《Conquerors Will》


 Chapter 1: Disbandment day

    Chapter one: Disbandment day


    Earth had entered an era of peace and tranquillity that stretched across decades. The year was 3225, and anything beyond the year 3000 was regarded as a New Earth¡ªa golden age. All nations had united under a single world government, eliminating wars, senseless violence, poverty, and slavery. Yet, Jahad was acutely aware that this was all merely a fa?ade.


    The unification of humanity came at a cost; all terrorists, civilizations, heretics, and any opposition to the world government were slain and conquered in swift silence. Any remaining, regardless of gender or age, were wiped from existence by a special task force. The enforcers were a clandestine group of seven, engineered in laboratories and meticulously modified to become weapons of mass destruction, specifically designed to eliminate any opposing force.


    Jahad was one of these enforcers. He had undergone extensive genetic modification, with every gene in his body spliced to select only the finest traits. Jahad was equipped with a cyber kinetic frame that established a symbiotic relationship with his central nervous system, evolving alongside him. To withstand the brutal feedback from these bioengineering mechanisms, he had an artificial intelligence embedded within his brain. This AI served as his sole source of comfort, as Jahad was entirely devoid of human connections. Raised in the sterile confines of a secure, white test room, he lacked the nurturing presence of a mother or any semblance of warmth.


    By the age of 13, Jahad had already completed 28 skirmishes, all resulting in victory. Out of the 7 enforcers, Jahad was considered the best due to his precision and agility, targeting weak points to breakdown infrastructures of full-blown military operations. But today was his final day. All enforcers'' heads buzzed with the notification of their last day. Jahad puffed out a frosty breath as the cylindrical door to the cryopod he inhabited cracked open. He had been asleep for 12 days straight.


    He picked at his gluey eye, rubbing them sleepily. The door showed his reflection. Jahad possessed a slender yet powerful physique, his muscles well-defined and compact. His body and face bore the marks of battle, marred with scars that told stories of past conflicts. He had short-cropped black hair and hazel eyes that held a weary, worn-out gaze. Standing at 5 foot 7, though not by his own natural design, he was created to be perfect for his missions. A noisy buzz rang in his head. Disbandment day.


    Jahad found himself at a crossroads, unsure of how to process the day ahead. From the moment he was born, his life had been engineered and crafted for battle, for bloodshed. Now, he was expected to simply return to a state of normalcy? His thoughts raced; excitement mingled with confusion, leaving him feeling adrift. The idea of finding a girlfriend and embracing a typical life was appealing, yet it felt foreign to him. The experiences that shaped him were ingrained deeply, and the notion of letting go of everything he had known felt impossible. Jahad sighed. There was no point getting hung up on what¡¯s to happen for now he had to meet up with all the other enforcers. The punishment for late arrival was severe, death. Although this was always the disciplinary action for stepping out of line.


    Jahad ripped off remaining electrodes from his back and clicked a side panel button, metallic cargos formed around his legs and a compressed shirt that brimmed with wired veins tightened around him. The shirt was designed to keep serum flow however today there was no administration of serum. This potent drug was the catalyst that transformed the soldiers into ruthless killing machines, stripping away their humanity and replacing it with a relentless drive for destruction. Only the enforcers could withstand the effects of it but at the cost of having a dependence. The cryopod injected small dosages to keep them alive. Without the drug the enforcers were still very capable soldiers however serum is what separates them from the others, it allowed the creation of weapons of mass destruction all housed into a single soldier and Jahad was one of the best if not the best soldier for his age and maturity.


    He started to walk out the room, the meeting room coordinates pinged into his head, all he had to do was take a lift and descend to the lowest floor. He entered the lift before the door could shut, a giant callused hand clasped it opening it. The man was towering at an impressive 6''8" with a formidable, muscular build, he cast a shadow over Jahad, his gaze both intimidating and commanding. Jahad stared back unphased before realising he was looking at a fellow enforcer. Jahad had worked with him previously, their mission together has ended in success, destroying an opposing military force. There was a collective silence as nothing was said to another, the man just walked in and using his enormous pointer finger, he pressed the elevator button for the basement level. The elevator descended, a mild whirring sound filling the silence. A ding resonated as they reached the bottom floor, the doors slid open and the huge man was first to leave, Jahad trailed behind him.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    They made their way into the designated chamber, a pristine and sterile reinforced space that exuded an air of clinical precision. It seemed that Jahad and the giant were the last arrivals. In total, seven enforcers stood in the room in line waiting for further instructions. They both joined the string of men. Three minutes ticked by in tense silence before a speaker crackled to life, and a man with a voice like gravel resonated through the room. It was the president, his tone commanding and heavy, instantly capturing everyone''s attention. Every single soldier whipped into perfect formation and a perfect stance, standing to attention. Jahad thought to himself in shock. It was the president. Every single action and deed, every sin and fleeting moment of their lives, was meticulously dictated by the president''s orders. Each command resonated with an unyielding authority, shaping their destinies like a puppeteer controlling marionettes. In this oppressive atmosphere, autonomy faded, and their lives became mere reflections of his will. Jahad swallowed a ball of spit that formed at the back of his throat.


    The voice spoke. ¡°Soldiers, today I stand before you not just as your commander, but as a witness to the extraordinary sacrifices you have made in the shadows of our society. You are the unsung heroes, the super soldiers whose unwavering dedication has preserved humanity¡¯s fragile peace. For years, you have operated in the darkness, unseen and unacknowledged, carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Your strength, resilience, and commitment to our cause have been nothing short of remarkable. You have faced unimaginable challenges, all for the greater good, ensuring that the rest of humanity could live in safety and security. But now, I must deliver news that weighs heavily on my heart. The time has come for us to disband this elite unit. This decision is not made lightly. It is a necessity for the sake of national security and the protection of our classified operations. In a world that thrives on secrecy, your existence poses a risk that cannot be ignored. Therefore, as painful as it is to say, your lives will be taken to ensure that no trace of your remarkable abilities remains. This is not an end, but a final act of service to humanity, a sacrifice that will ensure the safety of the very people you have fought to protect. You will be remembered, not as mere soldiers, but as the guardians of peace who operated in the shadows for the sake of a brighter future.¡± The voice trailed off to the end.


    Jahad''s eyes widened in realization. It all clicked like pieces in a puzzle; they were deliberately denied the serum, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t fight back, making their demise a far more tranquil affair. The giant man that Jahad had once worked with pawed at his neck, grunting before his head erupted in a plume of smoky gore and blood. Everyone snapped into work, ripping out the tags in their necks. Jahad''s fingers clawed into his neck; he could feel the pulses of his heart thump into his fingertips. He ripped out the tag connected to his jugular, blood spurting out at an alarming rate. His body contained nanites that instantly cauterized the wound; however, his vision went double from the blood loss. His brain ticked and worked into overdrive; there needed to be a way out. The room was reinforced; he saw as another enforcer smashed his hand into the door, but not even a dent or scratch was left.


    The president''s voice cut through the chaos surrounding the soldiers. ¡°I am deeply sorry for what must be done, and I will carry this burden and the countless sins to my grave. This is the end for you, soldiers of humanity. The trackers in your neck were meant to ensure a peaceful send-off. Know this: this entire floor will be deconstructed, and with it, the legacy of your sacrifices.¡± With those final words, a siren screamed into the ears of everyone, flashing blinding lights rebounded off the walls. A cold robotic voice bellowed, ¡°Warning: decontamination countdown.¡± The voice repeated itself three times before a countdown occurred. Jahad hopelessly thumped into the door with his shoulder. The man who was in the elevator with him was slumped next to him, his brain scattered across the wall. Jahad had come across death time and time again. He had faced it in its eyes and had dealt the card too many times that it had become his nature. But now it was his turn.


    As the room erupted in flames, a searing inferno engulfed Jahad, the crackling heat clawing at his skin like a thousand angry serpents. The vibrant orange and red tongues of fire danced wildly around him, illuminating the chaos in a hellish glow. Each flicker seemed to taunt him, whispering promises of pain and despair as they licked hungrily at the remnants of his once indomitable spirit. Jahad''s heart raced, pounding against his ribcage like a caged beast desperate for escape. The acrid smoke filled his lungs, a suffocating blanket that clawed at his throat and stung his eyes, blurring the world around him. He felt the heat intensify, an unbearable pressure that pressed down on him, squeezing the life from his body as the flames roared with a ferocity that echoed his own anguish.


    In those final moments, a profound sense of betrayal washed over him. The very strength that had once made him a weapon now felt like a cruel joke, leaving him powerless against the consuming fire. As the flames enveloped him, he realized that this was not just the end of his life but the extinguishing of his legacy, reduced to nothing more than ash and smoke in the chaotic dance of destruction. The brutal reality settled in, and with it came a haunting acceptance of his fate, swallowed whole by the very inferno that had become his prison. His screams burnt out; he couldn¡¯t even close his eyes as his eyelids burnt, crisping up and flaking off. The flames furled and twisted into black wisps that wrapped his vision. The torment seemed to last an eternity.

 Chapter 2: Fursa Thaniya - Second chance

    Chapter 2: Fursa Thaniya - second chance


    It was a hellish torture. The burning pain seemed to subside and ramp right back up again but before it could increase again, a heavy hand clasped Jahad''s forearm, yanking him away. He was flung across and out of the fiery pits. Jahad rolled and writhed, pawing at the flames that twirled around his body and skin. The man that pulled him out raised his hand above his dancing body and whispered something before crunching a gem of sorts in the palm of his fist. The pain eased and the flames diminished within an instant. Jahad blinked repeatedly. His eyelids were still there, his body wasn¡¯t reduced to bone and ash causing his mind to race with thoughts and disarray. His throat tried croaking a sentence but nothing came out, the man took no heed of it and went back into the burning building.


    The building resembled a church of some sorts. The flames engulfed the structure, thick smoke rising, and the sound of crackling wood echoed. The glow of the fire casted shadows, and shattered stained glass was littered and scattered. The man reappeared and threw another boy to the side of Jahad. The boy''s face was charred and his skin blistered but he was alive. The man repeated the action he did to Jahad to the young boy and his wounds healed in an instant causing Jahad to stare bewildered. The boy was out cold. The man towered above Jahad and the kid next to him. Standing tall and muscular, exuding an air of confidence and strength. His trench coat draped over his broad shoulders, his well-defined physique bulging out, whilst a fitted vest underneath accentuated his powerful build. His face was rugged and distinguished, marked by deep lines that told stories of experience in battle. He had short salt-and-pepper hair, adding to his mature appearance, and piercing eyes that seem to hold a wealth of battle knowledge. A chiselled jawline and strong cheekbones gave him a commanding presence, making him a striking figure in any setting. He didn¡¯t pay any mind to Jahad or the boy. He stared across from them. His voice bellowed, loud and clearly ¡°two survivors Lepic, the orphanage is a fucking wreck we best move¡±.


    Jahad looked behind him to see who he was talking to. Another man stood slender and a head shorter than the previous figure, his trench coat fitting snugly around his frame. Underneath, he wore a tailored waistcoat that added a touch of elegance to his appearance. He exuded a silent, mysterious vibe, often lost in thought. His gaze was fixated on a pocket watch, which he held delicately in one hand, while the other rested casually in his pocket. The dim light pronounced the sharp angles of his face, highlighting his contemplative expression and the air of intrigue that surrounded him. The man with the vest bellowed again ¡°Lepic we need to go¡±. Finally the man broke his staring gaze from his pocket watch, he clicked it and stuffed the clock into the pocket of his Trenchcoat and finally a calming voice much different to the other man left his mouth ¡°Ron, take them and get some cleaners here¡±.


    Ron was the huge man and he put his two fingers into his mouth and blew a high pitch whistle, a horse and carriage appeared moments later, he picked up the boy next to Jahad with one hand and effortlessly hurled him into the back of the carriage. His hand then moved towards Jahad but then stopped. ¡°You¡¯re awake?..¡± the man bore a slight grin. Instinct took over Jahad to dart away but it was too late. A fist struck into his temple knocking him clean out. Jahad groaned. He was slowly regaining consciousness, the dim light filtering through the cracks of the moving carriage. As he stirred, a sharp pain throbbed in his temples, amplifying with each jolt of the vehicle. He blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but the world around him swayed and spun, intensifying the headache that pulsed like a drumbeat in his head. He pressed his palms to his temples, hoping to ease the discomfort, but the relentless ache only seemed to deepen as he tried to piece together what had happened.


    The sound of the wheels clattering against the uneven road filled his ears, mixing with the dull throb of pain, making it difficult to think clearly. His legs were tied by rope but his hands were free, he tugged onto them to no avail. He felt so weak. As his brain started to clear up he heard rustling next to him. He looked beside him and the boy was groaning. Jahad looked at him examining him. The kid seemed around Jahad''s age, he sported tangled messy brown hair and when his eyes flickered open they held a red hue around his light brown pupil. He seemed bigger than Jahad in terms of figure. The boy sat up groaning, his clothes still charred but not even a scratch remained on him, he also had the rope bound across his legs but not his hands. No matter how hard they both pulled on, it was to no avail. He felt fatigued. With no serum he wasn¡¯t at his fullest strength but even without it he should¡¯ve easily ripped this rope to shreds.


    It started to click in his head. His cybernetics were underdeveloped, his artificial intelligence ¡®Ma Lumat¡¯ was nowhere to be seen or heard no matter how much he called out to her in his head. In the midst of his thoughts the boy spoke cutting through his trance. ¡°Hey what¡¯s your name¡± the boy said bright and exuberantly, completely disregarding the situation at hand. Jahad''s eyebrows furrowed but he responded in a gentle manner. ¡°The name''s Jahad, what¡¯s yours?¡± The boy''s face lit up even more at the response. ¡°I¡¯m Jayce! I¡¯ve never seen you before at the orphanage¡± Jahad''s face remained unchanged but his mind felt confused by the words ¡°orphanage¡± he was still perplexed by what was happening but before he can lose himself in thought a sense of dread and despair gripped his heart as the carriage rocked and came to a halt. The carriage bounced as two figures jumped off the front. Silhouettes casted along the carriage side circled the wooden box and arrived at the back.


    The doors of the carriage swung open. Ron was standing there, his face harbouring a bored look. Behind him, Lepic leaned against a wall, his hand resting in his pocket and the other grasping his pocket watch. Blond silky strands of hair covered parts of his light blue eyes that never seemed to leave the watch''s premise. Ron¡¯s hands gripped Jayce''s leg like an iron vice, causing him to yelp. Jayce squirmed and wiggled in a desperate attempt to get away, but he got dragged off. Jahad yelled, ¡°Let go of him! What are you doing?¡± Both men took no notice of him.


    The building Ron dragged Jayce into seemed desolate and devoid of sanitation. It resembled a worn-down warehouse, built upon steel frames and glass windows caked in dust were boarded up. Lepic knocked the wall five times in a certain rhythm. The doors creaked and groaned as the sliding of bolts from the other side echoed. Ron dragged Jayce into the dimly lit warehouse, the musty air thick with the scent of decay. The peeling paint and rusted beams loomed overhead, creating an eerie atmosphere. Jahad could hear Jayce yelping in defiance. He heard Ron snarl threateningly, ¡°Shut up or I¡¯ll smash your teeth in.¡± Before Jayce could say another word, Ron smacked him with the palm of his fist. The force caused Jayce to stumble back, his legs tied making him fall straight onto his butt. Blood dribbled from his nose, and he started to sniffle and cry.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Anger flared up within Jahad. His brain started to calculate what he could do. He started to rummage around his surroundings for anything that could be used as a weapon before Ron would come. Lepic was still slumped onto the wall, peering longingly at his watch, heeding no sort of care to Jahad''s listlessness. Jahad''s hands swept around the cloth they had laid on but found nothing. He thought about just jumping out of the carriage, but Lepic was there, and the rope seemed like unbreakable shackles. Before his mind could conjure a plan, Ron came back. His muscular frame stomped towards the carriage, and he said nothing, just grabbed Jahad''s rope and dragged him. His head snapped back from the tug of the rope, hitting the side of his cranium on the carriage floor.


    Although Jahad was weak and fatigued, although he had no serum and his cyberkinetics felt underdeveloped, he still maintained his battle knowledge and prowess. Using the momentum of the whiplash, he placed his palms on the flooring and kicked off, throwing himself towards Ron. He wore a surprised expression as he saw the torso of Jahad flying towards him. He crashed into him; the shock and impact caused Ron to let go of the rope. This was the opportunity Jahad needed; however, it was a false hope. Jahad had expected Ron to tumble backwards, but when he exploded into him, it was as if he ran into a brick wall. Jahad winced as a searing pain shot through his shoulder, causing him to grit his teeth as a spasm of pain ran through his body. He planted his feet, and Ron was standing there towering above him. Jahad shifted his body and swung a quick punch aimed towards his inner thigh to try and disable his mobility.


    Jahad was a soldier who prided himself on speed, agility, and stealth; it was his bread and butter. So to his astonishment, Ron was somehow faster and not just that, much quicker than the punch he threw. Jahad had a mixed feeling of ¡°oh shit¡± and a sense of awe in how a man of that frame had managed to acquire such speed. Ron¡¯s hand had snaked out and grabbed the fist. Jahad''s hand felt like a penny in the palm of a bear. Ron crunched his hand effortlessly. It was a sickening noise, and white-hot fireworks of pain shot out of his hand. Jahad had a high pain tolerance, but it caused him to grunt. His hand was lost, and his legs were still bound. He stopped fighting back. Ron let go of his hand, and it fell limply to his side. He grabbed Jahad by his throat and lifted him, his pulse rang across the iron weights that tightened around his neck. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see no more of this, or I¡¯m ripping both your hands off.¡± Jahad couldn''t reply as Ron walked him to the warehouse with his hand still strangling him. When he entered, a plume of dust erupted as he was flung to the side. He skittered on the floor like a pebble tossed to the sea to skip. Each bounce sent shivers of pain that reverberated into his body.


    He used his non-broken hand to pry himself up and glanced over to Jayce, who was upright. Jayce no longer had rope around his legs and wore trousers that seemed a size too big for him as well as an oversized t-shirt. Lepic and Ron entered as the door slammed shut, and a lady emerged. She had an ethereal beauty, her ashy hair cascading down her shoulders like a silken waterfall, with delicate streaks of blonde that caught the light, adding a radiant glow. Her features were striking, with soft, expressive eyes that sparkled with warmth, and she sent a gentle smile towards Jahad and Jayce that could light up any room. Jahad had forgotten about the pain in his hand, stunned by her presence juxtaposed by the bleak, grim atmosphere. She slid all the locks back into the door, the metallic clangs causing small clouds of dust to disperse into the air. The warehouse had windows on the roof that allowed cracks of light to seep in. Jahad started to groan as the shock wore out and the pain seeped back in. He glanced at his hand. Big mistake. His hand was crumpled up with bones protruding into different angles.It didn¡¯t take a medical expert to know that the hand was in a state. He crunched down on his teeth to try and endure the pain.


    The lady had disappeared to an upper floor. Only Ron, Lepic, and the two boys remained. Ron was first to speak whilst Lepic remained looking at his watch. He spoke in a monotone and impatient manner. "You both were basically dead when we found you. The orphanage you lived in was on fire, and you were the only ones we could rescue. Now, you¡¯re in the underground. This place has its own territories, and that orphanage was part of ours. We decided to help you. We saved your lives, so now you owe us. You¡¯re gonna work for us, do what we say and do what we do. Any questions?¡±


    Jahad and Jayce had a bewildered look on their faces. Lepic sighed and looked up from his watch. ¡°Ron explain it properly,¡± his voice trailing off in annoyance. Ron tutted from this act. He huffed and then said, ¡°fine.¡±


    ¡°So, we''re in the hollow district, under Zephyr''s rule, but me and Lepic handle two sectors. That orphanage fell under our watch. You''re free to leave anytime since we''ve held up our end. But out there in the underground, it''s brutal. You''d be torn apart like a chew toy and a pack of dogs. Stick with me and Lepic, and we''ll teach you the ropes.¡± Ron then quietly and quickly said, ¡°we lost our previous runners so we need some new men,¡± trying to brush over it, but Jahad had taken notice of what he said. He then went to talk back in his loud thunderous tone.


