《Owari No Michi》


 The Dream

    Chaos engulfs the world as it crumbles in flames; the end looms ominously. King Valerian, a mere speck in a burning landscape of once majestic buildings, desperately flees through the ruins of what was once the prosperous kingdom of Aranthia. His gaze is drawn to a pitch-black colossal figure, a hundred feet tall, indiscriminately sowing destruction and setting everything ablaze.


    The King, his heart pounding, turns and attempts to flee in the opposite direction. However, his path is abruptly blocked by a man with a mane of dark black hair and eyes as gray as a stormy sea. His disheveled attire hints at a disregard for his appearance. The air around him distorts, and the ground beneath his feet crumbles. In an instant, Valerian is on the ground, a wave of overwhelming sadness crashing over him, tears welling in his eyes.


    The king looks up to meet his eyes as the man standing before him gets punched at the speed of sound. The sadness immediately fades, but as our king tries to stand, a foot forcefully pushes him back into the ground.


    Valerian gazes up to meet the eyes of his adversary, a man with a lean, wiry frame and a face that seems permanently twisted in a manic grin. His hair, a bright, unnatural shade of purple, is a wild, unkempt mess. He dons a mishmash of vibrant, clashing colors and patterns, exuding an eccentric and unpredictable aura. His eyes, a vivid rainbow color, constantly dart around with a frenzied energy. The man above him, with a demonic smile, lets out a maniacal laugh.


    [???: I can''t believe it was this easy to take down your entire royal guard! You are 60, yet you do not have a single vassal? Unbelievable! HAHAHA!!!]


    Valerian immediately tries to use a blast of fire magic at the man. The man amusingly jumps back, wanting to play along for as long as possible. The fire dissipates before it reaches the man. The ground then shoots up from under the king, knocking him into a wall. Blood obscures Valerian''s vision as he lies down and closes his eyes.


    [???: Zane, what are you doing? My plan involved the immediate execution of everyone.]


    The man states in an uptight and commanding tone.


    [Zane: What~ With all this death and destruction, I can''t have a little fun...]


    An explosion ensues.


    [???: I don''t know how you hit me, Zane. You are going to regret that!]


    Valerian can hear Maniacal laughter in the distance.


    [Zane: Finally, a real challenge, Dolor!!!]


    A loud explosion shatters the silence, and Valerian resigns himself to his fate. Five figures materialize in the darkness as his eyes snap open. It''s the dead of night, and our king awakens in a cold sweat. He frantically scans his opulent chamber, its walls adorned with intricate tapestries that tell the story of the kingdom of Aranthia. But now, Valerian can''t appreciate the artwork. He calls out for his trusted advisor.


    [Valerian: Elysia! Get in here!]If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    A tall girl in a secretary''s uniform walks into the room. She has a modest figure, short snow-white hair, and baby-blue eyes. She has square glasses on her face and a notebook in her hands. Her name is Elysia Marwood. Elysia Marwood is a highly skilled diplomat with a mysterious past. She was born to a noble family but chose to live among commoners for many years to understand their struggles and build genuine connections. Her diverse experiences make her uniquely qualified to navigate the complexities of the political world. She has a cold demeanor to her.


    [Elysia: Yes, my king?]


    Valerian stares at her with genuine fear in his eyes. His hand shakes as he raises it.


    [Valerian: Make an appointment with the soothe sayer immediately! I need some answers!]


    Elysia bows and nods her head. A few hours later, an older woman enters with a crystal ball. A small desk is placed between them. It is just about daybreak as she starts looking into the future. Her eyes begin to glow as she speaks.


    [Soothe Sayer: The end is neigh! The apocalypse will consume us all!!!]


    Valerian slams the desk in front of them.


    [Valerian: How do we stop it!?! Who were those five people!?!]


    The crystal ball starts flashing images of the five people repeatedly.


    [Soothe Sayer: These five will either stop or hasten the apocalypse... So, do you still want to know who they are?]


    Valerian thinks to himself.


    Valerian: I didn''t have them in the dream. I will need to take my chances.


    [Valerian: Even if it leads to my ruin. If the world is saved, I could care less.]


    The Soothe Sayer starts to speak.


    [Soothe Sayer: I will give you all the information provided through this ball...


    Pax, a man from the slums with a heart of gold. Pax is very passionate. Pax distrusts royals and noblemen as he has had bad experiences with them. Pax has the " Unfair " ability, allowing Pax to use six negation abilities. The only ability Pax has unlocked from the 6 is the "Unstoppable" ability, which enables Pax to negate stopping, letting him continuously build momentum for devastating attacks.


    Blake is a middle-class man who is extremely intelligent. He can sometimes be somewhat cold and calculated but usually looks out for himself and his team. Inside, Blake is also highly passionate and can be a force to be reckoned with when he decides to cut back on his plans and go wild. Blake will always look for ways to improve himself and become stronger. Blake has dual abilities in shadow manipulation and cell manipulation. Shadow manipulation allows Blake to manipulate his and his enemies'' shadows. Cell manipulation will enable Blake to manipulate his cells into anything he desires.


    Selene is a girl who can be considered the guardian of nature. She lives in the wilderness just outside the country''s borders. Selene is known for being the self-proclaimed "guardian of nature," as she will do anything to protect nature. Selene can conjure and manipulate water into anything she can imagine. Selene can also go into a "Guardian" state when angry.


    Azarath is a selfish, famous nobleman known for being naive and fame-hungry. He is not a morally wrong person; he values fame and riches as his top priority. Azarath very profoundly cares for those he calls friends and family. He will not hesitate to protect the innocent and destroy anyone on the side of evil. Azarath became famous for his super speed, strength, and flight abilities. The mix of these abilities causes people to liken him to various superheroes.


    Peak is a struggling comedian from the lower class. He has an innocent mind and is always looking to make others laugh. Peak can shoot webs he can swing around from, and he has a sense of danger, enhanced endurance, and super strength. People who have met Peak liken him to a charismatic spider.


    That''s all The information the ball has given me. My apologies.]


    [Valerian: Thank you, you have done more than enough.]


    With a hand motion, Valerian dismisses her. He looks back at Elysia.


    [Valerian: So, who should we go for first?]


