《The World King Chronicles [Progression Epic]》


 Prologue

    The snow fell around Grud, quickly obscuring his footprints and making it more difficult to find his bearings. Luckily the Uruyuld Mountain shouted its challenge openly to all those below. For Grud to find his destination he just needed to look at the tallest point and keep walking in that direction. So he continued on his path.


    Many people had told Grud that being so stubborn would be his death, but many people were cowards. Grud paid them no heed. Instead, the Ork trudged ever forwards, one step at a time.


    Those same people would call Grud simple, to insult him. They would laugh and point as he walked by like he was some grand joke to gawk at. Little did they know that Grud actually enjoyed being called simple. The simple things were usually best after all, be it the warmth of a hearth after a day in the cold, or a plate of hot food after missing a meal.


    Yes, simple was the best, and Grud was going to be the best of them. That¡¯s what today was about. Proving himself, and coming back to the village with a drake egg unlike any other.


    Many minutes of trudging later, Grud reached a crest in the range. Not the highest point, not by any stretch, but it was still a spot worth noting. It was the highest point allowed by the elders for egg searching or arak¡¯vayan. They deemed that going past this point risked the Emui¡¯Darak¡¯s attention and fury.


    Of course, noting this spot didn¡¯t mean waiting around as Grud pushed through the crest and onto the next with no hesitation, knowing that he would be reported if the other half dozen fresh men, who were here to announce their independence and bravery with a drake egg of their own.


    The drake eggs were the cast offs, however. The drake eggs others would bring back likely had been frozen for hundreds of years


    Grud respected them enough to spare them dishonor by association. They wouldn¡¯t be looking for him, but Grud wouldn¡¯t give fate a chance to intervene against him. No he would simply go unnoticed as he trudged his way into the dragon¡¯s lair, and to accomplish that he would need his magic.


    After all, going unnoticed was Grud¡¯s specialty, the one thing he was truly the best at. No one ever noticed him his whole life, until the World Well had noticed that was what he was best at. Being unnoticeable.


    It had stung, until Grud realized he would just have to work with what he was given. In a way, it was just like everything else he had tolerated up until this point. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t surpass the best of his age by working from the front. He needed to hang around as they blazed the path, and follow quietly until he could leap forwards into the lead.


    And today was the day, so Grud quickly wove his Ice Formation over his body, the Cold Cloak. Ice Affinity mana flowed over his body like a storm, and suddenly Grud no longer appeared as a young Ork, wrapped in warm furs and climbing harnesses and gear. Instead, anyone watching him would simply have seen a particularly thick gust of wind and snow, moving steadily across the snowscape.


    It didn¡¯t do anything to blunt the cold and it got harder and harder to breathe as the temperature and oxygen dropped in relation to the altitude, but the Cold Cloak was easy enough to maintain in his Form Space that Grud didn¡¯t need to focus on it. He just kept moving forwards, because the hurt he was experiencing now wasn¡¯t worse than what he was accustomed to. The aching was familiar, and the sting of his silent companion helped keep Grud¡¯s wits sharp.


    Moving forwards on the mountain was always hard, after all. It was always a challenge to the strong, to push up the slopes and make it to the top where Emui¡¯Darak, the Mountainmother, would wait. A seconds distraction could be death


    Supposedly there was some ancient contract between his people and the queen of the peak, but Grud had seen drakes, and they were just big lizards. They could follow directions and use mana, but only through training, and only with the one they bonded to when they hatched. They didn¡¯t notice Grud either.


    The elders must be senile if they thought just because the Mountainmother was bigger and stronger she was any smarter. Grud doubted she would notice him either. In fact, he was banking on it. And if the Emui¡¯Darak did, well then¡­ Grud would likely be dead. But before that, he had to make it to the top of the Uruyuld.


    In front of Grud, a sheer face of ice stood towering over him and in his way. He was paying for his simplicity, but Grud had known he would. Of course, he would have to pay, because he always did.


    There was no point in avoiding it, so the young Ork had simply factored it into his plans. Readying his climbing gear, Grud paid his dues.


    Grud placed piton after piton into the ice, making sure movements and steady progress. Instead of using his cold weak fingers, Grud focused on his palms and wrists for leverage, and was pushing himself up at a good pace. He was sure someone like Jarl could have scaled it in half the time. It didn¡¯t matter. Jarl would never consider going beyond what the Elders said.


    Grud had, so he would go at the pace he was able to. He tried to exclude the outside world as he reached for more handholds, but halfway up the iceface a strong gust whistled down the mountain just as Grud extended his left arm.


    The force blasted the Ork¡¯s side from the cliff, and Grud lost his left foothold as well. Grud compensated and moved all of his weight over to his right foot as he desperately held onto the final piton against the relentless wind.


    Then, as suddenly as it started the wind died down, and Grud went to resecure his handholds. Just as he reached across the sheerface, the piton under his right foot collapsed. Making a desperate lurch, Grud snagged the other piton and held himself suspended with just his upper body.


    The weight of his six stride frame pulled on him, trying to bring the young Ork to an early grave. Instead, Grud pulled himself up again, and found the piton for his left leg. A quick sigh of relief came from his lips, then a small prayer.


    ¡°Ancestors watch over me.¡± Grud quietly intoned while taking a second to collect himself.


    However, instead of waiting for strength that would not be returning, Grud dragged himself to his feet and continued on. He was panting through his tusks and sweating despite the cold as he managed to pull himself the last of the way up the iceface.


    By now, Grud was far enough up the slopes that he could hear a distant ruckus, barely audible after being muffled by the snow. It was a good sign that Grud was close, and he let excitement aid his speed as he kept ascending.


    It was still at least another bell before Grud made it to the top of the crest, of endless treacherously deep snow banks and smaller sheer faces to shimmy up while still saving his gear in case another cliff appeared. Of course it was hard. Hard was good, because it meant the task was possible.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Grud could do possible.


    * * * * *


    The young Ork reached under the peak trying to climb further, only to immediately get battered back almost to the edge by the sounds of fighting ahead. The snow and open air must have been dampening the noise more than Grud had accounted for, as something was fighting right in front of him. Fighting this close to the peak was sure to attract the Mountainmother.


    Unless, of course¡­


    Knowing he shouldn¡¯t, Grud braced himself and peaked over the edge once more. Down below, the entire valley was covered in easily over 250 yards of white scaled beast, long and graceful with her enormous wings tucked in. The Mountainmother was here in all her resplendence, but Grud wasn¡¯t sure he could call what she was doing fighting.


    The Great Dragon was writhing around the valley circling around its center. Light reflected off the white dragon and the white snow, making a brilliant river of diamonds. It was such a surreal sight that Grud almost didn¡¯t realize what the true cause of the noise was, because even though the Mountainmother was enormous, her passage was unnaturally silent.


    Instead, the noise was coming from a much smaller creature that was frantically ricocheting around the middle of the curled up form of the white giant. It was the one raising a ruckus and attacking the Mountainmother, battering against her sides with a reckless abandon. It was savage and relentless as it bounded from attack to attack, clawing and biting with no regards to composure, making it hard for Grud to discern its form, but it must have been a drake.


    However, what was clear was that painfully few of the creatures'' attacks were landing. As it went to reach out with its claws, Grud felt the wind gust and push the creature back from the Mountainmother.


    For long minutes Grud clung to the edge and watched the creatures'' desperate struggle for survival. It thrashed and whipped its body, but it never managed to scratch the Mountainmother. Instead, all it accomplished was wearing out the attacking creature, as its movements began to slow.


    Then, the Mountainmother shook her head, and with what sounded like a sigh, she casually batted the other creature to the ground with her tail. Its frantic defense shattered in an instant, the creature lay in a crater of snow, unmoving. Only then could Grud see what it truly was, and when he did a small gasp escaped his lips.


    The Mountainmother hadn¡¯t been fighting a drake. No, it had been fighting a young dragon.


    Grud ducked his head down for several minutes, waiting for the living disaster to retreat to her den. Huge wing beats signaled her retreat, and Grud peaked his head over the crest once again. Through the snow storm, he saw a great shadow growing ever smaller, and so Grud thought the valley would be safe to explore. Well, safe enough. There was still a dragon around, after all.


    Boosting himself, Grud scaled the crest and began carefully descending deeper into the valley, questing towards the downed body in the snow. As it took him minutes to transverse the distance, Grud gained an even greater respect for the Mountain Mother¡¯s preposterous size. That she was larger than the valley boggled the young orc¡¯s mind in a way that he struggled to believe even after witnessing the sight.


    Then, there was a new sight to take in.


    Grud was probably the only living member of his clan to see a dragon from such a close distance without it moving and fighting. It was majestic, white-scaled and lithe, with long and powerful appendages. Large leathery wings were tucked around its sides, but its chest still rose and fell so Grud knew it still lived. It was simply unconscious as Wayne stood over it.


    Dragons had been one of the most consistent struggles the Orks of Trada¡¯Mund had faced. Every generation or two, another of the brood would reach adulthood, and terrorize the rest of the mountain range. The sight of a dragon was an omen of hardship, and death.


    Currently, there had been a dragon roving the northern slopes for the last decade, and now there was a second who would soon mature. Two dragons at once would be catastrophic for the Tribes.


    Only after watching its rhythmic breathing for a time, did Grud realize that he was upset. He just didn¡¯t know why.


    Orks who brought back a dragon head were promoted to Clan Despato. From the blood staining the snow around the dragon''s body, it may be the easiest kill ever on a dragon. Grud may not even have to do anything but watch. Any orc was supposed to sacrifice their life to slay a dragon.


    But still, he was upset.


    He hadn¡¯t come here to kill a dragon, but to prove himself and find a partner to fight with, to watch his back.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t right¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, and you could do better for him then, Grud?¡± A chilling voice whispered in Grud¡¯s ear.


    He spun around, but saw no one. A cold laugh rang out over the valley, and the snow rippled eerily along with it.


    ¡°How interesting I didn¡¯t notice you climb my summit. What peculiar magic you possess. Still, have the arak¡¯vayan not taught you what fate awaits you among the clouds?¡±


    Grud felt his tusks quivering in the wind. Against all of his training, his Cold Cloak, and his preparation, Grud had done the unthinkable. He had called the Mountain Mother¡¯s attention to him, and now Grud would die.


    So he may as well speak his mind before the end. Straightening up, the young orc tried to meet his death with dignity.


    ¡°Someone as¡­ proud as him shouldn¡¯t have such a tragic fate, before he can even grow up. So yes, I do think I could do better. I would at least try.¡±


    ¡°Mmm, yes, well, at least try to survive this. Then, if you do, I give you permission to raise Dura¡¯Mon to the best of your abilities.¡±


    Then, the world went white. The storm surrounding Grud intensified beyond an incredible degree, everything being encompassed by the falling snow. He felt the flurry rain down on his skin, pressing against him, pushing against his strength.


    The cold began to seep further into his body, Grud¡¯s layers of furs and the Cold Cloak doing nothing to insulate him against a wind like this. It cut deep, and then wrapped him in an overbearing hold.


    Grud thought he felt something else though, something past the snow and cold. An intent powerful enough to force the snow into action. Even now, he faintly felt it manipulating the storm, just as Grud felt something else distinctly.


    The cold did not want to hurt Grud. It was simply being made to do it. The pain was building, but it was a comfort to know his oldest friend had not abandoned him. It helped Grud to endure.


    It was cold. The cold was his friend. His friend would do its best to keep him safe. Grud extended all these feelings outwards like a hand to grasp. A smile took his face when his friend grasped back.


    He felt the mana around him shift, and then it started working with him.


    Suddenly, Grud was pulled through the storm into a stumbling step on freshly fallen snow. The storm had miraculously faded, and sunlight shone down through the clouds of his panted breath to reveal the similarly breathing body of Dura¡¯Mon laying there.


    ¡°Impressive, Grud of Clan Rec¡¯Lyn. Most impressive. I look forward to seeing you again in the future.¡±


    Then the intent faded from the air, and the tension released from Grud¡¯s shoulders. At least until he realized he would need to find a way to transport a fully hatched young dragon down the mountainside.


    Grud sighed and got to work.


    * * * * *


    Luminos watched the lizard in the hills finally make her move. It was too little, too late, as the God retreated to his Domain. His preparations had been completed years ago, and today they would come to fruition.


    He absently plucked thoughts from his priest''s minds, making sure the ceremony was ready to proceed smoothly. Orwell was usually competent, but the man¡¯s inability to adapt to new challenges showed his limits. Still, it seemed the Grand Priest had everything in place on this occasion.


    If the God could smile, he would.


    Instead, he shifted his view of the physical world to his soon-to-be Champion. The girl was so small, but she would suffice. With perfectly bronzed skin, and hair just a shade lighter, she gave off the impression of a rich beam of sunlight. Of course, the pure golden irises that adorned her face only completed the look.


    Ainne. The God declared her name, and his intention, to the realm.


    She would be his Champion, his avatar on the physical plane, and eventually his puppet Empress. She was the beautiful finale after years of careful plotting and planning. Yes, she was the prize, and everything else was just the unwanted remnants.


    * * * * *


    As the pieces were finally arrayed in their starting positions, the King of Nothing gave a wistful smile. Picking up the bishop and looking out over the Expanse, he muttered to himself from beneath his thick robes.


    ¡°I suppose it¡¯s time.¡±


    Leaving the board behind, he set out on his own path.

 Chapter 1

    Staring up at the domed ceiling, Wayne attempted to take in details from the intricately styled grand mosaic of stained glass through strands of his longer black hair. The longer he gazed upwards, the more he couldn¡¯t help but feel that it was incomplete.


    The artwork¡¯s edges were wrought with small and brilliant green and yellow shards before transitioning to wider blue glass panes. The total effect had been used to make a series of what looked like wheat fields and forests under a wide sky, but the center at the top of the dome was curiously blank. It was clearly representing some religious ideology based on where Wayne was currently, but if it held some meaning beyond just decoration he couldn¡¯t make sense of it.


    Letting his head drop, Wayne saw more wealth adorning the walls than he had seen in his life before a week ago. Gold and silver were used to decorate in an abundance that would have been blasphemous if it wasn¡¯t serving a holy purpose. As his gaze dropped further Wayne quickly and purposely avoided looking at the caged Monsters snapping viciously at their restraints around the perimeter of the room.


    Instead, he listened to the garish priest directing the ceremony as he struggled not to get lost in the grandeur of his surroundings. An Awakening was an important day in anyone¡¯s life, so Wayne ought to do his best to stay focused.


    It was hard, especially when the priest used so many words that didn¡¯t mean anything.


    ¡°...and we thank Luminos for consecrating this holy ground on which we now stand. Our Lord and Giver of Light we thank thee for the light of your glorious System and this momentous occasion in which we bestow it upon the next generation. All those now gathered before you¡­¡±


    Wayne looked out over the crowd of young initiates around him. They stood in lines, but spread out enough that he could see everyone with little effort. It also helped that Wayne had three years of additional growth on everyone else participating, letting him stand head and shoulders above them with a few notable exceptions.


    One was another boy that towered above his peers at the front of the lines, causing Wayne to believe he may not be the only older participant here, the difference was so extreme. His black hair matched Wayne¡¯s own in shade, although the other boy¡¯s was cut short and neat.


    In that same front row was a young woman who stood above the crowd as well, although she didn''t tower to the same extent that Wayne or the other boy did. Instead she appeared willowy, and proud.


    In between them, was a girl who was almost a head shorter than the rest of the collected children, much less the other impressively tall thirteen year olds. With long golden hair that extended the length of her body and warm, bronze skin she was the last of the people standing at the front of lines, everyone else was standing behind them.


    It appeared Wayne wasn¡¯t the only one looking at them, as the priest in charge of the ceremony was almost exclusively speaking for them, and only occasionally glancing at the rest of the assembly.


    ¡°...Lord, thank you for the Blessing of the Sun, and the Warmth of the Light. Our Empire was built in service to you, so that we may spread the healing and warmth of your Form, Function, and Formations to all those who would accept their savior. Today we move ever closer to unity, by welcoming those worthy into the ranks of the Awakened, who would serve in Luminos'' name. May he watch over and favor you all. Come now, children. Commence with and connect your nascent souls to our glorious God.¡±


    With that, the priest''s endless speech was over, and the purpose of today¡¯s congregation began to take place. Wayne felt his breath catch, as a life spent waiting was about to be realized.


    It was finally time for him to enter the realm of the gods and become a Shaper.


    Every young child in the Luminous Empire dreamed of this day all their lives, though most only got the opportunity when they came of age at eighteen, and even fewer had the honor to do so here in the capital, at the Grand Cathedral of Elwin. An Awakening here was a right usually reserved for the highest of nobles, and Wayne had lacked such qualifications.


    Until recently, that is. A week ago, a letter arrived at the Saint Lewiana¡¯s orphanage along with an unmarked carriage to the capitol. The letter had only said that he would be allowed to attend the Awakening ceremony here by order of his birth father, with no mention of a name.


    Then at a hidden cue, most of the golden priests ringing the chamber began chanting together, words of supplication followed by action as they descended to their knees in unison, they called out to the Empire¡¯s god in harmony.


    The few priests who remained standing began to wheel the cages around the room. There were exactly as many desperately thrashing Monsters, as there were young Humans waiting to slay them.


    This time, Wayne had no choice but to look at their horrible forms, twisted and scaled unholy abominations that would kill endlessly if given a choice. Leathery wings sprouted from their hunched backs, turning them into enormous threats in the cover of darkness or in open air.


    Finally, the priest with Wayne¡¯s cage arrived, also handing him a weighted spear with a long steel tip. The sanded wood was heavy in his hands, and Wayne hefted it to a ready position. Around him, the others were doing the same.


    The head priest garnered their attention to the front of the chamber once more, his hands raised high into the air before he paused. Then the priest¡¯s arms fell, and with them so too did the collection of spears. Ripping sounds and splattered blood erupted all over the tiled flooring. The gargoyles¡¯ tortured cries echoed along the marble, making several of the assembled children flinch.


    Light began streaming in from the multitude of stained glass windows, bathing the cathedral in an ethereal glow. Suddenly, the air seemed to taste¡­ sharper, and suffocating in a way that Wayne struggled to describe, other than it felt like being stared at, uncomfortably.


    The otherworldly light bent, forming a large eye with a golden iris suspended centrally in the dome. The beautifully worked glass shards gained sudden, intimate meaning to everyone in the room, showing the whole of the peaceful Empire, with Luminos watching over it all


    However, soon the sight of the dome vanished behind the continually intensifying rays. The glaring colors melted together into a searing white, and suddenly Wayne felt naked. The god¡¯s presence scoured him down to his soul, almost causing Wayne to topple.


    Then the feeling of falling reversed and Wayne found his feet again. Only this time when he opened his eyes, Wayne was no longer in the Grand Cathedral. No, he was in Luminos¡¯ Realm now, gilded ground as far as the eyes could see, and a sky full of fading ethereal hues.


    * * * * *


    Wayne was alone.


    The other participants were nowhere to be found even though Wayne hadn¡¯t taken a step. Wayne was alone. The only other movement was a strange golden smoke, that sometimes gleamed like metal as it billowed and twisted. For a while he stood there, simply taking in the strange and unusual sights of a God¡¯s Realm.


    Then his perception shifted, and Wayne was face to face with himself. He saw his body stand on the hardened sunlight of the God¡¯s Domain, from a different perspective.


    Long black hair covered his slightly gaunt face, sweat visibly beading on his chest and arms. For some reason, his normally pale gray eyes were blurred out, their shape indistinct. Looking downwards, Wayne was forced to confront a hard truth. He didn¡¯t consider himself weak, but looking at his arms and legs from the outside was an awakening. Wayne still looked like a boy, not a man.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Then, the smoke separated into small strands, the tendrils beginning to quest about the landscape. Wayne knew they were hunting for him instinctively. It was like the certainty of a blade against his throat, cold and merciless.


    He tried to resist, to push the gaseous forms away from him but couldn¡¯t move his limbs, his mind disconnected from his body. The tendrils slowly converged on his location, and although he couldn¡¯t move, Wayne distantly felt as they began to tear through his skin.


    Quickly the smoke had burrowed deep inside of him, burning passageways through the fabric of Wayne¡¯s being. Distantly he felt his feet leave the floor. Things inside of Wayne twisted, and then suddenly the light he felt inside of his soul pulled its way back out, not following the same tunnels but shooting straight to the closest exit point.


    As the last of it ravaged through his spirit, it left a whisper on the wind.


    ¡®Fortune has favored you today.¡¯


    It pierced him, and it was all Wayne could do to keep conscious as he snapped back to himself, falling to his knees. Barely aware, he vaguely sensed the light leaving him.


    Distantly, he heard several grunts and, but he was too focused on his spirit to notice. For the first time in his life Wayne was aware of his soul, the pain¡¯s source made abundantly clear by the misery it was being subject to.


    Then, a glowing script appeared in Wayne¡¯s sight, stabbing into his consciousness directly.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Name:


    </td>


    <td>


    Wayne Clive Aouris


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tier:


    </td>


    <td>


    Mortal Tier (0)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Affinities:


    </td>


    <td>


    Light, Fire


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Open Statistics and Skills? (Yes/No)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    No¡­ dread crept over Wayne even as he recovered from his scouring. Here was the infamous Order, the blessing that Luminos gave the citizens that made the Empire the strongest nation on the continent.


    But it had to be wrong in Wayne¡¯s case. He knew that most people remained tierless even after their awakening, but this last week had made Wayne think that wouldn¡¯t be his fate. Suddenly, the hope that had been keeping him running since his mother¡¯s death flickered under reality.


    I¡¯m tierless. I¡¯m¡­


    Before he could dwell on it, a surge of energy flooded the room, this one thankfully not bringing any pain with it. Wayne forced his eyes to focus, so he could look for the pulse¡¯s source. What he saw took his breath away again.


    All the other participants were still suspended above the ground, coated in a golden glimmer that seemed to shift with his movements. It was a mesmerizing sight, almost as brilliant as when Luminos himself had been descending. Then, another pulse burst forth, and most of the participants fell to the ground and their knees, similarly to Wayne.


    Still, some of the participants remained suspended, the light surrounding those who remained brightening by several degrees. They were like glittering stars, fallen from the sky amongst the unworthy.


    As another pulse of the God¡¯s energy washed out through the throng while Wayne admired the beauty of the moment. The rest of the participants floated more gently to the floor than the others had, another boon offered to the greatest among them. All of them stood on their own two feet.


    Except for one person.


    At the front of the procession, the smaller girl ascended further into the air amongst brilliant beams of light that began to overwhelm the eyes. She alone exuded another pulse of the energy, although it easily matched all the other¡¯s for intensity.


    Still, she ascended higher, rising upwards into the dome above. The girl took the space Luminos had just held a few minutes ago, gleaming like the God himself had returned to conclude the ceremony. One, final wave of energy washed over the room, forcing those bearing witness to their knees.


    The girl gradually descended to the floor, clearly exhausted but still radiating off a faint inner glow. The sound of her heels clicking against the marble echoed in the silence of the Grand Cathedral.


    For long moments, no one dared to intrude upon the sacred nature of the moment. Then, the priests collectively burst into supplication, as the rest of the participants staggered back to their feet, staring and mouths agape.


    ¡°By the Blessing of Luminos and your own grace, your highness Holy Princess Ainne, your humble servant thanks you deeply for the chance to witness such an event. Be thankful all, for you have witnessed the birth of Luminos¡¯ newest Champion! May his glory shine upon us all, as the Holy Princess leads us to a new age of glory for the Empire!¡±


    Wayne was still in shock. Champions were a thing of myth and legend, the appointed Avatar of a god that walked amongst men. The caretaker had often told him and the others stories of Champions and Legionnaires of the past, and no small part of him had secretly hoped to walk out of the cathedral today as the Luminous Empire¡¯s newest hero.


    But I¡¯m the opposite of a Champion. A nobody.


    At that thought, Wayne¡¯s situation began to truly sink in. Not only was he not a legendary hero, he hadn¡¯t even awakened to being an Acolyte. All of Wayne¡¯s childish fantasies had been shattered, and the awe in his gut turned sour, leaving him only with poisonous thoughts of the future.


    As he stared at the girl across the room from him, Wayne wondered what it would be like to have things go his way for once.


    * * * * *


    Wayne barely noticed as he followed the group out of the Grand Temple of Elwin to the marbled paving of the Divine Pavilion. On any other time he would likely have been gawking like a country bumpkin, like he had been minutes ago.


    Now it was hard to enjoy the once in a lifetime sight. Even though the notification box had long since disappeared from his vision, it was still all he could see. With an effort of will, Wayne forced himself to live in the moment, if only so he wouldn¡¯t appear rude to those before him.


    The Empress herself had attended the event, and as a result the other Nobles in attendance had worked themselves into a tizzy trying to cozy up to her. However, the ruler of the Empire didn¡¯t deign to respond, instead remaining silent from inside her palanquin floating amongst a collection of mystic clouds, as the Nobles circled around her like a horde of gnats.


    However, as the front of the participants'' procession reached them, the swarm parted, and the new Champion of Luminos made her way to the Empress. When she was ten feet away, the short girl dipped into a respectful curtsy, and began quietly speaking.


    Wayne was too far away to recognize what she was saying, but he was still close enough to see when a familiar man walked from behind the palanquin, and embraced the Champion in a firm hug. Even at a distance, upon seeing the man, Wayne knew.


    Even as he noted the similar hair textures and eye shape, Wayne felt his confidence drop further still. If he could, the young man would stop time just so he didn¡¯t have to experience what he was now sure was coming.


    However, as the pit in his stomach lost its bottom, the Empress emerged from her shaded box and looked out over the assembled Nobles and Priests. And of course, her eyes crossed over Wayne, as well.


    He could have sworn that she smiled slightly as it happened, but she started speaking too quickly for Wayne to believe it was more than just his imagination.


    ¡°I hope today will become a pleasant memory for all that have participated. I know that I, Ariane Elia Lumina, will always remember, and celebrate this day. As such, I have decided to host an official Royal Banquet, to commemorate my daughter¡¯s ascension to Champion, one week from this day. I hope all of you here will be able to attend the event. That is all.¡±


    With her short speech, the Empress once again retreated into her shaded palanquin, leaving the crowd to slowly disperse as the participants reunited with their families, successfully integrated with Luminos¡¯ light.


    The dread Wayne felt only built, as he saw a man begin treading towards him. The man wore finely made state attire, complete with a sash and epaulets. This was the man that had just hugged the short Champion. He was also, without a doubt, Wayne¡¯s father.


    Eventually, the distance between them closed, and brought the two men face to face.


    From this close, Wayne could see that he had inherited his eyes from this man, as the cold gray color was unique enough that Wayne had never met someone else who shared it, before now. Wayne¡¯s black hair and thin face were mirrored across from him, only the difference of a couple fingers between their height, before Wayne bowed his head.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see her in you¡­¡±


    Wayne wanted to meet the man¡¯s eyes, to ask about his family, but he did not take the chance.


    ¡°You are still Mortal.¡± The Emperor Regent finally said.


    There was a strange tone in the man¡¯s voice that made Wayne uncomfortable, and suddenly the dread wasn¡¯t content to sink to the bottom of his stomach, the emotion flaring out and trying to rip through his abdomen.


    ¡°Yes¡­ your Highness. I am sorry I have failed you.¡±


    Wayne responded as he stared down at his worn shoes, trying to fight the emotions out of his voice. It was because of this, that he did not see the second man who joined them, until his boots joined the other¡¯s in Wayne¡¯s field of vision.


    ¡°Your Highness, my lady has sent me to fulfill your bargain.¡±


    At the newcomer¡¯s words, Wayne managed to find the courage to look up once again. The new man was dressed in ridiculously garish clothing, so colorful that it almost made the churning feeling in Wayne¡¯s gut erupt, but he didn¡¯t say or do anything.


    Instead, he watched as the Empress¡¯s servant held steady eye contact with his father, before the man gave a slight nod.


    ¡°You will take the boy to Jaemeson, and enlist him with the first Century. I¡¯m also trusting you to remain there until relieved by the man I appoint to replace you in your duties.¡±


    ¡°Yes, your highness.¡±


    With that, his father looked back to Wayne. His face was tense, stern, but the corners of his mouth curled up into a smile.


    ¡°Good. You have not failed me yet. Make it back alive.¡±


    With those few parting words the Emperor Regent of the Luminos Empire turned and left his only son behind, confused.

 Chapter 2

    It was a blur of harsh lights as he was ushered out of the Shining Capitol City, Lamelia. Countless nameless faces passed in succession as his father¡¯s guard led him through the brilliantly reflective streets.


    The famed ¡®bejeweled¡¯ roads, each of the glazed cobblestones gleaming like a gem in the setting sunlight. Hours ago he had almost tripped over himself, Wayne had been so glued to the majestic thoroughfare. Now, he barely paid it any mind as he methodically plodded over it.


    Wayne passed countless famed works of art, and historical sites that would normally inspire awe. If this was any other time, Wayne would have been gawking around at the sights of steel and stained glass. Right now, the shining lights in his eyes were simply an annoyance as they interrupted his thinking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame the Regent, kid. He¡¯s doing his best to keep you alive, and give you a better life. Right now I¡¯ll be able to keep you alive but¡­ it would be best for your health to have you in Light¡¯s Reach, under the watch of the Legion.¡± His chaperone said.


    ¡°Yes sir. I understand.¡± Wayne replied back absentmindedly.


    The other man let out a short sigh.


    ¡°You will, eventually.¡± At that, the man grabbed Wayne¡¯s arm and dragged him through the crowds.


    Wayne didn¡¯t know what the man meant by that, but he was in no mood to ask. Thankfully, the conversation trailed off there, and they just drifted through the crowds of well dressed residents of the capitol. He felt out of place, like he didn¡¯t belong here.


    When he had been an orphan at Saint Lewiana¡¯s orphanage, they were told to be good and pray daily so that they could have a sponsor. If they could just have a sponsor, then they too could pursue an honest trade or craft.


    Once they went through their Awakening at eighteen and gained their Shaping, they could learn a Form for baking, smithing, or tailoring. Even a farmer could learn enough Shapings to live an easy life with their partner as they grew old together.


    Wayne had always thought that had sounded nice, a peaceful place with just him and the people he cared about. Not that he didn¡¯t care for the others before¡­ It had just been hard to have so many people around, new people joining and others leaving. Always leaving.


    If they didn¡¯t find a sponsor by adulthood, they would be forced to set out on their own, to scrounge up whatever they could on the streets or in a remote village. It wasn¡¯t usually a great option, but some of the girls and boys over the years had wound up as wealthy spouses, or successful merchants.


    The other option was to join the Legion as a volunteer, when they were too old to remain under the orphanage¡¯s care. Everyone knew that the volunteers were given little equipment, little training, and little chance of survival. Any Monster that reached a high enough tier could and would tear through the low ranks regularly. Only a similarly high tier Shaper could hope to contest them.


    And those were the only fates Wayne had ever even dreamed of. That his father would be the Emperor of the Empire, that he would see the capitol, all of this was out of the bounds of his imagination. Wayne felt numb, his sense overwhelmed.


    So it was no surprise that when his chaperone finally stopped, Wayne stumbled into the man¡¯s back. Casting a quick glance around, Wayne realized they had stopped in front of a fancy stable house, gates large enough for a stately carriage shut ahead of them.


    ¡°Is this where we are going?¡± Wayne asked.


    The other man just grunted in response.


    ¡°Alright then, let me-¡±


    Wayne was interrupted as his chaperone¡¯s extended arm now blocked his path.


    ¡°Open the gate and face us. We know you are there, assassins.¡±


    What?!


    After a moment the gate swung slowly open, revealing an armed man and woman waiting for them, savage grins on their dirty faces.


    ¡°Should¡¯a take the chance to run, corpse. Now you¡¯ra get it.¡±


    The woman spoke, the greed and desire for violence heavy in her voice. The two attackers unsheathed chipped swords from the sheathes at their waists. His chaperone let out another sigh. An awkward silence stretched out for several seconds.


    ¡°Do you even know who I am?¡± The man his father entrusted to him finally asked.


    ¡°O¡¯course we ain¡¯t care abo-¡± The man answered, before suddenly looking down.


    His severed head fell to the ground, an incredulous look still on the man¡¯s face. The woman looked shocked for a moment, her exclamation loud and confused.


    ¡°Anton-¡±


    Her head slipped from her shoulders, and bounced over next to her partners. No blood oozed from the clean cuts, as if the bodies didn¡¯t yet realize they had been decapitated. The man hadn¡¯t made a single motion Wayne could see to kill the both of them.


    Wayne¡¯s chaperone stepped over the separated heads, opening the door of an ornate carriage that waited in the courtyard, two horses already strapped in.


    Suddenly, his words from earlier came back to Wayne.


    ¡®...It would be best for your health to have you in Light¡¯s Reach, under the watch of the Legion.¡¯


    Swallowing audibly, Wayne carefully stepped around the corpses, and climbed into the vehicle. His journey had begun, whether Wayne was ready or not.


    * * * * *


    Several days later, Wayne rode in the back of a carriage, doing his best to find a position that would minimize the soreness that was inevitably waiting for him come the day''s end. Although he had initially been thankful that he wouldn¡¯t have to walk all the way to the country¡¯s border, the firm wooden cart he found himself in was in some ways a worse fate.


    As the cart went over another root that had overgrown to the center of their path, Wayne let out a silent curse. Having already been riding for several days without recovery time, his legs felt like someone had drained all the blood from them, leaving sensation from them blurry between the painful jostling, which of course wasn¡¯t muted at all.


    Absently, Wayne pulled up the Order again. Although he was still Mortal, he still had access to the complicated Divine gift that would allow Wayne to have an overview of his abilities condensed into numerical statistics.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Name:


    </td>


    <td>


    Wayne Clive Aouris


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tier:


    </td>


    <td>


    Mortal Tier (0)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Element(s):


    </td>


    <td>


    Light, Fire


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Open Statistics and Skills? (Yes/No)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Mentally selecting [Yes], Wayne once again pulled up his Status Sheet.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Strength:


    </td>


    <td>


    1


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Speed:


    </td>


    <td>


    1


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Spirit:


    </td>


    <td>


    1


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Skills:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    N/A


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    It still rankled Wayne that he was so deficient in every area, days after finding out. As far as he knew, it wasn¡¯t possible to get a 0, so his own total of 1 was the worst possible result for his Statistics.


    And in Spirit as well¡­ Wayne may not have always paid attention to all the sermons and scriptures much while at church, but he knew that the Spirit Attribute came with some connotations. Mostly, in that it represented an individual''s faith in Luminos¡¯, so having a ¡®1¡¯ in that statistic might not be received well by some of the more fervorous people.


    As such, Wayne had decided it wouldn¡¯t be ideal to inform others too much of his situation. If word of his predicament got out. He had certainly seen people burned as heretics for less. Especially with where Wayne was headed¡­ Well, the reputation the Legion had was legendary in numerous regards.


    About a day ago, his supervisor had finally informed Wayne he would be arriving at Light¡¯s Reach upon his journey¡¯s conclusion. It was a mythical location, as not only was it believed to be the Prophet Elwin¡¯s birthplace and the furthest point of civilization towards the center of the continent, it was also the Legion¡¯s main stronghold and base of operations.


    It would also be where he would enter basic training now that he was enlisted. Probably as soon as tomorrow he would be out on the parade grounds being tested and honed to Legion standards.


    Wayne sighed, and wondered when his life had become so complicated, even though he knew the answer.


    ¡°Young lord, we¡¯ll reach Light¡¯s Reach promptly. Prepare yourself.¡±


    The older guard spoke to Wayne from his driver¡¯s seat, not turning around but speaking firmly through a small window.


    ¡°Thank you for the warning¡­ I appreciate it sir.¡± Wayne replied, though the other man had not responded to his charge previously.


    ¡°The people that gather in Light¡¯s Reach all have power to wield and all of them can be dangerous if given the opportunity, while many will not need a reason to strike. Be cautious and careful who you trust during your stay.¡±


    Wayne was slightly stunned, as his nameless steward spoke more in the last minute than the previous three days. Still, he managed to stammer out his appreciation again for the advice before the two of them once again fell into a silence marred only by the noises of horses clopping along, occasional birdsong, and the rolling of carriage wheels.