    ¡°Me and Lepic will pay for your expenses and you will be paid for your jobs. Loyalty and experience gets you far in our line of work. If you don¡¯t trust us fine but trust each other as brothers.¡± He glanced at both Jahad and Jayce before speaking again, ¡°this is a serious line of work if your hearts are not in it you can always leave but the rewards are plentiful. Just to give you a glimpse of what we do for you, when you''re of age your unveiling will be paid for..¡±


    At the mention of unveiling Jayce''s face lit up and gleamed. Excitement took over his face and he started to fidget. The unveiling was a mystery to Jahad but it seemed to be of high value, it had been like a switch to Jayce. ¡°Any questions?¡±


    Jahad meekly raised his contorted hand wincing in pain. ¡°What will we be doing?¡± Ron replied, ¡°we¡¯re a¡­ laymen of some sorts, fingers in a lot of pies one could say. Today we won¡¯t be doing anything so fire your questions off.¡± For someone who had just crunched his arm he didn¡¯t seem half as bad as what Jahad thought but the pain would disagree with this. Jahad then asked, ¡°what¡¯s unveiling or the unveiling?¡±


    Ron, Lepic and Jayce all shot him a weird look. ¡°You don¡¯t know about the unveiling?¡± Lepic asked sceptically, as his eyebrow raised. Jahad decided to be honest and shake his head. There was no point in pretending he knew what was happening, he had zero information on everything that had occurred and this seemed to be his only way right now to gather some.


    Lepic moved forward a bit. ¡°Jahad, do you know what¡¯s the underground?¡± he shook his head again but he caught onto the fact that he had known his name. Jahad hadn¡¯t told him his name nor mentioned it near him, during the carriage he thought Lepic was far enough that his whisper wouldn¡¯t be heard but he thought wrong. ¡°Do you know anything about the orphanage you were in?¡±


    Jahad paused. He didn¡¯t know if it was smart to be completely truthful but he still shook his head after a momentary pause. Lepic hummed in thought then abruptly came to a conclusion and declared, ¡°memory loss. The fire smoke could have scrambled your brains. I''ll have a talk with you about everything.¡± Before Jahad could say anything Ron chucked a pair of clothes onto him. ¡°Get some kit on.¡±

 Chapter 3: Info

    Chapter three - info


    The clothes were much bigger on Jahad but they felt snug and warm. The two boys were led down into a basement area of the warehouse. Jahad''s hand was healed. The same stone and the same chant were said by Ron. His bones welded back together in a sickening crunch and squelch, the pain was excruciating and he saw sinews reform in front of his eyes. His eyes practically shot out its stalks. It was fascinating yet repulsive. It was only Ron that had taken them into the basement. Lepic had sauntered off.


    ¡°Our line of work is harsh. A man needs to know how to defend himself and how to prove himself." The trench coat he wore had a strap on the side that Jahad hadn¡¯t noticed before. It held a massive hammer but the bulk of Ron blocked viewing it. The hammer was a work of art to say the least. It was a huge weapon, its head forged from a shimmering black metal that seemed to absorb light. The hammer''s design was both brutal and elegant, with ornate engravings that told tales of ancient battles and heroic deeds. The handle seemed to be from sturdy oak, polished to a smooth finish and wrapped in dark striped leather for a secure grip with a metal pommel at the bottom. The centre of the hammer''s head housed a glowing deep scarlet gem that seemed alive, pulsating every second. Jahad''s gaze was fixated on the gem. Ron took off the black trench coat and hung it on a handle. Beneath was a tight vest pronouncing his huge figure even more. Veins popped from his defined arms.


    ¡°Lepic said we¡¯re taking it easy today, buuut I decided to change that. As one of our runners, the most important thing is¡­¡± he smacked his solid thigh. ¡°Running.¡± ¡°Your main job is to deliver merchandise. Some folks won¡¯t be happy about it, and others will want what you have. You need to be quick and slippery, like a serpent. For this exercise, I want both of you to avoid getting caught. Do whatever it takes¡ªif I grab you, you¡¯re out. Time to build up those legs.¡± Ron yawned and stretched before getting into a low stance. The room was big but not enough to constantly run away from someone, especially of that size. Jayce was still comprehending what to do but Jahad was ready, like a cat ready to pounce he was in his stance. He wasn¡¯t going to fight, he was going to use his¡ªhis thoughts were abruptly halted.


    Ron moved with frightening speed. Jayce turned to run but he launched a vicious kick that sent him spinning into the wall with a dull thud and a loud groan. Ron wore a huge grin as he looked towards Jahad, prowling towards him. Jahad''s instincts were screaming at him to move and so he listened. He unconsciously swivelled to his left and ducked a low kick that narrowly missed him by the breadth of a hair, irritating Ron. Before Jahad could return to a normal stance and plant himself to dart again, a giant fist came from above. Ron sent an overhand that dug straight into the top of Jahad''s head. He felt his entire body compress and he slammed backwards, the wind knocked out of him. Ron¡¯s annoyance quickly dissipated and his smug grin appeared. ¡°You got spunk kid.¡±


    Jahad''s head thumped and he started to drift off. He woke up this time back upstairs sitting in a dingy wooden chair with a circular wooden table in front of him. Jayce was seen in the corner sitting listening to Ron rambling. Lepic was in front of Jahad. ¡°Rough time?¡± Jahad croaked back, ¡°how¡¯s he that fast and that big?¡± This caused Lepic to chuckle a bit. ¡°He is, ain¡¯t he? He told me you managed to dodge a hit of his. I''m impressed.¡± The compliment made Jahad feel a bit better about himself. ¡°Ron wasn¡¯t being serious but not many can dodge him and at your age and rank I don¡¯t think there is anyone who could.¡± Lepic cusped his hand around a cigarette before lighting it up and puffing on it.


    ¡°Jahad, your memory seems to be scrambled up. If you got questions, ask me preferably now. If you ask Ron, he might get annoyed and smash your face in and we don¡¯t have enough of them vitality crystals.¡± And so Jahad did, he asked away. Lepic leaned back in his chair nonchalantly pulling out his pocket watch and staring at it as he explained whatever Jahad asked. Jahad had come to terms with the fact that he had been placed in a different world. He had been taken and was around the same age, maybe a bit younger. His systems, many of them became underdeveloped since he wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the stress of them in his newfound body without serum. He looked the same but his internal wares did not operate as well as his former body but still well above average. The world he was in did not rely solely on technology but magic. Lepic described that there were three classes of magic, briefly touching on them: knights, sorcerers, and summoners.


    The unveiling was a process where many unlocked their magic potential. A priest will send down a blessing from the gods and you will have your awakening. Many can still use magic without this; however, not having this awakening is and will always be a limiting factor for someone. Someone who hasn¡¯t been unveiled is considered unranked. The ranking system was a power-based system starting at H minus rank then going up to H rank then H plus rank. This went all the way up to A+ rank which then you would ascend to S minus rank, S rank, S rank then SS and finally SSS. No one existed at SS rank or above nor did any threat. The thought of an SS yet alone SSS threat seemed to linger in Jahad''s mind but he kept quiet. The information that Lepic spewed was priceless for him at this moment. Lepic explained how unveiling isn¡¯t rare but it can be expensive. There are many people that are not unveiled but there are many more that are unveiled. It¡¯s something that people will sell parts of themselves to do. In this world, magic and power were everything. Lastly, he and Jayce were in line to get unveiled after a year. Lepic said it was important to cultivate their strengths now in this year and use it as training. Becoming fully dependent on your magic was a death wish and those who did become fully dependent never lasted long.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    With all of that having been said, Lepic clicked his stopwatch and pushed it into his trench coat''s side pocket. He clasped his two hands together and stretched upwards, releasing a relieved groan. Jayce and Ron seemed to have been done too. Jayce ran up to Jahad eagerly, his face bright. ¡°Jahad, you need to hear everything Ron¡¯s been telling me. He was telling me how he fought twenty class C men unarmed and and¡ª¡± Jahad cut him off with the wave of his hand, he already had enough information to digest. Cracks of light that seeped through the boarded windows dimmed, it had become nighttime. Ron had explained to the two kids that this was where they took on missions. There was a blackboard wall that had different files pinned onto it, each containing different types of tasks. Jahad only had a glimpse of it, he still did not understand payment or the value of money in this world. To accept a task all you had to do was grab a file and go upstairs, the pretty lady had an office where she would debrief you. The building they were in was only used for this matter, Lepic and Ron had many facilities under their name.


    Ron undid the bolts and chains that locked the creaking door, he swung it open with a gush of wind filling the room, swirling grime up into the air. "We will give you both a place to stay, it''s secure but not lavish," he said with a smirk. Lepic had gone upstairs, the two boys followed Ron to the outside. The underground was utterly captivating; it was a realm truly beneath the surface. The sky wasn¡¯t illuminated by the sun, but by colossal orange gems that radiated a warm glow, casting a surreal light that stretched across the expanse.


    As night descended, these gems would dim and flicker, enveloping the area in an enchanting twilight. The underground felt like its own sovereign nation. There were no official laws or authorities to maintain order, yet the residents had forged their own intricate system of rules and customs, creating a unique society that thrived in the shadows.


    The two boys walked alongside Ron. The rows of houses they strolled past were a fascinating blend of mediaeval architecture and industrial factories, everything tightly packed together giving a sort of claustrophobic essence. Some houses were built with a crude, rustic design, their rough-hewn timber and stone giving them a sense of age and history. Others stood tall and robust, reinforced with iron and brick, giving an air of resilience and strength. This eclectic mix created a striking contrast, showcasing the ingenuity and adaptability of the residents in this underground world.


    They had walked down the street and arrived at another boarded-up establishment. Jahad could hear noises from inside but could not identify what they were. Ron banged his huge fist into the door repeatedly in the same rhythm as Lepic had done in the warehouse. The door swung open with a creak, revealing an expansive indoor barn, where hay lay strewn across the floor in disarray. The pungent aroma of horse manure assaulted the boy''s nostrils, a sharp reminder of the animals that called this place home. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the steel beams, casting dappled shadows on the ground, while the sound of horses whinnied added to the lively sanctuary.


    ¡°It''s not pretty, nor does it smell like it. But it''s safe and warm.¡± Jahad looked at Ron as if he was joking but he maintained a dead serious gaze. Jayce, however, seemed elated; he ran towards a horse and started stroking the docile creature. Jahad sighed. He had been through worse though he thought Ron and Lepic were big time, he didn''t think he would be sleeping in a barn.


    Ron had left the barn, slamming the door shut. He told both of them to memorise the pattern of the knocks to open it. Tomorrow they had an early start. They were to be there at 4am before dawn. Ron had left a device that Jayce explained was an alarm clock. Jayce had already become relaxed within the confines of a hay bale and a well-built horse. Jahad was crouched, inspecting the device. It was different to Earth''s technology. This device only ran on magic. The front was a clock and the 4 was highlighted. He flipped the device over and saw small magical circles. The magical circles on the back of the device were intricate and mesmerising. Each circle was adorned with delicate runes and symbols that shimmered with a faint glow, pulsating softly as if alive. Some circles were filled with swirling patterns that resembled stars. Such an intricate pattern, and this was only for a clock. Jahad had wondered what else was possible.


    He glanced at Jayce; he had fallen asleep and was snoring, the rhythmic rumble of his snoring echoed softly in the stillness. The horses had seemed to calm down and fallen asleep as well. Jahad looked at him for a bit longer seeing his chest heave and fall in a steady pattern. He realised he needed to sleep as well; he had no clue what was in store for him tomorrow. Laid back into a small hill of hay, sleepiness overtook him. His heavy eyes shut and he drifted off.

 Chapter 4: Training

    Chapter four - training


    Jahad could see the blaring sirens, the flashing lights casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. The president''s voice crackled through the distorted speakers, a grim reminder of the chaos outside, while the grotesque sight of a giant''s head splattered against the wall haunted his vision. A cold, robotic voice methodically counted down, each number sending shivers down his spine. Before he could even react, the dark, devoid of colour black wisps enveloped him, wringing him as if he was a wet towel, screams muffled by the black wisps. His eyes flew open, the wisps dissipating, heart racing as a cold sweat drenched his skin. Adrenaline surged through his veins, electrifying every nerve ending.


    Just then, Jayce''s familiar face emerged over the gated wall separating the stables, concern etched across his features. ¡°You okay, Jahad? You were moving around and shouting,¡± he said, his voice was with worry. Jahad took a moment to steady his breath, the remnants of the nightmare still clinging to him. Jayce hurled a rock at the alarm clock, silencing its blaring cry, much to the horses'' delight as they neighed in approval, their gentle sounds providing a stark contrast to the turmoil in Jahad''s mind. He let out a deep breath, ¡°yeah I''m okay let''s get going.¡± He stood up and stretched, shaking his head to remove remnants of fatigue. He kicked his barn door open, its creaking nature sounding akin to a cackle. Jayce was already standing by the door waiting patiently. ¡°There''s water in the stables, it''s good.¡± Jahad glanced at the troughs of muddied water. ¡°I''m alright,¡± he said stiffly.


    Jahad banged his fist against the door using the same rhythm Ron did. A spell formation flashed for a moment and the door opened. Cool. Jahad pondered quietly to himself, the darkness still enveloping the world, with dawn just a whisper away. The few figures that lingered in the shadows appeared suspicious, cloaked in an air of mystery that sent an unsettling chill down his spine. The alleys were alive with activity; he could see men slipping through the narrow passages while others lay sprawled on the ground, lost to the night.


    Jayce, despite his usual confidence, had forgotten the route to the warehouse, even though it was a mere five minutes away. But Jahad''s memory was sharp, the path already memorised into his mind. With a determined nod, he took the lead, guiding them through the dimly lit streets, the anticipation of their destination driving him forward. They arrived on the strip that the warehouse was situated on, the two of them striding forward. A tall man walked past Jahad, he had a similar trench coat to Ron and Lepic though they differed in some aspects. It seemed of a rougher make. Jahad looked to the ground walking past him, his gut told him to not make eye contact. He heard a dull thud behind him, he looked back to see Jayce sprawled onto the floor. The figure barged him into the food. ¡°Watch where you''re going kid,¡± he snarled, sweeping his trench coat. Jahad caught the flashing of a steel dagger neatly tucked into his waistband. Jahad didn''t know how strong this man was nor did he want to find out. He hurriedly went to face the man and apologised. The man tutted, ¡°tch¡± and sauntered away. Jahad helped Jayce up, he had no sort of damage but his jubilant attitude seemed to dim a bit from the encounter.


    They arrived at the warehouse. Lepic was at the front, back against the door. His calming voice said, ¡°you did the right thing Jahad, one wrong move and both of you were dead.¡± Lepic had witnessed the whole ordeal and Jahad had realised he used it as a test to see what they would do. Lepic explained, ¡°trust your gut, he was a class F+, you would do best to avoid those above your class, never punch above your weight.¡± With that, he knocked on the door in the same pattern. The bolts and slides clanged loudly as they were thrown open, the door groaning in protest as it creaked ajar. A gust of stale air rushed out, carrying with it the scent of dampness and neglect. Jahad and Jayce stepped inside behind Lepic. Ron¡¯s massive frame stood near the mission blackboard.


    Three weeks had slipped by since Jahad¡¯s arrival, and the gruelling training regimen had encompassed everything from conditioning to combat and beyond. He had teamed up with Ron and Lepic on numerous missions, and even ventured on a few drug runs with Jayce¡ªnothing too perilous, but enough to keep him on his toes. The intricate layout of the underground was gradually becoming clearer, as he began to memorise various routes, honing in on the most efficient paths. Each day blurred into the next, marked by a relentless routine: a jarring 4 a.m. wake-up call, followed by debriefs and missions. Training consumed every spare hour that wasn¡¯t allocated to runs or missions, leaving little room for respite.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The vigorous training was in order to try and cultivate magic within them, only Jayce was successful. Although not unveiled yet, Jayce could envelop only his right hand in a swirling mass of tight rings of fire, delivering devastating punches with his hand that left small craters in concrete walls. Jahad felt the pressure to catch up, but despite the rigorous training, he struggled to tap into any abilities. Lepic remarked on the oddity of it all, noting that everyone typically had at least a trace of magic, yet he couldn''t sense any in Jahad''s presence. The revelation left Jahad disheartened; it suggested that his potential might be significantly less than Jayce''s.


    ¡°Don''t fret, hard work and dedication will always outdo raw talent. You''ll see that for your next mission.¡± Today was different, it was Jahad and Jayce''s first serious mission alone.


    It was 4am, the air was moist and cold as they trekked towards the warehouse. Knocking on the door rhythmically, they heard the familiar sounds of sliding bolts. Lepic and Ron stood beside the blackboard, a few other people clad in cloaks, their faces dimmed by the hoods they wore stood beside them. Jahad could see Jayce already getting the jitters, it was gonna be their first big mission. Lepic nodded to Ron at the arrival of Jahad and Jayce, he grabbed a file off of the black board and gave it to Jahad. ¡°Go upstairs to Reina, Jayce you follow him¡± Ron barked. And so they did. Jahad peered into the files content.


    Debrief


    If found in the hands of any outside of LR limited, certain death is promised.


    This debrief is strictly meant for the hands of Jayce, Jahad, Reina.


    Mission Type: Sabotage


    Location: The target factory is located in Sector 2, currently supposed to be under the control of LR Limited. This facility is an unauthorized manufacturer of weapons and drugs for a rival sector.


    Personnel: There are approximately 30 unranked workers present.


    Structure: The factory consists of two floors:


    - Upper Floor: Contains a rank A- operative. DO NOT engage with this individual under any circumstances. This person oversees the entire operation.


    - Ground Floor: There is a rank F operative here, who is the only one you need to be concerned about.


    Mission Objective: Your primary goal is to open the warehouse garage gates. An operative will handle the elimination of any guards at the back entrance. Once you are inside the factory, it is your responsibility to pull the lever that controls the gates.


    Important Notes:


    - You will receive no support while attempting to open the gates.


    - Only unranked operatives are permitted to enter the premises. Any ranked operative will be detected by the class A-.


    - If you are discovered inside the warehouse, it could result in death or torture.


    - While alerting the factory will not provoke the class A-, it will trigger a response from the class F, which you cannot handle. Do not engage with class F unless forced to.


    Final Reminder: Do not get caught. Your lives depend on maintaining stealth and executing the mission flawlessly.


    Reward: 10 gold

 Chapter 5: Overwhelming Power

    Chapter five - overwhelming power


    Jayce and Jahad both wore a dark grey trench coat. Jahad knew the directions to the factory; he had passed it a couple of times not knowing that this was where he was going to raid. He walked with Jayce, he was not his usual jubilant self, instead replaced with a nervous skittish energy, almost like a stray cat. They passed a dozen factories, the one they were going to hit was within eyeshot. Jahad stopped in his tracks; Jayce walked a couple of paces forward before realising and stopped, running straight back to Jahad. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± he exclaimed, his head twisting and turning cautiously.


    Jahad needed to get him to calm down. There were no safety nets in this mission, and any mistake could be catastrophic. Jahad¡¯s hands clasped Jayce''s shoulders tightly, his grip firm despite Jayce being taller. Jahad''s stone-cold eyes drilled into him. ¡°Steady your breath, Jayce. You¡¯ve been on missions with Lepic and Ron. We¡¯ve done runs together; it¡¯s just me and you¡ªsimple in and out.¡± His grip tightened as he spoke, the physical connection shaking out Jayce''s wavering confidence. A small smile broke out and with that, his usual self regained control. ¡°Alright let''s do this.¡±


    The two briskly walked into an alleyway that would lead to the back area of the factory. A woman shrouded in a dark cloak moved silently through the shadows of the alley past them. In the corner of his eye, Jahad saw the dark shadows of the alley distort ever so slightly, and he instinctively reached behind him. It was the woman''s hand. He could see a slight smile escape her face, Jahad''s hand firmly clasping her wrist. She opened her hand revealing a dagger. A raspy voice slipped from her pursed lips. ¡°From... Lepic.¡± Each word followed the last with a deliberate pause, as if she needed to gather her thoughts before continuing. After a moment''s thought, she said ¡°paralyses. Kinda works. Class F.¡± Jahad could slightly understand her words; it was a dagger that could momentarily stun the Class F if they ever got into trouble with him.


    He stared at the dagger for a moment. It was nowhere near as flashy as Ron''s hammer, however, it still held a powerful runic circle in its confines, the blade shimmered, stainless steel. The grip was of light oak hugged by a silver wrap, upon further inspection of the blade, a dark green liquid coursed through the edges. Jahad took the blade off of the hooded figure, grabbing it by its handle tucking it into the confines of his coat.


    After a few seconds, they had arrived at the back of the factory. The pungent fumes of what could be considered drug materials and sweat caused the two boys to wince. The backdoor was opened slightly; two men were already laid out, their throats slit and left out to bleed out as if they were a gutted fish. Jahad was the first to move, he pried the door open ever so slightly and glimpsed inside. As Jahad peered inside, the dim light flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows across the vast expanse of the factory floor. The air was thick with the scent of rust and oil, remnants of machinery long abandoned. Piles of crates were scattered haphazardly, some toppled over, revealing their dusty contents.


