《The World of FRYA》 The Beginning of Frya The Beginning of FryaThe world of Frya trembled beneath the weight of its own magnificence. Towering peaks pierced the heavens, their snow-capped summits shimmering under an eternal sunlit sky. Rivers of molten magic coursed through the valleys, dividing the lands of gods, demons, and magical beings. The air itself hummed with a raw, untamed energy that few mortals could endure. Humans were a fragile anomaly in this realm. Their villages clung to the edges of vast forests and desolate plains, always in the shadow of something greater-be it a celestial city of the gods or the infernal fortresses of demons. They had no magic to call their own, no strength to rival their immortal neighbors. They were prey in a world ruled by predators.Frya, the goddess of creation, watched from her celestial spire. She had shaped this world from chaos, but her heart ached as she gazed upon the struggling humans. They were her most delicate creation, gifted with free will but burdened by their frailty. While gods reveled in their power and demons vied for dominance, humans toiled, starved, and died unnoticed."They are but embers in a storm," whispered one of her divine attendants. "Why care for such fleeting sparks?"But Frya did care. She descended from her spire one fateful day, her radiant form cloaked in mortal guise. As she walked among the humans, she saw their resilience, their ingenuity, and their quiet acts of kindness. She saw potential where others saw only weakness.In secret, Frya began to bestow blessings upon a chosen few. These humans, marked by her divine touch, became faster, stronger, and wiser. They wielded abilities that rivaled the gods and demons, and for the first time, humanity had champions. Yet, among all her chosen, one stood apart.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Arthur.Born in a nameless village ravaged by demon raiders, Arthur''s life had been a tapestry of loss and struggle. Yet, he bore it all with an unyielding spirit. When Frya''s blessing came to him, it ignited a power unlike any other. His strength was not just in his sword arm but in his heart and mind. He united tribes, forged alliances, and dared to challenge the chaos that gripped Frya.His first act of defiance against the world''s oppressors came on the plains of Edara, where an army of demons marched to annihilate a human settlement. Alone, Arthur stood before them, his sword gleaming with a golden light. The battle was fierce, but by dawn, the plains were silent, save for the whispers of survivors who hailed him as their savior.Arthur''s legend grew. He was not just a warrior but a peacemaker. He brokered uneasy truces between gods and demons, proving that even the mightiest could coexist. Under his leadership, humanity flourished. Villages became cities, and the fragile embers of hope grew into a roaring flame.But peace is a fragile thing in Frya. Whispers began to spread of gods who resented Frya''s interference, demons who plotted revenge, and magical beings who questioned humanity''s rise. And Arthur, despite his greatness, was still only mortal.--- New Hope One hundred years had passed since King Arthur sealed the demons within the cursed territory of Ashva. The land, once a battleground, now lay shrouded in an eerie stillness. The barrier Arthur created held firm for decades, but nothing lasted forever. Deep within the heart of Ashva, the Demon King stirred. The seal cracked, and though he escaped, it left him weakened and vulnerable. Fleeing from his pursuers, he sought refuge in a dark cave far from prying eyes. There, a young human girl discovered him. Her name was Lyria, a kind and brave soul who lived on the outskirts of the forest. She had grown up an orphan, yet her hardships never dulled her compassion. When she first saw the Demon King, fear gripped her heart. His towering figure and the dark aura surrounding him were terrifying. But when her eyes met his, she saw something more: a lost soul burdened by suffering. Despite her fear, Lyria could not ignore his pain. She gathered her courage and approached him, offering what little aid she could. At first, the Demon King resented her. The idea of a human¡ªa weak, insignificant being¡ªhelping him was almost insulting. Yet, he was too weak to refuse her care, and her persistence wore down his defenses. Over time, he began to see her differently. Lyria¡¯s kindness and determination chipped away at his hardened exterior. As the weeks turned into months, Lyria nursed him back to health. She guided him through the forest, showed him the beauty of the world he had long despised, and shared stories of her own struggles and dreams. In return, the Demon King, once stoic and guarded, began to open up. He told her tales of his past, his ambitions, and the pain that had shaped him. Her laughter and unwavering faith in his potential to change became a light in his darkness. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. One quiet evening, as they sat by the fire, the Demon King noticed a delicate flower tucked behind Lyria¡¯s ear. Its soft, blue petals shimmered faintly in the firelight. ¡°That flower suits you,¡± he murmured, his deep voice uncharacteristically gentle. ¡°It¡¯s called a Ren flower. In my lands, it symbolizes resilience.¡± Lyria touched the flower self-consciously, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. ¡°I found it near the stream. I didn¡¯t know it had such a meaning.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fitting,¡± he said, his gaze lingering on her. ¡°You¡¯ve endured so much, yet you remain... unbroken.¡± Her heart fluttered at his words, and for a moment, they sat in silence, the bond between them growing ever stronger. As the weeks passed, Lyria¡¯s feelings for him deepened. She admired his strength and the glimpses of vulnerability he revealed only to her. The Demon King, in turn, found himself drawn to her bravery and the way she saw through his facade. He had protected her from wild beasts and hunters, not out of obligation but because he cared. Against all odds, love blossomed between them. One fateful night, as the Demon King¡¯s powers fully returned, he knew his time with Lyria was at an end. His presence endangered her, and his destiny lay beyond their sanctuary. They spent one final, bittersweet night together, sharing words they had never spoken aloud. At dawn, he left, unaware of the life they had created together. Months later, Lyria¡¯s pregnancy became impossible to conceal. Fearful of the villagers¡¯ wrath, she fled into the wilderness, her heart breaking with every step. She found refuge in an ancient dungeon, where she was discovered by a wandering elf and dwarf. The pair, moved by her plight, guided her through secret passages deep within the dungeon and offered her their aid. When the time came for her to give birth, tragedy struck. Her firstborn, a frail child , did not survive. Lyria¡¯s anguished screams echoed through the dungeon, shaking its very foundations. But amid her grief, the midwife¡¯s voice broke through the despair. ¡°There is another,¡± the elf whispered. With strength born of desperation, Lyria endured. Her blood painted the cold stone floor, but when her son was placed in her arms, she smiled. Looking into his eyes, she was reminded of him¡ªthe one who had shown her a world beyond fear and despair. ¡°Ren,¡± she whispered, naming him with the last breath of her life. Her soul departed, leaving behind a child destined to bridge the worlds of humans and demons. Ren Journey Begins The hidden dungeon community was a haven of life and culture, where elves, dwarves, and a few adventurous humans coexisted in harmony. Among them grew a boy unlike any other. Ren, with his untamed energy and insatiable curiosity, stood out even as a child. His fists, honed through countless mock duels with the other children, served as both tools and weapons, channeling the unspoken power simmering within him. Ren¡¯s caretakers, the graceful elf Elenara and the sturdy dwarf Grimnir, shaped his upbringing. Elenara introduced him to the intricacies of strategy and the mysteries of magic¡ªthough Ren¡¯s lack of magical aptitude often amused her more than it frustrated. Grimnir, on the other hand, focused on endurance and raw strength, sparring with Ren daily and sharing tales of legendary battles that ignited the boy¡¯s imagination. Life in the dungeon was humble yet vibrant, enriched by a community that valued unity above all. Often, Ren would sit at the feet of the elders, captivated by their tales of the world beyond the dungeon¡ªvast kingdoms, fearsome monsters, and the Hero King Arthur, who had once brought peace to Frya. Inspired by these stories, Ren dreamed of leaving the safety of the dungeon to follow in Arthur¡¯s footsteps, yearning to bring harmony to a fractured world. One night, while wandering through the cavernous halls, Ren heard the faint twang of a bowstring. Intrigued, he followed the sound to a secluded training ground where he found a young half-elf girl practicing under the soft glow of bioluminescent fungi. Her name was Alys, a quiet soul who often kept to herself. Ren watched in awe as she fired arrow after arrow with unerring precision, each striking the heart of her target. Excitement bubbled within him. ¡°That was amazing!¡± he exclaimed, startling her. Alys spun around, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± she stammered, gripping her bow as if it were a shield. Ren stepped forward, his grin wide and disarming. ¡°I¡¯m Ren. I saw you practicing. Can we be friends? Maybe you could teach me how to shoot like that!¡± Alys hesitated, her brow furrowing in uncertainty, but then nodded shyly. Thus began a bond that flourished with each passing day.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. They trained together, shared laughter, and dreamed of adventures, their aspirations to explore the world binding them tightly. Over the years, their styles began to complement each other perfectly¡ªAlys¡¯s precision and calm demeanor balanced Ren¡¯s raw strength and fiery determination. An unshakable trust grew between them, as Ren¡¯s belief in Alys¡¯s abilities inspired her to reach even greater heights. When Ren turned twelve, the long-awaited ceremony of blessings approached. This rite of passage for all humans in the community was a chance to be recognized by Goddess Frya. Few were chosen, and those who bore the mark of her blessing became champions destined for greatness. The mark was not just a symbol; it reflected the wielder¡¯s willpower and ambition, its strength growing with determination. For some, the mark was little more than an ornament, but for those with unyielding will, it unlocked unimaginable potential. The day before the ceremony, Elenara revealed the truth about Ren¡¯s mother. ¡°She was brave and kind,¡± Elenara said, her voice filled with reverence. ¡°She saw hope where others saw despair. Your strength comes from her, Ren. Never forget that. Beyond these walls lies a world she fought to protect.¡± The ceremony took place under the great luminescent tree at the heart of the dungeon. Each child stood before the altar, one by one, as the elders called upon Frya¡¯s favor. The air hummed with energy, crackling like lightning as the goddess¡¯s will manifested. When Ren stepped forward, his heart pounded in his chest. A blinding light enveloped him, and when it faded, a radiant mark adorned his hand¡ªa swirling emblem that signified Frya¡¯s blessing. A cheer erupted from the gathered crowd, but Ren¡¯s gaze sought only one person. Alys stepped up next. Ren held his breath as light surrounded her, and when it dimmed, her hand bore a mark as well. She turned to him, her shy smile transformed into one of radiant confidence. The following years were grueling but transformative. The elves and dwarves, legendary adventurers in their own right, trained Ren, Alys, and the other marked children with relentless determination. Under Grimnir¡¯s watchful eye, Ren honed his fists into weapons that could shatter stone. Elenara, though often amused by his lack of finesse, ensured he understood the importance of strategy and teamwork. Alys became a master of her bow, her arrows guided by an uncanny precision that even the elves marveled at. At fifteen, the time had come. Ren, Alys, and the other champions gathered at the dungeon¡¯s gates, their mentors and friends bidding them farewell. ¡°The world is vast and unforgiving,¡± Grimnir said, clapping Ren on the shoulder. ¡°But you¡¯ve got the heart of a fighter. Never lose that.¡± Elenara embraced him briefly. ¡°Remember, the mark is not just a gift but a responsibility. Use it wisely. You have the potential to unite the world and bring the peace we all dream of.