    * * * * *


    For miles now, the foliage had been growing thicker and thicker as the carriage rolled westward. Trees that had been similar to the ones by the orphanage gradually gave way to twisted and stringy trees that seemingly could grow at any angle. They extended from the ground like the grasping hands of the dead that never found their way out from the depths of the jungle.


    At some points, the trees were growing so thickly together that a second layer of the trees were growing up from the ground layer¡¯s canopy. When Wayne saw that he shivered, because he knew they must be close to Light¡¯s Reach. And close to the Western Wildes.


    The Wildes were a lawless jungle that everyone in the Empire heard horror stories about. Part of the reason the Holy Prophet Elwin¡¯s word of Luminos spread so fast here was because the Light and Fire the God offered could protect Humans from the rapidly growing jungles.


    Inside its dark tangles, even the bravest and strongest Legionnaires could fail and die. Monsters of all varieties were lurking in the depths, waiting for their next meals. As Wayne stared out into the endless sea of brown and green, he tried not to imagine himself finding such a fate.


    It wasn¡¯t long later that the carriage crested a small hill, Wayne finally got sight of the city. It had taken until they were almost at the location for it to be visible, because of the density of the surrounding greenery and the city¡¯s overall compacted design. Other than a massive tree with its branches extending almost to the wall¡¯s perimeter and its trunk rising from the center of Light¡¯s Reach.


    And that wasn¡¯t to say the city walls were unimpressive. Circular, slate colored stone walls of easily thirty feet surrounded the city, with periodic towers dotting its exterior. The smooth hewn towers extended higher than the rest of the walls, and had bridges built between them and the branches that reached out that far.


    But comparing the towering height of the central tree to any man made structure made the latter seem insignificant. Gazing out his window, Wayne still struggled to comprehend the size of the tree even as their carriage pulled up the eastern gate. Within a minute of seeing the city, they had arrived at their destination.


    As Wayne dismounted, he got a chance to take in Light¡¯s Reach¡¯s towering walls from up close. The fortifications stretched beyond his vision from so close, forcing him to crane his neck backwards as he gazed upon the crenelations the guards manned.


    The Legion¡¯s influence was obvious as their signature gold trimmed armor reflected in the sunlight from above, almost blinding him if he looked too directly. As Wayne went to raise his hand to try and get a better look, he heard someone clear their throat behind him.


    His steward, who Wayne was starting to feel consciously uncomfortable for not knowing his name, was standing towards the gate. The man had been handing off the carriage to another guard who had been waiting to collect it. When Wayne looked over, he gestured for his charge to follow and proceeded onwards into the fortress city.


    Trailing behind him, Wayne passed between the guards manning the gate without being accosted. Instead, they each shallowly bowed to his steward and moved onto ascertaining the business of the next people in line.


    And then, Wayne was in Light¡¯s Reach.


    Wayne lost control of his face. He had heard that it was a city built from a single building, but before that moment he had never quite considered what that meant.


    He would never have expected the entirety of the city to have a roof, though. Every structure in Light¡¯s Reach was as tall as the Wall outside, and acted as supporting beams. In fact, Wayne saw several locations where the wall was simply a side of a building, maybe even someone''s house. However, the awe Wayne felt didn¡¯t come from the ceiling, but what was on the ceiling.


    Or more accurately, what was growing through the stonework above.


    Giant roots from the trees Wayne had seen on his approach grew through the construction and wove into grand Mana Sigils that cast multiple colors of ethereal light from their arches above. Great friezes covered the areas between, creating a tapestry of human and natural artistry that seemed to surpass the sky for beauty. The ceiling visually melded with the buildings supporting it, leaving Wayne to feel like he was in some sort of dreamscape.


    When he roused from his stupor, the sudden noise of the crowd that had been suppressed hit him. Wayne could have sworn he heard his steward chuckle at his slack jaw, but by the time he turned to check, the man was too distant for Wayne to see his face. The young man rushed to catch up, not eager to risk getting lost in the crowds.


    And the crowds were heavy, with throngs of people pushing in every which way with no seeming order. As Wayne finally caught up to his steward, they managed to push through the chaos for a few minutes, as the crowds continued to stream past them.


    A few shops caught his interests, as shouters out front hawked some of their lighter wares. Wayne was semi interested, but he didn¡¯t have enough time to examine the goods, nor money to buy them if he was so inclined.


    So instead, he studied the people in the crowds as they pushed further and further into the castle city. Most were paler than he would have originally assumed considering the warmer climate, but he now obviously understood why. Beyond that, a larger portion of the people he witnessed were dressed in armor and traveling gear than he might have expected, but they weren¡¯t wearing anything to identify them with an organization.


    Wayne wasn¡¯t sure, but it was likely that they were adventurers, Empire contractors that investigated the less explored regions of the empire and beyond to deal with local level threats that would be too expensive for the Legion to respond to. Wayne heard they also found most of the confirmed Rifts, but information on the magical scars in the world was kept hard to find for an orphan.


    He tried to listen to some of the conversations as he followed through the crowd, but most of the words were lost to the commotion. Still, Wayne heard small snippets of random lives as he continued to follow his guard.


    ¡°Did you hear about the Prin¡­¡±


    ¡°...haven¡¯t got any fish to cook¡­¡±


    ¡°...stained. No use keeping it any longer.¡±


    ¡°-and Praetor just returned, my cousin Ted¡­¡±


    Wayne heard all of that and a dozen other conversations just while walking by a single building that seemed to be a tavern. He wasn¡¯t quite sure because people were receiving beverages through a window as they walked by, but enough customers were letting delicious food scents out through the open door for Wayne to believe he was likely right.


    Wayne¡¯s steward never stopped moving, the whole time knowing exactly where to go in the city. Soon enough, they were past the worst of the crowds, and now Wayne started to notice more and more Legionnaires among the fewer and fewer people they passed.


    Apparently they were in the right part of town.


    Then, they turned one more corner and Wayne stumbled to a stop. In front of him was the base of the enormous tree visible from a league outside the city. Its trunk extended down from the roof of the city, before opening up into a great many large tendrils of bark and wood leading down to the soil below.


    Somehow, whoever had built the city had created a building from the tree¡¯s base, entangling the root system with elaborate construction to create an awe inspiring fusion of nature and culture, untouched wood and worked stone. It was a monument that deserved to last ages, and Wayne struggled to imagine Human hands fashioning something so majestic.


    His chaperone didn¡¯t say anything, just waiting for a solid moment before gesturing the young man towards a gate. Together they walked down the suddenly barren street towards what was obviously the Legion¡¯s headquarters.


    Again, the guards flanking inside didn¡¯t say a word as the two of them strolled in, bowing even more deeply than the guards at the gate. And for some reason, Wayne didn¡¯t think they knew or cared that he was the Emperor Regent¡¯s son.


    Who is this man my father sent me with?


    The two of them continued to walk through the winding halls of the building, guards bowing and allowing them through checkpoints continuously. Wayne was starting to get nervous now. He hadn¡¯t said anything too rude during the trip, had he?

 Chapter 3

    Finally, it seemed like they reached their destination, standing in front of a door identical to all the others systemically covering the hallway. His steward knocked twice, then knocked twice again after a brief pause. After only a few seconds, it opened up to reveal a Legion officer in off-duty attire.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Grand Praetor. What can I do for you, sir?¡±


    When he learned his chaperone¡¯s title, Wayne gulped.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you as well, Jaemeson. Let us in, I¡¯ll need to give a quick debrief before I leave to file the necessary paperwork.¡±


    ¡°Ah, so this is him. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Wayne. Your father has been a great leader and mentor to me, so I¡¯m going to enjoy paying it forward.¡± Jaemeson said with an easy smile.


    ¡°Inside.¡± The Grand Praetor said.


    And inside they went, the door closing behind them with a thud.


    ¡°Jaemeson, Wayne will be joining Unit 67 upon completed training. The young lord is only 16 right now, but we don¡¯t have time to keep him here for the full year. Two seasons is all we have.


    ¡°You are already aware that he is a Mortal with no formal martial training. He will still have to join the Noble Scions in their training due to his age, so take care that he isn¡¯t killed by an errant Skill. Catch him up on the Forms at least, before really tossing him in the deep end.¡±


    The Legionnaire responded to the Grand Praetor.


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    Wayne felt his hands shake. He wanted to say something, but before Wayne could muster the courage the Grand Praetor nodded, turned and strode out the door. Wayne still didn¡¯t even know his name.


    Then, it was just Jaemeson, and Wayne. He looked at the other man, who had dark stubble and reddish hair with slate gray eyes that had more warmth than Wayne would have expected. An easy smile was clear on his face.


    Otherwise, his features were rough and stocky, and he perfectly filled the neatly pressed and lined white Legion attire he wore, even though this was apparently time he had off duty. The man¡¯s presence screamed of competence as a Legionnaire, and Legionnaire¡¯s were competent in one thing.


    Violence.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Sir Jaemeson. I- thank you for agreeing to look after me. Uh, sir.¡±


    Wayne dipped his head slightly with the thanks. When he raised his head, he saw that the easy smile on the Legionnaire¡¯s face had lightened somewhat, but still was noticeable. That¡¯s why, Wayne was completely caught off guard by his next words.


    ¡°Me, and every other Legionnaire, are no longer ¡®sir¡¯ or ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯ to you. You should address us by rank, or else you will end up running into more troubles than I would like to deal with.¡±


    The other man then put one hand on Wayne¡¯s shoulder, and the other on the side of his head, physically holding his gaze. The Praetor¡¯s eyes were a common brown that Wayne had seen time and time again during his life, but they still struck him as unique, as Jaemeson¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Normally lad, there would be an elaborate ceremony, while the new Hastas are sworn into the Legion, with priests and all of that nonsense. You won¡¯t get that. You get me, as both your sponsor and witness, telling you here and now, you are officially a part of the Legion of the Luminous Empire.¡±


    ¡°The ranks of the Legion and those you must obey go as follows, in descending order; Grand Praetor, Praetor, Grand Triarr, Triarr, Grand Princep, and Princep. These are the ranks of the entrusted Legionnaires who have passed their training here, in these very halls. All of them are above you, but it will be important for you to know and understand exactly how great that distance is in every situation.¡±


    Then, he took a deep breath and a moment to look into Wayne¡¯s eyes before speaking again. Wayne¡¯s prior chaperone¡¯s importance being revealed made his mouth dry instantly.


    ¡°The next two seasons will probably be the worst of your life. Most young men your age would join as a Hastas and be given half a cycle''s time to develop as Legionnaires. You will have to instead be ready to jump in as a Grand Hastas, a task far beyond your current skill, strength and capability. It will be beyond painful, and you will want to quit and leave. But you can¡¯t.¡±


    The man said all this with a relatively cheery tone, but the words sent a chill down Wayne¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Beyond that your accelerated schedule will put you with the group of misfit nobles we have to deal with every year, and some of them will undoubtedly harass you because of your position and your inability to defend yourself. Joining halfway through won¡¯t endear you to any of them, that¡¯s for sure. At least some of them will be trying to force you to quit and leave. But you can¡¯t.¡±


    Once again, Jaemeson paused, and this time he let the silence build for longer. Only once Wayne began to open his mouth did the other man speak.


    ¡°Now. This is the time to get ahead of those threats to the highest degree possible. What are you going to do?¡±


    The simple question hit Wayne like a stone to the head, and he choked on his words. What was he going to do?


    ¡°I- uh¡­ Well-¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer now, if you haven¡¯t thought of it.¡± The Legionnaire said with a soft laugh. ¡°I can give you until the end of Sistenen. Until next month you can join different squadrons in their training or lead your own individual study. Although, I would highly recommend the former.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I- Thank you, Sir Jaemeson. And¡­ if I could ask one question now?¡±


    ¡°Sure, lad, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Well, what¡­ What would be the Grand Praetor¡¯s name?¡±


    Bellowing laughter was the response.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­ You mean you didn¡¯t recognize Durne the Deathless?¡±


    * * * * *


    A few minutes later, Jaemeson was showing him the grounds where the Legion trained from its perimeter. It was the central room in the Legion¡¯s headquarters, with the wooden tendrils of the great tree above extending down to the training hall below. Thick walls of heavy slate had been built in between them to keep errant magic away from the streets, and to make a space large enough to hold all the recruits in training.


    Groups were running laps, drilling, and practicing dueling at various points throughout the space. Some were even engaging in larger scale conflicts, each wearing the signature pure white that was illegal for those who didn¡¯t tread these halls to wear. It was an intimidating display of large scale coordination, and these were just the recruits.


    All of this was also carefully supervised by full Legionnaires in completed Runic wooden armor, sanded down to a smooth pale finish. It was made of flowing pieces of the famous Sacred Birch, a wood with a grain so fine that it was comparable to stone in durability and texture. It gave the Legionnaires wearing it an almost ethereal look, the soft light of the Runes lending a mystic air.


    Jaemeson was occasionally giving an overview of what was happening, while the two of them circled around a pathway on the edge of the training yard. Around the inside of the path, carefully grown short trees had their branches cultivated to provide a nice checkered overhead coverage, and to add a degree of separation from the main floor.


    Most of the trainees were almost silent as they went about their tasks. Occasional shouts of pain could be heard from the sparring groups, but most of the noise was coming from a single section of the training yard.


    ¡°Look at how you flail about!¡± A giant girl from the group nearest the center of the room roared.


    ¡°Quiet, you lout! I¡¯ll flay you for those words.¡± A boy with bright red hair spat in response


    Two Hastas were shouting at each other from barely a few feet from each other, clearly about to begin exchanging blows from their body language.


    ¡°Silence both of you, this is not appropriate behaviour.¡±


    ¡°Oh shove off it, Marilyn let them fight. I''m losing my sense of self from boredom in this place.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let them fight. All those two are good for, is a cheap laugh anyways. I was needing a break regardless.¡±


    The rest of the group was gathering around the two, their own training forgotten except for a few dedicated exceptions. Wayne thought the added pressure of the group was going to spark off the incident, but before anything else could happen, another boy stepped between the aggressors and intervened.


    ¡°Enough of this. Stop the nonsense or I will.¡±


    The crowd had various murmurs of disappointment, but none of them seemed willing to test the new trainee¡¯s patience. Wayne wondered who they were, beyond obviously being the group of nobles here to train at Light¡¯s Reach. His observing subconsciously slowed his stride, and Jaemeson took notice of his wandering attention.


    ¡°Ah yes, that bunch. Not the best Century I¡¯ve had, but not the worst bunch of silkswords to step through here either. The few in the scuffle are pretty well trained other than their tempers, and a few others have some interesting familial Shapings. Then, there¡¯s a couple real monsters there too¡­  and I¡¯m sure that all of them will want to introduce themselves to you later today, so you have that to look forward to.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡± That was totally the reaction he had to the nobles'' attention. Excitement.


    Jaemeson chuckled at his tone, and continued with his explanation of Wayne¡¯s future.


    ¡°Every day your afternoons until last light will be spent here. The specifics will be similar to what I¡¯ve been going over, and what you see before you, but you will be here. Practicing, progressing, perfecting.¡±


    ¡°This is something that I personally instituted when I assumed command of the training institution here. I believe the best way to take your skills to the peak is a high duration of training with a high frequency. And I may be a wee bit biased, but compared to before with the stamina training at sunrise I prefer my methods I¡¯ve implemented.¡±


    ¡°You will be spending most of your time with that boisterous group I talked about previously. It¡¯s currently our only Century of Hastas being trained for leadership roles and one of the few that will remain in Light¡¯s Reach beyond their upcoming Assessment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to joining them then.¡± Wayne offered diplomatically.


    Jaemeson just chuckled and shook his head.


    ¡°You probably shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    * * * * *


    The next thing on the Legionnaire Instructor¡¯s list was to have Wayne participate.


    Wayne wasn¡¯t too worried, because they couldn¡¯t expect him to be perfect, or they wouldn¡¯t have sent him to training. Besides, he had been no slouch among the orphans, and some of them had been criminals on the side.


    The two of them approached a group that was doing a series of dynamic stretches over a ten stride length. The Legionnaire in command saluted Jaemeson and briefly dipped their head as he approached. This caused the recruits to follow suit, and stand at attention as they finished their current lap.


    ¡°Well met, Praetor Julia, Seventh Century. I saw you preparing for distance stamina training. If you would instruct Hastas Aouris on the routine you have to get ready, I would appreciate it..¡±


    ¡°YESSIR.¡± The group yelled out almost in unison.


    Suddenly over a dozen people were showing Wayne how to jog in increasingly convoluted methods. It wasn¡¯t difficult at any point but it was¡­ stressful. Wayne wished he had a little less attention on him, but the pressure did motivate him to run through the warmups quickly.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Wayne was standing with the thirteen other trainees in the group, waiting for the signal to begin running around the training yard.


    ¡°Today¡¯s training will be the ladder drill. In the Legion, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Don¡¯t let your links be weak, Hastas. Now the sooner you get started, the sooner you finish.¡±


    So the group of Legionnaire trainees started their jog. Wayne had never run the ¡®ladder drill¡¯ before, but when everyone else started weaving into a single file line, he followed suit with the rest of them. The pace being set wasn¡¯t too fast, and Wayne felt confident in keeping it up for a solid amount of time. Maybe this wasn¡¯t going to be too bad after all.


    The group eventually fell into a good rhythm, footfalls sounding in sync down the line. It felt like no time at all, and they were back where they had started the exercise. By this point, Wayne¡¯s breath was starting to puff out his cheeks a little bit, the exertion starting to catch up to him.


    So he wasn¡¯t paying attention until someone ran right past him on his left, sprinting as fast as they could. They only stopped when they had reached the front of the line, and as a result of the leader changing, it took them another lap to readjust their synchronization. Of course, that was when another trainee rushed to the front.


    This time, Wayne noticed that they had been the last in the procession, and the ladder drill was starting to make sense to him. A horrifying sort of sense, at least. It seemed like someone had to sprint the entire distance of the line every lap, meaning that with forteen trainees, they would be running¡­


    ¡°Fourteen laps!¡± Wayne couldn¡¯t help but yell out.


    ¡°Save your air!¡± Someone hissed back at him.


    They were probably right, but Wayne couldn¡¯t help but let out a short string of expletives every time someone ran past him and his turn drew closer. He had ended up fifth in line at the start, so Wayne had to wait for most of the group before he was the last person in line.


    It wasn¡¯t even so bad when the entire group had done the drill once. But they didn¡¯t stop there. No, they kept on going, and going, and going.


    Wayne had been relatively athletic at the orphanage, not the biggest or the strongest, but no stranger to physical exertion. But by the time he tried to summon the energy to sprint past the other trainees for the third time, his legs felt like they had been replaced with soggy porridge.


    Still he pushed forwards, doing his best to up his speed as much as possible. His thighs were burning, and Wayne was struggling to keep his feet moving forwards without tripping. But still, he made it to the front of the group. It didn¡¯t get easier from here, as Wayne had to maintain a strong pace to lead the group even though he wanted nothing more than to collapse in a heap.


    Then, as the steps started to blur together and his wheezing started to ache, it ended, and the group fell out of their single file line to recover. Wayne fell over, his chest heaving in air that it had been deprived of during the final stretch of the ladder drill. Distantly, he heard Jaemeson chuckle.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got another five minutes, lad, and then we¡¯ll see how you fight.¡±


    Wayne just groaned in response.

 Chapter 4

    Breaking his word, Jaemeson only let Wayne catch his breath for only one minute more, then the Legionnaire dragged the younger man to his feet bodily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t curse me too much, I¡¯m actually helping you out here. If you don¡¯t keep moving your legs will lock up and sparring without being able to move faster than a hobble is literally signing up for a beating. Just walk a lap, then we¡¯ll move on.¡±


    Sputtering, Wayne choked back on what he really wanted to say, and eventually replied with, ¡°Yessir.¡±


    So he took off around the track once more, this time at a much more sedate pace. Wayne¡¯s legs were sore enough that he had to focus on his steps at first, but by the first turn he had found his rhythm again and his thoughts started to wander.


    At first he thought of the orphanage, and the people he had left behind there. Wayne knew he would never see them, again though, so he tried to focus on something else. So Wayne inevitably thought about the moment that true magic had entered his life, those few short days ago.


    Wayne was back in Luminos¡¯s realm, the golden light shining down on him. He could remember how it felt, irradiating his body and pressing against the edges of his soul. A ringing sounded distantly in his ears as the sky in his mind became more and more red.


    Time seemed to slip away, and he found it easier and easier to imagine the details of the God¡¯s Realm. The brilliant rays almost seemed real with his eyes closed, and he strolled around the track, basking in their radiance.


    Eventually even his footfalls felt distant, like Wayne was operating his own body from elsewhere. At the same time, he was more aware of his muscles individually as they fired across his body. Gently, Wayne nudged his running form further away from the pathetic shamble it had started as.


    Then he began to feel a strange heat from his core. At first it was a barely noticeable effect, but within seconds it had grown unbearable. Wayne stumbled, and fell over in a heap because he had been distracted. A text box overlaid his vision.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Speed


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Spirit


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Wayne pushed himself to his hands and knees as he moved to stand up. Only now did he realize that he had barely managed to complete the lap. Jaemeson was looking at him with a slightly disapproving expression that seemed uncomfortable for the man to hold.


    ¡°How do you get used to the Statistic increases?¡± Wayne asked the Legionnaire as the message faded.


    Suddenly, the man¡¯s face was a lot more understanding, and he quickly explained the notifications for Wayne¡¯s benefit.


    ¡°Ah, no one has explained that tidbit for you yet. Well first, speak the word ''display'' with intention. That will give you a gauge for your total mana, but it¡¯s not recommended for you to drop below 3 in 10 parts.¡±


    Wayne gave it an attempt, and upon saying the word, the message he had just received filled his vision once more, with a smaller blue bar above it. Unfortunately, the second piece of advice was wasted on Wayne¡¯s miniscule Spirit stat.


    ¡°Ah yes, that worked, but¡­ what do I do now?¡±


    ¡°Simply say the word, ¡®minimize¡¯, and it should be reduced to your periphery. Having the display up will automatically reduce any incoming messages as well, so you aren¡¯t completely blinded.¡±


    ¡°Ok, I can do that. Minimize.¡±


    The message immediately shrunk by about five times and took up a new position on the left of his eyesight. It was also only partially opaque, making it much less intrusive for Wayne to work with. Interestingly, the blue bar had only lost about half its size and had retained its position at the top of his vision.


    As he examined it, Wayne noticed the number ¡®2¡¯ in its center, labeled in a very similar but slightly darker tone of blue than the rest of the meter.


    Wow. Two mana is pathetic.


    Shaking his head, Wayne turned his attention away from the display and back to the Legionnaire who taught him to use it.


    ¡°Thank you for your help.¡±


    Jaemeson just let out a brief chuckle and slightly sardonic smile.


    ¡°I appreciate you genuinely thanking me, at least before it would become insincere. Come on now, let¡¯s introduce you to your sparring partners. The rest of the day will be over in a flash.¡±


    As the man walked away, Wayne couldn¡¯t help but sense an ominous undertone from his words.


    * * * * *


    As Wayne stood in front of the group of trainees his age, and tried to project confidence as best he could. It wasn¡¯t a large bunch, but everyone that Wayne could see looked strong. At least, they looked significantly stronger than him and he was sure they were all talented Shapers unlike him.


    Beyond that, a shocking number of the Hastas had rare Runic metal armor, a reward only found very occasionally in the Dungeons when enough Mana welled up, the art of forging such pieces lost to time. Only Noble houses and perhaps the most wealthy of merchants could ever dream of owning such prestigious armoring. Perhaps two out of every three trainees had a piece of armor from myths and legends.


    It was an absurd display in most places, but these were the strongest scions of the Luminous Empire. The amount of shining wealth before Wayne¡¯s eyes could bankrupt a Duchy, but no expense would be spared to enhance the strength of those before him, or to keep them alive.


    The distinctive armor pieces that weren¡¯t Legion standard decorated most of the trainees, making those that didn¡¯t possess some familial heirlooms more obvious. Not that they appeared any weaker. No, those that didn¡¯t have any intricate armor instead they each wore a different colored armband and the same bold confidence that Wayne was trying to imitate as he stood in front of them.


    It was obvious these were the chosen few, the prodigies that awakened other Affinities before they were shown Luminos¡¯ light. Many of the famous heroes of the Empire had been such people, talents that would be seen only once a generation in their related element.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Standing beside Jaemeson as the Legionnaire introduced Wayne and what the group would be doing for the afternoon, the young man did his best to feel adequate.


    It was hard.


    Even worse was when everyone began splitting into partners for their practice duels. Jaemeson was pairing them up, pointing at two trainees at a time that would head to a different area and square off.


    ¡°Alright, remember everyone, today¡¯s a Formation Shaping day. Let''s start off with Homer and Amelia, Kiordan and Asmaina, Ivan with¡­¡±


    Eventually, everyone else had been paired, and it was just Wayne and one other girl left. Of course, a yellow armband adorned her right bicep. Wayne readied himself for the bout and likely loss.


    ¡°Alright, the last pairing will end up being Jayna and Wayne. Don¡¯t go too hard on him Jayna, our friend here needs to be able to last through as much of the afternoon as possible, you understand?¡±


    Wayne was paired with a girl slightly shorter than him, with darker skin and trimmed black hair that had a streak of golden blonde through it. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t have any Runic armor, although she did have a yellow bandana wrapped around her left arm.


    After a moment, the girl just quickly snapped a salute, before settling into a more combat ready stance. Wayne¡¯s response was a gulp. A few terse seconds passed as the pairings around the room took up their stances, each duo around ten strides apart. Wayne backed up a little to match them.


    ¡°So, how do we-¡± Just as Wayne tried to find out how the fight would start, Jayna began rushing at him.


    Her Speed was ridiculous, as by the time Wayne could react, she had already blown past him and delivered a precise strike to his solar plexus. The air burst from his lungs at the impact, and he stumbled backwards.


    Then, before he could even fall to the ground, a jolt passed through his back causing his muscles to lock up. Seconds of shocks passed as Wayne was unable to move, before the misery ended and he finally collapsed. Small wisps of smoke drifted from where the hair on his body had singed.


    ¡°Mmm, disappointing.¡±


    When Wayne pushed himself to his feet, he was disappointed. He had never expected to beat the other trainees but¡­ well, Wayne still felt a heat altogether different than the electricity flushing his cheeks. At least he figured out what the armband meant.


    Jayna had already wandered off, but most of the other trainees were still sparring. It was hard for Wayne to take his eyes off the fights, different Affinities and Shapings being used to full effect in a way he had never seen before. Meeting people in the Empire with Affinities outside of Light and Fire was rare, so likely very few people outside of the Legion would ever end up seeing such a thing as the Lightning Affinity Jayna seemed to possess. In the seconds before new pairings were formed, Wayne marveled at the thought.


    Then, he was nodding his head at his next opponent, a boy who was slightly shorter than him but with outrageously large pauldrons and greaves that made up the difference. He also had a very distinctive shade of light turquoise hair and an airy smile that seemed like an attempt to blunt any intimidation he may have exuded.


    ¡°Hello there! It¡¯s quite pleasant to meet you!¡± The boy said with an overly cheerful voice.


    Wayne felt his chest ache as he responded in a much more measured tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been looking forward to this encounter for sometime now.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯ve just been told I¡¯m disappointing by my last opponent, so I may not live up to your expectations.¡± Wayne bantered back.


    ¡°Ah, I very rarely have those, so do not fret. And, pleasantries aside, I am truly sorry about my following actions.¡±


    With that the boy started walking towards him, extending his left arm away from his body and summoning a Ray Blade. A Shaping that was synonymous with the organization that it was rumored to be the final hurdle for qualifying into the Legion¡¯s ranks. Staring at the length of molten light the other boy wielded like a sword, Wayne was certain the only thing he could do was die.


    The boy with turquoise hair calmly strode forwards. The air felt heavy, and his thoughts ran slow. He couldn¡¯t see any chance at victory here, despite actually having time to react to this opponent. Wayne decided to die fighting back, and sprinted forwards.


    He took two steps and froze, heat running down his neck. Heat from the Ray Blade barely held back from his uncovered throat.


    ¡°Do you yield?¡±


    ¡°I-I yield.¡±


    ¡°Good! I don¡¯t like to hurt people unless they deserve it. I¡¯m Makelian by the way!¡±


    The cheerful boy had walked forwards with his hand extended. However, Makelian had yet to remove the blazing beam from Wayne¡¯s neck, adding a new dimension to the otherwise friendly exchange.


    Wayne very carefully extended his arm in return, trying not to break eye contact during the exchange.


    ¡°I¡¯m Wayne. Once again, it¡¯s nice to meet you, Makelian.¡±


    The other boy only took the lethal Shaping from Wayne¡¯s throat when he had backed out of Wayne''s range. Still, Makelian never let the Blade drop, the Ray only fading when Jaemeson called for new pairings once more.


    Only then, did Wayne feel the blood flow back to his face, as his hands grasped absent mindedly where only seconds ago molten light had threatened to burn through. Unfortunately, his next partner didn¡¯t seem interested in letting Wayne take the time to come to grips with his mortality. The boy with red hair who had been fighting earlier stood across from him, a sneer on his face.


    ¡°You there. Hurry it up, I¡¯d like to get some practice in against real opponents so let¡¯s get this over with quickly.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure sorry about that. I¡¯m Wayne.¡±


    ¡°I know who you are. Now stand still so that I don¡¯t kill you by accident. Or better yet, feel free to walk into this, I might be able to pass it off as an accident that way.¡±


    Then the boy was pounding towards him with a glowing red aura radiating from his fists. He was not as fast as Jayna by any means, but still almost faster than Wayne could avoid.


    Throwing himself to the ground, Wayne felt the whoosh of something large and fast going overhead before springing back to his feet.


    Turning his head to look back, Wayne barely saw the fist coming in, before it launched him from the floor. Landing in a heap, he trusted his instincts and rolled immediately. Wayne was immediately vindicated as the other boy¡¯s boot came down in a viscous arc, glowing the same eerie red as his fists.


    Again and again, Wayne twisted and pushed off of the floor to barely dodge the rain of kicks and stomps that came towards him. This desperate game of cat and miaran kept going for what felt like minutes to Wayne, but was probably only a few breaths. Endlessly, he dodged the thunderous blows.


    Eventually though, he wasn¡¯t quite quick enough, and a blow took him in the side. Wayne was blasted backwards into an uncontrolled roll across the training grounds.


    His side ached and would surely be a mess of bruises by the time the day was finished, but Wayne couldn¡¯t let the pain distract him. His opponent was already blitzing after Wayne once more, and he wasn¡¯t confident in surviving another one of those hits.


    So rolling to his feet, Wayne continued to desperately dodge the other boy¡¯s attacks. Then a shout punched through the haze, and Wayne turned, distracted.


    Then something smashed into the back of his head. Wayne¡¯s last thought as the black faded in, was that the other boy''s face looked remarkably similar to his own.


    * * * * *


    Almost an hour later, Wayne dragged himself from the training ground floor, his head pounding. Jaemeson leaned over him as Wayne sat up.


    ¡°Hey lad, how are you feeling?¡± The man said as he put his hand on Wayne¡¯s shoulder.


    Wayne barely managed the energy to look the Legionnaire in the eye.


    ¡°That bad aye?¡± Jaemeson replied with a chuckle. ¡°I healed the head injury, but I couldn¡¯t get the rest of the more minor things without overwhelming your body''s mana. I¡¯ll have someone send you to the healing pools to finish the job.¡±


    The Praetor gave Wayne a hand to his feet, hoisting the younger man up bodily.


    ¡°That can wait until tomorrow morning though. For tonight, let''s show you to your quarters and get you something to eat before you go to bed.¡±


    Tossing him something small, Wayne gave his best to catch it. However, the stiff movements of his overly sore body only succeeded in almost causing him to fall, as the cube dropped to the ground.


    Sheepishly, Wayne looked up at the Legionnaire.


    ¡°...Sorry, sir.¡±


    The other man just responded with his classic soft smile and this time, handed Wayne another brownish cube.


    ¡°These are called rations. They expand over time in your stomach and are packed with enough nutrients and energy to replace an entire meal, but don¡¯t eat them too often if you can avoid it. Can cause terrible indigestion, these can.¡±


    Jaemeson waited a moment after that, as if waiting for a laugh.


    Wayne sluggishly let out a single, ¡°Huh¡­¡±


    Jaemeson gave him a look of pure pity and rapidly finished what he was saying.


    ¡°Well anyways, they are useful for days when training is particularly¡­ intensive, and you simply want to fall asleep immediately. Have that one, and I¡¯ll show you to your quarters.¡±


    Wayne barely paid attention to the hallways as he was led to a bed. A few twists and turns led to a staircase along the perimeter of the building. From there, Jaemeson led Wayne up three flights of stairs and down one more hallway before showing the younger man into a room.


    Wayne didn¡¯t take more than a passing glance at anything beyond the bed. As soon as his body was mostly horizontal, he was unconscious. Wayne did not dream that night.

 Chapter 5

    Wayne woke up, one leg still dangling over the side of his new bed. He gently lifted his body fully to the comfortable mattress.


    * * * * *


    Seconds later, a knock came at Wayne¡¯s door, the crisp noise of knuckles on wood disturbing him for his resumed slumber. Grousing as he wearily tried to clamber out of bed, Wayne hissed as yesterday¡¯s brutality made itself remembered.


    As expected, his left side was still a mess from where the most aggressive member of his batch of trainees had hit him. Thankfully, he had miraculously managed to sleep on the other side of his body, but trying to talk caused a flash of pain to run through him.


    ¡°I-Urfg¡­ I¡¯m on my way¡­ Give me one moment please.¡±


    Wayne painfully made his way to his feet and tried to straighten out his dirty clothes as best he could, but it didn¡¯t seem like a salvageable situation. The sweat and grime from yesterday had settled in and any attempt to look clean would be futile.


    Realizing he was probably keeping Jaemeson waiting, Wayne waddled over to the door and opened it.


    Shocking pink hair and a beautiful woman¡¯s face greeted him instead of the rough older Legionnaire. Wayne sputtered.


    ¡°Whaaa-¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s nice to meet you too. I¡¯m not sure if you remember considering the state you ended up in yesterday, but I¡¯m Amelia. Now, Praetor Jaemeson told me to take you to the bathhouse because you ¡®may need them¡¯. Which, he was correct about, in case you are curious.¡±


    ¡°Huuhhh?¡±


    ¡°You heard me properly. This way.¡±


    Wayne was slack jawed as Amelia strode down the hallway with quick footsteps and away from him. Belatedly, he shook his head and began following after the slightly shorter woman. Thankfully, the route they cut across Legion holdings was easy enough to remember that Wayne could make it back to his quarters.


    It wasn¡¯t long before they had reached a section of the fortress built from a white marble that looked cleaner than the dark slate used elsewhere. A doorway ahead was lined with pillars of the same marble, and the gentle sound of running water could be heard beyond it.


    ¡°Through there and on the right are the men¡¯s baths. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±


    With that, she turned on a heel and began walking away from him once more.


    ¡°It was nice to meet you, Amelia. I¡¯m Wayne, by the way.¡± He said as before she could get too far.


    Amelia didn¡¯t turn around or otherwise acknowledge that. Wayne let out a sigh, and walked through the majestic pillars of marble. There were rows of lockers on each side of the room inside, and as she had said there were doors leading further into the compound on both the right and left.


    Taking the correct door, he pushed it open and steam escaped. Walking through the vapors he walked into a smaller room with benches and towels. The far wall was made of glass, and through it Wayne saw the source of the steam, a series of open water pools that radiated heat and warmth.


    Wayne stripped out of his clothes in an instant, tossing them onto the bench as he suddenly found the energy to move with some speed. He was across the room before he knew it, slipping past the glass door to dip his toes in a pool.


    The temperature was perfect, and Wayne almost quivered in excitement. Gently, he lowered himself into the warm water. A contented sigh escaped his lips as he relaxed enough for his head to loll back.


    Wayne could get used to this.


    For a long time, he just relaxed in the comfort of the steamy bath. His sore muscles weren¡¯t protesting, so Wayne took the opportunity to enjoy the relief.


    Wayne spent long minutes submerged below his neck, not particularly thinking of anything. It was peaceful. So peaceful, that soon Wayne was fighting to keep his tired eyes open for fear he would fall into sleep if he let them shut.