    Old conveyor belts lay dormant, their surfaces slick with grime, while the distant hum of machinery echoed faintly in the background powered by gears and magic, a ghostly reminder of the factory''s former life. The walls were lined with peeling paint, and the occasional drip of water could be heard, creating a rhythmic soundtrack to the tense atmosphere. Jahad''s eyes darted around, noting the darkened corners where shadows lurked, hiding potential threats. The path to the lever was clear, but every gambling step amplified his heartbeat as he prepared to creep forward.


    The second floor overlooked the ground floor, the class A would not move from the second floor. Jahad and Jayce are unranked and would be perceived as lesser threats that the class F would have to handle. They moved silently, crouched and using piled-up boxes and old machinery as cover, but no matter how much Jahad surveyed the area he could not find the Class F. This was a problem. He was the main threat; he had a good description of the man nevertheless, he was nowhere to be seen. Regardless of this risk, they had to trudge forward. The lever was around 20 meters away, the workers too ingrained in their work to react to the two kids silently moving along the shadows.


    A curse escaped Jahad''s mouth; the class F jumped over the rails of the second floor and landed. They were not spotted, however, his position was unfavourable for them. He was shouting at a worker who was near the lever. They needed him to move. Jayce came closer to Jahad, halting then whispering ¡°I can mess with the machinery using my fire gauntlet.¡± The name made Jahad smirk a bit. His brain ticked and worked. It wasn''t a bad idea, however, it would blow their cover instantaneously but time was not on their hands. Jahad nodded, the man seemed to stay put near the lever. He was drenched in sweat, a white vest covering his bulky body, two hatchets chained to his cargos.


    Jayce slipped away, and as soon as Jahad heard the impact, he knew he had to dash toward the lever and pray that Ron and Lepic made it in time. Jayce''s heart pounded in his ears, a rivulet of sweat tracing down his face. He spotted a massive machine, its purpose to separate materials into distinct conveyor belts. Jahad was no longer in his line of sight, but Jayce had unwavering trust in him. He closed his eyes, feeling a fierce energy surge within him, concentrating this raw power into the palm of his hands. With a sudden burst, his eyes shot open, revealing a fiery mass that engulfed his right hand. He swung with all his might, the thunderous boom reverberating through the factory, causing the Class F to tut in annoyance and jog toward the source of the sound.


    Seizing the moment, Jahad instantly darted toward the lever, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he raced against time. 10 metres away. Jahad felt his left leg being swiped causing him to tumble forward in disarray. The Class F swung his hatchet down towards him; it was a slow wide swing, he was underestimating Jahad. He rolled to the side as it dug harmlessly into the ground.


    ¡°Thought I wouldn''t notice you brat?¡± he snarled. He launched a devastating kick too fast for Jahad to dodge; he blocked, but the impact launched him into the sky. A magical circle swirled from beneath, the small stars and galaxies swirling in the complex rune glowed an azure colour causing his hatchets to glow, streams of vibrating water covered the blades. He was about to throw his hatchet, but Jahad was close enough to execute a midair hook kick. The man intercepted it with his steely forearms. Dust erupted from the floor as Jahad landed. He closed the distance, he needed to stab him with the dagger. He dashed toward the man, prowling like a tiger. An uppercut flew toward him. Jahad slipped narrowly, sensing the force that the blow could have unleashed. The remnants of the uppercut slammed into the ceiling creating a large crater. Jahad could not get hit once. His left thigh was open, gripping the handle of the dagger like a vice he stabbed forward but it clunked harmlessly, shattering half the blade in an instant sending a spike of vibrations down Jahad''s arm. He realised his mistake too late; the runic symbols had not only strengthened his hatchets but had also fortified his body.


    Jahad recalled some of the information Lepic had told him. It was a knight. Knights fortified their bodies and equipment, boasting increased vitality and regeneration capabilities. They were described to have mana flowing through their veins in order to reinforce their physical attributes. He saw the man peering down with a smile as he brought down his hatchet with malice. There was a thunderous smash as Jayce''s knuckles plunged into the man''s cheek, fire swirling around his hand. Using the moment to his advantage, Jahad crashed into the man, hooking his leg around him tumbling the two of them. Using the momentum, he shoulder-rolled over the man and ran towards the lever. Jayce was further ahead than him. Jahad glanced backwards and saw the man was already up. Jayce¡¯s fire gauntlet had left not even a scratch, only catching him off guard. Anger flashed in the man''s face as he closed in rapidly. Jayce gripped the lever and slammed it down, the garage gates groaning as they juddered open. An ice-cold gust of wind entered the warehouse, but Lepic and Ron were nowhere to be seen. Jahad shouted to Jayce, ¡°run outside,¡± but Jayce stood there mortified; the man would catch up easily.


    They were royally fucked. Jahad could feel his heartbeat ringing, adrenaline surging in his body as the man got closer and closer. He cursed inwardly, twisting around. He would not die facing away, although futile he had to fight and try something, anything. The man stood there frozen like a deer in headlights causing Jahad to pause. Fear etched the man''s eyes and face. A sudden breeze swept through, tousling Jahad''s hair and causing it to flutter.


    Three deafening impacts reverberated through the atmosphere, each one striking like a hammer against an anvil within the underground. Jahad looked towards the garage gates; it was Ron and Lepic, the impact was Ron''s trademark. If you heard these deafening booms it meant to steer well away or face the repercussions. Jahad had realised they had come from the roof. Both sauntered in, Lepic delicately grasping his pocket watch this time looking forward rather than at the watch, a lit cigarette in their mouths. A large smile from ear to ear engraved into Ron''s face could be seen as he twirled his hammer maliciously. The Class F man snapped out of his daze, several more magical circles swirling around his arms.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Before the man could assume his stance, Lepic raised his free hand with an effortless gesture. A sliver of black shot out at lightning speed¡ªa dagger. The steel blade pierced straight through his heart. Before he could react or utter a single word, a second slash bisected his body into three pieces. Ron charged forward, swinging his hammer with ferocity, shattering the bones of any workers unfortunate enough to be within reach, Lepic continuously raising his arms as if orchestrating the deaths of those who ran too far, each wave of his hand sending multiple daggers flying.


    At the second floor overlooking the workers, a man stood tall and confident, radiating an air of arrogance. With a buzzcut that highlighted his sharp features and pierced ears glinting in the dim light, he drew the eye. He wielded a wooden crooked staff with a firm grip, its polished surface reflecting his imposing presence. It''s the Class A-. Without hesitation, he vaulted over the railing, crashing down onto Ron who instinctively blocked it with his hammer. The man instantly activated three magical circles, the runic patterns far more intricate than Jahad had ever encountered. Three sharp spines of clay rock surged from the floor, forcing Ron to leap back. The formations accelerated toward him, but Lepic''s swift dagger struck the closest one with precision. Ron swung his hammer; though it didn¡¯t make direct contact, the sheer force of the swing sent a powerful gust of air that swept away the other two spines.


    The class A- is a sorcerer, Jahad recalled Lepic''s brief explanation of sorcerers. They could control the four elements of magic: water, earth, fire, and wind. However, many had an affinity for one; a sorcerer with an affinity for more than one was considered a prodigy, though this was seen within the higher ranks. Sorcerers utilise the mana around them; they could not buff themselves up like knights did, however, they could use the elements far greater than them. A sorcerer''s main weakness is their physicality, so their main defence is erecting barriers of elements.


    Ron was closest to him and darted forward, each step leaving miniature craters in his wake. He swung his hammer again, unleashing an earth-shattering force. The man countered with a stone barrier that deflected the attack to the side, redirecting the immense power away from him whilst doing so. Multiple magical circles erupted, unleashing more rock formations that twisted and turned, deviating from their expected paths to catch him off guard. Lepic launched several more daggers, accurately targeting those he could anticipate. However, some of the formations still snaked through Lepic''s support, forcing Ron to sidestep and evade whatever managed to slip past him.


    Every time Ron closed the distance, his hammer would be preemptively blocked by a stone barrier, preventing him from bringing it down with full force. The lack of motion diminished its impact. The third time this occurred, something changed. His hammer struck dully on the stone, sweat trickling down his head. Before he could wind up again, the sorcerer attacked using the formation as cover. A magical circle shot a mass of sludge composed of water, clay, and rock throttled towards Lepic, blinding his view. He was unable to help Ron.


    A fist slammed into Ron''s gut, the man¡¯s hand reassembled a massive stone fist, rough and jagged, its surface glimmered with flecks of mineral, each of his fingers thick and layered with strong hardened clay. Ron let out a loud grunt before replying back with his own fist, narrowly missing the sorcerer as magical circles swept him backwards; it was wind magic. The sorcerer was adept at both earth and wind magic. Lepic sliced through the mass blocking him. He clicked his pocket watch, tucking it in. ¡°Ron, we¡¯re ending this,¡± he spoke ominously. Ron replied with a gritting teeth grin.


    Unrecognisable runic symbols, a mythical sort of language glowed in the magical circles swirling around Ron, heat emanating from his body as it glowed red, the surface of the floor starting to melt away under his towering body. He started to breathe loudly, huffing and puffing, strings of spit hanging from his mouth that evaporated from the heat. His eyes clouded with a crimson hue, veins the size of water hoses bulged out of his frame. His fiery mana reinforced his body. He dashed towards the sorcerer almost triple the speed he had been at, catching him off guard. The sorcerer''s smile was unwavering under the monstrous presence. The man summoned every barrier he could. Before, he would create barriers to the side of himself in order to protect himself from any stray daggers that got through the spiked clay formations, however acknowledging the impending threat, he cast a barrier in front of himself. This time the barriers that covered his sides and back were placed in front to strengthen it.


    Ron planted himself in front of the barrier. The scarlet energy surrounding dissipated, every ounce of his power seemed to concentrate into his chest, the ball of super-condensed ignited mana lit up the room causing steel beams to melt away and drip. The ball crawled through his arm and into his hammer''s head. The sorcerer''s smile flickered. Every single barrier he erected shattered in an instant, the devastating blow the hammer dealt crushed half the factory. Dust and rubble filled the scene. The sorcerer darted away using wind magic but Ron''s smile grew wider. It was Lepic''s turn.


    Lepic stood poised, gripping a curved dagger Jahad had never seen before. The blade gleamed with a white almost colourless glow, reflecting the chaos around him. His eyes laser-focused. The sorcerer laughed, ¡°throw your toys then you bitch.¡± Lepic crouched low into a stance. Then Jahad''s vision went blurry. Lepic''s body flitted out of existence. Everything about him vanished into nothing as if he had been erased from the universe; Jahad struggled to even remember his name. The sorcerer''s eyes widened. A millisecond later, Lepic appeared behind him crouched and poised with the curved steel.


    Jahad''s vision returned to witness the sheer brutality to concur. The sorcerer was no fool; his barrier was shattered already but it did not mean he gave up on all defence. He had preplanned a magical circle just in case one had managed to crack through his attacks and get in close. The runic pattern hovering above his shoulder glowed but before it could unleash its attack, Lepic''s dagger stabbed through it. The magical circle shattered like glass, the fragments scattering into the air. He spun the dagger then drove it down with such ferocity that it ripped into the man''s shoulder blade, dislocating and maiming his shoulder. He let out a blood-curdling scream. Lepic used the dagger as a handle and swung the man forward, driving his knee into his gut, utilising the momentum he created. The man gasped for air, choking on his cries and blood as the impact stole his breath away.


    Lepic followed this up with a brutal uppercut. His fist smashed into his face, teeth and gum splintering into his knuckles, sending the man reeling backwards, blood gushing out. He flailed on the floor sobbing, pawing at his disfigured face. Lepic pounced on top, his knees pinning each one of his arms to the side before punching him repeatedly, each strike quicker than the other, the flurry of punches too fast for the naked eye. The man''s wails had ceased time ago as Lepic''s hand was still crunching through his caved-in face at lightning speed. Pieces of skull and brain flew around. Ron grabbed Lepic''s shoulder to pull him off, he slapped his hand away remaining mounted, delivering a few more seconds of the crushing blows.


    The first time ever Jahad saw hesitation painted on Ron''s face as he grabbed Lepic''s shoulder again. Lepic stopped, his face splattered with blood, skull matter and even the sorcerer''s hair. He stood up from the body, Jayce throwing up to the side at the sight. Lepic straightened himself up and nodded appreciatively to Ron.


    His entire upper body was soaked with blood and gore. He took out his pocket watch, clicked it and stared at it as Jahad rubbed Jayce''s back, retching more at the sight. ¡°Ron get some cleaners, you boys follow me we¡¯re done today¡± escaped Lepic''s bloody lips. The boys stood tall, Jayce still nauseated but feigned a fake facade of confidence in front of Lepic and Ron. Ron led the way, they exited through the massive opened structure that Ron left from his devastating attack, sticking his two fingers in his mouth, he whistled loudly. The streets were no longer bustling, it seemed desolate, like a ghost town. The denizens of this area knew to steer well away when they heard Ron''s trademark. The only company within the area was the littered dead bodies of stragglers who tried getting away. Jahad peered to the rooftops and saw the cloaked figures from the morning. They nodded to Ron and Lepic and disappeared from the rooftops.


    Suddenly, a carriage screeched and halted in front of them. The animals that pulled it had long, muscular legs reminiscent of a raptor, built for incredible speed. Their powerful limbs ended in three pointed toes, allowing for swift movement. The creatures boasted the sleek body and strong neck of a horse, complete with a majestic horse head. Instead of hooves, they had small talons for arms, adding an unusual yet striking appearance to these remarkable beasts. Ron stayed behind with the ¡®cleaners¡¯. The three leaped into the back of the carriage, eager to escape the chaos. The man who tamed the formidable beasts wore a long, weathered leather jacket that seemed to tell stories of past adventures. His wide-brimmed hat cast a shadow over his dark, tarred face, obscuring his features and adding an air of mystery. With a commanding presence, he glanced back at them, the reins of the powerful creatures firmly in hand, ready to embark on their next journey.


    ¡°Sector 1 main warehouse,¡± Lepic said to the man. He flicked a gold coin to him, he caught it in an instant, a small smile painted on his face shrouded in dark. He gave a slight nod then whipped the reins. The speed was incredible, Jahad and Jayce grabbed the sides of the wooden box as it rocked from side to side dangerously. The journey from two sectors took them about an hour and a half give or take, but the powerful beasts had cut this down to five minutes, though at the cost of gold and their stomachs being turned inside out.


    The boys stepped out, the familiar sight of the warehouse bringing a sense of comfort. It was day, the streets were bustling, figures clad in all sorts of fashion and attire pedaled their wares, calling out to passersby. The atmosphere, as vibrant as the underground could be, was alive with the sounds of chatter and the clinking of goods, creating a lively backdrop for their adventure. The distant shouts of arguments and fights never seemed to stop in the underground, but somehow, it felt like home. The chaos and camaraderie intertwined, making each moment pulse with energy and familiarity.

 Chapter 6: Unveiling

    Chapter six - unveiling


    Black wisps covered his eyesight as Jahad pawed at his eyes trying to rip away the fiery dark serpents, the alarms wailing and screeching, piercing the back of his head. His eyes jolted open, a cold sweat clinging to his clothes as he gasped for breath like a wild animal. Over the gated fence, he spotted Jayce¡¯s face emerging, lacking the confusion that had once clouded it. With a resigned sigh, familiar with Jahad''s nightly terrors, he tossed a stone at the alarm clock, silencing it for yet another day. His eyes lit up, jumping over the gate he shook Jahad, shaking any feeling of tiredness away from him. ¡°We''re getting unveiled, we''re getting unveiled!¡± he shouted into Jahad''s ears jubilantly. His eyes wincing at the booming voice of Jayce but the excitement was contagious. He pushed Jayce off his side and stood up, stretching into a loud exaggerated yawn. He returned Jayce''s eagerness with a small smile, ¡°let''s kit up.¡±


    The two wore the trenchcoats, marred with dirt and grime but the utility was unmatched. Within a side pocket, Jahad picked out a slim black and gold card, resembling a business card of some sort. Lepic had given one for the both of them to share; it stored the silver and gold they earned, only accessible by the two of them. Jayce blew a whistle, the distant galloping edging closer and closer. A horse carriage arrived, this time not driven by any mythical beasts but just two muscular horses and a man who wore the same uniform as the one who had tamed the beasts. The two jumped into the back. Jayce excitedly exclaimed, ¡°Sector 1 main warehouse please!¡±


    The black card in Jahad''s hand glowed an ambient gold, runic symbol swirled amidst the small galaxies and stars contained within this small card, it suddenly flashed. Jahad took out 20 silver and handed it to the driver''s outstretched hands. The hands closed tightly onto the silver, he counted it in a whisper, the voice seemed inhuman. His dark face looked at Jahad and nodded before whipping the reins. The two arrived at the warehouse; it wasn''t too far from their home, however, with the money coming through, a cheap horse ride seemed charming. Jayce knocked rhythmically at the door but before it would open Ron''s voice boomed, ¡°over here.¡± He stood in the alley to the side of the warehouse, his humongous frame standing against the wall. Lepic was there also.


    ¡°Big day, with the unveiling it will happen one at a time. Jayce, you¡¯ll be first, we have a small place to stay there. As soon as your unveilings are done you go there, Jayce. No waiting for Jahad.¡± Jayce nodded eagerly. ¡°Unveiling always takes place in the overworld but we don''t control any of it so it''s important you do as we say, no lingering around. In and out.¡± And so they made their way to sector 8, the unveiling process taking place in a church of some sorts in the overworld, not the underground. Both boys had never been to the overworld and had no idea what to expect. Sector 8 was a stark contrast to the more vibrant areas of the underground i.e sector 2 and 1. The air was thick with an unsettling haze of god knows what, a mix of smoke and despair that hung over the narrow streets like a shroud. The stone buildings loomed overhead, their jagged edges casting long shadows that seemed to swallow the flickering lights from the few neon signs that dared to flicker in this forsaken place.


    As the four moved deeper into the sector, the sounds of violence echoed around them¡ªdistant shouts, the clatter of something heavy hitting the ground, and the unsettling laughter of those lost in their own worlds. The denizens, gaunt and hollow-eyed, shuffled through the streets, their movements jerky and erratic as they scratched at skin marred by neglect and addiction. Graffiti splattered the walls, telling stories of desperation and rebellion, while the smell of decay lingered like a ghost. The continuous scratching of skin only stopped to avert their inhuman gazes at them. Ron said, ¡°don¡¯t look back at them.¡± And so they heeded his advice.


    Before long, they reached a massive gate, guarded by two gruff men. Both were clad in military-style uniforms, stained with grime and dirt, giving them a rugged, battle-worn appearance, with spears at the side of each of them. Piercing eyes struck daggers into the boys'' hearts, it was an unfathomable presence that twisted their guts with fear that the two guards held which seemed to steer away the rabid citizens. Lepic stepped forward, unfazed by the men, their gazes shot like an arrowhead towards him. Ron¡¯s hand was placed relaxingly on his hammer, a slight sense of caution but he seemed calm. Finally, cutting through the tension, Lepic''s hand extended, a file in his delicate grasp. One of the men stepped forward, his chest held high as he snatched the paper, but Lepic shot him a look that caused his attitude to flicker. The man read the file briefly then nodded to his comrade. ¡°Lepic Whitethorne eh? I thought the Whitethornes were gone,¡± he snickered to himself. Lepic ignored the comment.


    The men slammed the pommel of the spears into the ground in sync at a rhythm, chanting ¡°apertus.¡± Runic symbols glowed onto the gate, it groaned into life, gears and cogs spinning and whirring as if it had not been opened in centuries. The metallic clangs finally halted as the gigantic gate fully opened. The four entered; it was a massive empty square space, a dingy light fighting to illuminate the enormous room. The gates groaned and shut once again. Silence filled the room. Jayce broke it, ¡°uh is this it?¡± Ron chuckled, ¡°nah we¡¯re going up.¡± As if to emphasise his point, they started to ascend; the room was an elevator of some sorts. It took almost an hour to arrive at the top. It awed Jahad how far down the underground was compared to the overworld. The gates opened with a ding. Two guards of the same military uniform stood there, however with pristine immaculate wear, there was no soot or dust to be seen on the two. All four stepped out, Lepic flashing the paper briefly and they allowed them to continue.


    Stepping outside was truly breathtaking. The air felt almost pristine, each breath invigorating Jahad''s lungs, while a radiant light enveloped his entire being. Two resplendent suns adorned the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape. As they finally emerged into the overworld, leaving the underground, they were greeted by a fantastical sight. The architecture around them was reminiscent of a medieval dream, with towering spires and intricately carved stone structures. The streets bustled with kind-hearted folk, many of whom were sorcerers, knights and summoners, their robes flowing gracefully as they mingled. Mystical beasts roamed the thoroughfares, pulling carts laden with exotic goods, their vibrant colors and whimsical forms adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Above, some creatures soared through the sky, their wings glimmering in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that filled Jahad and Jayce with awe and wonder.