    Elysia thinks for a second. She then opens her mouth.


    [Elysia: The safest bet is Selene as the first pick. But, sir, you are not thinking what I think you are...]


    The king smiles and stands up.


    [Valerian: I''m going to make them my vassals!!!]


    To be continued...

 Locations

    [Valerian: Get in here! My spies!]


    As Valerian gives his order, three ninjas emerge before him. The first, Renzo, is the covert leader of Valerian¡¯s personal espionage unit. In his thirties, Renzo is not only lean and agile but also a master of his craft. His nickname, ¡°The Ghost,¡± signifies his remarkable ability to remain undetected in any situation. With sharp, angular features and intensely dark, watchful eyes that perceive everything, he stands out. His jet-black hair is neatly tied back in a ponytail, and a faint scar across his left cheek suggests past encounters, enhancing his enigmatic presence. He carries two sharp, curved blades on his back, symbolizing his readiness for anything.


    The second ninja, Kaito, known as ¡°Stone,¡± is a robust and athletic man in his mid-thirties. His piercing blue eyes and short, spiky hair¡ªdark strands interspersed with silver¡ªcreate a commanding aura. His typically stern expression reflects a serious demeanor and the burden of responsibility. Clad in traditional ninja garb, featuring a dark tunic, loose pants, and a sash filled with various tools and weapons, Kaito embodies preparedness. His intricately designed katana represents his expertise in swordsmanship, complemented by a selection of concealed weapons like kunai and darts stashed in various pockets for quick access.


    The final ninja, a woman named Sakura, is nicknamed ¡°Health.¡± In her late twenties, she possesses a lithe, agile physique. With long, dark hair pulled into a high ponytail and striking violet eyes, she radiates an aura of mystery. Her face is marked by faint, nearly invisible scars that hint at her hazardous profession. She wears a sleek, form-fitting ninja suit in dark purple and black hues, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the shadows. Her outfit includes numerous hidden pockets for her gear and is often complemented by a hood and veil to conceal her identity. An expert in poisons, Sakura carries a portable kit filled with vials and darts. Additionally, her acrobatic prowess and parkour skills enable her to navigate the most challenging terrains effortlessly. Her weapon of choice is a pair of sais, which she wields with deadly precision precision.


    All three ninjas stand attentively as King Valerian opens his mouth.


    [Valerian: I want you guys to track down these five. I want to know everything about them, from locations to family members. Understand?]


    Valerian throws down hand-drawn pictures from the soothe sayer on the ground. In unison, all three respond [Understood] and leave to achieve the objective. After a few hours, all three returned and were ready to report the results. Renzo steps up and hands the notes they took to Valerian. The information dump starts.


    Pax is a 25-year-old male from the slums, and his family died of starvation when he was young. Despite the various setbacks in his life, people who know Pax have all described him as a man with a heart of gold and a gentle giant. Pax is currently living in a slum named ¡°The Iron Quarter. The Iron Quarter is a bustling industrial district within the capital city of Aranthia, known for its workshops, forges, and factories. It is a place where the lower and working classes live and work. The area is characterized by narrow, winding streets and buildings made of brick and iron. Despite its rough exterior, the community here is tight-knit and resilient. Pax¡¯s home is a modest but sturdy residence near a local tavern, where he is well-known and respected by the locals for his fairness and protective nature.


    Blake is a 24-year-old middle-class researcher. Blake¡¯s mother died from illness when he turned 18. Blake¡¯s father was the leader of the infamous ¡°Crips¡± gang and a sicko who experimented on hundreds of innocent people. The dad¡¯s reign of terror ended when an enigmatic entity called ¡°Dr.NewYork¡± appeared. The two ended up fighting, which led to their disappearance. Also, Blake has some entity around him that makes getting more information about him extremely dangerous. Blake¡¯s current location is Midtown. Midtown is a thriving, middle-class district at the heart of the capital city. It is known for its vibrant markets, educational institutions, and bustling trade centers. The streets are lined with well-kept homes and shops, reflecting the dynamic spirit of its residents. Blake resides in a modest yet comfortable townhouse near the Academy of Sciences, where he often collaborates with scholars and inventors. His home is a living space and a personal research laboratory filled with books, gadgets, and scientific equipment.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Selene is a 23 year half-dryad. Little is known about Selene¡¯s personality because she never interacts with humans. Selenes¡¯ mother was a dryad who died in the war a few years back. Selenes¡¯ father was a soldier in the war who also ended up dying. Selenes¡¯ current location is The Whispering Woods. The Whispering Woods is a sprawling, enchanted forest located just beyond the kingdom¡¯s borders. This area boasts serene beauty and mystical energy, filled with ancient trees, glistening streams, and a variety of wildlife. The forest resonates with the sounds of nature, believed to share secrets with attentive listeners. Selene resides in a quaint, secluded cabin nestled deep within the woods, enveloped by lush greenery and colorful flowers. Her home blends seamlessly with the natural environment, and she has created a sanctuary where she can commune with nature and protect the forest.


    Azarath is a 25-year-old male. He still has both parents alive, and he has a good relationship with both. The note describes an event where Sakura tried to get close to the parents. Before she revealed herself, she was called out by Azarath, who was supposed to be on the other side of town. He heard her over a distance of 5 miles and was able to make it there in under a minute. Azarath proceeded to try to convince Sakura to sleep with him, but he failed. Azarath is currently located in the Golden District, where he is widely regarded as a hero. This area, the capital city¡¯s richest and most extravagant, is inhabited by the kingdom¡¯s nobility and elite. It showcases grand mansions, exquisite gardens, and distinguished institutions. The roads are broad and exceptionally tidy, adorned with elaborate lampposts and statues. Azarath lives in a magnificent mansion featuring extensive grounds, fountains, sculptures, and a dedicated training space. His residence reflects his yearning for fame and opulence, filled with high-end furnishings, artworks, and personal honors.