¡± As the dungeon faded into the distance, Ren¡¯s heart swelled with a mix of fear and excitement. He turned to Alys, who met his gaze with a determined smile. Together, they took their first steps into the sprawling world of Frya, their journey¡ªand legend¡ªjust beginning. Fires of Vengeance Rae and Alys, along with the other champions, emerged from the dungeon into the wild expanse of Frya. The dense forest ahead stretched endlessly, its towering trees whispering secrets with the rustling wind. The sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the ground, but the beauty of the landscape did little to mask the lurking dangers. Bound by the battles they had fought together, Rae and Alys¡¯s bond grew stronger with every step. They faced relentless monsters, each clash testing their mettle. Rae¡¯s fist danced with precision while Alys¡¯s arrows found their marks with unerring accuracy. Their teamwork became second nature, a seamless fusion of strength and strategy that carried them through the perils of the road. Eventually, they arrived at a small village at the forest¡¯s edge. The settlement bore the scars of hardship: crooked fences, crumbling homes, and villagers with hollow eyes and wary expressions. Children clung to their parents, their laughter replaced by the weight of fear. Smoke curled weakly from the chimneys, carrying the scent of burned wood and desperation. The villagers explained their plight: monsters from the forest had grown more aggressive and powerful, driven by a sinister energy that seeped from the weakening barrier. ¡°King Arthur¡¯s magic protected us for so long,¡± an elder murmured, his voice trembling. ¡°But now, the demons¡¯ corruption taints even the beasts.¡± The forest loomed ominously, its tangled branches reaching skyward like grasping claws. The air was heavy, and the faint cries of distant creatures sent shivers down their spines. Rae and Alys offered their help, but before they could act, a commotion erupted from the forest. Following the sound of clashing steel and feral growls, they stumbled upon a young man locked in a fierce battle. His wild, unrelenting strikes kept the monstrous wolves at bay, but exhaustion weighed heavily on him. Blood streaked his face, and his breaths came in ragged gasps, yet his eyes blazed with determination. Rae¡¯s eyes widened as he watched the stranger fight with an animalistic ferocity. Turning to a nearby villager, he asked, ¡°Who is that?¡± The villager sighed, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. ¡°That¡¯s Rex. He¡¯s always throwing himself into danger, thinking he can take on the world alone.¡± Concerned, Rae approached Rex cautiously. ¡°Hey, are you¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Rex turned, his fist flying toward Rae with startling speed. Rae barely managed to block the punch, the force sending a shock through his arm. ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡± Rae snapped. Rex glared, his stance defensive. But as he swayed from exhaustion, his aggression faded. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious, leaving Rae and Alys to carry him back to the village. When Rex woke, Rae greeted him and patched up his injuries. ¡°Your body is incredible,¡± Rae remarked. ¡°It¡¯s like you heal on your own.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Rex grunted. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s my blessing power.¡± Rae¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°So you¡¯re a champion too?¡± Rex noticed the mark on Rae¡¯s hand and nodded. ¡°I guess you are as well.¡± Then his eyes fell on Alys, and his demeanor shifted. Blushing, he muttered an apology and hurried off. Curious about Rex¡¯s relentless drive, Rae later found him and asked, ¡°Why are you pushing yourself so hard? You¡¯ll die at this rate.¡± Rex froze, his expression darkening. With a voice heavy with anger and pain, he said, ¡°I will not die until I kill that cursed dragon.¡± Rae¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°D¡­ dragons? Are you insane? They¡¯re only second to the angels in power! Elenara always told me to run if I ever saw one.¡± Rex¡¯s eyes burned with determination. ¡°I¡¯ll kill that dragon for killing my father right in front of me. I¡­¡± His voice wavered before he steadied himself. ¡°I dreamed of being like him. Strong and proud. My father was everything I wanted to become. But that dream was shattered.¡± Rex¡¯s gaze grew distant as he recounted the memory. ¡°I was so young. He took me along on what should have been a simple mission, his team laughing and joking as we ventured into the forest. Then it appeared.¡± Rex¡¯s voice trembled, his fists clenched. ¡°A looming figure, its mana suffocating. Its strength was overwhelming. I couldn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t even breathe.¡± Rex¡¯s voice faltered, his anger masking the pain beneath. ¡°My father saw me frozen there. He threw himself in front of me, shouting for me to run. But before I could move, the dragon struck. He¡­ he died instantly, along with his entire team. I was the only one left, lying under his body, staring into the dragon¡¯s eyes. Its gaze felt like a curse, mocking me for my weakness. I cursed myself for being so useless, so powerless.¡± Rex¡¯s fists trembled as he continued. ¡°That¡¯s why I have to get stronger. I have to make this blessing the strongest and avenge him.¡± With that, Rex stormed off to continue fighting monsters, leaving Rae deep in thought. Rae sat in silence, staring at the fading figure of Rex. His mind raced with doubts and questions. For the first time, he felt the weight of his responsibility as a champion. What am I supposed to do? he wondered. His fists clenched as he struggled for an answer. Then, almost instinctively, he asked himself, What would King Arthur do? Rae had always admired King Arthur. The Hero King wasn¡¯t just a warrior; he was a beacon of righteousness. He faced insurmountable odds with unwavering resolve, standing against beings far stronger than himself because it was the right thing to do. That courage, that strength of character, was what Rae aspired to. The thought filled him with a flicker of resolve, though uncertainty still lingered in his heart. Alys placed a hand on Rae¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Arthur would do, but I know you¡¯ll do what¡¯s right.¡± Her voice was steady, a quiet reassurance that Rae wasn¡¯t alone. Later, as Rex fought tirelessly, he was ambushed by a coordinated group of monsters. Realizing there was likely a boss monster controlling them, Rex fought with all his might, but the overwhelming numbers took their toll. Bleeding and on the brink of collapse, he thought, Is this it? I need to get stronger. At that moment, Rae and Alys arrived, cutting through the horde with precision and teamwork. Together, the three champions managed to defeat the boss monster. Panting and bruised, Rae turned to Rex. ¡°You can¡¯t grow stronger alone. Let us help.¡± ''''Rex smilled" The village celebrated their victory, offering heartfelt thanks and a reward. They also shared news of the Kingdom of Asvail, which was recruiting champions to train and hone their blessings. The kingdom promised elite training and opportunities to grow stronger, an enticing prospect for all three of them. United by their shared goal of becoming stronger, Rae, Alys, and Rex decided to head to Asvail, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them there. The Road to Asvail The journey to the Kingdom of Asvail was anything but peaceful. Dense forests loomed with shadows that seemed to whisper ancient secrets. Treacherous mountain paths tested their endurance, the thin air biting at their lungs, while desolate plains stretched endlessly, their barren earth marked by scars of long-forgotten battles. Each step closer to their destination felt like walking into the heart of Frya¡¯s fractured peace, where the air itself seemed to mourn. During the rare moments of quiet, Ren found himself lost in thought, reflecting on the legendary King Arthur. He faced challenges far greater than this, Ren amused, watching the sun dip below the horizon. He stood against beings stronger than himself, not because he could win, but because it was right. But the journey began to stir something unsettling within him. Occasionally, Ren noticed his shadow linger unnaturally, its edges curling as if alive. At first, he dismissed it as exhaustion, but the air around him grew heavy in moments of anger or stress. It felt as though something unseen was watching, waiting. Alys was the first to notice his unease. One afternoon, as they navigated a steep path through the mountains, she fell into step beside him, her voice low and gentle. ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet,¡± she said, her green eyes searching his face. ¡°More than usual, I mean.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ren replied quickly, but his voice betrayed him with its tightness. Alys gave him a knowing smile. ¡°You¡¯re a terrible liar, you know.¡± She let the silence linger before nudging his arm lightly. ¡°Whatever it is, you don¡¯t have to carry it alone. You¡¯ve got me, remember?¡± Her words made Ren pause. Alys had always been there for him¡ªher calm presence a steady anchor amidst the chaos. He glanced at her, and for a brief moment, his tension eased. ¡°Thanks, Alys,¡± he said softly, though his mind still lingered on the strange heaviness that shadowed him. Rex, on the other hand, had a more direct approach to Ren¡¯s struggles¡ªthough it came in the form of constant competition. The two often clashed in friendly rivalry over the smallest things: who could climb faster, spot threats first, or carry the most. For Rex, it was a way to test limits; for Ren, it was an opportunity to push himself. One afternoon, as they crossed a rushing river using slippery stones, Rex smirked. ¡°Think you¡¯ll make it across without falling this time?¡± Ren narrowed his eyes. ¡°Careful, Rex, or you¡¯ll slip first. Then I¡¯ll have to fish you out.¡± ¡°Oh, please,¡± Rex shot back, leaping to the next rock with ease. ¡°If you fall, I¡¯ll leave you there. Might be the quickest way to shut you up.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°That¡¯s big talk for someone who took two tries to lift that last boulder,¡± Ren quipped, hopping after him. Alys sighed from the bank, arms crossed. ¡°You two are insufferable. You know, not every obstacle needs to turn into a competition.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± Rex said, flashing a grin. ¡°You call this fun?¡± Alys muttered under her breath. Despite her exasperation, Alys couldn¡¯t help but smile. Their rivalry, though intense, was harmless, and it kept their spirits high during the grueling journey. Beneath the teasing barbs, there was an unspoken bond. Ren respected Rex¡¯s strength, and Rex, in his own quiet way, admired Ren¡¯s grit and sharp thinking. One evening, as they camped by a small stream, the fire crackled, its light casting dancing shadows on their faces. Alys, sitting cross-legged with her hands warming by the flames, broke the silence. ¡°Rex,¡± she began, her voice gentle yet probing, ¡°what will you do once you kill the dragon?¡± Rex glanced up from sharpening his blade, his expression hard as stone. For a moment, he didn¡¯t answer, his eyes reflecting the firelight. ¡°I haven¡¯t thought that far,¡± he admitted, his voice low. ¡°Right now, I need to make this blessing as strong as it can be. After that... I don¡¯t know.¡± Alys frowned, concern flickering in her eyes, but she didn¡¯t press further. Ren, sensing the tension, poked at the campfire with a stick, sparks rising like fleeting stars. ¡°Do you think Asvail will really help us grow stronger?¡± Ren asked, his tone lighter, but the question carried weight. ¡°They have to,¡± Rex replied firmly. ¡°If they can¡¯t, we¡¯ll find a way ourselves.¡± Alys sighed, shaking her head with a faint smile. ¡°Rex, you¡¯re such a musclehead,¡± she teased. ¡°You can¡¯t just punch your way through every problem.¡± Rex raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a half-smile. ¡°Says who? It¡¯s worked so far.¡± Ren chuckled, leaning back against a log. ¡°She¡¯s not wrong. You¡¯ve got the subtlety of a boulder rolling downhill.¡± ¡°Better than overthinking everything like you,¡± Rex shot back. ¡°What¡¯s your plan? Argue the monsters into surrendering?¡± Alys groaned, rubbing her temples. ¡°And this is why I¡¯m the voice of reason. Between your fists and Ren¡¯s endless bravado, it¡¯s a miracle we¡¯ve made it this far.¡± ¡°Hey, fights are fun,¡± Ren said with a grin, though his voice softened slightly. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s good practice. You never know when you¡¯ll face someone stronger.¡± Later that night, as the others rested, Alys noticed Ren staring at the fire, his expression distant. She approached him quietly, sitting beside him. ¡°Ren,¡± she said, her voice gentle, ¡°you don¡¯t always have to pretend everything¡¯s fine. If something¡¯s wrong...¡± Ren hesitated but eventually nodded. ¡°I know. Thanks, Alys.