    This world was alive with magic and companionship. Ron and Lepic moved forward, but the two boys remained dumbstruck at the mesmerising sight. A small smile escaped Ron''s face as he said, ¡°come on, no time for sightseeing.¡± The two boys trailed alongside the figures, their eyes darting and averting to each new spectacle that entranced them.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    After an hour''s walk, they arrived at a small structure of stone and wood. Red glittering cloth covered the windows, there was no door but an open frame which dangled lines of gem and rock. Lepic and Ron stopped and looked at the two. ¡°Jayce, you''re first. Remember, me and Ron will be there with you. Jahad, you wait outside. It''s important no one interferes with this process. After Jayce is done, there''s a back exit which he will exit from. Jayce, you will stay there till Jahad''s done.¡± The two boys nodded their heads vigorously. It felt weird to have these feelings of excitement, Jahad thought to himself. All three walked in, leaving him outside to grapple with his own tumultuous thoughts.


    A relentless killing machine like him shouldn¡¯t be permitted to experience happiness or even a flicker of excitement. The life here moved at a lightning pace, and he had almost forgotten the darkness that defined him. But now, with the sudden solitude, it all came crashing down like a devastating revelation. Waves of despair washed over Jahad, filling him with an overwhelming sense of unworthiness. He felt as if he didn¡¯t deserve the beauty and joy surrounding him, haunted by the shadows of his past actions. The vibrant world around him seemed to mock his existence, a stark reminder that he was a man forged in violence, unworthy of the peace and kindness he now longed for.


    A long sigh escaped his mouth. Was he just to forget his past life and move on? Dwelling on it would do him no good. He was always used to distancing himself from these thoughts in order to march forward and do what needs to be done. He drummed his fingers on his knee as he slouched down. He knew it was no good to get hung up on this, but his mind was in a disarray of thoughts. Suddenly, cutting through his trance, Lepic and Ron came back out. ¡°What you doing down there, misery guts? We didn''t take that long, it''s your turn,¡± Ron tutted, smacking the top of Jahad''s head. What Ron thought was gentle nearly sent Jahad''s head into his shoulders. The dark cloud that seemed to antagonise Jahad sifted away as he stood up to follow the two into the establishment. For now, he had to look forward, not back.


    The lines of gem and rock seemed to be strewn everywhere, the reflective glitter off of the gem illuminating the dark area. In the middle of the room was a circular wooden table, a book gilded with bronze scribings lay there. Robe gleaming with gold and white, long luscious white hair dangled from a man who sat at the end of the table, greeting the three with a warm smile. His face seemed youthful, however, the white-gray hair seemed to say otherwise. There was one chair opposite him to which his hand guided Jahad to. Lepic gave Jahad a friendly nudge, ¡°it¡¯s safe.¡± There was a brief silence before Jahad tucked himself into the empty wooden chair. He glanced at the man, inspecting his face further, bristles of white and black peppered onto his chin, he had a deep blue gaze. His cheeks seemed pink, an opaque glass bottle at his side.


    As the man stood before Jahad, the air around them began to shimmer with an ethereal glow. He opened the ancient book, its pages blank yet pulsating with energy, ready to reveal the truths of Jahad''s destiny. The man¡¯s voice was slurred as he began to explain, Jahad realised he was drunk. ¡°The process is simple, Jahad. I will grant you a blessing from the old queen. This book will illuminate the path you are destined to take, unveiling the powers that lie within you,¡± he spoke, waving his hands around. With each word spoken, the pages of the book began to fill with vibrant illustrations and symbols, reflecting Jahad''s unique abilities and the journey that awaited him. The atmosphere thickened with anticipation as the unveiling process commenced, intertwining Jahad''s fate with the magic of the book. The runic symbols seemed to come to life, bouncing across the walls, the book pages fluttering. The man pulled out a small curved dagger with steel engravings. ¡°Place your hand forward, child,¡± his voice boomed. Jahad''s hand dripped blood on the book, the runic symbols painted like a canvas.


    Something was wrong. The man spluttered, struggling to form coherent words as the symbols that had once danced with life abruptly ceased their movement. The book settled onto a single page, its vibrant colors fading into a haunting darkness, replaced by ominous glyphs that resembled chains binding something malevolent. Jahad''s gaze locked onto the man, searching for answers amid the confusion. The old man''s face was a canvas of sheer, primal terror, his eyes wide with disbelief and fear. The gliding black symbols returned to the book, swirling ominously as a suffocating silence enveloped the room. Finally, the man managed to spit out the words, his voice trembling, pointing at Jahad as he whispered, seemingly sobered up, ¡°H-he''s cursed!¡± The weight of the revelation hung heavily in the air, each syllable echoing the dread that filled the space between them. Jahad felt the chill of the curse settle within him, a dark power awakening that seemed to rebel against the very essence of divine order. The man¡¯s fear was palpable, as if he sensed the impending chaos that would follow in the wake of Jahad''s potential. The finger pointing at Jahad shook violently like a leaf, silence filling the atmosphere.


    Suddenly, Jahad''s vision became blocked. In a split second, he could not see the book or the room anymore, a giant circular object blocked his view which seemed to shake. It was Ron''s hammer. A wave of blood gushed out of Jahad''s nose, the hammer strike did not land, held back by someone, but the residual force sent a wave of air and pain through Jahad, scrambling his insides. Jahad''s eyes widened, adrenaline seeping into him as he panted, aware of how close he was to meeting his maker. ¡°Lepic. What the fuck are you doing?¡± Ron spoke in a stern, cold voice. Ron¡¯s gaze was fixed on Jahad, a tempest of terror and fury swirling within him. His eyes widened in disbelief, the realization of Jahad¡¯s curse igniting a fierce anger that battled with his instinctive fear. The air between them crackled with tension as Ron''s heart pounded, he snapped away from him to Lepic.


    Their eyes locked onto each other with an uncharacteristic intensity. It brought to mind an early memory for Jahad¡ªtwo hounds on the verge of death, poised to deliver the final strike, sizing each other up. Jahad finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Lepic''s hand was firmly clasped around the hammer, halting its swing. The motion had torn his sleeve, and his grip was so tight on the handle that his knuckles turned a pale white and yellow. The hammer trembled from the clash of forces. ¡°He''s one of us,¡± Lepic finally replied, his voice laced with cold fury, before he spat, ¡°We don¡¯t kill our own.¡± The priest had cowered behind the men, but Jahad focused intently. He extended his palms, beginning to cast. Incorrigible words spilled from his lips; at first, Jahad thought he was praying. However, as runic symbols swirled in a deep magma glow, he realized the truth¡ªhe intended to take them all down together. Lepic and Ron were too preoccupied, their steely gazes locked onto each other, to notice the impending doom brewing behind them. The spell was set to tear straight through Ron and strike Jahad; his gut instinct screamed at him to flee. Yet, he found himself rooted in place.


    Despite the imminent danger, he couldn''t conjure any resentment or anger toward Ron. Though he had only recently entered this new world, he had formed a bond with its inhabitants, and Ron had become almost like a father figure to Jahad, in a twisted sense. He had saved them from that fire, provided food, shelter, and even money. Brief memories of Ron overpaying for the missions they had completed together flooded Jahad''s mind. At that moment, time seemed to come to a standstill. The weight of their shared experiences pressed heavily on him, making it even harder to reconcile the threat that loomed ahead. The swirling thoughts halted, and a calm wave washed over Jahad''s mind. It didn¡¯t matter; he still had some trust in Ron, believing he was acting out of necessity. Jahad didn¡¯t mind sacrificing his life to save them. He ducked under Ron''s hammer and dove toward the priest''s outstretched arms, ready to embrace whatever came next.

 Chapter 7: Curse

    Chapter seven - Curse


    Jahad was too slow, too late. The magical stars swirled with malicious intent; he would not make it. He snaked out his hand, hoping it would absorb the brunt of the impending force. A powerful, condensed fireball formed, flooding his mind with memories of the fiery serpents that had stripped his skin to the bone. As his hand stretched toward the impact, dark tendrils began to intertwine around the fireball and the priest''s arm. Like a vicious parasite, the black lines gnawed into the priest''s flesh, slithering toward his heart. Jahad''s eyes widened as a deep amethyst hue engulfed the priest''s pupils.


    In a desperate moment, the priest bent his arm, redirecting the fireball back toward himself. A searing pain erupted as the flames scorched half his face, sending him stumbling backward. Fear was no longer etched into the man''s features; instead, a vacant, zombie-like expression replaced it. His eyes, now a haunting purple-black, reflected the chaos within as the dark wisps danced along the periphery. The fireball crashed into the side of the building, melting through it effortlessly, yet sparing everyone else¡ªexcept for the priest, who remained trapped in the grip of Jahad''s unseen influence.


    Lepic and Ron''s gaze snapped away from Lepic to the priest, whose face was half scorched, the acrid scent of charred flesh filling the air. The priest sat there, lost in a zombified trance as if the chaos around him had never occurred. A wide grin broke across Lepic''s face, stretching from ear to ear. ¡°Holy shit, Ron, he''s wielding a cursed art!¡± Lepic exclaimed, his grip tightening around the hammer as he burst into laughter. It was a jarring sound, completely at odds with his usually calm demeanor, yet it sliced through the tense atmosphere like a knife. Ron''s expression was a whirlwind of emotions¡ªawestruck, bewildered, and laced with a hint of terror. Jahad stood there confused but before he could usher out anything, Lepics eyes snapped back to Ron, his face returning deadly serious. ¡°He''s one of our own, we don''t kill our own¡± he repeated himself from before. Ron looked at him, his face marred with irritation, he tutted before speaking ¡°Yeah I get it you broken record, now let go you twat¡±. Lepics grip tightened. ¡°Swear on it Ron¡±. Ron''s face looked exasperated as if he was about to blow but then he huffed, raising his right hand ¡°I, Ron of the Xoris clan, swear by my sacred divinity bestowed by the old queen, will not kill Jahad¡±. Lepic nodded approvingly, letting go of Ron''s hammer before replying ¡°I, Lepic Whitethorne, swear by my sacred divinity bestowed by the old queen, will not kill Jahad¡±. Ron let out a big sigh before speaking. ¡°Lepic I sure hope you know what you''re doing¡±.


    Finally, Jahad had enough. He shouted to both of them, ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± His face was a mask of anger and confusion; he had narrowly escaped death at the hands of one of his closest allies, almost killed by a drunken priest, and then left in the dark to fend for himself. He was livid. Ron, responding to Jahad''s fury, said, ¡°Easy there, tiger. I swore I wouldn''t kill you, but hurting you is a completely different matter.¡± He began shadow boxing around Jahad playfully, which only fueled Jahad''s irritation further. In a swift motion, Jahad swatted Ron''s hand away. Lepic''s calming voice cut through the tension. ¡°Jahad, there¡¯s not much time to explain,¡± he said, glancing at his stopwatch. ¡°We need to get out of here. Our influence is limited up here, and it would be fucked if the officials caught wind of this. Once we find somewhere safe, I''ll fill you in.¡± He turned toward the priest, crouching down to poke him gently with his pointer finger. The priest''s head bobbed back into place, as if he were a lifeless figurine. ¡°Ron, clean this mess up. We need to move,¡± Lepic instructed. As Lepic led Jahad to the back exit, he caught a glimpse of Ron pulling out a scroll that ignited into a blazing pile of fuel, crafted from the scattered furniture around them.


    It was nightfall, and the atmosphere was serene, a contrast to the business of the underground. The stars twinkled overhead like scattered diamonds, casting a gentle glow over the landscape. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the subtle scent of pine and earth. The campfire crackled softly, its warm light dancing on the faces of Lepic, Ron, and Jahad as they sat in a circle, the flames flickering in rhythm with the gentle breeze. The fire''s glow illuminated their features, casting long shadows that flickered across the ground. As they chewed on skewers they had bought along the way, the only sounds that broke the stillness were the soft chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. It was a peaceful night, far removed from the bustling energy of the underground, where the noise of life never truly ceased. Here, in this tranquil setting, there was a sense of calm, a moment of respite from their chaotic journey.


    Lepic swallowed a tough cut of meat, downing a waterskin before speaking bluntly ¡°Jahad your cursed¡±, Jahad replied with a hint of annoyance ¡°yeah I got that when a raving priest tried blasting us¡± the outburst caused him to chuckle. ¡°Jahad as you heard, the divinities are given by the old queen or whatever, its sacred, magic only exists because of her. However, cursed beings defy her nature.¡± He took another swig of his waterskin, clearing his parched throat. ¡°Cursed beings sacrifice something for their potential rather than using the sacred divinity, they are beings who reject it¡±. Jahad responded ¡°So what''s the issue? I can''t just be killed over something I had no control over¡±. Lepic gave a sympathetic nod of some sorts before speaking ¡°cursed beings are almost known as the boogeymen of our world, they do not have a good reputation, cursed beings are killed instantly the moment they are born, usually there''s clear indicators such as the mark¡±. He pointed towards Jahads neck, he pulled his shirt down, revealing an ink like tattoo around his neck. Runic symbols carved around the bottom of his neck, in a chain shape. ¡°The unveiling caused your mark to show¡±. Jahad was curious about the reputation that caused people who had the curse to be killed and quelled from birth. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°What type of reputation are we talking about?¡± Ron¡¯s gruff voice finally broke the silence, his demeanor unwavering and stern. His eyes locked onto Jahad, reflecting a thousand-yard stare that revealed a profound sense of disconnection, as if his mind were wrestling with the shadows of a tumultuous past. His voice was gravelly, laden with the weight of memories. ¡°When we served, we faced one of the cursed seven beings. He appeared human, but he was far from it, and he certainly wasn¡¯t on our side.¡± His voice faltered, a tremor betraying the emotion buried deep within. Lepic handed him the waterskin, and Ron took a long, desperate gulp. ¡°Our entire platoon was annihilated. Only Lepic and I managed to escape, and it was by the skin of our teeth. But it was that man¡¯s will that spared us; he simply chose to let us live.¡±


    Lepic spoke for Ron as he gulped down more of the waterskin. ¡°The seven beings are classified information, they are told as fairy tales to make kids go to bed or stay in line, but just like you a cursed being, they are very much real¡±. Jahad sat thoughtfully, digesting the information given. He wanted to ask more about these beings but it didn''t feel right to, there would be another time for that. He racked his head around, he needed more information. ¡°What about the cursed arts? What''s that about?¡± Lepic responded Lepic replied, ¡°For a cursed being to survive is exceedingly rare; most are killed while still young. Those who do survive rarely harness their curse. The primary reason a cursed individual is killed is due to the cursed arts¡ªit''s akin to divinity. When your curse reaches its potential, it becomes formidable. The seven beings all possess cursed arts, and they are all extraordinarily powerful.¡± He paused, a mysterious glint in his eye. ¡°Though it¡¯s said that they¡¯re all dead now¡±.


    Jahad slumped back his mind racing with thoughts. Lepic spoke again. ¡°Your curse, you have no mana is what you sacrificed,  however you seem to be able to control or use the soul of others under your will, when it comes to your path for mastery over it, I won''t be able to help you and neither would Ron, information on it is just too limited¡±. Ron¡¯s gruff voice cut through ¡°Zephyr does though¡­¡± he looked at Lepic, his eyes seemed to widen a bit, he hummed thoughtfully. ¡°Although me and Ron can''t help you, what he said is right we know someone who could, although that''s for another day, we''ve spoken enough about it unless you want to know anything else we should get some shut eye¡±. Jahad thought for a moment, but decided not to pry anymore. He needed time to himself to cultivate what was given to him.


    He clambered into the back of the carriage, Jayces body facing away from him, he sneaked into the duvet but Jayce rolled over and looked at Lepic. ¡°I heard everything, you''re cursed?¡±Jahad showed him the mark, Jayce shivered at the sight of it but then looked back at Jahad. ¡°I trust you, this doesn''t change the Jahad I know¡±. Jahad gave a small smile in return for his kind comment. ¡°But man that is scary, back in the orphanage, whenever one of the kids misbehaved they''d say they''ll let the cursed eat them, just the mention of the curse nauseated me¡±. Jahad gave a dry laugh before saying ¡°what about you, what''s your path?¡±. Jayce replied exuberantly ¡°no surprise but a knight, fire affinity mainly¡±. Jahad gave an exaggerated yawn. ¡°Who woulda thought¡± giving a chuckle he then said ¡°Let''s sleep¡±.


    Once Jayce was in a deep slumber, Jahad sat up his back against the carriage wall, Ron and Lepic slept near the campfire, each taking turns in who slept, a habit developed from serving Jahad guessed. He stared at his own callused hands, his thoughts racing. His mind filled with the sirens and the priest''s scorched face, the black wisps enveloping the priest. Jahads eyes snapped open the black wisps formed around his small finger tips, he clicked his fingers and they disappeared. All night Jahad kept flicking the wisps on and off, it seemed to give a sort of closure. Every time he flicked it on a surge of emotions and memories some didn''t even seem to be his own but the  sudden flooding made it difficult to discern which is which. Finally just as dawn broke Jahad felt a wave of tiredness hit him, he closed his eyes.

 Chapter 8: Sparring

    Chapter eight - Sparring


    Jahad stirred awake to Ron shaking his shoulder, while Jayce was already up, grinning widely. A dull throb pulsed in his head, making him feel queasy, the fatigue settling heavily upon him as he rubbed the sleep from his sticky eyes. He had only slept for a couple of hours. He saw Jayce training with Lepic, moving with a newfound swiftness, delivering strikes infused with a fierce intensity. Each blow sent sparks flying from his knuckles, illuminating the air with a fiery glow. Lepic responded with graceful, fluid parries, effortlessly redirecting the force of each impact, rendering them harmless as they danced around each other. Lines of sweat dribbled down Jayces forehead as they came to a halt, although he had not landed any clean blows he could see the immense improvement already. He strutted to Jahad and Ron, face brimming with excitement and joy he smashed his fist into his palm.¡±I think I¡¯m ready to take you on¡± he said jokingly looking at Jahad who returned a small snicker. Lepic¡¯s stern voice cut into the conversation ¡°Jahad, if you''re gonna spar don''t use your ability, we dont know its lethality yet¡±. He nodded, Jahad knew it would be dumb and dangerous to test out his newfound ability in a spar.


    Jayce eyed up Jahad, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him, as if his very soul had been set ablaze. Jahad was known for his quickness, taking pride in his speed and precision, while Jayce relied on sheer brute force. His lack of speed was compensated by his raw power; however, the recent unveiling had granted him a surge in both speed and strength, even without any real mastery. Lepic stood by the campfire, his clock in hand as he meticulously stamped out the last flickering embers. Ron had his hand raised. The sun blazed down mercilessly on the two boys, its brightness almost overwhelming, while lively birds chirped around them, only to suddenly fall silent as if time itself had paused.


    Ron''s hand swept in a downwards motion, both boys bolted towards each other, closing the distance. Jayce needed to overwhelm Jahad before he could land his pinpoint blows. As soon as he reached striking distance, a feint jab snaked out causing Jahad to dip his head slightly allowing Jayce to shoot up an uppercut, the uppercut skimmed his face, the fiery impact singing his nose hairs as he pivoted back to prevent Jayce from wading in however when Jayce threw the uppercut he stepped forward , closing the distance more than Jahad thought. Seizing the opportunity, Jayce threw an onslaught of punches most nullified by Jahads quick reflexes.


    Jahad knew he was in a precarious situation. Jayce unleashed a flurry of unpredictable punches, each one coming from bizarre angles aimed at breaking through his defense. Jahad maintained a high guard, dipping and dodging to minimize the impacts that did land, but welts and bruises were already forming on his forearms. He was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to counterattack. Just one misstep from Jayce could give him the opening he needed.


    As Jayce threw another feint he extended his left arm to hook Jahad, Jahad ducked underneath and retaliated with a devastating overhand punch that connected solidly with Jayce''s chin, causing him to stumble backward. The sudden force of Jahad''s counterpunch left Jayce dazed for a moment, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. But before he could regain his composure, the distance was just right for Jahad to launch a brutal kick that landed squarely in Jayce''s kidneys. However, something felt off.


    Instead of the expected squishy impact, it felt like he had kicked a steel beam. Realization dawned on Jahad: Jayce had reinforced his body with fiery mana. Looking up, Jahad saw Jayce smirking, a hint of blood on his lips as he ensnared Jahad''s leg under his armpit, locking it in place before lifting him effortlessly and slamming him down. The impact reverberated through Jahad''s entire being, sending shockwaves up his spine and into his head. In that moment, he understood¡ªJayce''s strength was truly unmatched.