    Finally, Peak, the 18-year-old male. Peak used to live in the neighboring country with his parents. However, they unanimously decided to kick him out because, as the mom told Kaito, ¡°His jokes were so bad it was insufferable. Imagine having to listen to that every single day!?¡± The father quickly added, ¡°You should have seen the look on his face when I disowned him and kicked him out. It was the funniest thing he¡¯s probably done in his life!¡± After this, Peak came to Aranthia looking for a fresh start. However, his comedy has not changed, with the locals describing him as ¡°annoying.¡± Peak, however, is an optimist with a great outlook on life. Kinder folk have stated, ¡°Peak is like a pillar of light in this gloomy community.¡± Peak is currently located in The Glimmering Heights. The Glimmering Heights is a vibrant, economically challenged neighborhood nestled on a hillside overlooking the capital. It¡¯s celebrated for its bright houses, winding streets, and a strong sense of community. Despite limited resources, the area bursts with life and creativity, featuring street performers, artists, and musicians that enhance its appeal. Peak resides in a cozy, cheerful apartment above a well-known comedy club, where he frequently takes the stage. His home is adorned with playful decorations, props from his performances, and memorabilia from his shows.


    Valerian reads this information with a smile.


    *Valerian: I didn¡¯t expect them to get me this much info! I will need to reward them later.*


    Valerian then hands the letter over to his right hand, Elysia. He looks at her and smiles.


    [Valerian: We are still going for Selene first?] Valerian asks quizzically.


    Elysia quickly looks over the letter and responds with a simple nod. This causes Valerian to jump up.


    [Valerian: OK, it¡¯s settled! Elysia, you will take our lead agricultural scientist, Dr. Lyra Greenwood, and convince Selene to be our vassal! Renzo and Kaito will follow closely as combat support, just in case. With this operation, the ¡°Garden¡± will commence!]

 Pride

    With her mission, Elysia heads over to the kingdom¡¯s head of biology and plant


    life, Dr. Lyra Greenwood. She then heads down to the castle basement, only briefly stopping to admire the dark stone slabs and eco-friendly wood veneer held together with screws from her aunt, who is a construction worker who makes up the castle¡¯s structure. Once she reaches the basement, she passes by two doors, specifically for the prison and dungeon. After passing the previous doors, Elysia goes to a large metal door. Elysia puts her slender hand on the door, and it¡¯s cool to the touch.


    [Elysia: Open up Lyra! We have a mission to go on!] Elysia states as she slams her fist on the door.


    The door begins to open, and unlike all the other push-and-pull doors within the castle, it slides into the walls automatically. Standing in the darkness is a tall and slender woman in her 40s. Lyra is a surprising sight with her long, wavy brown hair that is often tied up. Her hair is messy, a sign that she wasn¡¯t expecting any visitors. Lyra is huddled over a small plant encased in glass. Her bright green eyes, filled with surprise and intrigue, turn to where Elysia stands. Dr. Lyra Greenwood, hailing from a long line of esteemed botanists and agricultural experts, is a woman of mystery and knowledge. Raised in the fertile farmlands of Aranthia, she developed a deep passion for plants and sustainable farming practices from a young age. She pursued her studies at the prestigious Academy of Sciences in Midtown, where she excelled in agricultural science and environmental studies.


    [Elysia: What are you doing?]


    Lyra quickly huddles over to clean her mess and stands affirmingly.


    [Lyra: N-nothing! Anyway, what are you doing here?!? I¡¯m on vacation!] Lyra is visibly sweating while her nervous speech comes out.


    [Elysia: The king has an emergency mission for the both of us. Sorry, but we will have to briefly take you out of your vacation.]


    Elysia says these words in a cold, blunt tone. She hopes she can strong-arm Lyra to come on this mission. Lyra just rolls her eyes at the statement.


    [Lyra: An emergency? Do I have to¡­]


    This is why working alongside Lyra was hard; she is extremely lazy. This was the 2nd time this month she was on vacation. Elysia was sure she only had a job because of her expertise. Then again, her knowledge was on another level. Elysia had to concede that, realistically, no one in the kingdom could deal more with an apparent ¡°protector of nature¡± than Lyra Greenwood. Elysia had to pull out her secret weapon.


    [Elysia: Such a shame¡­ I guess you don¡¯t want to see a half-dryad in the flesh. I think I¡¯ll have to find another biologist.]If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Elysia turns around to leave. She starts to walk away when she hears [WAIT!!!] Elysia turns around instantly.


    [Lyra: Did you say half-dryad?!?! I¡¯ll pack my things immediately!!!]


    Lyra then rushes back into her laboratory. This was her one weakness: knowledge. Lyra needed to know everything about nature and wildlife. Not only are dryads themselves extremely rare, but they usually never crossbreed. Seeing a half-dryad is equivalent to finding Excalibur in terms of rarity. Elysia knew Lyra couldn¡¯t pass this opportunity up. In a flash, Lyra was back. The journey into the whispering woods starts. After a few hours, they reach a metal door in the woods.


    [Lyra: This is the whispering woods¡¯ only known entrance/exit. Typically, only people pure of heart can even find this door, but for me, seeing it is no problem!!!]


    Elysia couldn¡¯t deny it. They only found the door so fast because of Lyra¡¯s knowledge. Lyra could spot an invasive bug in all this lush fauna with no issues. They both open the door and walk through it.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [???: Ah, Nature. Such a bliss!] A man walks through the forest, trying to enter the Whispering Woods. He has black hair with pitch black. The man appears naturally built with a dragon tattoo on his arm. His face is more ghoulish and creepy, with a nasty scars over his right side, and has vampiric-like fangs inside his mouth. He has wild, long, and unkempt hair. He only wears pants and wears a blood like a jacket.


    {Suddeness of the Apocalypse, Catastrophe- Raze}


    [Raze: I can¡¯t find a way to get into these damn woods! I¡¯m already in the woods; where is the whispering portion?!?]


    Raze angrily looks around for the entrance to the Whispering Woods. However, no matter how much he looks, the entrance keeps moving. [Fuck this!] Raze slams his fist into the ground, creating a magnitude-six earthquake and destroying the landscape around him. With all the fauna destroyed, Raze glimpses the galvanized steel frame that makes up the only known entrance to the whispering woods. [Finally! Now let me have some fun.] Raze prepares to enter the door.


    [Stop.]