¡± Her presence was reassuring, a reminder that no matter how heavy his burdens felt, he wasn¡¯t alone. Despite the teasing, the competitions, and the unresolved questions, the trio¡¯s camaraderie only grew stronger. The firelight flickered, casting long shadows on the ground¡ªshadows that seemed to stretch and twist unnaturally before vanishing into the night. The road to Asvail was treacherous, but together, they were a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness. Whispers of Power As they grew near their destination, the trio encountered a strange bridge shrouded in a thick, swirling fog. The bridge stretched endlessly into the mist, its rickety planks creaking ominously with each breeze. Ren hesitated at the edge, his fists clenched as he peered into the fog. "I don''t know about this," he muttered, unease creeping into his voice. Rex, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. "Let¡¯s hurry up! We¡¯re so close!" Alys furrowed her brow. "I don¡¯t feel it¡¯s a good idea to rush this." "It¡¯s fine," Rex said with a dismissive wave as he dashed onto the bridge. The moment he stepped into the fog, a massive toad-like creature emerged, its bulbous eyes glowing menacingly. Rex froze mid-step, his bravado evaporating. "What is that?" he stammered. "Watch out!" Ren shouted as he lunged forward, shoving Rex out of the way just in time to avoid a swipe from the creature¡¯s massive tongue. The impact sent Ren flying, crashing hard against the bridge. He lay still, unconscious. Rex¡¯s fear turned into fury. "You¡¯ll pay for that!" he roared, drawing his dagger and charging at the beast. He stabbed with all his strength, but his blade barely pierced its rubbery skin. The toad let out an ear-splitting roar, its anger mounting. Alys, quick on her feet, aimed an arrow at its glowing eyes, managing to land a hit that caused the creature to recoil in pain. "Run!" Alys shouted as the toad¡¯s fury intensified, its movements becoming more erratic. Rex attempted to shield her from its attacks but was easily swatted aside. Just as it seemed all hope was lost, a sudden force struck the toad, sending it sprawling. Alys opened her eyes to see Ren standing there, a strange aura emanating from him. His grin was unsettling, almost feral. "Ren?" she called out hesitantly, her voice tinged with fear. He turned to her, his expression softening as the aura dissipated. Exhausted, he collapsed to his knees, his strength spent. The toad, battered but still alive, snarled, "Mere humans dare to defy me?" But before it could attack again, a hooded figure appeared, striking the creature with such force that it exploded into a spray of blood. The trio gaped as the figure calmly sheathed his weapon. "A talking monster? Interesting," he mused, slicing the air as if testing his blade¡¯s sharpness. "And a demon at that. But why do I sense two demonic presences here?" His piercing gaze locked onto Ren, who felt a chill run down his spine. It was as though the stranger could see into his very soul. Rex, despite coughing up blood and looking like he was on death¡¯s door, staggered to his feet and pointed a shaking finger at the man. "Leave my friend alone!" he wheezed.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The man raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but tinged with amusement. "You sure you¡¯re in any condition to make demands? You¡¯re practically falling apart." "I¡¯m fine!" Rex insisted, swaying as he tried to look intimidating. The man¡¯s lips twitched into a smirk. "Fine? You¡¯re bleeding like a fountain and walking like a drunk. If that¡¯s your definition of fine, I¡¯d hate to see you when you¡¯re actually injured." Rex puffed out his chest, clearly offended. "This is nothing! I¡¯ve had worse!" "Worse? What, did you trip over a pebble once?" the man retorted, tossing a potion at Rex, who fumbled to catch it. Alys stifled a laugh as Rex grumbled under his breath, chugging the potion reluctantly. The man shook his head in mock disbelief. "Kids these days. Anyway, the name¡¯s Michael. My team will handle the cleanup here. Take these potions and equipment to get to your destination in one piece." As Michael turned to leave, Rex¡¯s bravado returned. "Hey, I¡¯d have handled that demon myself if you hadn¡¯t shown up!" Michael glanced back, raising an eyebrow. "Sure you would have, champ. Just make sure you don¡¯t trip over your own feet on the way kid ." With that, he vanished into the mist, leaving the trio to recover. The campfire crackled softly as the trio recovered from their ordeal. The potions Michael had given them worked wonders, closing their wounds and restoring some strength, but the mental scars of the encounter lingered. Rex leaned back against a tree, inspecting his dagger with exaggerated bravado. ¡°Man, that guy Michael wasn¡¯t so tough. I could take him in a rematch,¡± he muttered, wincing slightly as he shifted his still-tender ribs. ¡°Rex, you¡¯d need at least three lifetimes to even land a scratch on him,¡± Alys quipped, shaking her head. Ren sat quietly, staring into the flames. His fists were clenched, his expression tense. The voice¡­ it still echoed in his mind. ¡°Use it. Show them your true power, weakling.¡± It hadn¡¯t just been words. It was a presence, heavy and suffocating, pressing down on him during the fight with the toad demon. He remembered the rush of strength that followed, the unfamiliar aura surrounding him, the unsettling grin that had spread across his face without his control. ¡°What was that¡­?¡± Ren muttered under his breath. Alys, sitting nearby, noticed his distant gaze. ¡°Ren? Are you okay?¡± Ren blinked, startled out of his thoughts. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted. ¡°Back there, it was like something was¡­ talking to me. Telling me to use my power. Calling me weak.¡± Alys¡¯s eyes softened with concern. ¡°It¡¯s probably just the stress of the fight. You were pushing yourself hard.¡± ¡°No,¡± Ren said, shaking his head. ¡°This was different. It wasn¡¯t me. It felt like¡­ like something was trying to take over.¡± Alys reached over, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ¡°Ren, listen to me. Whatever that was, you¡¯re stronger than it. And you¡¯re not alone. We¡¯ve got your back. Always.¡± Ren looked at her, her steady gaze easing the tension in his chest. ¡°Thanks, Alys,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Yeah, yeah, enough with the heartfelt moments,¡± Rex interrupted, throwing a stick into the fire. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one with weird voices in their head, you know. Mine usually say, ¡®Rex, eat more steak,¡¯ or ¡®Rex, stop being so awesome,¡¯ but still¡ªsame thing, right?¡± Ren chuckled despite himself, the tension breaking. ¡°Thanks, Rex. Your wisdom is truly unparalleled.¡± Rex smirked. ¡°Glad you¡¯re finally noticing.¡± As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Ren leaned back, his thoughts still lingering on the voice and the strange power he¡¯d felt. He didn¡¯t know what it was, but one thing was clear: he couldn¡¯t let it control him. Alys¡¯s words echoed in his mind. We¡¯ve got your back. For now, that was enough Asvail: The City of Legends As the trio rested by the crackling campfire, the memory of Michael lingered in their minds. The way he had killed the demon with a single, effortless strike was something they couldn¡¯t forget. ¡°That guy¡­¡± Ren began, staring into the flames, ¡°he didn¡¯t just kill the demon. He obliterated it. One moment it was a terrifying beast; the next, it was¡­ gone. ¡± Rex, his usual bravado tempered by the memory, nodded. ¡°Yeah. And it wasn¡¯t just his strength. Did you feel it? That pressure? When he looked at you, Ren¡­¡± He shuddered. ¡°It was like he was deciding whether we were worth letting live. ¡± Alys, always composed, had her bow resting on her lap, but even she couldn¡¯t hide her unease. ¡°That wasn¡¯t just killing intent. It was control. He didn¡¯t just hold back because he could¡ªhe held back because we didn¡¯t even register as a threat to him. And when he asked about those ¡®demonic presences,¡¯ it was like he already knew the answer.¡± Ren clenched his fists. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just fear. It was like he was staring right through me, peeling back layers I didn¡¯t even know I had. He wasn¡¯t just powerful¡ªhe was¡­ terrifying. ¡± Rex forced a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Well, good thing he¡¯s not our enemy, right? I mean, he did save us.¡± ¡°True,¡± Alys agreed, though her tone remained wary. ¡° But if someone like Michael exists, there¡¯s bound to be others just as strong¡ªor stronger. And if we want to survive, we need to be ready. ¡± Ren nodded, his resolve hardening. ¡°And we will be.¡± The conversation shifted as Alys unfurled a map, tracing a finger along their route. ¡°Our next stop is the Kingdom of Asvail. It¡¯s where we¡¯ll find answers¡ªand where we¡¯ll have the chance to grow stronger. ¡± Rex¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Asvail! I¡¯ve always wanted to go there. The city is supposed to be incredible¡ªhuge walls, bustling streets, and people from every race under the sun. Elves, dwarves, beastkin¡­ all living together! ¡± Alys smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s more than that. Asvail is the heart of Frya¡¯s strength. The elite champion recruitment is held there¡ªthe best of the best are chosen and trained under Frya¡¯s greatest warriors. If we¡¯re going to prove ourselves, this is the place to do it.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Ren tilted his head. ¡°Elite recruitment? ¡± Alys nodded. ¡° champions from across Frya gather in Asvail. Humans with blessings, elves with unparalleled mana, dwarves with their unbreakable bodies¡­ everyone competes. The tests are rigorous: priests check your affinity and blessings, and instructors test your physical and combat skills. These instructors aren¡¯t just any fighters¡ªthey¡¯re legends. Their names alone strike fear into enemies.¡± ¡°Sounds like fun,¡± Rex said, grinning. ¡°But also like a lot of competition.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Alys replied. ¡°Champions from all over Frya all come here. And with that many people aiming for the top, we¡¯ll have to give it everything we¡¯ve got.¡± As the trio approached the Kingdom of Asvail, the sheer scale of the city left them awestruck. The towering walls stretched as far as the eye could see, adorned with banners bearing the kingdom¡¯s crest. Inside, the city pulsed with life, a vibrant blend of cultures and races. Humans, elves, dwarves, beastkin, and even the rare dragonkin mingled in the bustling streets. ¡°This place is incredible,¡± Rex marveled, his eyes darting between the sprawling districts and the towering spires in the distance. Ren nodded, equally amazed. ¡°It¡¯s like the entire world is gathered here.¡± Alys, though silent, couldn¡¯t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. Even she couldn¡¯t deny the kingdom¡¯s grandeur. As they made their way through the square, the air seemed to thrum with competition. Champions from all over Frya¡ªsome wearing the armor of warriors, others dressed in robes of magic¡ªmoved in clusters, exchanging eager words or sizing one another up with wary eyes.¡± Ren overheard snippets of conversations as they passed. ¡°the descendants of the champions who had fought alongside King Arthur are here!¡± ¡°That elf belongs to the Manaweavers Guild. They say the elfs are unmatched in magic.¡± ¡°A royal with a warrior¡¯s bloodline? This year¡¯s competition will be fierce.¡± ¡°Look, the mixed-bloods are here too,¡± someone scoffed and whispered . ¡°Why do they even bother? They¡¯ll never measure up to the "purebloods" They¡¯re a disgrace to our lineage''''. That last remark drew a round of laughter from a group of humans and elves nearby. Alys stiffened, her expression hardening. She cast her gaze downward, gripping her bow tightly. Ren noticed immediately. ¡°Alys?¡± he asked gently. She hesitated before answering, her voice quieter than usual. ¡°I¡­ I hate that term. ¡®Mixed-blood.¡¯ It¡¯s like they think we¡¯re less than them because we¡¯re not pure. It¡¯s always been like this.¡± Ren pieced it together. He hadn¡¯t thought much of it before, but seeing her reaction now reminded him of how she¡¯d always shy away from such comments, covering her ears as if to block them out. It dawned on him how much it had always hurt her. ¡°They¡¯re wrong,¡± Ren said firmly, stepping closer to her. ¡°You¡¯re one of the strongest people I know, Alys. Who cares about ¡®pure¡¯ or ¡®mixed¡¯? You¡¯ve proven yourself more times than I can count.¡± She glanced at him, her eyes softening. ¡°Thanks, Ren. It¡¯s just¡­ hard sometimes. Hearing those things. Rex chimed in, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "Yeah, forget those jerks. You¡¯re Alys¡ªthe sharpshooter who¡¯s saved our skins more times than I can count. Let them talk; we¡¯ll let our actions do the real talking." Alys smiled faintly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Thanks, you two. I needed that." As they reached the main square, the crowd¡¯s chatter grew louder. The announcement of the recruitment program had drawn champions from all over Frya, each eager to prove their worth. Threads of Power As the trio approached the Affinity and Blessing assessment, a heavy air of anticipation pressed down on them. Ren¡¯s thoughts flickered to the strange voice he¡¯d heard days ago¡ªa deep, guttural whisper that had stirred something primal within him. The memory lingered, uneasy and unresolved, until he forced himself to focus on the task ahead. The priest¡¯s sharp voice broke through the hum of the crowd. ¡°Alys Ferrow.