    Jayce lifted him again, Jahad slammed his elbow into his forehead causing a gnash to form atop his eyebrow, he shook his head before tightening his arm readying to slam him again. Jahad could feel his fight or flight senses kicking, he needed to deny it, he knew that there was an off chance that the black wisps would form, they depended on his state being, it felt like he was reaching his mental limit, Jayce was handing his ass to him. Ron boot planted into him before he could do it, sending them both sprawling tangled into each other. They groaned in unison, ¡°lets not get ahead of ourselves, gotta be back in one shape for a mission¡±


    Arms around each other, the two waddled to the carriage luggage. The vitality crystals that Ron and Lepic used were only for serious injuries, considered to be rare; instead the two opted for glass vials called Vestra Vials often called VV, a glossy, thick scarlet substance, cheap to make but only available to Zephyrs district of the underground. They popped the cork off of a small vial containing the liquid and applied the ointment to their bruises and cuts, it was unfathomable still to Jahad how fast it worked, only a mark was left above Jayces eyebrow and even then, that would heal over time. Before they would depart. Lepic walked to Jahad mysteriously , Jahad looked up to the graceful figure, blonde strands dangling across his forehead, he asked ¡°Jahad,  use your ability on me¡±. Taken aback by the request he looked at him stunned but did as he was told, it was his funeral not mine Jahad thought to himself. He activated his adrenaline, the sudden surge caused a whirlwind of emotions to spark, the ones he felt at death''s door exploded allowing him to flick on the black wisps. They danced on his fingertips and he looked at Lepic ¡°you sure¡± he said, hesitation painted. Lepic nodded.


    Jahad grabbed onto his arm the black wisps spiralled around it and tried digging into him but recoiled away from him, dying out like an ember. Ron and Jayce burst out laughing, howling and slapping his knee Ron said ¡°no way I nearly smashed your head in over that¡±. Jahad flicked him off, confused , he tried it again and the same thing happened, the wisps just died out, unable to bury into Lepic. Each time Jahad did this, Ron and Jayce howled with even more laughter, it irked Jahad but he felt as if it came out of a place of relief rather than malice. He was still him. Lepic hummed thoughtfully,he finally said ¡°it seems you need to meet some requirements before you can use your cursed art, but that''s weird, that priest was higher class then you¡±. He took out his stopwatch delicately and peered at it before saying ¡°we will try and figure it out later, in the meantime we''re burning daylight let''s move¡±. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    The carriage started to rock and move, with Lepic and Ron skillfully controlling the reins. They navigated their way back into the busy city, the journey proving to be long and rough, clearly designed for speed rather than comfort. As they traveled, everyone stretched and groaned in an exaggerated manner. Ron twisted his torso, clicking his back with relief and exclaimed, ¡°finally here,¡± while affectionately petting the horse hybrids. The building appeared normal from the outside, seamlessly blending in with the surrounding structures of the bustling city. Upon entering, they walked along the corridor and descended, arriving at the gate, the entrance looked more lavish and upheld then how it was at the underground. Two guards stood watch, one casually eating a sandwich wrapped in foil. He waved them forward as Lepic greeted him and presented the necessary paper. After a brief glance, the guard waved them on. With a loud groan, the huge gate opened as they slammed their spears down, chanting ¡°Apertus.¡±


    It had only been a day in the overworld but it seemed like they were there for a week, they took another carriage straight to the warehouse, Jayce throwing up to the side from the speed the carriages went at. Even Jahad felt nauseous, the tar marred face smirked at the sight getting a kick out of it as Ron tossed him a gold coin. Lepic smacked the door rhythmically whilst staring at his stopwatch, it shuddered open by Reina. He glanced from his stopwatch to her eyes but his gaze was interrupted by Ron, he barged his way through both of them ¡°comeee on, I am dying to do a mission¡± he dragged his words like a kid forced to wait whilst their parents went shopping. Everyone entered and gathered at the board, since it was just them there was no need for going up to the office. ¡°


    Ron and Jayce, you''ll both be going on a mission together, both being knights. It''ll be best in order to cultivate and grow Jayces strength, I¡¯ll hand over the debrief to you both¡± she finished her sentence by giving Ron two debriefs. ¡°Lepic and Jahad, you two will work together¡±. Lepic gave her an appreciative nod. She smiled a bit before handing Lepic two files. Before they read the debrief she stepped to Jahad. She was taller than Jahad, a mature womanly presence she looked at him and outstretched her hand, in her palm was a silver bangle, runic carvings had slithers of deep gray filling it. He gave a puzzled look before taking it. ¡°It''s a concealment relic, no one will be able to see your mark unless you want them to, very very expensive gift from Lepic who told me not to tell you¡± she smirked looking at him, Lepic shook his head disapprovingly. ¡°It''ll get in the way if people know about your curse,¡± he explained. Jahad thanked him, putting on the bangle the runic symbols began to connect like a puzzle, moving as if they were cogs. He peeled his shirt down and saw that the mark was gone. ¡°Jayce we are leaving, read the debrief in the carriage we got a long journey¡± Ron grumbled annoyed at the distance of their mission.


    The warehouse seemed desolate, they had made their leave quickly and Reina had returned upstairs to her office leaving only Jahad and Lepic together. ¡°Missions gonna be a tricky one, I¡¯ve got some ideas about your cursed art and its requirements¡± Jahad nodded. ¡°Your ability not working on me didn¡¯t add up, it was the exact same thing you used on the priest. Could be said that it was because of our difference in power, but that priest was an F+ rank, be it he wasn''t a fighter¡± pausing he glimpsed at his pocket watch before resuming ¡°I boiled it down to one thing. Fear¡±. He stared at Jahad. ¡°That priest feared for his life allowing you to take over his soul and mind, the bracelet Reina gave, you can toggle its effect by thinking the word Asper-Sha, as well as hiding your mark it hides your presence too, after your unveiling you been exuding a disgusting aura, shit affected Ron, he nearly killed you over it. I''ve been hiding your presence using mine this entire time so the bracelets just to help myself out¡±. Jahad gave another thank you. ¡°I also got a theory that with weaker opponents you might not need to fulfil that requirement though we will test it out soon¡±. He slumped his back onto the mission board rattling all the papers nailed onto it, he straightened out his debrief file with one hand and started reading. And so did Jahad.


    Debrief


    If found in the hands of any outside of LR limited, certain death is promised.


    This debrief is strictly meant for the hands of Jayce, Lepic, Reina.


    Mission Type: Delivery Ops + Extermination


    Location: Cargo located in sector 3 of Whispering Pines district under Sylas


    Personnel: 15 mix of unclassed and class H personnel maintaining cargo


    Structure:  Personnel are of low ranking at cargo point due to insider information. Cargo is hidden within an abandoned factory. Gate is magica secured requires Class E + or above.


    Mission Objective: Once cargo is secured, red flare will signal Carriers to move in, a spectral steed will be used to carry the cargo. Safely deliver the cargo to sector 4 Of the Hollow district under Zephyr approx. four days of travel


    Important Notes:


    Once the cargo starts moving, you will be attacked by various classes and powers.


    You will have allies under Zephyr to aid you.


    Highly dangerous and classified mission, backing out requires a week''s notice.


    Cargo is highly sought after by many the first day or two may be silent. Do not get complacent.


    Final Reminder: there is no capture or caught in this mission. Death is the consequence of any mistake in the duration of the mission, if needed to abort and run away, however you will not be granted the reward as well as the guidance for your mastery. Lepic will guide you for the extent of the delivery.


    Stay safe.


    Reward: 2 platinum


    Jahad wondered about the last bit, ¡°guidance for your mastery¡± he murmured to himself, he held his debrief to Lepics handheld lighter which ignited the paper in a few seconds. The air carried a bitter chill as Lepic whistled over the carriage. The same dark, marred face, obscured by a wide-brimmed hat, sat at the front, appearing more somber than usual.. The two hopped in. There was no flick of the coin, just a simple nod. They set off to the Whispering Pines.

 Chapter 9: Whispering Pines - Cargo

    Chapter nine - Whispering pines: Cargo


    The journey spanned an arduous half a day, even with their incredible speeds. Traveling to an entirely new district was no small feat; it was a considerable distance that tested their endurance and resolve. Each mile felt like an eternity, underscoring just how far they had to go to reach their destination. The carriage screeched to a jarring halt, causing Jahad to fumble and drop a square bar of compressed sustenance he had been nibbling on. Lepic, engrossed in his stopwatch, deftly tucked it into the depths of his jacket, signaling for them to disembark. The Whispering Pines was a mesmerizing place, characterized by its towering trees that stretch high into the sky, their branches intertwining to create a natural canopy. The trees are lush and green, with needles that gently sway in the breeze, giving off a soft rustling sound that adds to the enchanting atmosphere. Interspersed among the trees are numerous buildings, crafted from a mix of brick and wood. These structures blend seamlessly with their surroundings, as if they have grown organically from the earth itself. The brick exteriors have a warm, earthy tone, while the wooden elements add a rustic charm, making each building feel like a part of the forest. As they walked through the Whispering Pines, a subtle sound could always be heard¡ªlike soft whispers carried by the wind. The gentle murmur created an almost magical ambiance, inviting visitors to pause and listen closely, as if the forest itself has secrets to share. The combination of nature and architecture caused Jahad to pause at its captivating atmosphere. He had never seen anything like it.


    Soon they approached the target facility. ¡°Once we breach the factory, it''s kill on sight. They¡¯re weak; I''ll be right with you, so see if you can harness your ability. Remember Asper-Shah,¡± Lepic murmured, stretching as he stifled a yawn. His hand delved deep into his jacket, ready for action.As they approached the imposing gates of the factory, two guards stood idly by, boredom etched on their faces. Clad in tattered uniforms and armed with sheathed swords, they seemed oblivious to the impending danger. Lepic advanced with purpose, and before they could utter a word, his hand shot out like a viper. In an instant, they crumpled to the ground, their throats expertly cut. Lepic stepped into the crimson pool of blood, scrutinizing the arcane runes etched into the gate, the gurgling and bubbling sounds emanating from the lifeless bodies below him.


    Lepic pulled out a small black case, within he took out a brush, the ends splodged with an ink like residue, he drew runic symbols onto the gate then murmured ¡°Apertus¡± the runic symbols on the gate bounced off, using the brush he started to reorganise the scriptures. ¡°Someones on the roof take care of him, stay up there, keep it secure¡± Lepic said sternly breaking his trance of thought.Jahad scaled the weathered brick fa?ade of the factory with a blend of agility and determination. His fingers gripped the rough edges of the bricks, finding purchase as he pulled himself upward. Each movement was calculated; he navigated around crumbling mortar and jagged protrusions, his boots scraping against the gritty surface. As he ascended, the chill of the air bit at his skin, but he pressed on, fueled by the urgency of their mission. He spotted a ledge jutting out, a perfect foothold that allowed him to gain a few precious feet. With a swift motion, he hoisted himself up, swinging himself to the roof of the factory.


    The air had a chilling bite to it as Jahad locked eyes on his target. The man appeared ordinary, clad in a tattered uniform and wielding a pike. As Jahad approached, the man turned at the sound but was too slow to react. In a flash, Jahad closed the distance, stomping down on the pike to prevent it from being raised. He used the momentum to deliver a powerful punch to the man''s temple, snapping his head to the side.Without giving him a moment to recover, Jahad followed up with a crushing blow to the gut, doubling the man over. A devastating knee strike sent blood gushing from his nose, and the impact left him crumpled on the ground. Jahad''s hand tightened around the man''s neck, the pressure causing a whistling sound from his windpipe. As his emotions surged, he flicked on the black wisps in his mind, invoking "Asper-Shah." Horror etched across the man¡¯s face as he struggled to scream, his throat constricted. The dark wisps snaked into his arm, racing towards his heart, causing his eyes to glow a menacing scarlet purple. The trance took hold, engraving a lifeless expression onto his features. With a slight loosening of his grip, Jahad watched as the man stood motionless, a mere figurine in his grasp.


    Jahad peered down the roof giving a thumbs up to Lepic who glanced up briefly. Jahad surveyed the rest of the roof; the man in his trance-like state followed him but did nothing, strung around like a puppet.  Jahad thought to himself on how vulnerable they''ve left this important cargo, but he realised that they focused on hiding it rather than keeping it secure. The factory blended in with its surroundings, the guards would not be easily noticed, few in number and strength however it was almost certain that they¡¯d send more once its been breached. 10 minutes had passed, Jahad looked down, Lepic still engrossed in cracking the runic security. He looked back at the man. Bored Jahad poked his head, it bobbed back into place, the man was taller than him so it was a hassle to try and poke his head Jahad thought to himself. Suddenly the man crouched down. A puzzled look struck Jahads face. He started to think to himself inquisitively. ¡°Stand up¡± Jahad exclaimed with a hint of authority. The man stood up. ¡°Put your hand out¡±. The man put his hand out. A grin escaped Jahads face. He was slowly figuring out his ability.


    Another 15 minutes had elapsed, and Jahad had been diligently experimenting with his newfound ability during this time, uncovering several intriguing aspects. Although the man exhibited a zombie-like demeanor, he still possessed the capacity to fight. He obeyed any command that resonated in Jahad''s mind or that he articulated aloud. When Jahad grabbed onto the man''s arm and asked about his abilities there was a surge of memories, Jahad would understand his combat capabilities and magical abilities. However, there were limitations; the man could not perform tasks beyond his inherent capabilities. He was an unranked individual with minimal magical prowess, and could only manage to heat the tip of his spear. Consequently, if he commanded the man to conjure a fireball, he would simply remain frozen, devoid of thought, standing idle as if caught in a trance. This realization both thrilled and frustrated Jahad, as he pondered how to maximize this unique power while navigating the challenges that lay ahead. Jahad even got it to spar him, the black wisps seem to enhance the things'' reactions and combat capabilities. Jahad wiped a sleek line of sweat from his face. ¡°What should I call you?¡± Jahad questioned the man. His face was blank, he just stared at Jahad. Not great for conversations Jahad thought to himself.


    A shout erupted from below, it was Lepic calling for Jahad, he darted to the edge. ¡°It''s done, get down here we''re going in¡±. Jahads saw that the symbols on the gate''s colour faded, so he called over his new found friend, whom he named Pikey. Pikey followed to the edge. ¡°Go down¡± Jahad said but realised he should have given clearer instructions. Pikey landed with a dull thud. He was sprawled across the floor but no serious lasting injuries seemed to be present. Lepic smirked ¡°I thought your ability might come in handy, not for a human cushion though¡±. Jahad dove from the roof, his landing pillowed by pikey, he stood both of them up, the black wisps gnawing at pikeys wounds seeming to heal them. Lepic looked confused. ¡°He will help us,¡± Jahad explained. ¡°More the merrier¡± Lepic replied, his head pressed against the gate. ¡°There''s about 10 in there, deal with the front I''m going to rush to the backline¡±. Jahad nodded before Lepic booted the gate, the entire gate went flying into two people knocking them over, before any could react Lepic blitzed forward to the furthest men. Jahad also got to work.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.Jahad spotted the nearest man, who had raised his sword high above his head. Before the blow could land, Jahad launched a swift punch into the man''s solar plexus. The impact left the man gasping for breath, his grip tightening around Jahad''s shoulder in a desperate attempt to regain control. Seizing the moment, Jahad leveraged this hold to throw the man over his shoulder, twisting his arm painfully upward as he sent him crashing to the ground, his sword skittering away. In that instant, Pikey, Jahad''s ally whom he had conquered and now commanded, sprang into action. With precision and ferocity, Pikey drove his pike into the man''s head, ensuring that the threat was swiftly neutralized. The clash of battle echoed around them, but Jahad''s confidence surged as he realized the effectiveness of their teamwork in this chaotic skirmish. Three more men swarmed towards Jahad and Pikey, a slow overhead sword strike came from the man from the side, Jahad side stepped and used the mans momentum to send him towards Pikey who expertly thrusted his spear into the flying target, retracting his spear he parried another sword strike towards Jahad, The sword dug harmlessly into the ground, using the opportunity, Jahad launched a devastating kick into his kidneys disrupting his organs, he showered the floor with spit. He crashed down to the floor in agony, clutching his abdomen before Pikey finished him off. Two men remained trapped under the metallic gate scrambling to get out. Jahad sent Pikey over to finish them off with his heated spear tip.


    Lepic felt no concern for Jahad; he knew he could handle the situation. He darted toward the backline, where the men were fumbling with their weapons, caught off guard by the sudden breach. There were six men in total, all armed and unprepared. Lepic swiftly flitted to the furthest one, in a crouched stance Lepic was  beside him. The look of horror that painted the man''s face was the last thing he saw in the reflection of Lepics'' blue, calm pupils before he slashed his throat with lethal precision. The chaos of the moment intensified, and Lepic revelled in the thrill of the hunt, knowing he was a force to be reckoned with amidst the turmoil.


    The men all turned around, he sent two daggers bisecting two of them, drenching the remaining three with the blood and gore of their comrades. The middle one came charging at Lepic, wielding a heavy axe that seemed to slice through the air with agonizing slowness. To Lepic, it felt as if time had slowed down to a crawl; he could have been clipping his nails while the swing was coming down. With a deft sidestep, he evaded the clumsy attack, his movements fluid and precise. The man¡¯s momentum carried him forward, leaving him vulnerable as Lepic prepared to counter with a swift and lethal strike, ready to exploit the opening created by the failed swing.  The axe slashed into the ground embers and sparks flying from it. A fire knight he thought to himself but no matter, a low rank at that. The man heaved the heavy axe up, his friend dashed in during his down time, thrusting his sword trying to stab Lepic, each thrust he parried expertly, the last thrust he parried it downwards exposing the man''s throat, he sliced his head clean off. The axeman, enraged, his eyes seeming to be ablaze, went charging towards Lepic. In a relaxed manner he sent another dagger flying from the confines of his jacket, it went straight through his head splitting his body in half before digging into the last man''s skull. Both their corpses fell at the same time.


    Bodies littered the factory floor. Lepic and Jahad walked towards a tarp, chained up with ancient symbols.¡°That''s the merchandise, I''ll signal the carriers, expect contact, it¡¯ll mostly be dumbasses trying to make a name for themselves¡±. Jahad heeded his warning, he called over Pikey who lulled around the corpses, he bought a sword for Jahad that resembled a wakizashi. It seemed to be crafted well , the sword featured a curved, single-edged blade that measured around 15 inches in length. The hilt was wrapped in dark leather providing a firm grip, while the guard was simple yet elegant, offering protection during combat. Its overall design meant for close quarters. He spun the sword a few times in his hand, grasping a feel for its weight. Lepic stood outside, the wind entering the factory from the missing gate seemed to howl at his presence, he pulled out what resembles a firecracker wrapped in scrolls with scriptures. He pointed it towards the sky before pulling the dangling, flimsy rope. A whistle pierced the air before a thunderous boom echoed the distance, as the flare shot into the sky, it burst forth in a brilliant display of crimson light, illuminating the woods like a fiery comet. The red hue spread across the heavens, painting the sky in shades of scarlet and orange. It hung momentarily, a beacon of intensity, before cascading down like a shower of sparks, casting flickering shadows on the ground below. Red light illuminated the tall trees, casting away their shadows for a moment.


    Lepic pulled out his gilded stopwatch, counting the seconds, his other hand tucked into his jacket, grasping his dagger. A few minutes passed, ¡°Jahad the rooftops, clear them¡±. He strode forward with purpose towards an alleyway. Jahad did as he was told, however he used the stairs this time to get on top, he had memorised the factory layout. Upon reaching the top floor he got Pikey to boot open the door. As Pikey moved forward, a spear dug straight into his stomach, they had waited beside the door to ambush Jahad. It was a fatal blow, Jahad swore to himself, using Pikey as cover he dashed forward parrying a strike with his newfound weapon. The man tried retracting his spear but Pikey dropped his pike, grabbed onto the handle to hold it in place. Jahad had ordered him to do so. Unarmed, the man was a sitting duck, Jahad caught a glimpse of his face, he was in a leather uniform, gray stubble and jet black hair. Just an ordinary man. Jahads sword cleaved into his shoulder, he twisted it lethally, slashing upwards severing his throat. Pikey pulled the back of Jahads shirt, an axe narrowly missed him and dug into the floor, Jahad used the distance to land a question mark kick that ate into his jaw, dislocating it with a sickening crunch. Pikey threw his spear into an incoming enemy, it pierced straight through his chest pinning him to the ground, he gurgled his last breaths. Another man grabbed hold of Jahad but he retaliated with his sword. It clashed into the man''s sword throwing it upwards, before he could react Jahad grabbed him by the tufts of his shirt, stared at him before murmuring Asper-Shah. The same torrent of dread cascaded his face, the black wisps spiralling up his arm into his soul.


