brows rose high above the other. ¡°Good luck with that. I¡¯ve been waiting here for 2 hours and I¡¯m only having 30 spells copied, each one only has upwards of 2 to 3 scripts. And yet here I am, and it looks like the Historian ain¡¯t even half way through¡±.


    They both turned to look at the Historian across the walkway, he was sandwiched behind a small desk. The floating quill still slowly writing down ancient scripts onto a pile of empty scrolls. He gave them both a dirty look, before looking back down at his desk. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s taking him so long¡±.


    ¡°Fuck¡± Jilo sighed. ¡°I only just left my stuff downstairs with Level 2¡¯s Historian¡±. He slapped his hand onto his forehead. ¡°I¡¯m gonna be here for the rest of the day, and the night¡±.


    ¡°Hey¡±, Exiele smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°At least you got some sweet, sweet memories outside the Academy¡±.


    Jilo swiped his hand from his shoulder with a grin. ¡°Yeah, yeah, shut up¡±, he said. ¡°What¡¯s your hunt anyway? Miles said your going to the Floating City of Gididas¡±.


    ¡°Sure am¡±, Exiele said, puffing out his chest. ¡°Academy knew I was the only one who would be able to deal with such an assignment¡±.


    Jilo screwed his face. ¡°Absolute bollocks¡±, he laughed. ¡°Their probably trying to get rid of you¡±.


    Exiele shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s your hunt though?¡±


    ¡°I gotta go to a small fishing village called Big¡¯El, it¡¯s not that far from Gididas, apparently there¡¯s a leviathan snatching villagers up as they go out fishing¡±.


    ¡°Shit¡±, Exiele nodded. ¡°Clearly they think your capable as well, leviathan¡¯s are huge¡±.


    ¡°Yeah I don¡¯t exactly know how I¡¯m gonna go about it, luckily I found a water spell which allows me to breath under water, but I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m gonna kill the thing¡±.


    ¡°Did you grab the Index of Water Bound Beasts? Lots of tips and tricks around how to deal with sea creatures such as the Leviathan¡±.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s one of the two books I¡¯m getting copied.


    Exiele nodded, looking back over towards the Historian. Who seemed to have picked up the pace, the floating quill now inked the scrolls slightly quicker than it had been the past few hours.


    ¡°But hey, at least Big¡¯El ain¡¯t far from Gididas, we¡¯ll be able to make the journey together for the most part. The Elder Priests can be strict when it comes down the actual hunt, but they did say their happy for hunters to travel together. It¡¯s only when you arrive at your destination you need to be on your own¡±.


    ¡°What comes first, Gididas or Big¡¯El?¡±


    ¡°Gididas comes first, I¡¯ll be leaving you there and continuing to ride for about 5 hours into Jelou Le, before I reach Big¡¯El¡±.


    Exiele nodded slowly, looking up to see Len Giddan walk up the staircase and onto the 3rd level of the library. He had a stack of about 10 books balanced in his arms. A look of anger crossed his face when he saw the Elder Historian already copying scripts.


    ¡°Fuck¡±, he muttered.


    ¡°Probably better to check the other levels Len, this copying business is taking a stupid amount of time¡±, Exiele called over to him, waving his hand in the air.


    Len jumped up momentarily to rebalance the books as they were about to fall from his arms. ¡°By the looks of the first 3 levels, the rest won¡¯t be much different¡±.


    Exiele shrugged. ¡°It would probably be easier to come in tomorrow, apparently the libraries been busy since the meeting in the Sacred Chapel¡±.


    Len went to reply, but the sudden shrill voice of the angered Elder Historian cut through the silence before he had the chance.


    ¡°This is a library Hunters, and if I hear your voices again, I will freeze your vocal chords in your throat¡±. His words were like venom seeping through veins. Len nodded once towards the Historians reddened gaze, before disappearing up the staircase towards the 4th level.


    ¡°Gods above¡±, Jilo muttered. ¡°Something''s got his nickers in a twist¡±.


    ¡°I can still hear you Jilo¡±, the Historian growled, his eyes burned holes through the back of his head, as Jilo pretended he didn¡¯t hear him speak. After a few moments of glaring at Jilo, the Historian tuned his gaze to Exiele.


    ¡°Exiele?¡±, he said.


    ¡°Yes Elder Historian¡±, Exiele replied with a cheeky smile. Expecting at any moment for his vocal chords to seize within his throat.


    ¡°I am on the final scroll you have requested, it will take no long than 5 minuets¡±.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s a surprise¡­¡±. Jilo¡¯s words suddenly came to a screeching halt. The final syllable never left his mouth. He turned his panicked gaze over at the Historian, who just smiled in pleasure. It seemed Jilo wouldn¡¯t be speaking again while he waited for his copies.


    With a laugh, Exiele placed his hand on Jilo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°See you later on tonight, if not I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. That¡¯s if you not travelling out to any brothels¡±, he smiled. Before walking over to the Historians desk across the walkway. The historian was no where to be seen, but he had left a large wooden crate on the desk¡¯s splintered surface, it¡¯s contents was filled to the brim with his copied scrolls. Each one sealed with the typical purple ribbon, and purple wax.


    He quickly picked up the wooden crate, and began to traverse his way back down to the ground level of the library. A task much easier said than done. The first two staircases were on the opposite side of the 3rd level, meaning he had to traverse the maze of bookshelves and cabinets which took up much of the floors room. This would be much easier if there were indicators as to where the stairs are located, but there isn¡¯t. And even after travelling through the library for 18 years of his life, he still got lost regularly.


    He took a right past a large pillar of stone, which stretched up to meet the stained glass ceiling 2 floors above, which was masterfully crafted into a scene where a hunter was fighting a beast called a Ghol, which was simply put, a 4 headed lion of huge proportion. After a few more moments of traversing the maze of books, he found the opening of the staircase. A long line of large locked glass cabinets ran along the wall to the stairs left. This was where the Legion kept all the scrolls and spells the hunters weren¡¯t aloud to read until they reached a certain level of assignments. He passed the cabinets and continued his decent back down to the ground floor.


    Miles was waiting for him outside the library¡¯s grand entranceway. Once Exiele met up with him, he would lead him down to Algath¡¯s alchemy chamber, which was across the other side of the mountain. Away from the main bulk of the other alchemy chambers. Apparently Algath wasn¡¯t fond of busy areas, or people in general at that. And considering there was always hundreds of hunters of all ages roaming the main circumference of the castle, and If not wondering around, they would be practising their Kakara formations, or studying the many shapes it can take. Algath had decided to make a home in an old abandoned chamber which sat amongst the wilderness. Exiele supposed it suited his character well enough. After collecting some elixirs from Algath, he planned to utilise the following 2 days before the hunt to study, and channel more energy from the Kakara gem. He still hadn¡¯t began practising the blast method either, but he figured he would have to practise that while travelling the lands of Dreashire. He would be lucky to process even half of the gems Kakara in his remaining time, meaning he wouldn¡¯t have time to generate blasts within the 2 days he had left.


    Exiele took the final turn off the staircase and made his way over to the library¡¯s exit. Which sported many gargoyles carved into the large pillars which supported the weight of the floors above the archway. Fresh gusts of wind drew in from the opening, gracing his skin with the elegance of nature. He would have to drop off the crate of scrolls to his shack on the way to Algath¡¯s chamber, but he would worry about that when him and Miles made there way up onto the second section of the mountain. For now, he needed to get his elixirs, so then he could turn his focus to preparing for the Grand Hunt.

 Chapter Six.

    The orange glow of the setting sun edged its way past the dancing tree¡¯s which surrounded Exiele and Miles. A cold edge had borrowed its way into the cool air, sending razor like chills up their spines.


    ¡°Not far now¡±, Miles said, jumping over a small hole in the sodden earth below.


    ¡°You¡¯ve said that three times now Miles, if I knew it would be this long a hike, I would have just visited the Elder Wizard Ghahali for my elixirs¡±.


    Miles laughed. ¡°That old bag of bones probably doesn¡¯t even remember who he is, let alone how to form healing positions¡±.


    ¡°Yeah, but at least it would only be a 10 minuet walk at most to his chamber¡±.


    Miles shrugged, giving Exiele a cheeky look. ¡°Yeah well, you have to make sacrifices in order to get the highest quality elixirs. And Algath¡¯s positions are the finest the Academy has ever seen¡±.


    Exiele looked out past the horizon, squinting as he watched the final beams of light fade from the darkened skies above.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be dark out by the time we start our trek back to the shacks¡±, he said. ¡°Good I brought my dagger, because we¡¯re defiantly gonna be seeing some Hogbats on the way¡±.


    ¡°At least you¡¯ll get some combat practise in¡±.


    They both shielded their face as they past through some thick tree branches, which seemed to whip out at them, as they walked out from the treeline, and into an open baron, Rocky plain. Giant boulder¡¯s were scattered about its rugged surface, like dead soldiers on a long forgotten battlefield.


    ¡°Look¡±, Miles said, pointing out towards a large mound of jagged rocks. ¡°Just over that pile of rocks you''ll see Algath¡¯s chamber¡±.


    ¡°Is he aware we¡¯re coming?¡±


    ¡°Well of-course¡­ well, he knows I¡¯m coming anyway. He wouldn¡¯t be very pleased if he knew you were coming as well¡±.


    Exiele shot Miles a look of disbelief. ¡°He doesn¡¯t even know I¡¯m coming?¡±


    ¡°If I told him you were coming as-well, he would have told me to shove the elixirs up my arse¡±, Miles replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Does he even know we need elixirs?¡±


    ¡°No I didn¡¯t tell him that either¡±.


    ¡°God¡¯s above, then why have we trekked half the mountain to meet with him?¡±


    ¡°I figured you could be more, what¡¯s the word? Persuasive in person¡±.


    Exiele stared at Miles as it he had started growing horns of his head. ¡°Your stupidity never ceases to amaze me Miles¡±.


    ¡°Look, if I told him you were coming as well, he would have told me to fuck off¡±.


    ¡°Brilliant, and now he can tell you to fuck off to your face¡±.


    Miles suddenly held up his arm and halted still in place, Exiele walked directly into his upheld hand, which bumped into his leather shielded chest.


    ¡°Wait¡±, he said.


    Exiele froze in place, looking up to see Algath¡¯s small cobblestone chamber. Which sported a triangular wooden roof, and multiple smooth stone support beams that travelled down deep beneath the rocky earth below. There was a single window on the left side of the wall, which spilled out bright orange firelight, that sliced through the surrounding shadows. On its right side stood a thick steel rimmed door, which had the words ¡®Do Not Knock, Leave Me Alone¡¯, carved deep into its faded surface.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna have to send a wave of Kakara to inform him of our¡­ I mean, my arrival. He don¡¯t like people knocking¡±, Miles said with a smile. Digging in his pocket¡¯s to retrieve a small metal, cylindrical object.


    ¡°Yeah I can tell¡±, Exiele replied, looking down at the small object within Miles¡¯ hand. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a channeller¡±, he said simply. ¡°A vessel for Kakara. People who can¡¯t channel natural Kakara can use it to capture the surrounding energy of the lands. It can¡¯t be used in combat or anything like that, but it has some mundane usages¡±.


    He held the small metal object above his head. There was a small circular opening within its centre, which was over coated with a thick layer of stained glass. After a few moments, the opening slowly began to glow a vivid purple. It was was dim at first, but it grew brighter by the second.


    ¡°That should do¡±, he said. Using his thumb to flick a switch at the bottom of the object. Which clicked as the opposite end popped open on a hinge, allowing the collected energy to be released. Exiele watched the thin trail of purple Kakara shoot forward and dissipate into a fine mist as it collided with the side of Algath¡¯s cobble shack.


    ¡°That should get his attention¡±, Miles said, placing the channeller back within his pocket. Keeping his eyes locked on the orange glow of the small window. Looking for any signs of Algath¡¯s presence. For a while nothing happened, except for the odd chirping of birds and animals as they settled down for the night. But then, as the moon rose high above the shadowed horizon which loomed before them. A low muffled voice emerged from beyond the large rusted, solid steel door.


    ¡°Fucking hell¡±, it said. Followed by the metallic rattling of chains and locks. Exiele gave Miles a questioning look, before a large bellowing thud echoed throughout the rocky plain surrounding them. The steel door swung open, smashing against the cobble wall next to it with such force Exiele thought the whole chamber might collapse.