¡± Alys hesitated, her hands trembling at her sides. Ren and Rex exchanged a quick glance, then gave her encouraging nods. She exhaled shakily and stepped forward, each movement taut with tension. ¡°Place your hand on the orb,¡± the priest instructed, his voice calm but distant, as though he¡¯d done this countless times. The moment Alys¡¯s fingers touched the crystal surface, the orb erupted in a brilliant green glow. The light surged outward, pulsing with an intensity that made nearby candles flicker and sent gasps rippling through the crowd. ¡°What in Frya¡¯s name¡­?¡± someone murmured. The priest staggered back, his composed demeanor cracking. ¡°Such dense mana¡­ This is extraordinary!¡± His voice trembled as the orb¡¯s light coalesced into a radiant aura. ¡°Her blessing?¡± The orb pulsed one final time, revealing her blessing: Spirit Whisperer. The priest¡¯s hands shook as he struggled to regain composure. ¡°You¡­ are a natural conduit for magic, capable of communing with and commanding spirits. This level of affinity is¡­ unprecedented.¡± Alys returned to the group, her face a mix of disbelief and awe. Rex gave her an exaggerated bow, a teasing grin on his face. ¡°Miss Elite Class, we¡¯re clearly not worthy.¡± ¡°Shut it, Rex,¡± Alys muttered, though her cheeks flushed. The priest¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡°Rex Cartwright.¡± With his usual swagger, Rex strode forward, a lopsided grin on his face. He placed his hand on the orb, and the response was immediate¡ªbut underwhelming. A faint glow emanated from the crystal, barely noticeable against the lingering brightness from Alys¡¯s test.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The priest frowned, scribbling hastily on a scroll. ¡°Low mana affinity,¡± he muttered, almost dismissively. ¡°Now, for your blessing.¡± The orb pulsed dully before revealing: Resilience. The priest hesitated, his brows knitting together. ¡°Your body strengthens with every injury, enhancing both power and agility. It¡¯s a rare blessing, but¡­¡± Rex interrupted, his grin widening. ¡°But what? I get stronger the more I¡¯m hit? Sounds perfect to me.¡± The priest sighed, his gaze grave. ¡°Just¡­ be cautious. Blessings like yours can lead to recklessness¡ªand ruin.¡± Rex returned to the group, his grin undeterred. ¡°Told you I¡¯d pass,¡± he said, winking. Then came the name that silenced the chamber. ¡°Ren Althar.¡± A hush fell over the crowd, and even the air seemed to chill. Ren¡¯s stomach churned as he approached the orb, the voice from days ago echoing faintly in his mind¡ªlow, guttural, and indecipherable. The moment his hand made contact, the crystal convulsed violently. A piercing scream erupted from the orb, cutting through the room like a blade. The glow twisted and writhed, cycling through chaotic colors before dark tendrils began to snake across its surface. ¡°What is this?!¡± the priest cried, stumbling backward. With a deafening crack, the orb shattered into countless shards, each fragment dissolving into wisps of smoke. Gasps and panicked murmurs erupted from the crowd. Ren pulled his hand back instinctively, staring at it as if it no longer belonged to him. His heart pounded, but his voice remained steady. ¡°What¡­ does this mean?¡± The priest was frozen, his face drained of color. A second priest rushed forward, his expression grim but determined. ¡°We¡¯ll proceed with the blessing,¡± he said, though his voice faltered. The incantations began, shaky at first. The second priest frowned, his brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°Strange¡­ I sense two blessings,¡± he murmured, confusion lacing his tone. He paused, then corrected himself. ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s one. But¡­¡± His voice trailed off, as though afraid to say more. The scroll in his hands glowed, revealing Ren¡¯s blessing: Power Amplified. The priest¡¯s hands trembled as he read aloud. ¡°Your abilities grow exponentially, fueled by your will and emotions. A blessing of immense potential¡ªand immense peril.¡± The whispers in Ren¡¯s mind grew louder, clawing at his thoughts. Was this¡­ connected? He clenched his fists, forcing the voice to the back of his mind. ¡°I understand.¡± The priest¡¯s gaze lingered on Ren, his expression heavy with unspoken warnings. ¡°You pass,¡± he announced reluctantly. ¡°But heed my words: blessings like yours have undone even the strongest of souls. Be vigilant.¡± Ren rejoined Alys and Rex, his mind swirling with unease. Alys studied him carefully. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked softly. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ren said, though his voice was distant. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.¡± As they left the chamber, the whispers of the crowd followed them like shadows. Ren couldn¡¯t shake the ominous certainty that this was only the beginning¡ªof something far greater, and far darker Rivals As Ren, Alys, and Rex made their way toward the next trial, the distant murmur of the other contestants faded beneath a sudden, thunderous noise. The ground trembled. A surge of mana pulsed through the air, thick and suffocating. They quickened their pace, emerging into the vast training grounds where a storm of elemental power raged. At the center of the commotion stood four individuals, each radiating an overwhelming presence. Elfin Elwin, heir to the noble elven clan, wielding terrifying mana manipulation. The air around him shimmered with raw energy as if bending to his very will. His silver hair and piercing emerald eyes exuded superiority. Adasha Rena, descendant of the legendary Swift Sword, her presence like a blade drawn from its sheath. The wind around her howled, sharpening into deadly currents. Her long, crimson hair fluttered wildly as her blessing, Wind Pressure, flared. Adira Gulferd, of the Magma Bloodline, his veins pulsing with molten fire. Lava-like cracks formed beneath his feet, steam rising as he sneered. His blessing, Magma Surge, threatened to melt the ground itself. And lastly, Morgana Aveline, the shadow that walked between worlds. Darkness coiled around her like living tendrils, her golden eyes gleaming ominously. The shadows at her feet pulsed in anticipation, whispering secrets only she could hear.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Elfin scoffed, arms crossed. ¡°Hmph. This is nothing.¡± His gaze swept over the others dismissively. Adira smirked. ¡°My blessing is the strongest here.¡± He flexed his arms as molten cracks in his skin glowed brighter. Adasha rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. ¡°You can barely control it. My Wind Pressure could slice you apart before you even get a chance to use that sluggish power.¡± Elfin chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re both mistaken. It¡¯s obvious who holds the superior blessing.¡± Then, his sharp gaze landed on Alys. His expression twisted in disdain. ¡°Ah. That damn half-elf.¡± Alys stiffened but held her ground, her fists clenched. Elfin started toward her, but before he could reach¡ª BOOM! A sudden explosion sent a shockwave across the training grounds. Dust and debris filled the air as a radiant light burst forth, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the dust settled, all eyes turned toward the source. A lone figure stood at the center of the blast. A young man¡ªClaude. A commoner. But the overwhelming glow surrounding him left the crowd in stunned silence. His blessing¡­ was Light. Gasps echoed through the arena. Murmurs turned into an uproar. ¡°The same blessing as King Arthur¡­¡± someone whispered. The priests overseeing the trials trembled, one of them breaking into a delirious laugh. ¡°We found him! Our savior!¡± Ren, watching from a distance, narrowed his eyes. His chest tightened¡ªnot with fear, nor envy, but a strange sense of inevitability. This was the beginning of their fate. The Trial of Might As the excitement over Claude¡¯s revelation rippled through the training grounds, a slow, deliberate clap cut through the noise. A figure descended from above, his presence alone commanding the attention of every soul nearby. He landed with effortless grace, the sheer force of his aura causing the air itself to vibrate. His piercing golden eyes scanned the contestants with an amusement that bordered on cruel. "So, these are the ones who show promise?" His voice sliced through the silence, carrying a dangerous edge. "Let¡¯s see if you can handle a real challenge." His lips curled into a grin. "I am Ramiel¡ªyour next examiner." His gaze darkened, filled with a deadly thrill. "I will test your physical and combat ability." He extended his arm, grasping at the air. CRACK! A bolt of lightning arced from the heavens into his palm. His eyes turned pure white, crackling with power. "Prepare to taste death¡¯s door." His smirk widened. "Because I won¡¯t hold back." Murmurs of unease spread among the contestants as they prepared themselves. Tension thickened the air. Ren, Rex, and Alys formed their team. Their hearts hammered in anticipation, the weight of Ramiel¡¯s power pressing down on them. Ren swallowed, the oppressive feeling almost suffocating. It was similar to the presence of Michael, the weight of an overwhelming force that made him feel small. He shook the feeling off and steadied himself. Alys and Rex stood resolute beside him. ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Ren said, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him. Ramiel¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Excellent.¡± Then, in a blink¡ªhe vanished. CRACK! A bolt of thunder slammed down toward them. The team barely dodged in time, the heat from the blast scorching their clothes. The ground where they had been standing was reduced to rubble, a smoking crater where their feet had been moments ago. Ren¡¯s heart pounded. He¡¯s not holding back at all.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. They scattered. Ren¡¯s mind raced, trying to formulate a strategy, but his instincts took over as he rushed forward, his fist ready to strike. But in the blink of an eye¡ªRamiel was gone. Appearing behind him. ¡°Nice try.¡± A fist coated in lightning slammed into Ren¡¯s back. Pain exploded through his body, and his vision blurred as he crashed to the ground, a sharp cry escaping his lips. ¡°Ren!¡± Alys shouted, her voice filled with urgency. Rex¡¯s eyes burned with fury. ¡°You bastard!¡± He charged, swinging wildly. Ramiel flicked his finger. BOOM. An unseen force struck Rex like a freight train, sending him flying into a nearby wall. He crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. Alys narrowed her eyes. She wasn¡¯t going to let this end so easily. She drew her weapons and unleashed a flurry of arrows, moving faster than any normal person could. But Ramiel danced through them effortlessly, his body flickering in and out of sight. Ren¡¯s instincts screamed at him. This was their chance. He¡¯s distracted. Now! Ren appeared behind Ramiel, ready to strike. But¡ªhe was gone. Again. A chilling chuckle echoed through the air. ¡°You¡¯re interesting.¡± BOOM! Ramiel reappeared, lightning crackling around him. He struck Rex with a concentrated bolt. Rex screamed as the electricity coursed through his body, seizing his muscles before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. ¡°That¡¯s one.¡± He turned to Alys. She clenched her teeth, her gaze hardening with determination. Her arrows flew faster, more precise this time, but Ramiel dodged each one with ease. He closed the distance between them with terrifying speed, delivering a crushing blow that sent her spiraling to the ground, unconscious. ¡°No!¡± Ren gasped. Alys¡­ Rex¡­ Ramiel¡¯s eyes gleamed with amusement as he turned to Ren. ¡°Now, you.¡± Ren¡¯s panic flared. His pulse raced as he launched into an onslaught of punches and kicks, but nothing landed. It was as if his strikes couldn¡¯t touch him. Then¡ªTHUNDER SHOCK. Electricity surged through Ren¡¯s body, locking his muscles in agonizing paralysis. His vision swam, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Ren gritted his teeth, trying to focus through the pain. I can¡¯t let this be the end. With a sudden burst of willpower, he forced himself to move. Despite the paralyzing shock, his hands shot out¡ªgrabbing Ramiel¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯ve got you!¡± Ren roared, his voice strained but fierce. Ramiel smirked. ¡°It¡¯s futile. You can¡¯t harm me with my own power.¡± Ren struggled, every muscle screaming in protest, but he held on, refusing to back down. ¡°Now.¡± Ramiel¡¯s eyes flickered with confusion for a split second. Behind him¡ªRex surged forward. ¡°How is he still conscious?