    Jahad quickly surveyed the area, and saw a trion on top of a separate rooftop closing rapidly. Jahad looked towards pikey, the black wisps could not heal his fatal wounds. He still had his trance-like state as blood poured from the orifice. Jahad looked at him and grabbed his arm. The wisps spiralled out of his body back into Jahad, the scarlet, purple hue faded the man''s eyes, leaving a colourless pupil. His lips trembled trying to utter out a sentence, but not even a word escaped his mouth as he succumbed to the mortal wound. Jahad quickly spun to his new ally, the one he had taken over.  The one he conquered. The man looked at him solemnly, his face blank. Jahads voice tinged with urgency, ¡°you got any abilities?¡±.  The man just looked at him and blinked, causing Jahad to swear out of frustration. He had nothing and they were closing in fast. Jahad racked his brain, sensing that one of them was strong. To confirm his suspicion, the cloaked man of the three upheld a wooden staff, magical symbols glowing with power as the stars swirled around him. It was wind magic. He used it to glide the three toward the opposing factory where Jahad stood, the air crackling with energy as they approached. They locked eyes for a brief second before the conquered man sent a punch that planted squarely onto Jahads cheek, he could feel blood forming in his mouth as he returned a side kick whilst falling back. The man he took over stumbled backwards and laid flat on the floor. Jahad looked to the side. The trio were on his rooftop, dashing towards him.

 Chapter 10: Whispering Pines - More the merrier

    Chapter 10 - Whispering pines: More the merrier


    Jahad grasped the pike beside him, its handle slick with blood. Suddenly, one of the attackers darted toward him, brandishing a dagger in each hand. With a swift motion, Jahad waved the spear, effectively denying the man the distance he needed to strike. The assailant retreated, skittering back two steps, showcasing his agility. Behind them, the sorcerer trailed ominously, his presence looming as he prepared to unleash his arcane power. Jahad knew he needed to reduce their numbers before the sorcerer arrived. The second man thrust a spearhead toward him, but Jahad ducked to the side just in time, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly skimmed past him. He grabbed the outstretched spear and yanked the man forward, using his weight and momentum to his advantage. With a swift movement, he stuck out his foot, sending the attacker sprawling in a tangle of limbs and weaponry. Before the man could regain his footing, Jahad hurled the pike like a javelin, and it buried itself into the man''s shoulder blade. A piercing scream of agony echoed as he was pinned to the rooftop tiles, the fight clearly leaving him.


    The man wielding the daggers charged at Jahad with fierce determination. Jahad raised his sword just in time, and sparks erupted from the collision. He could feel the impact reverberate through the handle, a jolt of energy coursing through him as he braced for the next move. The intensity of the fight heightened, and Jahad knew he had to stay sharp to counter this agile opponent. He had to keep distance, he sent out wild lacerations in quick succession, the assailant responding with rapid backsteps but Jahad applied the pressure, at this point the sorcerer had entered the fray. the wind howls around him, whipping through his hair and clothes. The sorcerer, standing a few feet away, raises his hands, summoning gusts of wind that swirl like a tempest. With a flick of his wrist, he sends a powerful blast toward Jahad, forcing him to dodge just in time, but the momentum nearly sends him teetering off the edge.Meanwhile, the man with the dual daggers closed in, his movements swift and fluid. The glint of the blades catches the light as he lunges at Jahad, slashing with precision. Jahad barely manages to parry one dagger with his weapon, but the second catches him off guard, grazing his side. The pain is sharp, and he can feel the pressure mounting.


    The sorcerer took advantage of Jahad''s distraction, unleashing a series of wind blades that slice through the air like knives. Jahad''s heart races as he narrowly avoids one, but the relentless assault keeps coming, forcing him to stay on the defensive. He feels the weight of the situation pressing down on him, the rooftops beneath him becoming a precarious battleground where one misstep could lead to disaster.  Each slice of wind sliced his arms and legs, his trenchcoat was reinforced, saving him from the brunt of the attack; however the damage was still done. With both enemies closing in, Jahad knew he had to find a way to turn the tide before it was too late. The odds were stacked against him, and every second counted as he fought to stay one step ahead.


    The sorcerer waved his wooden staff in a circular motion, the circular pattern forming again, he was going to send a condensed blast of wind. The dagger man leapt forward, slicing into air with his two knives, all this time Jahad had been biding his time for the right moment, keeping the dagger man at a distance whilst the sorcerer chipped away at him from far. All for this one moment. The runic spells pulsed with a vibrant glow, but just before the gust of wind surged forth, Jahad executed a swift slide toward the man wielding the knives. The sudden movement caught the dagger-wielder off guard, forcing him to instinctively retreat with rapid backsteps. However, before he could regain his footing, Jahad seized the moment and launched a ferocious low kick. His shin collided violently with the man''s front calf, sending him sprawling to the side from the impact. The force of the blow sent him tumbling directly into the path of the swirling wind spell, leaving him vulnerable and disoriented amidst the chaos. The gust of condensed wind whistled as it shot forward, the sorcerer mumbled ¡°fuck¡±. The shot buried deep into his back, twisting him as it sent him flying several meters before he crashed down off the roof, each impact resonating with a sickening crunch. Jahad dashed away trying to keep distance again, but the sorcerer glided towards him maliciously. There was nowhere to run for Jahad and the rooftops were too open, any sort of spell would hit him, he had made a mistake,  he should have closed the distance. Or so the sorcerer thought. He twirled his wooden staff, a smirk escaping his face.


    ¡°end of the line kid¡±. He said, laughing tauntingly as a spell formation appeared, but a shadow cast above him. The one Jahad had vanquished and taken control, the one that had punched him at the start of the rooftop, stood looming over the man, his eyes glistening with a menacing purple hue. Before the sorcerer realized what was happening, it was already too late. Jahad had cunningly orchestrated the situation, making it appear as though his ally was still on their side. He had to be sly to outmaneuver a sorcerer. As the one he had subdued swung his sword, it plunged deep into the sorcerer''s side, unleashing a chilling scream that reverberated across the rooftops and echoed through the alleyways. The intricate spell formation shattered as the sorcerer struggled to comprehend the sudden betrayal. Jahad then commanded his ally to wrap him in a bear hug, their arms constricting around the sorcerer with a strength that seemed almost superhuman, the sword still lodged in the mage''s side. Jahad sprang toward the two, his voice low but resolute as he uttered, ¡°Asper-Shah.¡± He advanced slowly, observing the terror that washed over the sorcerer''s face, his lips quivering in a desperate attempt to plead for mercy. In the final meter, Jahad dashed forward, seizing him by the throat, allowing the dark wisps to claim yet another soul. The tension of the moment was palpable, a testament to Jahad''s strategic brilliance and ruthless determination.


    Jahad looked into his eyes, the scarlet, purple hue enveloping his pupils. The swordsmen unbounded the sorcerer. They both stood, idle blank faces etched. Jahad collapsed to one knee, the wounds catching up to him but he looked up to them and smiled. Having a sorcerer in his arsenal was big. The swordsman helped him up, his strength unruly as he hoisted up Jahad it sent shivers of pain down his body. ¡°Gently¡± Jahad tutted to him annoyingly, his reply was the same idle blank face, although Jahad thought he had imagined it, he thought he sensed a hint of confusion. He pointed at the sorcerer ¡°Your name will be Airva¡±. He snickered a bit at the name before pointing up to the swordsman, his arm still helping Jahad stand. ¡°Your Gladius¡±. Jahad thought he heard a grunt and spun around. ¡°Fuck, contact,¡± he thought to himself, feeling the weight of the situation. He wasn''t in the best shape to fight; the black wisps were still mending the sorcerer''s wounds. Gladius pulled the sword from Airva, and Jahad ordered him to prepare for battle. Gladius assumed a high stance, his slightly bulkier frame giving him an imposing presence. Though he had an ordinary face, his brute strength was undeniable. Meanwhile, Airva stood guard, raising his staff as a few low-class spells swirled around him, readying for the impending confrontation. The air was thick with tension, each warrior poised for the clash that was about to unfold.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    The atmosphere felt heavy, Jahad felt a sense of dread, the figure hoisted himself up to the roof, approaching them slowly, Jahad couldn''t make out his face, blood from cuts above his eyebrow obscured his vision. ¡°Airva don''t let him get close¡± Jahad shouted urgently but before the spells could fire a dagger cut through the circles, the symbols dissipated into the air. It was Lepic. A sigh of relief washed through Jahads soul, a wide smile escaped his face. The smile disappeared once he saw the state of Lepic. Lepic limped towards him, lacerations and cuts all over him, his trenchcoat was charred, his blonde hair soaked with blood and sweat. Jahad could not form any words. Lepic was the strongest he knew, seeing him like this was shocking. Lepic coughed, his voice tinged with a wheeze as he said ¡°Worse than it looks¡±. He pointed towards the bodies on the roof ¡°you did good¡±. He slumped down as he said that, his hand delicately pulling out his gilded stopwatch, he clicked it before pulling out two Vestra vials. He signalled Jahad to come, Airus and Gladius helped him hobble towards Lepic. Lepic glanced at the two new allies, before chucking a VV (Vestra Vial) at Jahad who ordered gladius to catch it for him. The two slumped down exhausted, applying the ointment on their harshest wounds, it stung, but it was a relieving pain.


    Lepic stood up, a few cuts remained on him, his blonde silky hair still tinged with blood. He patted himself down, willows of ash falling from his clothes. Jahad straightened himself out as well, his wounds were healed, although the marks and cuts still left. The pain did not subside. Lepic wafted his hands towards the trio ¡°They''ll be in groups, get used to it¡±. Jahad replied curiously ¡°how many did you kill?¡±. Lepic, engrossed in his stopwatch, breathed tiredly ¡°twenty five, give or take, most are classed now so be careful, use your minions¡±. Jahad nodded. ¡°The cargos in place¡±. He clicked his stopwatch after he said this. ¡°We will be following in a carriage, no ones going to try and destroy the cargo, too precious but they''re gonna try and hijack it, it''s why we''re here so gear up, we need to move, it''s just outside the gates¡±. Jahad moved towards the edge of the factory to peer down.


    The spectral steed loomed before them, an imposing figure the size of a truck. Its metallic cuboid form, reinforced with shimmering mana and intricate runic carvings, pulsed with a dark sapphire hue, giving it an otherworldly presence. It felt alive, as if it possessed a will of its own. Multiple cobalt, dagger-like legs extended from its base, resembling the segmented body of a centipede. These legs dug into the ground with a fierce grip, allowing the steed to navigate its surroundings with an eerie grace. The legs lifted the reinforced metal cuboid effortlessly, showcasing its strength and agility, while the glowing runes along its surface hinted at the powerful enchantments that protected the precious merchandise contained within. This amalgamation of technology and magic created a mesmerizing sight, a true marvel of craftsmanship and mystique. Four carriages guarded the beast. Two up front and two behind. Airus waved his staff, a wind magical circle formed below, the stars and galaxies swirling in the intricate rune designs. ¡°Useful¡± remarked Lepic, as the wind spell glided the group down.


    Lepic led the way, walking to the carriage at the back, each carriage had the same mystical beasts Jahad had seen before, long, muscular legs like a raptor, built for speed. Their limbs ending in three pointed toes, while their sleek horse-like bodies featured majestic heads. Instead of hooves, they had small talons for arms, giving their striking appearance. ¡°Who''s a good little Reever¡± Lepic whispered, petting the head affectionately. ¡°Reevers?¡± Jahad questioned, Lepic replied ¡°Yep, it''s the name of these beasts¡± before glancing at the driver. The driver''s rough hands encased the reins, the man wore a weathered leather jacket, the same wide brimmed hat, casting a dark shadow over his marred face, obscuring any facial features. Jahad thought it was the same driver they used back at their district, however he looked at the other drivers of each carrier, they wore the same uniform, had the same features, giving an air of mystery. Lepic stared at the driver ¡°took you carriers long enough¡± he said, his gaze not breaking once. The driver did not reply. Lepic tutted as the group entered the carriage. The rhythmic ticking of Lepics stopwatch filled the silence as they waited for the carriage to move. Jahad curiously asked about the carriers. ¡°We''ve got a couple in our district, an unbiased organisation used to move around cargo, people, anything. Some people say they aren''t human, can never really see their faces but they do the job¡±.


    After a few moments, a low humming sound resonated through the air, signaling the spectral steed''s activation. Its powerful legs dug into the earth, propelling it forward with a rhythmic precision, each limb working in perfect harmony. The sound of the ground being disturbed echoed around them as they surged ahead. The two carriages led the procession, with Jahad and Lepic carriage closely trailing behind. As half an hour slipped by, Lepic remained engrossed in his stopwatch, as was his habit, while Jahad flicked his powers on and off, honing his skills. The sorcerer in his arsenal was a G minus rank, limited to wind spells, while Gladius was a standard G rank. Yet, he understood that the black wisps enhanced their combat abilities, pushing them to their utmost limits. Feeling restless, Jahad swept aside the carriage cloth that concealed them and gazed into the whispering pines. They were deep within the forest, where only a few structures remained visible, overshadowed by the towering, swaying trees that surrounded them. The atmosphere was thick with mystery, the forest alive with the rustling of leaves and the soft whispers of the wind. Lepic stopwatch clicked, he tucked it into the crevices of his jacket before handing Jahad three VVs. Lepics voice was stern as he spoke ¡°There''s an ambush¡±

 Chapter 10.5: Battle

    Chapter 10.5


    Lepic swept away the cloth that concealed the exit in the carriage, ¡°We¡¯re fighting, jump out with me¡± He pointed towards Airus ¡°get him to put up a barrier as soon as we are out¡±. He leapt out the carriage still moving, his boots burrowing into the coarse dirt as his body came to a still. Jahad dashed out to follow, ordering Gladius and Airus to do the same. Airus erected a wind barrier, enough to cover the group, the carriage screeched as it came halting down to a stop. Arrows cascaded down from the treetops, and all the carriages came to an abrupt halt. The protective barrier of Airus ensured their safety, as the arrows plummeted to the ground without causing any harm. The forest echoed with the sound of the arrows striking the earth, creating a surreal atmosphere where danger was a mere whisper, and the group remained unsafe. Lepics hand snaked out of his pocket at a frightening speed, a dagger shot out striking a man to the side who tried creeping up on the group. All the denizens of the carriages jumped out, armed to the teeth, groups of different attire in each carriage. Lepic whispered ¡°don''t kill anyone from the carriages, they are to protect the merchandise too¡± Jahad responded with a tut ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot¡±.


    Another barrage of arrows shot, but once the onslaught stopped a man from the front carriage dashed forward. He donned gleaming metallic knight armor, leaving his head unprotected by a helmet. The knight''s armor was a striking suit of polished metal, reflecting the light with a brilliant sheen. It featured intricate engravings that depicted fierce battles. The breastplate was robust, designed to protect the torso while allowing for ease of movement. His gauntlets were sturdy yet flexible, providing both defense and dexterity for wielding his weapon. Metal  greaves encased his legs. In his hand, he wielded a formidable claymore, its blade long and broad, tapering to a sharp point. Jahad could feel power emanating from him. Before the knight reached the trees, he swept his claymore with ferocity, four trees seemed to stand still before flying into the enemies direction, he had cut them and the trees down. ¡°Holy shit¡± was all that could escape Jahads mouth. The carriage to Lepic and Jahads side also housed a formidable ally, A man clad in a black leather trench coat, the sleeves artfully severed to reveal his rippling muscles, stood confidently. His gauntlets, which served as his primary weapon, were crafted from thick, durable leather and reinforced with metal plating. Each knuckle was adorned with sharp spikes, ready to deliver devastating blows in combat. To his side, a spearmen adorning the same outfit. He wielded a striking Spartan-like spear, its shaft long and sturdy, made from a dark, resilient wood that hinted at its strength. The spearhead was broad and fierce, forged from gleaming bronze, catching the light with a menacing glint. Decorative etchings spiraled down the length of the spear. Both men ran towards the trees to face the attackers.


    ¡°Guess we¡¯re on the offensive¡± Lepic said whilst his dagger took down another foe. The scene unfolded with a flurry of action as several men charged at Jahad. One of them swung his sword, but Jahad expertly parried the strike using Gladius before delivering a brutal palm strike to the attacker''s nose, shattering it. As another adversary attempted to capitalize on the moment, a concentrated blast of wind erupted from Airus, knocking the man back and winding him. Without hesitation, Jahad turned his attention back to the first attacker, ordering Gladius to strike. It was a fierce slash that cleaved the man in two, blood spraying in a gruesome arc.


    Jahad then commanded Airus to unleash a powerful gust of wind, directing it towards the group of men nearby. The blood splattered onto their faces, obscuring their vision and creating chaos in their ranks. A sorcerer from a distance unleashed a feeble string of fire, but Airus swiftly redirected it towards the group, using wind magic to increase its output, igniting their faces in a flash of flames. One of the men, overwhelmed by the pain, dropped a dull-looking sword, and Jahad seized the moment. He slid beneath their legs, moving like a shadow, and from behind, he expertly sliced through their tendons. The attack caused the men to topple backward, screams of agony piercing the air. The sounds of clashing swords and the chaos of battle reverberated through the whispering pines, creating a symphony of conflict that echoed the ferocity of the fight. Jahad''s skill and agility were unmatched. The enemies seemed stronger but Jahads power seemed to be increasing with the pressure and threat of death. He felt at his element.


    Jahad quickly dashed backward as a more formidable opponent charged at him¡ªa fire knight wielding a blazing hot axe. The knight swung his weapon, sending an arc of fire rippling toward Jahad. In a moment of urgency, Jahad commanded Airus to redirect the attack, but the magical circles crumbled under the sheer force of the strike. Just in the nick of time, Airus managed to erect a barrier, but the fiery slash obliterated it, flickering out in a flash alongside the barrier¡¯s destruction. The intensity of the battle escalated, and Jahad knew his quick wits would be the only thing to keep him alive. Lepic was still within eyeshot, engaged in a fierce clash with beings far more powerful than those Jahad was facing, and there were multiple foes surrounding him. The fire knight charged forward toward Jahad like a bull lunging at a red flag, showing no concern for defense. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Gladius darted in from the side, attempting to rugby tackle the knight. However, the knight''s feet dug into the ground, allowing him to resist the force and push Gladius back several meters before finally stopping. With a swift motion, he lifted Gladius as if he were a mere child and hurled him into a nearby tree, the impact splitting the tree in two with a resounding crack. The battle was escalating, and Jahad knew he had to find a way to turn the tide. Another fiery arc hurled towards Jahad, missing him as he sidestepped. Airus wouldn''t be able to generate a barrier, once a sorcerer''s barrier was broken there was a decent downtime till the next could be generated, the higher level the sorcerer, the quicker this downtime would be as well as the stronger the barrier. Unfortunately for Jahad, he had a pretty weak sorcerer compared to the foe at hand. The Knight and Jahad played a game of cat and mouse as Jahad bided for time, each slash he dodged expertly, darting erratically. Gladius was recovering, Airus was pretty much useless in this matchup, Jahad thought to himself.


    The knight closed in, swinging his axe wide. Jahad expertly jumped over the deadly slash, using the momentum to deliver a flying knee strike that smashed into the knight''s right eye. The knight swore angrily, stumbling back a few paces as he shook his head, trying to regain his composure. His eye was now bloodshot from the impact, a clear sign that Jahad''s strike had landed with significant force. The battle was intensifying, and Jahad felt the adrenaline coursing through him as he prepared for the knight''s next move. Gladius, now fully recovered, smashed into the knights side again, this time unexpecting the sudden force, the two went sprawling to the sides. Jahad leapt towards the knight, Asper Shah. The knight''s angry face flickered but returned to rage, the black wisps dissipated, unable to take over the man''s soul. Jahad jumped backwards swearing inwardly, the man wasn''t terrified enough for him to take his soul. Jahad had to bring him to the cusp of death to take his soul, but it was too dangerous to try. He had to kill him.


    The knight clashed with Gladius, both warriors swinging their weapons ferociously. Each attack grew faster, the glint of fire and steel shimmering in the chaos. However, the knight was quicker. In a split second, he parried Gladius''s sword down and stabbed downward toward his foot. Before Gladius could react, the knight brought the pommel of his weapon upwards, smashing it into Gladius''s chin. His head snapped back, exposing his neck. Just as the knight prepared to deliver a fatal blow, a sword pierced through his abdomen. Confused, he looked down, coughing up blood. His gaze shifted to Jahad, realizing he hadn''t been the one to strike. Then, he turned to Airus, who had summoned wind magic to propel a sword from behind him, the hilt digging painfully into the knight''s back. He glanced back at Jahad but he was no longer there. The knight''s eyes widened, Jahad felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins, black wisps dug into Jahads own skin as he swung his sword. The sword was dull, the knight reinforced his skin with fiery mana but even then it was still not enough to defend from Jahads ferocity. The knight''s head flew a few meters before it came tumbling down, his eyes still wide from what had occurred.