    The sudden, commanding nature of the stop made Raze stop in his tracks. He turned around to see who could possibly try commanding a being such as him. It had to have been another Aspect. Raze wouldn¡¯t let anyone else even think about commanding him like that; if it were an Aspect, Raze would back down. Raze¡¯s eyes widen in shock as he sees a man utterly unrelated to the Aspects.


    The man has orange hair and a mustache of the same shade. He has golden eyes and glowing red armor. The man is enormous at 10 feet 8 inches. His sizeable golden axe looks tiny in this giant¡¯s hand. The man slowly walks up to Raze and stares him down.


    [???: Hello, backing down at my order was the right one. Now leave.]


    The atmosphere changes to complete hostility as the man smiles at Raze. The pride in the man¡¯s voice makes Raze extremely angry.


    [Raze: You must love nature, don¡¯t you? You probably have no idea who I am. I¡¯m amused by your courage. Back down now, and I¡¯ll spare your life.]


    Raze said this mockingly.


    Thump


    Raze looks to the side, shocked. Why is his arm on the floor? Raze looks back at the man. He slashes faster than Raze can see and cuts Raze¡¯s other arm off. Raze immediately jumps back from the man in a panic.


    ¡ºUnruin¡»


    Razes arms grow back instantly. He looks up at the man.


    [Raze: Who the hell are you?]


    The man confidently steps up.


    [I am¡­]


    {The sin of Pride, Solgryn!}

 The Green

    Typically, the Whispering Woods are confusing. The woods get their name from fairies who whisper in your ear and get you lost. However, an expert like Lyra herself is sufficient to locate them for the real prize. The lush forest that surrounds them now is truly like a paradise. As they make their way down, they see a figure. It¡¯s a woman. She has light green skin and green hair. She has deep blue eyes and leafy clothing. They found Selene. Suddenly, she turns her head to them and shoots a bullet of water at Lyra.


    Clank


    Lyra¡¯s eyes snap open, and she finds Renzo, who has deflected the water bullet with a swift movement of his kunai. Kaito, too, emerges from his hiding spot, his stance defensive. The air is thick with tension, every nerve on edge, as the slightest disturbance could trigger a deadly confrontation. It¡¯s in this charged atmosphere that Elysia steps forward.


    [Elysia: Hold! We didn¡¯t venture into these woods to engage in combat. We came seeking a conversation.] Elysia¡¯s voice rings out, firm and resolute, as she locks eyes with Selene.


    Intriguingly, Selene decides to listen to them and motions for them to follow her through the lush woods. They all follow until they reach a hut. The hut is built out of plants, and various magical beasts and plants swarm outside. Selene brings them inside. All the furniture is made of multiple fur and plants mixed with eco-friendly wooden veneer. Selenne tells them to grab a seat as she prepares tea for her guests. After she brings the tea, Elysia retells the whole story to Selene. Selene thinks and then starts to speak.


    [Selene: As you know, I am the guardian of this forest. You guys got in here while not being pure of heart, which led me to believe you wished to cause harm to the woods. Now that I know your true intentions, I apologize for my rashness. However, regarding your offer, I have to decline it.]


    Elysia starts a rebuttal.


    [Elysia: If the Apocalypse is allowed to happen, all nature will die. Even the woods you have come to love here.] Elysia makes a gamble, trying to appeal to her particular love of the whispering woods.


    [Selene: I don¡¯t think the apocalypse can reach a magical place like this, so I will have to decline again.]


    *Elysia: Shit! I don¡¯t have a comeback!*


    Out of nowhere, Lyra starts to talk.


    [Lyra: Surely a half-dryad like yourself has heard of the apocalypse legend. You know what you said isn¡¯t true. I also have this.]


    Lyra slides over a document to Selene. Selene hesitantly opened the document to see a very detailed transcript of the soothing sayers¡¯ words.


    [Selene: What is this?]


    [Lyra: You know our kingdom¡¯s famous soothe-sayer? With a prediction rate of 90%? She says that everything will be destroyed if nothing changes now. The flames made by the apocalypse and its aspects will forever burn! Even places like here need to be more safe! As a dryad, don¡¯t you want to save all nature anyway?!?]


    Lyra got worked up while saying all of this. The plants burning to death in this hypothetical fate definitely resonated with Lyra in some fashion. Selene sighs.


    [Selene: The truth then. I would love to leave her and join your efforts, but I can¡¯t. I was cursed and bound to this forest five years ago. I can¡¯t go even if I want to.]


    Elysia rejoins the conversation.


    [Elysia: Long-lasting curses like this should have a source to keep them going. I doubt the person who cast it also stayed here for five years. You just need to find the source of the curse and destroy it. We can help.]


    Selene chuckles.


    [Selene: I already found the source. The only issue is the person who cursed me out, the source in the heart of the Whispering Woods. If the source is destroyed, the whole woods will die along with the curse. Thank you for your kindness, however.]


    Selene takes a long swig of her tea.


    [Selene: It is getting late. You should stay the night.]


    [Elysia: We gratefully accept.] Elysia turns to her people. [We will contact Valerian in the morning and see what else should be done while we are out here.]


    With that, everyone starts to retire for the night. Meanwhile, just outside of the forest.


    [Raze: The sin of Pride, Solgryn? I have to say you have a big title.]


    Solgryn starts to walk. He even laughs a little.


    [Solgryn: For someone like you to say my name, you must pay. I will teach you that price.]


    Solgryn suddenly appears in front of Raze. His axe raised in the sky.


    ¡ºSuns Sovereignty¡»


    A giant sun appears where the ax is as Solgryn smashes it down on Raze. Raze screams as he starts to burn into nothingness. Suddenly, the ground gives out under Solgryn. Solgryn jumps back, allowing Raze to heal with Unruin.


    When Solgryn hits the ground, suddenly, he is punched in the back so hard that his armor breaks.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡ºUnpredictable Strike: Lightning¡»


    Raze quickly jumps back after hitting Solgryn, but as Solgryn turns, a giant lightning bolt hits him dead on. Raze then touches the ground, and a tornado appears, flinging Solgryn into the sky. Raze appears and hits Solgryn into the ground.


    Solgryn lies there as Raze looks over him.


    [Raze: You are somewhat strong. Just unlucky that I am your enemy.]


    Raze starts to walk to the door as it becomes noon. Raze¡¯s blood suddenly runs cold as he hears behind him [Unlucky?]