¡± Ramiel muttered in disbelief. With a final, desperate burst of strength, Ren delivered a devastating punch to Ramiel¡¯s side. For the first time, Ramiel staggered. Ren, gasping for breath, barely smirked. ¡°Got you.¡± Ramiel paused for a long moment, his gaze cold and calculating. Then, a deep laugh rumbled from his chest. ¡°You guys are fun,¡± he said, his voice tinged with amusement. Ren and Rex exchanged a brief, victorious glance¡ªbefore their bodies gave out, exhausted and battered. They collapsed to the ground, their consciousness slipping away. As their vision blurred, the last thing Ren heard was Ramiel¡¯s voice, tinged with satisfaction. ¡°I might have overdone it with these guys.¡± Ramiel turned to the next group of contestants, his smile widening. ¡°Now¡­ will you be as entertaining?¡± The Queen’s Declaration A dull throbbing pain ran through Ren¡¯s body as he stirred awake. His limbs felt like lead, his muscles aching from the brutal fight with Ramiel. His vision was blurry at first, but as his eyes adjusted to the soft glow of healing crystals embedded in the walls, he realized he was lying in a recovery chamber. A warm, calming voice pulled him from his daze. "I see you¡¯ve woken up," a man said, his tone gentle yet filled with amusement. Ren blinked, turning his head toward the source of the voice. A tall man with golden hair and radiant eyes sat beside him, exuding an aura of kindness. "Who... are you?" Ren asked, his voice still hoarse from exhaustion. The man chuckled softly. "I am Raphael, the kingdom¡¯s High Healer. I restored you and your teammates after your match with Ramiel." Ren sat up slightly, wincing as his body protested. "You healed us?" "Yes," Raphael confirmed, his warm smile unwavering. "I must say, I¡¯m impressed. You and your team managed to push Ramiel to 10% of his strength. Even the noble families and the Four Great Houses barely reach 8% against him." Ren¡¯s eyes widened. "Wait... seriously?" He turned his head, scanning the room. Across from him, Adasha, Adira, Morgana, and Elwin were also recovering¡ªbut instead of resting, they were bickering. "You kept getting in my way, magma guy!" Adira snapped, glaring at Adasha. "Oh yeah? Maybe try NOT throwing out random wind slashes like an idiot!" Adasha shot back. Elwin groaned, rubbing his temples. "You two are the reason we lost. You distracted me!" Meanwhile, Morgana remained silent, staring at the ceiling with a bitter expression. She clenched her fists, replaying the fight in her head. I was the only one actually fighting Ramiel, and because of that, he targeted me first¡­ Raphael sighed, shaking his head. "Geez, stop fighting, you guys. Besides, you placed second in the exam. You should relax for now." Ren¡¯s ears perked up. "Wait¡­ if we got second, who placed first?" Raphael leaned back, crossing his arms. "That would be Claude. Even though his blessing is still weak, he knew how to use it efficiently. Instead of brute force, he tried to outsmart Ramiel, using a mix of different magic attacks from a distance and coordinating with his teammates. His plan was to annoy Ramiel and wear him down."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Ren raised an eyebrow. "That¡­ actually worked?" Raphael chuckled. "Not exactly. It just made Ramiel angry. Instinctively, he released 15% of his power, which was so overwhelming that Commander Michael had to stop the match." Ren leaned back, exhaling sharply. He remembered Ramiel¡¯s wild, almost crazed expression during their fight. "Yeah," Ren muttered, his voice low. "That guy really loves fighting." After a few more minutes, Ren gathered his gear and relayed what had happened to Rex and Alys. Once they were ready, they headed for the main hall, where the exam results would be announced. As they walked, Rex sighed. "Damn¡­ second place. I really thought after that punch, we¡¯d secure first." Ren smirked. "Yeah, yeah" But just as they were joking, something strange happened. A man wearing a hooded cloak brushed past them. In that split second, their bodies froze. A deep chill ran down their spines, their instincts screaming danger. Ren''s breath hitched as he turned around to look at the stranger. But¡ªhe was gone. Rex¡¯s face was pale. "What the hell was that?" He was sweating, his fists clenched. Ren swallowed hard. "I¡­ don¡¯t know. But I don¡¯t want to find out. Let¡¯s just keep moving." The eerie feeling lingered in the back of his mind as they reached the main hall.
The Queen¡¯s Declaration The hall was filled with warriors and magicians who had passed the trial. Murmurs spread through the crowd as they waited for the results. Then¡ªshe appeared. The young Queen Archfedd stepped onto the royal platform. Her golden-blond hair shimmered under the grand chandeliers, and her ocean-blue eyes radiated both warmth and strength. She carried herself with the poise of a ruler, her beauty so mesmerizing that the warriors in the room fell into stunned silence. Even Ren found himself in awe. Then, she spoke. "Brave champions. I am pleased to see so many strong warriors passing my trials." She paused, her expression darkening slightly. "But from this moment on, you are no longer just warriors¡ªyou are the Elite. The best of the best. The kingdom needs strong champions, for I bring grave news." The crowd shifted uneasily. The Queen¡¯s next words sent a chill through the room. "A message has arrived¡­ from the Goddess Frya herself." Silence. Then¡ªwhispers. Murmurs. Tension. Ren¡¯s heartbeat quickened. "Three years from now¡­" the Queen continued, her voice steady yet heavy with sorrow, "my ancestor, King Arthur¡¯s barrier will fall. And when it does¡­ the Demon Army will be unleashed upon this land." A wave of shock and dread rippled through the room. Gasps. Panic. The demon army¡ªthe monsters from legends, the nightmare that once threatened to consume the world. "I need warriors¡ªstrong warriors¡ªto defend the land of Frya." Her eyes burned with determination. "Together, we must stop them before they bring destruction upon us once more." The room fell into uneasy silence. The weight of her words pressed down on every warrior present. This wasn¡¯t just an exam anymore. This was war. Ren clenched his fists, determination surging through him. We need to get stronger. Chronicles of Frya As the weight of the queen¡¯s words settled over the warriors, training intensified. Lessons about the world of Frya, strategy, and combat became part of their daily routine. One such lesson was taught by Uriel, the renowned scholar known as the Library of the Kingdom due to his blessing, Wisdom. His knowledge was said to be unmatched, and he took great pride in shaping the next generation of warriors. Standing before the class, Uriel adjusted his glasses and scanned the room. "Now, before you all go off to get beaten half to death by Ramiel, let¡¯s see if any of you were actually paying attention." His eyes landed on Ren. "You, blond-haired boy. Summarize today''s lesson." Ren sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Alright¡­ So, the world of Frya is vast. To the west lies Edara, the demon realm, where demons are sealed in Ashva. To the south, we have the Perfect Valley, home to beastkin and trolls. In the east, there''s Slelgahar, where the merfolk live. Then there''s Ealonia, in the southwest, where the gnomes and some humans reside¡ª" he glanced at Lyria and Rex "¡ªwhich is where we¡¯re from." Uriel nodded. "Continue." Ren took a deep breath. "To the north, there''s the Sky Isle, but we should never go there because it''s the dragon realm¡ª" Rex clenched his fists at the mention of dragons, his expression darkening. "In the center of everything is Asvail, where all races live together." Uriel sighed. "Barely acceptable, but you forgot several key regions. Let¡¯s see if your classmates are any better." He turned to the others. "Who can tell me the remaining regions?" Adira smirked. "The Boiling Realm in the northwest. A land of molten rivers and constant eruptions." Adasha flipped her hair proudly. "The Ash Plains, northeast. A land of endless dust storms and jagged cliffs." Elwin smirked and shot a look at Lyria. "The Ancient Forest, home of the high elves." Morgana, looking unbothered, simply said, "The Shadow Region of Ealonia." Uriel nodded in approval. "Good. Now, pay attention, because what I am about to tell you is critical to your survival."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The room fell silent. "Demons are categorized by their traits. If you see a red-eyed demon, it is a two-star threat. These demons are powerful, but if you work together, you can defeat them. However, if a red-eyed demon has one horn, it is a three-star threat. At this level, only high-ranking knights or exceptional warriors can take them down. And then¡­" His expression darkened. "If you see a red-eyed demon with two horns, it is a four-star threat¡ª" A heavy silence filled the air. "¡ªand only the kingdom¡¯s pillars have the strength to face such a being. If you ever find yourself alone against one, your only option is to run." Ren slowly raised his hand. "What about the Demon King?" Uriel¡¯s eyes sharpened. "If you see the Royal Crest of the Demon King, then you are unlucky." His voice was grim. "All the Pillars of the Kingdom will be needed to fight him at full power. Maybe¡­ just maybe, Commander Michael could face him alone. After all¡­" A flicker of something unreadable passed through Uriel¡¯s eyes. "Michael is the strongest warrior in all the land." The class remained silent, absorbing the weight of his words. But then, Uriel¡¯s tone shifted slightly, and he added, "There is one more thing you all should know." He turned toward the map of Frya behind him, tapping his finger on the Sky Isle. "Many of you wonder why we are forbidden from going to the Dragon Realm¡­ The truth is simple." He adjusted his glasses. "King Arthur and the Dragon Queen made a pact. The agreement was that neither side would enter each other¡¯s territory. As long as we leave them alone, they will not interfere with our world." Rex¡¯s fists tightened. He muttered under his breath, "Tch. If you ask me, we should have wiped them out when we had the chance." Uriel¡¯s sharp gaze turned to him. "I suggest you never say that out loud, boy. The Dragons are not enemies we wish to provoke. Even King Arthur himself knew better than to start a war with them." The class grew tense. Uriel then shifted to another topic. "Now, back to the Demon King¡­ Only one person in all of history has ever defeated him." The air grew heavy. "It was none other than King Arthur himself." A murmur spread through the class. Everyone knew Arthur was a legend, but to be the only one to ever kill a Demon King? "But¡­" Uriel continued, his voice quieter. "He was only able to accomplish this feat with his trusted sword¡­" A single name lingered in the air. "Excalibur." The name sent shivers down their spines. "However, when King Arthur died, Excalibur vanished. No one has seen it since." He then turned, his gaze resting on Claude. "Perhaps¡­" Uriel mused. "One of you may be able to summon it." Claude tensed as the entire class turned to look at him. The chosen warrior who carried the same blessing as King Arthur. The one the priest had called¡­ "Our savior." A heavy silence filled the air. Uriel finally clapped his hands together. "Well! That concludes today''s history lesson. Now, all of you, off to combat training with Ramiel!" Groans filled the room as they all braced themselves for yet another beating. The Three-Year Crucible
The dust settled from the brutal trial, but there was no time to rest. Ramiel crossed his arms, scanning the battered warriors before him. His golden eyes flickered with amusement, but his tone was firm. "Claude¡ªyour instructor will not be me." Claude raised an eyebrow. "Then who?" A heavy presence filled the air. A towering figure in silver armor stepped forward. His mere presence seemed to make the world stand still. Commander Michael. Gasps filled the air. Even the most arrogant nobles stiffened at the sight of him. Michael¡¯s piercing gaze swept over the group. "You will train under me. Be prepared." Ramiel smirked at the stunned faces of Claude¡¯s group before turning his attention back to the others. "As for the rest of you¡ª" His smirk widened into a dangerous grin. "Your nightmare starts now." Each warrior was given a unique training method tailored to their abilities.

The Elves ¨C Mastering Magic

Uriel, the Library of the Kingdom, took the elven students under his wing. With his Wisdom Blessing, he could see through the flow of mana and guide them precisely. Elwin was assigned an impossible task: disrupt the mana flow of Uriel¡¯s spells. The moment he failed, he would be blasted backward by magical backlash. Alys, meanwhile, was sent on a spiritual trial¡ªforced to attune herself to the natural spirits of Frya. She was pushed relentlessly, tested by elemental beings. "I was useless back then," Alys thought, pushing through exhaustion. "I couldn¡¯t do anything. I need to keep up with them!" Elwin glanced at her struggling form. "I can¡¯t lose to a half-elf." And so, he fought even harder.