    ¡°Miles?¡±, the bellowing voice rumbled, as a large 7 foot man stepped out from the orange glow within the Chamber. His brown robes were stained and withered, which hung loosely from his colossal frame.


    ¡°Who is this¡±, he hissed, glaring at Exiele as if he was the devil himself.


    ¡°My name is¡­¡±


    Algath cut in before he could finish his sentence. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less who you are, or why you¡¯re here. Fuck off, both of you¡±.


    ¡°Wait wait¡±, Miles said, holding out his arms as if he was pleading to the Gods. ¡°Hear us out¡±.


    ¡°I will hear nothing¡±, he hissed, turning away from them both. ¡°You have ruined my mood as it is¡±.


    ¡°I just need some elixirs Algath, I can wait halfway down the mountain if you want me too¡±, Exiele pleaded, momentarily looking from Algath, to Miles, then back to Algath again.


    ¡°Fuck off¡±, he roared, not turning back to look at the young hunter.


    ¡°Come on man, we¡¯ll pay whatever for them¡±, Miles shouted over to him.


    Algath snickered in reply. ¡°You have nothing to offer me, that I don¡¯t already have¡±.


    That¡¯s when Exiele had an idea, sure they didn¡¯t have any coin or materials the alchemist may need, but he did have some of the most valuable matter on the mountain, a Kakara Gem. He thought for moment, not knowing if he was willing to give it up.


    ¡°I have a proposal¡±, Exiele proclaimed, sounding like an unqualified politician.


    Algath turned before entering his chamber, his dark eyes rested to meet with Exiele¡¯s. The orange fire light painted his dark robes with thick patches of shadow. ¡°What would that be?¡±


    Exiele took a moment to collect his thoughts, he didn¡¯t want to give the whole Kakara Gem away, but if he could somehow split  the thing in half, he would at least be able to keep half of it to channel for himself. But what ever way he looked at it, he needed those elixirs.


    ¡°Do you own any Kakara Gems?¡±, he asked after a moment. Not knowing if he would end up regretting phrasing it as a question. Algath stared at Exiele, slowly passing a hand through his thick brown beard.


    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± He said after a moment, carefully ducking his head down below the cobble doorway, so that his skull wouldn¡¯t collide with the top panel.


    Answering a question with a question, touch¨¦ my friend, touch¨¦.


    ¡°Because I recently collected one from a cave hidden beyond the Forested Lake¡±, he paused for a moment, forcing the next words from his mouth. ¡°If you would be willing to make me my elixirs, I would be happy to gift you Kakara Gem as opposed to coin¡±.


    Miles shot a disbelieving look over to Exiele, his mouth shocked into staying open. But Exiele took no notice, he was too busy watching the large man before him, studying his body language. Algath¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°How have you acquired a Kakara Gem? If the Elder Priests knew of this, they would have you locked in isolation for months, missing one of your fingers¡±.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m hoping you will accept my offer ¨C I¡¯m sure a crystal of pure solidified Kakara would be in much better suited in the hands of an alchemist at your level of skill¡±, Exiele paused for a moment, kicking at a small rock below his feet.


    ¡°Initially I was hoping to centralise the Kakara Gem myself, and bring it into my own stream of energy. But if the only way for you to make me these elixirs is for me to gift you the Gem, I will part ways with it¡±.


    Algath shifted on his feet, his form only visible as a darkened silhouette stood beyond an ocean of orange firelight, which desperately urged its way out past the open doorway of his small cobble chamber.


    ¡°And am I simply suppose to trust your telling the truth?¡±, Algath said after a moment. ¡°Do you have proof of this Kakara Gem?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ not with me no¡±.


    ¡°Then your proposal has no merit, and I will ask you to politely fuck off from my land once more¡±. He gestured for both the young men to leave, waving his long arms in the air as if trying to cast a spell.


    ¡°Wait wait wait¡±, Exiele blurted out before the hulking alchemist had a chance to disappear within the warm glow of his chamber. ¡°What do you have to lose trusting me? Even if I was lying, you could tell the Elder Priests I had bribed you with lies, and I would be greatly punished¡±, he paused for a second. ¡°Do you think I would risk that?¡±


    ¡°From this short exchange I¡¯ve had with you, I wouldn¡¯t doubt that at all¡±, Algath shrugged. ¡°And if you were willing to take a Kakara Gem without a blessing from the Priests, then why would I doubt the fact you would risk lying to me about doing it¡±.


    ¡°Exactly¡±, Exiele roared. ¡°If I had the balls to lie to you about stealing it, that would mean i had the balls to go out and get the Kakara Gem in the first place¡±.


    Algath massaged his temples with an outstretched hand, he was feeling a headache on the horizon.


    ¡°Miles¡±, he said after a moment of silence. ¡°Can you vouch that your annoying friend here, is in fact telling me the truth about the Kakara Gem¡±.


    ¡°Yes 100%, you know I wouldn¡¯t lie to you Algath¡±, Miles replied, almost too quickly.


    Algath nodded. ¡°If I find out you¡¯ve also lied to me Miles, I will be greatly disappointed¡±. He then turned and walked into his small cobblestone chamber, leaving the door open behind him.


    ***


    The shack was much larger on the inside than it looked from the outside, and as Exiele walked through into the main bulk of the building, he found almost no free space on the floor in order to walk without tripping over. An assortment of old tea stained spell manuals, history books, rusted cauldrons, and large sacks filled with powders and substances he didn¡¯t realise, were scattered in abundance about the wood slabbed flooring.


    Seeing the chaotic mess of the chamber made it easier to see how Algath and Miles had become such good friends, considering the similar state Miles¡¯ shack was in. But when when it came down to their personalities, he couldn¡¯t find two people more different even if he tried ¨C but he supposed the saying ¡®opposites attract¡¯ existed for a reason.


    Above on the ceiling hung a large bronze chandelier with four lit candles on each extending point, painting the room a vibrant orange. Glaring about the rest of the room Exiele found the walls were covered in rotting scripts and strange writings he couldn¡¯t decipher, though he assumed they contained instructions for various potions and elixirs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything¡±, Algath growled as he approached the back end of the room. Before he swiftly reached down and picked up two large sacks and hoisted them up and over his shoulder. His face reddened from the strain.


    This is when Exiele noticed something strange, although this was an alchemist¡¯s chamber, he couldn¡¯t see any cauldrons, automatic mixers, empty flasks or anything else you would typically see in the abode of any practitioner of alchemy. Sure he had all the scrips and materials, but nothing to put them to use with.


    He glared over to the only stone table within the chamber, and saw multiple large jar¡¯s filled with a glowing green liquid sat atop a few hulking leather tomes. Flakes of yellow energy seemed to form within the elixirs, before shooting up and out of its bubbling surface, turning into a luminescent yellow mist as they met with the air.


    ¡°Channelling Elixirs¡±, Miles said from behind Exile. Pulling him from his thoughts.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked after a moment, peeling his eyes away from the glowing jars, and back over to Miles.


    ¡°Their Channelling Elixirs, specifically designed to allow you to fall deeper into a meditative state, allowing your body to be relaxed enough to channel more Kakara. Most Elder Monks and Scholars studying the many forms of Kakara use these elixir¡¯s on a daily basis in order to speed up their progression¡±.


    Exiele stared at the glowing green liquid. With even one of these Elixirs he would be able to progress to new levels of power he hadn¡¯t even dreamed of reaching before leaving for his Grand Hunt.


    ¡°Sounds like something I could make some use out of¡±, he said.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Their damned expensive though, there¡¯s a reason the monks of Dreashire are as wealthy as they are, they need the money to be able to afford a daily supply for all the practitioners within their temples¡±.


    ¡°Too expensive for you that¡¯s for sure¡±, Algath snickered towards Exiele; Who assumed the alchemist was smiling with sinister glee, but he couldn¡¯t tell beyond his thick brown beard, which had been braided at it¡¯s end.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Algath, Kakara Gems are some of the most rare materials in the United lands, you know that. I could get over 50 gold coins for the Gem I have, if I sold it outside the academy while on my hunt¡±, Exiele paused, thinking of his next words.


    ¡°In fact, I think you only making healing elixirs for the Gem is a robbery enough, if I give you this Kakara Gem, I think you should throw at least one Channelling Elixir in with it as well. Considering how much more the Gem is worth in comparison to the Elixirs¡±.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what the offer was, you get the healing elixirs, or nothing at all¡±, Algath shot back, before reaching down into the front pocket of his tattered brown robes, and pulling out a small glowing orange quill made out of molten metal. It¡¯s scorching surface bellowed out thick plumes of blackened smoke.


    Then after centralising a small amount of Kakara, he turned to face the furthest wall of the room, and used the burning quill to begin carefully writing ancient symbols and scripture into the empty space before him. Lines of flashing orange sparks snaked and spiralled within the dense air, slowly forming the glowing symbols of a spell Exiele didn¡¯t recognise.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m not sure if I want to go forward with this deal¡±, Exiele replied, quickly looking over to Miles for some support, but in reply Miles just shook his head desperately from left to right, urging Exiele to not mess up the deal they worked so hard to establish. But Exiele ignored this wordless advice and carried on.


    ¡°Me taking some healing elixirs for a Kakara Gem, would be like the Elders selling the academy for a loaf of bread¡±.


    Algath didn¡¯t reply straight away, instead he finished writing the glowing lines of scripture in the air. The burning quill within his hand sent beads of blackened smoke up into the surrounding chamber, dancing within the cool breeze. Then, as the glowing symbols grew so bright, Exiele had to quint his eyes past the pain, a sudden burst of white light boomed throughout the room. Revealing a large staircase leading down into darkness, in place of where the chambers side wall had once stood.


    ¡°You asked for me to make you some healing elixirs, and in return you would give me the Kakara Gem¡±. Algath glared across the room towards Exiele. ¡°And now you want to change the deal?¡±. His words were like venom.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, the Gem is worth a lot more than a few healing elixirs¡±, Exiele shrugged with a cheeky smile. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t take away from how thankful I am about you doing this for me, truthfully. There¡¯s no arguing you are the most talented, and knowledgeable alchemist within the academy. So having you conjuring my elixirs really does mean the world¡±, he paused. Looking up at Algath to see if his nice words were working on him, but he still looked as angered as ever.


    ¡°But if you could throw in a channelling elixir, just to even it a little bit. I¡¯d be even more thankful, I don¡¯t think you understand how much this elixir could help me throughout the Grand Hunt¡±.


    Algath ignored Exiele¡¯s words. Instead he reached forward and took a bronze lantern from the side wall, before beginning to slowly light each of the large purple candles which were connected to the cobble walls of the staircase. Slowly descending deeper and deeper into the darkness. The orange glow of the lanterns painted the clawing shadows a deep orange hue. Barely lighting the surroundings enough for Miles and Exiele to see the tall Alchemist through the blackness.


    ¡°Come¡±. His voice echoed out from the darkened pits of the staircase.


    ¡°Not a man of many words I see¡±, Exiele whispered to Miles as they carefully stepped forward past the many objects and items that smothered the wooden floor boards.


    ¡°What the fuck were you doing man, we barely managed to get you the healing elixirs in the first place, and now your being a fucking smart arse with him¡±, Miles slapped the back of Exile¡¯s head.


    ¡°Ah that hurt man, I was just saying it¡¯s an uneven deal, I wasn¡¯t being rude or smart¡±.


    ¡°Gods above, do you want your elixirs or not, your wasting my time¡±, Algath roared from deep below them. His words boomed and echoed throughout the chamber like the roar of an Elder Dragon. Rattling the building to its core.


    They both instantly cease speaking, staring at each other for a few moments. Before quickly stumbling their way through the opening and down the long cobble staircase before them. The glowing candles did little to fight against the suffocating darkness.


    After a few minuets of descending, the staircase opened up into a seemingly complete different world. The surrounding walls of the large chamber were made of thick bushes and vines, condensed down together into strong pillars, which had then been carefully lined up and connected together, most likely using a creator form of Kakara.


    The ceiling of the room was hidden by a bright morning sky, somehow reformed and placed within the room to act as a roof. It must have been some sort of illusion cast by a spell. But either way, it was incredible. Exiele could even see tiny birds flying around within the deep blues and cyan''s of the glowing sky. Large whitened clouds floated throughout the open room, some even released showers of rain, which fell upon the grassy flooring.