    Raze turns around to see a towering giant with flames emanating from his body.


    ¡ºThe One¡»


    Before Raze can react, he is suddenly cut across the chest. The fire stopped him from regenerating.


    *Raze: He got stronger? His power is still rising?!?!? How?!?*


    Raze looks up and has a realization. *The sun? I¡¯ll have to make a bet!*


    Before Raze can try anything, Solgryn appears before him.


    ¡ºDivine Sword Solgryn¡»


    Solgryn trusts his ax directly through Raze¡¯s body, lighting him on fire. If nothing is done, this will be the end of Raze. Raze puts his hands together in a last-ditch bet.


    [Raze: Incomplete Terrain: Barrier only.]


    A bunch of barriers suddenly encase Solgryn and Raze, cutting off all sunlight. Solgryn suddenly gets weaker and starts to shrink. Raze is able to get out of the flames, and Unruin kicks in again. Solgryn just looks to the ground as Raze walks over to him.


    [Raze: I¡¯m going to be honest. At the rate you were growing, you would have killed me. I would have lost if I hadn¡¯t found out about your ability to be sunshine-based. All that pride was not misplaced. Blood, kill him.]


    Suddenly, a slice of blood appears and cuts Solgryns head off. Raze undoes his incomplete domain and walks to the door.


    [Raze: I originally was bored. Now that I have had my fun. I have no use for this place anymore.]


    Raze opens the door and sends a tidal wave of fire through the door. Raze closes the door and starts to leave.


    Back inside, Selene wakes up in a panic and calls everyone down. They all rush down as Selene screams that the forest is on fire.


    [Lyra: What does the fire look like?]


    [Selene: Its pinkish red!]


    Lyra looks panicked.


    [Lyra: That¡¯s a hell fire! We can¡¯t put it out! We have to leave.]


    The fire in the woods is growing unnaturally fast. Selene tries to shoot her water at it. Alas, nothing happens. Knowing she is stuck, she orders them to leave. Unexpectedly, Lyra speaks up.


    [Lyra: No, Selen, you are going with them. I will take care of your curse. You need to get out of here!]


    [Selene: T-The forest, what about this jungle?!?]


    Lyra starts to yell, stunning everyone.


    [Lyra: Don¡¯t you understand, from one botanist to another. This forest is already dead! The flames will consume it!]


    Selene cannot move or speak, but she can acknowledge that everything Lyra says is the truth. Elysia steps up.


    [Elysia: After breaking the curse, can you return to the door.]


    Lyra just smiles.


    [Lyra: You know how good I am at navigation in this setting! Hey Selene¡­]


    Selene looks up.


    [Lyra: Make sure to protect the plants even after you leave.]


    Lyra gives a weak smile and starts a mad dash to the center of the whispering woods. Selene still can¡¯t move, so Renzo grabs her, and Elysia leads the way back to the door.


    Lyra noticed that Kaito followed her. [What are you doing?] she asks; Kaito responds [You are still a member of the royal court. It would be blasphemous to leave you alone in this scenario.]


    She responds with a weak smile, and they continue on. The forest burns around them as their lungs fill with smoke. They finally reach the devout in the ground. The pathway is filled with fire.


    [Lyra: Dammit! We can¡¯t stop here!.]


    Kaito picks up Lyra and casts a flame resistance spell on himself. Before she can react, Kaito runs into the tunnel and starts getting burned severely. He keeps going, and eventually, they both reach the end, where a purple orb lies. Kaito falls to the ground as his burning clothes start to eat him up. The tunnel didn¡¯t spare Lyra either. She has burned over 50% of her body, including her face. Lyra limps over to the orb with one of Kaitos kunai. She stabs it into the orb with all her remaining strength, and it breaks.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Elysia finally reaches the door, and Selene feels the curse break. Everything is burning behind them, so they jump through the door at the last minute. Selene turns around to see the door burning away. Despite the fact that this is her first time out in five years, she tries to lunge back at the door. Renzo quickly grabs her.


    [Selene: Wait! We need to save Lyra! The door is disappearing!]


    Selene¡¯s voice trembles as tears stream down her face. No one else says anything; they just look to the ground. The door starts to burn up as it closes, and suddenly, the fire stops. Everyone is confused.


    [Elysia: Huh?]


    Elysia looks over to see Selene; her eyes are bright white, and tears flow from under them.


    [Selene: I won¡¯t let anyone die!]


    The flames burning the door start to reverse as it opens up.


    *Elysia: She is controlling fire? No way¡­ Is this the Guardian state?*


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [Hey Kaito.] A weak voice states, and Kaito looks up to see Lyra leaning on the cave wall. The flames are inching closer per second. Seeing him look at her, she smiles and states.


    [It feels good to die as a hero, huh?]


    Kaito can¡¯t respond as his lungs are filled with smoke. He just nods and smiles back. Lyra closes her eyes as the flames enter the cave and start overcoming both of them. Their smiles shine brighter than any flame plastered on their faces¡­


    Suddenly, the top of the cave is blown off. Lyra looks up, her eyes widened. The earth under Kaito and Lyra starts to grow upwards.


    [Lyra; Selene?!? What are you doing here?!?] Lyra gets out in a weak but surprised voice.


    Selene smiles as air lifts them off the rock, and they fly back to the door.


    [Selene: I don¡¯t know about this myself. If it means I can save you, I will use it as much as possible!] She starts to fly faster.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Elysia looks at the door, which has started to burn up again. The door is on the verge of completely burning when it bursts open, and Selene, Kaito, and Lyra come bursting through. Selene quickly tries to put healing water around Kaito and Lyra. However, she can¡¯t muster the strength as her eyes return to normal. Lyra weakly walks up and grabs her hand.


    [Lyra: You have done enough. Thank you.] Such a sincere thank you could make anyone feel like they committed the holiest acts. Selene was no exception as tears welled up in her eyes.


    Lyra falls to the ground again as Elysia quickly grabs her and does a basic healing spell, stabilizing Lyra¡¯s condition. Elysia walks over to Selene and starts to check for wounds.


    [Selene: What about Kaito? Heal him as well!]


    Elysia points over to Renzo, who is currently in prayer over Kaito.