Rex & Ren ¨C The Brutal Combat Regimen

Their training was the simplest¡ªand the deadliest. They fought Ramiel. Every. Single. Day. They fought until their bones ached, until their breath came in ragged gasps, until they could barely stand. But each time they fell, Ramiel forced them back up. "Again." His voice was cold. "Until you¡¯re strong enough to survive." Rex¡¯s muscles bulged with power, pushing past his limits. His endurance grew¡ªhis strikes became sharper. Ren, battered and bruised, found his Power Amplified blessing responding to his will. The more he refused to fall, the stronger he became. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. But Ramiel was still unreachable. "Tch. You¡¯re getting there, but you¡¯re still pathetic."

Morgana & Adasha ¨C The Unknown Path

Morgana and Adasha were taken by a mysterious teacher. No one knew his name. No one saw him. They were taken far away¡ªto train in the shadows. No one knew what kind of training they endured. But when they returned¡­ they were different.

Adira ¨C The Magma Trial

Adira¡¯s entire body was submerged in a lava bath. The sheer heat burned away his limits. His magma became hotter, denser, and deadlier. By the end of it¡ªhe emerged with glowing veins of molten fire, his power terrifying to behold.
Pushed to Their Limits For weeks, the training continued. Each student was driven to the brink of collapse. There were no breaks. There was no mercy. Only progress. And when the training was finally complete¡­ They were no longer the same people they had been before. They had grown. They had become stronger. And soon¡­ they would need that strength. Because war was coming.
Three Years of Endless Training There was no rest. For three relentless years, the warriors of Frya were pushed beyond human limits. Every single day was a battle. Every single night was a struggle to stand again. Each time someone collapsed, broken and exhausted, Raphael was there. His healing hands brought them back¡ªonly for the training to resume immediately. Ramiel, Uriel, Michael, and the unknown masters gave them no mercy. They didn¡¯t need soldiers. They needed champions. And so, the once-hopeful warriors were broken down¡ªonly to be rebuilt stronger than before.
The Warriors Reborn By the end of it, they were no longer the people they had been three years ago.
  • Ren¡¯s body and will had been reforged like steel. His blessing, Power Amplified, had grown terrifyingly potent, making him stronger the longer he fought.
  • Rex¡¯s endurance was near-inhuman. His blessing, Resilience, made him a walking juggernaut, absorbing blows that would have once shattered his bones.
  • Alys, once uncertain, now stood tall. She had mastered the spirits¡¯ trials, her magic in perfect harmony with nature.
  • Elwin had honed his mana disruption, now capable of breaking down spells mid-cast¡ªturning a mage¡¯s power against them.
  • Adira emerged from the lava trial with veins glowing like molten fire, his magma deadlier than ever.
  • Morgana and Adasha returned from their secret training¡­ but they weren¡¯t the same. Their presence alone carried an unsettling aura. No one knew what they had learned.
  • Claude had grown sharp, strategic¡ªhis understanding of blessings deepened under Michael¡¯s guidance.
Each of them had evolved. Each of them had become a force to be reckoned with. And now, they were ready. Or so they thought.
The Awakening of Fate Standing at the gates of the capital, the warriors stared out into the horizon. Beyond that sky, beyond the borders of Frya, lay the darkness that awaited them. The demon seal would soon break. The war they had spent three years preparing for was finally upon them. They each braced themselves, gripping their weapons, their hearts steady. But none of them knew what was truly waiting for them. None of them knew what horrors lay beyond the walls of Frya. And none of them knew¡­ That not all of them would return. The Demon War Arc Begins The sky above Frya darkened, swirling with ominous clouds as if the heavens themselves trembled at the catastrophe about to unfold. Three years of brutal training had forged the warriors into something beyond human¡ªbeyond elf, beastkin, or mage. They were weapons, tempered by battle and sharpened by hardship. Yet, as they stood at the kingdom¡¯s great gates, awaiting the call to war, unease crept into their hearts. Ren tightened his fist. He felt it¡ªa shift in the air. "Something¡¯s coming," he muttered. Rex cracked his neck beside him. "We¡¯ve trained for this. Let them come." The air grew heavier. Then¡ª BOOM! A deafening explosion erupted from the western sky, turning night into day with a hellish crimson glow. The seal had begun to break. The time had come. The First Clash The horde stretched beyond the horizon, an endless tide of demons surging forward, their sheer numbers turning the ground into a writhing mass of darkness. Ren clenched his fists. "How... how do we fight that?" Ramiel''s voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Hold formation." His presence alone steadied them. Even as the demon army advanced, the warriors of Frya refused to falter. From the horde, a force splintered off, racing toward the capital. At the front¡ªa three-star demon with a single crimson horn, its eyes burning with cruel intelligence. Three two-star demons followed, leading countless lesser beasts. Ren¡¯s breath hitched. "That three-star... he¡¯s the general. He¡¯s commanding the others." Rex grinned, rolling his shoulders. "Then we take him down first." The battle erupted. Elwin, atop the barricades, unleashed razor-sharp winds, slicing through the oncoming swarm. His mana control had sharpened, every spell striking with deadly precision. Alys channeled nature''s fury. Vines erupted from the earth, ensnaring demons and crushing them with relentless force. Adira, his body radiating heat, roared as he plunged his fists into the ground. Magma surged forward, incinerating anything in its path. Rex and Ren stood side by side, carving through the horde with ruthless efficiency. Ren''s fists blurred, each strike amplified by his will, tearing through demons like paper. Rex tanked the heaviest blows, his Resilience blessing absorbing damage as his hammer crushed demons into the dirt. But the demons kept coming. Adira vs. the Obsidian Demon A separate battle raged just beyond the walls. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Adira stood face to face with a monstrous two-star demon. Its entire body was covered in obsidian armor, its crimson eyes burning with malice. Molten cracks ran along its body, pulsing with an eerie glow. They stared at each other for a moment, tension crackling in the air. ¡°I will melt you into ash,¡± Adira declared, his voice dripping with confidence. The demon let out a guttural laugh. ¡°Try.¡± Adira¡¯s grin widened. Flames erupted around his fists, the ground beneath him beginning to smolder. Without hesitation, he launched himself forward, his molten fist crashing against the demon¡¯s armored chest. BOOM! The air trembled from the force of the impact, and the ground beneath them shattered. But the demon did not falter. Instead, it grinned, raising its massive claw and slamming it down toward Adira. Adira barely dodged, rolling to the side as the ground where he once stood was obliterated. ¡°Heh,¡± he chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re tougher than I thought.¡± The demon lunged again, faster this time. Adira countered, his fists igniting with even greater intensity. The battle became a dance of fire and destruction, neither side willing to give an inch. Adasha & Morgana vs. Two-Star Demons The battlefield trembled beneath the weight of endless carnage. Fire, steel, and magic clashed, filling the air with the screams of demons and the defiant war cries of warriors. In the heart of the chaos, two figures stood against towering monstrosities. Two-star demons¡ªmassive creatures, their twisted bodies adorned with jagged horns and glowing runes¡ªstalked forward. Their eyes, burning like embers, locked onto their next prey. Adasha cracked her knuckles. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for a real fight.¡± The first demon bared its fangs, its voice a guttural growl. ¡°Foolish human¡­ you will¡ª¡± SHING! Blood sprayed into the air before it could finish. In a blur, Adasha moved. Her twin daggers carved a deep gash across the demon¡¯s chest before it even realized she had attacked. The creature howled in agony, staggering back as black ichor dripped from its wound. Morgana, standing a few feet away, merely sighed. "Sloppy. You could have ended it in one strike." Adasha smirked, spinning one of her daggers in her palm. "Where¡¯s the fun in that?" The second demon lunged, claws slicing through the air toward Morgana. But the moment its attack should have landed¡ª Its movements slowed. A thick, creeping darkness spread from Morgana¡¯s fingertips. The demon¡¯s limbs trembled, its strength draining as an unnatural weight pressed down on its body. Morgana tilted her head. ¡°Pathetic.¡± With a flick of her wrist, the dark tendrils wrapped tighter. The demon let out a strangled growl as its legs buckled. Adasha appeared at its side in an instant. SLASH! Her daggers gleamed, slicing deep into the demon¡¯s tendons. The creature collapsed with a shriek, unable to stand. The first demon roared in fury, lashing out blindly at Adasha. But she was too fast. Ducking under its massive claws, she danced around it, each movement effortless, each step precise. She struck again¡ªa dagger to the ribs, another across the throat. The demon gurgled as it staggered back, its body shaking from the rapid, brutal assault. Morgana sighed. "Enough playing." She raised her hand, and shadows pooled beneath the demon¡¯s feet. SHLUK! Dark spikes shot up from the ground, impaling the creature from all sides. The demon let out one last agonized screech before its body collapsed into the abyss of Morgana¡¯s magic, consumed whole. The second demon, still trapped in Morgana¡¯s slow magic, could only watch in horror. It thrashed, desperate to break free, but it was too late. Adasha moved in. She whirled like a specter, her daggers flashing with deadly precision. SLASH. SLASH. SLASH. By the time she stopped, the demon stood still, its body riddled with deep, fatal wounds. It took a final, shuddering breath¡ªthen crumbled. Adasha exhaled, flicking the black blood off her blades. "That was almost disappointing." Morgana smirked. "You should thank me. I made it easier for you." Adasha rolled her eyes. "Please. I did most of the work." Morgana simply turned, her shadows already creeping toward the next target. "Then stop talking and find another demon to kill." Adasha grinned. "Gladly." With that, they vanished into the battlefield, ready for their next kill. Elwin & Alys vs. The Last Two-Star Demon Elwin panted, dodging another wild slash from the final two-star demon. It was too fast. Each strike came closer and closer. Elwin¡¯s mind raced. I need to disrupt its mana flow. He focused. Wind whirled around him as he locked onto the demon¡¯s magic. Then¡ªhe snapped his fingers. The mana collapsed. The demon¡¯s next attack misfired. That was all Alys needed. She raised her hands¡ª And the earth responded. Vines. Thorns. Roots. They pierced through the demon¡¯s body. It screamed. Elwin smirked. ¡°Too slow.¡± One last burst of wind¡ª And the demon¡¯s head was gone. As the champions fought, the three-star demon moved The Three-Star Demon The battlefield was a graveyard of steel and fire. The screams of demons and warriors alike echoed through the air, drowned only by the relentless clash of battle. Blood stained the earth, and the sky above Frya had turned a sickly crimson. Amidst the chaos, two warriors stood against a monster. Ren and Rex¡ªbattered, bruised, but unyielding¡ªfaced the towering three-star demon. Its single crimson horn pulsed with malice, and its jagged claws dripped with the blood of fallen soldiers. Its smirk was a cruel mockery of their struggle. ¡°You worms think you can stand against me?¡± the demon sneered. ¡°You should¡¯ve run while you had the chance.¡± Ren rolled his shoulders, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. ¡°Run? Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± Rex cracked his neck. ¡°We¡¯ve beaten worse.