    Pushing himself to his feet, Wayne let out a large yawn.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    Startled, Wayne half turned to find the boy who had left his side a mess of welts standing over him. The other boy sported an ugly look, his malice clear. Wayne once again noted the familiarity of his facial features, the other boy looking more like Wayne than his own father. Except for the red hair and an extra couple of inches, Wayne thought the similarity was disturbing.


    ¡°Uh¡­well, Jaemeson sent Amelia to show me here. Sorry if I disturbed your bathing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Praetor Jaemeson to you. And I obviously meant that you don¡¯t belong among the applicants for the Legion. You are weak. Far too weak. You have not earned your place.¡±


    With that, the boy simply walked off.


    Well, there¡¯s a lot of friendly people here. Wayne shook his head. How am I going to succeed here?


    His mood thoroughly soured, Wayne quickly cleaned himself with soaps he found nearby. The subtle mint scent they left with him made Wayne feel slightly better but the real kicker was waiting for him when he made his way out of the water.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ healed. Huh, that¡¯s amazing.¡±


    His side that had been so bruised and tender just minutes ago was almost completely healed. Wayne still felt a phantom ache, but it was so faint as to be negligible. It was just another of the litany of miracles Wayne had seen in the last week. He was beginning to become numb to it all.


    He barely even panicked when he realized his clothes had been replaced. Where Wayne had left his old worn clothes, the crisp white of a Legionnaire¡¯s casual clothes waited. A small note had been left on top of them, with his name on it.


    Part of him was thrilled at it. It represented the chance he had been given. It also represented the lack of choice Wayne had. His old clothes were nowhere to be found.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    In the end, he held the perfectly stitched clothing up to the lights built into the walls and took one final moment to hold on to who he was now. The orphan Wayne existed for a final few, sombre seconds as he remembered what had brought him here.


    Caretaker Yemen, the others. The trees he had climbed, the corner in the yard he had hid during their games. The stories around the fire before night. Everything that Wayne was up until this point.


    Then as he put the pure white on, who he was previously was left in the past. Wayne couldn¡¯t afford to be that orphan anymore. From now on, he was a Legionnaire. He had to be, there was no other option.


    Unfortunately, just as he felt the new burst of inspiration to prove himself, Wayne also heard the undeniable call of nature, spoiling the meaningful moment. He quickly laced the browned boots that had been placed alongside the uniform, the only dash of color he wore now and desperately tried to find the nearest restroom. Taking a left, he started walking quickly through the hallways to find his goal.


    If Wayne never saw that there was a restroom just to the right of the showers, well, it was just a quirk of fate. One, small oversight, a mistake that would normally lead to nothing other than brief discomfort. However, it just so happened that this twist of possibilities would echo through threads of fate for many, many years to come.


    * * * * *


    At times, Wayne took turns without thought, moving through the Legion facilities unabated. Eventually, the hallways had less and less branches, the lights appearing farther and fewer between. His stomach still grumbled at him, as it seemed Jaemeson was right about the indigestion of the ration.


    Then, the corridor Wayne was following reached its end. A single door sat at its conclusion. It was forged metal, with a small barred window sitting at eye level and thick bolts securing it to the frame. It probably did not contain a toilet. But¡­


    Wayne knew at some level that it wasn¡¯t a smart idea, still he began walking down the hallway to the door at its end. The doors and branch paths that had dotted the sides of the other corridors were absent here, as if this chamber needed to be isolated from the rest of the fortress.


    As Wayne drew closer, he noticed that the cold metal of the door was interspersed with carved wood that was almost as dark as the iron except for faintly glowing Runic formations of white light. The final steps closed between him and the barred window, and Wayne dared to look inside.


    A toothy smile was waiting for him. The only occupant of the cell was a black-scaled man, bound with a large steel collar that was loosely chained to the wall behind him. The man leaned against the wall where he was chained, sitting with one knee up and a flame absently dancing between the fingers of his clawed hand.


    And, behind his reptilian snout, were two intelligent black eyes, staring back at Wayne.


    ¡°Uh, hi there. I¡¯m Wayne, nice to meet you. Do you happen to know where the bathroom is?¡±


    Strangely, Wayne found it easier to introduce himself to the draconian the Legion was keeping prisoner than a girl his age and species. Perhaps even more strangely, the Draconian man responded in a soft voice belying his enormous size and savage appearance.


    ¡°Well met Wayne. I have not used my true name in many years, but I now go by Klaw.¡±


    ¡°Ah. Understandable, that is a quality name. Well, I seem to have gotten lost, I didn¡¯t mean to come here and disturb you. Let me leave you to your pea-¡±


    ¡°You may not have meant to come here, but it is fortuitous for you, Wayne. Quite fortuitous indeed, for before you is the mentor of heroes.¡±


    Wayne wanted to just turn around and continue his search for relief, but something about the chained man made him continue talking to the Draconian.


    ¡°What do you mean? No offense, but it seems more like you¡¯re a prisoner than any sort of trainer for the Legionnaires here.¡± Wayne felt comfortable enough talking to the large Draconian through the barred window.


    The Draconian tilted his head slightly, and squinted his eyes. The flame stilled, and a strange noise was coming from his throat, coarse and heavy. It took Wayne awkward seconds to realize the man was laughing.


    ¡°Who said I cannot be both, little one. I have been serving as the Legion¡¯s final graduation requirement to Princep. A test by Tooth and Klaw, as they like to say. And I say you are lucky, because as of right now you will surely fail that requirement.¡±


    Wayne started to sputter, but before he could refute the Draconian, Klaw continued on.


    ¡°I do not mean to demean your determination or experience. But, Humans who were hopeful, determined, even talented have all tried their best to overcome this challenge. It didn¡¯t matter though, as their determination, their desperate efforts were not enough to surpass me. Your attempt will go no different than theirs. You need knowledge to gain power in this world. That is how Shaping works.¡±


    Then, the large man went back to moving the small dancing flame about his knuckles. The fire had never gone out the entire time Klaw had spoken.


    Wayne wanted to open his mouth and tell the scaled man off, scream that he didn¡¯t know him, that no one here really knew him. That they could all sit back and watch as Wayne proved them wrong. But the words wouldn¡¯t come, because the Draconian wasn¡¯t wrong. Wayne would need an edge if he was going to succeed as a Legionnaire.


    Suddenly, an idea struck Wayne. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t a good one, but Wayne wasn¡¯t going to sit back and let his life pass him by. Wayne had waited for someone else to lift him up for too long.


    ¡°Klaw, what could I do to have you teach me what you know? I can¡¯t afford to fail now.¡±


    At his question, the small fire the man was playing with vanished, and for the first time the Draconian¡¯s undivided attention was on Wayne. A second passed, and then Klaw once again started laughing again, the sound unmistakable this time.


    ¡°You would look to deal with a ¡®beast¡¯ like me, young Human?¡±


    Wayne did his best not to stutter. ¡°I don¡¯t have much to offer, but¡­ yes, I need your experience.¡±


    ¡°I see. You are much the same as him.¡±


    Klaw moved to stand, and for the first time Wayne properly saw the Draconian¡¯s size. Easily standing seven strides tall the scaled man seemed to also be equally as wide, dwarfing Wayne. The hand he extended out was equally as absurdly large, with deadly real talons extending from his three fingers and thumb, reaching almost a foot from the inside of the door.


    ¡°I don¡¯t require much from you, Human, as it will not cost me much to explain the basics to you.¡± Klaw said with a savage smile.


    ¡°Instead, how about you prove your commitment with a leap of faith. Take my hand, and show your determination to improve.¡±


    Wayne tentatively looked through the barred window of the cell, trying to examine the reptilian facial features of the Draconian for danger. After several long seconds with his heart beating in his ears, Wayne quickly reached out and took the clawed hand with his own.


    The sensation of the cold scales was almost enough to make him shiver. Then, Klaw¡¯s grip tightened.


    ¡°Someone is coming. Meet me again at the tenth bell today, and pay close attention to what is about to happen.¡± The large draconian hissed through the bars.


    Then, Klaw gently pushed Wayne¡¯s arm back through the window. However gentle the man had been, Wayne still had no chance to resist against the strength Klaw possessed and quickly found himself sprawled back across the floor. The wrought metal door loomed over him menacingly when a sudden aura overpowered the hallway.


    It rolled over him like a huge blanket that draped over the entire space, except it weighed as much as a mountain. Wayne found that he couldn¡¯t even breath with the pressure being exerted on him, but from the reptilian smile on Klaw¡¯s face he didn¡¯t think that the draconian was so impaired. However, he stopped at the voice¡¯s instruction.


    ¡°Get away from the door, creature.¡± Jaemeson¡¯s voice accompanied the magical force, his tone darker than Wayne had previously heard.


    Klaw let out a threatening hiss, but backed up a few steps from the barred window. Then, in a long, extended motion, the man¡¯s left eyelid closed. Horizontally. From his place on the ground, it took Wayne several moments to realize it was a wink.


    * * * * *


    ¡°That was very dangerous Wayne. How did you even find the Draconian?¡±


    As the two of them walked away from the scaled man¡¯s cell, Wayne made sure to pay attention to the route they were taking. He didn¡¯t trust Klaw, but¡­ he needed the edge. Starting with such low Stats as a Mortal and being thrust into training halfway through the year, Wayne didn¡¯t have the runway to become strong enough to graduate as a Princep, much less reach the levels of someone like Jaemeson¡­


    At the thought, Wayne gave a quick glance at the Praetor. Jaemeson now appeared weary and worn out, the earlier supernatural presence he had exuded gone, but not forgotten. Wayne let out a small shiver just remembering it.


    Still, he deflected away from his last conversation, deciding to take a risk with Klaw and deceive the powerful man.


    ¡°I was just wandering around after I got out of the baths, looking for the restrooms. Thanks, by the way, for having Amelia take me there, it was amazing.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­ and yes, they are quite something, aren¡¯t they? Why didn¡¯t Amelia show you around a bit after? That¡¯s what I had been intending, at least¡­¡±


    Thankfully, it seemed like the diversion worked. Wayne did his best not to let out a sigh of relief, and responded to the Praetor.


    ¡°No sir. Though she did leave me this set of casuals. I think, at least.¡± Wayne said, while gesturing to Legion clothes.


    ¡°Oh, I see. The lass is one of the nicer applicants this year, although now that I¡¯m thinking about it she may not have appreciated waking up early to show a boy younger than her to the showers¡­ Well anyways, the reason I was looking for you Wayne was that I thought you may need a little extra help to keep up with the others, and I wanted to help bring you to pace before physical training this afternoon.¡±


    Wayne thought back to the conversation he had just had with Klaw, and nodded once.


    ¡°Good, well then how about I teach you a bit about Forms today before the whole group gathers for training. Forms are some of the most fundamental Shapings you can use, so I¡¯m sure you have some knowledge about them, but if you can really master a few they can become your strongest weapon.¡±


    Wayne looked Jaemeson in the eye, and saw the opportunity head on. He gave another nod.


    ¡°Can we start now?¡±

 Interlude 1

    Grud hurriedly shut the door to his shed, trying to trap whatever heat possible inside. It was mostly a symbolic gesture with the holes and gaps in the walls, but he could pretend it worked.


    The young orc had spent most of the last few days scrounging whatever leftover scraps of wood he could find in a mad attempt to patch his abode''s exterior. Fresh cuts crossed his ginger fingers as his hands trembled from the cold. Thankfully, his friend made the cuts bleed less than they would have otherwise, letting Grud keep his energy reserves. And he needed every bit of help in that regard that he could find.


    He leaned his head against the door for a moment, grasping onto the second of rest like a man on cracked ice. Grud let out a sigh from between his tusks, watched it fog, then turned to face the results of his harebrained plot. Wayne hadn¡¯t quite considered the implications of raising a dragon in a village that would kill a dragon on sight.


    The young Ork hadn¡¯t been able to turn to anyone else in the clan, knowing what they would do upon learning of his companions'' existence.


    Dura¡¯Mon lay on the floor where Grud had managed to lay him out. Getting the dragon down the mountain had surely aggravated its injuries further. Just getting Dura¡¯Mon through the door had taken all of Grud¡¯s strength and determination. Even now the dragonling took up almost the entire shack.


    And of course, Dura¡¯Mon was still dying.


    ¡°What am I going to do with him?¡± Grud asked the cold, not expecting an answer.


    His companion¡¯s shallow breaths had grown more infrequent as the days had gone on, and it was getting to the point that Grud had given up on Dura¡¯Mon healing naturally. So that meant Grud had to intervene. Somehow.


    He had been trying to force feed his new companion to some success, getting Dura¡¯Mon to ingest more than he would spit out. Beyond that, Grud had no idea how to help a dragon heal safely.


    There was one thing that may help in this situation, but up until this point it had been too large of a risk for Grud to pursue. As he looked over at the small wisps of fog from the dragon¡¯s nostrils, Grud decided it may be time to abandon caution.


    The Tribe of Urulyald Mountain had a ritual that they used since long ago, to commemorate their warriors coming of age. The orcs would use it to connect their next generation with their companions on a spiritual level, forging a link between rider and drake that was severable only by death. Even then, most didn¡¯t survive the backlash from their partner dying, only 1 in 5 being able to handle the intrinsic damage.


    Still, it was a powerful force, reviving the ancient frozen drake eggs to vitality with its unique magic. Grud had meant to only attempt the bond when he had made a stronger connection with his companion as Dura¡¯Mon was no unhatched drake egg. At this point though, Grud couldn¡¯t think of any other options.


    He clenched his jaw, and decided on his path forwards. Grud gave an almost silent plea to the Mountain Mother under his fogged breath, wishing health for her son. Then he began the process of carefully moving Dura¡¯Mon onto his haphazardly crafted sled.


    Although Grud had not wanted to resort to this option, he had always had an inkling that it would become necessary eventually. To that end, he had constructed the sled with pieces of wood that were too large to cover the gaps on Grud¡¯s shed.


    It might fall apart, but maybe, just maybe Grud could reach his destination with relative ease. It was best to hope, at least.


    That was what Grud was thinking as he hoisted the almost-horse sized young dragon onto his shoulder. He may not be the biggest Ork at six strides tall, but he still made sure to eat his goat stew from the communal pot. Lifting the dragon for such a short distance wasn¡¯t the issue.


    Managing to fit Dura¡¯Mon¡¯s wings through the doorway on the other hand, proved to be a much larger challenge. Still, it wasn¡¯t long before Wayne laid his companion down on the makeshift sled, and secured his limbs down with leather cords.


    Casting a brief glance at the Urulyald, Wayne said a prayer to the Mountainmother under his breath.


    * * * * *


    Pulling the sled across the snow banks was difficult, but much, much easier than carrying Dura¡¯Mon down the mountains. Still, Grud was grunting and huffing as he moved the unconscious dragon forward by the long rope he had attached for a grip.


    His steps were made plodding by both the deep snow and the footwear Grud used to overcome it, large paddles strapped to the underside of his boots. They provided enough surface area for Grud to push off the powdery snow, but they were not fashionable nor fast.


    Still, he had come this far along his journey, and there was no going back. Just committing to the task at hand.


    So Grud kept walking forwards, content to plod along as the distance between him and his destination faded into the past.


    At least, until he heard muffled voices over the snowbank.


    ¡°I¡¯m going in now. Don¡¯t mess around.¡± Jarl said, the tone of his voice still apparent even though it was muted.


    Grud froze, the familiar voice making him panic slightly. This was the worst possible timing for Jarl and his goons to be here, but it made sense. They too had gone up the Urulyald to claim drake eggs, and unlike Grud, that¡¯s what they had actually brought back. Of course they would be headed to the World Well to undergo the ritual as well.


    But why now of all times?


    Wayne threw himself into the snow and wove the Cold Cloak as the voices started picking up again.


    ¡°How long do you think Jarl is going to be in there for?¡±


    ¡°Well, how long did your ritual take? Probably about the same, you idiot.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Hey! I mean, it¡¯s Jarl you know. He does everything better. Maybe something special will happen to him.¡±


    ¡°Stonehead.¡±


    Then there was a soft thump, and a series of muttered curses before anyone spoke next. Grud was just about to steal a glance when Jarl¡¯s lackey¡¯s, Uyul and Rurd started bickering again.


    ¡°Stop hitting me Rurd, my head¡¯s getting all lumpy from being hit all the time.¡± Uyul whined out.


    ¡°Your head was all stupid looking from the start, that wasn¡¯t anything I did to it.¡±


    ¡°Aye that¡¯s not true. My momma says I¡¯m a handsome little piggy!¡±


    ¡°Of course she does, you simpleton¡­¡±


    The two continued to bicker in such a manner for a few minutes before the tension started to ebb out of Grud¡¯s system. He would just wait over here until they left, and then Grud could enter himself. They wouldn¡¯t even see him. Then, the conversation changed.


    ¡°Oh, Jarl! How did it go?¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Do you really need to ask? My companion is gaining awareness, and will hatch within the next few days, of course.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! Of course! Our next Despato Jarl the Great will soon have his drake!¡±


    ¡°Oi, keep it down. I¡¯m not the next anything yet. Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Slowly, the voices started to move. Towards the snowbank Grud was hiding behind. Grud cast a desperate glance at Dura¡¯Mon and the sled. As it stood now, the dragon would be seen, and Jarl would most definitely kill him on sight.


    ¡°You all heard that Ered found a drake egg too? I knew she was special, but wow.¡± Uyul said as they grew ever closer to him.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s one thing I don¡¯t mind getting ahead of, Ered is my woman. No arguments.¡±


    A chorus of complaints from the lackeys rang out from close by at that, both of them trying to insinuate that the woman in question had feelings for them. Grud desperately thought of a way to hide the sled.


    Then, they were right in front of him, only a dozen feet away. Grud wasn¡¯t in their line of sight, but he was out in the open. If any of the three of the other orcs looked this way, Grud would most definitely be seen. Taking a leap of faith, Grud pushed on the Cold Cloak, trying to have it encompass his companion.


    If only Grud would go unnoticed one more time, then he would always be grateful.


    ¡°You know, speaking of the drakes, I was surprised when Grud came down without an egg.¡± Jarl said, having already moved past where Grud was hidden.


    ¡°What, that runt? Why would you be surprised about someone like him failing?¡± Rurd asked.


    Jarl took a second to speak, while Grud listened on, completely stunned.


    ¡°I just thought he would be the type to stay up there until he died or succeeded. I was somewhat disappointed, actually. Anyways¡­¡±


    As the three young orcs walked away, Grud still sat there frozen, not even letting out a sigh of relief. Just three sentences had completely changed how Grud assumed Jarl thought of him. The larger boy had noticed Grud.


    Shaking his head, Grud decided to sort that information out later. For now, Dura¡¯Mon was waiting in the cold, under nothing but a thin sheet. It was time to heal his dragon.


    * * * * *


    Ainne sat with her back slightly in front of her chair, but still perfectly straight with her hands not on the rests next to her, but instead they were tucked together on her lap. Today was an important day, so mother would not forgive any laxness in posture.


    Perfection was mandatory. At least, it was here in the Royal Elwin Palace, where every time Ainne moved, her mother would hear about it. It no longer bothered Ainne to any appreciable extent, but still, a part of her longed for more freedom than she was currently afforded.


    And after today, she may get a taste of that freedom.


    But that would be after hours of sitting with absolute grace and maturity, so it wouldn¡¯t do to focus on that too early. No, Ainne would have time to be giddy with excitement later.


    ¡°Chin straight, Ainne. Move your eyes, not your whole head.¡± Her mother, the Empress of the Luminous Empire, said with a tut.


    Ainne shook her head very slightly, then reset her chin in the exact same position. She had long ago learned how to look around with dignity befitting royalty. Her mother just liked to be in control. So Ainne let her have superficial control, and made her decisions strategically.


    Thankfully, then her father walked in, and Ainne resisted putting any emphasis on her exhale. Maintaining her facial coordination, Ainne inquired as to her father¡¯s wellbeing as she hadn¡¯t seen him since her Awakening.


    ¡°Welcome, father. I hope today finds you in good health?¡±


    He gave a warm smile, before turning to her mother and nodding slightly.


    ¡°Empress Mother, my greetings. And yes, Ainne, I am doing quite well today. I have been looking forward to it for quite some time. It isn¡¯t everyday that your child becomes the youngest attendant ever of the Luminous Academy after all.¡±


    At this, a miniscule smile crept onto her lips. Even her mother was happy with her accomplishments, and Ainne was proud of her status. She was the Champion of Luminos, and that afforded her certain benefits, beyond just being the princess. Normally, she would not be joining the Academy for another 2 years, but like her Ascension ceremony it had been accelerated.


    And so, a grand celebration had been decided upon, all in her name. Tonight the entire court would gather for her send off, then she would be set free upon the Academy, to learn and build strong connections with her peers. After all, she would be Empress one day, and no one ruled alone.


    But for now, it was time for what her mother referred to as a ¡®family tradition¡¯, but was really just an opportunity to make sure that their behaviors for the night aligned. The family would congregate exactly an hour before leaving the event, and spend the time in heartfelt conversation.


    ¡°Alright, now that we¡¯ve gathered, let us discuss our plans for the evening. Today is indeed a special day and that means it must be perfect. A strong appearance is the first step to a strong presence.¡±


    The last line was like a routine that the Empress said at the beginning of every family discussion, like clockwork. It set the tone though, and both Ainne and her father let the smile fall from their face.


    ¡°Of course, dear. Both you and Ainne look stunning as always, and I rather like what the stylist has done for me this time. I actually feel somewhat respectable in this ridiculous amount of fabric.¡±


    A small laugh came from her left, and Ainne barely held herself back from snapping towards her mother. When was the last time she had laughed?


    It was times like this when Ainne realized why her parents had married. People often said it was a marriage to further the royal families control of Nelworth, but they weren¡¯t privy to moments like this, behind closed doors. It wasn¡¯t often, but there were times when they were just a family, not the Royal Family of Elwin.


    ¡°So, father, where have you been since my awakening?¡± Ainne said with cheer in her voice.


    Her seemingly innocuous question shattered the happy moment.


    Suddenly, the temperature of the room seemed to drop drastically, and her father didn¡¯t speak for a long moment. Eventually, he glanced at her mother, and when she gave a small nod he began to talk.


    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ had some things to take care of recently. About¡­ your half brother.¡±


    ¡°...What?¡±


    ¡°Anyways dear, how did you like the scones I had sent to you earlier they were..¡± Her mother tried to steer the conversation away, but Ainne¡¯s head was stuck on her father¡¯s words.


    I have a brother?


    ¡°Ainne dear?¡± The Empress said, almost accusingly.


    ¡°Yes, well the bakery on Crown and Heart is consistently amazing, and their scones most definitely lived up to my expectations.¡± Ainne replied almost automatically.


    She had years of practice, and at this point could make small talk of this level without much conscious thought. Which was good, because her head was currently running on repeat.


    I have a brother? Ainne thought again.


    Her mother continued to talk about various things, with either Ainne or her father interjecting occasionally, but nothing found purchase in her mind. Several times she cast glances at her father, but either he didn¡¯t see them, or he was ignoring his daughter.


    Then, finally the hour was almost over, and her mother went to make some last second preparations. Immediately as the door closed behind the Empress, Ainne¡¯s father wheeled on her, his face cold.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you everything now, but trust me and your mother okay? Let¡¯s talk after the ball tonight, I¡¯ll be able to say a bit more by then.¡±


    Ainne looked at her father, before nodding slowly.


    ¡°I trust you, but¡­ what is he like?¡±

 Chapter 6

    ¡°Good, well then how about I teach you a bit about Forms today before the whole group gathers for training. Forms are some of the most fundamental Shapings you can use, so I¡¯m sure you have some knowledge about them, but if you can really master a few they can become your strongest weapon.¡±


    Wayne looked Jaemeson in the eye, and saw the opportunity head on. He gave another nod.


    ¡°Can we start now?¡±


    ¡°I like your enthusiasm lad! But no, I want some breakfast first. And coffee. Definitely coffee.¡±


    Wayne looked at the Praetor¡¯s slightly disheveled exterior and now understood more about the man. Jaemeson was not a morning person.


    The realization that the powerful Legionnaire struggled to get out of bed in the morning was strangely funny, and Wayne found himself chuckling at it before he could control himself. Jaemeson smiled too, and let out a small laugh himself despite it sounding just as weary as he looked.


    ¡°Come on, follow me lad. Let me show you the way to the Cafeteria. You¡¯ll love it, sometimes I think it¡¯s the only reason I stick around here with the greenhorns.¡±


    Then Wayne¡¯s stomach made its discomfort known once again.


    ¡°Restrooms. I mean, Praetor Jaemeson, I need to use the restroom, please, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ah, right this way lad. Right this way.¡±


    * * * * *


    Several minutes later, Wayne was exiting a restroom, his stomach feeling much better. Jaemeson waited outside, a knowing smirk on his expressive face.


    ¡°And that¡¯s why we don¡¯t have rations all the time. It does get better once your body acclimates to the experience, but it¡¯s never pleasant.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s one way to put it.¡±


    Jaemeson let out a quick laugh.


    ¡°Alright come on then. It¡¯s coffee time, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯re feeling ravenous now.¡±


    Now that the Praetor mentioned it, Wayne¡¯s stomach had gone from aching in one way to aching in another. Food sounded good, and Wayne had never had coffee before.


    ¡°Lead the way Praetor.¡±


    Jaemeson led them through the keep and after only a few more turns they had reached the cafeteria. Apparently, the older Legionnaire had taken them to the restrooms that were on the route here.


    There were no guards at the door, and a steady stream of Legionnaires and other Empire officials flowing in and out of the cafeteria. Strong smells wafted with the people, and Wayne¡¯s mouth started to water as he got hints of roasted meats and seasoned breads.


    One person walked out with a small plate and a daintily jiggling desert on top of it. They nodded at Jaemeson as Wayne eyed it hungrily. Then he turned his attention to the cafeteria as he entered. It was hard not to.


    There were clusters of stations stacked high with every breakfast food Wayne could imagine, and a few that he wouldn¡¯t have been able to a minute ago. A station that caught Wayne¡¯s attention in particular was the cycalo eggs and whole slabs of poren belly.


    The eggs were creamy and light, fluffy when properly cooked, and the poren belly¡­ Well there was a reason why people called it the potbelly maker. The fatty meat tasted so savory and powerful when simply cooked in its own juices that many people said seasoning it was a waste.


    Both were delicacies that Wayne would only eat on Sun¡¯s Rise back at the orphanage. In truth, it was unlikely that there would even be both at the holy breaking of fast, and to see such a surplus of the expensive food was eye opening. Eventually, Wayne would adjust to the opulence of the Legion, but apparently not today.


    Because that was not the only station serving what Wayne would consider delicacies. Although some of the more rough fare he was accustomed to was present, most of the dishes were skewed towards a more refined palate than was capable on a commoner''s budget.


    Plates full of potatoes were next to stacks of walbila fruit and steamed oraq. To Wayne¡¯s left there was an entire station with five separate types of noodle. Everywhere he looked there was a different option for today¡¯s breakfast. Wayne stood there, in indecision.


    ¡°Just grab a plate and load it up Wayne. If you decide you want something else, make sure you finish your plate and just go up for more.¡±


    ¡°We can get more than one plate?¡± Awe crept into Wayne¡¯s voice.


    Jaemeson chuckled at the tone of Wayne¡¯s question.


    ¡°Yes. As much as you can eat. Just find me when you¡¯re ready to leave.¡±


    Wayne darted for a stack of plates and immediately started helping himself. He grabbed both the eggs and poren belly, alongside a baked potato and a few slices of the seasoned bread he had smelled from outside. As he went to get some jam, an unfortunately familiar redhead was already at the station, spreading strawberry jam on his toast.


    As Wayne debated whether or not butter would suffice, he lost his chance to take the initiative. The other boy turned around, and a sneer filled his face.


    ¡°Poser.¡± The redhead snarled as he walked by.


    Wayne did his best to ignore it, and began spreading groura jam over his own toast. Then, when he finished he saw someone else that he recognized from the Noble Century. Makelian was also waiting in line for the jams behind Wayne, the same uncomfortable smile on his face as before.


    ¡°Hello there, it¡¯s good to see you again, Wayne!¡±


    ¡°Uh, likewise, Makelian. Go right ahead.¡± Wayne said while gesturing towards the jams.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The boy said, stepping up to the station but continuing to speak. ¡°A word of advice, avoid Cleft for the foreseeable future. When Praetor Jaemeson told him off for his reckless attacks on you yesterday, he was abnormally resistant to the Praetor¡¯s words.¡±


    ¡°Oh, his name¡¯s Cleft. I wonder why he hates me so much.¡± Wayne responded.


    Makelian gave him a look askance, the smile dropping from his face.


    ¡°Do you truly not know his grievances with you?¡±


    ¡°Uhhh¡­¡± Wayne was lost. Had he truly done something to deserve this treatment from Cleft?Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°I can see that you are unaware. Interesting! Follow me.¡± The strange boy finished preparing his own toast and gestured for Wayne to follow him. Shrugging, Wayne went with the turquoise haired boy to a table in the far corner of the cafeteria.


    There they joined another pair of Hastas wearing the white Legionnaires casuals, a boy and girl with similar inky black hair and strong facial features, but wildly different body types. Makelian introduced them quickly.


    ¡°This is Wayne Clive Aouris, and these are the Talagar twins, Lord Ivan and Lady Yvonne!¡±


    Ivan was a slender and smaller man. He wasn¡¯t bulky with muscle but his form was still well defined, athletic and lean. His long dark hair was perfectly styled and combed over his head, and his eyes were sharp like a bird of prey. His sister, on the other hand, was almost the complete opposite, only sharing the same shade of hair and characteristically shrewd eyes.


    Broad shouldered and with arms that put Wayne¡¯s own to shame, Yvonne was a giant of a woman in many respects. Her fierce look was completed with a jagged cut bolt of black hair standing above the rest of her short trimmed style. But certainly no one would mistake her for a man, the top buttons of her uniform open as she leaned over the table and food in a manner that kept Wayne particularly conscious of making eye contact as he greeted the siblings.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet the two of you, Lord and Lady. As he said I''m Wayne, the other names are rather recent additions, so I¡¯m still not quite adjusted to them yet.¡± Wayne said, trying to make a good impression.


    Yvonne looked him up and down, grunted and ignored him, causing Ivan to tut across from her.


    ¡°I apologize for my sister, she lacks any sense of social ability or manners in general, unfortunately. Nonetheless, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Aouris.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ apologize for the confusion but I¡¯m not a Lord myself, Lord Talagar.¡± Wayne replied, confused at the incorrect assumption.


    However, at his words the rest of the table shared a brief look between themselves, even Yvonne sharing in the knowing look. Finally, Makelian broke the silence.


    ¡°This is why I brought him over here! Interesting, is it not? That no one has told the boy himself about the situation he¡¯s in?¡± Suddenly Makelian¡¯s usually uncomfortable smile was amplified even more, twisting his face inhumanly as he spoke about Wayne like he wasn¡¯t listening from less than half a dozen strides away.


    ¡°Interesting, but could you simply not have informed us of his ignorance? Now that you¡¯ve brought him to speak to us we¡¯ll be pulled into the crossfire. You¡¯ve brought danger right to our door, for what reason?¡±


    By the end of his grievance, Ivan actually seemed quite frustrated. Then, as Yvonne began to give a full hearted laughter that pulled attention to their table from others close by, realization spread across his face. Ivan looked back and forth between Makelian and Vyonne, who was still laughing then buried his head in his hands.


    ¡°You twisted fools.¡± Was all he said.


    Finally, Vyonne stopped laughing, and pointed at Makelian.


    ¡°Alright you, you¡¯ve earned another duel. After the Trial, if you succeed as well, we will find a day to hold it.¡± Then she moved her finger to Wayne. ¡°And you, we¡¯ll take care of you during training so the others don¡¯t bother you. At supper, my brother will explain your political situation in detail.¡±


    Then she stood from the table. The Talagar woman was probably seven stride tall, with proportions matching her arms as muscles flexed all over her body.


    ¡°Now, you¡¯re one of mine. No running. We will see you soon.¡±


    Then the powerful woman walked away, expecting her brother and Makelian to follow. Which they promptly did, leaving the table still full of dining ware. Wayne absently noticed that Makelian hadn¡¯t had a single bite of his toast, the jam beginning to soak through the bread.


    * * * * *


    After the news that Wayne was in more trouble than he knew, he decided to bury his troubles in the waves of delicious food that the cafeteria offered. Wayne gorged until his newly fitted button up was pulled taut, and only then did he seek out the Praetor.


    He found the man beside an impressive collection of coffee mugs, and together they made their way to the main training grounds of the fortress. It was surprisingly empty, adding a surreal effect to Wayne¡¯s first step to mastering magic.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s start with the first Form that we train here, Enforcer. This is a restricted Form that only people with high enough clearance are legally allowed to instruct others on. So don¡¯t go yelling out anything I¡¯m about to say, yeah?¡± Jaemeson asked with a smile.


    Wayne nodded, understanding the severity of what he was being given. For most people, a single Form was their livelihood, the culmination of not just their life''s work but that of generations of their ancestors and mentors to create and polish to its current state. Wayne hadn¡¯t heard of anyone other than Nobles having access to multiple of them.


    And Jaemeson said this was the first Form that they train¡­


    ¡°I understand Praetor. I will not careless with this privilege.¡±


    ¡°Good lad, I trust you. Alright then, the first thing you want to do with your Shaping Space is to hold a solid mental image of yourself. Once you have that stable, you need to really visualize a suit of armor coming from your skin. Mind you, the armor is coming from your skin, your skin shouldn¡¯t be turning to armor, that¡¯s a key distinction there.¡±


    Wayne just looked blankly at the older Legionnaire for a moment, before asking his question.


    ¡°Excuse me, Praetor, but what is my Shaping Space?¡±


    Then it was Jaemeson¡¯s turn to cast a pitying gaze at Wayne.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re really starting from scratch there, aren¡¯t you.¡±


    Wayne nodded with a weary resolution.


    ¡°Well, let''s start from scratch then. Alright Wayne, in the days since your Awakening, have you had a moment where you fade out of reality. Maybe you¡¯ve seen a vision, oftentimes this happens when someone receives a Statistic increase.¡±


    Wayne thought back over the last few days, and remembered how he had caught a glimpse of Luminos¡¯ Realm when he had been running the cool down lap after the ladder drill. It had felt like his Awakening ceremony, and immediately after his Speed and Spirit had both increased by one.


    ¡°Uh, yeah, actually. Yesterday, when I fell over after that final lap, I had just snapped out of a vision.¡±


    Jaemeson let out a quick laugh. ¡°Oh ho, I thought that may be the case when you started talking about Statistics immediately after. Do you remember how that vision felt, as you saw it, as you entered it? Try and recreate that feeling now.¡±


    Wayne cast his mind back to yesterday, trying to remember every detail of the buildup to the vision. Yes, he had been exhausted, his stamina depleted but there was more to the memory than that. Thinking back, there was a sense of rhythm, of a flow to his movements and breathing that stood out in remembrance.


    Slowly, he tried to bring his thoughts to heel, letting go of his surroundings as he did before. It didn¡¯t happen immediately, nor did it happen within the first minute. Then five minutes passed, and a wave of frustration began to undercut his calm.


    Eventually, Wayne just wanted to move on and opened his eyes, as he said so.


    ¡°Can you just tell me about the Forms, Praetor. I¡¯ll practice this in my spare t-¡±


    Jaemeson was right in front of him, a disapproving scowl on his face.