    Across the chamber stood Algath, already set to work. He was carefully examining a large glass container, which sat atop a colossal L shaped wooden desk, holding various objects and tools of alchemy. Connected to the desk on either side, were multiple large bookshelves containing seemingly hundreds of liquids and material¡¯s, that had undoubtedly been carefully collected throughout the 5 kingdoms.


    Below the desk was a collection of some of the most beautiful works of machinery Exiele had ever seen in his life. One large contraption was connected to each of the shelves with thick steel chains, which were then hooked up to a set of gears, shielded by a line of metallic panelling. When twisting the lever connected to the desk¡¯s side panel, the shelves would turn around, revealing a back side with even more materials and objects.


    Miles and Exiele were flabbergasted. ¡°This place is crazy¡±, they both voiced at the exact same time.


    Algath looked over to them for a second, before turning and reaching up to grab a small box of star shards, that sat atop one of the many shelves above him. ¡°Cheer¡¯s lads, been working hard on this place for a while¡±.


    He carefully dropped two scoops of star shards into the empty glass container, before placing the small box back onto the shelf, and grabbing a thin glass jar of green powder, which had the words ¡®Powdered Leviathan Scales¡¯ written across it¡¯s faded surface. Algath held it out in front of his eyes, squinting, trying to read what it said.


    ¡°It says Powdered Leviathan Scales¡±, Miles said, walking closer to get a better look at the process. Exiele followed suite, they had never witnessed an alchemist such as Algath working before.


    ¡°I see, that¡¯s not what I need¡±, he put the jar back. Then with a chesty sigh, he pulled the lever to the side of the desk, allowing the wooden shelves to twist inward, spinning to reveal the opposite side.


    ¡°What is it you are looking for?¡±, Exiele asked, his eyes searching throughout the hundreds of items and materials before him. Most of which he had never heard of, or seen in his life.


    ¡°Soul Stones¡±, Algath answered, not looking away from the shelves.


    Exiele scanned the various jars and boxes which infested the shelf¡¯s open spaces. Dragon Blood, Toad Eyes, Magma Flakes, Spider Fangs, Volcanic Ash, but he couldn¡¯t see Soul Stones anywhere. He looked over to see if Miles had any more luck, but saw him just as confused as he was,  glaring about the many wooden shelves which loomed high above them.


    ¡°You sure it¡¯s on this side?¡±, he asked after a moment, squinting towards Algath.


    ¡°I¡¯m not just sure, I know it is¡±, Algath answered, massaging his temples. ¡°It¡¯s in a small wooden triangular shaped box, I know it¡¯s on one of the lower shelves¡±. He crouched down, scanning the many objects.


    ¡°Ah¡±, he said after a moment. Standing with the small wooden box in question clasped within his hands. ¡°I¡¯ve got them, step aside¡±.


    Exiele and Miles quickly did as they were told, as Algath carefully leaned forward and gently placed the box onto the stained wood desktop before him. The words ¡®Soul Stones¡¯ had been carved into the box¡¯s rough surface.


    ¡°These things cost an arm and a leg to get hold of¡±, Algath said, unlocking the small pin at the boxes forefront, before it popped open on complaining hinges. Dozens of small white and purple stones were stacked atop each other in bulk within its depths, they illuminated lightly within the dense shadows.


    ¡°What exactly are they¡±, Exiele asked, leaning in to get a better look.


    ¡°Exactly what they say they are, their Soul Stones. But in even more simpler terms, their basically fossilised souls, thousands of years past¡±.


    Algath carefully picked up two Soul Stones, one white and the other purple, before dropping them into the large glass container. The Stones hit the Star Shards with a light thud. A few purple sparks shot out from them as they collided, before falling to settle at the bottom of the glass.


    Algath then reached to the left of the desk and retrieved a small wooden cup of water, before leaning forward and pouring a small amount into the container. Then with a prolonged sigh, he grabbed a flask of glowing blue liquid from the shelf just above him, which had the name ¡®Chaos¡¯, written across withered paper, that had been pasted to its glass surface. Pretty ominous sounding.


    ¡°You need help with anything?¡±, Exiele asked after a moment, carefully examining the process. If he really focused on the steps Algath was taking, he may be able to start learning how to make elixirs on his own.


    ¡°Defiantly not¡±, Algath laughed, pouring a few drops of the chaos liquid into the water. After a moment, the stones began to sizzle, sending glowing bubbles up to the surface. The potion quickly began to foam and expand.


    ¡°We only need one more thing¡±, Algath huffed, passing a hand through his thick beard. ¡°A leaf of an Elder Tree¡±.


    Exiele and Miles looked at each-other, then back at Algath.


    ¡°A what?¡±


    Algath ignored the stupid question and walked past them, momentarily crossing under one of the raining clouds as he shuffled towards the back end of the chamber. He then stopped before one of the walls made of bushes and vines ¨C but these were no ordinary bushes, these were the bushes formed after years of growing and harvesting various Elder Tree limbs. Which had then been condensed down into each-other, before being rebound by solidified Kakara recycled from the land they were taken from. Allowing them to live and grow as they would out in nature.


    Large patches of purple streaked leaves clung from the dense foliage, beautiful flourishing white flowers were held at their base.


    Algath reached forward and plucked one of these leaves from the wall he stood before. A rush of Kakara shot throughout his body almost as soon as his hand met with it¡¯s surface.


    ¡°This is what we call a bonder¡±, he said, turning to walk back towards the large container resting on his desk. ¡°A material which is sufficient in making all the various forms of Kakara mailable, and able to be mixed together and bonded as one. Incredibly important when making Elixirs and potions¡±.


    He dropped the large leaf into the glass container, it was instantly devoured by the glowing green liquid. Flakes of yellow energy shot out from its foaming surface, dancing within the bright sun light which reflected from the artificial skies above.


    ¡°Are there any other bonding materials, or can you only use the leaves of an Elder Tree?¡±, Exiele asked, glaring around the side of Algath¡¯s giant form, trying to get a better look at how the alchemist went about his process.


    ¡°There any many, many bonders out there. Too many if I say so myself. The leaves are the best though, because they¡¯re made out of pure Kakara themselves, making the bonding process infinitely easier. But because of that, even a single leaf is worth a fair few gold coin¡±, he paused for a moment, letting out a chesty cough.


    ¡°Most alchemist¡¯s don¡¯t have that kind of coin, and so over the years many much cheaper alternatives were developed, but all of them produced low quality elixirs. If you want high quality potions, you need high quality materials, it¡¯s as simple as that¡±.


    Exiele nodded, trying to take in as much information as he could.


    ¡°But now, we must start the mixing process¡±, Algath said. Wasting no time he reached down below the desk and heaved up a large gold rimmed wooden box. Which collided with the desk with a hard thud. Sending armies of ancient dust souring up from the aged wood and up into the fresh air within the chamber.


    ¡°This is the most important part¡±, Miles whispered, elbowing Exiele, but he barely took any notice.


    Algath reached over and unlatched the steel locks hidden on the back panel of the box, allowing it to pop open at its mid point. Revealing a large leather coated opening with a wide metal clamp connected to the bottom half. He then picked up the large container of glowing green liquid, and slipped it into the opening. Tightening the metal clamp around its thick glass.


    ¡°That should do¡±, Algath muttered. More so to himself than to anyone else.


    He then carefully closed the box. Locking it in place using the hidden lock mechanism built into its wooden panelling.


    ¡°I¡¯d take a few steps back if I were you¡±, he said, turning to face Exiele and Miles. Who quickly shuffled backwards a metre or so.


    ¡°It¡¯s not gonna kill us is it?¡±, Exiele laughed nervously.


    ¡°Oh no no no¡±, Algath smiled. ¡°Well ¨C as long as you¡¯re not too close to it anyway¡±.


    He then turned back to the desk, and twisted a small gold semi-circular button at the top of the wooden box. It clicked twice, remaining perfectly still for a few seconds. Before the top half of the box began to violently spin around in circles, while the bottom half remained perfectly still in place.


    After a few minuets the top half began to slow down, at which the bottom half began rapidly speeding up, making the box violently rock back and forth and clash with the top surface of the desk. It¡¯s gold rimmed edges began gouging out small splinters of wood.


    At the boxes apex speed the desk began to violently shake, sending multiple books and pots crashing down onto the floor. All the while Algath stood idly in place, barely paying any notice. Then after a few more moments, the box came to a sudden screeching halt. Freezing completely still in place, as if nothing had happened. Scattered jars and loose scrolls laid about Algath¡¯s now messy desk.


    ¡°Perfect¡±, he huffed, taking a pull from his freshly lit pipe. He then leaned forward and unlatched the hidden back locks. The box popped open with a light click, disbursing an avalanche of luminescent yellow mist, which snaked up in swirling clumps towards the artificial skies above.


    Once the thick mist had spread out from the opening of the box, the large glass container could be seen clamped down to its bottom half, its contents holding a glowing green liquid, which burned bright beyond the yellowed mist.


    ¡°This my friends, is some of the highest quality channelling elixirs you will likely ever see in your entire life¡±, Algath said, holding his arms out as if to present the glowing potion to the young hunters. They both shuffled forward to get a better look.


    ¡°So how many servings would that main glass container be?¡±, Exiele asked, glaring into the glowing elixir ¨C lighting like strikes of yellow energy swirled within the emerald green liquid.


    ¡°About one hundred and two to be precise. But I will split this elixir up into separate jars containing 2 servings each¡±.


    He then reached down and carefully unclamped the large container from the box, before picking it up and placing it down onto his messy desk. Trapping a few lines of scripture beneath it¡¯s immense weight. He then closed the wooden box and placed it back underneath the desk by his feet, allowing him more space to work.


    ¡°Is 2 servings the usual amount for elixir¡¯s of this kind?¡±, Exiele asked after ensuring the spinning box of death had been locked away.


    ¡°2 servings is the universal amount. Though many larger commissions are common in these times. But for you, you will be getting 4 healing elixirs, therefore you will have 8 usages overall. Unless you¡¯re an idiot and decide to drink the whole jar in one¡±.


    Exiele nodded. ¡°I see, so half will be enough to heal any injury?¡±


    ¡°For the most part, but it takes time for the healing elixirs to kick in, so if the wound is life threatening enough, you could die before it has time to take affect. But for most non life threatening injuries, it will work incredibly well¡±.


    Algath opened a dust smothered draw connected to the under side of his desk, and pulled out a small apple sized glass jar.


    ¡°Now¡±, he said after a moment. ¡°I will gift you 2 serving¡¯s of this channelling elixir, on top of the 4 healing elixirs, because it is true how valuable Kakara Gems have become over the years. But if I find you to be lying, or misleading me in any way, I will see to it you suffer a fate worse than death¡±.


    His voice grew loud and guttural throughout the last sentence.


    Exiele held up his arms with a nervous smile. ¡°We haven¡¯t been lying in any way Algath, we¡¯ll get that Kakara Gem to you first thing tomorrow. If I knew we were gonna go through with this deal, I would have brought it with me tonight¡±.


    Algath turned away from Exiele and began to carefully fill the small jar with the glowing emerald channelling elixir. Yellow mist rose from the glowing liquid as it fell down through the narrow opening.


    ¡°Remember this is two servings, if you drink it all at once you wouldn¡¯t only be stupid, you¡¯d also be dead. Channelling Elixirs aren¡¯t to be underestimated, they can be deadly if not given the respect they deserve¡±.


    When finishing with the large container, he carefully slipped it back onto the desk. Before clamping the small jar closed with a thick cork, trapping the yellowed mist within its depths.


    He then nonchalantly threw the small glowing jar through the air towards Exiele, who quickly leaped forward and clasped it within his hands. Glaring down at the bubbling green liquid. Exiele smiled. There was no telling how much he would be able to progress over the next few days with this in his possession. He was already planning on channelling more of the Gem first thing tomorrow morning, once him and Miles had split the thing in half and delivered one side to Algath.


    ¡°Thank you so much Algath, this elixir could be the difference between life and death within my Grand Hunt¡±.


    ¡°Yes, yes it could¡±, the large alchemist huffed. Passing a hand through his thick beard, which was braided at its end, and near enough reached down to his hips. ¡°And make sure you use it wisely¡±, he paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. ¡°Now ¨C we must begin work on your healing elixirs¡±.


    He was gone and searching the many giant shelves of the chamber before he had even finished his sentence. Looking for the necessary materials he would be needing for the potions. Exiele imagined both he and Miles wouldn¡¯t be leaving Algath¡¯s abode any time soon.