¡± The demon roared, its aura surging¡ªa dark tide of raw, crushing power. The ground beneath them splintered, and the wind howled with unnatural fury. Then¡ªit attacked. A blur of motion. A whip-like tail lashed toward them, cutting through the air like a blade. Rex moved first. He planted his feet, bracing himself, and when the tail struck¡ªhe caught it. The impact sent tremors through his arms, but he held firm. ¡°Not bad,¡± he growled. Then¡ªwith a grunt of effort¡ªhe swung the demon off balance. Ren was already moving. His body blurred, closing the distance in an instant. His fist collided with the demon¡¯s ribs¡ªa single, devastating strike. The impact rippled through its body, sending it skidding back, claws digging into the earth to regain footing. The demon hissed in frustration. ¡°You dare?¡± It retaliated¡ªlunging with clawed hands, each talon sharp enough to rend steel. Rex met the first strike with his fist , parrying the blow with sheer brute force. The second claw came for Ren¡ªonly to miss as he ducked, spinning under the demon¡¯s reach. Ren countered¡ªhis fists a blur. Left. Right. A devastating uppercut to the jaw. Each blow was amplified¡ªpower surging with his will. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The demon staggered. Rex capitalized on the opening, swinging his fist in a wide arc¡ªcrushing into the demon¡¯s leg. CRACK! The sound of shattering bone echoed through the battlefield. The demon howled in agony, stumbling to one knee. This was it. Ren and Rex locked eyes. They had won. Until¡ª BOOOOOM! A shockwave erupted from the demon¡¯s body, sending them both flying. The ground shattered. The very air became heavy¡ªchoking. Rex landed with a sickening thud, coughing up blood. His armor was shattered. His body¡ªbarely moving. Ren groaned, his vision spinning as he struggled to his feet. And then¡ªhe saw it. The demon stood tall once more, its body mutating. Its wounds healed instantly. Its horn pulsed¡ªno, it burned¡ªwith overwhelming energy. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough,¡± it snarled. ¡°I will erase you from existence.¡± Then¡ªit moved. Faster than ever before. Before Ren could react, the demon¡¯s claw struck Rex. SLASH! Blood sprayed across the battlefield. Ren froze. Rex collapsed. His body hit the ground, unmoving. Something inside Ren¡¯s mind snapped. His heartbeat slowed. A whisper¡ªso faint, so distant, yet so close. "Hehehe¡­ let it go¡­" Ren¡¯s breathing grew ragged. His vision blurred. A deep, unnatural rage stirred in his chest. His hands trembled. Across Frya¡ªevery powerful being felt it. The demon turned toward him, sensing the shift. It frowned, unease creeping into its expression. But then¡ª Enough. A hand touched Ren¡¯s shoulder. A new presence entered the battlefield. A weight even heavier than the demon¡¯s. THOOM. The ground cracked beneath the pressure of an approaching force. The demon froze. A shadow loomed over them. Ramiel. He walked forward slowly, his massive war hammer slung over his shoulder. His expression was calm. Cold. But his eyes burned with barely contained fury. The three-star demon¡¯s confident smirk faltered. ¡°¡­You.¡± Ramiel didn¡¯t respond. He simply stopped a few feet away, his gaze locked onto the demon. Then, in a voice like rolling thunder¡ª ¡°You¡¯ve wasted enough of my time.¡± The demon snarled. ¡°I am stronger than those weaklings. You cannot¡ª¡± Ramiel vanished. The demon¡¯s eyes widened. BOOM! A hammer smashed into its side, sending it flying. The sheer force warped the air, creating a shockwave that tore through the battlefield. The demon screamed as it crashed into the ground, skidding across the dirt before slamming into a ruined wall. It coughed, black ichor spilling from its mouth. Its ribs were shattered. Pain. Real pain. It hadn¡¯t felt this in centuries. The demon¡¯s eyes darted up¡ª Ramiel was already above it, his hammer descending. ¡°W-Wait¡ª¡± BOOOOOOM! The hammer crushed down. The entire battlefield shook. The shockwave obliterated the demon¡¯s body, reducing it to a bloody, crumpled mess. It twitched, barely clinging to life. Ramiel exhaled. Slowly, he lifted his hammer one final time. The demon, broken and defeated, let out a weak, trembling whisper. ¡°¡­Please¡­ forgive me¡­¡± Ramiel¡¯s eyes remained cold. ¡°No.¡± Then¡ª CRACK. The hammer came down. The three-star demon was no more. Silence fell over the battlefield. Ramiel turned, his gaze sweeping over the warriors, assessing the damage. Then, without a word, he shouldered his hammer and walked away. The battle was over. For now. The Aftermath – A Question Unanswered The battlefield lay silent, but Ren felt anything but peace. A strange sensation crawled beneath his skin, an unsettling energy that hadn¡¯t been there before. His breath was steady, his wounds were manageable, yet his body¡­ felt wrong. He shook his head, pushing the feeling aside. Turning, he made his way to Rex, who was still motionless on the bloodstained ground. Kneeling beside him, Ren placed a hand on his chest. Rex was breathing¡ªslow, but steady. His injuries weren¡¯t fatal. Just knocked out cold. A sigh of relief escaped Ren¡¯s lips. Then¡ª A shadow loomed over him. Ramiel. The warrior lord stopped a few feet away, his heavy war hammer resting against his shoulder. His sharp gaze locked onto Ren, but it wasn¡¯t his usual look of judgment or mild disapproval. No. This was something else. Ramiel¡¯s eyes narrowed. Then, without warning, he pointed at Ren. ¡°¡­That energy,¡± he muttered. ¡°What are you?¡± Ren froze. His heart skipped a beat. The tension in the air was suffocating. Ramiel wasn¡¯t just asking¡ªhe was demanding an answer. But before Ren could speak¡ª ¡°Ren! Rex!¡± Alys came running. Her crimson cloak fluttered behind her, her eyes frantic with worry. She dropped to her knees beside them, scanning their wounds. Ren winced as she reached for his arm. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°You¡¯re hurt,¡± she muttered. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ren said quickly. He pulled away and motioned to Rex. ¡°Heal him first.¡± Alys hesitated, then nodded. Placing her hands over Rex¡¯s wounds, a soft golden light pulsed from her fingertips. Ramiel watched in silence, his question still unanswered. Ren clenched his fists. He didn¡¯t know what was happening to him. But one thing was clear¡ªRamiel did. And that meant¡­ Ren would have to find out soon. The battle for the kingdom had ended. The demons had been pushed back. But the war? The war was only beginning. As the dust settled, reports came flooding in. Information gathered from captured demons and spies revealed a terrifying truth¡ª The Four-Star Demon Lords had already claimed territories across Frya. Each one had carved out their own domain, fortifying their armies and preparing for the next great assault. With the Demon King¡¯s location still unknown, the war council had no choice but to split their forces. Each team would be assigned to eliminate one of the Four-Star Lords. To ensure success, every team would be accompanied by a Pillar¡ªone of the strongest warriors of the kingdom. Nine teams were formed, each led by a Pillar, tasked with eliminating a Demon Lord. Their targets were scattered across the land:
  • Eallonia ¨C A once-prosperous land, now a cursed wasteland.
  • Shadow Region ¨C A place where even the strongest warriors fear to tread.
  • Perfect Valley ¨C Deceptively beautiful, but harboring horrors beneath.
  • Ancient Forest ¨C Home to forgotten creatures and dark secrets.
  • Slelghard ¨C A kingdom now ruled by demons instead of men.
  • Ash Plane ¨C A region covered in eternal fire and ash.
  • Edara ¨C A ruined city, a battlefield of past wars.
  • Boiling Realm ¨C A scorching land of molten rivers and endless heat.
  • Sky Realm ¨C A floating continent, believed to be where the Demon King himself resides.
Only Commander Michael remained behind to protect the kingdom, as the Demon King¡¯s exact location was still unknown. The war was far from over. It was only beginning. The grand hall of the kingdom was eerily quiet, despite being filled with warriors, strategists, and the most powerful fighters in Frya. A massive war map was spread across the table, marked with symbols representing each Demon Lord¡¯s territory. The atmosphere was tense. No one spoke as Commander Michael stood at the head of the table, arms crossed, his gaze sharp. He was staying behind to protect the kingdom, but his presence still commanded respect. Then, Ramiel¡¯s voice broke the silence. "We move out in three days." The warriors straightened. The countdown to war had begun. Michael nodded. "Each team will be accompanied by a Pillar. Your missions are simple¡ªeliminate the Demon Lords and reclaim the regions they¡¯ve stolen. We will push the demons back, one stronghold at a time." Ren stood at the back of the room, arms folded. His body was healed, but the strange sensation from earlier still lingered. He had brushed it off, but Ramiel¡¯s words haunted him. What are you? He clenched his fist. I¡¯m just me. But deep down, he wasn¡¯t so sure anymore. A Gathering of Titans he battlefield had quieted, but the storm of war was only beginning. Ren sat on the castle walls, staring at the crimson horizon. The aftereffects of the battle still lingered¡ªashes drifting in the air, the faint scent of blood clinging to the wind. Yet, something else haunted him. Ramiel¡¯s words echoed in his mind. "What are you?" Ren clenched his fists. He didn¡¯t know what that energy was. He didn¡¯t even remember tapping into anything. But the way Ramiel looked at him¡­ the way the demon had recoiled in fear¡­ Something was wrong. Behind him, heavy footsteps approached. ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting here a while,¡± Rex said, his voice still a little hoarse from the battle. Ren glanced back. ¡°Feeling better?¡± Rex smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve had worse.¡± He crossed his arms, leaning against the stone. ¡°You looked ready to kill something back there. What happened?¡± Ren hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°Nothing. Just thinking.¡± Rex raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t push. Instead, he turned to the castle below. The grand hall was alive with movement¡ªwarriors, scholars, and strategists rushing to prepare for the battles ahead. The war had only begun. Then¡ª Dong. Dong. Dong. The bells of the capital rang. The summons had begun.
The War Council The great hall of the kingdom was filled with the strongest warriors in Frya. At the head of the room, standing before a massive war map, was Commander Michael¡ªthe Sword of Frya. His presence alone silenced the chamber. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Before him stood the Nine Pillars of Frya.
  • Ramiel, the Pillar of Lightning ¨C The human warrior who commanded storms. His hammer had ended the three-star demon with a single blow.
  • Azrael, the Pillar of Death ¨C A shadow among men, his race unknown. He spoke little, yet none dared stand in his way.
  • Gabriel, the Messenger of Frya ¨C A human whose words carried divine weight.
  • Raphael, the Pillar of Healing ¨C A fairy with magic that could mend even the most shattered bodies.
  • Uriel, the Librarian of Frya ¨C An elf whose knowledge of magic was unrivaled.
  • Raguel, the Pillar of Judgment ¨C A beastkin whose wisdom decided the fate of the guilty.
  • Selaphiel, the Pillar of Exorcism ¨C A dwarf who specialized in purging unholy forces.
  • Jegudiel, the Strength of Frya ¨C A lizardfolk warrior whose raw might shook the battlefield.
  • Barachiel, the Pillar of Frya¡¯s Blessing ¨C A merfolk touched by divine power.
These were the champions of the kingdom¡ªchosen by their deeds, moving only by Michael¡¯s command. Michael¡¯s gaze swept over the warriors before him. Then, he spoke. ¡°The Demon Lords have taken their territories. We take them back.¡± He motioned to the map, marked with nine cursed territories. ¡°The enemy has fortified these lands,¡± he continued. ¡°Each of the Four-Star Demon Lords has carved out a domain, gathering their forces for war. Their locations are set.¡± He pointed to the regions one by one.
  • Eallonia ¨C A cursed wasteland, thick with necrotic energy.
  • Shadow Region ¨C A place where even the bravest warriors fear to tread.
  • Perfect Valley ¨C A deceptive paradise, hiding horrors beneath its beauty.
  • Ancient Forest ¨C A land swallowed by nature, home to forgotten creatures.
  • Slelghard ¨C Once a mighty kingdom, now a fortress of demons.