    ¡°One time I had a best friend. The man I looked up to most in the world at that point. He was the reason I joined the Legion in the first place.¡±


    ¡°This man, he was the most naturally skilled Shaper I have ever seen in my life, lad. I remember busting my ass off every day, trying desperately to catch up to this one person. It was not enough. Even when he started sleeping in past training. Even when he drank more liquor than water. Back then, it seemed like Lunimos himself had blessed this man with inhuman talent.¡±


    ¡°Then, we both graduated and passed our Assessments, and were given our first Assignments. Three months we were to spend on the mission. I couldn¡¯t wait to meet up again and swap stories about what glory we had won.¡±


    ¡°But when I arrived back in Light¡¯s Reach, only one member of his Cohort was there. Told me the rest died, because that fool of a man fell asleep on his watch while they were in a Rift.¡±


    Jaemeson leveled a deathly serious stare at Wayne, imparting the importance of what he was about to say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up already. Giving up once forms a habit. Save that moment for when playing the coward might save your life, not when it may make your morning a bit easier.¡±


    Wayne didn¡¯t know the exact depths of the wisdom in that statement, but he still immediately bowed his head slightly and ceded the point.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I apologize, let me continue.¡±


    It took another ten minutes for Wayne to finally fall into something approaching the trance-like state he had achieved previously. The same out of body experience happened, as Wayne became acutely aware of every fiber of his body. It was too much for him to process immediately now that Wayne was conscious of the information, and he lost himself to his fugue state.


    Then it was another fifteen minutes before he roused from his stupor, maintaining his separated state of mind. Jaemeson had moved further away by then, looking around at the other Hastas coming to the grounds to train. However, as soon as Wayne gained some outside awareness, the older Legionnaire continued the lesson.


    ¡°I want you to continue to surround yourself with that feeling. Then, slowly mind you, try to make a space within your awareness, a small space you can control with your thoughts. Start small, just establish a foothold.¡±


    Wayne started small like Jaemeson said, imagining big enough for just his eyeball. It popped into place quite easily, and Wayne felt a brief sense of accomplishment. He had just tried to do it, and it happened naturally.


    Then, he tried expanding the small space he had carved out. Jaemeson hadn¡¯t said not to after all, just to go about it slowly. Again, he didn¡¯t feel any feedback and thus continued to expand his Shaping Space. Just a small bit at a time, until the spherical shape had reached the size of an apple.


    If he could make it this far, what would be the harm in pushing a little further. Letting loose, Wayne pushed his control outwards. It was invigorating to see his power grow before him. Addicting even.


    Then, suddenly Wayne was suffocating, the air having grown too heavy for him to breathe without warning. He sputtered, trying to get a full breath without success until Jaemeson smacked the back of his head, breaking Wayne¡¯s concentration and almost sending him to the ground.


    ¡°I said to take it slowly lad. Listen when I say things, I¡¯m not speaking just to fill the silence.¡± The Praetor said with a disapproving tone.


    Wayne at least had the dignity to look chagrined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it''s just¡­ nevermind, sir. It won¡¯t happen again.¡± Wayne rubbed his head as he made the promise to the other Legionnaire.


    ¡°Mmm. I have the feeling it will. Anyways lad, how far did you get?¡±


    ¡°I- What?¡±


    ¡°Tell me how far you got, lad. How large did you get your Space out too? Don¡¯t hold out on me now Wayne.¡±


    Wayne had expected the other man to be more upset that he hadn¡¯t followed directions, but then again Jaemeson did give off a quite relaxed impression. Wayne calmed down again, and let the excitement of learning magic overtake him.


    ¡°Well, I started around the size of an eye, and then slowly brought it to the size of an apple. From there¡­ well, I might have gotten carried away a bit at that point, but I think I got it to around ¡®this¡¯ size.¡± Wayne said the last part while gesturing with his hands about six inches apart.


    Jaemeson had a sad smile on his face, but he didn¡¯t say anything for a moment.


    ¡°Impressive. But we need to get to work. Go again.¡±

 Chapter 7

    Jaemeson and Wayne worked on his Shaping Space for several hours, before the Praetor had to leave to prepare for the afternoon¡¯s training. Still, Wayne kept at the work. Apparently, it was a simple thing to do once someone figured out the trick.


    If only Wayne could figure it out.


    Every time he would brush up against his limit, his whole body would spasm out, and Wayne would lose the focus to maintain his Shaping Space. It was frustrating, but after Jaemeson¡¯s earlier advice, Wayne didn¡¯t feel comfortable quitting before figuring out how to grow it further. As a result, he continued to run into the same problem headfirst.


    Jaemeson had given Wayne advice, but by the man¡¯s own admission most of the Hastas and Grand Hastas he had trained were well past this point. That didn¡¯t deter Wayne though. He had set his course, and the young Legionnaire was starting to feel comfortable with where he was headed.


    Yes, Wayne might be starting from behind but, he had known that would be the case since he had remained a Mortal. At least now, he had found someone to teach him how to catch up, a few loose ¡®friends¡¯ who were willing to help him in training, and a place to start improving from. That was without mentioning the wild card that was Klaw, who Wayne hadn¡¯t yet forgotten about meeting tonight.


    In other words, things had started to look up. It didn¡¯t hurt that the taste of the poren belly was still coating the inside of his mouth hours after having his generous serving, either.


    So with his new hope blossoming, Wayne was determined to see this challenge through.


    ¡°I got this, come on Wayne.¡± He muttered absentmindedly under his breath.


    Carefully, he visualized his Shaping Space once again. By now, he had consolidated some of the details that made up his visualization which made it easier, and now the Space was surrounded by a thick coating of bluish energy. There wasn¡¯t a clear reason why it was blue, and several times Wayne had tried other colors, but kept going back.


    Wayne had also tried to maintain a border around his authority as Jaemeson had called it. He had realized quite early on that there was a difference between the actual Form Space, and what Wayne was controlling inside of it.


    It wasn¡¯t very easy to discern as Wayne was originally imagining his Space, but when Wayne tried to contort his Shaping Space into different shapes it became quickly apparent. When he had asked Jaemeson, the Praetor had explained it as the difference between the present and potential.


    ¡°Ah yes, there is a difference between the two. Think of your Shaping Space like a cup. The water doesn¡¯t fill it up completely right? And if you were to lean it to the side, different spaces would open up. We call that water, ¡®authority¡¯. It represents how much mana you can use for Forms and Functions. Not that it''s a smart idea to fill your Shaping Space.¡±


    ¡°What? Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Wayne had asked immediately.


    ¡°Just imagine if you tried to use every muscle in your body at once, all at full strength. You would tear yourself if your brain didn¡¯t subconsciously hold you back. Now, imagine if it¡¯s your mind that''s tearing itself apart, with nothing else to stop it.¡±


    Wayne had quickly understood, and dropped the topic.


    Now as he absentmindedly paced around the outside of the training grounds, Wayne was trying to use some of the insights from that conversation to improve his control and potentially keep those people alive in the future.


    Wayne had just managed to visualize a border for his ¡®authority¡¯ so he could have a better understanding of what was actually going on. Being able to observe what was going wrong in his attempts should help him make a diagnosis on how to correct it.


    Once again, Wayne forced himself to focus on his Form Space. Even though it had been so easy to begin with, now he found his reserves of mental energy were starting to deplete. It was hard to constantly be locked in for multiple hours. It had been so long that slowly Legionnaires were beginning to assemble for the afternoon physical training.


    Still, Wayne had enough stamina for a final push, before training. Slowly, the young Legionnaire began to push the edges of his Shaping with his authority, trying to expand it as he had done previously.


    Before Wayne even lost control of the Form Space, he realized the issue. The sensation he had thought was his authority pushing against the edges of the Space was actually something quite different.


    Instead, his authority was reaching its limit slightly before it touched the edges of Wayne¡¯s Shaping Space, and his efforts to push further were causing¡­ disturbances.


    The edge of Wayne¡¯s authority tried to twist to accomplish what he was telling it, but there simply wasn¡¯t the mass for it to expand further, causing splinters and shards of authority to spear outwards into its encasement. When Wayne saw it happen, he was instantly sent stumbling back into reality. His Shaping Space rapidly deflated once he wasn¡¯t maintaining it, leaving an empty feeling in his gut and sour taste in his mouth.


    Still, Wayne had a smile on his face.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Spirit


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Yes, he knew what to do indeed. Now, all he had to do was to keep training and working towards his goal. Seeing the increasingly familiar group of flamboyant personalities starting to gather across the central grounds, Wayne went over to get ready to do just that.


    * * * * *


    As Wayne approached the Noble Century, he let the smile drop from his face. His cousin was already here, and the other Aouris was making his feelings obvious with an over glare on his face. It was hard to tolerate, not just from the intensity but also with their apparent relation.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Wayne had never had family before recently, but so far his experience hadn¡¯t been very pleasant.


    He tried to ignore Cleft as he looked around at the other Hastas, noting the few that he already knew. Amelia was here, along with Jayna, the girl with a lightning Affinity. They were chatting, or rather, Amelia was chatting to Jayna, while the other girl occasionally grunted at her words. Wayne gave a little wave, but was summarily ignored by the two of them.


    From there, he looked around, and realized he didn¡¯t know many of the people training alongside him. Yvonne¡¯s group had yet to show up along with the final fourth of the Century, but there were still almost twenty young Legionnaires gathered already.


    Wayne must have looked lost as he gazed around the group, because thankfully someone was kind enough to introduce themselves to Wayne.


    ¡°Hello there Lord Aouris, I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve had the opportunity to meet yet. It¡¯s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I¡¯m Lord Reginal Heridia. I do hope this can be the start of a long and healthy relationship.¡±


    A taller, more lean man had come up to Wayne, with a styled coif of head hair that matched the threading of the sash he wore over and across his chest.


    ¡°I-yes, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you as well, Lord Heridia. I¡­ also hope this can be the start of a long and healthy relationship.¡±


    ¡°Of course it will, my Lord. Today is a day to remember. Why should we cele- eep!¡±


    Suddenly, Reginald went dead silent as his face drained of color. The man quickly ducked his head, muttered his goodbyes, and turned on his heel to leave. Then, a strong callused hand landed on Wayne¡¯s shoulder and the weight of a well defined arm settled on his shoulders.


    ¡°Were you off making friends?¡± Yvonne whispered into his ear, leaning down from behind him. Somehow the massive woman had made no noise on her approach.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡­ think I was?¡± Wayne replied, nervous from the proximity.


    ¡°You think. Ha! You should stop doing that for a while. It will only lead to trouble.¡±


    ¡°Yes, at least wait until I alleviate the worst of your ignorance tonight before thinking at all. Preferably afterwards as well, but I¡¯ll settle for that much.¡± Ivan said, accompanied by Makelian as the two of them joined the conversation as well.


    It put a damper on his newfound confidence, to be told not to think for himself, but Wayne supposed the Talagar twins weren¡¯t incorrect in this instance. Wayne didn¡¯t know much regarding Noble houses of the Empire and could easily offend them without intending to.


    ¡°Alright, I ah, I guess, yeah. Yeah, I can do that.¡± Wayne said, growing more aware that Yvonne still hadn¡¯t removed her arm from across his shoulders.


    ¡°Good.¡± She said leaning close to Wayne¡¯s ear once again, before pulling away and standing to her full height.


    Ivan shot him a dirty look after, but it wasn¡¯t like Wayne had any choice in the matter. Looking around, Wayne noticed several other people had been subtly watching their interaction, though they didn¡¯t meet Wayne¡¯s gaze either.


    In fact, now that Wayne was paying attention, it seemed like the rest of the Century had created a bubble of space around his group. Like they were avoiding them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it bother you, they are just weak. And cowardly.¡±


    ¡°Yes, quite so!¡± Makelian said with his usual cheer.


    Ivan grumbled and adjusted his glasses. ¡°Or they just learned to avoid you two fools back at the Academy, like everyone else with any common sense. I just had the misfortune to be caught in the crossfire by default.¡±


    ¡°Ah, have I made a mistake?¡±


    Wayne hadn¡¯t meant to say it out loud, and the group''s eyes all snapped to him. Even some of the people that had acted like they had stopped listening were looking towards Wayne, incredulous that he had said something like that out loud to a noble. There was a moment of stunned silence, only broken by Yvonne¡¯s booming laughter.


    ¡°Hahaha, no¡­ no. If you''re saying something like that, you haven¡¯t made a mistake at all. You¡¯ll fit in better with us than those stiffs over there that are afraid to even meet my eyes.¡± Yvonne had started by speaking to Wayne, but by the end her words had been directed at the other Hastas surrounding them.


    Wayne didn¡¯t know his cousin well, but even he knew that Cleft was always going to rise to that bait.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of an overgrown ape. I¡¯m looking right at you, Talagar.¡±


    Yvonne just smirked back at him.


    ¡°Do you enjoy what you see that much, or are you going to do something other than stare at me?¡±


    ¡°Why you-¡±


    ¡°Cut the nonsense, you two. Praetor Jaemeson is right there.¡±


    Thankfully, a blonde man stepped up to the two of them and forced the two giants apart before any blows could be traded. He had a powerful frame, but that wasn¡¯t something that would deter Yvonne. The gray armband on his sleeve however, that had more meaning.


    ¡°You¡¯re always such a pain Avery. It was just getting interesting!¡± Yvonne complained.


    ¡°Well I, for one, appreciate the lengths Mister Morrow goes to in keeping the rest of you troublemakers in line.¡±


    ¡°Praetor, sir!¡±


    The Century jumped to salute almost as one, only Wayne was slightly delayed in reacting to the older Legionnaire¡¯s entrance. Even Yvonne showed Jaemeson the proper respect, which was interesting.


    ¡°At ease. As you all know, tomorrow will be Assessment day, so for today we will be doing some light squad sparring, to get you all in the mindset to work in Cohorts. Get into groups of five of your choice, and I¡¯ll lay out the match ups. Oh,¡± Jaemeson said, looking around the group.


    Wayne¡¯s fears as to who he was looking for were soon confirmed.


    ¡°Wayne, you don¡¯t have to join a group today, as you won¡¯t be participating in the Assessment tomorrow. I¡¯ll make some time to talk to you once the sparring is underway.¡±


    Wayne wasn¡¯t trying to pay attention, but he could tell the rest of the nobles were whispering about his special treatment. Even they, the scions of the Empire, were made to test to the next level of Legionnaire, and yet Wayne, who was an orphan a week ago, was exempt. It was obvious they would be frustrated.


    Then, Cleft put their feelings into words.


    ¡°How is it fair that this imposter gets to waltz past the Assessment? Does he even deserve to be here?¡±


    The words cut deep, not just because they were from someone who should be family, but because there was a layer of undeniable truth to them. Wayne¡¯s earlier confidence and joy about his progress was shattered.


    ¡°Lord Aouris has special circumstances that you should be especially aware of, Cleft.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t justify this Praetor!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, my family won¡¯t stand for this injustice!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be making an enemy of the Paraltas as well with this trickery.¡±


    Cleft had opened the floodgates, and now almost a dozen people were protesting Wayne¡¯s privileges. Jaemeson was attempting to shut it down, but it appeared like he may have to use force to put the matter to rest. Wayne didn¡¯t want that, not when their frustrations were so valid.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    No one noticed when Wayne said it, too caught up in the argument surrounding the Praetor to pay any attention to the boy who caused the commotion. They all continued to crowd around Jaemeson, arguing against Wayne¡¯s special treatment.


    Speaking up, Wayne repeated himself louder this time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll participate in the Assessment.¡±


    ` This time, people heard him, and slowly people began looking back at him. A few of the most heated dissenters still hadn¡¯t heard him, but as the crowd''s frustrations thinned, they too turned to Wayne. Praetor Jaemeson was looking at Wayne with worried eyes, being the only person to hear him the first time.


    ¡°Are you sure, lad? You truly don¡¯t have to participate, by Imperial Decree. But if that¡¯s your choice, Wayne¡­¡±


    ¡°It is.¡± Wayne looked around the assembled group of nobles and geniuses, before continuing to speak his mind.


    ¡°It is. Some of you may not think that I belong here. That I¡¯m too weak, too inexperienced, too ignorant. Perhaps you are correct, maybe I am not deserving of this opportunity. That others have done more to earn this spot.¡±


    ¡°But I have it now, and I¡¯ll be damned if I don¡¯t do everything in my power to make the most of it, regardless of the risks.¡±


    ¡°My father sent me here to prove myself. I intend to do so. So I¡¯ll participate in this Assessment, and make my place here very clear.¡±


    The group of nobles stared slack jawed at Wayne¡¯s bold declaration. Even Makelian and the Talagars looked taken aback. Wayne felt good.

 Chapter 8

    ¡°Very well, if that¡¯s your decision. You may participate in the Assessment with rest in the 1st Century. Do you have a group for today¡¯s training?¡±


    Wayne looked around at his group. Yvonne was smirking at him, while Makelian had his signature off-putting smile on his face. Ivan had his head in his hands, but hadn¡¯t taken the opportunity of the commotion to back away from the group.


    ¡°I have, I mean, we have most of a group.¡± Wayne replied.


    ¡°Ah, I see the problem there.¡± There was still a clear area of space being given to their group of four, making it easy for the discerning Praetor to recognize who Wayne was referring to.


    ¡°Let''s have August join your group, that should keep the playing field level.¡±


    At his words, a mousy smaller girl stepped out of the crowd and towards Wayne¡¯s group. She had tousled brunette hair, tanned skin, and a presence that felt easy to overlook. However, when Wayne met her eyes, he found a determination so sharp he almost gasped.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you all have time to do introductions and to get Wayne up to speed on what Cohort training entails, so you can be in the last matchup.¡±


    With that, Jaemeson began to instruct the rest of the Century, leaving Wayne and his group to incorporate their new addition while also teaching Wayne about their upcoming training.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, I¡¯m Wayne.¡± He said while proferring his hand.


    ¡°I know who you are. I obviously know who you are, our whole Century just had an argument over you, Wayne.¡±


    Despite her harsh words, she still accepted his handshake with a firm grip as she looked him in the eyes.


    ¡°I uh, yeah. That makes sense. Still-¡±


    ¡°Yes, I appreciate the sentiment. It¡¯s nice to meet you too, I¡¯m Lady August Banchera of the Seville Archduchy. Now if you would excuse me, I will be right back, I simply need to talk to the group I was planning to train with.¡±


    With that she walked away before Wayne could protest, not that he was inclined to. Yvonne was tutting, clearly not enthused with their new teammate, but Ivan looked more appreciative than his sister.


    The shorter man caught Wayne¡¯s inquisitive look, and sighed before elaborating on his thoughts.


    ¡°She may not be the strongest combatant in the class,¡± Yvonne snorted when Ivan said that, ¡°But she has a skill set that would prove quite optimal for the actual Assessment. I do not mind making a connection to her prior to the testing, not at all.¡±


    ¡°Of course you don¡¯t mind brother, you¡¯ve been casting glances August¡¯s way for months. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re overjoyed at this opportunity.¡± His sister retorted.


    ¡°I-uh, that¡­ has nothing to do with this.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I¡¯m sure that isn¡¯t the reason you are blushing right now. Of course, silly me.¡± Yvonne said, clearly enjoying teasing her twin.


    It was also clearly effective, as Ivan was blushing uncontrollably and constantly adjusting his glasses. Wayne imagined the other Legionnaire must have conflicting feelings towards his sister.


    ¡°I hate you. So very much.¡± He finally said. Yvonne cackled.


    Yes, conflicted feelings indeed.


    ¡°Ahem, anyways, Wayne you still need to learn about what we will be doing today in training. It isn¡¯t too complicated, but there are some finer details it is worth mentioning.¡± Ivan said, trying to change the subject.


    Wayne acquiesced to the boy¡¯s unspoken plea, and inquired further about the format of their training.


    ¡°Alright, enlighten me Ivan.¡± Wayne couldn¡¯t help but smirk slightly as he said it, and Ivan scowled but responded nonetheless.


    ¡°It¡¯s a five on five battle to simulate future situations, as we¡¯ll be deployed in five man Cohorts in most situations. This is still sparring, so overtly lethal attacks are banned. Also, considering the hectic team situation, ranged attacks have also been banned.¡±


    ¡°To compensate for that, if you hit someone with three Lightbeams then they are considered defeated and must abdicate the sparring field. Finally, if you fall under half your usable pool of mana, you are also considered defeated with similar consequences.¡±


    ¡°Beyond that, the bout should be rather self explanatory. Do you require any further enlightenment, Lord Aouris?¡± Ivan asked in a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°No, actually, I think I understand it pretty well now. Thank you Ivan.¡± Wayne said with genuine appreciation.


    This was one of the few things he had gone into recently with a decent understanding of beforehand. Although the smaller Talagar Twin made his sister appear downright cheery, he still seemed an honest and respectable person.


    ¡°Ah- Well, it¡¯s to be expected I would explain this to a teammate.¡±


    ¡°Not that you will need to know. Me and Yvonne will handle the opposition ourselves.¡± Makelian finally spoke, having been mostly silent up until this point.


    Now that Wayne was looking at him closely, the other boy appeared downright exhausted compared to when he had seen him last. Makelian¡¯s eyes were distant, and his normally well styled hair looked wild with turquoise locks splayed in strange directions.


    ¡°Are you alright, man?¡± Wayne asked instinctively.


    Makelian started to talk then closed his lips, composed himself and spoke only after a few seconds.


    ¡°Well, my betrothed¡¯s de-¡±


    ¡°Ok, that¡¯s enough of that.¡± Ivan interrupted. ¡°It looks like the first match is about to begin, and we¡¯ll be up against whoever loses.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we should pay attention to formulate our strategy.¡± August said as she rejoined them.


    ¡°Eh, the only one we need to strategize for is Avery. No point in thinking too much about the weaklings.¡± Yvonne countered.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Still, Wayne was excited to watch some of his Century spar, without him on the receiving end.


    * * * * *


    Lining up on the field, ten young Hastas were preparing to fight. On the right side of the field, that meant strapping and securing various pieces of armor, the steel gleaming with the soft glow of powered Runes reaching Wayne¡¯s eyes across the training grounds.


    On the left a few of the Hastas Wayne recognized amongst the Century stood, waiting for their opponents. Amelia and Jayna had teamed up, alongside Avery and two other Hastas Wayne didn¡¯t know. One girl and one boy, both with different colored armbands.


    Now that he was paying attention, Wayne realized that Amelia also had a red armband over her sleeve, meaning that the entire five man group were all geniuses with different Affinities beyond what Luminos provided.


    ¡°What Affinities do they have on that team?¡± Wayne asked openly.


    ¡°Not enough to matter. The sizzling sisters over there bring electricity and fire. That¡¯s Jayna and Amelia, in case you don¡¯t know.¡± Yvonne said.


    ¡°Ah, yes I was¡­ somewhat familiar with Jayna¡¯s capabilities.¡± Wayne said, thinking back to when she had left him a twitching mess on the ground.


    ¡°Heh, I can tell you are.¡± August said, noticing Wayne''s reaction.


    ¡°Just observe what¡¯s about to happen. Their individual quirks are about to be apparent.¡± Makelian said, taking his armor out of a specially prepared case.


    Wayne turned back to the field and noticed everyone out on the field was ready. Jaemeson gave a quick motion from across the arranged area, and all ten Hastas burst into action. The magic on display almost blinded Wayne.


    Jayna gave off sparks as she burst forwards zagging ahead of the others, but she was still slower than the Lightbeams that blasted from both sides painting the field in a neon glow. The team to Wayne¡¯s right with the standard Affinities of the Empire had anticipated the initial barrage and immediately thrown themselves into evasive motions after taking their own opening shots.


    Jayna had already moved past where their enemies had aimed, and the rest of the team didn''t need to dodge. Instead, they let Avery and the girl Wayne didn¡¯t know step into the front, directly in the path of the rapid beams.


    If Wayne had time to flinch away he would have, but the rays of light were too quick. He watched helplessly as the light blasted into the Legionnaires. Then, it just as quickly pooled and dissipated against the armoring they had formed as Wayne was reacting to the barrage.


    He stared as Avery and the other girl burst forwards, now coated head to toe in steel and stone respectively and apparently impervious to the projectiles.


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡± Wayne intoned absently, realizing what Ivan had meant.


    ¡°Yes, those are their elemental Affinities¡¯ versions of the Enforcer Form. While Jayna¡¯s Lightning or a standard Light offer enhanced speed, other elements provide varying benefits.¡± The other boy replied, less interested in a fight he had seen play out previously.


    I¡¯m going to learn how to do that?


    Wayne gazed longing as the two teams entered closer range and abandoned their barrages. If earlier he had a spark of desire to expand his Form Space, now a raging bonfire roared in Wayne¡¯s heart.


    It was almost as loud as the roar of the Hastas as they crashed into one another, Avery and the stone-covered girl leading a charge into the gut of the other five man formation. Amelia and the other man stood farther away, leaving their Cohort much more divided than their opponents who had regrouped after the projectiles had paused.


    Jayna had already flanked around their left and was launching a series of enhanced blows at one of the opponents that had been trying to set up in the backlines, blocked only by a pair of hastily raised, Rune engraved steel vambraces.


    To Wayne it looked like it might be a match decided by this initial attack, but his inexperience was quickly proven. Just as the two armored frontliners were about to begin to lay into the other Hastas, a plume of fire came from the upraised hands of the fifth unoccupied member.


    Simultaneously, bubbles of water appeared around Avery, Jayna, and the stone girl. Wayne could tell that the bubbles were intended to protect their targets from the flames being brewed in the Legionnaire¡¯s hands, but his compatriots were clearly prepared for these defenses as close range Lightbeams sliced into the bubbles and popped them before they could accomplish that task.


    Then, the man let the flames spew forth from his hands. A torrent of fire sloshed forth, blasting the elementally coated enemies back while breaking cleanly around the man¡¯s teammates.


    Wayne gasped as he saw his colleagues consumed by the grand conflagration in front of him. Then the great ocean of flames swirled together, quickly condensing to a singular point and revealing Amelia straining over a pulsating ball of white hot fire and the rest of her team covered in glowing cocoons of light.


    With a shout, the pink haired woman thrust her arms forwards and sent the condensed flames careening at the other Hastas. Wayne slammed his hands over his ears and watched, horrifyingly sure he was about to see some of the noble scions of the realm blown to bits.


    However, just as the unstable energy lost its final strands of cohesion and seemed about to combust and incinerate all the life around it, it instead rapidly deflated, burning away into a small wisp of smoke.


    At the same time, similar cocoons of light sprung up and grabbed the remaining Hastas, leaving Amelia as the only one still standing amongst the ten who had lined up to spar.


    ¡°Scored one remaining against zero remaining combatants. Amelia¡¯s team wins.¡± Jaemeson announced across the field, before letting out a tremendous burp.


    A suspicious familiar waft of smoke escaped his lips along with the belch.


    * * * * *


    ¡°Did he just¡­ eat that fire ball?¡± Wayne asked incredulously.


    ¡°Yes he did. Amelia must¡¯ve gotten stronger, usually he would have just protected them and let it explode.¡± Yvonne said, looking strangely contemplative.


    ¡°Mmm.¡± Ivan hummed his agreement. ¡°Felicio¡¯s attack was impressive as well, I don¡¯t recall his Sea of Inferno ever having possessed the force to break Avery¡¯s Enforcer.¡±


    Yvonne snorted at her twin.


    ¡°That¡¯s because it didn¡¯t. Praetor Jaemeson obviously just restrained him to remind him not to rely on being able to survive every attack.¡± She smirked at her brother.


    Wayne looked around, his group clearly moving on and no one else seemed particularly impressed or even surprised by the Praetor¡¯s actions. Some people had even been laying down, and were only now standing to take the field for their match as the previous Cohorts emptied it. It seemed this was a commonplace event, and Wayne should get accustomed to it.


    ¡°Ah well¡­ that was an impressive fight. Both teams were clearly well practiced against each other. How often do these Cohort spars take place?¡± Wayne asked, trying not to seem too out of his depth.


    ¡°Twice weekly, most weeks.¡± Makelian absently added as he polished some of his armor. He hadn¡¯t looked up during the whole previous fight.


    Wayne looked back at the field, thinking back to the intensity of the spar he had just seen. It was another sour reminder how far he was from the rest of the Century currently. Even with the healing pools, Wayne didn¡¯t think he could keep up with the demands of training. Yet.


    He watched the next Cohorts finish preparing for their bout. He noticed that only one of the participants was wearing an armband, so he was determined to pay attention and use them as examples of what he should strive for.


    ¡°Do you think we should employ a similar strategy to Lord Alsprein¡¯s Cohort, or does anyone possess other plans?¡± August asked dryly.


    For a moment, no one spoke, before Yvonne elbowed her twin.


    ¡°Yeeeow- I mean, uh, yes. I have a plan. A good plan.¡± Ivan managed to get out.


    Another moment passed, until Yvonne prompted, ¡°Which is..?¡±


    ¡°It''s¡­ well, the crux of the plan relies on you being able to handle both Avery and Joanne for at least the opening engagement. Do you think you can keep them both busy and focused on you?¡± Ivan asked.


    Both of the giantess¡¯ eyebrows raised.


    ¡°Are you underestimating me, little brother?¡± She asked, seemingly amused that Ivan was concerned for her.


    ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s settled, then¡­ Lady Banchera if you would stall Jayna, then me and Wayne would be free to follow Keli to attack their backliners. Use our numbers to isolate and conquer them, in pieces.¡±


    Wayne nodded. It sounded like a solid plan, and one that wisely didn¡¯t rely on his own competence.


    ¡°Alright, then it¡¯s settled, Lord Talagar.¡±


    Wayne did his best not to laugh at the emphasis that August put on his new friend¡¯s name, and watched as the second bout got underway.


    The only person he recognized on the field was Kleft, and he was on the team with the man with the black armband. The two of them raced forwards ahead of their team. Wayne watched the familiar red haze surround Cleft¡¯s fists and felt sympathy for the other Legionnaires who would be sparring with him.


    Then, an inky black smoke billowed from the other man¡¯s body. The entire dueling area was quickly filled with the thick gas, but it didn¡¯t drift much further than its bounds. Wayne was confused for a few seconds, but he didn¡¯t have to wait much longer.


    Within the minute, the fog dropped, and only the two boys that had charged in were not encased in the light of Jaemeson¡¯s magic. Wayne stared at the Hastas with the black armband, in awe of the speed with which they had beaten their opponents and slightly peeved he didn¡¯t get to see any Light Affinity through the darkness.


    August noticed his attention and nodded at him.


    ¡°Johnathan, the Archduke, is the most powerful member of the Century, so be thankful we aren¡¯t facing him. That¡¯s the Cohort I¡¯m usually with, and I¡¯ve yet to lose one of these events. Let¡¯s not change that today, alright?¡± The mousy girl said.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s win it.¡± Wayne said, imagining himself in Johnathan¡¯s place.

 Chapter 9

    Wayne stood on the field and watched the other Cohort line up opposite his group. He had to look at them, as the rest of his team was busy equipping their familial Runic armor.


    Yvonne was strapping on an entire collection of armor to her right arm, having already secured her breastplate. Makelian was fastening his pauldrons with Ivan¡¯s help, the black haired boy whispering animatedly all the while.


    August was also busy equipping her familial armor, donning a very strangely shaped helmet that had its visor in the wrong place. Wayne couldn¡¯t even tell if the Lady would be able to see while wearing it. As a result, Wayne felt like someone should keep their eyes on the opponents. Their enemies.


    ¡°Relax, Lord Aouris. We aren¡¯t going to kill you.¡± Avery called across the grounds.


    No, just beat me, electrocute me, and roast me.


    ¡°I know. ¡± Wayne called back instead. ¡°Can you blame me for being nervous though?¡±


    ¡°Mmm. No, I cannot. I hear you are weak.¡± The other man said without any contempt.


    Because he was simply stating a fact. Wayne was weak. He didn¡¯t like it, but he appreciated that the other boy wasn¡¯t looking down at him. Instead, Wayne studied the other boy for a moment before eventually responding.


    ¡°I am, for now. I¡¯m slowly figuring out how to change that.¡±


    Now it was the other boys turn to study Wayne, taking a moment to look him up and down. Wayne wasn¡¯t quite sure what the other boy saw, but he slowly nodded once as he said, ¡°I see.¡±


    Then, Wayne¡¯s new friends were finished pulling on their gear, and it was time for the talking to end. Now, they would fight. Jaemeson held his arm up, then dropped it, and Wayne froze for a moment as chaos broke out.


    Yvonne stepped forwards in front of him. She casually shrugged off several Lightbeams that had immediately streaked towards them, before extending her left arm to summon an enormous crescent of light and heat shaped like a battle axe. Heavy footsteps of steel and stone pounded across the training field towards them.


    Wayne looked to his left. Makelian was dancing his way across the field with graceful movements. Ivan followed behind him. Making up his mind, Wayne darted across to join them.


    A Lightbeam passed right across his face, causing Wayne to stumble but he tried to keep moving forwards. He took one more step, before another Lightbeam crashed into his side before he could react.


    The blast wasn¡¯t too powerful, but it was still forceful enough to knock Wayne to the ground. He instantly scrambled back onto his side, but thankfully a follow up didn¡¯t occur.


    Instead, Wayne got to watch as Makelian and Ivan advanced on the other team''s backline, causing them to receive all the long range fire. His turquoise haired friend moved like the wind, dipping and slashing with his Ray Blade to intercept some attacks while using his oversized pauldrons to block the others.


    Ivan was much less majestic, scrambling around as he dodged without the benefit of armor to protect him. Still, he too was managing to remain unharmed, so far it was just Wayne who was down.


    He faintly heard the air whistle and Wayne trusted his intuition, rolling from his side and springing to his feet the best he could. The stone form of a woman falling where he was laying just a moment ago proved his intuition right.


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Yvonne yelled out from across the way, tussling now with just Avery after having thrown the other Hastas almost into Wayne.


    He wasn¡¯t given a chance to respond, because as Wayne was backing up another hand shoved him back to the ground.


    Now August stood over him, glimmering with an internal light and moving at speeds that said she was using the Enforcer Form. Still, she was on the defensive as Jayna reigned blows on her, sparks flying from the other Hastas¡¯ fists.


    From his position on the ground, Wayne shimmied backwards on his elbows, trying to create some distance from the fight next to him. Wayne was already overwhelmed, having lost track of his directions on his latest tumble. He was so turned around, that Wayne didn¡¯t realize what he was moving towards until his back brushed against something rough and hard.


    Looking over his shoulder, Wayne saw the Stone Affinity girl standing over him. Her arm was already coming down on a collision course for Wayne¡¯s chin.


    ¡°Oh sh-¡±


    Then Wayne¡¯s world was awash in brilliant light, and he realized he had been put in one of Praetor Jaemeson¡¯s cocoons. And his first fight with a Cohort was over, at least for Wayne.


    * * * * *


    ¡°You will do better next time, Wayne.¡± Makelian said.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that awful of a performance.¡± August offered civilly.


    ¡°Better than I had thought you would do.¡± Yvonne added, although its effectiveness was debatable.


    Somehow, they had ended walking to the cafeteria as a group when Jaemeson dismissed the Century. Even August had stuck with them.


    However, they had just been walking the long corridors in silence, so Wayne had told them he was disappointed in how he had executed. and the rest of the group had somehow decided he needed to be consoled.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    In truth, Wayne had just been talking about sticking with Ivan¡¯s plan, and wasn¡¯t really upset so much as looking for ways to improve. After he had time to think, Wayne had realized he had frozen at the beginning of the match and could have used that time to group up with Makelian and Ivan on their blitz.


    Still, it was a nice reminder they at least cared somewhat.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡± Wayne said as they passed the entry of the cafeteria.


    ¡°I for one thought you were rather subpar. Why didn¡¯t you at least cast some Lightbeams their way?¡± Ivan interjected, ruining the moment.


    ¡°Maybe because I don¡¯t know how to.¡± Wayne retorted.


    ¡°Ah, of course, I should have known. Just another thing to add to the list of topics you are clueless on. How in the world are you going to survive the Assessment?¡± The snide boy said.


    ¡°Another thing I don¡¯t know.¡±


    The group quickly laughed at that, like Wayne was joking. Wayne was only half paying attention at this point, looking ahead at the heaps of food that were once again piled high across the various tables and serving stations.


    ¡°No I¡¯m serious, what is the Assessment? I don¡¯t know what, or apparently how deadly it is.¡± He asked offhandedly.


    Wayne had already made his way to the station offering thick cuts of an unknown meat that smelled delicious, when he realized he was alone. He looked around to try and find his group but quickly realized that they had all stopped together, and were just staring at him incredulously. After a moment, Makelian broke their silence and began to move to catch up to Wayne.


    ¡°Why would you volunteer for an unknown and possibly dangerous task, when you so clearly were not required to.¡± The usual fake smile he plastered on was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°I, uh¡­¡± Wayne suddenly felt crowded as his new friends surrounded him as they awaited his answer.