    Damn, he would have been nice to conquer, Jahad thought to himself. Oh well nothing he could do about it now. ¡°You did a number on him¡± Lepic whistled, cutting through Jahads thoughts. He looked towards him, ash on his bloodied clothes, he seemed uninjured apart from a few cuts and bruises. He swept blonde strands from his eyes before speaking. ¡°Most of them did a runner, this waves done for now, the other men carried their weight¡±. ¡°Let''s get back to the carriage¡±. The two trailed back to their carriage, relieved to see that the driver was unscathed, as were the animals. However, the carriage itself had definitely seen better days. Arrows were stuck out of the side, the clothes inside were shredded, and the wheels jutted out at awkward angles. It served as a reminder of the fierce battle. Lepic looked at the driver, he pulled his stopwatch out before speaking ¡°usable?¡±. The carrier nodded. The two entered the back of the tattered carriage.

 Chapter 11: Whispering Pines - Encounter

    Chapter 11: Whispering Pines - Encounter


    The carriage bounced up and down, a rocky ride due to the jutted out wheels of the cart. As Lepic looked thoughtfully at his watch, Jahad flicked his ability on and off with the click of his fingers, contemplating the nature of his power. He realized that the effectiveness of his ability hinged on the terror he could instill in his opponents. Regardless of their strength, if he could frighten them enough, their souls would become vulnerable, allowing him to take control. He pondered the different classes he¡¯ll encounter: Knights, sorcerers, and summoners. He had faced knights and sorcerers, but had yet to confront a summoner. Knights were tricky adversaries, often engaging in close combat, limited to their elemental affinity. In contrast, sorcerers wielded their affinity but could also manipulate other elements. ¡°Lepic?¡± Jahad called out, causing his companion to glance up. The piercing blue of Lepic''s pupils held a gentle hue, a stark contrast to the intensity of their journey. Jahad continued. ¡°I''ve never seen a summoner before, are they rare?¡±. Lepic replied whilst clicking his watch ¡°You won''t see them near the battlefield often, especially down here in the underground. They are used mainly to move cargo around, see the spectral steed we are guarding, summoners are manning that right now. Very useful people, but pretty weak.¡± Jahad lost himself in thought. Knights were less versatile due to being limited to their one affinity, although he had heard about knights with another affinity, though that was rare. Sorcerers, they were really tricky. Able to dominate at long distances, class Fs know spells to fight close quarters.


    ¡°Lepic what pathway do you have? And what class are you?¡±. Jahad asked curiously. Lepic looked at him. ¡°Classified info, down here in the underground stuff like that could get you killed¡± he replied sternly causing Jahad to be taken aback slightly. But he understood. If everyone knew your status they could devise plans to take you out. Lepic pulled out a golden needle, poked his thumb before saying ¡°Enya¡±. A drop of blood expanded into a list of hieroglyphic scriptures, Jahad could understand slightly, different to the runic spells. ¡°You''ll learn how to read this later on in life, i''ll try to teach you, though i''m not a great teacher.¡± He pointed to the first line ¡°Wind affinity, Knight¡±. The information caused Jahads face to beam. Lepic trusted him with this knowledge. He pointed to another line ¡°Class B-¡±. All this time Jahad thought Lepic was a class C, as if reading his mind Lepic whispered ¡°people come after me as a class C, they die to this lie¡±. Jahad wondered more about the entire list, but just then, the carriage jumped high, causing his head to knock the ceiling. He rubbed his head, and Lepic chuckled, the moment lightening the tension between them. Lepic looked at Gladius and Airus, Jahad had forgotten they were even here, deadly still like lifeless puppets. He handed Jahad the golden pin. ¡°Get them to do it¡±. Both the puppets did it. Both class F-. The fire knight they had fought was a normal class F. It was insane the gap between the classes were. ¡°Damn they''re pretty weak¡± Lepic shook his head ¡°At your age and stage, you should be H- rank, you got two class F- in your arsenal, you have the firepower of a normal Class F¡±. The compliment made Jahad smile a bit. He still had the dull sword to his side. Slumped back he twirled it in his hands, clicking his fingers the wisps spiralled around it. He could reinforce his sword, almost like a knight, causing a hint of surprise to flicker on Lepics face. ¡°Never fail to surprise¡± he snickered to himself before becoming engrossed with his pocket watch.


    Jahad wondered about Lepic''s obsession with that clock. He always had it on him, keeping an eye on the time. It was as if the clock held some secret or significance that Lepic wasn''t willing to share. Every tick seemed to draw Lepic deeper into his thoughts, and Jahad couldn''t help but feel that it was more than just a way to track the hours. There was a sense of urgency in Lepic''s gaze whenever he glanced at it, as if the moments slipping by were tied to something important in their journey. Curiosity gnawed at Jahad, but he knew better than to pry. Some things in their world were better left unspoken, and Lepic''s clock was clearly one of them.


    He felt his eyes closing, it was pitch black outside, only the magical engravings on the spectral steed provided light. The rhythmic thumping of its legs digging into the ground in concordance with the whispers that constantly echoed in the forest. Jahad felt himself dozing off. He and Lepic had agreed to take turns to keep watch at night, and now it was his turn to take the first nap. The black wisps encasing his vision made it hard to focus, and the sirens blaring seemed to drift away, like echoes from a distant world. As the panic and terror that usually gripped him faded into the background, he felt an unsettling calm wash over him. But then, his eyes snapped open, and he realized he was somewhere else. Instinctively, he knew he was still dreaming, yet this dream felt different from the hellish nightmares he was accustomed to. Looking down at his arms, he saw they were clad in blackened strips of cloth that draped over him. Everything felt off, as if he had stepped into a twisted version of reality. The weight of the unknown pressed down on him, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that this dream held secrets he was meant to uncover. He was in a dark room, and to the right of him lay a shattered mirror, with pieces scattered across the floor. Jahad lumbered down to pick one up and peered into it. To his dismay, he could not see his own face; instead, he wore a tattered hooded cloak that obscured his being. He willed his body to lower the hood, but it refused to obey. It felt as if he was merely spectating his own self, yet deep down, he knew this figure was not him. The figure was massive and broad, and with every step, a sense of dread filled him, shaking him to his core. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that whatever lay beyond the cloak held answers he was both terrified and compelled to discover.


    The being walked forward to a huge dark oak door, towering enough to accommodate its unnaturally large form. Jahad could sense the fear radiating from the human beneath him, who quivered like a leaf in the wind. As the human looked up at the monstrous figure, his lips trembled, and he began to profusely apologize, slamming his head to the floor in a desperate act of prostration.


    ¡°Forgive me master , forgive me master, I forgot to¡± he repeatedly begged, his voice shaking with terror. The human summoned magical circles, water and wind swept the floor. The contrast between the massive being and the trembling human created an intense atmosphere, filled with an overwhelming sense of dread and desperation. The being lifted a finger, and the man''s head snapped up towards him, his eyes already a purple scarlet hue. Was he already conquered? Jahad thought to himself, a chilling realization creeping in. The man''s eyes widened in primordial fear, reflecting the horror of his fate. With a flick of his finger, the being summoned a torrent of black chains formed by dark wisps. They pierced into the man''s heart, wrapping around it tightly. As the being gently pulled his finger towards himself, a grotesque pop echoed through the air. Black wisps began to draw out from the man, his soul and life force draining from his body. Jahad watched as the energy flowed into the being, feeling a sense of rejuvenation wash over it. The life force of the man fueled the being, a dark exchange that left a haunting silence in the room, punctuated only by the echoes of despair.


    Jahad woke up to Lepic gently shaking his shoulder, his body drenched in a clammy cold sweat. Jahads shot him a confused look, his eyes blinking rapidly, trying to process what was going on. ¡°Your turn¡±. ¡°You good?¡± he asked, a hint of worry. Jahad stammered out ¡°yeah I¡¯m fine¡±. Lepic turned his head to the side to take his nap, leaving Jahad feeling uncomfortable. The trenchcoat clung to him, damp with cold sweat. He swept away the carriage''s ragged cloth, letting the cool night air wash over his face, a brief relief from the oppressive atmosphere surrounding him. As he breathed in the crisp air, he tried to shake off the lingering tension, but the weight of the encounter still hung heavy in his mind. The darkness of the night seemed to close in around him, amplifying his unease as he glanced back at the figure of Lepic, wondering what dreams¡ªor nightmares¡ªmight be haunting him.


    A couple of hours passed, and Jahad peered deep into the dark crevices of the forest, with Gladius and Airus sitting deadly still. He listened intently to the ambience; crickets chirped, whispers danced through the trees, and gusts of wind filled the silence. But then, something felt wrong. The ambient sounds began to fade away, leaving an eerie stillness in their wake. Suddenly, with a jolt, the carriage came to a stop. Jahad swept the front cloth aside, noticing that the spectral steed and the front carriages also halted. In that moment, Lepic''s eyes snapped open, alert and wide with awareness, as if sensing the shift in the atmosphere. The tension in the air thickened, and Jahad knew that whatever was lurking in the shadows was about to reveal itself.


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    In a split second, Jahad was dragged out of the carriage, soaring several meters through the air. The whooshing wind rushed past him as he came crashing down, the carriage exploding behind him. Bits of wood flew everywhere, and the acrid scent of burning and ash filled the air, overwhelming his senses. Airus and Gladius had jumped, but Jahad''s warning to Airus came too late. Before he could glide out, Airus''s legs caught in the explosion, Jahad heard the sickening squelch as one of Airus¡¯s legs were destroyed beneath the knee.The urgency of the situation pushed him to focus on the chaos around him, knowing that survival depended on swift action. Lepic landed right near Jahad, they both stood in their stances.


    Jahad looked forward, the front two carriages were also destroyed. Debris layed everywhere. The front right carriage had a mass of blood and bits of human scattered around it. The group had not left in time. Jahads eyes surveyed the woods, trying to find what had caused this. To the left of him, the spearman and man with the gauntlets, one of them shouted out, his voice cutting through the chaos ¡°In the sky¡±. Lepics eyes locked onto him, his eyes widened before he sent out a flurry of daggers in that direction. The menacing sorcerer hovered in the sky, an imposing figure against the backdrop of a darkening horizon. His wide smile, both chilling and triumphant, revealed a twisted delight in the chaos he had unleashed below. Clad in flowing robes that billowed like shadows, he exuded an aura of power that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to gaze upon him.


    His hands, covered by leather gloves, were adorned with radiant gems embedded in each knuckle, glimmering with an otherworldly light. These gems pulsed with energy, allowing him to cast multiple spells simultaneously, each one more devastating than the last. On his coat, a lapel, he was too far to distinguish what it was. As he raised his hands, the air crackled with magic, and the ground trembled beneath him, a testament to the destruction he had already wrought. The sorcerer''s laughter echoed through the air, a haunting sound that promised more annihilation to come. ¡°Jahad move!¡± Lepic shouted at him, he dashed backwards, Airus using wind magic to increase his dashing distance. In the spot he was just at a blast smashed into it, sending shockwaves through the air, creating a large crater that smoldered with embers. Ash and debris filled the atmosphere, swirling around like dark confetti, while the remnants of the destruction painted a grim picture of the sorcerer''s power. Lepic and the spearman''s group flit towards the sorcerer. The sky horizon became a chaotic canvas, filled with the dazzling light of magical spells. Jahad had never witnessed anything like it; the sorcerer orchestrated his hands with an almost balletic grace, causing hundreds of spells to ignite in vibrant colors. Explosions resonated through the forest, obliterating everything in their path, leaving nothing but destruction.


    To make matters worse, the sorcerer unleashed wind magic, sending gusts of fiery wind slicing through the groups of trees and debris. Jahad darted forward, moving as fast as his body would allow. He reinforced his leg muscles with dark, swirling wisps, granting him the ability to take lightspeed rapid steps away from the chaos. Yet, even with his enhanced speed, it was by mere inches that each spell narrowly missed him, the air crackling with the remnants of the sorcerer''s wrath.Jahad''s gaze darted upward as Lepic struck multiple spell circles with his dagger, shattering them with lightning speed. The spearmen closed the distance, leaping into the air. He spun his spear before him like a propeller, slicing effortlessly through a water bolt spell aimed at him.


    In an instant, the sorcerer cast a wind spell, closing in on the spearman. Arcs of water fused with wind magic sliced through the air, and the sorcerer parried the spearman''s strikes expertly with his magical weapon. It was almost child''s play for him; every swing of his hands unleashed brutal and complex magical spells that followed in a relentless barrage. The spearman, a water knight, was strong and determined, thrusting multiple strikes in the blink of an eye, each infused with water mana. His movements were fluid and rapid, crashing into the sorcerer with all his might. Yet, despite the onslaught, the sorcerer''s maniacal laugh never faltered, a chilling reminder of the power he wielded even in the face of such fierce resistance.The man with the gauntlets moved in perfect harmony with the spearman, their teamwork a testament to their training and trust. They attacked the sorcerer with relentless ferocity, each strike timed flawlessly so as not to interrupt the other''s flow. As the spearman thrust and spun, the gauntlet-wielding warrior followed up with powerful punches, infused with energy that crackled in the air. Together, they formed a formidable front, a dynamic duo that pushed against the sorcerer''s defenses. The air was thick with tension as they pressed on, determined to break through the sorcerer''s barrage of spells and turn the tide of battle in their favor.


    Lepic started moving back towards Jahad at a frightening speed. ¡°RUN¡± his urgent shout pierced Jahads ears. The fight with the spearman and the man with gauntlets coordinating their attacks with precision. The spearman darted forward, his spear a blur as he thrust and spun, aiming for the sorcerer¡¯s openings. Each strike was infused with water mana, creating a shimmering trail that sliced through the air. Meanwhile, the man with gauntlets followed closely, his fists crackling with energy. He unleashed a flurry of punches, each one aimed to disrupt the sorcerer''s concentration. They worked in tandem, their movements fluid and synchronized, making it difficult for the sorcerer to predict their next moves. However, the sorcerer remained calm, his maniacal laughter echoing through the chaos. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a barrier of wind that deflected the spearman''s strikes, sending the water mana spiraling harmlessly away. As the gauntlet-wielder lunged, the sorcerer unleashed a torrent of fire, engulfing the area in flames that forced his opponents to retreat. Despite their best efforts, the duo found themselves overwhelmed.The sorcerer, with his mastery of elemental magic, countered every attack with ease. He twisted spells of wind and fire, creating a tempest that separated the two fighters. In a final display of power, the sorcerer unleashed a powerful spell that combined water and wind, creating a vicious cyclone that swept the spearman off his feet. The man with gauntlets, caught off guard, was also thrown back, landing hard on the ground. As the dust settled, the sorcerer stood triumphant, a sinister grin on his face as he summoned the same explosive magical circles. The scent of burned flesh and blood plunged into the air.


    All of this had taken a measly five seconds to unfold. Jahad''s heart raced as he realized the sorcerer''s gaze was fixed on him, a predatory glint in his eyes that sent a shiver down Jahad''s spine. With little time to spare, he quickly assessed the situation, he commanded Airus and Gladius to intercept. The sorcerer surged in swiftly. Gladius was the first to confront him, but like a mere fly, the sorcerer flicked him aside effortlessly. In a heartbeat, water bolts shot forth, dismembering Gladius''s arms with brutal precision. Before anyone could react, the sorcerer redirected the water slashes using wind magic, sending them slicing through the air towards Airus. The attack struck with deadly accuracy, cleaving his body in two. Jahad''s mind raced as the sorcerer flitted to his side. Time seemed to slow as he glanced to his right, feeling the oppressive weight of the sorcerer''s shadow looming over him. In an instant, a magical circle formed, signaling an explosive spell that threatened to engulf him. Just as the impact was about to strike, Lepic leapt into action, grabbing Jahad''s arm and shielding him with his own body. Reinforcing his arm with wind mana, he braced for the blast. The explosion hit with tremendous force, and despite his efforts, the power was overwhelming. The reinforced trench coat and his sleeve burned away, scorching his arm as he fought to protect Jahad from the devastating spell.The air crackled with residual energy, and Jahad could only watch in horror as his friend bore the brunt of the attack. His arm slumped down, unable to lift it from the damage incurred, using his other hand he threw Jahad to the side and crunched a Vestra vial onto his wound, the mangled flesh started to mend but the sorcerer swung in, his arms swinging a frenzy of

 Chapter 12: Whispering pines - Mercy

    Chapter 12: Whispering pines - Mercy


    Lepic staggered to his feet, gritting his teeth against the pain radiating from his scorched arm. The sorcerer, sensing vulnerability, smirked, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. With a swift motion, Lepic focused on reinforcing his strength with wind mana, feeling the energy surge through him. He gripped his daggers tightly, the blades shimmering with newfound power as he prepared for the next assault. The sorcerer unleashed a volley of fiery spears, but Lepic dodged and weaved, using his agility to avoid the worst of the flames whilst sending a torrent of daggers to break away the side''s magical circles. As the sorcerer taunted him, Lepic charged forward, daggers raised, striking with a flurry of powerful slashes, each enhanced by the wind mana coursing through him but the sorcerer summoned multiple magical circles just from lifting his fingers. They met in a frenzy of parries and clashes but Lepics scorched arm hindered him, a wind infused string of fire bored through his abdomen, drilling through his ribcage. The impact caused him to stagger backwards, falling to one knee. The sorcerer moved in to deal the final blow. All Jahad could do was watch the battle unfolding before him too fast for even his inhuman eyes to catch up with. But he knew Lepic was in trouble. He ran in with his dull sword reinforced with the black wisps. ¡°Fuck off¡± the sorcerer growled, he sent a strike of wind that sliced straight into Jahads shoulder, slamming him backwards, the strike infused with water, sent spikes of water through his arm, puncturing holes through, leaving it like a sieve as blood poured from every opening.


    An explosive spell circle formed in front of him as he scrambled to get up. Behind the spell circle, ten more formed. The spells started to light up. It was over. ¡°Wait¡± Lepic coughed. The spells halted, glowing with malicious intent as if they were waiting to cremate Jahad. Well they were. Jahad looked at Lepic. His other arm hung by tendons, almost severed off, his face marred with blood. His scorched arm was outstretched, in his palm a lapel. The sorcerer squinted, his smile flickered. Lepics voice bellowed whilst he limped forward ¡°XORIS¡±. He breathed out his next words. ¡°Xoris clan. Don''t. Break.¡± He paused, each word he breathed out a wave of pain washed through his entire being. He breathed in then stood tall, staring at the sorcerer, eyes locked ¡°Their promises¡±. His hand was still outstretched. The magical circles faded as the sorcerer walked slowly towards Lepic and grabbed the lapel to inspect it. The lapel was golden, its symbol a beheaded bird with an arrow struck through. He kissed his teeth in annoyance, throwing the lapel to the ground before turning his back to him. ¡°Just this once Whitethorne, the chief forgives Ron but I don¡¯t¡±. He walked a few steps before saying ¡°next time our missions cross, a shitty promise won''t save you¡±. Lepic clutched his severed arm with his burnt hand, he stumbled down to the ground. He let go of his arm, it hung by sinews and tendons, from the crevice of his jacket he pulled out a vitality crystal, crunching it whilst whispering. The severed mutilated arm started to reform, grotesque noises of crunching and squelching echoed the woods as it reformed. The vitality crystal seemed to work on the most grievous injury, once the arm healed enough to be usable he used it to crunch several Vestra Vials, the scarlet contents splashed onto his charred arm, seeping into the wounds, healing them. Jahad struggled to get up. ¡°Use some Vestra Vials, I¡¯m fine¡± Lepic coughed out to Jahad. Jahad slumped back, his head slamming into the tree. He felt drained and exhausted. From his inner pocket, he pulled out two vials, the glossy liquid swirled around, tinting the glass edges. He crushed two vials onto his shoulder, feeling the stinging pain as it worked its magic.


    Jahad called out to Airus and Gladius, only Gladius came, both his arms still disconnected, he stood there, blood gushing out from each end. Jahad glanced towards Airus, his body laid there in two. He called over Gladius to help him up, but it seemed he was in no state. Jahad huffed, Gladius was going to die if he didn¡¯t do something. He used his own knee to hoist himself up and walked towards Airus¡¯s body, recalling his dream. He envisioned everything from that dream, the feelings, the taste of the air, the smell of human fear. Jahad''s eyes closed. He could sense Airus¡¯s soul lingering in his corpse. His soul had an ethereal and fluid appearance, swirling like a gentle breeze, shimmering with translucent hues of blue and white.