    [Elysia: It¡¯s sad, but he¡¯s already dead. The flames got to him, and he took most of them directly.]


    Selene bites her lip, drawing blood. She then looks back at the burning door, knowing the place she called home for the last five years is gone.


    [Selene: If I join you, can I kill the bastards that did this?]


    Elysia wipes tears from her face and looks at Selene.


    [Elysia: It will be your job.]


    Selene looks on with determination.


    [Selene: Then I accept.]

 The Black

    It has been around a week since the Whispering Woods incident. They had a funeral for Kaito. Lyra was taken to emergency care, where she currently resides. Selene was given some land in a nearby forest where she now lives. Selene has become the first-ever vassal of King Valerian. Now, it was time for his second vassal, Blake. King Valerian summons Selene and a person by the name of Sara Thorne. Sarah has deep pink hair in a ponytail, green eyes, and a slim, muscular build complimenting her military uniform.


    [Valerian: I am entrusting both of you with a crucial mission. We are to recruit Blake, the next vassal on the list.]


    Selene talked with Elysia after the assignment. Elysia is on break right now to sort herself out after the incident. Elysia told Selene more about the figure of Sarah.


    Apparently, Sarah Thorne is Aranthia¡¯s current top military strategist. She is a renowned military strategist with an unyielding commitment to the kingdom of Aranthia. Born into a family with a long history of military service, she displayed exceptional strategic understanding from a young age. Sarah graduated with top honors from the Royal Military Academy and quickly rose through the ranks due to her innovative tactics and leadership skills.


    A few hours later, letters stating Blake¡¯s location were passed out. Selene and Sarah met up and started the journey to Midtown.


    On the way, Sarah strikes up a conversation.


    [Sarah: Hello. My name is Sarah, and my maiden name is Thorne. It is truly a pleasure to meet you.]


    She spoke calmly and composedly like Elysia; however, unlike Elysia, her tone was more friendly than cold, like she genuinely wanted to get to know the other person. Selene responds with a simple [Hello.] With that, the conversation starts.


    [Sarah: Sorry for what happened in the Whispering Woods. Lyra was a great person, and seeing her in this state is sad. Kaito was a fantastic fighter, and I offer my condolences. It was indeed a sad day.]


    The Incident was something other than what Selene wanted to discuss so soon after it happened. Selene immediately defects the topic.


    [Selene: Don¡¯t apologize; you did nothing wrong. What¡¯s our plan to get this guy on our side?]


    Sarah thinks for a second.


    [Sarah: I¡¯m going to have to see what he is like. I¡¯ll return with a new plan if I can¡¯t convince him the first time. This first meeting is more experimental for me.]


    *Selene: Interesting plan. I hope we get him on the first try, though. King Valerian won¡¯t tell me anything about what an ¡°Aspect¡± is until we get the rest of these vassals.*The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Another few hours pass. The silence was sometimes broken by Sarah trying to make small talk. They finally make it to midtown¡ªa calm upper-middle-class neighborhood. The streets were lined with cobble. They pass the houses, and Selene marvels at the ingenuity. Still railing from being stuck in the woods for five years. After a while, they get to the home they are looking for. It is a high house that resembles the ¡°Rook¡± chess piece. A man is watering his garden outside.


    He looked over at the carriage that arrived at the house, his baby blue eyes and pitch-black hair contracting each other intensely. He reached into his dark pants and pulled out a pocket watch. The man checked the time as Selene and Sarah disembarked. They walked up to the man.


    [Sarah: Hello, I am Sarah from Thorne¡¯s house. On order of King Valerian, we are to search for an individual named ¡°Blake Everhart.¡± Have you seen him?]


    The man chuckles.


    [Blake: Seen him? I am him. King Valerian? What does he want with someone like me?]


    Sarah replies.


    [Sarah: You have been invited to the royal castle in order for talks to be established. These talks will discuss your potential to join the Kingdom as a vassal.]


    Blake is taken by surprise. [Vassal? I-] His speech is cut short by Selene. She is aiming a water blast at him.


    [Selene: Explain. Now!]


    Sarah looks back in surprise and asks what¡¯s going on.


    [Selene: You don¡¯t see it. It is right behind him. Some creature!]


    Normally, people can¡¯t see this entity standing beside Blake. However, Selene is half dryad. This grants her vision that can see all creatures. Then-


    Clank


    Selene looks to the side and sees a black claw aiming for her head. Sarah has made an invisible barrier that stops it. Sarah looks over at Blake with a more serious face and tone.


    [Sarah: What is the meaning of this?]


    Blake sighs.


    [Blake: Bracken! Get back here and show yourself!]


    Suddenly, a nearly 10-foot bipedal pitch-black entity appears beside Blake. It has a blue headband and also extremely sharp claws. It looks down at Blake.


    [Bracken: Yo my brotha. I was about to put these hoes to sleep. You feel me. I dum slump them mfs. Why didya stop meh. That bitch in green was gon shoot ya ass.]


    The brash talk of this creature stunned the two females standing mere feet away,


    [Blake: Calm down, man. This is a meaningful conversation. As for the dryad, please don¡¯t aggravate him. This is a monster known as Bracken. Bracken was given to me by my father before his disappearance. Bracken thinks he is in an imaginary criminal gang called the ¡°Crips¡± I believe. No record of such a gang exist.


    Bracken pipes up.


    [Bracken: Ayyo the crips real af. They just like me, real as hell. You know I keep it one hunded. I say you dont follow no weak bitches.]


    Bracken smiles contently, snowing his sharp fangs. The two girls look at Bracken with anger and disgust. Blake apologizes for his behavior again.


    [Blake: What he says is true, though. I won¡¯t follow someone I can¡¯t respect. Including you.]


    Blake points at Sarah.


    [Blake: How about this. You get the dryad to fight Bracken; make him respect your strength. You fight me in an intellectual battle. Make me respect your intelligence.]


    Sarah realizes why Valerian sent her on this mission. As the kingdom¡¯s number one strategist, she is the most qualified to earn this respect.


    [Sarah: I accept, but how will we determine this intellectual battle?]


    Blake looks over at Bracken. Sarah looks at Selene. Bracken and Selene go into the backyard to start their match. Blake looks back at Sarah.