    ¡°Well¡­ I guess it doesn¡¯t feel much different to my entire time here in Light¡¯s Reach. And to be honest, I thought Jaemeson would keep us mostly safe, but you all are sounding like that won¡¯t be the case.¡±


    The others shared a look, even August joining in, before they turned back to Wayne.


    ¡°We¡¯ll fill you in after we grab food. Meet us at the same table as before.¡± Yvonne said, before turning to go and follow her own directions.


    The others did the same, Ivan trailing for a moment to shoot Wayne a surprisingly sympathetic glance. The sour taste of knowing you had made some sort of mistake, but not knowing what exactly, made it hard to focus even on the gourmet heaven in front of him.


    His plate ended up filled with two slabs of the tantalizing seasoned meat, a handful of fried melaen wafers, and collard greens. It was a meal worthy of a feast, and yet Wayne¡¯s couldn¡¯t look forward to eating it. So making his way over to the corner of the cafeteria, Wayne decided to get this conversation over with.


    Sitting down, he got straight to business. ¡°Okay, what is this Assessment all about? Assume I know nothing, because it is true.¡± Wayne asked the group.


    August either hadn¡¯t decided to eat with them, or was still selecting the food for her meal. Either way, Wayne wasn¡¯t going to wait for her and didn¡¯t need to, as Ivan, Makelian, and Yvonne were already ready at their table. The young woman snorted, and gestured for her brother to take the lead.


    Ivan sighed, and straightened his glasses before speaking.


    ¡°Where to even begin¡­ I guess, first we should establish if you know what Assessments are?¡± The gloomy boy asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Well, then you should know that Assessments are a key part of being a Legionnaire. To ascend through the ranks, you have to take a certain official Assessment at each step along with a host of other requirements.¡±


    ¡°Usually the Assessment is indicative of the tasks associated with that rank. For example, as Grand Hastas we will be asked to be able to clear Rifts as a Cohort, without any notice. So that¡¯s what our Assessment will be.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, our Century will go out into the Western Wildes in Cohorts early in the morning, to close selected Rifts without supervision.¡± Ivan stated.


    No¡­ The Western Wildes was the last place he wanted to be. The odds his corpse was added to the infamous collection it had were all too high right now, before he had any real time to improve.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Wayne said.


    ¡°Yes, and even though we know ahead of time, the Cohorts will be chosen tomorrow morning, so training and preparation are still mostly irrelevant outside of an individual sense.¡±


    That¡¯s even worse! Not having people around that were at least inclined to protect him was pretty much a death sentence in the Western Wildes for Wayne. And if he could be in anyone¡¯s Cohort, someone might be inclined to make sure an accident happened, especially a certain someone that seemed to hate him¡­


    ¡°Ahhg, Cleft.¡± Wayne said with a groan.


    ¡°Hmmmph, exactly. The other Aouris has plenty of reason to see you dead, if given the opportunity.¡± Makelian added.


    ¡°Which leads us back to the original topic of tonight¡¯s meeting, before you threw us off our schedule with that ridiculous stunt you pulled Wayne.¡± Ivan said with a soft glare.


    ¡°The Aouris family situation, and how it applies to you.¡± He continued. ¡°Are you ready to learn about your Noble family?¡±


    * * * * *


    For most of his life, Wayne had imagined that somewhere out there, a family was waiting for him. While he had dreamed of it, his prayers had gone unanswered. And when he had finally given up, only then did his family reveal itself.


    But it had not been the idea of family Wayne had expected all those years at the orphanage. Instead, he had immediately found himself in a whirlwind of moving across the Empire for the ceremonial Awakening, and then his training at Light¡¯s Reach.


    Wayne had thought about his father¡¯s expectations, had learned about his cousin¡¯s apparent anger problems, but he hadn¡¯t considered what being a part of a Noble family truly meant.


    It meant history, lineage. Superiority, if not from talent then from opportunity. It meant wealth, power, and fame for most of Wayne¡¯s new peers. It was time to see if Wayne could twist it to his benefit as well.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready. Please tell me everything.¡±


    ¡°Begin eating then. With a full mouth you will not interrupt my brother until he is finished speaking.¡± Yvonne said.


    Wayne sawed a few pieces free from the cuts of meat, and then gestured for Ivan to begin.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ivan responded. ¡°To begin with, your House is a relatively new one, formed along the snowy slopes of the Orkun Mountain range when your grandfather claimed the land upon his Ascension.¡±


    ¡°As Empire custom dictates, he couldn¡¯t take the Margrave position himself, so he instead appointed his eldest son to the position. That was your father, the current Emperor Regent. At the time though, he was Margrave Aouris.¡±


    Wayne tried to picture his father over his meal, young and newly a Noble. Like him, now. He couldn¡¯t do it. Maybe it was because he had only seen the man surrounded by pomp and circumstance, but the Emperor Regent seemed born to it.


    ¡°Your father quickly proved himself immensely talented, not just in the world of politics but also in more violent arenas. He too joined the Legion, and rose through the ranks to reach Praetor at record pace. Then he withdrew from those activities to manage the March.¡±


    ¡°The Marches'' wealth and prosperity increased immensely under his reign, despite the desolate surroundings of Aouris.¡± Ivan continued. ¡°By initiating trading with the Orks, your father created a thriving economy that grew more and more powerful in the North. Under his protection, no one could threaten the city of Aouris.¡±


    ¡°Then, your father hit Tier 4 as well, becoming a Noble himself. He didn¡¯t have a¡­ known successor, so the stewardship of the March transferred instead to his younger brother. Lord Cleft¡¯s father, and Cleft would be the heir.¡±


    ¡°Which is essentially why Cleft despises you. Now that your existence is known, Empirical law dictates that you are the next Margrave Aouris. By being born, you have taken everything that Cleft believed would always be his. His home, his job, his title.¡±


    After Ivan said that, their table was silent for a long while. Wayne absently listened to the chatter and bustle around him, his mind spinning as he methodically chewed his remaining food.


    It was hard to be upset with Cleft now. Wayne understood why his cousin hated him, and recognized it was a legitimate grievance, even if Wayne couldn¡¯t have done anything about it. It was just another aspect of his new life that he would need to learn to navigate.


    ¡°So, am I a Margrave now?¡± Wayne finally asked.


    ¡°You are, Lord Aouris.¡± Makelian responded.


    Another sombre moment passed before Yvonne snorted.


    ¡°Alright, if you sad sacks are done being serious, it¡¯s almost the tenth bell, and I would like to use the healing pools before I go to bed. Assessment is at bloody six in the morning.¡±


    At her words, Wayne remembered something he had promised to do, earlier that day.


    ¡°Tenth bell? Already? I¡¯ve got to get going, then.¡± He said, not wanting to be late to this meeting.


    The group said their goodbyes, and made their way in various directions. Wayne hustled out of the cafeteria after cleaning up, taking long strides through the hallways. It was time to meet with Klaw, once more.

 Chapter 10

    ¡°You¡¯re late.¡± A silky voice echoed through a barred window.


    Wayne hadn¡¯t even made it down the hallway before the large Draconian man started talking to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you aren¡¯t exactly in the most easily accessible spot in Light¡¯s Reach.¡± Wayne replied back to Klaw.


    He had finally managed to navigate his way through the maze of corridors, but only after getting lost multiple times in transit. Frankly, Wayne was annoyed.


    ¡°If you do not respect my time, I take it to mean you do not respect my council?¡± Klaw asked, low and dangerous.


    Wayne wanted to respond, but he stopped and forced himself to take a breath. Then another. Only then, did he answer the Draconian.


    ¡°I apologize for that, it is no excuse but I have had a very long week, and today was the busiest day of them all. Enough so that I almost forgot about this meeting, and didn¡¯t leave myself enough time to make my way back here. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Silence was his answer for quite some time. Wayne couldn¡¯t see his potential mentor at this angle through the bars of the small window on the steel door, just chains leading into the shadows. It was unnerving, how someone so big could be so silent even when shackled.


    Finally, a response came from the dark recesses of the cell.


    ¡°Tell me about your arrival here, Wayne.¡±


    Wayne wasn¡¯t sure what purpose that would serve, but he still gave him a brief rundown of this week''s events, and his journey to Light¡¯s Reach. Relationships were give and take, after all. But when Wayne described what had felt like a lifetime¡¯s worth of wonders were quickly deemed uninteresting, and conversations that he could only half remember were seemingly all the other man cared about.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember the exact wording he used then. I had just come out from my Awakening, and I was still dealing with the fact I was Mortal.¡±


    ¡°Try harder Human. Remember better.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ not how that works. How about this? I¡¯ll promise to try to pay closer attention to what words people are using in the future. For now, I need you to teach me how to improve my shaping as fast as possible.¡±


    A reptilian eye peaked into the window, almost startling Wayne. He managed to keep his cool, but it was a close thing.


    ¡°Mmm, I suppose such a promise could be agreeable. Otherwise, you will surely die during the Assessment out in the Wildes. You are quite foolish for choosing to go there knowingly.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the truth¡­¡± Wayne muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Klaw almost purred. ¡°Well, then I have no choice. I will make sure you know enough to survive in the tiered jungles, so that you can at least make it to the Rift. What you do from there will be up to your skills and stomach.¡±


    Wayne nodded. This was his last hope.


    ¡°Take my hand, young Human.¡± The scaled man said as he extended his large hand through the bars.


    Wayne glanced momentarily at the long talons stretching out past the Draconian fingertips before reaching out with his own much smaller hand. Klaw¡¯s scales were surprisingly cold to the touch, and Wayne instinctively recoiled slightly but the other man caught his hand.


    ¡°Remain calm. Enter your Form Space, and do not lose your center regardless of what may happen.¡±


    Listening to the instruction, Wayne visualized his Shaping Space and let the hazy blue rimmed circle fill his mind. It felt easier than ever, and a small notification filled the top left of Wayne¡¯s vision.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Spirit


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That felt like a good omen to Wayne, so he did his best to tune out the outside world and focus inward. Wayne was very focused, but that didn¡¯t mean he was prepared for when something suddenly appeared inside of his Shaping Space that he didn¡¯t visualize. Wayne only saw a small sphere before the shock sent him spiraling from his Space.


    ¡°Aaughh!¡±


    ¡°I thought I told you to remain calm.¡± Klaw stated unamused.


    Wayne looked the Draconian man in the eye. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just- What was that?¡±


    ¡°A way to speed your learning along. Most Humans are not taught about it, although there are always reasons for those sorts of things. I will be passing Shapings from my Space to yours.¡±


    ¡°Whaaaaat. That¡¯s a thing?!¡± Wayne exclaimed incredulously.


    ¡°Yes, it is ¡®a thing¡¯. Now, we will do it again.¡± The Draconian said.


    Nodding, Wayne once again mentally staged his Shaping Space and prepared himself for what Klaw was giving him. This time, when the object suddenly phased into being he wasn¡¯t thrown off and held his Space steady.


    ¡°Now support the Shaping.¡± Klaw instructed.


    Wayne mentally reached out across the circle and grasped it. Instantly, he could tell what before he had only briefly seen as a small sphere was in fact, an eyeball. Actually, looking closer it was a distinctly Draconian eyeball, but with Wayne¡¯s own cold blue iris. Wayne, being careful to maintain the Shaping, opened his eyes.


    ¡°Is this¡­ mine?¡± He asked.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Klaw chuckled and let go of his hand.


    ¡°It is now. That Form is called the Dragon¡¯s Eye, and is one of the Draconian birthrights. It lets the user see large concentrations of mana around them, like Monsters or Rifts you may encounter during the Assessment. It will make navigating the densest parts of the Wildes possible for you. Now use it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to.¡± Wayne said.


    The Draconian prisoner gave Wayne a sad look at that, then explained the process.


    ¡°Wayne, to use a Form, you must envision a separate bubble around the Form often called a Form Space, and then try and mentally overlay the Shaping with its counterpart on your real body. Try to do so.¡± Klaw intoned.


    Wayne tried to follow his instructions, but it wasn''t working completely. The eye was now surrounded by a smaller blue bubble in his Shaping Space, the creation of the Form Space having removed the need to actively sustain the Shaping.


    The issue seemed to be with the second step of the process, where Wayne apparently wasn¡¯t aligning his mental ¡®eye¡¯ with his real one. After a long minute in which Wayne grew progressively more aware of the other man¡¯s hand, he eventually opened his eyes and looked at Klaw again.


    ¡°Maybe I should go back and practice this in my room. Tomorrow is a big-¡±


    ¡°You finish what you start. Complete the task, do not give up.¡± Klaw hissed at him, not letting go.


    Closing his eyes again, Wayne thought back to Jaemeson¡¯s words from earlier in the day, about how giving up forms habits, and grew determined to do better. Focusing again on the Form Space, tried to visualize the Shaping overlapping his own eye.


    ¡°Human, open your eyes.¡± The Draconian commanded.


    Reacting, Wayne opened his eyes to a world awash with soft colors.


    ¡°Woahhh¡­¡± Wayne softly exclaimed.


    It was hard not to watch the stones of the corridor, now each had their own internal light, creating a strange backdrop. However, it was clear that the real artistry here was the steel door that Klaw was locked behind.


    The small Runes carved into its perimeter shone with a brilliance that was hard to look directly at. Wayne still did it, mesmerized by the pearlescent swirls of color he could now see in what had been nothing but an impressive door moments ago.


    ¡°It is quite a pretty prison, is it not?¡± Klaw asked dryly.


    ¡°I, ah¡­¡± Wayne stammered.


    Only then, did he realize that he strangely couldn¡¯t see any light coming from the Draconian¡¯s hand, before finally dropped it. And, Wayne realized one other thing.


    ¡°Was it not working because I had my eyes closed before?¡± Wayne asked, hoping he was wrong.


    ¡°Yes. It was humorous to see you almost accept failure because of such a thing.¡±


    ¡°As I said earlier, it¡¯s been a long week.¡± Wayne said sheepishly.


    ¡°It is alright, young Human. You have acclimated to the Form, and should have no problems Shaping it yourself at this point. Get your rest, be prepared for the challenges you will face from tomorrow onwards.¡± His mentor said, already slinking back into the deep shadows.


    Wayne himself quickly slunk back to his quarters, ghosting through the corridors of the keep. It was another day of action, and another night where Wayne fell asleep almost as soon as he made contact with his mattress.


    * * * * *


    The next morning, Wayne jerked awake already looking around for what was coming next. It was a long moment before it was still well before dawn, and before he would need to head out into the Wildes with a group of strangers.


    He had time, but Wayne felt like he couldn¡¯t sleep. Instead, he rolled out of his amazingly comfortable bed and slowly moved to his feet. The soreness spread across everywhere in waves, even though yesterday hadn¡¯t been the most physically taxing.


    His destination decided for him, Wayne made his way to the place he knew he could find some relief, and hopefully wake up in peace. Moving through the halls in the dead of night, Wayne made his way to the healing pools.


    Stumbling through the ornate dressing room he unclothed and dipped himself into the warm waters. A sigh echoed through the mist. It wasn¡¯t Wayne¡¯s.


    Lord Johnathan Heirdt sat in a pool farther to the back of the room, before rising to his feet and abdicating now that he had Wayne¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Hello there. I was simply enjoying one last luxury before our upcoming assessment, but I will leave it to you.¡±


    Then, as the other boy walked past him, he added one more line.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be seeing you, Wayne Clive Aouris.¡±


    Shaking his head as Johnathan left the room, Wayne tried to dispel the anxiety brewing in his Wayne enjoyed the last moments of relaxation he would get for quite some time.


    * * * * *


    Several bells later, Wayne found himself leaving the western side of the keep and walking the streets of Light¡¯s Reach. Once again it was strange to walk outside and still find himself under a ceiling, but the Light Runes above were more than capable of perfectly lighting his path and revealing the city below.


    Which was why Wayne noticed when the crowds walking the streets started to thin, becoming increasingly glum and destitute. What were happy streets with children playing games quickly transitioned corners with beggars and scantily clad women. There wasn¡¯t any open threat of violence because of the proximity of the Legion, but the undercurrent was there.


    Although so far he had been accosted due to his white Legionnaire uniform, Wayne knew about these parts of town and had no desire to spend more time here than he had to. Hustling through, he quickly came to the western gate of Light¡¯s reach.


    There, two Legionnaires stopped him.


    ¡°Are you with the 1st Century¡¯s Assessment?¡±


    Only when Wayne nodded and told them his role in the event, did they let him through, and even then they gave him another warning about the dangers of the Wastes.


    ¡°Beware the wastes, Hastas. We¡¯re due for a good cleansing soon, so in the meantime the surroundings are as untamed as they¡¯ll ever be.¡± One of the guards said.


    Wayne thanked them for the warning. As the gate opened, Wayne could already hear the hum of the Wildes from here. Continued out the gate, Wayne saw what looked like his Century a few minutes away in the clearing around the city. Walking the small distance over to the group, Wayne quickly found his friends and saddled up to them.


    ¡°Good morning guys.¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Wayne.¡± Makelian replied.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Yvonne added.


    Ivan grunted his own grumpy greeting. The twins were clearly unhappy to be awake this early, while Makelian appeared exactly the same as he always did, unnatural smile included. Wayne looked around a bit more, and saw that almost the entire Century was here, and he was one of the last to arrive.


    Amelia and Jayna were together again, with Avery chatting alongside the other Affinity prodigies of Water and Stone, Brent and Marilyn. Cleft was casting angry glances his way now that Wayne had arrived, while whispering animatedly with August and another boy. Behind them, Johnathan stood perfectly still with his eyes closed and arms crossed.


    Jaemeson was at the front of the grouping, standing between them and the Wildes along with Praetor Julia and a few Legionnaires Wayne didn¡¯t know. The man was stewing over a warm cup of joe, the potent scent distinct enough to place as if wafted even in the soft wind.


    After a couple minutes and a couple of people arriving, the Praetor quickly downed the rest of his coffee and got the attention of the group.


    ¡°First Century, at attention!¡± Jaemeson ordered.


    At his words, everyone snapped into a salute that Wayne had only heard about before. He quickly copied the motion, and thankfully no one called him out on his half a second delay.


    ¡°Alright Hastas, you know the meaning of today¡¯s Assessment. Succeed, and you graduate to Grand Hastas. The first rank we allow into active duty, although your Century will of course be accelerated towards Princep over the following half a calendar.¡±


    Jaemeson cast a glance around the collected group.


    ¡°This will be the first real obstacle many of you have faced up until this point. Even those of you who attended the Academy will not have been put through a test like this. Because there is one thing that will always be present in Legion Assessments that you won¡¯t find elsewhere in the Empire.¡±


    ¡°That is life threatening danger. You will go out there, and you may die over the course of the next few days. And that¡¯s the reason the rest of the Empire will never know danger, never have to fear for their lives. Because you volunteered to take that risk for them, to take that risk for your country.¡±


    ¡°So before you take that risk for the first time, and while I have all of you here for what may be the last time, I wanted to say something to all of you. Regardless of your background, or the path you took to reach this point, I¡¯m proud of you. There are others out there that could be standing among you today, but aren¡¯t. Not because they aren¡¯t capable, but because they don¡¯t have the extra fire in their gut that separates Legionnaire¡¯s from the rest. I wish you all luck.¡±


    Then, he cleared his throat before continuing.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve said that, let me announce the groups for the Assessment.¡±


    A small buzz rose at his words.


    ¡°First Cohort is; Johnathan Heirdt, August Banchera, Homer Urlondst, Jayna Ward and¡­ Wayne Aouris.¡± Jaemeson finished out the first group.


    Feeling something was off, Wayne¡¯s first thought was the noble scion he had seen earlier that morning. When he twisted his neck, he found Johnathan staring directly at him, arms still crossed and a slight smirk on his face.


    Politics and a deadly journey into the Monster infested wilderness. Just perfect. Wayne thought dryly.

 Interlude 2

    Grud stepped in the Ancestor¡¯s Cave. Instantly the wind from outside seemed distant, even though the Ork was barely a few feet from its ravaging touch. He pushed further past the entrance to drag the sled with Dura¡¯Mon inside.


    The drag on the bottom of the wooden sled increased when the ground transitioned from snow to stone, but Grud continued forwards nonetheless, the leather cords tight in his grip. Slowly, he brought the entire sled inside the Ancestor¡¯s Cave, then dropped his burden.


    Grud slumped against the wall of the cave¡¯s mouth for a moment, catching his breath and warming his chapped hands. He did a once over of the mid sized cave, about eight strides wide. He chuckled once when he saw that his breath didn¡¯t even fog here. No wonder even the ancestor¡¯s had thought this place was sacred.


    Forcing himself back to his feet after a minute, Grud let out a sigh and examined the state of his companion Dragon once more before the ritual. Once he entered the chamber with the World Well, there would be no turning back.


    Dura¡¯Mon was quivering even now out of the cold, Grud¡¯s companion taking short, shallow breaths. His long, white scaled appendages shook slightly with each one, but Grud had already given the Dragon all the care he could.


    Except this.


    Once again, Grud grabbed up the leather cords he used to pull the sled, and trundled deeper into the cave.


    Moss started to appear on the rough stone walls, moisture condensing into droplets of dew atop the greenery. On the ceiling too, as water dripped down on Grud from above, pooling into puddles to stomp through.


    The cave widened out into a more open chamber, with different artifacts from the various Despato over the ages decorating the walls and corners. Grud absently noticed Abatui¡¯s infamous headdress atop an ornate pedestal. Still, his route never faltered.


    Grud walked past the history of his people and into the chamber beyond, pulling Dura¡¯mon with him. Inside, there was only one object of note.


    The World Well.


    Grud couldn¡¯t describe it. Its nature was indescribable, constantly shifting its existence except for the constant outpouring of energy radiating from its center. Abundant, multihued and ever changing, the energy was mana, the lifeblood of the world, the underpinning of reality.


    The Well made a pleasant humming sound, along with possessing a strange scent. One so faint that without an Ork¡¯s acute olfactory sense it would be impossible to pick it up. It smelled of honey and wet wood, oddly enough.


    Here, where the mana entered the physical realm, Orks had bonded to their companions for centuries. More drakes had been born in this room than anywhere else, but today, something different would take place. Something new, and dangerous.


    Grud gently lifted the lithe frame of the Dragon from the makeshift sled, and laid him out directly in front of the shifting edge of the World Well. They would need its overflowing energies to power the connection they would be attempting to form. Grud himself took a position not far from Dura¡¯Mon, off to his side and also uncomfortably close to the Well.


    The Ork rested his left hand on the Dragon¡¯s flank, and then mentally formed his Shaping Space. The Space extended slightly past his reach, surrounded as always by a thin strip of light blue that always reminded Grud of his friend the cold.


    Readying himself for what was to come, Grud seized his authority. With a force of will, he Shaped it into a singular spike. Wielding it towards where he imagined his hand to be, Grud stabbed through his Space with the Shaped authority.


    There was a moment for Grud to see Dura¡¯Mon flinch from the connection, then he was out of time. A brief flash of intense pain was followed by a blessed release as Grud fainted and entered the Bonding.


    * * * * *


    He was mad. Mother had punished him again. Why, he didn¡¯t know. He lamented that fact as his tail thumped against the wall in anger.


    There was no light while he was being punished. Very little sound. The mana in the atmosphere was sickly and thin. It made him hungry, and then angry, like he was now.


    Letting loose a screech, Dura¡¯Mon tried to flare his wings but could not with the low ceiling of the punishment chamber. The small confines enraged him further and he began to bash his head against the walls.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    His shouted echoed loudly, caught in the small chamber. It would not matter, his mother would know. That she didn¡¯t answer him, did not mean she was unaware he was calling.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    Still, he remained in the darkness. His rage boiled further over.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    ¡°Yes, my love. Have you finally learned your lesson?¡±


    The whisper of his mothers voice trickled straight into his mind.


    ¡°Fight me! Fight me now! Why am I punished?¡± Dura¡¯Mon shouted.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Let me free! Let me out!¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    His only reply were the echoes of his own plea in the punishment chamber. Then, even they faded away. Silence reigned. He felt defeated, and curled up to sleep.


    Just as he settled down, the chamber disappeared. The sun blared out above him. Now, Dura¡¯Mon was in free fall over the slopes. Free. His cackling laughter tumbled over the mountainside, along with his wing beats.


    ¡°Thank you mother! Thank you!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet. You haven¡¯t gotten everything you asked for, Dura¡¯Mon. You will shortly.¡±


    Dura¡¯Mon felt something new when mother said that. A chill ran down his back that had nothing to do with the wind.


    ¡°Mother..?¡±


    Then, the sun was blocked again. He looked up and saw his mother¡¯s claws descending. He didn¡¯t have time to react as he was knocked down towards the slopes below.


    The snow started falling alongside him. It didn¡¯t feel like mother was playing with him as he plummeted. It felt like¡­ she wanted to hurt him. Dura¡¯Mon was afraid of what mother was doing.


    ¡°Mother, why are you-¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted? A fight?¡± The wind whispered ominously in his ear.


    Only then did Dura¡¯Mon finally hit the ground. The impact knocked the breath from his breast, and the Dragon took a few wheezing breaths in an attempt to recover. Then, he pushed himself to four shaking feet.


    Mother was coiled all around him, encircling the valley with her bulk. Great white scales as big as he was covered her form. Dura¡¯Mon felt a panic settle of him, and he abandoned thought. Now was the time to act.


    He beat his aching wings and took off at mother, raking her sides desperately with tooth and claw. Dura¡¯Mon twisted and scrapped and fought as best he could. Sparks flew as he drew the length of his claws across a scale.


    It did nothing. Around them, the storm grew ever deeper. He wasn¡¯t done yet though. Blasting off of mother, he aimed himself on a collision course for her head. He didn¡¯t see the tail, just its shadow.


    Then he was down on the ground once again. This time Dura¡¯Mon didn¡¯t think he would recover. He whimpered one last thing before everything faded to black.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    * * * * *


    Grud didn¡¯t see, preoccupied with the visions of Dura¡¯Mon¡¯s exile, but the Dragon was undergoing a change. As the waves of mana emanated from the World Well, Dura¡¯Mon¡¯s body eagerly absorbed its natural nourishment.


    This fed his healing rate, festering wounds closing over the surface of his body. The mana sustained the creation of the Companion Bond, and the memories the two of them were sharing. The Dragon was now seeing Grud¡¯s own journey to this point, learning his perspective.


    That Grud too had felt the injustice of Dura¡¯Mon¡¯s situation, gave them a mutual appreciation, and ignited something in the Dragon. A spark became a blaze, and as it caught, it burned the pristine white of his scales a dark, singed red.


    His healing was finished, but his transformation was not. The energy continued to flow into Dura¡¯Mon, accelerating his growth. What had been lithe and lean quickly gained multitudes of muscle mass. His tail grew another five feet, spines along his back extending further. The newly reddened scales gained small barbs.


    Finally, everything settled, and Dura¡¯Mon awoke for a brief second. All he had the strength to do was open one eye, and take a look at his new Companion.


    The Dragon noted that the Ork was taller than he had seemed, with wider shoulders than the memories of climbing the Uruyuld would suggest. Then, the Dragon let himself rest, the comforting presence of his Companion beside him.


    * * * * *


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯d like to say he looks an awful lot like me, just quite a bit younger, obviously.¡± The Emperor Regent said.


    Ainne gazed curiously at her father, and tried to imagine what a younger version of him might look like. A boy with gray eyes, and black hair. Maybe her brother even had her father¡¯s cheekbones, like her. He noticed her scrutiny, and began posing for her, thrusting his jaw out.


    ¡°Oh stop it.¡± Ainne complained with a smile.


    He laughed for a moment, before his smile went sombre. Ainne could tell he was thinking of her half-sibling.


    ¡°He seems like a good young man.¡± The Emperor said at last.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to meet him.¡± Ainne said, a rare slip of her control.


    Her father looked sad while she said that, but quickly forced himself to smile again. Once again, Ainne saw through to his inner thoughts.


    ¡°Yes, with any luck, you will.¡±


    Ainne understood the pain in her father¡¯s words, and searched for a way to change the topic. Thankfully, that was when the chamberlain informed them of the ball¡¯s beginning.


    ¡°Your holinesses, your glorious presence will soon be expected in the main showroom.¡± The older man said after he did a formal bow.


    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s our queue.¡± Her father said, his tone rapidly shifting.


    Ainne wanted to comfort him, but no longer had the opportunity. Instead, the two of them made their way through the grand corridor¡¯s, across the Capitol Castle. The gauche decorations ramped up the closer they drew to the more public sections of the castle.


    Plaster busts and friezes that depicted Emperors and Empresses of generations past, alongside the Popes, Grand Priests and Saints of the Church. Standard fare, and all faces that Ainne had memorized years ago at this point in her education.


    She ignored them all, striding past the irrelevant reminders. Today was about Ainne, and that meant her mother wouldn¡¯t be the only one demanding perfection. The other noble families would all be in attendance, and all be looking for weakness amongst the Holy Family. Ainne would be under a magnifying glass, and although she was not looking forward to the occasion Ainne was prepared.


    Her posture was flawless and her makeup pristine. Ainne wore a flowing red lace silken dress, of a cut that modestly covered her neckline. She was expected to be powerful and perfect, but also young and modest. It was a maddening set of double standards to live up to, but Ainne had persevered so far, meticulously towing the line since her introduction to court at six years of age.


    By now, it was habit.


    Still, Ainne minutely adjusted her left sleeve as she walked, and puckered her lips slightly. After all, her education had also taught her that change was inevitable, so instead Ainne simply prepared and adjusted. As her mother had taught her.


    The Empress awaited them before the royal entrance, the sounds of merriment commencing past the burnt orange drapes behind her.


    ¡°Presentable. Come, let us show the nobles our family united.¡±


    Her father joined to her mother¡¯s left, leaving a space between them for Ainne. After all, she was the star today. Joining them, the Holy Family walked past the hanging drapes to the ballroom beyond.


    It was a grand hall, with wide, gilded pillars and a high vaulted ceiling. The assorted peerage buzzed about, greeting each other and testing the value of the information that was available to obtain.


    The Family entered atop a special terrace designated for their exclusive use. A thick railing connected to staircases that led downwards in both directions to the floor. At their side, a herald announced their presence to the assembly.


    ¡°Esteemed guests, it is my great honor and privilege to welcome the Luminous Empress herself, alongside the Emperor Regent, and tonight¡¯s maiden of honor, the Holy Princess and newest Champion of the Empire, Ainne Elia Lumina!¡±


    A warm scattering of applause broke out at the herald¡¯s words, but Ainne didn¡¯t feel any loyalty in the gazes of the nobles looking up at them. She saw calculation, and greed. In some, she even saw fear.


    Ainne stepped beyond her parents, as today she would be expected to address the nobles herself. There was a small table with a glass of wine for her to hold aloft, which she promptly grabbed before beginning her toast.


    ¡°Thank you all for coming out to this celebration of our next generation. Now let me proceed.¡±


    ¡°I will not be meek. I intend to lead the next generation from the front, as Champion, Holy Princess, and eventually the Luminous Empress. The holy light of Luminos leads me forward, and I shall follow it to the glory of our Empire.¡±


    ¡°Today, however, is a day to celebrate what we have already achieved. We already have the greatest nation on the continent of Psykuri. We have the warriors of the north, the ports of the south, and the great fields of the central territory. We have food aplenty, gold overfilling our coffers, and elixirs to keep us healthy.¡±


    ¡°Here is to what we have. Here is to the Empire.¡± Ainne said, raising her glass.


    The nobles around the room mirrored her actions, and together they drank. Ainne subtly glanced down the stem of her glass at the collection of guests, trying to place important faces she should visit first.


    Noting a couple of the attendees, Ainne struggled not to show her annoyance. She really did not want to have to play hostess to a couple of the heirs of the Archdukedoms. Ainne set her wine down half finished, and walked over, ready to play politics.

 Chapter 11

    Wayne followed his Cohort as they made their way to the edge of the clearing around Light¡¯s Reach. The long grass waved and whistled in the wind, making a soft high note as it blew through the plants¡¯ reaches.


    A Legionnaire stood waiting in the grass with an envelope and a large bag, the white of their casuals marking a stark contrast to the greens and browns of the Wildes behind him.


    It was a daunting sight, the twisting roots of the jungle trees growing out from each other in layers. The Western Wildes immediately lived up to its moniker as the tiered jungle, as Wayne could immediately see at least three layers of trees growing up towards the sky, their long and writhing branches extending over a hundred strides upwards.


    An ethereal chorus rose from its depths, a mix of the wind and chirps, clicks, and whistles from various beasts and bugs. The total effect was a high pitched piercing noise that was an ever present backdrop even from here in the clearing, only broken when the Legionnaire addressed them.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, 1st Century, I am Grand Triarr Desmond. In this supplies pack there are prepared rations that can sustain your Cohort for five days, along with a variety of other exploration supplies and equipment. Do not lose this pack, or you will likely die.¡±


    He dropped the bag to the ground, and gestured to the envelope.


    ¡°In this envelope are the details about the Rift we have selected you to handle, along with a rough map of the area you will find it in. I advise you to open it after traveling thirty minutes into the jungle, and not before. That is all of the official help and instruction we are allowed to offer.¡±


    Then he paused for a moment, taking a deep breath.


    ¡°Good luck Hastas. You will need it.¡±


    Handing the envelope to August, the Grand Triarr bid them adieu and left them to their Assessment. Wayne kept his eyes on the jungle, but was thinking about who he would be able to trust during this Assessment.


    His first instinct was to trust August, as she hadn¡¯t seemed a bad sort yesterday when they had interacted. However, she had made her allegiance to Lord Heirdt no secret and the man in question was who Wayne was most worried about.


    Jonathan hadn¡¯t reacted to anything yet, still standing imperiously with his arms crossed. The small smirk Wayne had seen before was absent in a way that almost made him question whether he had seen it at all.


    Next to him was someone who had fought on his team in yesterday¡¯s training, the man who must be Homer Urlondst. The immediate impression the boy gave of was one of a sycophant, his body language never far from supplicating to the heir to the archdukedom. The first word¡¯s Wayne heard him say did nothing to dissuade that opinion.


    ¡°At your command, Lord Heirdt.¡± Homer said with a slight bow.


    Then, the smirk came back in full force on Johnathan¡¯s face and Wayne was completely positive he hadn¡¯t imagined it earlier.


    ¡°Yes. Yes you are.¡± The boy said.


    Then Johnathan turned from the jungle and addressed the group directly.


    ¡°While we are in the Wildes, I expect perfect obedience. I will not tolerate insubordination.¡± He announced casually.


    At his words, August and Homer went to flank him, also turning from the greenery behind. Wayne was tempted to disagree immediately, but realized that this situation was actually beneficial for him. He would be at Johnathan¡¯s mercy out there, but that was the case anyways.


    This way, though, the fifth and final member of their Cohort would be more inclined to be friendly to Wayne under their shared oppression. Especially if Wayne was in any way correct about Jayna¡¯s personality.


    ¡°Drown yourself.¡± She said succinctly, a cold look on her face.


    Then she stormed past them and started making her way through the foliage, leaving no room for rebuttal. Then, predictably, the Cohort¡¯s attention turned to Wayne.


    I may not have any experience in politics, but even I could see that coming. Which almost certainly means this situation is what Johnathan was engineering all along¡­


    Wayne hated this. Having to second guess every action and reaction was already frying his nerves before he had even entered the Wildes, but Wayne did have some ideas about the young Lord¡¯s intentions for him.


    ¡°I will follow your lead, Lord Heirdt. And¡­ I¡¯ll try to convince Jayna to fall into line as well.¡± Wayne added the second bit at a much lower volume, hoping the other girl couldn¡¯t hear him from the path she had picked into the Wildes.


    ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, my Lord.¡± He said, moving to follow Jayna into the Wildes so she wouldn¡¯t get separated from the rest of the Cohort.


    He made his way towards the strange trees, their strangely elongated roots making the ground level a tangle of wooden tendrils that were difficult to navigate. The ground itself was covered in almost a carpet of smaller multicolored bushes and weeds. As he followed Jayna¡¯s path deeper into the Wildes, he couldn¡¯t see the twisted smile that Johnathan now wore openly.