    The soul seemed to carry traces of memories and emotions, manifesting as fleeting images or colors that swirl around it, giving Jahad a glimpse of Airus''s past and his mastery over the winds. The dark chains tightened around Airus''s soul, their cold, unyielding grip drawing in the essence of the wind sorcerer. As Jahad felt the soul drain away, a rush of power surged through him, invigorating his very being. The once gentle whispers of the wind became a cacophony of energy, filling him with a sense of strength and purpose. Each pulse of energy that flowed from Airus''s soul was like a dark elixir, enhancing Jahad''s own magic, making him feel invincible in that moment. The weight of the chains was heavy, yet the exhilaration of harnessing such raw power was intoxicating, driving him deeper into the shadows of his own desires. Jahad snapped his eyes open. The black chains retracted, dissipating into his body. He felt strong, he could feel the black wisps coursing through his veins. He used his other hand to summon the wisps, sending it spiralling towards Gladius, they tethered onto him, healing his arms.


    Lepic was standing next to him, ¡°scary stuff right there¡± he said. ¡°I could try to heal you¡± Jahad responded, but Lepic shook his head. ¡°I don''t want to be the test subject.¡± Jahad nodded, smirking. He didn''t know if it was safe to try to heal someone who wasn''t conquered yet, though he''d have to test it out. As they approached the spectral steed, the air was thick with the acrid scent of soot and smoke, remnants of the devastation that had unfolded. The once majestic creature stood amidst the wreckage, its ethereal body now marred with ash, yet the vibrant blue runic symbols pulsated beneath the layers of debris, illuminating the darkness with an otherworldly glow. Around them lay the remnants of the carriages, splintered wood and twisted metal scattered across the ground like the bones of a forgotten battlefield. The echoes of destruction lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the sorcerer''s wrath. Smoke spiraled upward, coiling into the sky, mingling with the fading light of day, casting an eerie pallor over the scene. They saw only one group, out of the four carriages only their two groups had survived the wrath incurred by one sorcerer.


    They turned their gaze towards Lepic and Jahad, the tension palpable in the air. The three figures stood resolute amidst the chaos, each marked by the battle they had just endured. The two knights, clad in battered armor, bore the scars of their confrontation with the sorcerer. Their once-shining plates were now dulled and scratched, remnants of the fierce clash. One knight wielded a halberd, its blade stained with soot, while the other gripped a claymore, its edge chipped but still glinting defiantly in the fading light. Their faces, partially obscured by their helmets, revealed eyes filled with determination and fatigue, a testament to the struggle they had faced. Beside them, the smaller figure cloaked in a hooded robe contrasted sharply with the knights. The black mask he wore concealed his features, adding an air of mystery and intrigue. His robe, while tattered and singed, still held traces of elegance, with intricate patterns woven into the fabric, hinting at a past filled with power. Despite his smaller stature, he carried himself with an undeniable presence, a silent strength that suggested he was no mere distraction but a vital part of their survival. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Together, they formed a formidable trio, each bearing the marks of battle, their resolve strengthened by the chaos that surrounded them. The remnants of their encounter with the sorcerer hung heavy in the air, but they stood united, ready to face whatever came next. The group had also used the spearman''s attack to get away, but they had their share of battle. That sorcerer was something else Jahad thought to himself. And a Xoris? He was part of Ron''s clan, or Rons old clan. Lepic raised both his hands, walking towards them. ¡°We were holding the backline.¡± he exclaimed, easing the knights, they lessened their tightly gripped weapons. Jahad looked around as they trudged towards the last group. The knights stood tall, the robed figure was smaller than expected when Lepic and Jahad got close. He was around 5 ''5, shorter than Jahad, at his side was a staff. The staff stood tall and imposing, crafted from ancient wood that twisted elegantly towards the sky. Intricate carvings adorned its surface, depicting swirling patterns that seemed to dance in the light. At its tip, a large crystal pulsated with a soft, ethereal glow, casting shimmering reflections on the ground below.


    The knight with the halberd grumbled, ¡°Did not fucking sign up to deal with a Xoris.¡± The other knight muttered ¡°Let''s just get this over and done with.¡± The small figure stayed silent. Lepic and Jahad joined the group, there was no exchange of names or small talk. Jahad knelt beside the spearman''s corpse taking in the sight of the fallen warrior. The dullness in the man''s eyes reflected a life extinguished too soon, forever fixed on the distant underground sky. His spear, though stained with the remnants of battle, stood as a testament to his bravery. ¡°Use it, it''s powerful,¡± Lepic urged, his voice steady as he clutched the pocket watch, a reminder of the time slipping away. As the other group busied themselves with looting, Jahad felt a surge of determination. He reached for the spear, its shaft cool and sturdy in his grip. Despite the mangled state of the corpse, the weapon was salvageable, and Jahad twirled it expertly a few times, feeling the balance and weight. It was perfect¡ªjust what he needed to keep his distance against larger foes. This spear would honor the fallen warrior¡¯s courage, and Jahad would wield it with the respect it deserved.


    He stood tall, spinning the spear with confidence, its shimmering broadhead glinting ominously in the dim light. The intricate etchings spiraled down to its handle, telling tales of battles long past. The grip felt just right in his hands, perfectly molded for his grasp. With a fierce focus, Jahad sent forth several strikes, each one slicing through the air with a sharp whistle, echoing the promise of swift death to any who dared to oppose him. The spear felt alive, responding to his movements, and in that moment, he knew he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. Lepic and Jahad followed the group, trailing slightly behind them to speak in confidence while Gladius lumbered behind them to watch their backs. ¡°Xoris clan? Isn''t that where Ron''s from?¡± Jahad asked. Lepic nodded before speaking, ¡°Xoris is a mercenary clan, that was one of their higher ranks, rank A minus sorcerer, Alaric Xoris. He must have taken this mission to take the cargo.¡±


    Jahad then spoke, ¡°So he left us because we know Ron?¡±. ¡°Not so simple, kid. If the Xoris have a mission, it will get done regardless of the cost, be it the life of many others or their own. However, there''s a caveat to this.¡± He pulled out the golden lapel, it matched Alaric''s one. ¡°The Xoris never go against their promises, regardless of mission. The lapel signifies blood and honor; this is the only reason we got out alive. Alaric pulled out because of it, and we won''t have to deal with a Xoris member for this mission.¡± Jahad felt a mix of relief and apprehension. The intricacies of the mercenary world were more complex than he had anticipated, and their survival had hinged on the unbreakable code of the Xoris clan. Lepic spoke again. ¡°Other hunters have probably heard of what happened here so we won''t have to deal with many enemies going forward.¡± ¡°hunter?¡± Jahad questioned. ¡°It''s the usual name for people who take these missions, we are similar to them though we also export and import so we just stick with runners, sounds less threatening too¡± he smirked at the end. Lepic spoke again ¡°for future references, if you see anyone with that lapel, just abort and run. No missions worth death, no coming back from that.¡± he clicked his pocket watch and strode forward, Jahad followed and soon they were right behind the group.


    Dawn broke, the atmosphere seemed more peaceful. To what they had been through, they had few encounters, much weaker forces then they had come across. A bowman sent a volley of arrows towards Jahad, but he raised his hand, and Gladius'' sword sent all the arrows clattering to the floor. He drew another string of arrows, and the knight with the halberd''s foot dug into the ground before he closed a 5-meter gap with a leap. The bowman turned to run, but his wide swing caught him, a large slash formed on his back as he fell to the floor. A man hidden by a large tree sent his spear forward, but it shattered once it hit the knight''s armor, which was reinforced with earth magic¡ªa hard mixture of clay and metal formed around his armor. The knight swung his hand, smashing into the man''s face, crushing it against the tree. Lepic whistled at the sight before sending a wave of daggers to fleeing assailants, bisecting them. Jahad spotted another man behind the tree, he saw him chant, magical swirls of fire forming.


    Jahad dashed towards him, eager to test out his spear, the bolts of fire slithered towards him, redirected erratically by wind magic making it harder to predict. Jahads boots dug into the course ground as he spun the spear expertly, reinforced with the black wisps the shimmering steel slashed and pierced through the spells, coating the spear in ash. The man cowered at the sight, Jahad closed in on him, flicking the ash off his spear. Another spell glowed, a short range burst of wind to throw him off course but too late, his spear struck the man''s leg, the pain caused him to retract the spell, Jahad tore out the spear, he spun it around, using the pommel to smash into his jaw. The man reeled back, collapsing to the floor. Jahad darted towards him, Asper-Shah. He begged for mercy. Another one joined Jahads barrack. He seemed to be on Airus¡¯s level. Jahad recalled not long ago he struggled with fighting Airus, now he could take down someone of his level easily all be it, he had to use a lot of the black wisps. Jahad closed his eyes. He could peer into himself, sense his reserves. He had no mana, but in place, his soul had a pool of black waves. It was his reserve of energy for his abilities. Although he could easily handle someone on Airus¡¯s level, it came at a cost, already his reserves were halved. He tutted, he''d have to find someone to consume, just like he did with Airus though this time to restore his energy.


    Jahad made his way toward Lepic, the two knights beside him engaged in quiet conversation, while the small figure lurking behind them appeared deep in thought. The spectral steed began to stir, its whirring sound resonating through the air as its centipede-like legs dug into the earth and propelled it forward with a sudden jerk. The movement was deliberate and slow, allowing the group to keep pace as they embarked on their journey. Each step felt like an eternity, but they pressed on, determined to face whatever lay ahead. Jahads new minion lumbered behind with Gladius. He decided to name him Agon.

 Chapter 13: Whispering Pines - friend or foe

    Chapter 13: Whispering Pines - friend or foe


    The journey unfolded seamlessly, with only a few more squads appearing along the way, all of which they dispatched with relative ease. The small figure remained enigmatic, never revealing his combat prowess, yet Jahad could instinctively sense an underlying strength within him. Perhaps he belonged to class F, Jahad mused, contemplating the potential that lay beneath the surface. Agon was a good addition to the roster, able to use wind and fire magic. Jahads knowledge from Airus allowed Agon to use his spells, just not as effectively. Lepic and the group glided lazily using Agons spells. The knights and the boy looked at them enviously as they trudged forward.


    Three uneventful days had passed, they were three quarters deep into the whispering woods, already passing several sectors. Soon they would be back at the hollow district, Jahad and Lepics district. The spectral steed made its pit stop, allowing the guards to relax. Although they could get attacked at any instant, all encounters had ended swiftly. Lepic and Jahad sat, Gladius and Agon surveyed the woods, any opposition they encountered, Jahad would know instantly. It felt as if their minds were linked. Jahad nibbled on a square ration. It tasted surprisingly good, better then what he had eaten in his previous life, although the food he had from the underground stands were much more gourmet then the square compressed block.Lepic was doing the same but then his head perked up. He dropped his ration, startling Jahad slightly, and stood up. He pulled his sleeve up, revealing a symbol that glowed on his wrist, light blue in color, depicting twin snakes wrapped around a winged staff. He put his wrist to his ear and spoke. Jahad stayed silent as Lepic walked towards the forest for privacy, murmuring into his wrist. A communication spell, Jahad thought. It seemed important since he moved away from Jahad and the other group. Jahad noticed the other group; the two knights looked up at Lepic walking away and whispered to each other. The small figure sat apart from them. Although he was part of the group, it didn''t seem by choice¡ªhe always chose to sit away from them, ate away from them, and never engaged in conversation. What a weird dynamic, Jahad pondered.


    Twenty minutes had passed, ten more before the spectral steed started up again, Lepic nowhere to be seen. The two knights glanced at Jahad before whispering. Jahad gripped his spear tightly but acted as if he had not noticed their gaze. He could feel the tension in the air, a mix of curiosity and unease. The knights'' whispers hinted at something more, perhaps a secret or a plan, but Jahad remained focused, ready to respond if needed. He called to Gladius and Agon in his mind, Agon was in the tree tops, stealthily waiting, Gladius closer to Jahad but still hidden behind a large redwood tree. The two knights stood up and walked towards Jahad, their weapons in hand however he did not sense any malice. Jahad stood, hoisting himself up with his spear.


    "Everything okay?" Jahad said with authority. The knight with the halberd inquired curiously, "Where are your friends?" Before Jahad could respond, a claymore blade narrowly missed his head, his quick reflexes saving him. The knight grunted as the blade lodged into the tree behind Jahad, surprised by his swift reaction. Jahad swiftly thrust his spear forward, a lightning flurry of strikes aimed at the claymore user. However, none of the strikes landed; the knight had reinforced himself with water magic, rendering his armor and body fluid-like against attacks. The other knight, Jabbed using his halberd missing Jahads abdomen, he twirled it causing it to slice Jahad. It was a shallow cut but caused Jahad to skitter backwards. The next jab came but Jahad parried it with his spear head before sending a strike of his own, the knight swivelled his head, getting nicked in the neck. He growled ¡°brat¡± as he moved back, regaining the composure to unleash an attack. Fiery mana swirled into magical circles, and Jahad could feel the heat radiating from the halberd as it grew three times in size. The blazing torrent around the weapon created an intimidating spectacle. As the knight swung, Jahad leapt over the arc, using the momentum to grab onto the weapon, even as it scorched his hand.


    Propelling himself towards the knight, Jahad''s spear glimmered with intent as he thrust with all his might. The impact echoed through the air as it smashed against the claymore, the claymore user had guarded the halberd knight. The vibration traveled up Jahad''s arm, but he quickly adapted, launching a vicious kick while still airborne. The strike connected, and he darted backward, ready for whatever came next. The halberd spun, leaving a wave of fire on the ground as the two knights coordinated their attacks against Jahad, believing he was alone. Jahad parried, ducked, and dived, staying on the defensive, his senses heightened by the black wisps that coursed through him. He waited patiently for a wide swing or an ample opportunity for Gladius to intercept, knowing that timing was everything in this intense battle. The flames flickered around him, but his focus remained sharp, ready to seize the moment when it would come.


    The claymore stabbed into the air as Jahad sidestepped, seizing the moment to step forward and grab the man''s gauntlet. With a swift tug, he sent the knight sprawling, the water magic that reinforced him proving useless as he tumbled forward. Taking advantage of the chaos, Jahad unleashed a torrent of black wisps towards the halberd man''s mask, briefly blinding him. Although the wisps wouldn''t dig in, they provided a crucial cover. Instantly, Jahad commanded Gladius to intercept, and a massive swing of the halberd crashed into Gladius''s sword, the knight holding it back with determination. Meanwhile, Agon unleashed blazing spears formed from wind and fire magic, pushing the halberd knight back and creating the perfect opening for Jahad to focus his attack on the water knight. The battle raged on, each move calculated and filled with purpose, as the tide began to turn in Jahad''s favor.


    Jahad''s knee slammed into the water knight''s mask, sending the helmet flying. The man looked at Jahad, his lips tinged with blood. He smirked, ¡°That''s some nasty magic you got there,¡± he said, gritting his teeth. Jahad''s spear flashed as he drove its head forward, but the knight guarded using the claymore''s broad blade. The floor beneath his feet swirled with magical circles, allowing him to use water to slip and glide through each onslaught that Jahad sent his way, showcasing his expertise with the spear. The tension in the air thickened as they continued their fierce exchange, each combatant determined to gain the upper hand. The clash of weapons echoed through the arena as Jahad faced the water knight, who wielded a massive claymore with precision. Jahad, armed with his powerful spear, danced around the knight, his movements fluid and calculated. Each thrust of the spear was met with the broad blade of the claymore, creating a symphony of steel as sparks flew.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Jahad''s agility allowed him to evade the knight''s heavy strikes, countering with swift, piercing jabs that forced the knight to retreat. The water knight, though skilled, struggled to keep up with Jahad''s relentless assault. With each successful strike, Jahad pushed the knight back, his confidence growing as he showcased his mastery over the spear. However, just when it seemed like victory was within Jahad''s grasp, the water knight revealed a hidden technique. He swung his claymore wide, and Jahad instinctively raised his spear to block the attack. But as the blade connected, the claymore transformed into water, obscuring Jahad''s view. In that moment of confusion, the knight seized the opportunity. As the water cascaded away, Jahad regained his sight just in time to see the knight execute an underhanded sweep with the now-fluid form of his weapon. The sudden shift caught Jahad off guard, and the tide of the battle shifted in an instant, leaving him momentarily vulnerable as the knight prepared to capitalize on his advantage. The sudden swing caused Jahad to tumble backwards, it narrowly missed him, the wind that followed the strike cutting Jahads face, leaving a shallow mark. The knight readied to deal the decisive blow but Jahad was also ready. In the instance, Agon summoned several magical circles, each lined with a fiery bolt fueled by wind magic, all ready to bore into the water knight, Gladius locked in a clash with the halberd user. Before the water knight swung, before Jahad ordered Agon to unleash a barrage, the knight''s arm flew into the air, severed from its owner. Blood gushed from the wound, he clutched it with his other hand screaming, the other knight with the halberd looked to him. The shift in focus was the cause of his death. Gladius used the momentum of the clash to dig the halberd blade into the ground before plunging his blade into the man''s stomach. He slammed backwards howling at the pain.


    The water knights'' screams echoed in the forest. Jahad looked around to see who dealt the blow, the masked figure behind him, he twirled his staff before summoning another magical circle, the stars and galaxies swirling within the runic symbols, another arc of steam sliced through the man''s reinforced armour with ease, dismembering his other arm. The hooded figure had used fire and water magic to invoke steam, whilst using wind to send it as a lightning fast arc. Jahad got into a stance, his spear low and ready. His hand still scorched, he held his spear one handedly with it, using the other hand to crunch a Vestra Vial onto the wound. The hooded figure stepped forward, a blackened mask still covering his face. He let go of his staff, using wind magic it hovered as he raised his hand signalling no ill will. Jahad muttered ¡°I had it under control¡± as he relaxed.


    He felt Gladius¡¯s warning, the knight was not dead, Jahad could see behind the figure, the knight charged towards him, the boy unaware of the impending doom behind him. Jahads eyes widened and he dashed forward, startling the masked boy. Before the knight reached him, a dagger shot through his heart, he staggered forward, causing Jahad and the figure to snap their gazes towards the area. It was Lepic walking towards them. The knight clutched his heart before another dagger bisected his body to two. In an instance he flitted forward, the masked figure frightened by the speed. Lepics dagger cleaned, it cleanly rested near the boy''s throat, the cold steel glimmered as beads of sweat skittered on its blade. His hands were still terrified. ¡°Who are you?¡± Lepic snarled, his voice dripping with contempt. Jahad opened his mouth to protest, knowing that, despite the chaos, he had the situation under control. The boy had tried to help him, but Lepic shot him a look that clearly defied Jahad''s futile attempt at diplomacy. With a swift motion, he pressed the tip of his dagger against the bottom of the mask, flicking it off with an air of arrogance. The tension in the air thickened as the masked figure''s identity was revealed, each moment hanging heavy with uncertainty and potential danger.


    Underneath the mask revealed a fair face, gentle skin without any blemish, framed by cascading brown bangs that shimmered like spun bronze. Jahad¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he realized that all this time, he had assumed this figure was a boy, but standing before him was a girl, strikingly beautiful and about his age. Her bright eyes sparkled with a mix of defiance and curiosity, challenging the preconceived notions that had clouded Jahad''s judgment. The soft curve of her lips hinted at a smile, yet the fierce determination in her gaze spoke volumes about her strength and resolve. In that moment, the battlefield faded away, leaving only the undeniable connection that sparked between them amidst the chaos.


    Lepic''s dagger pressed against her throat again, a small incision created by it. ¡°Answer. Now.¡± His voice was stern, and her lips trembled a bit before she spoke.


    ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, her voice gentle and soft, like a lullaby carried in the wind. Despite the danger she faced, there was a soothing quality to her words, a calmness that contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. It was as if she were trying to bridge the gap between fear and understanding, hoping to diffuse the situation with her delicate tone. In jahads previous life, he had no qualms about killing women, kids his age. Regardless of gender and age, he was forced to kill. However, in this new life, he felt as if he had a choice. Although he still kills, it felt different to before. He killed out of necessity. If you pick up the sword, be ready to die by the sword. He thought to himself. He spoke again, disregarding Lepics annoyance. ¡°He-¡± he paused briefly, ¡°She helped me out Lepic, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s with them¡±. Her radiant almond eyes looked at Jahad appreciatively. She nodded vigorously to agree with him. ¡°I was tagging along with them, I just needed the extra money, I swear¡±. Lepics dagger was still held there but was no longer pressed. ¡°Swear by your sacred divinity that you''re not a threat to us¡± his voice slightly more tender. She hesitated for a second but spoke. Every word that exited her soft lips seemed to give off serenity. She raised her right hand further. ¡°I, Nova Clarke, swear by my sacred divinity bestowed by the old queen Eris, have not been ordered to kill or harm your group and have only gone on this mission for gold, I am not affiliated with the duo of knights¡±.