    He looked back down at the glowing channelling elixir within his palm ¨C if he was lucky, he might get some time to meditate with the Gem before going to sleep later on that night. He would have to wait and see.

 Chapter Seven.

    Exiele didn¡¯t know how long he had been sat at the stables, but it was long enough to allow him to channel almost half of what the remaining Kakara Gem still held.


    The night before when him and Miles had finally got back to the shacks with a handful of elixirs each, it was already 3 am. Then it was a further two more hours by the time they managed to perfectly split the Gem in half, a feat that proved incredibly difficult, even when considering the machinery Miles had at his disposal. By the time Exiele had finally crawled into his bed, it was 5 am, and only 3 hours of sleep later, he was violently torn from this peaceful slumber as Miles hammered his fist against his shacks little front door. He hated it when he did that. And unfortunately this happened 9 times out 10, every morning. Especially when they had plans for the following day.


    After some small talk Miles had left his shack to deliver half of the Kakara Gem to Algath. Exiele in this time decided he would come visit Ilius at the stables and try to meditate with the remaining half of the Kakara Gem, and that¡¯s where he sat now.


    The small marble sized gem was laid out on the soft grass before his crossed legs, both his hands were sat palm up on his knees, facing the bright blue skies above. The unrelenting heat coupled with the exhausting process of channelling the Gems steady stream of Kakara had left Exiele in a state of near psychosis.


    There had been more than a few times he had nearly lost the balance of Kakara processing within his core, at one point the solidified waves had become so intense, they had almost scorched his insides just from the sheer intensity of the energy. Unfortunately for him he had forgot when drinking the first half of the channelling elixir, it was a potion specifically designed to make the process of channelling a-lot easier and more fluent. Meaning you didn¡¯t need to use up as much of your own Kakara to balance out the stream.


    So when he eventually used his usual amount of Kakara he would when normally meditating, he was met with a vicious burning pain which seemed to reverberate throughout his whole body, rattling his bones, and tearing a burning path through his veins. Slowly carrying the scorching stream of natural Kakara throughout his core, and into his failing organs.


    He struggled for breath. Streaks of glowing purple energy began to flake away from his skin, the violet burn was bright within his core, Exiele thought he might explode, like the Kakara Cannons the Dreskof Empire utilised in their battles.


    After a few moments of focused breathing, he managed to induce a meditative state, in which his body began to slowly lower the steady stream of Kakara which travelled throughout his veins. Energy radiated from his body in pulsating purple waves. Tendril like streams of pure Kakara travelled from Exiele¡¯s chest, and reached out to grace the small Gem laid before him. Its crystallised surface glowed with a kaleidoscope of colours.


    The agonising pain of his scorched body slowly began to subside as the Kakara took affect. Healing his extensive internal wounds. If he had used just a little bit more of his own Kakara, he would have likely died. He took a deep breath. He wouldn¡¯t be doing that again. That¡¯s for sure.


    The situation reminded him of something Reales use to tell him and the many other Kakara sensitive hunters. ¡®Never bite off more than you can chew¡¯. A simple phrase which he now knew held truth.


    After another hour or so of meditation had passed, all the pain and discomfort had subsided. The consistent stream of Kakara channelling through his core had replenished his tiredness, and healed almost all of the scar¡¯s burned into his flesh. Ilius in this time had strutted over and rested his head on Exiele¡¯s upheld palms.


    ¡°You alright boy¡±, Exiele said with a smile, squinting as he opened his eyes for the first time in over an hour. The bright sun carved a burning path through his irises. Ilius waged his thick tail in reply, lifting his head so Exiele could rub his muscular neck and shoulders.


    ¡°You feeling ready for the Hunt?¡±, he asked after a moment, collecting the small Kakara Gem from the grass below and slipping it into his side pocket. He could still feel the energy radiating from it¡¯s surface, infused with the purple glow of his own Kakara.


    He glared off to the right. In the close distance ¨C just below a large hill, he could see Reales¡¯s small wood and cobble shack, which gave off a light blue illumination. He hadn¡¯t seen Reales on his way down to the stables, but he was sure he heard him speaking to someone at some point while he was still meditating.


    ¡°You out here Reales?¡±, Exiele called out, patting Ilius on the back, who looked up at him with dark, peaceful eyes. No reply came.


    With a prolonged sigh, he followed the dirt path which lead out from the stables and into Reales¡¯s expansive garden area. Huge blue and pink flowers poked out from the thick greenery and foliage below his feet.


    The bright sun above radiated suffocating heat into the thick air, which cast deep shadows behind all the darkened silhouettes of buildings and huts around him.


    ¡°You looking for me?¡±, a similar voice bellowed from behind him.


    ¡°God¡¯s above¡±, Exiele hissed as he shot backwards, his heart racing. Turning, he saw Reales leading Jillo down towards the stables. Jillo was holding a pile of heavy black armour plates against his straining chest. The large hunks of metal reflected the sun¡¯s powerful light, momentarily blinding Exiele as he looked at them.


    Reales was just next to Jillo, levitating about a foot above the grassy floor. A large beautiful white steed walked along next to them, it seemed to nod up to him as he passed an eye over it.


    ¡°You nearly gave me a heart attack¡±.


    ¡°Good to see you too Exiele¡±, Reales laughed. His deep emerald eyes set on his. ¡°How have you been since our last meeting?¡±.


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯ve been good thank you Elder Reales. I¡¯ve just been channelling my Kakara with Ilius by the stables, I would have come to say hello, but I assumed you were out doing something on a different part of the mountain¡±, he paused for a short moment, nodding towards Jillo. ¡°Good to see you Jillo, you got the use of your vocal chords back yet?¡±


    Jillo laughed. ¡°Just about mate, just about¡±.


    ¡°Mhm, I can sense you have rose many levels within your stream of Kakara¡±, Reales cut in, a serious look passing over his wolf like features. ¡°A dangerous amount¡±.


    Exiele looked down at his feet. ¡°Yeah¡±, he said slowly, trying to find the best wording for his follow up.


    ¡°I was stupid and careless, I tried to take on more than my core could handle. Nearly burned myself from the inside out¡±.


    ¡°Nearly burned you from the inside out is an understatement¡±, Reales hissed, the sudden influx of his voice caught Exiele off guard. ¡°You are lucky to still be alive ¨C you humans don¡¯t understand how truly unfit you are as host¡¯s for Kakara¡±.


    Exiele went to say something, but Reales held up a clawed hand. Ushering him to be silent.


    ¡°If you had brought in only a hairs width more Kakara, your insides would have been reduced to no more than a disintegrated pile of mush. I have seen it happen first hand, Wizards and Mages know it as Kakara Rot¡±. Reales¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Do you remember what I use to tell you all when you were young hunters?¡±


    Both Exiele and Jillo nodded slowly. ¡°Don¡¯t bite off more than you can chew¡±.


    Reales slapped the back of Exiele¡¯s head. ¡°Then why did you decide to do exactly that¡±.


    ¡°I was foolish, and didn¡¯t realise how efficient my channelling elixir was. When it came down to starting my meditations, I drew in the same amount of Kakara I usually would without the elixir, that¡¯s when the ¡®Kakara Rot¡¯ started spreading throughout my body. It felt as if molten metal had been poured down my throat and I was forced to swallow it down¡±.


    Reales shook his head. ¡°Foolish. You are lucky to be alive¡±.


    ¡°Wait, so what¡¯s going on?¡±, Jillo said after ensuring Reales was done with his angered rant.


    ¡°Our lovely friend here Exiele, decided he felt it would be appropriate to near enough kill himself in one of the most horrifically painful ways possible¡±.


    The muscular white horse seemed to laugh at that, it¡¯s thick black tail wagging back and forth gently. Exiele saw an opportunity to change the subject.


    ¡°Beautiful steed, what¡¯s her name?¡±, he asked to no one in particular


    ¡°Angel¡±, Jillo replied after a moment, seeing through Exiele¡¯s very blatant attempt at ending the past conversation.


    ¡°Indeed, and Angel isn¡¯t prone to being an idiot¡±, Reales growled. His body beginning to produce a bright blue mist, which shot like electric through the air.


    ¡°Never do anything as stupid as that again. I don¡¯t think you understand Exiele, you should be dead. You took in near enough maximum levels of purified Kakara, as a human, you should not have survived¡±.


    ¡°OK, I understand Reales, I really do¡±, Exiele replied after a moment, holding up his arms in defeat.


    Reales nodded slowly. ¡°Good¡±,


    The glowing blue mist began to disintegrate within the air, growing duller and duller until they no longer existed. Only the bright blue skies above remained.


    ¡°But¡±, he added after a moment. ¡°Your connection with Kakara has been made stronger because of it. I just wish you used that head atop your shoulders more often¡±.


    ¡°Finally, something we can all agree upon¡±, Jillo laughed. His reddened face was barely visible beyond the heavy stack of armour he held in his arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you start as well¡±, Exiele smiled, glaring back out towards the stables in the near distance. Dense lines of foliage and flowers smothered the grassy land below. The lower section of the mountain was always so beautiful in the summer time.


    ¡°Let us go to the stables though Jillo¡±, Reales smiled after a moment. ¡°We must fit the armour plates for Angel¡±.


    Jillo nodded slowly, then quickly stopped mid turn, looking up at Exiele with wide eyes. ¡°I almost forgot, I saw Miles earlier, he was asking where you were, I think he wants you to go his shack¡±.


    ¡°Did he say why?¡±


    ¡°No not to me mate, he was just asking if I¡¯ve seen you¡±, he paused for a moment, passing a hand through his thick blond hair. ¡°I¡¯d go see him if I were you though, it seemed urgent¡±.


    Exiele¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What, is it gonna be some sort of prank? You know how the last one ended¡±.


    Jillo laughed. ¡°It¡¯s not a fucking prank man come on, I think you¡¯ve been drinking too much ale. I¡¯m just saying it seemed like he had something to tell you¡±.


    ¡°Alright¡±, Exiele said after confirming that Jillo didn¡¯t seem to be lying or misleading him. ¡°Thank you for letting know, I¡¯ll see you around¡±.


    Jillo nodded thanks, before carefully following behind Reales, who was floating just a few metres ahead of him, leading Angel towards the stables. Her thick black hooves dug deep into the soft grass below, leaving a trail of indentations amongst the flourishing flowers. After a moment, a small orb of white light slowly rose up from the grass where the horse was just stood, stopping about 4 feet above the ground. The orb was transparent and emitted a light white mist which danced within the warm air. Then, as if a sudden gust of wind had blew past. The luminescent mist began swirling and circling around the bright orb, gradually forming the general shape of a person.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°An orbseer¡±, Exiele whispered to himself. Barely believing his eyes.


    The spirit only lingered for a few seconds, before it slowly began to float up towards the distant blue skies above ¨C the whitened mist of its body flickered in the air like a white flag caught in wind.


    Orbseer¡¯s were rare on the mountain, Exiele had only seen a few in his time. Though in the mainland¡¯s they were much more common occurrence, and had more or less become a normal part of life for most common folk living within the 5 Kingdoms.


    They weren¡¯t technically ghosts or spirits ¨C instead they were more so the remnants of a souls past. They couldn¡¯t communicate or talk, or interfere with any physical objects like ghost¡¯s and spirits could. They just simply existed. The Elder Priests described them as ¡®the projection¡¯s of what was once living¡¯, or more commonly as ¡®the shadows of a soul¡¯s past¡¯.


    The Orbseer levitated in the air a few moments longer ¨C it¡¯s translucent form glowing from the burning orb within its chest. Before with a sudden flash of white, it disintegrated, leaving no trace of its presence.


    Exiele watched on for a few seconds. The sight of Orbseer¡¯s always affected him this way. They always seemed to appear at the most unexpected moments ¨C then as quickly as they would appear, they would disappear again, as if never existing in the first place. Leaving the ones witnessing it questioning if they had even seen it in the first place.


    He glared back up the dishevelled dirt path towards the stables, he could see Jillo and Reales in the distance. Taking turns placing the plates of amour onto Angel as she stood glaring up into the crystal clear skies above. Clearly they hadn¡¯t seen the Orbseer, if they had, Reales would have likely rushed over to get a better look at it. He had always stated his keen interest in spirits and other non physical entities of their type, and Exiele knew he would be angry when he heard he had missed out on the opportunity of seeing one on the mountain first hand. Sighting¡¯s of Orbseer¡¯s on the mountain were few and far between to say the least.