    * * * * *


    As Wayne stepped into the Western Wildes, the first thing he noticed was how little sunlight made it through the jungle to the ground. It made for a surreal sort of lighting, stray beams of the sun reaching through tangled vines like a prisoner reaching for freedom.


    Then, the smells hit him, sickly and sweet. The scent of flesh, rotting. Of flowers in bloom, and the insects that would tend to them. Earthen and heavy, everything was underset by the decomposing of waste at the corners of the tangle¡¯s floor.


    Wayne made careful steps in order to save the brilliant and colorful small plants that grew from almost every inch of soil. The bright reds and blues reminded Wayne of the garb he had seen the residents in the capitol wearing. Still, he couldn¡¯t stop and examine them at this moment.


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


    The underbrush and occasional thick root made the trek long and winding, as Wayne moved back and forth to find a route to where he could see Jayna stalking off to. A couple times, he almost lost her, but Wayne managed to get her back into his sight both times.


    Wayne caught up to the Lightning Shaper ten minutes later, and his legs were already burning from the rough terrain. The huge tangle of root and underbrush made the concept of flat surfaces an alien concept in the Western Wildes. Simply traversing through the thickets was an effort requiring stamina and awareness, so by the time he went to talk to Jayna, Wayne was already slightly out of breath.


    ¡°Hey, Jayna¡­ Can I¡­ Can I talk to you¡­ for a second?¡±


    The girl turned and looked at him beneath her jagged purple hair. She was very clearly not struggling to the same degree Wayne was, but that was to be expected. He didn¡¯t expect the hostility in her eyes.


    ¡°What is it, my Lord?¡± She asked him, dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Wayne started, before catching his breath.


    ¡°You know my name, Jayna. Or I guess if you need a reminder, I¡¯m Wayne. I¡¯m new to the whole noble business, so I would appreciate it if you could just treat me and the rest of the Cohort as comrades, at least for this Assessment.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Sure.¡± She said, turning back away from him and continuing forward.


    Realizing that he hadn¡¯t quite gotten his point across, Wayne scrambled to keep up.


    ¡°I know it probably doesn¡¯t matter to you, that you can pass this Assessment regardless of whether we work together or not. But I¡¯m not as strong as you. I¡¯m¡­ very weak. And I will almost certainly die without the entire group working together. So please, I¡¯m begging you Jayna. Please.¡±


    Jayna halted her advance, tilting her head to the side as if considering. Sensing an opening, Wayne tried to continue.


    ¡°I would really-¡±


    ¡°Quiet!¡± Jayna exclaimed, cutting Wayne off.


    ¡°This is a serious -mrph!¡± Wayne said before the other Legionnaire slapped her hand over his mouth.


    He struggled for a moment, before he noticed the eerie silence from the jungle. Then Wayne was struggling for a different reason, trying to twist his head around to look for threats. Jayna released him then, and assumed a stance that prepared her for conflict.


    Wayne tried to replicate it as he still scanned their surroundings. For several minutes the two of them stood there, ready for chaos to erupt at any moment. Wayne¡¯s neck started to get stiff from looking around so much, so he eventually let out a sigh and relaxed his body.


    ¡°Is there really- Ahhhhhhhh!¡±


    Once again, Wayne was interrupted, but this time it was because something had leapt from the tangled growth directly at his as he spoke.


    He fell backwards at the assumed assault, but before it could occur Jayna jolted forwards and thrust a single sparking strike at the creature''s midsection. A squelching sound and a burst of blood came out, splattering all over Wayne¡¯s face and even finding its way into his mouth.


    The strong copper tang mixed with a sickly salty flavor that made Wayne sick to his stomach.


    ¡°Ahhhh-petuah-mlemlem-ughhhhh!¡± Wayne sputtered, trying desperately to spit the thick viscous liquid from his mouth.


    ¡°Hrmph. I can¡¯t- Hahaha¡­¡± Jayna¡¯s laugh trickled out despite her best efforts.


    Wayne was still wiping the carnage from his face, but he still shot her a sour look. Unfortunately, that only exacerbated her laughter. Eventually, he gave up on trying to clean himself further as he found it was just smearing the crimson blood across his skin and clothes.


    Then he finally looked at the creature that had ambushed him. It was a foot long mammal with long feet and whiskers at the end of a pointed face. A common Werrell, a simple beast, no grand monster. Wayne felt foolish as he looked down at its corpse and Jayna finally calmed her laughter.


    He looked up after a while to find her staring at him, her face more free and bright amber eyes filled with a question.


    ¡°You were once an orphan right? Do you¡­ still consider yourself as an orphan?¡±


    Wayne opened and closed his mouth without saying anything. He didn¡¯t know exactly what she meant from the question, but clearly the answer was important to Jayna.


    ¡°I¡­ am currently trying to be more than that orphan, but it¡¯s¡­ hard. I¡¯m so much closer to that orphan than I am Lord Aouris, or a Legionnaire, or the Emperor Regent¡¯s son, but that¡¯s all anyone else sees me as. I¡¯m not sure if that''s what you want to hear, but that''s the truth.¡± Wayne said, gaining confidence as he spoke.


    ¡°Mmmm¡­¡± She gave him another appraising glance. ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll play nice for the Assessment, but you¡¯ll owe me one.¡±


    Wayne chuckled darkly.


    ¡°I already owe you one. If I survive to the end, I have the feeling I¡¯ll owe you a lot more than that.¡±


    * * * * *


    The two barely had to wait a minute before Johnathan and the rest of the Cohort caught up to them, almost as if they had been waiting for an agreement to be reached. Wayne wouldn¡¯t put it past him, but it could¡¯ve simply been a coincidence.


    ¡°Hello comrades. I see that blood has been spilt. Are both of you uninjured?¡± Johnathan asked.


    Jayna¡¯s expression tightened again as he emerged from the roots with August and Homer flanking him, shooting the Lord Heirdt a contemptuous glare. Of course, Johnathan merely smirked and looked her dead in the eyes.


    ¡°Ask him. I¡¯m fine.¡± She said during the fierce staredown, still not letting her gaze falter.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Lord Heirdt.¡± Wayne hurriedly interjected, trying to defuse the situation.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m sure you are. While we are stopped, it would be for the best for us to open this envelope here. We still have some semblance of an anchor point to base our location on, unlike what the Grand Triarr said.¡± Johnathan said, without moving eyes an inch.


    Didn¡¯t she just say that she would play nice?


    Thankfully, Jayna seemed like she wasn¡¯t going to completely break her word and huffed at the young Lord with a gesture.


    ¡°Hmph. Alright open up the damn envelope. I understood just as well as you that he was testing our abilities to discern beneficial information and advice. I just don¡¯t like you.¡± She said while shaking her head.


    Wayne felt his eyebrows raise. He hadn¡¯t suspected for an instant that the Legionnaire giving them the mission would intentionally mislead them. Then, he thought about it for a moment longer.


    The 1st Century was made up of many noble scions who would one day inherit great wealth and power. They would also inherit great enemies of means, who would have connections to the Legion of their own. It wouldn¡¯t be very hard for those enemies to slightly alter the details of a report and leave a rival critically unprepared in a lethal scenario, their hands left almost spotlessly clean.


    In fact, how could the others even know if it were a test, and not them being led to their deaths. Wayne had already been the target of assassins, what was changing what a few pieces of paper said in the grand scheme of things? Swallowing deeply, Wayne glared anxiously as Johnathan opened the envelope, as if it held the answers he was looking for.


    Shuffling the papers, Johnathan extracted them and began peering over the packet containing the details of their mission. Homer and August were looking over the man¡¯s shoulders and not wanting to miss out, Wayne walked over to do the same.


    The first thing he noticed was the map that was pictured in the upper left hand corner of the papers. Well, if you could call it a map as almost the entire image was taken up with a nondescript dark green color that was labeled ¡®Wildes¡¯. The only other things to note were one road led to a smaller light green circle in the bottom right of the map, and one red dot, around the center.


    Light¡¯s Reach, and their destination.


    Jayna grunted from a few feet away, not having moved to read the papers.


    ¡°Know where we are going yet?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Mmm. Yes, I¡¯m just reading about the various Elven ruins we will be encountering along the way, and their approximate locations. The report states that sometimes their defenses have been known to activate upon intrusion, so it¡¯s vital we maintain our distance.¡± Johnathan said absently, while continuing to read.


    ¡°Just a moment more.¡±


    He then shuffled the papers to move to the next page, pouring over further details and documentation of the ruins. Wayne found some bark and began rubbing the now crusting blood off of his face, the scent still in his nose.


    Homer gave him an incredulous look, but when Wayne shrugged, the other boy just smiled and shrugged back. August looked at the two of them and shook her head.


    Eventually, Johnathan finished reading over the reports, and secured them back into the envelope before in turn placing that in the supply pack. Then he looked around at the group, shook his head as well, and pointed in a direction.


    ¡°We will set our bearing there.¡± He stated, then took a small object out of a pouch and began fiddling with it for a moment, before replacing it in the satchel.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± The archduke¡¯s heir said, and set off.


    The rest of the Cohort lined up and followed him, with only minimal grumbling from Jayna. They began to make their way forwards through the thick roots, dodging side to side in a winding path that kept them mostly en route. They trampled colorful flowers and hairy weeds underboot as they fought against the foliage forwards.


    The sounds of the jungle hung heavy in Wayne¡¯s ears, but he couldn¡¯t help but worry about the next time it would fade to silence.

 Chapter 12

    Several minutes later, the Cohort was finally moving as a unit through the Wildes, having settled into an uncomfortable silence. Johnathan led from front, hacking and slashing as needed through the sometimes unpassable thickets of roots.


    After getting some time to lose himself in the trek and really think, Wayne realized he had already made a crucial mistake during the Assessment, one that may have gotten him killed if not for Jayna. Cursing himself for not using the tools he actually had at his disposal, Wayne tried to activate the Dragon¡¯s Eye Form.


    It took him a moment, but Wayne was able to create his Shaping Space while moving without much issue. Wayne actually had more trouble making sure he didn¡¯t trip over the rough terrain than holding his Space together.


    Remembering that image of a different version of his own eye was easy now. Maybe this is what Klaw had meant when he had said Wayne was ¡®acclimated¡¯ to the Shaping. He then prepared the Shaping¡¯s Form Space, and aligned it the metaphysical eye with his own.


    Instantly his vision was awash with brilliant colors that overwhelmed him and forced Wayne to close his eyes. His eyelids offered relief, but deprived him of the ability to see the tangleweed that clung to the ground and tripped him up.


    Thankfully, Wayne fell into a root directly in front of him and managed to keep his feet, but Homer still noticed from right behind him.


    ¡°Are you alright, Lord Aouris? Need any assistance?¡± The other Legionnaire asked, breaking their ban on speech.


    Wayne hid his face and replied back as confidently as he could project.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Alright, if you say so, but it looks like you¡¯re stumbling around drunk! One time, my uncle came home so drunk that he tried to organize a dance with the whole household, but couldn¡¯t dance himself because he kept stumbling around and leaning like that! Ah, good memories. You would like my uncle, he¡¯s a really interesting guy.¡±


    ¡°Ah, sure. If you say so.¡±


    Wayne was only half listening as he slowly opened his eyes and let them adjust to the impressive waves of mana he could see with the Form active. It was of a different magnitude than what he had seen at Klaw¡¯s cell. Here, every plant radiated the same light as the Rune engraved steel door had, making it difficult to discern the environment around him.


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s somewhat of a genius, but he does have a bit of an alcohol problem. That makes him fun though! A real hoot at parties, both official and unofficial, of course. Knows something about everything, and is a surprising font of knowledge on certain points of interest.¡±


    Wayne did not really care about anything Homer was saying. He had never been drunk, only drinking a single glass on holidays at the orphanage, which were the only parties he had ever attended. Still, he didn¡¯t want to be rude, so he continued to show at least some interest while he tried to stop squinting like a fool.


    ¡°Wow, he does sound like quite the man.¡±


    Unfortunately, the other Legionnaire took that as an invitation to keep blathering on.


    ¡°Oh yes, another time he-¡±


    ¡°Homer, please. Focus.¡± Johnathan called from up front, interrupting Homer and saving Wayne.


    ¡°Yes, of course, Johnathan.¡± Homer instantly accepted, smiling throughout the whole exchange.


    Wayne put the conversation out of his mind and continued to focus on his Form, finally fully adjusting to the bright lights and being able to move forwards without risk. Although the mana was bright in his vision, it still paled in comparison to when he had seen Luminos¡¯ light with his own eyes.


    In relation to that, these were little more than soft glows, and Wayne forced himself to push through the early discomfort. Once he did, the glow from the roots and vines made it just as simple to avoid them as if he wasn¡¯t using the Form. Still, right now, it didn¡¯t seem that beneficial with so many mana prescenses cluttering his sight.


    Still, he made sure that he held the Form active as they continued to hike through the jungle. The Form Space made maintaining it almost effortless, and the extra information couldn¡¯t hurt.


    Wayne continued viewing the world through his Form for another half a bell before Johnathan spoke up from the lead again.


    ¡°Alright, the documents mention an Elvish ruin ahead, and recommend ascending a layer at this point.¡±


    Wayne¡¯s eyebrows creased in confusion.


    ¡°Ascend?¡±


    Johnathan gazed at him smugly, and pointed upwards.


    ¡°Yes, Lord Aouris. We will be climbing a layer of the jungle, and going above the ruins. This is still the least dangerous territory for us to transverse. There are other dangers around that we are insufficient to avoid with anything other than distance.¡±


    Wayne craned his head upwards, looking through the dense interweaving of tree, root, and branch that extended twenty strides above before the next layer of trees. Then he looked back at Lord Heirdt.


    He opened his mouth, then closed it, remembering his earlier words and promise.


    ¡°Alright, then. Lead on, Lord Heirdt.¡± Wayne said.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The other man gave him a quick shake of his head to show his disapproval, and then began climbing a nearby root hand over hand. Jayna and Homer quickly followed suit, finding their own trees to scale. August was less enthused, muttering something under her breath, but she too began scaling upwards, though she used the same route as Johnathan.


    Unwilling to be left behind, Wayne found another suitable tree and began pulling himself upwards. It was hard work, but for the first time in a while Wayne was able to use a skill he had developed back at the orphanage. Climbing trees had never been his favorite pastime, but enough of the other children had enjoyed it that it was still a frequent occurrence for Wayne.


    The trees here in the jungle were tall and bent at strange angles, but their overall thin branches and trunks made them more simple to climb than Wayne would have initially thought. It wasn¡¯t more than a few minutes of effort before he had reached the top of his tree, and a tangle of roots kept him from climbing further.


    Casting his eyes around, Wayne saw the others had reached a similar point, and that Johnathan was gesturing for their attention.


    ¡°Imitate and follow me.¡± He said authoritatively before beginning to swing from vine to root with just his arms.


    Wayne watched the other boy easily make his way across the open air, before pulling himself onto a conveniently placed root tendril with access to the next layer. The others started copying the maneuver, and Wayne realized he would need to do it too.


    Letting out a quick sigh and trying not to look down, Wayne reached overhead and grabbed the nearest branch. Then he kicked off, and swung out and away from a solid foothold.


    The air whistled past his head as he extended his other arm to grab the next root in his path. Then he did it again, repeating the motions twice more before the arms of his Cohort pulled him up onto the next layer.


    Rising to his feet, Wayne stood on the root and looked around him. The second layer of the Western Wildes looked eerily similar to the first, with the same colorful and bright plants and weeds sprouting from the ground.


    Except, it wasn¡¯t ground, and every here and there Wayne could see through the gaps in the foliage to the open air below. The huge roots supported another layer of flora, but there was no earth underneath. Wayne gulped, and vowed to pay extra attention to where he was stepping from here on.


    Still, the Johnathan didn¡¯t pause, and after consulting with the item in his pocket, set their new course. They continued to blaze forwards through their new terrain, moving a tad more carefully and methodical as they tested their footing.


    That¡¯s why it wasn¡¯t long before Johnathan whispered more instructions to the group.


    ¡°The ruins are just ahead and below us, if you look through the roots. There are no records of them being sound activated, but remain quiet for this duration regardless.¡±


    He then continued to move forwards, although Lord Heirdt slowed their pace to a crawl. It gave Wayne plenty of time to peer down between his feet at the ancient structure below.


    ¡°Woaahh¡­¡± Wayne softly intoned, drawing a few harsh looks, but he couldn¡¯t help it.


    Deep colored slate had been hewn from what appeared to be a single stone into a decently sized compound. Branches and vines covered the exterior, but seemed to have grown in tune with the structure, preserving its majesty instead of causing it to fade.


    There were places where the trees perfectly grew through the structure, and Wayne was certain the building had been made around them. It spoke of craftsmanship beyond what Wayne could comprehend.


    The ruin was clearly something not crafted by human hands, with soft angles and intricate stone work that defied explanation and the ravages of time. Intricate Runes still covered the surfaces Wayne could see, although most had lost their internal mana over the years.


    The ruin reminded Wayne of the architecture of Light¡¯s Reach. It was a work of art in the shape of a building, and Wayne felt a pang of regret that the Elves were an extinct Race. Wayne would have liked to be able to the people who had shaped such wonders.


    Still, it wasn¡¯t the size of a palace, and within minutes the Cohort had passed the structure, leaving its majesty for the return trip. The group continued without pause, trekking ever closer to their destination.


    * * * * *


    Hours later, they were still blazing across the Wildes¡¯ second layer, nothing notable having happened since the Elvish ruin. As the time had worn on, their pace had declined due to the harsh heat and terrain but they were still making a strong pace through the dense root layer.


    Sweat hung heavy on Wayne¡¯s brow as he drew further upon his stamina than the others due to his lower Stats. But he wasn¡¯t as far behind them as he was just this morning, as the exertion and tension of being in the Western Wildes was already providing reward. Wayne casually glanced at the notification he had gotten an hour ago.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Speed


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Strength


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Spirit


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Whenever Wayne thought about asking for a break, he just looked at the notification again. He could push through this and keep up. He ignored when he stumbled on a root, then again when he almost tripped on a vine. Wayne didn¡¯t ignore when the others noticed these things, he was just too focused on keeping his feet moving.


    So Wayne didn¡¯t realize that the ¡®food¡¯ break Johnathan called was promptly after he almost sprained his ankle on a fist sized gnarl in the wood.


    Breathlessly, Wayne asked, ¡°How can I help?¡±


    August just softly told him to rest and catch his breath while they got the rations ready. Wayne found a nearby cluster of tangled roots to lean against, and let himself plop to the ground. He watched as Homer extracted a smaller box from the pack with a collection of the brown ration cubes.


    ¡°Alright everyone, food is served.¡±


    The other boy dutifully doled out five, and then made his way among the rest of the Cohort, ending with Wayne.


    ¡°I hope everyone enjoys their meal! I prepared each of them to the limits of my culinary capabilities.¡± Homer said with a smile.


    Then he threw the small cube up into the air and caught it in his mouth.


    ¡°Clop- Oh my this- Clop- is delicious!¡±


    ¡°Can you at least try not to talk when you chew? It¡¯s perturbing.¡± August scolded Homer.


    ¡°Clop- I can¡¯t- Clop- help it. Gulp. We walked a lot already and I¡¯m hungry!¡± He responded, looking offended.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t talk. Luminos knows everyone has been waiting for you to stop for once in your whole life.¡± She sarcastically spat back with an eyeroll.


    ¡°Both of you. Not the place.¡± Johnathan said, finishing his own ration.


    At that, the group returned to silence as they rested, the only noise was that of the wall of sound the jungle constantly provided. Strangely though¡­


    As Wayne examined the jungle around him, he could barely notice any insects, or small creatures. Only one beetle could be spotted climbing a stem, and there were no birds sitting on the vines above. It appeared to almost be just them and the twisted tangle of trees known as the Western Wildes.


    But what was making the noise?


    Wayne couldn¡¯t find any discernible source. Starting to get frantic, he twisted and turned, but nothing he could see was making the ever present humming noise that had filled his ears for hours now.


    Rushing to his feet, Wayne looked for answers from his Cohort.


    ¡°What makes the noise here in the jungle? I haven¡¯t seen any bugs, or animals, or even remnants of them. I just¡­ how?¡± Wayne asked openly.


    Jayna gave a soft chuckle before saying, ¡°Life here knows that if something can see you, it can kill you. Any method you possess of detecting them, some other predator here also has. They have adapted so that it¡¯s not enough. Still, I doubt they will be so cautious come the night.¡±


    She looked off in the distance at that, a strange look on her face. Wayne nodded his understanding.


    ¡°That makes sense. Thank you for the explanation.¡±


    She just grunted in response, and tossed her own ration in her mouth ending the conversation. Wayne was grateful for her help, but still wished Jayna was a little easier to speak to.


    It wasn¡¯t long before they were moving again, Johnathan setting their bearing using the object he kept taking from his pocket. Wayne was curious as to what it was, but not to the point of seeking out a discussion with the other boy.


    Instead, when the young lord pointed the direction for them to travel, Wayne simply followed along, content to let the other boy lead the way.

 Chapter 13

    The short rest and replenishing of calories kept Wayne from falling over, now they were cutting through a particularly thick patch of jungle with only a few hours from nightfall. The stray sunlight that managed to penetrate the canopy far above.


    Wayne barely heard the roar of the jungle anymore, the constant noise having long since faded into the background of his consciousness. It brought a level of comfort, as Wayne felt he could trust in the senses of the natural inhabitants of the jungle.


    It didn¡¯t stop Wayne from still keeping the Dragon¡¯s Eye active at all times, despite his increasing confidence. He also noticed the others taking the occasional glance at his eyes, but with no one voicing a question Wayne didn¡¯t know if they could recognize his Shaping.


    Homer stood at the front of the procession now, with a large knife that had been bundled in their supplies pack. Hacking and slashing at a particularly tough root, the Hastas carved a route forwards for the rest of his Cohort.


    Jonathan stood behind him, peering over the documents they had been given once more.


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­¡± The young lord hummed softly, deep in thought.


    ¡°Are you almost done yet?¡± Jayna called from behind Wayne at the rear of their formation.


    ¡°Nope, not really!¡± Homer called back, oblivious to the annoyance in her voice.


    The Lightning Shaper grumbled at his back, but thankfully didn¡¯t make much more of it than that. Everyone was getting tired by this point except seemingly Homer, so Wayne was worried the boy''s cavalier attitude could spark another inter-Cohort conflict.


    Scanning their surroundings again with his Dragon¡¯s Eye, Wayne waited the minutes it took to clear their path forwards, then followed behind as Lord Heirdt took the lead again. Something about the documents was bothering him, as their leader kept pulling them out to check them, only to instantly place them back and shake his head.


    Wayne watched him get so distracted by whatever it was, the imperious man almost lost his footing and tripped. Deciding he didn¡¯t want to wait in the dark, Wayne asked Johnathan what was causing him frustration.


    ¡°What is it, Lord Heirdt? Is the path not aligning with what the reports said?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ no it¡¯s nothing that concerns you.¡± The other Legionnaire brushed the question off.


    Wayne had let several things go already due to the other boy¡¯s political influence, but this was too far.


    ¡°I would say it most definitely does concern me. I¡¯m not sure as for you, Lord Heirdt, but I don¡¯t want to walk into danger blind.¡±


    ¡°Are you going back on your word?¡± Johnathan asked darkly.


    Wayne met his gaze and did his absolute best not to show how nervous he was.


    ¡°No, I will follow your lead. But I do expect to be informed of the mission¡¯s details by my leader, at least while we have time. So while we have the time my lord, please inform us of what¡¯s bothering you about the reports.¡±


    Johnathan held his gaze for several seconds before slowly nodding.


    ¡°A reasonable expectation. Alright, in that case, I am currently doubting the veracity of these reports. I have no exact proof, but I cannot move past the reports'' reasoning and insistence on a direct path forwards. Especially seeing as clearly no Human has passed through that thicket back there.¡±


    The information dropped onto their heads like Stone Shaping, making the rest of the Cohort fall into silence for several seconds.


    Eventually, August broke it in a tender voice, as if she were afraid of the answer to her question.


    ¡°You think we¡¯ve been led to our deaths.¡±


    Johnathan took a moment to just look at her, his normally imperious expression almost completely melted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ but I can¡¯t shake the feeling that¡¯s the case.¡±


    August let out a soft gasp. Suddenly the temperature of the jungle seemed to drop precipitously, and the sweat on Wayne¡¯s brow grew cold.


    ¡°We are close to our destination. Despite my misgivings, it¡¯s still our duty to see it through to its completion. I for one will not go back without proof of tampering.¡± Johnathan continued after letting his words sink in.


    ¡°Still, it would be wise to be cautious. August, go ahead and begin scouting for the group, but remain close enough for us to intervene if necessary.¡±


    With a nod, the young woman took off ahead of the group, her small form rapidly being lost in the dense foliage of the jungle.


    Then, without waiting for the rest of their opinions, Johnathan turned and resumed his path through the Wildes, forcing the rest of them to follow. Wayne couldn¡¯t help but feel like he was marching to his death.


    * * * * *


    The uneasy feeling in Wayne¡¯s gut only intensified with every step forward. The darkness was closing in now, making their already careful steps even more precarious.


    Their pace continued to drop as the light dried up. Jayna and Homer had taken to holding sparks and flames in their respective hands to improve the situation. Still, it was getting to the point where they would soon be forced to halt for the night.


    Or at least, the others would be. With the glow coming from the plants of the Wildes in an endless font, Wayne was actually finding his footing more easily in the dark of night. The large roots they walked across were illuminated for him, making their path obvious in contrast with the darkness.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Still, Wayne wasn¡¯t the one leading their expedition, and he wasn¡¯t comfortable sharing that he had learned a Form from Klaw to these people. So he kept silent, and let Johnathan call the shots. Still, something was tickling the back of his mind, keeping him on his toes.


    Then Jayna almost fell into a huge gap in the branch network as the darkness closed in completely, and Johnathan made his decision. Their leader called back August to report on what she had seen, and scowled for a few moments before speaking to the rest of them.


    ¡°Alright,¡± The other boy whispered in low tones. ¡°Let¡¯s move to a clearing up ahead. Be wary, the report indicates it as a possible place to rest at night, before another Elvish ruin ahead. That means we must be prepared for anything. If necessary, we will clear out any threats and take the clearing for ourselves.¡±


    The potential of a fight began to work its way into Wayne¡¯s system, his nerves spiking and his hands shaking slightly. The other¡¯s didn¡¯t notice the miniscule motions in the dark, so his fears were his own to grapple with.


    Without pause, the Cohort headed towards the indicated clearing at Johnathan¡¯s instruction. They crept together almost a hundred strides as a unit, moving slowly and surely across the treacherous terrain. Homer took the lead, with Johnathan and Jayna taking his flanks to cover and provide damage. Wayne and August took the rear, as the weakest fighters they were forced to rely on the others for some level of protection but would still be looking to contribute where they could.


    The group made their way along their branch, until they approached the entrance to the clearing.


    To Wayne¡¯s eyes, it was bathed in a mystical light that gleamed with potency. But scanning the branches and roots from left to right, he couldn¡¯t see anything amiss. The space stretched a good dozen men across, and was quite spacious. And suspiciously open.


    The group moved forwards and made sure to clear every branch, root and vine of any hidden adversaries. Only after they had been as thorough as possible, did the Cohort finally relax. Wayne let out a sigh of relief that rang out in the silence.


    Then, the panic hit him full force, as he realized the sense of his unease. The jungle around them was silent, except it hadn¡¯t happened suddenly. It had been a gradual departure that had made them overlook its disappearance, letting them adjust over the minutes of their hike.


    In horror, Wayne turned his gaze upwards, towards the source of the mystical light.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s bust out some rations, shall-¡± Homer started.


    ¡°Shhhhhh!¡± Wayne desperately shushed the other boy, staring frantically upwards in case of a reaction at the noise.


    ¡°Aye, that¡¯s not- clap¡± Once again Homer was interrupted, this time by Johnathan¡¯s hand over his mouth.


    Their leader made a gesture towards his mouth, then pointed at Wayne, indicating for him to speak. Instead of verbally responding, he just pointed upwards. The light was barely enough for the others to see him from only feet away, so he didn¡¯t expect them to notice what was causing him to panic. So Wayne added two words.


    ¡°Huge snake.¡±


    He saw the faint glint of understanding in the other¡¯s eyes, and they turned their heads upwards in hopes of catching a glimpse. Then, Wayne saw sparks and fires start up and realized they didn¡¯t understand at all.


    ¡°Stop-¡± Wayne tried to say, but it was already too late.


    Homer and Jayna sent Shapings hurtling upwards at the Monster, revealing its form in the light.


    * * * * *


    What Wayne thought was a serpent was in fact some sort of enormous arthropod, its large segmented black carapaced body curled back upon itself in a spiral of terror. Wayne couldn¡¯t know what its full length was while it was coiled up, but it was as large as any building Wayne had seen in Light¡¯s Reach outside of the Legion¡¯s keep.


    A long stinger casually swayed back and forth even as the grotesque beast slept. It glittered in the brief light from the Cohort¡¯s attacks, its Human sized length fully revealed.


    However, the real horror was its dreadful face, chitin plates giving way to mandibles the size of Wayne¡¯s body, with pincers on their ends to pull the Monster''s prey into its mashing mouth. Even while mostly asleep, its jaw worked over the air, as if the deadly creature was starving.


    The attacks the others sent did nothing noticeable to the creature''s armored exterior, splashing harmlessly against the dull black exoskeleton. The Monster¡¯s only reaction was to slowly open its eyes tilting its head towards the Cohort.


    ¡°Shit- False basilisk! Run after me!¡± Johnathan yelled.


    Homer sent another ineffectual splash of fire towards the creature before turning and listening to his lord by dashing away. Wayne didn¡¯t have time to see if the others were too, as he himself had already started sprinting away as soon as the first attacks had landed, only correcting his course to align with Johnathan after he shouted.


    Wayne¡¯s boots slammed across the root underneath, causing it to shake slightly with his footsteps. He didn¡¯t dare slow down while he could hear the creaking of wood above though, as the arthropod awakened and moved its considerable weight shifted.


    The pounding of the others running near him gave him some hope that they may make a clean getaway, but then, the arthropod fully awoke just as they made their way from the clearing. A terrible screech came from behind him, and Wayne fell to his hands and knees as his ears protested their sudden strain.


    ¡°Aahhhhhhh!!!¡± He screamed out along with the beast.


    Then, strong hands pulled him to his feet and pushed him back into a run. Wayne twisted enough to see Homer despite his sensory overload, and tried to show his appreciation through the pain.


    ¡°The ruins closeby, we have to take cover there!¡± Johnathan shouted from ahead, with August hoisted over one shoulder.


    The Cohort took off after their leader, the leviathan crashing through the tangle behind them. Wayne half dared to look back, but the sight of the insectoid mouth snapping open and shut while frothing with saliva quickly made Wayne return all his focus to his speed.


    Still, he didn¡¯t think it would be enough, as they could all hear the false basilisk gaining on them even without turning to look. Their strides were simply too small to mean much in this race.


    ¡°Drop down!¡± Johnathan shouted, leaping through the gap Jayna had almost fallen down earlier and out of sight.


    The others took the plunge one by one, until Wayne was the only one hesitating. He tried to find a safe space to drop to when the root broke underneath him causing him to fall unwillingly.


    Time seemed to slow as gravity barely pulled Wayne out of the way of an avalanche of arthropod. As he twisted Wayne saw the mandible clack only a few fingers from his face. The stench of rotted flesh hit his nostrils in a burst like a shockwave as Wayne dropped to his death.


    He plummeted uncontrolled, before an enormous hand caught him. When he glanced at it, the appendage glowed with a strange black light that seemed unnatural. He didn¡¯t have time to question it though, and rolled from the hand¡¯s grip to the ground and took off towards where he saw the others running to.


    Another ear piercing screech came from above, before a hail of splinters rained down through the jungle. Whatever the creature was, it was furious they had disturbed its sleep and was intent on punishing the offenders.


    With a thud and a crash, it landed behind them but this time Wayne wasn¡¯t foolish enough to spare it a glance. He tried to sprint but the foliage made obtaining top speed impossible for him and the rest of the Cohort.


    However, the massive arthropod was showing no compunction about simply smashing its way through the environment, twisting and writhing towards them with great speed.


    ¡°Everyone, close your eyes!¡± Jayna shouted.


    Wayne barely had time to listen and snap them shut, before a torrent of light flooded the Wildes. The sound of lightning crackling was barely audible over the shriek the creature had let out at the attack, their first real blow against it.


    ¡°Quickly, while it¡¯s blind!¡± The girl shouted, and the Cohort took off again, hoping Johnathan could lead them to safety.


    They had a headstart thanks to Jayna, and used it to their advantage, stretching out a good distance between them and the beastial threat. Still, they needed to find sturdy enough cover to protect them, and Wayne was worried that even an Elvish ruin wouldn¡¯t fit the bill.


    ¡°It¡¯s just up ahead, hurry now!¡± Johnathan shouted over the ruckus of the thrashing beast.


    The group dashed across the ground as the shrieking started to die down behind them. Then with a thump, the noise completely died.


    Lord Heirdt was still at the lead, gesturing for them to continue to run, his mouth moving but no noise coming from it. Wayne realized now that he couldn¡¯t even hear his own footsteps, now the only noise left was the sound of his own heartbeat thumping in his chest.


    Forced to use his eyes, Wayne confirmed the arthropod had once again begun its pursuit, smashing through the stringy and thin trees like kindling. Wayne ran into a tree for his distraction, and quickly turned back to escaping, desperate to survive.


    Then, Johnathan pointed forwards, and Wayne saw an ancient stone wall similar to the ruin they had walked above earlier. Wayne ignored the strange Runes that decorated the elden walls, his mind completely locked onto one thing. A single opening offered sanctuary for them, if only they could beat their pursuer to the structure.


    In a final sprint, the group pounded their way towards the ruins, the sound still strangely muted even as the arthropod obliterated a path through the jungle. Still it seemed like they may actually make it.


    The remaining distance continued to shrink, from one hundred strides, to fifty, to thirty, and then ten.


    Johnathan and Jayna had just crossed the entryway, August still carried over the boy¡¯s shoulder. Homer was about to join them, when Wayne noticed the light increase suddenly in his Dragon¡¯s Eye.


    Grabbing the other boy, Wayne yanked him back as hard as could, despite the looks of horror and betrayal on the other Legionnaires¡¯ faces. Not a moment later, an enormous stinger plunged deep into the Earth, vibrations quaking through the boys¡¯ feet.


    When the creature extricated its tail, Wayne was horrified to see the entrance way collapsed. He had no way to know if the others had survived, but first he would have to find some miraculous way to live himself.

 Chapter 14

    Wayne stared up at the muted mashing mandibles handing over his head like the executioner''s axe. Homer stumbled to his feet, eyes wide after his narrowly avoided death.


    In the canopy of tangled branches, the false basilisk loomed. Wayne¡¯s throat dried as the terrible beast twisted and secured its long and segmented body in the trees above them. Every movement made the entire jungle shake.


    The arthropod seemed to realize it had cornered them, as it exposed a chitin frill around its neck in what appeared to be an intimidation tactic. Or in this case, a victory dance. Its body ended in the stinger that had decimated their hopes of safety, a grizzly instrument of death larger than Wayne¡¯s body coming down to a wicked point.


    Suddenly sound came crashing back into Wayne¡¯s world, and he was briefly overwhelmed. Animals that had previously been unseen fled before the arthropod¡¯s rampage, the ancient stonework in front of them creaked as it protested the damage it had been dealt, all while the clattering of the insectoid mouth never ceased.


    Wayne stared as the terrible tail swayed while the rest of the beast sat above them. He felt like a mouse caught by a cat, the predator so far beyond him that a comparison felt ridiculous.


    What can I do except die?


    Looking his end in the eye, Wayne saw something. Not his short and dull life flashing before his eyes. No, something much more important than that.


    He saw a new source of manalight trailing through the air. It wasn¡¯t a guarantee, but in his panic Wayne grasped onto the first hope of escape he could find. With barely enough mental wherewithal to pull Homer into running with him, Wayne took off towards the light his Dragon¡¯s Eye showed him.


    Towards the hole the stinger had pierced into the soil, deeper than he could see and wider than five men across. Above them, the stupid bug chittered like it was amused at their desperate attempts at survival.