    [Blake: How about chess?]

 Chess God

    Sarah thinks about it for a second and agrees to the chess match. They walk into Blake¡¯s house. It is a narrow house with various books and magical items lining the interior. There is a giant, metal earth in the center of his home, with the different planets of the solar system around it. Blake leads Sarah up a spiral staircase into a room. The room is filled to the brim with various chess books, from tactics to biographies of professionals like Magnus Carlson. A table with the pieces is already set up. Blake turns around and looks at Sarah.


    [Blake: Welcome to my chess room, a space that may seem tacky to some but is a reflection of my passion.] Blake¡¯s wry smile hints at the personal touch he has put into this room, and he and Sarah take their seats, ready to embark on their chess journey.


    [Sarah: Not at all. In fact, I deeply admire your persistence and dedication to the game.] Sarah¡¯s words carry a hint of respect and admiration for Blake¡¯s chess prowess, setting the tone for their friendly yet competitive match.


    Now that they have the state,d the game can indeed start. Blake offers Sarah to have the first move as he is confident. Blake has only ever lost one chess game in his life to his father. Sarah starts off by moving her white pawn to D4.


    [Blake: Have you ever played chess before?] Blake asks in a curious tone as he moves his pawn to E5.


    [Sarah: I¡¯ve dabbled in it. I don¡¯t have as much experience as I probably should as a tactician.] Sarah moves and takes Blake¡¯s pawn on E5 with her pawn that was previously on D4. Blake just chuckles to himself.


    [Blake: A good chess player doesn¡¯t equal a good tactician; the opposite is also true.] Blake moves his knight to C6. Sarah starts to scan the board for any possible moves.


    [Sarah: I guess you¡¯re right about that. Is there any reason you wouldn¡¯t like to join the vassals?] Sarah responds to the play by moving her knight to space F3. Blake thinks for a second.


    [Blake: Depending on the terms of being a vassal, it could limit my freedom.] Blake moves his queen to E7. Sarah opens her mouth.


    [Sarah: I know you are big on respect. Will a game of chess earn me any respect from you?] Sarah questions as she moves her bishop to F4.


    [Blake: You see, I¡¯m very big on respect. That¡¯s just how I was raised. I am very easily annoyed by people less intelligent than me. Check.] Blake moves his queen to B4.


    [Sarah: At your level, most people are less intelligent than you.] Sarah blocks the queen by moving her bishop to D2.


    [Blake: Of course, there are caveats. I won¡¯t be annoyed by people who are actually competent. Simply, as long as they excel in something, I won¡¯t get annoyed.] Blake moves his queen to B2, taking a pawn.


    [Sarah: So you are not entirely heartless.] Sarah moves her bishop to C3.


    [Blake: There is one absolute to this rule. Anyone leading me has to be smarter than me.] Blake moves his bishop to B4.


    [Sarah: I guess that makes sense. So are you planning on challenging King Valerian to a game after I bring you to him?] Sarah says cheekily as she moves her queen to D2.


    [Blake: Even saying you will bring me to him is a stretch.] Blake moves his bishop to C3, taking Sarah¡¯s bishop.


    [Sarah: Are you sure? I think I¡¯m a decent player.] Sarah moves her queen to C3 and takes Blake¡¯s bishop.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    [Blake: It¡¯s true. At this level, I can¡¯t even begin to comprehend your moves. Checkmate.] Blake moves his queen to C1, effortlessly checkmating his enemy.


    [Sarah: Seriously!?!] Sarah checks the board and sees she has been thoroughly beaten. Blake sighs.


    [Blake: That was called ¡°The England Gambit,¡± and I beat you in eight moves with it. I learned it from my dad. I don¡¯t know what ¡°England¡± means though.] Blake says as he starts to clear the board. Sarah looks him dead in the face.


    [Sarah: Let¡¯s go again.]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Bracken takes Selene to an arena in the backyard. It is reasonably spacious, with the parameters marked by white chalk. Bracken starts to explain the rules.


    [Bracken: Normally I don like rules, but I need to give you a chance! Here¡¯s the deal. We both fight. The first to mortally wound the other or send the other out of the arena wins. I don plan on getting murked by some aqua, so don test me!]


    Bracken suddenly lunges at Selene with his claws. Selene spreads water around the ground, which makes Selene faster and causes Bracken to slip.


    [Bracken: You bitch!] Bracken shouts angrily as he blitzes Selene. Cutting her torso at nearly blinding speeds. Selene jumps back and shoots a bunch of water bullets at Bracken.


    Bracken dodges them. [I will show you what a real bullet looks like.] Bracken materializes a 9MM from nowhere and blasts three bullets at Selene.


    [Selene: Water Wall!] A wall of water seemingly stops the bullets. Selene proceeds to pull the water back like rubber and shoots the bullets back at Bracken with more force than they had originally.


    Bracken takes the bullets to show he is really about that life. The bullets push him back, but they can¡¯t penetrate his hard skin. Bracken is about to run at Selene when she points down. Bracken has been forced out of the arena and lost. Selene laughs.


    [Selene: It seems I have won!] Bracken responds very angrily.


    [Bracken: Best out of three! I¡¯m not going out like this! I¡¯m a G!]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    [A draw?]


    Blake was stunned at Sarah¡¯s rate of growth. After the first game, it took her 30 moves to be defeated, and by her fifth, she could pretty comfortably draw Blake.


    *Blake: While she isn¡¯t originally very intelligent, her capacity to learn is unrivaled.* Sarah prepares for another round when Blake stops her.


    [Blake: All right, you got me! I¡¯ll go with you to see the king!]


    Sarah erupts in a cheer as she finally gets her goal. Blake just sighs as he goes outside and signals for Bracken to stop fighting. Sarah orders Selene back, and they start the ride back to the castle.


    [Bracken: Why¡¯d ya stop me?!? I was about to give a fresh cut to this hoe. She wanted braids!!!]


    Bracken was furious that his match was interrupted, but Blake just shushed him. After a few hours, they arrive at the king¡¯s palace. They all enter to see King Valerian on his throne. His aura is off the charts, to the point that even Bracken bows to the king.