  • Ash Plane ¨C A wasteland of eternal fire and ruin.
  • Edara ¨C A ruined battlefield, steeped in old magic.
  • Boiling Realm ¨C A land of molten rivers and endless suffering.
  • Sky Realm ¨C A floating continent, suspected to be where the Demon King himself resides.
¡°The war will be fought on all fronts,¡± Michael declared. ¡°Nine teams will be formed¡ªeach led by a Pillar.¡± His words sent a ripple through the room. The warriors braced themselves, understanding the weight of what was coming. ¡°You will depart in three days.¡± Ramiel cracked his knuckles. ¡°About time.¡± Raphael sighed. ¡°So much work to do¡­¡± Azrael remained silent, watching everything with piercing eyes. Michael continued, his gaze firm. ¡°You have your assignments. Your duty is clear.¡± He paused. Then, for the first time, his voice softened. ¡°Frya is depending on you all.¡± Ren exhaled slowly. This was it. The war had begun. And soon¡ªhe would learn the truth about himself. A Journey into Darkness Rex stepped forward, his fists clenched. ¡°I volunteer for the Sky Realm.¡± The room fell silent. Michael¡¯s gaze remained steady as he studied Rex. ¡°Denied.¡± Rex¡¯s eyes burned with frustration. ¡°Why? I finally have the chance to¡ª¡± Michael¡¯s voice cut through him like a blade. ¡°The Sky Realm is our final destination. We will only march there after securing each region. I will lead the assault myself.¡± Rex¡¯s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He knew arguing was pointless. Michael continued. ¡°Your assignment is elsewhere. Ren, Rex, and Alys¡ªyou will head to Perfect Valley under the command of Raguel, the Pillar of Judgment.¡± Ren exhaled, stealing a glance at Rex. His friend¡¯s disappointment was clear, but there was no time to dwell on it. The war had begun, and they had their mission. Michael¡¯s gaze swept over the room once more. ¡°Every team will report back to the kingdom once their mission is complete. If you are heavily injured, return immediately. The nearest team will assist in your absence.¡± With that, the war council was dismissed. As Ren walked through the castle corridors, a shadow fell over him. Ramiel. The Pillar of Lightning stood with his arms crossed, studying Ren with unreadable eyes. Then, he finally spoke. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°I don¡¯t know what power that was.¡± His voice was low, almost dangerous. ¡°But don¡¯t let it control you.¡± Ren¡¯s breath hitched. He wanted to ask¡ªWhat do you mean? What had he seen during the battle? But before Ren could respond, Ramiel turned and walked away. A chill ran down Ren¡¯s spine. Something inside him stirred. Something unknown. The day of departure arrived. As the team stood at the kingdom gates, a towering figure awaited them. Raguel. The Pillar of Judgment. He was a beastkin, his head resembling that of a lion, his fur a deep black, his piercing blue eyes glowing with an unnatural light. His aura was overwhelming, demanding both respect and fear. Yet, as they approached, he gave them a small, knowing smile. ¡°So, you¡¯re the young champions Ramiel spoke highly of,¡± he said. ¡°I hope you can continue to support Frya.¡± Ren and the others straightened under his gaze. ¡°Of course,¡± they replied in unison. Raguel grinned. ¡°Good.¡± With that, their journey to Perfect Valley began. Their march was eerily smooth. Not because the valley was safe¡ªno, far from it. It was because Raguel slaughtered everything in their path. He moved with terrifying efficiency, cutting down demon after demon with brutal precision. To him, they were nothing but prey. Ren watched, unsettled. Raguel was a force of nature, merciless and unrelenting. And yet¡­ For some reason, a part of Ren felt sorry for the demons. Why? His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden chill. A presence loomed behind him. A voice, cold and inhuman, whispered¡ª ¡°You smell¡­ strange.¡± Ren¡¯s body froze. He turned slowly. A monstrous figure stood there, its eyes glowing with malice. Raguel reacted instantly. ¡°Kid, move!¡± The demon lunged. Ren barely registered what happened next¡ª A black blur. A claw raised to strike. And then¡ª ¡°DON¡¯T TOUCH ME, SCUM!¡± A surge of energy erupted from Ren. The demon flinched. It backed away. Its glowing eyes narrowed. ¡°¡­You are strong,¡± it murmured. ¡°But that kid¡­¡± Its gaze locked onto Ren. ¡°That kid is far more dangerous.¡± It raised a hand¡ª A beam of pure demonic energy shot forward. ¡°Alys, shield¡ª!¡± The barrier formed instantly, but the impact was too strong. The explosion sent Ren flying. Darkness swallowed him. The Stranger in the Cave When Ren opened his eyes, he wasn¡¯t in the valley anymore. He was in a cave. A fire crackled nearby, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. A man sat beside it, his features hidden by the dim light. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± the man said without looking at him. ¡°You were half-dead when I found you.¡± Ren groaned, pushing himself up. ¡°Yeah¡­ Thanks, I guess.¡± The man didn¡¯t reply immediately. He simply watched the fire. Then, after a long pause, he muttered¡ª ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have helped you¡­ but you remind me of someone.¡± Ren blinked. ¡°Really? Who?¡± Silence. Ren scratched his head, awkward. ¡°Uh¡ªsorry if I annoyed you. I should get going¡ª¡± ¡°Why is that thing inside you?¡± Ren froze. His heart pounded. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°¡­What?¡± The man turned his gaze to Ren. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Ren swallowed. ¡°Know¡­ what?¡± The man stood and placed a hand on Ren¡¯s chest. Something inside him¡­ stirred. Darkness flooded his vision. A voice¡ªdeep and ancient¡ªwhispered. ¡°Who¡­? You¡­!! What do you want, father?¡± Ren gasped. The voice¡ªit wasn¡¯t his. It came from inside him. The man narrowed his eyes. ¡°So you were the one using my power. You¡¯ve been leeching off this kid, haven¡¯t you?¡± The voice inside Ren snarled. ¡°HOW DARE YOU! I AM NOT A LEECH! He is my¡­ my stupid brother.¡± Ren felt his body tense. Brother? The voice continued, bitter and filled with rage. ¡°Our mother¡­ she couldn¡¯t handle forming both of us. So I linked my soul to his. I took the demonic energy so she could make a human body. But she¡­ she couldn¡¯t handle the mana drain. She died.¡± Silence. The man clenched his fists. His rage was palpable. He was going to kill Ren. Ren braced himself. But¡ª Something changed. The man¡¯s eyes softened. A memory surfaced in his mind. ¡°It¡¯s called a Ren flower. In my lands, it symbolizes resilience.¡± A voice from his past. A voice he hadn¡¯t heard in a long time. Lyria. He hesitated. Then, he exhaled. ¡°No.¡± His voice was firm. ¡°I need to protect him.¡± The demon inside Ren growled. ¡°Hey, brat. Protect the body at all costs.¡± Ren heard himself scoff. ¡°I was going to do that anyway.¡± The presence inside him faded. When Ren came to, the man was watching him carefully. ¡°What happened?¡± Ren asked. The man turned away. ¡°Nothing.¡± Ren frowned. ¡°That thing inside me¡­ it¡¯s not my enemy?¡± The man didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he simply disappeared. Vanished¡ªwithout a single trace. Ren was left alone. Alone, with nothing but questions. Bloodbound Ascension Ren sat there, his breathing uneven. His body trembled¡ªnot from exhaustion, not from pain, but from the weight of the revelation. A brother? A demon inside him? A father he never knew? his mother death? He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself. None of it made sense, yet it explained everything. The power surging within him, the strange sensations, the whispers in his dreams¡ªit had all been leading to this. He needed answers. Forcing himself to stand, Ren scanned the cave. There was no sign of the mysterious man, no lingering footsteps, nothing. It was as if he had never been there to begin with. The fire had burned down to embers, casting faint glows across the damp stone. Ren touched his chest, where the man had placed his hand. The presence inside him stirred again, but it was calmer now¡ªsilent, as if waiting. Taking a deep breath, he turned toward the mouth of the cave. The outside world beckoned, and he had no time to waste. His team, his mission¡ªthey were out there, and he needed to find them. He couldn''t afford to be lost in his own thoughts. Not now. He stepped out of the cave, only to be met with an eerie silence. The Perfect Valley stretched before him, its beauty almost unnatural. Vibrant flowers bloomed in fields of green, and crystal-clear rivers snaked through the land. It was a paradise. But Ren knew better. Something was wrong. Alys and Raguel were supposed to be fighting here. There should¡¯ve been sounds of battle, the distant clash of steel or the roar of demons. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Instead, there was only quiet. Ren¡¯s fist tightened as he took a cautious step forward. The stillness pressed against his skin, suffocating, unnatural. He moved through the valley, his senses on high alert. Then¡ª A shadow flickered in the corner of his eye Ren moved swiftly through the darkened valley, his heart pounding. The mission was simple¡ªscout ahead for his team, make sure there were no threats, and return. But then¡ª A sound. A deep, earth-shattering boom. The ground trembled beneath his feet, sending loose rocks tumbling down the cliffs. It wasn¡¯t just an explosion¡ªit was alive, filled with raw, violent energy. Then, he saw it. Blood. Streaked across the shattered ground, staining the once-pristine valley red. And among the wreckage¡ª Alys¡¯s crimson cloak. Torn. Motionless. Ren¡¯s breath caught. His body moved on instinct, sprinting toward the battlefield. He didn¡¯t think. He didn¡¯t hesitate. His pulse raced, adrenaline burning through his veins. Faster¡­ faster¡­ But something felt wrong. He was moving too quickly. His legs felt lighter, his strides longer. His muscles burned, but not from exhaustion¡ªfrom power. A strength he had never felt before surged through him. But then¡ª A presence. An overwhelming force that made his stomach drop. A pressure so suffocating, his body screamed at him to stop. To turn around. To run. No. He clenched his fists, shaking off the fear. His friends were in danger. He couldn¡¯t abandon them. And then¡ªhe saw it. A battlefield drowned in chaos. Raguel. The mighty beastkin warrior stood tall despite his wounds. His black mane was soaked in blood, his golden eyes burning with anger. But what shook Ren to his core was the two figures standing before him. Two Four-Star Demon Lords. Ren¡¯s mind reeled. Two? That wasn¡¯t supposed to be possible. Unlike the other demons he had faced, these two were different. They weren¡¯t monstrous beasts or armored warriors. No, they were calm, relaxed, standing with an air of nobility. They wore fine garments, dark robes embroidered with gold and crimson. Their movements were composed, elegant, as if they had all the time in the world. They weren¡¯t fighting Raguel. They were talking to him. Ren¡¯s eyes darted to Raguel. The Pillar of Judgment looked furious, his muscles tense as if he was barely holding himself back. One of the demon lords raised a hand lazily¡ª Ren recognized him. He was the one who fired that attack earlier. The one who sent him flying. Ren¡¯s fists clenched. But before he could process what was happening¡ª To the right, another fight raged. Rex. Bloodied, panting, standing tall against three demons, each with a single horn. His body was riddled with wounds, but he didn¡¯t falter. He had already cut down one of them, and as another lunged, Rex roared¡ª ¡°COME AT ME!¡± Ren¡¯s eyes widened as the demon rushed at his friend, claws bared. Move. Ren didn¡¯t think. His body acted on its own. A flash. A blur. He was there. Before the demon could reach Rex, Ren¡¯s fist connected. A sickening crack. The demon was sent flying, crashing through the valley wall with thunderous force. Rex turned, stunned. ¡°Ren¡­?¡± Ren stood frozen, staring at his own fist. His knuckles tingled from the impact. The strength¡­ it didn¡¯t feel real. What¡­ is happening to me? But there was no time to think. Because the real battle had only just begun.