    Still, it seemed to lose interest when they actually were about to succeed, and when it finally acted Wayne was powerless against the casual thrust of the stinger it launched at him like a fencer. Its point was invisible to him, disappearing into nothingness as it raced for the space between his eyes.


    Wayne accepted his death, but Homer didn¡¯t. The other boy tackled him the remaining distance, and the two of them began free falling in the pit. Wayne closed his eyes, bracing for impact.


    Wayne wasn¡¯t sure what he had expected from the hole exposed by the stinger, but a multi-second fall was not quite on the list. As the moment passed and air kept rushing by his face, Wayne dared to open his eyes.


    Wayne tried to ignore the stinging wind in his eyes and found no difference. All around him was darkness.


    ¡°Hooommeerrr!¡± He tried to call out for the boy who had just saved him.


    ¡°Heeeeeeeeelp!¡± Was the desperate reply rushing air.


    ¡°Wheeeeerrrreeeee?! Wheeeerrreeee!¡± Wayne shouted as best he could, trying to maneuver through the air to get some bearing or direction.


    ¡°Heeerree-¡± The other boy¡¯s voice cut out at the end.


    ¡°Hoomerrr! Hoooomerrrr! Nooooooo!¡± Wayne called out into the relentless wind.


    There was no reply and as Wayne kept falling ever further, he realized there was nothing he could do for the other boy now. All Wayne could do was try his best to live and help Homer at some point, if the other boy managed to survive as well.


    As the seconds passed and the bottom was still further down beyond Wayne¡¯s enhanced sight, that outcome looked increasingly less and less likely. The endless abyss stretched out before him, and Wayne was powerless before it.


    So he accepted his fate once again. It seemed like if Wayne was ready to die today, he may just find another way to live.


    Eventually, Wayne started to find the sensation of falling fun. With his arms outstretched to the sides he let a laugh out, despite the situation. Once he did, he found he couldn¡¯t stop, the laughter disappearing before it even reached his ears and giving him a space to let loose.


    Wayne laughed, and laughed, and until he started coughing because he choked a bit on his own spittle. For the first time, Wayne let himself just laugh at what he had gotten himself caught into and the absurdity of his life.


    Because he had to laugh, or else he would cry, and he would hate to find the bottom of the pit while he was crying. No, that wasn¡¯t how Wayne wanted to die at all.


    So he laughed, and if the tears still flowed from his eyes, those were tears of joy. Wayne had given it his best shot. The fact he had survived this far proved at least that much. So he laughed and smiled, because Wayne was proud of himself for the effort. He had been so far behind, but still learned so much in just a few days.


    For a few moments he thought of what his father might think when he heard, but he didn¡¯t know the man well enough to do more than imagine his face. A face like Wayne¡¯s own.


    Who would I be in ten years? Twenty? A hundred? Wayne thought.


    He laughed again as he imagined something so ridiculous. Wayne didn¡¯t know the first thing about being older, and it seemed like he never would at this rate.


    Oh well.


    Then, a light emerged from the darkness. At first, it was barely a glimmer in the distance, maybe just a figment of Wayne¡¯s imagination reaching for hope. But no, it was real and as Wayne continued to fall towards it, the light grew closer and closer.


    The fluorescent light blazed across the entire color spectrum, in shades that Wayne had never seen before in his life. Wayne felt it was vital to figure out what color it was. He couldn¡¯t think of anything else.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    It was everything at once, Wayne realized offhandedly, as he fell haplessly into the light.


    * * * * *


    There was nothing. Not light, darkness, space, or time. Not even the absence of those things existed. Existence itself was uncreated as of yet, there just was information and energy.


    This was the way of things. Until it wasn¡¯t. A great beast emerged from the energy, and wrought himself into being. The first existence, the greatest of Dragons. His eminence let out a cry that disrupted the vis-


    The wind gently rolled across the open landscape, long grass lolling under its pull. Occasional trees dotted the green ocean of hills, with small structures built out of them. It was a peaceful scene, serene in its simplicity.


    A huge shadow passed overhead. He glanced over his shoulder, but couldn¡¯t make out the shape of what was flying above the clouds beyond that it was enormous.


    As he was gazing upwards, the ground began to shake but strangely he wasn¡¯t affected by the motion at all. Then, the earth split and from it came an army of dwarves, clad in heavy metals. Fire started to spread, until the entire scene was engulfed with the flames.


    Then the flames reached him, tickling their way up his le-


    He stood in the desert, and helped a young boy to his feet. His skin was caked with the sand from the air, and his voice was dry.


    ¡°Why did you help me?¡± The boy struggled to ask.


    He raised his hand, and the wind stopped. Silence reigned on the dunes of the desert, where he called forth an oasis, so the boy may drink and bathe.


    ¡°I do this because you are worth it. We all are.¡±


    The boy nodded solemnly.


    ¡°Then you must forgive what I have done.¡±


    ¡°Wha-¡±


    Wayne jerked awake, eyes wide. He drew raspy, halting breaths, unable to fill his lungs. Something was wrong with Wayne, terribly wrong. He was dying, and it hurt. Especially his right hand, stretched out above his head. He pulled it in front of his face to find a charred mess, the fingers barely functioning with his ring finger being missing entirely.


    ¡°A-ahhh-hhh. A-a-Ahhh!¡± Wayne managed to get out.


    ¡°Holy shit, you¡¯re awake.¡± Homer called out.


    ¡°Rest now, take it easy¡­ at least one of us needs to make it out of here.¡± The other boy said the rest of it in a softer tone that Wayne was already too sedated to hear. Into unconsciousness Wayne slipped, where his mind was vulnerable to outside influences.


    An abominable snow storm raged around him. He walked deeper into the ravine, knowing two friends were waiting for him in its recesses. He walked around a corner and met his brother for the first time.


    ¡°Who-¡±


    He watched a small girl take off from harbor on a trading vehicle with her family. She was smiling, and laughing while running about. Then he turned to the docks, where a similar girl sat alone, hiding behind a box. She was almost identical to the one departing on the ship, except for her red eyes.


    He witnessed a porcelain goddess take the heart from her seven lovers. He saw a group of people with feathered wings put in chains. He lived the moment his mom bled out while hunched over him, again and again.


    He saw a sword. Held out across a thin neck. He felt the urge. The pain. The desire. Resentment. Fear. Envy. And he dropped the sword and turned away.


    ¡°I knew you would, my love.¡±


    He turned back, and someone new was there. Someone wonderful. Crystalline white hair, violet eyes that knew him intimately and a smile that he loved dearly.


    ¡°Do I have to leave?¡± The words came from his lips unbidden.


    ¡°You know that you must. Make yourself whole. We will see each other again soon.¡±


    He buried the crown of his head in her chest as she pulled him into an embrace. Then, the visions faded away, leaving only his Shaping Space. Something was broken, something he needed to fix. A great rend appeared in the side of the Space, its edges glazed with an otherworldly power.


    His authority was being whisked out through the hole, lost to the suction of the void but something was replenishing his power at nearly the same rate. Still, if the paradigm was not altered, he would die now. Wayne would die, before becoming him, and that wasn¡¯t acceptable.


    If the structure surrounding his being was broken, he would make a new one. Calling on the swollen power of his soul, he Shaped his authority then surrounded it with a Form Space, and aligned the Form with his hand.


    This would let him live. This would let her live. Maybe, it would even be enough.


    * * * * *


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Congratulations on the Ascension to (Acolyte)!


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +7 Speed


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +8 Strength


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +13 Spirit


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Skills:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    ?????


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    For a moment, Wayne forgot where he was and what had happened. The notification blaring in his face from the Order overwhelmed his scattered attention. Then the pain screamed at him, and Wayne yelled back, minimizing the message without examining it.


    ` ¡°Ahhhhhhh!¡±


    ¡°Woah! Woah, you¡¯re alright Wayne! You¡¯re alright¡­ you¡¯re alright.¡± Homer said.


    And he was right, the pain had already started to lessen. It didn¡¯t disappear, but faded into the background similarly to how the overwhelming noise of the jungle had become familiar. A harsh ache echoing throughout his whole body.


    ¡°Ha¡­ Ha¡­ Ha¡­¡± Wayne panted out his steadying breath.


    Still, the pain was fresh and tender in one place. He was afraid to look, but Wayne forced himself to gingerly move his arm in sight. As Wayne examined the extent of the damage he had seen earlier, he managed to relax even further.


    His skin was pink and chafing, as if he had been scalded by hot water. Small cuts dotted Wayne¡¯s hand, intersecting and crossing without reason. His ring finger was completely gone with even the knuckle missing, but the wound was completely sealed off already, as if the appendage had never been there. He may never use it again.


    He was still in pain with aches all over his body, and missing a finger apparently. But he would live. Wayne let out a large laugh, and was quickly joined by Homer.


    The two just sat there and enjoyed being alive. The laughter was a biological reaction to all the tension, the stress, the worry of the life threatening situation being lifted from their shoulders. It was cathartic and joyous, and perhaps therapeutic to the two of them.


    It was several minutes before they stopped, and only because they needed to breathe. Wayne finally took a moment to examine their surroundings.


    They were in a small alcove, light moss growing over the stone beneath them. A pleasant hum filled the air, and Wayne when noticed it he thought that it may have played a part in him being able to laugh so freely.


    Something about it made him feel at ease, like something bigger than him was protecting him. Wayne looked about for its source, but he couldn¡¯t find it.


    ¡°Behind you.¡± Homer said from his side.


    Twisting, Wayne listened to the boy¡¯s directions. What he saw took his breath away.


    A vast, ethereal source that seems to stretch beyond the limits of time and space was only a few feet away, its depths unfathomable and its edges ever-shifting. A hole to the center of the world, the start of reality.


    It filled the surrounding environment with a soft, radiant glow, hinting at the energy contained within. There is no end to the well''s depths, no bottom or boundary to its capacity. It radiates a hum of raw, untapped power, like a vast reservoir of ideas, knowledge, and potential waiting to be harnessed.


    Above it, the air sparkled with possibility, and swirling patterns of light dancing across Wayne¡¯s vision, each pattern unique, representing the infinite paths that could unfold from the well. Sometimes, glimpses of future accomplishments, dreams, and aspirations flicker within its depths, just out of reach, waiting for the right moment to awaken.


    ¡°Woah¡­¡± Wayne softly intoned.


    ¡°Yeah, pretty impressive, right? That¡¯s what did that to your hand, by the way.¡±


    Wayne took another glance at his hand. Suddenly, it seemed like a miracle that he hadn¡¯t been left with only a stump in its place.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we walked out of that alright somehow.¡± Wayne said.


    The other boy let out a brief dry chuckle.


    ¡°Yeah, you could say that¡­¡±


    Wayne twisted again in the tight confines of the alcove to look at Homer. At first he had taken the boy¡¯s nonchalant attitude and nature for him being alright. And above the waist that was true. But the chances of their escape and Wayne¡¯s hopes crashed when he saw what had happened to one of Homer¡¯s legs.


    His right leg was whole, and healthy. Homer¡¯s left, ended in a stump above the knee, tightly wrapped in a torn bolt of fabric to staunch the wound.

 Chapter 15

    ¡°I¡­ How?¡± Wayne asked Homer.


    The other boy grimaced.


    ¡°That damn bug.¡± He said in a dark voice.


    He gingerly shifted his body so Wayne could get a better view of his injury. The blood looked like it had stopped, but with a wound of that size it would be easy to reopen it. The other boy couldn¡¯t have run and tackled Wayne into the pit if that had happened before. Homer must have been injured saving Wayne¡¯s life.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ How can I ever repay you?¡± Wayne finally asked.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t mention it. When you make it out of here, just make sure to tell people the reason why, alright?¡± The other boy said, looking the other way.


    Wayne sat there, realizing Homer didn¡¯t expect to live any further than today. The weight of the other boy''s boisterous laughter pressed on Wayne now, now that he knew its reason.


    ¡°But¡­ the others are coming for us. Yeah, they¡¯ll be coming to save us any time now.¡±


    Homer let out another sardonic chortle.


    ¡°Johnathan wouldn¡¯t be coming to save us. No. He may think to check the location the reports indicate the Rift being at, but it wouldn¡¯t benefit him to attempt a rescue. So he won¡¯t.¡± The other Hastas finally said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know th-¡±


    ¡°I know Johnathan. I know exactly what type of person he is, and he won¡¯t let them get distracted away from the mission for worthless pieces. The only reason he keeps others around at all is to accentuate his own being. I should know, as his silver bracelet¡­¡± Homer said.


    The other boy shook his head.


    ¡°No, if it doesn¡¯t serve him, then it serves no purpose.¡± Homer said with finality.


    There was clearly some history as to how Homer had ended up so close to Lord Heirdt, but for now, they didn¡¯t have time to unpack it. Wayne looked at the man who had saved his life, and made a promise.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you out of here, then.¡± Wayne announced.


    Homer just looked incredulously at Wayne for a moment, before gesturing to his missing leg.


    ¡°How are you going to do that?¡±


    It was Wayne¡¯s turn to shake his head.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten that far yet. But I¡¯ll figure it out, trust me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and how is your promise to participate in the Assessment treating you, Wayne?¡± Homer asked sarcastically.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m still alive, so I¡¯ve clearly got a pretty good track record at keeping people living.¡±


    Homer stared at Wayne disbelievingly for a long few seconds, before chuckling again, this time with a much lighter tone.


    ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s how you want to look at it. You¡¯re good people, Wayne.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Homer. Now, how do I get out of here?¡±


    Homer quickly showed him the ridge around the lip of the well, and the passageway on the other side.


    ¡°That¡¯s where I was when I woke up. I barely noticed you across the big pit here. It was the task of a lifetime making it over here in the first place, I¡¯m going back across.¡±


    Wayne dragged himself to his feet, and made his way towards the pit. He tried not to look at the shifting reality and focus on his footing as he carefully stepped around the shallow ridge with his aching quads. That Homer had done it while injured and with one leg was miraculous.


    Then, Wayne was on the other side, looking down a passageway coated in strange, pulsating Runes.


    ¡°Good luck. If you see a chance to make it out, don¡¯t hesitate!¡± Homer called out.


    ¡°Thanks, but no thanks! I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± Wayne called over his shoulder, and began walking away down the passageway.


    * * * * *


    Wayne took a closer look at the Runes on the walls, examining their looping shapes as the mana within them moved to an unknown melody. They were different from the other Runes Wayne had seen, but he didn¡¯t know enough about the mystical language to place the peculiarity.


    Small plants were growing from the few cracks in the walls, small hairline fractures that ran from ground to ceiling but didn¡¯t inhibit structural integrity. Long vines hung from the arched stone above and pooling on the floor, giving off a strong earthy smell.


    Wayne ran a hand over the cracks and grooves the Runes made in the walls, feeling the solid stone under his fingertips. The stone around the Runes was smooth and worn, while the gaps in between were more often than not chipped and rough.


    The years had not been kind to this majestic work of art, but it had stood the test of time, proving its durability against the ages. Each aching footstep Wayne took echoed softly through the tunnels without end as he explored the underground labyrinth.


    The dim light moving and fading with the Runes cast strange shadows across the vines, making Wayne paranoid. He was constantly holding his breath, and pausing whenever he thought something was moving from the corner of his eyes.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    But Wayne was alone, at least in the hallway. After several minutes of walking, he found the corridor opening up into a small antechamber, with three other passageways leading in other directions. Wayne peeked his head around the corner to scan the room, but quickly found it was utterly barren.


    Stepping out under the detailed dome of hewn rock, Wayne walked to the middle of the chamber and looked down each of the other corridors. The uneven lighting and dangling vines made it difficult to see any distance down the paths, and Wayne made sure to remember which one he came from before he could get lost.


    Then he set out down the tunnel immediately to its right, because¡­ well Wayne didn¡¯t really have a reason. His prior experience navigating large ancient structures was limited to wandering around the Light¡¯s Reach keep in search of a toilet, after all.


    Still, he figured this would be as good a place to start as the others, and began to creep his way down the new passage. The only noises were the tapping of his heart, and the beating of Wayne¡¯s heart.


    It was a surreal experience, like Wayne was walking through the belly of a nightmare, the vines a twisted rib cage as Wayne walked down the gullet.


    Out of nowhere, something brushed up against Wayne¡¯s back.


    ¡°Ahhhhhhh! Oh¡­¡± Wayne spun around spooked, just to find a vine dangling at his touch.


    He felt foolish when he saw that. Wayne¡¯s shout bounced around the hallways, alone in the silence. Then when Wayne heard something start to groan in the distance, he felt like the biggest fool to ever live.


    With the echoes of the halls it was hard to discern distance, but Wayne waited with baited breath as the sounds emanated through the stone. After the last remnants of the grinding groan faded and silence resumed for several seconds, Wayne thought he was in the clear.


    The pounding that immediately followed that thought convinced him otherwise though.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯ crashed down the stone halls.


    Wayne cowered as he frantically scanned for the source of the noise. He would have looked pathetic if there had been anyone there to witness Wayne at that moment. He was hunched over, neck craning back and forth relentlessly.


    Thankfully, nothing could see him, and nothing appeared to be stampeding at Wayne immediately, so he began to relax and continue with his exploration. Maybe the noise would lead him to a route out of these ruins.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!..¡¯ Continued to echo from somewhere further into the tunnels.


    Wayne quickly found himself at another antechamber with only one other exit, the stone around him reaching a transition point. Suddenly, the walls were more detailed, with mosaics and colorful tiles decorating the spaces between Runes.


    At first, Wayne didn¡¯t stop to examine their meaning, but the story drew him in as he moved forwards. He saw the Elves and the history of their race through their own eyes. The legendary war of Durandel. The Duel of Dragons. The grand migration. The greed of the Elvish Empire, and the creation of the Western Wildes.


    Then he saw something that made him pause. A pair of violet eyes placed in the center of an unrelated story, the tiles made to flow around them. Wayne couldn¡¯t place it, but he could have sworn those eyes were familiar.


    For almost a minute, Wayne stood there and tried to remember. At that point, he was forced to shake his head and move on, the dull crashes still resounding in the distance.


    Now that Wayne was paying closer attention, he thought the noises may have sounded closer than before. Staying ready, Wayne pushed his way through the vines and put the strange mosaic behind him. He was sure he would have remembered if it were important.


    Eventually his footsteps began to sync up with the rhythmic pounding. Wayne lost track of how fast he was going for a little bit, the beat making it easier to mindlessly walk forwards. He only snapped out of it when Wayne started seeing dust raining from above.


    He almost let out a startled exclamation, but managed to hold it in as he noticed a turn in the corridor up ahead. Sneaking up to the bend, Wayne stuck the side of his head around the lip and tried to see out but immediately cringed back.


    The sound, which was so thunderous in the hallway, was at a completely different level around the corner. Wayne steadied himself, and took another look out.


    A wide open chamber greeted him, with large stalagmites hanging from the high ceiling. Pillars of stone bricks were stacked high to reach through the stalagmites and support the chamber every two dozen strides. It seemed to have been a natural forming cave at some point before it was incorporated into the ruin.


    There was nothing natural about the source of the crashing noise, however. A giant golem of stone methodically dragged itself through the series of pillars. Its lumbering humanoid form staggered about, stiff as a board as its joints moved through their range of motion. Still, it was adroit enough to move its easily twenty stride tall body around the tight corners of the pillars unerringly.


    Finally, across the room was a dark hole in the cave wall, almost perfectly across from the opening Wayne was gazing through. He ducked back around the corner once more.


    How do I get around that?


    * * * * *


    The golem paced up and down the


    Wayne was tempted to just turn around, and try to search the other tunnels. Each of the golem''s steps had been longer than Wayne was tall, after all. But when he thought of Homer, and what the other boy had already sacrificed for him, Wayne couldn¡¯t leave a stone unturned.


    Besides, it wasn¡¯t a guarantee that the golem was hostile. It could have been performing maintenance of some sort, Wayne supposed.


    Steeling himself, Wayne stepped fully around the corner, and began to creep into the room. The golem¡¯s circuitous path left a time while its back was facing Wayne¡¯s entrance and he made good use of it, scurrying across the rough ground.


    It also gave him a chance to examine the goliath in more detail. It lacked a head that Wayne could see, instead its body was a bulbous hunk of rock and metal, undercarriage gleaming in the flashing light of the Runes.


    Its appendages swung about stiffly, with long metal rods running through and holding stone body parts together. The golem only moved at joints where metal pressed against metal, making a scraping noise that was easily overpowered by the deep impacts of the creature''s footfalls.


    ¡®Boom! Boom!¡¯ The golem continued to pound across the stone, each footstep making Wayne¡¯s bones shake.


    The ground itself was bouncing and jumping underneath him. Wayne did his best to ride out the miniature quakes, staggering through the force. A part of him wondered how the pillars managed to stay together under this onslaught, but that part of him was barely heard under the crashing of stone on stone.


    Wayne dashed forwards to the next pillar and slid behind it just before the bumbling behemoth turned about, almost half way through the room.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    At this point Wayne couldn¡¯t tell if it was the sound of the giant¡¯s footfalls or his own heart making the noise, but the noise was all consuming. Wayne let his fear fade before the encompassing avalanche of noise, and held his breath. Second passed, while the moving stone creature proceeded forwards at its single speed.


    Only once it was well past Wayne did he let his breath out, although he could barely hear it with his ears blaring from the thunderous footfalls.


    Apparently, that was enough.


    The golem let out a noise it had never previously made, a sickening shriek of metal twisting, prompting Wayne to look over his shoulder to it. Its upper body was rotating, but its legs remained stationary as it twisted on a pivot at its waist.


    ¡°Oh shit.¡±


    Wayne started running as fast as he could.


    The shrieking noise only lasted a moment more, and then the pounding resumed.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    Wayne¡¯s feet fluttered across the uneven floor. He passed halfway across the room.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    The golem gained ground, the noise closer and louder than ever.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    Sweat flew from his brow as Wayne wove through the pillars towards safety.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    He was so close now, just ten more strides.


    ¡®Boom! Crash!¡¯


    From right behind him, but Wayne couldn¡¯t look back. He had to run, had to-


    * * * * *


    Several seconds later, Wayne jolted back to alertness just to immediately inhale the dust flurrying around.


    ¡°Khuhuhuhu!¡±


    Wayne coughed the debris out of his lungs the best he could, but he couldn¡¯t hear the noise. All that his ears could process was a low ringing noise, the squelching of his panicked heart, and the distant bass of the golem¡¯s walking.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    As the dust settled, Wayne found he made it into the tunnel, though it had been mostly sealed with the large stone bricks of a pillar. Wayne himself was splayed out on an aching back, but still he let out a sigh of relief.


    He had managed to barely make it. Then the ringing started to fade from his ears, and Wayne started cursing. Even though he had made the dash across, there was no chance that Homer could, hobbled as the boy now was.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    For a while, Wayne stared at the broken bricks ahead of him. He just couldn¡¯t see a way to get Homer across safely with that golem on patrol. Its strides covered too much ground to outrun, and Wayne didn¡¯t think they could manage to hide during the entire way either.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    Wayne was still staring at the bricks. Then, he really started looking them over, and thinking. Finally, he had something of a plan, terrible though it may be.


    ¡°Oh El, I hate this.¡± Wayne softly muttered.


    Then, he prepared to go back into the cave.

 Interlude 3

    Ainne exchanged pleasantries with the noble scions in front of her.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord Renfree, Lady Esperanz, you both look marvelous tonight. I hope you both are enjoying the festivities?¡±


    The other nobles the two heir to the Archdukedoms were talking to dispersed as Ainne arrived, knowing it was not yet their turn to be greeted by her. The heirs turned to her, clearly annoyed to have their prior conversations interrupted although they smiled nonetheless.


    ¡°Ah yes, greetings to the star of the ball, and our Empire¡¯s newest Champion! We are enjoying ourselves quite well, thank you for asking.¡± Lady Circe Esperanz said.


    Of course, the slight of omission was telling, as the other woman didn¡¯t compliment Ainne¡¯s dress. Still, she pretended as if the barb was unnoticed.


    ¡°I am glad, truly. I would not want to be the source of more discomfort for the both of you.¡±


    At this remark, both of the scions'' expressions darkened briefly. They had both had their Awakening¡¯s delayed so they could undergo the ceremony with Ainne, and the two had made their discomfort clear to her prior.


    Still, the Awakening had now come and passed, so that wasn¡¯t the reason they hated Ainne. No, they hated her because they loved each other. And of course, the royal family couldn¡¯t let two Archduchies unite in marriage¡­


    ¡°Greetings, my princess. And no, I would not say you have caused us any discomfort.¡± Lord William Renfree said, speaking for the first time.


    His greeting was curt and bordering on disrespectful, but again Ainne simply kept a polite smile plastered on her face instead of punishing the transgression. There was no point in calling out his obvious lie, just like Ainne felt there was no point in playing nice.


    Still, for the stability of the Empire, and her mother, Ainne tried.


    ¡°I am truly thankful that is the case. Please, let me know at any time if there is something I can do for you tonight, but please excuse me while I greet the other guests.¡± Ainne said with a slight dip of her head.


    Then she turned and went to do just that. At least, Ainne tried.


    ¡°I heard your brother has joined the Legion. That he is skipping straight to Grand Hastas because you are all so special, and the rules are what you make them.¡±


    Ainne paused, uncertainty and curiosity creeping up on her. The other girl, as if sensing her vulnerability, continued on.


    ¡°Beyond that, I hear he¡¯s nothing special. That he got battered about by the other Legionnaires. After today, I expect that will be a common occurrence for your family.¡±


    At this, Ainne finally turned around, the other girl''s words having evolved past subtle dislike and blooming into an open spat between their houses.


    ¡°What did you just say about my family?¡± Ainne asked in a frigid tone.


    ¡°Oh, just that you should get used to them being beaten like dogs. You¡¯ll even get to witness it, tonight.¡±


    Circe had a smirk on her face, and next to her William looked smug. Arrogance oozed off of them in waves, and it only served to steam Ainne¡¯s anger. Ainne tried to give the noble another chance.


    ¡°You should apolog-¡±


    ¡°Ah, behind you, it''s happening. Now, watch with your golden eyes, princess.¡± William interrupted, pointing with one finger.


    Ainne spun again to where he indicated, just in time to witness treason.


    ¡°Tyrant!¡± Archduke Esperanz shouted, while stalking towards Ainne¡¯s mother.


    ¡°Today is the day your reign of terror ends. Luminos has chosen me to take over the Empire, our God trusts my insights! The Holy Family is a worthless title, and I will prove it now. To me!¡±


    The stately man stormed across the ball room, and at his word a host of Legionnaires came out of the wings.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Ainne said softly, aghast.


    Together, the traitors unleashed their Domains, their Shaping Spaces extending to the physical realm. The Empress was powerful, but even she was helpless under such an onslaught of authority. All Ainne could do was tremble helplessly as the tragedy unfolded.


    ¡®But you aren¡¯t helpless, my child.¡¯


    A strong voice whispered in her ear, giving Ainne strength. She didn¡¯t realize it, but an internal light began to radiate from her skin, and her feet lifted off of the ballroom floor. The distance between her and the conflict seemed to fade away.


    ¡°Now, I will be the Ruler of the Luminous Empire. Emperor Gustavo the first!¡±


    Ainne felt a Shaping enter her Space unbidden. The heat gathered in her temple, and she searched for an excuse to hold back. Ainne tried, she tried to find any reason at all not to do it.


    ¡®Do it.¡¯


    Ainne let loose.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Two golden beams of light speared from her eyes and directly through the Noble Archduke¡¯s back. Then, the rays pierced through another few of the Legionnaires behind him, and the marble flooring beyond them.


    Ainne accidentally moved her head slightly, and killed two more of the traitors before she closed her eyes and dismissed the Shaping. Partial silence hung heavy on the air, as her mother panted from the ground still. Everyone stared at the new Champion of the Empire¡¯s display.


    Ainne had tried her best.


    * * * * *


    Grud awoke, still in the Ancestor¡¯s Cave. He jolted around, but the only other person with him was Dura¡¯Mon. The Dragon¡¯s scales had changed color and his form was bulkier. Still, a new sensation at the back of Grud¡¯s mind told him it was his Companion.


    The Bond had worked.


    It felt like a cord connected to the back of his head, but it filled Grud with a warmth that the Ork found pleasant. Grud appreciated the cold, but being toasty was still enjoyable to him.


    He dragged himself to his feet, and moved Dura¡¯Mon back onto the sled. The Dragon pawed absently at him, but Grud could tell he wouldn¡¯t awake for a while longer. Grud then pulled the leather straps and began the journey back to his shack.


    The snow had picked up while Grud had been under, but he could still see the sun through the falling flurries. Its position was markedly different from when the Companions had entered the Ancestor¡¯s Cave. Almost a fourth of the day had passed while they had Bonded.


    Grud was thankful that no one had stumbled upon them while they had been unconscious and vulnerable. Anyone would have immediately reported Dura¡¯Mon, if they didn¡¯t kill the Dragon on sight.


    Almost subconsciously, Grud made a Form Space for the Cold Cloak and let its comforting Shape rest over him. It felt startlingly different than what he was used to, but it wasn¡¯t bad.


    If anything Grud felt great, like the Cold Cloak was empowering him beyond what he was normally capable of. He flew over the snow, the extra weight Grud was pulling almost forgotten as he stretched his legs.


    Flurries fluttered around his tusks as Grud ran, his laughter ringing loud over the snowy landscape. It felt freeing to move so easily across the long distances, and Grud let himself bask in the new sensation.


    The trek that had been so arduous only hours ago went by in a blur. Grud almost regretted it when they arrived at his home, wanting to keep running until he collapsed.


    With a sigh, Grud slowed down, and stepped onto the sled to let its momentum carry them both the remaining couple dozen of strides.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re here.¡±


    When there was no reply, Grud bent to try and hoist the newly much heavier Dura¡¯Mon through the shack¡¯s door frame.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±


    As Grud¡¯s calloused hands touched the Dragon¡¯s scales, his Companion abandoned the pretense of sleep and began uncoiling on the sled. Grud stepped back and let him reveal his new form properly.


    Feet larger than Grud¡¯s head gripped the ground with claws that could gut an Ork. Dark, burnt red scales went up Dura¡¯Mon¡¯s four powerful limbs, his Companion putting the most wellbuilt ox to shame. The small barbs coming from the scales glittered under the sunlight, as their color contrasted with the white of the snow falling.


    Huge leathery wings were extended almost twenty strides into the air, so tall they may have been visible down closer to the village. They reminded him of a drake''s wings, but Grud noticed they had another spine through the membrane, and of course, Dragon¡¯s had separate forelegs and wings unlike their inferior cousins.


    Of course, while Grud had been inspecting him, Dura¡¯Mon had examined Grud right back. A reptilian face gazed at him, eyes surprisingly wide and emotive. A short snout with ridged nostrils at its end showed the barest hints of the fangs beneath.


    Their eyes met, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The Companion Bond let them have some understanding of what the other was feeling, and something approaching an agreement was made.


    ¡°Hmph. Follow Human.¡±


    Dura¡¯Mon turned, and walked away into the shack and forced Grud to follow.


    Or at least, he tried to. Instead, Grud¡¯s new companion misjudged his new bulk and got stuck in the doorway at the base of his neck. He struggled not to laugh at the Dragon¡¯s plight after he had tried to be dramatic, but he could feel the embarrassment coming through Bond.


    Then, Dura¡¯Mon cracked the doorway and Grud gasped. The newly reinforced wood fell to the sides as Dura¡¯Mon shook his body, splintering it effortlessly. Grud held his breath while he watched his home shudder. Thankfully, after shaking for a moment, it stayed upright.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Listening to Dura¡¯mon¡¯s words, Grud walked through his broken door, and prepared to properly meet his new Companion.


    * * * * *


    Emethia opened her eyes for the first time in an era. She was startled for a moment, but she was exactly where she should be. It was good to be home, although the city of Kurdlach she remembered was no doubt vastly changed.


    She sat up, her lithe body still bare. Emethia was in a small box like room, the filth of the ages evident in the corners of the ornately decorated chamber. Beneath her was the remnant of what had once been a plush blanket.


    Now, Emethia brushed rotted bits of it from her silver hair. Time was the enemy of the physical plane, and only a miracle had let her have this second chance. A second chance for her people.


    A small smile graced her lips, as she thought of the boy who had brought her back. He didn¡¯t know yet what the World had planned for him now that he had been marked. It would be the journey of a lifetime, and Emethia would have to aid him on his path, for everyone¡¯s sake.


    And there was something she could do for him now.


    Emethia pulled a lever and stepped out into her bedchambers. Nothing but the stone frame of what had once been her four poster bed remained. Piles of dirt were scattered throughout the room, where other furniture once was, small plants growing in abundance.


    Lichen grew on the walls, and the ceiling had a tangle of roots running through it. Emethia mourned her comforts, but was glad the space had been reclaimed by nature. No one else had been using it.


    Instead of dwelling, she moved over to a pile of dirt and fished an item from underneath a few layers of sediment. She held up the thin metallic cloth, letting the light of the Runes wash over it.


    The dirt of the ages fell right off it, as Emethia had hoped it would. She had made sure to have the Thoughtweave prepared before her slumber, and that forethought was paying off now.


    Emethia quickly slipped into the thin garment, happy for at least some minimal coverage. Propriety at least slightly handled, she moved onto the more pressing issue.


    The boy wouldn¡¯t survive at this rate, not against the defenses of Kurdlach. She would have to look out for him, or the World may take back what it had promised her. So Emethia strode down the corridors that belonged to her, making her way to the command room.


    The sound of her footsteps were the only interruption of the silence. Emethia remembered a time when this hallway would have been as busy as any thoroughfare, servants and maids scrambling in every direction, as the lords and chamberlains came and went according to their business.


    Now, the only other life were the plants, who as much as they may want to, would not be bustling around the halls anytime soon. It was hard to be nostalgic for something that was clearly dead and gone.


    Instead, the halls felt new to her now, even though Emethia remembered the route easily. With the decor disintegrated and the torches of the past long since history, she walked through the changed memories of her past.


    Then she stopped.


    Here was where it had happened. Where she had been given a choice that she had never expected, and one that Emethia would never forget. Could never forget, even if she tried.


    It was several minutes before her breathing steadied. She straightened out the Thoughtweave as if there was someone there to see her. Then, she moved on. She had bought herself enough time to unpack that, just¡­ later. Not now.


    Instead, Emethia continued down the hallway, and entered the doorway at its end. Inside, the Runes from all over Kurdlach reached their central point where they converged on a stone plinth.


    The carved lines crossed the floor in a wave of color and light. Emethia stepped across it on her way to the plinth, looking at the screens as they began displaying their information at her approach.


    There were a variety of crystal orbs on the plinth, each connected to the Runes by flowing currents of mana. The energy made a gentle hum that filled the room with its ambience.


    Emethia took two of the orbs in her hands, and began adjusting them. Doors closed and opened on the screens, entire sections of the ruins becoming inaccessible. Emethia awoke guardians on routes she couldn¡¯t close, hoping their presence would deter the boy and lead him to the proper exit.


    The edges of their security revealed a false basilisk prowling the perimeter of Kurdlach as well. That was a threat beyond the marked boy, so Emethia activated their defenses remotely, watching the beams of energy force the Monster from its stakeout.


    Then, she pressed gently on an orb she had ignored up until that point. There was no obvious reaction from her position in the command room, but on the surface the result was obvious. A large beam of purple light extended into the air, announcing the ruins'' existence to the world.


    Then, her task was done, at least for now.


    Emethia absently sent a Shaping towards the nearest vine, and extended her open hand without looking. In seconds, a bright golden fruit had grown from a fresh bud on the vine, before dropping directly into the proffered hand.


    Violet eyes stared at the screens while Emethia bit down into the juicy and sweet morsel. Now, she would wait, and enjoy the entertainment.

 Chapter 16

    Of course, Wayne didn¡¯t walk back into the cave without a plan.


    He peered through a gap in the settled rubble, as the golem continued on its resumed patrol. The pattern of how it lumbered through the labyrinth of pillars seemed largely unchanged, although its left arm was covered in smaller dents.


    The pillar closest to where the exit formerly was, on the other hand, was changed completely. Now, the stack that had reached the ceiling was little more than a small pile of bricks barely reaching knee height.