    After checking his pockets and ensuring he had everything he needed, Exiele began to make his way over to the closest travelling waterfall, which was across from the stables by a large cliff face which sloped up on an incline, and lead directly to the upper sections of the mountain. There he would start his trek to back to the shacks.


    ***


    Miles leaned back on his wooden stool, glaring down at the Great Sword laid out on the desk before him. Its colossal double edged blade reflected the furnace¡¯s bright orange flames, which flickered within the dense lines of steel and silver. The blade itself had been formed with lines of Hollow Crystals within its core, these crystals were known as a Host Material, which would allow the bearer of the sword to channel his or her Kakara into the crystals, which would then in turn strengthen the blade, and make it more efficient in battle. Exiele had made it very clear to Miles, these crystals were essential in not only the sword, but his armour also.


    The great sword¡¯s handle was carefully carved out of dragon blood crystal, then greatly strengthened with a line of pure obsidian within its centre, before being capped off with a semicircular pommel of volcanic steel, which had a small piece of Exiele¡¯s Kakara Gem infused into its mid point. When the handle was finished and pieced together, it was almost as beautiful a sight as the sword itself.


    ¡°Can I hold it¡±, Exiele asked, his eyes wide with childish excitement.


    ¡°Of course, it is yours after all¡±, Miles answered, but found Exiele had already leaped forward and picked it up before he had even finished his sentence. He gripped the sword¡¯s handle so tight his knuckles began to whiten. He passed a hand down its steel and silver Damascus blade, intricate patterns lined its cold surface.


    ¡°Did you use the Hollow Crystals?¡±


    ¡°I did¡±, Miles smiled. ¡°I infused the blades core with the Crystal first, which should allow for fast and efficient enchantments. I then added another layer of crystals to the handle, just to make sure the whole sword is strengthened by the Kakara. It wouldn¡¯t be ideal if the blade grew strong while the handle remained the same, that would be a good way to shatter the sword and render it useless¡±.


    Miles nodded. A smile stretching from cheek to cheek. ¡°It¡¯s a beauty¡±, he said, struggling to find words. ¡°It really is a beauty¡±.


    He began switching between multiple sword stances, feeling out the balance of the blade. It was a very large sword, but considering that, it felt incredibly good in the hand, and struck as quick as a python.


    ¡°What will you name it?¡±, Miles asked once ensuring Exiele had finished studying the blade.


    Exiele looked down at the intricately crafted great sword within his hands, its crimson handle was cool to the touch ¨C Though the colossal blade had an elegance about it, it was equally rugged and vicious, filled with murderous intent. ¡°Eclipse¡±, he said after a moment. For it was like a shadow, feasting on the surrounding light.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t have picked a more suited name if I tried¡±, Miles replied, passing a relieved eye over his work.


    ¡°Now ¨C I¡¯ve got something else to show you¡±, he added with a devious smile. He then walked past his messy desk and over to his furnace ¨C which had 3 long poles of steel inserted through the opening, the metal beyond glowed orange with heat.


    With a quick side eye, ensuring Exiele couldn¡¯t see. He reached down behind the stone furnace and struggled to pick something up that was hidden beyond the stone walling, before quickly hiding it behind his back as he approached Exiele once more.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re a fan of larger weapons, and so I thought I would make a little something more suited for you¡±.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Miles pulled the object from behind his back and revealed a large meticulously crafted war hammer. Its handle was carefully wrapped with the scaled skin of an ancient leviathan, a material which had cost Miles an arm and a leg to get hold of. The handle was then shielded with a quartz coated steel guard and pommel, which contrasted the dark scaled grip.


    ¡°Miles¡±, Exiele began, speechless.


    Unlike the great sword, the hollow crystals on this weapon were visible within the hammers head. Long cracks of glass like gemstone edged along its steel surface, like ancient rivers slicing through the lands of Albirth.


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know what to say¡±, he said, struggling to find words. He always struggled with receiving gifts, it always seemed his emotions would get flustered, leaving him unsure how to react or thank the person. Even with the people who were the closest to him. Miles smiled and placed a hand on Exiele¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything, it¡¯s my job to make you the best weapons on the mountain after all¡±.


    Exiele laughed. ¡°The best weapons in the whole of Albirth you mean?¡±


    Miles pushed him away with a wide grin. ¡°And you best know it ¨C now come on pick it up, it was difficult to keep it balanced because of the size of the steel head, but I think I¡¯ve worked some magic with it¡±.


    Exiele carefully placed the great sword back on the desk, next to the gold rimmed, black stained leather sheath Miles crafted alongside the beautiful sword.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never used a war hammer before¡±, he said after a moment, taking the large weapon into his hands. Both gripped tight around the scaled grip.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to try one though¡±.


    He held it out before his body, unsure as to what the correct stance would be for such a large weapon.


    He had seen numerous painting¡¯s depicting a well known battalion within the Blackclaw Empire back in the Siege of Gods, known as the Death Fleet. These Berserker Knights were known for their usage of war hammers, myth stated Tyrious ¨C the Fleets captain ¨C could crush a knight in full armour like a tin can, with no more than one swing of his hammer. Though these Berserker Knights were known for their incredible ability within the many Kakara arts ¨C they were also known to be generic monstrosities. Most knights within the fleet reached upwards of 7 feet, and had bodies built like the ancient gods of the old. Broad shouldered, and lined with dense coils of muscle. Typically these knights would have a two handed stance with the hammer held vertically up before their body ¨C acting both as a defensive guard, as well as being efficient for a swift switch into attacking formations.


    Exiele had also read that these Berserker Knights would use solidified Kakara passed through emerald lenses built into the silver heads of their hammer, to blast the heavy weapon like a cannon ball towards enemies on the battlefield.


    ¡°What you think¡±, Miles asked, watching Exiele switch between the vertical defensive guard, into more offensive positions. Trying to perfect his foot-placement, though battle with heavy weapons was much different from swordplay, and he knew it would take some time before he mastered it.


    ¡°It¡¯s feels perfectly balanced, I honestly don¡¯t know how you do it¡±, Exiele replied after a moment, watching thin trails of purple Kakara travel from his hands, and through into the exposed Hollow Crystals forged into the colossal steel head of the hammer. ¡°Is this your first ever War Hammer?¡±


    Miles shrugged while carefully pulling out the glowing orange poles of steel from the stone furnace ¨C the blades had been hammered down into the shape of a Crescent Moon.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve never had the opportunity to forge one, I¡¯ve wanted too since I was young, but the academy are strict with what you can and can¡¯t craft as a young Blacksmith¡±, he paused, wiping his hands with oil stained rag.


    ¡°It was a whole lot of trial and error though, I can tell you that with some spare coin. Put it this way, I wasted a lot of good steel on that war hammer in your hands¡±.


    Exiele glared down at the weapon, marvelling at its masterfully crafted form. ¡°When do I get to see the armour?¡±


    Miles grinned while slowly dropping the scorching blades into a wooden barrel of oil, smoke hissed out from the opening in desperate clumps.


    ¡°You get to see the finished set on the morning of the Hunt¡±.


    Exiele sighed, placing the war hammer back on the small wooden desk before him. ¡°Not even a little sneak peak?¡±


    ¡°No¡±, Miles said firmly. ¡°Besides I still have some finishing touches to add to the set overall. You only have tomorrow to wait, then you¡¯ll see it the day after¡±.


    ¡°How¡¯s it coming along?¡±


    ¡°Some of my finest work¡±, Miles grinned, meeting eyes with Exiele. ¡°I¡¯m sure you''ll be most pleased when you see it ¨C even more so when you wear it for the first time. I¡¯ve made the putting on, and taking off of the armour as swift as possible. Too many Blacksmiths look over this aspect of armour sets¡±, he paused, checking on the Crescent Moon blades that still rested within the barrel of oil next to him. ¡°What¡¯s the point in having armour, if it¡¯s gonna take 20 minuets just to get it on?¡±


    Exiele laughed. ¡°It¡¯s said the soldiers of the Dreskof Empire sleep in their armour, and don¡¯t take them off until their assigned battle is over¡±.


    ¡°And yes, yes they do, because the Empires Blacksmith¡¯s don¡¯t think about mobility or ease of access with their sets. I¡¯ve seen blueprints in the library detailing the numerous Dreskofian Armours over the years. And all of them are terrible for movement, which is one of the most important aspects of armour¡±.


    Miles sat down on his small wooden stool and leaned back, the seat creaked and moaned at the motion. ¡°Poor craftsmanship is what I say, they need some new younger smiths to come in and try something new¡±.


    Exiele walked over and sat on the desk next to Miles, crossing his arms. ¡°Give it a few years Miles, you might be part of the Empire, I hear they pay their smiths well¡±.


    Miles grinned, side eyeing Exiele. ¡°You would be fucked without me making your armour and weaponry¡±.


    Exiele shrugged. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t wanna hold you back your whole life Miles, you could make some serious coin if you departed from the Academy¡±, he nudged his friend¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Besides, you might be able to visit one of those brothels with Jillo¡±.


    Miles laughed. ¡°Yeah well¡±, he paused, pondering the thought of working for the Empire. ¡°I¡¯d have to get a few more years of practice in before I could even consider that¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying¡±, Exiele shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re good at what you do. To be honest ¨C I don¡¯t know what I would do in this Grand Hunt, if I didn¡¯t have you as my smith. Honestly. I don¡¯t think Blacksmiths get as much respect as they deserve in the academy ¨C for what is a Hunter without his weapons or armour?¡±


    Miles didn¡¯t answer the question, but he understood. Blacksmiths weren¡¯t necessarily disregarded in the Academy, but they were definitely viewed as marginally unimportant in comparison to the Hunters, as far as the Elder¡¯s were concerned anyway.


    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say, is that you have some serious talent Miles, talent that could get you some serious coin. And in these times, securing yourself a good wage isn¡¯t only necessary for yourself, but it could also be the difference of life and death for our future bloodlines¡±.


    Exiele glared down at large steel and silver great sword laid out beside him on the L shaped desk. His eyes travelled along its carefully engraved double edged blade ¨C that was met with beautifully polished dragon blood crystal at its end, which reflected the dim orange firelight of the furnace only a few feet away.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you to stay here your whole life forging armoury for me, when you could be out there¡±, he pointed out of the small window on the opposite side of Miles¡¯ shack. ¡°Making some real coin, getting a name for yourself¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll both be making good coin in the years to come¡±, Miles said, keeping an eye on the barrel of oil next to him. ¡°But before we think of that, we must focus on the Grand Hunt. We have been working towards this for the first 18 years of our life; Starting as orphans, and through time and hard work, growing into talented young hunters, blacksmiths, alchemists, and mages. And now, this is our final step before we can truly prove ourselves, and go on to help protect the lands of not only Dreashire, but the whole of Albirth¡±.


    He reached forward and placed a hand on Exiele¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Right now Exiele, I don¡¯t want to be anywhere else, or work for anyone else. I want to be your Blacksmith. Like I have been for the past 10 years¡±, he sighed. ¡°And you¡¯re my best mate, you know that. And have been for near enough 10 years ¨C so stop with all this go work for the empire and make more coin shit¡±.


    Once finished with his speech, Miles let go of Exiele¡¯s shoulder, then reached down and pulled the three dripping unsharpened Crescent Moon blades from the barrel of oil before him. A momentary silence had took over them.


    ¡°Well don¡¯t expect a pay rise for this¡±, Exiele said after a moment, trying to keep a serious expression. But they both broke out into fits of laughter as soon as they made eye contact.

 Chapter Eight.

    The glowing orb of the moon burned bright within the ocean of blackness above, which seemed to stretch on for infinity beyond the dense treeline in the close distance. Flowers and bushes danced alike as a cold breeze brushed past them, ushering through the sounds of the night.


    Inspector Alonso stepped through into a large tunnel carved through the mid point of a tall mud hill ¨C pillars of hardened soil helped hold the opening from collapse. His feet sunk deep into the sodden earth below as he ducked down past the clasping branches and vines which reached out towards him. His heavy black stained armour clanked together as he moved.


    Reales and Barion ¨C a high ranking Elder Hunter of the academy ¨C walked only a few feet behind the inspector, carefully searching the surrounding woodland for any signs of the large clearing of trees, which would lead them towards the Forested Lake. Even for the Elders, traversing the various levels of the mountain could be exceptionally difficult, especially during the night.


    After traversing through the tunnel of dirt, they took a hard left past a line of old abandoned shacks, most of which were half collapsed, with dense piles of shattered cobble in place of where a roof had once sat. A few decades earlier these shacks were utilised as a small market area, where various Elders and Hunters alike could start selling things in order to make some extra coin. But after only a few years the idea was scrapped. Mostly due to the illegal selling of Medical Herbs. Which many young Hunters at the time would smoke at night when they thought the Elder¡¯s were unaware.


    Once passing the line of dishevelled shacks, the three Elders followed a long dirt pathway surrounded by overarching trees, which lead them to a small open valley. A large wooden bridge had been built at its furthest point ¨C which reached across the large cliff edge and stretched passed the gaping opening to meet with the second jagged section of the mountain across from them. Barely visible past the dense walls of blackness which surrounded them on all sides.


    The bridge wasn¡¯t supported with any wooden frames or scaffolding, and was instead carefully connected to each side of the mountain with large pillars of pure Lapis ¨C another Host Material that can channel the many forms of Kakara.


    Then a common enchantment spell named Ghilisk was utilised to keep a steady stream of Kakara being projected down to a corresponding pillar of lapis built miles below the mountain. Linking together, allowing a steady stream of Kakara to interlock with each of the individual pillars, keeping the bridge perfectly locked in place. Though it did get some getting use too. And the thought of one of the Lapis pillars shattering by accident always kept the Inspector on edge. As this would break the enchantment, and the bridge would likely collapse down into the lands below.


    ¡°What is it we are looking for?¡±, The inspector asked once they had collectively crossed the large wooden bridge. His feet finally met with wet earth once more.


    ¡°A cave by the Forested Lake¡±, Reales replied, his body glided about a foot above the ground.


    ¡°And we are to look for any signs of the forbidden arts?¡±, The inspector asked ¨C he liked asking questions.


    ¡°Indeed -  from what we have heard from our source, the Elder Priests of the Academy believe it to of the utmost importance we investigate this matter. Though, we are more specifically looking for signs of a Blood Ritual¡±.


    Barion whistled. ¡°A Blood Ritual on the mountain?¡± He rose one eye brow high above the other, making the large scar etched across his left eye and cheek, slither like a snake. ¡°Why would there be such an act in a place like this¡±.


    Reales shrugged, passing a watchful eye to the shadowed treeline that followed them on either side of the path.  ¡°That is what we must find out¡±.


    ¡°It is surely an outsider¡±, the Inspector added, pushing his black rimmed spectacles further up the bridge of his pointed nose. ¡°It cannot be a Hunter of the Academy I assume, due to the lack of information and details on the processes of Blood Kakara within the libraries¡±.


    Barion nodded, keeping a hand on his rapier¡¯s silver guarded handle. ¡°Though I find it hard to believe an outsider would be able to travel onto the mountain without the Academies knowledge. For there are several guardsmen which protect the path to the upper sections of the mountain, at least three posts of guardsmen may I add, at different elevations of the mountain¡±.


    ¡°Could they not traverse the mountains from the back end? Crossing the border of Salice?¡±, the inspector asked after a moment, his curved moustache twitched as he spoke.


    ¡°Not likely, the back end of the mountain is nothing but rugged rock formations and collapsing boulders ¨C not the least bit climbable. Unless of course you are a highly experienced mountaineer¡±, Reales replied. ¡°If anyone from Salice would want to journey to the top of the Mankrik Mountain Range, they would have to cross the border to Dreashire and pass by the guardsmen at the base of the mountain first¡±.


    The Inspector nodded slowly, regarding the Catomi before him, he hadn¡¯t seen a lot of Reales¡¯s kind throughout his years, but he found their history and culture fascinating. ¡°Would you say it¡¯s an impossibility though? To climb the back end of the mountain¡±.


    Reales shrugged. ¡°Impossible no, but it is rather unlikely¡±.


    ¡°Would you agree to this statement Elder Barion?¡±


    ¡°I would¡±, the Hunter replied. His voice was rough and withered. ¡°Though I think it¡¯s important to note the presence of hidden passages within the mountain itself, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s far fetched to assume maybe our culprit didn¡¯t climb the mountain, but instead traversed the innards of the mountain. Though of course, this is just a suggestion, and with no knowledge of the layout of the many caverns and caves within the mountain, reaching its peaks would be unlikely¡±.


    The inspector nodded while continuing forward down the dishevelled path. His black robes danced within the cold breeze ¨C lines of green silk¡¯s and cottons lined its dark fabric. Sized and pieced together by some of the most celebrated tailors in the 5 kingdoms. The black stained armour plates that sat atop this fine fabric, were as dark as the night sky itself, reflecting the glowing stars above.


    ¡°I see, I did overlook the factor of caverns¡±.


    The inspector pulled out a small hand drawn layout of the Mankrik Mountain Range, and began to scan through its passages and details. The paper was yellowed and withered after years of use.


    After a further half an hour of walking through similar groups of dense trees and rocky formations, the three Elders finally reached a large clearing of trees, which revealed a colossal circumference of boulders and rocks. Which acted as a wall of sorts, surrounding a sharp drop off in the land where a small crystal clear lake lay amongst flourishing foliage and brush. Barely visible past the deep darkness of the night.


    ¡°This should be it¡±, Reales said, stopping before the wall of jagged boulders. Though they couldn¡¯t be sure until they searched further ¨C as the darkness was too complete to see clearly what laid beyond the walls.


    ¡°Very well¡±, Barion said, already dropping down to his knees, and beginning to lower himself down the wall of rocks. Using what ever he could as a foot hold.


    ¡°I would recommend being careful while traversing down¡±, he huffed after a moment. ¡°As most these rocks are covered in moss¡±.


    With that Barion dropped down onto the sodden earth below with a wet thud.


    The inspector followed closely behind, nearly slipping on one of the foot holds as he slowly lowered himself down past the jagged rocks ¨C which poked into his skin like tiny razors. Reales In this time had simply levitated down, his body giving off a light blue illumination as it travelled through the darkened air.


    Thick patches of dying, yellowed foliage lay scattered about the muddy lands, and the little trees that were within the enclosed area, were dark and skeletal. Like the withering bodies of Reapers.


    ¡°Yes this will be it¡±, Reales huffed, before cupping his hands, and carefully forming a glowing orb of condensed Kakara within his palms. He then sent the small orb of illumination to levitate about a foot ahead of him. Allowing it to fight back against the darkness, though it failed to penetrate the deepest shadows at the walls furthest corners.


    ¡°We must look for a cave opening¡±, he added after a moment, scanning the circumference of shadows around them.


    Barion urged forward, stepping over upended trees and large rocks, which jutted out from the moist soil below his feet. Their rough form half buried in quick sand like mud. His hand never left the guarded handle of his silver rapier, ready at any moment to draw the weapon. You could never be too careful on the mountain at night, many creatures of big and small wonder within the shadows the night brought.


    ¡°Stay on guard¡±, he huffed. His black stained armour plates reflected the night¡¯s sky above, which seemed to dance within its shinning surface, like shadows trapped within glass.


    Inspector Alonso followed closely behind Reales, seeking the light of his glowing orb, so he could more carefully study the small map within his hands. Which detailed most of the tunnels and caverns of the mountain ¨C though it was nearly impossible to figure out where you were on it, as the many lines and marks on the yellowed script were so densely packed, it was hard to gain any sense from it.


    After a few moments of studying the withered map the inspector suddenly froze still in place, watching as Reales slowly grew further and further away, and so with it the glowing orb grew duller and duller, allowing the darkness to take hold once more. There was a buzzing noise not too far away from him, almost like electric passing through metal. The sound was faint but distinctive.


    ¡°You hear that?¡±, he asked the darkness. Waiting for a reply.


    ¡°Hear what?¡± Barion¡¯s voice replied, his body only visible as a faint silhouette surrounded by dense blackness.


    ¡°That buzzing sound¡±.


    The inspector clasped his hands together, channelling the little Kakara he could into a small orb of illumination. The light beamed from between his clenched fingers. Then after counting three heart beats, he released the glowing orb from his hand. Blue tinged light illuminated his surroundings. His breath caught in his throat, as four beady black eyes stared back at him from the darkness, reflecting the dim light of his glowing orb. A Hogbat.


    The creature was large in comparison to their usual smaller size. Two clenching mandibles twitched below its four beady black eyes, eager for flesh. Rows of tiny razor like teeth were embedded within a long, thin mouth. Antenna¡¯s the size of the inspectors forearms draped from its insectile head.  Its naturally shielded body bore 6 long appendages, all covered within a thick layer of burgundy shelling that overlapped each other, leaving little to no weak points. Two giant bat-like wings shot out from its heavily shelled back. Looming within the suffocating darkness. The buzzing noise was still gargling at the back of the creatures throat ¨C that¡¯s if it had a throat, the inspector didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Hogba¡­!¡±


    The Inspector couldn¡¯t even finish the last syllable before the thing had launched forward towards him, lifting its dark wings up into the air, catching the wind, and adding to its momentum. Alonso stumbled backwards while trying to unsheathe a dagger strapped to his forearm, but tripped over a large tree stump in the process. Crashing down onto the floor. The Hogbat lashed one of its shelled appendages down towards him, but Alonso narrowly managed to roll out of the way, watching as the pointed limb smashed into the soil only a fingers length away from him ¨C sending mounds of dirt and chucks of rock up into the cool air.


    ¡°Stay low¡±, Barion roared from the darkness, pulling his silver rapier from its sheath. ¡°They can¡¯t look down, the lower you stay, the harder it will be for it to see you¡±.


    The creature continued its frenzied attack upon Alonso, smashing its front limbs violently into the crumbling earth below. Using this time Alonso managed to slip to the creatures left side, while unlatching his dagger. He then used his other hand to channel a small condensed ball of Kakara, flakes of green energy rose from its marble like form.


    With a deep breath, Alonso threw the small ball of green energy towards the things head, there was a sudden burst of spiralling colour as the ball exploded. Sending clumps of the things shelling and blackened flesh flying through the air. It wasn¡¯t enough to kill the thing, but it would be more than enough to startle it.


    The inspector shot forward, carefully dodging the creatures thrashing appendages, which sliced violently through the air. A deep guttural howl of anger rumbled at the back of the things throat ¨C it¡¯s one remaining eye was sat amongst flayed black flesh, which hung bleeding from its now mangled head.


    Alonso paused his attack, waiting for the right moment to strike. He knew he had to aim for the things chest, where it¡¯s shelling didn¡¯t fully meet in the middle, leaving a small gap of exposed flesh which could be penetrated with a strong enough blade. He just didn¡¯t know how to go about it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool¡±, Barion roared from the darkness, seeing what Alonso was planning. ¡°Your dagger is too small, it won¡¯t reach its heart¡±.


    But the Inspector wasn¡¯t listening, his focus was primarily on his target. Once the thing stopped from is frenzied thrashing, he would be given just enough time to duck down and stab the thing in the chest, before parrying out of the way. He stayed light on his feet, ready to pounce at any moment.


    ¡°Alonso!¡±


    He leaped forward, gripping the small dagger with both hands, putting all his weight behind the strike. But as soon as he moved, the Hogbat leaped to the side, its huge black wings thrashed against the wind, sending gusts of dirt up from the ground below. Then with one swift motion, the thing smashed one of its shelled limbs into the side of the inspector, instantly sending him flying backwards through the air, before violently crashing into a small tree stump a few feet away. He let out a pained grunt, as all the air in his lungs was forced out in one go. The creature loomed above him, the buzzing resumed in it¡¯s throat as it approached him, puss and leaking blood fell from its contracting mouth.


    Alonso glared about the ground around him, desperately trying to find his dagger, which he had dropped after being hit. But a sudden flash of silver demanded his attention, as Barion launched himself forward from the shadows. His body only visible as a darkened blur as he glided through the air. His steps were precise, and intentional.


    Then on his final step, he launched himself forward and jabbed his double edged rapier through the Hogbat¡¯s chest. Blackened blood gushed from the opening, staining Barion¡¯s gauntleted hands. He then thrusted the needle like blade deeper between the creatures thick shelling, only stopping when the handle¡¯s silver guard pressed against the things chest.


    He counted 2 heartbeats, before he swiftly tore the rapier back, sending coils of blood dripping from the fine double edged blade. He then wiped it clean ¨C he hated having blood on his sword.


    The large Hogbat twitched twice, before dropping down onto the sodden earth below, staining the soiled mud black with dripping gore.


    ¡°Leave the fighting to me next time¡±, he said, nodding towards the Inspector ¨C who was still desperately gasping for air.