    Wayne pushed himself off of the other bricks spilling into the hallway, and backed up a few strides to think. If his hands trembled slightly as he did so, and his pace to get away from the golem was heightened, Wayne didn¡¯t notice.


    Instead, Wayne tried to visualize the exact scenario where he managed to get an entire pillar to collapse onto the golem. That was the only way Wayne could even consider destroying such a being. Still, it wasn''t an easy situation to manufacture, even in his head.


    Firstly, the pathing the golem took was mostly lengthwise through the rows of pillars, meaning it was relatively unimpeded by them for the majority of its route. That didn¡¯t mean it was impossible to get the hulking hunk of rock close to the pillars though, Wayne believing it was possible either through baiting it closer or by timing it as it made a horizontal shift over a row.


    Instead, the issue Wayne was facing was that it wouldn¡¯t be enough for just the golem¡¯s arm to get hit by the debris. The dents and chips in the stone of its heavy arm were proof of that.


    No, somehow Wayne would have to get the golem to bring its body completely under a pillar so that it could get covered and crushed by the falling bricks. The problem was that the golem could reach past an entire set of pillars with its long reach.


    Regardless of how Wayne tried to picture it playing out, the golem would just get lightly peppered by rubble. He thought that maybe if the construct struck the very bottom it may cause the stacked bricks to fall backwards onto it, but Wayne knew that was an optimistic longshot to bet his life on.


    Wayne would need a foolproof plan if he was going to defeat the golem, in order to clear the path for Homer. In order to do that Wayne would need more information. He concentrated and did something he should have done as soon as he began exploring the ruins.


    With a grunt and more effort than it usually required, Wayne pried open his Shaping Space.


    He flinched and almost lost his concentration immediately but managed to hold on to the Space. However when Wayne got a glimpse of what was waiting for him there the mental image immediately shattered. He gasped for air.


    For several moments Wayne stood there, willing what he saw to be a mistake, as surely no God could be so cruel as to allow that. After some time Wayne¡¯s breathing calmed down and he gently eased himself back into the necessary mental state.


    It was terrible.


    Wayne¡¯s Shaping Space was much expanded from when he had last used it, stretching wide enough to envelope his whole body. Still, it was obvious there was something wrong right away.


    A clean cut across the Space, still present despite Wayne desperately trying to will it whole. Another dull ache panged through his body, and Wayne realized this was the source. This chasm.


    It stretched like a gaping wound across the side of Wayne¡¯s Space, like a stain on his existence. He mentally prodded at the edges and immediately winced, feeling the pain like a strained muscle.


    Wayne felt the tension from the gap, a strong suction that threatened to let his Shaping Space fade away completely. He didn¡¯t know what would happen then, but Wayne couldn¡¯t imagine it being good, or pain free.


    Thankfully, a Form Space was sealing up the tear, although Wayne didn¡¯t recognize it in the slightest.


    The smaller blue sphere was about the size his Shaping Space had been previously, and it was filled up with a strange metallic grey smoke that sometimes glinted and gleamed different colors before shifting back. Wayne had no idea what the Form could possibly do, other than appear ominous.


    Wayne wanted to poke more at it, but another ache coursed through Wayne¡¯s body making him acutely aware how bad an idea that was. Instead, the young Legionnaire put the things he couldn¡¯t control right now to the back of his mind, and began doing what he needed to do.


    Wayne made a separate Form Space, a much smaller Shaping than the other dominating his Space. Inside, Wayne coaxed a more familiar eye into place, the Draconian mirror of his own slate grey. The Shaped mana fit perfectly over its counterpart, and then Wayne opened his eyes.


    ¡°What the El?¡± Wayne said, recoiling.


    The manalight was overwhelmingly strong, making the jungle outside look like a dark winter¡¯s day. It rained down on him like judgment from a God. Wayne was forced to squint and even then he stumbled around like a buffoon as he searched for the gap in the rubble.


    On his hands and knees, Wayne crawled around until he found a crack to see the golem through and braced himself. Then, he opened his eyes and let the full power of the sight burn itself into his eyes.


    He absently noticed the light wasn¡¯t truly as piercing as its intensity would have normally suggested, but Wayne was more focused on the sight of the golem. The Form Klaw had given Wayne was an amazing gift, letting him see and learn more about the magic surrounding him, and more importantly the beauty and danger it possessed.


    Still, nothing Wayne had ever seen before was like the sight before him now.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Intricate Runes wound up and down the golem, visible as glowing words that radiated residual multicolored mana flowing off into the aether. The flowing language was connected in complex arrangements making the individual Runes almost impossible to discern, but the overall intended effect was clear.


    The careful construction of Shapings created an external image that made the golem appear more animated, like it was alive. Delicately placed Runes were laced even atop the bulbous torso to leave an afterimage that looked like a cheerfully smiling face.


    The golem was a beautiful work of art. Wayne hated that he had to destroy it, but Homer took priority over the collection of precise stone and steel. And now that he could see exactly how the joints functioned, and their limits, he could find a way to overcome them.


    And Wayne thought he knew a way to do just that.


    It didn¡¯t even take Wayne five minutes to come up with the plan, observing the stiff movements allowed by the Runic joints. It wasn¡¯t an ideal plan, by any stretch, with multiple points of failure that even Wayne could see.


    No, he only thought that it was the best plan he was ever going to come up with. Wayne estimated that about three in four times he was walking to his own grave. It didn¡¯t matter to him.


    There were some things more important than the odds.


    * * * * *


    The golem lumbered down the row of pillars until its shadow loomed over the rubble. Then it turned, and continued on its predestined path. Wayne scrambled up the bricks and back to the gap he had found earlier. His hands were scraped raw but he ignored the protests of pain in the back of his mind.


    Instead of reacting, Wayne did his best to silently pry a few errant bricks free from the pile. A small collection sat next to him, of bricks he had already gotten loose and removed. Now there was an opening just about large enough for Wayne to squeeze through.


    Still, he wanted to make sure he could do more than squeeze through the gap. If things went wrong, Wayne would need to scramble back through in order to reach safety. So even when Wayne thought the opening was wide enough, he took enough glance at the golem and noted there were still a few more pillars until it would turn back around. Thus, Wayne continued to stack bricks for a bit longer.


    Then, he stopped. The crashing booms of the golem continued unabated, but several more occurred before Wayne could hear that they were coming closer now.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    Dust shook free from the ceiling, as Wayne gazed cautiously upwards in case something larger came along for the ride. The pounding came ever closer, and Wayne held his breath, afraid even the slightest noise may attract the constructs attention.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    The golem pounded down the worn stone floor in the room beyond, moving closer and closer until it was right overhead once again, this time on the left of the entrance. If it knew Wayne was just below it, hiding in the rubble, it could easily end him in one more blow.


    But instead the moment passed, and the golem¡¯s plodding steps sounded into the distance once again. Wayne let out his breath. Now, It was time.


    Wayne slipped out the gap, and back into the large cavern. Lightly Wayne pulled his aching body forwards in the golem¡¯s wake, timing his footsteps with the repetitive crashes. Of course, this meant the golem was gaining massive distance with every step.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    Still, Wayne was able to slink across the chamber well enough for his purposes, despite the pain in his body and soul. So by the time the golem reached the other end of the chamber and began to turn, Wayne had to dive behind a pillar for cover.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    Wayne actually made it further in the room than he had expected, all the way to the third pillar before he was forced to duck behind the brick structure for cover. It was definitely far enough into the room for his plan to work, even though Wayne might have preferred to actually be further from the center of the room, for a quicker escape.


    Now that he was already out in the room though, it would have to do. With the golem quickly approaching, Wayne was only going to get one shot at this, and if it failed¡­ Well Wayne had to hope he could make it to the exit again, only this time without a head start.


    ¡®Boom! Boom! Boom!¡¯


    When Wayne saw the long legs of the golem stride past the pillar he was hiding behind, he took off after it, smaller strides burning the distance as best he could. Ahead, the golem was making an awful shrieking noise as it pivoted on its torso, but Wayne had counted on that.


    Pumping his legs for all they were worth, Wayne dashed the final distance and slid to a stop between the golems enormous legs just as it finished turning about. From up close Wayne could hear the shrieking of steel and stone as the golem¡¯s joints tried to go past their limited range of motion.


    The construct spun its arms ineffectually at its sides, only able to touch Wayne with the air moving from the flailing of its limbs.


    A giddy smile took hiWayne almost laughed. He had found a pocket of safety, in the center of the danger.


    Then the golem slammed its arm into the cavern floor and sent a spray of earthen shrapnel at Wayne. He ducked and shielded his eyes from the stones, but cuts still lacerated the rest of his exposed skin.


    Maybe he wasn¡¯t so safe. Ignoring the pain, Wayne moved forwards with his plan and didn¡¯t waste any more time. So Wayne carefully inched forwards from under the golem.


    When Wayne had examined the limits of the golem¡¯s motions, he had realized something crucial. Directly in front of and below the golem, there was a space that it physically could not reach. Just a small space, but it would be the construct¡¯s downfall.


    Wayne took a small step forwards into the sweet spot, and then the golem mirrored him.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯


    It was working. Now, there was just the most dangerous part left.


    The golem continued to try and hit Wayne with shrapnel from its strikes against the floor, but now that he was expecting them it was relatively easy to dodge the sprayback. Slowly, Wayne piloted the construct towards the closest pillar, careful never to enter range of its pendulous arms or legs.


    His heart was beating uncontrollably in his chest, and Wayne thought he might vomit. Still, he had never felt so alive.


    The distance between them and the pillar ahead had shrunken until the next step forwards would bring the golem into the bricks. Wayne paused for a moment, and took a deep breath, getting ready for the chaos.


    Then, he took one more step.


    Above him, the golem clunkily followed suit, so single minded in its pursuit that it didn¡¯t see the pillar directly in front of it and Wayne. So the construct didn¡¯t even try to slow itself down as it rammed its hefty stone and steel body against the supporting structure.


    A different sound than the golem¡¯s footfalls rang out, instead of a singular crash that echoed across the chamber, there was the continuous pinging of stone on stone. Wayne turned and ran.


    Bricks started to drop around him, but Wayne couldn¡¯t spare the time to do more than send a quick prayer up to Luminos for protection.


    It felt like a dream, like one moment that stretched into infinity the pillar came down. During that second, the only thing that mattered was moving forwards, escaping the impending doom behind him.


    Wayne took two steps, then saw the beginnings of a shadow fall over him. Not hesitating, Wayne changed angles and ran at a diagonal, hoping to avoid getting crushed by the collapsing goliath behind him.


    His feet pounding onwards, Wayne felt a wave of air hit the back of his neck and dove for safety. Before he even hit the floor, Wayne got flung further by the concussion behind him, and rolled across the rough cavern floor. The cuts he got early from the golem were joined by a new host of scrapes and bruises, but Wayne was alive.


    He gingerly rolled onto his back, and achingly held his fist up.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +1 Speed


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°I¡¯m coming for you Homer.¡± Wayne said.


    Then, he heard the rubble shift by the golem. Wayne, with eyes wide and breath held, stared in horror as the golems fist also rose, its posing eerily similar to his own.


    Just as he was about to run to the exit, the fist¡¯s movement stopped, and Wayne saw the manalight from the golem¡¯s Runes die out.


    ¡°Oh thank El¡­¡± Wayne said with a sigh of relief.


    Then, he promptly passed out from overexertion.

 Chapter 17

    Wayne woke up, bleary eyed and aching. A brick was stuck in the middle of his back making him arch his spine painfully. Clumsily, Wayne flopped over and dragged himself to his feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m alive?¡± Wayne asked himself.


    He patted his body, as if to make sure it wasn¡¯t a dream. Everything hurt when he touched it, so Wayne took that to mean he hadn¡¯t been crushed to paste. He glanced around with unfocused eyes, looking back and forth repeatedly before his scrambled brain could make sense of it.


    Bricks were scattered around haphazardly, some of the hundred pound blocks cast all the way across the immense chamber. One lay no further than two feet from where Wayne¡¯s head had been. Thankfully, no other pillar¡¯s had collapsed as collateral with the golem, and the structural integrity of the cavern remained.


    The construct itself was almost completely buried under the rubble, only its single fist remaining entirely visible. For a long time, Wayne stood there on shaky feet under the shadow of the great foe he had defeated. Eventually, he found his breathe evening out and the strength in his legs rallying.


    Wayne had made a plan. He had felt confident in it before he walked back into the room, confident enough to bet everything on it. Still, a not so small part of Wayne had been convinced he was walking back to his death. But here he was, still alive and looking at the fallen form of his adversary. It was a sight Wayne didn¡¯t think he could ever forget.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get Homer.¡±


    Wayne turned and began walking away without sparing another glance. There were important things to do, starting with helping Homer make it to this cavern, so Wayne could continue questing forwards without abandoning his friend.


    The new Legionnaire barely dragged his aching body back through the tunnels he came from. Wayne tripped over his own feet at points, his head not as clear as he had thought. Once, it all became too much and he vomited a surprising amount of bile and a strange sludge, which must be what the ration cube became in his stomach. Wayne was thankful he had a head injury after that, as he hoped it would help him forget the rancid smell it wafted.


    All this was to say, when Wayne shambolically stumbled into Homer¡¯s view, he looked like a returning war hero to the other boy.


    ¡°You glorious fool. Were those tremors your doing?¡± Homer asked, a hint of awe in his voice.


    Wayne stopped across the well of energy, and did his best to keep the smirk off his face. Then, he nodded once.


    ¡°By the sun in the sky¡­¡±


    Wayne couldn¡¯t help himself and let a smile break loose, just before a misplaced step almost brought him tumbling into the pit of light, wiping his face clean again.


    ¡°Uh¡­ give me a second to ah, catch my breath. The fight was a close one.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ no, it''s alright, I made it across by myself, I can make it back.¡± Homer said across the pit.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I might¡­ I might just take a seat here for a second.¡±


    Wayne leaned up against the wall before sliding down. He winced slightly at the bruises on his back, but was too tired to care much. By the time Homer managed to hobble his way around the edge of the pit, his saviour was asleep. The boy shook his head silently as he watched Wayne snore faintly.


    ¡°He actually intends to get out of here alive, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Homer asked no one in particular.


    * * * * *


    Wayne woke again with a start.


    ¡°Finally ready to get moving, hero?¡± Homer asked him from across the hallway.


    ¡°Uh, yes, actually.¡±


    Wayne felt miraculously better after having slept. It felt too good to be true, but when he examined spots on his arms where Wayne knew he had bruises earlier, they were clear of blemish.


    ¡°Impressive, right?¡±


    Wayne looked up at Homer, then gestured to his arms.


    ¡°Did you do this?¡± Wayne asked.


    The other boy looked proud of himself. Homer held his hands up, a golden light softly emanating from them.


    ¡°Yep. Always been a deft hand with the Healing Hands Form, and I got plenty of practice as Johnathan¡¯s attendant.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a godsend, that''s what you are.¡±


    Wayne stood up, and stretched out fully. He was still sore, but it was the soreness of physical exertion, not injury. Flexing his arms, Wayne felt strong. Victorious. Hoisting Homer to his feet, Wayne pulled the other boy¡¯s arm across his shoulders and supported him.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll show you the way I¡¯ve gone so far.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but you have to tell me about your battle while we walk.¡±


    Together, the two of them slowly made their way back again through the corridors, with Wayne embellishing his recent impressive escapade to even grander proportions.


    ¡°...And then I ducked out of the way of another punch, and the ground almost shook out from underneath me! But then, I was under the construct, and it couldn¡¯t touch me at all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see. We¡¯re almost there.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I can be patient, I guess¡­¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    They walked down the final corridor, minutes of companionable silence between them. Like Wayne had said, it wasn¡¯t long before they arrived at the cavern where he had defeated the golem.


    ¡°Woah¡­¡± Homer exclaimed.


    The opening of the doorway allowed him to see into the cavern beyond even before the Legionnaires entered it. Now that Wayne was witnessing it relatively relaxed, he had to admit the cavern itself was truly awe inspiring. The huge open ceiling covered in greenery and vines, supported by dozens of pillars that stretched over a hundred strides in the air made one almost forget they were deep beneath the earth. The two walked in, and then Homer saw the remains of the golem.


    The other boy pointed at the fist protruding from the rubble and debris around it. Homer looked at Wayne incredulously.


    ¡°You¡­ did that?¡±


    Wayne smugly stared back and nodded. Homer turned back to the construct¡¯s impromptu grave.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned.¡±


    Wayne was still supporting Homer as he examined the golem, so he noticed when the other boy¡¯s expression turned pensive. For a moment, the other boy stared intently at the outstretched arm, then muttered something under his breath that Wayne couldn¡¯t make out.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothin- Mhm. No, sorry, it''s not nothing. Definitely something.¡± Homer responded.


    He turned his gaze to Wayne, as if considering something. Then he continued.


    ¡°Can you bring me closer to the arm for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­ I guess.¡±


    Wayne didn¡¯t really know what his new friend was thinking, but he didn¡¯t see the harm in going closer. The construct hadn¡¯t moved an inch since it shut down, so Wayne assumed it was immobilized.


    They hobbled over to the rubble together, where Wayne helped Homer make his way up to the metal and stone appendage. He brought Homer to the last step, then let the other boy lean against the construct. Homer went so far as to press his face up against the metal that was exposed beneath the stone shell around it.


    Wayne took a step back and let him do¡­ whatever he was doing. There was a lot Wayne didn¡¯t know after all so even though this looked very strange, he could afford to give his new friend the benefit of the doubt.


    Homer puttered there for several seconds, moving his hands and head around slightly. At several points, Homer slapped the metal, making a low thumping noise that sounded different than Wayne would have guessed. It was slightly deeper, and more resonant than expected.


    ¡°Mhhhmmm, it¡¯s a pretty solid alloy¡­¡± Homer muttered to himself, still pressed against the golem.


    ¡°What are you up to, Homer?¡± Wayne asked.


    Even if Wayne trusted him, at this point he was just plain curious.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m¡­ actually, just give a second and you¡¯ll see. I can do some impressive things too.¡±


    Homer went back to messing with the metal for a few more seconds, before he seemed ready to begin.


    ¡°Alright, watch this.¡±


    At those words, Homer pulled back slightly, then plunged his fists into the solid metal. The other boy''s fingers were instantly submerged, and soon everything up to his elbow was buried in the golem.


    ¡°I can feel you in there¡­ stop hiding, ugh, and come¡­ out!¡±


    With a mighty heave Homer yanked his arms free, a stream of silver being pulled from the metal along with them. Wayne watched entranced, as the brilliant substance flowed out of the golem like a liquid, leaving the remnant metal dull and lackluster. Meanwhile the tendrils quested down Homer¡¯s arms, pooling on his chest before moving as one down his left side.


    Soon, the mass of silver had reached its destination, and began forming into a familiar shape. Homer had managed to forge himself a replacement foot from the golem¡¯s material components.


    ¡°Wha¡­ How?¡± Wayne asked, slack jawed.


    ¡°Mmm.¡± Homer hummed proudly.


    ¡°I have a Metal Affinity, or more specifically, a Silver Affinity. I can manipulate any alloy with a high enough concentration, but pure Silver like this¡­¡± Homer said while gesturing to his new leg.


    ¡°Well, this is simplicity itself. It''s¡­ this is me.¡±


    He said the last part quietly, like it was a revelation Homer was making for himself. Wayne was speechless for a few moments, but eventually managed to spit something out to acknowledge the admission.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know. You never wore an armband during training.¡±


    Homer¡¯s expression instantly soured.


    ¡°Johnathan and his family¡¯s doing. They thought it would be a strong hidden ace for their son¡¯s closest attendant to have a ¡®secret¡¯ Affinity to rely on. I have barely been able to use my gift for so many years¡­ No more.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Wayne said.


    He had wondered why Homer seemed to hold such animosity towards Johnathan, despite seemingly being the Lord¡¯s closest confidant. However, having your Shaping being restricted felt almost barbaric. Wayne thought of Klaw for a moment, and what he must be enduring every day without end in his cell.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. When we make it back I¡¯ll be no use without a leg, so I¡¯m sure the Heirdt¡¯s will see the value in letting me announce my true talents.¡± Homer said, seeing the look on Wayne¡¯s face.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Hopefully.¡± Wayne said, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.


    ¡°I was going to have you stay here, but if your new leg will hold- ¡± With a nod from Homer, Wayne continued, ¡°Let¡¯s get going, then.¡±


    * * * * *


    Wayne hadn¡¯t examined the hallway beyond the golem in much detail before, but now as he and Homer began exploring he could tell it was built of a different style than the previous sections. It was still ancient beyond belief and strange, but it was a strangeness of another nature entirely. The floor and walls were worn and smooth except for the engraved Runes, to the point there were no seams in the stonework. Beyond that, there was none of the build up of flora that the other sections had.


    It made walking down the corridor eerie, especially as the rubble behind them denoting the exit grew further and further away. Everything looked the same, even the Runes were repeating over and over endlessly.


    Still, nothing seemed to be truly amiss with the hallway, being Wayne¡¯s nerves. So he did his best to ignore the feeling in his gut as the two of them continued forwards. The sounds of their footsteps echoed back and forth, almost reminding Wayne of the golem.


    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s your favorite food?¡± Wayne asked to break the silence.


    ¡°Well personally, I¡¯ve always had a preference towards lumbda, when it¡¯s well cooked, the way it just explodes with flavor, mmm, just the best. And, I do love my mother¡¯s pecan pie she makes. It isn¡¯t the best, but I would give anything to have it right now. It¡¯s been a long time.¡±


    ¡°That sounds really good. I¡¯ve never heard of pecan pie before, is it sweet or savory?¡± Wayne asked.


    ¡°Oh, it''s one of the sweetest things you¡¯ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. I¡¯ll need to get you some at some point. You simply have to try it. But, ah, what¡¯s your favorite food Wayne?


    ¡°Well, the poren belly at the Cafeteria remin-¡± Wayne started before Homer turned his head in alert and raised a hand.


    ¡°Shhh! I hear something.¡± Homer hissed.


    The two Legionnaires dropped into ready positions and prepared for combat, although it was several more seconds before Wayne also heard the noise that Homer had picked up. It was a skittering that sounded like the time a hailstorm had almost knocked the orphanage''s roof down. Wayne casually Shaped the Dragon¡¯s Eye and stared down the monotonous tunnel.


    It soon became apparent the acoustics of the passage let the sound travel much faster than, as it was more than a minute before the boys saw their adversaries. If the noise wasn¡¯t progressively getting louder, they may have even dismissed it.


    Instead, the two of them found themselves staring down a horde of scittering metallic knee height spiders. The click-clack of the dozens of thin needle-like legs pinging against the ground was what had alerted them to the trouble. Wayne was worried about surviving against so many opponents, but Homer stepped forwards confidently.


    ¡°It¡¯s my turn to fight this time, hero. Leave this to me.¡±


    Without any hesitation he pushed off with his silver leg towards the arachnid constructs. Homer blitzed the metal monsters, crushing the distance between them to nothing and throwing himself into their midst. The enemies were slow to react, letting his friend lash out with precise kicks that crushed two of their number.


    By then though, the spiders had more than enough time and several launched themselves at Homer in large leaps. However, all Homer needed was a duck and a quick spin to evade five of the seven remaining enemies as they converged. His efficient movements brought him over one of the two constructs that had hung back, and he quickly stomped it into oblivion, its metallic legs no longer even twitching.


    Unfortunately for Wayne though, the rest of the arachnids were not content to focus entirely on Homer and a pair broke off from their dog pile to harass him. Wayne nervously put his hands in the air, but before they could attack him the entire tunnel started quaking violently.


    The ground shifted out from beneath him, and Wayne spilled onto his back. A flash of metal gleamed in front of him leaving Wayne with barely enough time to raise his arms up between them as one of the spiders took advantage of his collapse.


    Its sharp limbs raked across his forearms, leaving bloody gashes behind with each movement. Wayne tried to shove the spider off, but it had too much leverage above him. As the pain escalated, Wayne closed his eyes and shouted.


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡±


    Then, relief came. The weight of the construct disappeared from Wayne¡¯s chest, leaving just the warm throbbing and flowing blood of his arms. Wayne gingerly moved his arms to his side while he thanked Homer.


    ¡°Thanks, Hom- Wait, Johnathan? Why are you here?¡±


    Instead of finding his new friend, the heir to the northern archdukedom stood above him, with the remnants of the spider in his hands and both Jayna and August flanking him on either side.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to save my best friend, of course.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Wayne just stared at Johnathan for a moment, but the other Legionnaire was already striding forwards imperiously towards the rest of the battle. A cloak of dark mist spread from his shoulders, flooding the corridor as he walked by.


    Homer was still engaged with the rest of the arachnid constructs but as the unnatural darkness overtook his ankles Wayne¡¯s friend paused and let out a sigh. The spiders tried to capitalize on his momentary weakness, but dark tendrils rose and ensnared them as they attempted to leap forwards to attack.


    Their attempts to struggle against the darkness were in vain, as the mist enveloped the spiders in its depths. The noises of their resistance gradually snuffed out one by one, until the hallway was shrouded in shadow and silence.


    Wayne sat up as the shadows receded, noting the composite parts of the constructs scattered across the smooth flooring.


    ¡°Lord Heirdt-¡±


    ¡°Thank Luminos you¡¯re alright Homer. Not that I ever doubted your abilities, my friend.¡± Johnathan cut off Homer, while embracing him in a tight hug.


    Wayne could still see Homer over Johnathan¡¯s shoulder, and the confusion he was feeling was clearly written on his face.


    ¡°I-yes¡­ it¡¯s good to see you too.¡± He eventually responded, lamely.


    ¡°Yes yes, this is a very touching reunion, but it should wait until we find a way out of this death trap.¡± Jayna cut in sharply, before Johnathan could realize Homer¡¯s mood.


    Johnathan broke the embrace and backed up a few steps, before acknowledging Jayna¡¯s point.


    ¡°Excuse me. You''re correct, we need to prioritize our continued safety right now. Even if we manage to escape the ruin, the false basilisk could still await us outside. We will need all of our Shaping and wits to make it back to Light¡¯s Reach without casualties.¡±


    At that, he briefly glanced at Homer¡¯s new, metallic leg.


    ¡°I see you were forced to reveal your Affinity. It¡¯s unfortunate, but it will make this conversation more honest and accurate. To get out of here, our group will need to act with cohesion, and focus. If we get separated again, it is highly unlikely we will manage to make it back with our lives. To that extent, I suggest we all come forward with the extent of our Shaping capabilities, so that we can strike together effectively in battle.¡±


    Lord Johnathan Heirdt scanned their collected faces, all covered in layers of grime and dirt. Wayne met his imperious eyes without flinching, the events of the last few days having forged his resolve through the fires of constant peril.


    ¡°To be both fair and transparent, I will begin with my faction¡¯s Shaping talents.¡±


    ¡°Lady Banchera is a Disciple of the standard Empire Affinities, and she is highly trained in Light Shaping techniques, specifically those geared towards stealth and obfuscation. If need be, she can render herself and a small area around her very close to transparent to even enhanced eyesight. August also possesses a Fire Form used to disperse her body heat to avoid attempts at thermal detection, which is one of the false basilisk''s suspected senses.¡±


    August looked perturbed at having her personal information exposed without her consent, but Lord Heirdt didn¡¯t seem to care about her reaction as he promptly moved onto Homer¡¯s capabilities.


    ¡°As you likely already know or can infer, Homer is a Disciple who possesses a Metal Affinity that he can use to certain alloys to various degrees. As you just witnessed, he is a more than capable frontline combatant, and is a rather talented healer with his more standard Shaping Affinities. If a situation arises in which I am ever incapacitated for any reason, know that Lord Urlondst carries my full authority.¡±


    He smiled at the acknowledgement and nodded slightly, but Wayne could tell that Homer was still conflicted from the reunion. Johnathan still proceeded without halt, only now he would finally reveal his own abilities.


    ¡°Now. As for my own Shaping, what I¡¯m about to reveal is highly restricted information, so if the secret leaks, I will know where it occurred, as both Homer and August already are aware of this.¡±


    Lord Heirdt¡¯s words were clearly intended just for Wayne and Jayna, forcing the woman to roll her eyes in response.


    ¡°Ok my Lord. We understand. Just get on with it.¡± She barbed.


    ¡°Mmm. I am an external Meister of the Shadow Affinity. What defines a shadow is slightly different than simple darkness, but for now you can assume that every Light, Flame, and Shadow they cast can and will be manipulated by my authority.¡±


    ¡°I will control the field if we encounter numerous threats simultaneously, or work to inhibit and restrict any larger enemies so that you all may attack more freely. I can bind enemies to their own Shadow¡¯s, while using my Light and Fire Affinities to create an environment suitable for my other Shapings. That is all.¡±


    With that, their leader looked expectantly towards Jayna, ordering her with his gaze to share her own secrets. The other Legionnaire shook her head in exasperation, but still relented to the request.


    ¡°I suppose you all are aware that I¡¯ve got a Lightning Affinity. I¡¯m an internal Meister, so I focus more on the Forms side of things, but I¡¯ve got a few longer range tricks up my sleeve. Though, it didn¡¯t seem to do much against that bug out there. Other than that, it¡¯s just the basic stuff, nothing too wild.¡±


    At that, Jayna appeared to be finished with her self assessment, and although it really didn¡¯t provide much information to Wayne, Johnathan seemed satisfied. Which caused his gaze to fall on Wayne next.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you all what I¡¯m capable of. But first, there¡¯s something I need to know.¡± Wayne said, still meeting Johnathan¡¯s eyes.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    There had been something bothering Wayne ever since they had set out on this journey, but it had become much more pressing since the report their mission was based on turned out to be a trap. Although Johnathan¡¯s expression tensed, Wayne couldn¡¯t afford to stay in the dark any longer.


    ¡°Did you manipulate the Cohort selection for the Assessment, Lord Heirdt?¡±


    * * * * *


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    The other Legionnaire¡¯s face filled first with understanding, then with a surprising amount of guilt.


    ¡°I¡­ can understand how this situation appears. Yes, I had my family use some connections to ensure the group I was assigned to would serve my interests. August and Homer were included to ensure that my faction was the majority, while both you and Jayna were included as¡­ strategic connections. But you have my word I had no intention of bringing any of you into an assassination attempt. Upon our return, each of you should expect to be handsomely and discreetly financially rewarded. But nonetheless, I¡­ apologize.¡±


    The admission clearly was not something Lord Heirdt wanted to say, and the apology took it even a step further, a mature acceptance of fault that improved Wayne¡¯s opinion of him immensely. Still, he didn¡¯t forget that Johnathan had made his ¡®best friend¡¯ suffer just so the spotlight could shine on him brighter.


    It was enough however, for Wayne to get over his suspicions and show some cooperation so they could survive.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you at your word and let the matter rest, Lord Heirdt. Now, as for my own talents¡­¡±


    Funnily enough, Wayne had barely had time to review his own Statistics recently. Just to make sure he was being accurate, Wayne quickly brought up his Order System and scanned through the text it offered.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Luminos welcomes your subservience, and graces you with his power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Name:


    </td>


    <td>


    Wayne Clive Aouris


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tier:


    </td>


    <td>


    Acolyte (1)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Affinities:


    </td>


    <td>


    Light, Fire


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Statistics:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Strength:


    </td>


    <td>


    10


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Speed:


    </td>


    <td>


    10


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Spirit:


    </td>


    <td>


    27


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Skills:-


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Draconian Senses:


    </td>


    <td>


    1/7


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    ?????


    </td>


    <td>


    Incompatible


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°When the blight did I get so strong!¡±


    Wayne couldn¡¯t help himself from shouting as he kept rereading his statistics over and over again. He forgot about the danger, even the rest of the cohort as he just stared slack jawed. Then, Lord Johnathan had to ruin the moment.


    ¡°And, would you finally share with us how strong you are, exactly?¡±


    Suddenly, Wayne¡¯s enthusiasm had a bucket of water poured over it, as he realized his improvement still left him as the weakest person here. Flustered, he spoke without thought.


    ¡°Ah, well¡­ I¡¯m an Acolyte of the standard Affinities, but I can see.¡±


    Then, Wayne heard what he had said and hurriedly tried to amend his statement. ¡°I mean, of course I can, rather I meant to say I see mana. How powerful, and roughly what Affinity, although I¡¯m still getting the hang of it.¡±


    For a moment, Wayne was worried about what they might think. But August quickly nodded, understanding on dawning on her face.


    ¡°That¡¯s how you knew the false basilisk was there, out in the Wildes. Its mana gave it away, even though it was masking its presence and body heat.¡± August said.


    Wayne sheepishly scratched the back of his head as he nodded. A gleam shone in Johnathan¡¯s eye as he heard that, the beginnings of a plan seeming to click into place for the other Legionnaire.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Was all he said, however.


    ¡°So what¡¯s next?¡± Jayna chimed in, clearly impatient to escape the deadly ruins.


    ¡°...Well, let us retrace our steps back to the entrance, and get out of this ancient place. There is no telling what else we might find here, so be cautious.¡± Johnathan said.


    Then with a flick of his wrist, he snared a metallic spider limb with a shadow tendril and pulled it into his grip.


    ¡°And bring a leg. They will serve as well as any other tool to clear the rubble blocking our exit.¡±


    * * * * *


    Thankfully, Johnathan remembered the route back, and the cohort made it to the ruin¡¯s entrance without any further issues. Together, they got down and carefully began prying the heavy stones out of the collapsed passage, trying to make an opening without bringing the whole ceiling down on top of them.


    It was slow and loud work, so after a while Lord Heirdt decided to patrol the hallway to make sure their flank was safe. As his form retreated into the distance, some absent-minded chatter started up amongst the rest of the cohort.


    ¡°Homer, Wayne, it truly is good to see you again. We were all distraught, especially Johnathan, though he would never admit it.¡± August said.


    Homer looked pensive as Jayna continued the conversation.


    ¡°Yeah, he was pretty upset when the entrance separated us off. He insisted that ¡®we search the whole ruin¡¯ in case you two found another way somehow. Johnathan was tearing apart waves of those spider golems you two were fighting without even stopping for it.¡±


    Then, she stopped, and glanced at Wayne and Homer.


    ¡°Speaking of, how did the two of you get down there? I feel like we were awfully deep in the ruins already when we found the both of you.¡±


    Homer and Wayne shared a look.


    ¡°...It¡¯s a long story.¡± Wayne finally said. ¡°Let¡¯s just say we got pretty lucky with a fall, and even luckier once we were in the ruin. Even with all that luck, Homer still lost his leg to that bastard bug.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, if you two want to keep your secrets, then I¡¯m free to assume something extremely embarrassing happened down there that you don¡¯t want to talk about.¡± Jayna said with a smirk.


    ¡°Oh, like you wouldn¡¯t believe.¡± Homer said with a wink.


    August started giggling, and soon all of them were laughing, the imminent escape from the ruin taking a weight off all of their shoulders. Wayne had noticed himself laughing a lot more now that his life was in constant danger, but for some reason he didn¡¯t find it that strange.


    If anything, it made sense to Wayne, because now his perspective was so different than it was just a week ago. It felt oddly right to celebrate the small things, so Wayne would. And apparently, the others felt the same way.


    Or most of them did.


    ¡°What are you all doing! I can hear you from almost five hundred strides down the hallway!¡± Johnathan said while emerging from the darkness.


    ¡°Oh lay off it.¡± Jayna retorted, prying another large rock from the rubble.


    ¡°We are still in unsafe territory. I will not ¡®lay off'' it.¡± Lord Heirdt said, before eyeing their progress.


    ¡°But, it may be time for me to share our plan for dealing with the false basilisk. We should be ready to move out soon.¡±


    This got everyone¡¯s attention, and the entire Cohort quieted and turned to their appointed leader. He gave a small smile.


    ¡°Better. Alright, so to begin with, I should clarify that we will only be ¡®dealing¡¯ with the basilisk. Unfortunately, actually slaying the beast is likely outside the realm of possibility with our current capabilities.¡± Johnathan said.


    Then his smile went cold.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t seriously maim it as we escape though. I, for one, would like to cause that bug the maximum amount of pain possible. And ideally, together we can leave it a parting gift it won¡¯t soon forget.¡±