    ¡°It came out of nowhere¡±.


    Barion shrugged, sheathing his sword. ¡°I warned you not to strike and you still did ¨C could have gotten yourself killed, and believe me, dying by a Hogbat is possibly the most embarrassing way to die in these lands¡±.


    ¡°He speaks truth¡±, Reales said, the glowing orb before him cast a deep blue light upon his body.


    ¡°And where were you when it attacked¡±, Alonso hissed back, slowly standing to his feet.


    Reales let out a chesty laugh, revealing a line of razor like teeth. ¡°I assumed you would be able to kill a Hogbat of all things ¨C and my assistance would have been completely unnecessary, you are standing before one of the most revered and celebrated Hunters within the Legion, I would have simply been in way if I got involved¡±.


    ¡°Do they not train you in hand to hand combat back in Salice?¡± Barion asked the Inspector.


    ¡°I am no warrior Barion, I simply investigate matters relating to the Empire, and on certain occasions such as this,  the Legion of Hunters also, that is all. I need not be trained in swordplay¡±.


    ¡°Though the lands you travel are very much dangerous¡±, Reales said, turning away from the two men. ¡°But I fear we are forgetting why we are here, while Barion was busy saving you inspector, I believe I have found the opening¡±.


    The glowing orb before him flickered lightly in the darkness, flakes of energy fell from its misty surface, and dissipated into the surrounding shadows.


    ¡°It is just beyond the small lake¡±, he said, stepping over the deceased Hogbat. ¡°Wedged between two large boulders within the walling, I believe this to be the cave we are looking for¡±.


    ***


    Inspector Alonso carefully stepped forward past the moss smothered opening, ducking his head below the top boulder, which jotted out with a pointed edge. He grimaced as a few loose rocks scrapped across his armour, scratching its almost perfectly preserved surface. He then reached into a leather pouch strapped to his chest and pulled out a small bronze pendant, which had an oval shaped emerald embedded into its centre.


    This pendant was named an ¡®Emerald Eye¡¯ by the Dreskof Empire ¨C which are enchanted objects specifically designed to obstruct the natural stream of Kakara. Many non Kakara sensitive knights and hunters have these pendants connected to their armour and weapons in order to prevent Wizards and Mages from channelling their energy. But Alonso had brought these pendants specifically for the cave ¨C so he could leave one at each individual passage and tunnel. Allowing the enchanted pendant to dissipate the natural stream or Kakara before it had a chance to rearrange the caves layout, and leave them trapped within the dark, damp chambers.


    He dropped the small pendant down at the entrance ¨C as soon as it¡¯s bronze back collided with the hard rocks below, two spider like legs made out of pure silver popped out from its side, locking the pendant in place.


    ¡°Emerald eyes¡±, Reales smiled, looking back from further within the first chamber of the cave. His orb of illumination was doing a lap of the cavern, revealing rugged boulders covered with dense piles of vines and moss. ¡°Smart thinking¡±.


    ¡°I had a close friend who got trapped in a living cave ¨C he was never seen again. Ever since then I always bring a pouch full just to be safe¡±.


    Alonso walked further into the darkness, keeping an eye on the gaping chasms which infested the cave¡¯s damp floor ¨C old water warped planks of rotting wood were placed across their width. Acting as a path of sorts.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a second opening here, leads off to the left and right¡±, Barion called over from the left side of the chamber. He was crouched down inspecting the large opening in the cave¡¯s walling. Fresh beads of water dropped down the jagged stones and splattered onto his armour plates. ¡°I can¡¯t see where it leads though¡±.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°To more darkness I would assume¡±, Reales replied as he levitated over to where Barion was crouched. His glowing orb followed closely behind him. The opening itself was less of an opening, and more so a large crack in the earth. Allowing just enough leeway for an average sized man to fit through.


    ¡°Should we go left or right?¡±


    Reales peaked his head through the gap, glaring down both sides of the opening, the darkness beyond was so complete, his eyes might as well have been closed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡±, he answered, pulling his head back out from the cracked earth. ¡°We shall decide once we inspect the paths¡±.


    Alonso wondered over to them from the entrance, his dark metal armour reflected Reales¡¯s glowing orb, making it look as if the shadows themselves, were dancing within its metallic surface. He then stopped only a metre before the large crack, before dropping another Emerald Eye down onto the rocky floor below, which thudded lightly as its silver legs locked it still in place.


    ¡°We will likely have to inspect both paths for the investigation¡±, he said. ¡°Therefore I don¡¯t believe it will matter what way we go first¡±.


    Reales nodded slowly. ¡°We shall take the right path first¡±, he said.  ¡°If we do not find what we are looking for there, we shall turn back and inspect the left path¡±.


    ¡°Very well¡±, Barion muttered. Before slowly squeezing himself forward through the crack, first his head and right shoulder slipped through ¨C the sound of metal on stone echoed throughout the chamber. Then his leg and torso followed suite. Before long, all of Barion¡¯s body had disappeared beyond the darkened opening.


    ¡°Fucking dark in here without that glowing orb¡±. His voice was followed by the clanking of moving armour. ¡°I ain¡¯t much of a supporter of the use of Kakara, but I do wish I could use it for its more mundane usages¡±.


    Alonso crawled through next, grimacing as his armour scrapped against the sharp stones which stuck out from the cracked boulders at odd intervals.


    ¡°Not a lot of room¡±, he said, finally reaching the chamber that stood beyond, which offered little to no room for movement. He could feel the caves walls on either side of his shoulders each time he breathed out. ¡°Feels like I¡¯m buried in a tomb¡±.


    ¡°Gods above, don¡¯t say that¡±, Barion urged. ¡°The gods might take It upon themselves to make that sentiment a truth¡±.


    Alonso attempted to turn to address Barion, but didn¡¯t have enough room. ¡°I suppose it would make sense for them to answer my calls when I least want them too¡±.


    ¡°They indeed work in mysterious ways¡±, Reales huffed as he passed through the jagged opening. His glowing orb levitated only a metre in front of him, providing light into the chamber for the first time ¨C Revealing its damp, moss smothered innards.


    The furthest wall of the chamber was withered and worn after years of rot and decay -  a steady stream of water fell from an opening in the cave¡¯s ceiling, travelling down its rough surface, slowly cutting deep chasms into the earth over thousands of years.


    Glaring off to the right, Alonso could see that the path before him was a steep decline, travelling deeper and deeper down into the depths of Dreashire. Long twisting vines clung from the damp ceiling above, dripping with moisture.


    ¡°We shall follow the decline¡±, Reales said after a moment, willing his orb of illumination to levitate further down the path.


    ¡°They say only demons live below the surface of Albirth¡±, Barion said from behind Alonso, his voice was rough, like that of an ageing smoker.


    ¡°Then that only makes me more confident in the decision¡±, Reales replied. ¡°Blood Kakara is an art of the underworld after all¡±.


    Without another word, the Catomi slowly began to shuffle down the long path, descending past flourishing foliage and collected water, which reflected the eager glow of his orb.  The Inspector and Hunter followed closely behind him. Not bothering with arguing against the suggestion.


    After 10 minuets of traversing the sloping path, they entered into a much larger cavern, which held a natural pool of water within its centre. Stacks of colossal boulders were lined along its back end, reflecting within the crystal clear water.


    Alonso squinted his eyes, trying to get a better look, but the orb of illumination did little to fight against the suffocating darkness which seemed to claw out towards them.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t look very natural¡±, he observed, nodding towards the pool at the back of the cavern. ¡°The boulders have been stacked on top of each other, as if to act as a wall¡±.


    ¡°I thought these caves were uninhabited¡±, Barion added, gripping the handle of his silver rapier.


    ¡°It seems they have been to some degree at least¡±, Reales replied, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Though why would there be a wall constructed there for no reason?¡±, he paused, passing a clawed hand through his thick grey mane. ¡°It must be there for some reason¡±.


    ¡°Some young hunters maybe¡±, Alonso suggested, walking towards the mossy wall of boulders. At one point his ankle was almost snapped in half when his foot fell into a small chasm on the cave¡¯s floor. But luckily it wasn¡¯t very deep and his foot met with solid ground below.


    ¡°Do you and the Elders have any guardsmen who keep on lookout for these caves?¡±


    Reales shook his head. ¡°No not in the uninhabited caves. Most guardsmen only protect the tunnels and chamber¡¯s that have been built into parts of the academy¡±.


    Alonso nodded slowly. ¡°And you say the mountain is impossible to traverse from its back end ¨C you must enter from the post at the bottom of Mount Elisir?¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡±.


    ¡°Then do you think it was a Hunter within the Legion who built this?¡±


    Reales glared at the wall of boulders before them, studying how the jagged rocks had been carefully stacked atop each other, starting with larger boulders at its base, then the rocks slowly got smaller and smaller towards the top.


    ¡°It could have been Inspector ¨C though to me it seems obvious this wall has been crafted with the help of Kakara, and I don¡¯t know of any young hunters who possess the kind of power needed to move boulders and stack them on top of each other like that¡±. He pointed towards the wall. ¡°Even I would struggle with such a feat¡±.


    ¡°I have seen familiar walls within the 5 kingdoms¡±, Barion said from the darkness. Then with a flash of orange firelight, the Elder Hunter lit a large pipe which hung from his stubbled face. ¡°Almost all of them were either traps, or hidden passages¡±.


    Alonso nodded, placing a hand on the boulders, checking if any were noticeably loose.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that though  Inspector ¨C like I said, they were usually either traps or secret passages¡±, he moved closer to the man. ¡°And if it¡¯s a trap, moving one of those rocks could be the difference between life or death¡±.


    Reales considered this, while glaring about the large cavern they found themselves stood within. Most of which was empty and  baron of any signs of life. Though his eyes paused once crossing paths with the large pool of water stood before him, which gave off a light mist like illumination. He bent down and dipped one of his hands into the water, which was warm to the touch. When he pulled his hand back out from the sparkling surface, he found his hand completely dry. As he expected.


    ¡°This is no water¡±, he said out loud, though it was more so a thought for himself.


    ¡°What?¡± Alonso asked, turning to face the Catomi, but Reales didn¡¯t reply.


    Crouching back down he began to inspect the crystal clear surface with new found interest. The water was a condensed form of Kakara which had a tendency to affect objects and visuals within its general facility ¨C carrying the surrounding Kakara within its own natural stream it produced. Warping anything it came in contact with. It was the same type of condensed Kakara the Legion utilised in their travelling waterfalls.


    He glared about the dancing reflection of the wall, which bobbed lightly up and down within the churning waters. The walls image had been morphed into the shape of an upside down triangle, its point angled towards the wall behind him. Flakes of white energy danced within the reflection, like bees swarming blossomed flowers. He glared back behind him,  following the reflection¡¯s path, which seemed to be pointing at one of the large boulders at the walls base. His eyes narrowed. Something was distracting the Kakara¡¯s path, something which was in some way connected to the ordinary looking boulder before him.


    ¡°Try moving that one¡±, he said, pointing towards the hulking rock. Cracks snaked across its jagged surface, like the Grand River of Eyes, which edged the border of Salice.


    ¡°Why this one?¡±, Alonso asked, one eye brow rose high above the other.


    ¡°Just do it, don¡¯t try to take it out from the wall, just move it about a little ¨C I think I¡¯m onto something¡±.


    After a few moments, Alonso did as he was told. Crouching down, he began to slowly move the boulder from left to right, which jabbed against the other rocks which were tightly packed around it.


    Watching the pool once more, Reales saw the walls reflection flicker and change into different shadow like shapes each time the rock was moved. Releasing more sparks of white energy, which swirled and vibrated within the artificial water. Then, once Alonso had stopped moving the colossal rock. The reflection fell to take the shape of an upside down triangle once more, pointing towards the same boulder in the wall.


    ¡°I see¡±, he said after a moment, standing from the pool. ¡°I believe we must move the boulder in order to continue forth¡±.


    Barion shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool Reales, I have worked amongst traps enough to know one when I see one¡±.


    Reales waved a dismissive hand. ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that Barion, but this is no trap. Nor is it a matter that I expect you or Alonso to understand¡±, he pointed at the wall of boulders. ¡°This is a carefully constructed enchantment, which is utilising this pool of condensed Kakara to retain its illusion. Which is why the walls reflection within the waters surface is warped ¨C Because its energy is being drawn towards the pools own natural stream¡±.


    ¡°I see that¡±, Barion said, glaring down towards the reflection. ¡°But just because Kakara is involved, doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not a trap. We can¡¯t afford to be careless with our actions¡±.


    ¡°No i suppose it doesn¡¯t¡±, Reales agreed. ¡°But trap¡¯s do not utilise this amount of Kakara Barion ¨C like I said, only enchantments would need this kind of Kakara fed into it. Traps on the other hand, would only need one small jolt of Kakara channelled into them before they would be able to operate fine on their own. It is only specific enchantments that need this kind of energy to remain whole¡±. He pointed at the wall. ¡°And that is one of those enchantments¡±.


    Barion glared down at the large cracked boulder wedged within the wall, looking for any signs of ruby, which is a crystal mostly used to channel explosive Kakara, and is regularly utilised in many different traps and weapons.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be pleased if it blows us up, or shoots us full of arrows hidden within the cave walls¡±.


    ¡°Nor will I¡±, Alonso mirrored, crossing his arms against his armoured chest.


    ¡°Rest assured you will both be fine¡±, Reales smiled. ¡°Now let us speed this up, it is nearing my hour of sleep¡±.


    With that the Catomi wondered past Alonso and stopped before the colossal wall of boulders. Crouching down, he placed a hand on the large rock at the walls base, and began to cycle his Kakara throughout his core. Channelling it into malleable energy. Tendrils of burning blue Kakara began to swirl and spiral around his fingers, emitting a deep mist which glowed within the dark cavern. Reales counted five heartbeats, in that time the energy emitting from his hands radiated so violently, waves of Kakara began to sizzle and burst within the pool of energy behind him. Then, once he counted the final heartbeat, Reales released the condensed ball of energy from his hand, and into the boulder.


    Glowing blue cracks began to form around its jagged surface, Releasing clumps of condensed energy into the air. Before with a sudden burst of roaring colour, the boulder exploded into tiny fragments of expanding energy. Waves of purple, blue and red Kakara radiated throughout their surroundings, striking like electric against their skin ¨C as the rest of the wall collapsed down into itself, dissipating into a fine crimson mist as it collided with the rocky floor below.


    Reales shielded his face with upheld arms. Chunks  of rock and stone lashed against the thick cloth of his robes, disbursing into a fine mist once making impact.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re not dead yet¡±, he huffed, squinting past the debris filled air. Barion and Alonso stood only a few feet away, surrounded by snake like clumps of deep burgundy mist.


    ¡°Gods above¡±, Alonso heaved, before falling into a vicious fit of coughing. His once beautifully preserved armour plates, now wore many new spiderweb like cracks and scratches.


    ¡°So it was an illusion after all¡±, Barion said once the mist had settled. ¡°Why would such an enchantment be placed here of all places¡±.


    ¡°I fear what that answer may be¡±, Reales replied, looking over towards the misty corner of the cavern where the wall once stood. The shadows were now painted crimson with disbursed Kakara. On the rocky floor below laid a sculpture of a Demons Skull, carefully carved out of obsidian and gold. Reales crouched down and inspected the object, finding in this time it was connected to the jagged ground.


    ¡°Need we inspect more?¡±, Alonso asked, waving a hand about to disintegrate the mist around him. ¡°I believe we have seen more than enough to know of something strange happening here¡±.


    ¡°We need solid proof Alonso, this is a serious matter. And considering you are one of the Empires most trusted Inspectors, I expect for you to want more definitive proof also¡±.


    He placed a clawed finger in both eye socket¡¯s of the skull, and pulled it up from the ground ¨C a click emitted from the sculpture as it lifted up from its place below.


    A series of rumbling thumps and clicks echoed throughout the chamber, as two large cobble pillars began to slowly rise up from the depths of the Kakara pool behind him. Barion took an instinctive step backwards, his hand never leaving his silver rapier. Something felt wrong, but he couldn¡¯t put a finger what that was.


    ¡°Prepare yourselves¡±, he said. ¡°We don¡¯t know where or what this could lead us too¡±.


    Once the colossal pillars had reached the peak of the cavern, the surrounding pool began to hiss out boiling hot steam while collapsing down into the depths, via gaping holes which opened up in the pool¡¯s flooring. Revealing a line of cobble slabs which slipped out from the side wall, forming a large staircase which led down into pitch blackness.


    A deep crimson glow emitted from the shadows, like streams of blood dripping down darkened armour plates.


    ¡°It seems we have found our path¡±, Reales said, glaring about the new opening.


    ¡°Indeed it does¡±, Alonso replied, dropping an Emerald Eye down at the top of the wide staircase. ¡°Though I¡¯m afraid it doesn''t look very inviting¡±.


    ¡°Inviting or not¡±, Barion sighed. ¡°I would ask we hurry this up -  I was not told by the Elders this inspection would take as long as it has¡±.


    ¡°Nor was I¡±, Reales added. ¡°But we have been handed a duty by the Legion. I don¡¯t have to tell you how disturbing the prospect of Blood Kakara is, let alone on the Mountain. This is a matter that we must investigate, and find answers for¡±. He began to walk down the darkened staircase. His orb of illumination quickly shifted its path, descending shortly behind him. It¡¯s light revealing withered cobble walls, and snake like tendrils of moss and vines, draping from the damp ceiling above.


    ¡°If you are worried about wasting time Barion, I would suggest you follow down with haste¡±.


    After 10 minuets of descending, the cobble staircase opened up into a large cube shaped chamber carved into the earth. Unlike the caves above, this one had numerous lit lanterns connected to its smooth stone walls. Emitting orange firelight into the shadows. Alonso dropped an Emerald Eye at the chamber¡¯s entrance before entering. He could see at the back end of the room, Barion and Reales was stood before a large shrine that he couldn¡¯t see clearly from where he was. As he drew closer, he made out more details.


    There was a small stone podium which poked out from the walling before the men, the face of a demon had been carved into the jagged stone with the precision of a surgeon. A lantern hung above the sinister carving, casting the face with deep shadows, making the sculpture look almost life like. Below the demon¡¯s face was a piece of rotting script, which had been laid atop a stone book rest at the back end of the podium. The diagrams and symbols written upon the yellowed page, was as deep and crimson as blood.


    ¡°God¡¯s above¡±, Reales gasped, glaring down at the rotting script.


    ¡°What of this?¡±, Alonso asked, reaching the large stone podium.


    It was only then he saw the blood stained diagram engraved into the podium¡¯s stone surface, a single blood crystal sat within its centre. Scorched dark with flames that no longer roared. Crimson hand prints where left on either side of the diagram, dried and crusted.


    ¡°Eyes of The Abyss¡±, Reales replied. ¡°An ancient scripture taken from the Book of Inferno, the Accounts of Blood¡±.


    ¡°May the gods be kind¡±, Barion huffed from beside him. His face had whitened.


    ¡°What does this scripture detail¡±, Alonso asked. He had little knowledge of the Forbidden Arts, and the Book of Inferno didn¡¯t seem to ring any bells within his head.


    ¡°It details the Eyes of the Abyss, a pathway to the land of reapers. Where only the dead roam¡±.


    Alonso glared down at the rotting scrip. Its edges were withered, as if worms had be left to eat away at it for decades.


    ¡°I excepted Blood Kakara, but not at this level¡±, Barion said after a moment.


    ¡°And it seems their ritual was successful¡±, Reales replied. ¡°They have opened the Eyes of The Abyss, and have undoubtedly communicated with the one they seek¡±.


    He reached down and picked up the scorched blood crystal, small flakes of red Kakara still roamed within its darkened surface.


    ¡°Who could have done this?¡± Alonso asked. His eyes searched the blood smeared diagram etched into the cold stone podium.


    ¡°The Elders and I have an idea, though it has no solid ground as of yet¡±.


    ¡°Who would that be?¡± Barion asked, looking up to meet the glowing emerald eyes of the Catomi.


    ¡°The Denita¡¯s¡±.


    An uneasy silence settled amongst the men.


    ¡°How would they get here with no one sighting them?¡± Alonso said after a moment, his eyes wide.


    ¡°There has been plenty of sightings of Denita¡¯s the past few years¡±, Reales said. ¡°Though like I said it is only an idea, we have no proof of it being a reality as of yet. Though, I expect it would only be their kind who could successfully open the Eyes of The Abyss. Knowledge of such a ritual had been banished from the kingdoms hundreds of years ago¡±, he paused, looking at the carved demon head before him, the stone surface glowed lightly, projecting the orange lantern light.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see it likely a mage or wizard would do such a thing, as even they know a ritual such as this taints the natural stream of Kakara all practitioners tap into when channelling¡±.


    Alonso nodded. ¡°This is very disturbing indeed¡±.


    Reales dropped the blood crystal into his leather pouch, a crimson mist was left in its wake. ¡°Barion, retrieved the scripture, we must take them back to the Elders for further inspection¡±.


    Barion nodded, picking up the ageing script, expecting at any moment for the paper to dissolve upon contact. The same diagram carved into the stone podium below, was carefully drew onto the bottom of the rotting paper, painted with the blood of a soul long past.


    Inspector Alonso studied the symbols and shapes. ¡°Is there any way of getting a copy of this scripture? I would assume the Emperor would like to learn more of this¡±.


    Reales shook his head. ¡°If the Emperor wants copies of this scripture, or any other teachings within The Book of Inferno, I¡¯m sure he has his own contacts who will be able to acquire them for him. He will not get it from my hands. It has been made a sin punishable by death for a reason¡±.


    Alonso went to argue but stopped himself, deciding to nod in reluctant agreement instead.


    ¡°Should I request an emergency meeting?¡±, Barion asked Reales.


    ¡°No no, the Elders made it clear that we are to meet for a discussion first thing tomorrow. You know how they are with their rest¡±.


    ¡°Very well¡±, he replied. Slipping the rotting script within a hidden compartment, lodged between his Namiki Steel mail, and his darkened armour plates.


    Reales looked back down at the shrine one more time, locking eyes with the sculpted demons head, before glaring down at the engraved diagram. Crusted blood lay darkened amongst the stone, like spilled ink.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how this has happened¡±, Reales looked up from the remnants of the ritual. ¡°But we must act swiftly, the very fact a ritual such as the Eyes of The Abyss has successfully been completed, is worrying enough. But the fact it is on our Mountain, not far from where our Students learn and live¡±.


    ¡°But why the mountain?¡± Alonso butted in. ¡°If we are to believe an outsider, Denita or not, is the culprit for this, why would they go through the hassle of travelling to the Mankrik Mountain Range of all places?¡± He paused, placing a hand on the blood stained stones below. ¡°Surely there are more historic places in Albirth, where the forbidden arts has a rich history. Would that not be more suited for the ritual¡±.


    ¡°It would¡±, Barion answered with a nod. ¡°Which is why this is so strange¡±.


    Alonso looked down the bloody hand prints on the stone, placed either side of the diagram. ¡°And what of the hand prints, does this mean there were two here, or are these two prints from the same person?¡±


    ¡°There would need to be at least two very knowledgeable practitioners for the Eyes of The Abyss to be opened, though you typically need three or more for such a ritual. So I would assume there were at least two here at the time¡±.


    Alonso nodded. ¡°I see, what would you like me to say to the Emperor?¡±


    Reales considered this for a moment. ¡°Confirm to him we have found proof of Blood Kakara taking place on the Mountain, but we are yet to find any clues pointing us towards its meaning, or the people behind it¡±. He turned to face the Inspector.


    ¡°Though it is of the upmost importance we keep this quiet. This shall be a situation kept between the Elders of the Legion, and the Emperors Council. No other ears will hear word of it. We can¡¯t have this information leaked¡±.


    ¡°Understood¡±, Alonso said.


    Reales looked over to Barion, who nodded in agreement when he realised he had said this to them both.


    ¡°Very well¡±, Reales smiled, wiping some dust from his draping robes. ¡°Shall we head back to the surface, with some luck we may make it back to the Academy before the night turns old¡±.


    Barion and Alonso eagerly agreed.


    ¡°I will ensure you get a bed chamber upon arrival back Alonso, and we will have your steed set out to you in the first wake of sunlight¡±, he paused, beginning to walk towards the darkened staircase which would lead them back up to the cavern above.


    ¡°Tomorrow we must discuss this discovery more thoroughly, but as of now, we keep it silent¡±.


    They all nodded once, before resuming their journey up the staircase. The orb of illumination levitated a few feet ahead of them, lighting the way. Painting the surrounding darkness with a luminescent white mist, which danced within the shadows.