    [Valerian: Blake, I have heard good things about you! You bow to me, but you don¡¯t actually see me as your king, do you?] At these words, Blake looks up with a stare that would make any average person shake. King Valerian was not a normal person, however.


    [Blake: I recognize you as the king of this nation. I do not respect you as a king. For that, you have to prove yourself.] Blake¡¯s words are considered very disrespectful, and the guards take an aggressive stance. King Valerian orders them to stand down.


    [Valerian: How about a chess match? One game, If I win, you have to become a vassal; if I lose, you get unlimited access to the forbidden library.] Blake¡¯s eyes widen; the library contains various books about extremely dangerous and forbidden magic. The only person who can give people access to this trove of knowledge is King Valerian. Blake quickly accepts, and they both move to a room with a chessboard in it.


    45 moves later, King Valerian checkmates Blake. Blake is stunned; for the second time in his life, he has lost.


    [Blake: How?!? My strategy was perfect!] Blake was analysing the board and all the moves previously played. Valerian just laughs.


    [Valerian: See, you have way more knowledge than I do. The reason you lost is simple, you don¡¯t have experience or wisdom. Experience is something you obtain through fighting opponents of similar strength and learning. Wisdom is something you get over time] King Valerian casually explains and raises his hand to Blake. [Becoming my Vassal offers you the chance to get both.]


    Blake, realizing his loss, takes Valerian¡¯s hand. He has officially become the 2nd vassal.

 The Iron Quarter

    Blake is walking around the castle. King Valerian apparently gave him his own quarters in the castle. He has been looking around for over 15 minutes now. Bracken was sent out around five minutes ago to scout the castle. However, it seems he will not be coming back anytime soon.


    *Blake: This place is huge!*


    Blake keeps stumbling around until he unexpectedly encounters an older man. In his early 60s, he has a tall and slender build. His long white hair and beard distinguish him, and his piercing blue eyes reflect his vast knowledge. He wears elaborate robes adorned with mystical symbols and carries a staff topped with a glowing crystal, adding an air of mystery to his persona.


    [???: Can I help you?] The older man says with a smile and a head tilt.


    Blake just looks at him. Blake was briefed about all of King Valerian¡¯s top officers during the following meeting. If Blake can remember correctly this should be Valerian¡¯s magical advisor and one of the strongest mages in the country, the high mage Aric Solis. With his wisdom and deep understanding of magical arts and ancient lore, Aric commands respect. He is calm and contemplative, often serving as a voice of reason. Aric is deeply committed to the protection and advancement of the kingdom through magical means.


    [Blake: Nothing much. Just looking for my room.] Blake sighs in defeat. Aric laughs, pulls out his magic staff and starts chanting a search spell.


    In an instant, a map of the entire castle was given to Blake. The map was so advanced that it even had everyone¡¯s current location in the castle.


    *Blake: Why is Bracken fighting Selene in the training grounds?!? That Elysia girl and King Valerian are having a meeting. I guess I¡¯ll leave them. Now, where is my room?*


    Blake finds his room on the map, thanks Aric, and heads over to his room.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    7 minutes ago¡­


    Selene walks into the medical facility in the castle. She walks around until Selene sees the person she was here for, Lyra. Lyra is still not awake; however, her condition has stabilized. 50% of her body is covered in unhealable burn marks. Selene puts a rare plant next to Lyra.


    [Selene: I brought you a rare plant. You will love it when you wake up.]


    Selene just looks down at Lyra for a moment when he hears. [AY MOTHERFUCKA.]


    Selene quickly turns around to see the 8-foot monster known as Bracken.


    [Selene: What the hell are you doing here?!? Leave!!]


    Bracken just smiles.


    [Bracken H-HE-HELL NAH!!! I¡¯m here for my run back!!!] Bracken puffs his chest out like a real one. Selene gives a devious smile.


    [Selen: Oh? Here to get your sorry ass beaten again?] Selene laughs to herself as Bracken gets very clearly angered by the statement.


    [Bracken: Wanna fucking go?!? I¡¯ll beat your ass right here ya hoe!] Bracken takes a fighting stance. Selene just looks on.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    [Selene: We are in a hospital dumbass. Let¡¯s go down to the arena if you want to fight.] With those words, Selene and Bracken head down to the arena.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Back in the present, Elysia was called to King Valerian¡¯s throne. She bows reverently in front of her king, and Valerian speaks up.


    [Valerian: I would like you to be the one to go on the mission to recruit Pax to my vassals. Pax might be one of the most important members. You must recruit him.]


    Elysia looks up.


    [Elysia: Me? By myself?] Elysia is surprised at the importance of this solo mission.


    [Valerian: Well, we know he has a significant distrust of all nobels. You very controversially forsake your noble lineage in order to live in the lower class. This is one of the reasons you are my minister of relations. At the same time, you haven¡¯t lived in the slums. However, you have the most experience outside of a noble family. So you are the most qualified to talk to him.]


    After stating his case, Elysia has no option but to accept this mission thrust upon her, however, as she is about to leave.


    [???: Wait!]


    King Valerian looks on at the man, and Elysia turns around. It is an older man with a long white beard and white eyes.


    [Aric: I would like to go as well. His ability {Unfair} is a negation ability, the rarest form of ability this world has. Only 28 known negation abilities exist. Unfair allows him to copy and use multiple negation abilities. It also allows him to copy and use one normal ability. I would like to see him personally and observe his abilities in action.]


    King Valerian thinks for a minute and speaks.


    [Valerian: I appreciate your input, Aric. However, sending in a ton of people might have the opposite effect. I ask that you stay back until he is brought back here.]


    Hearing his reasoning, Aric backs down. Elysia walks out of the room. She enters the carriage and heads down to the slum town, The Iron Quarter.


    ========================================================================


    After an hour or two, the carriage arrives at the Iron Quarter. It gets envious looks by all as Elysia steps out of the carriage. Elysia immediately looks for the first person who looks even semi-friendly.


    *Elysia: Pax is very well known, according to the information. The problem is that slum people usually don¡¯t give their own quickly.*


    Elysia walks up to a man.


    [Elysia: Do you know a man by the name ¡°Pax Stone¡±?] Elysia looks at him with determination. The man just scoffs and responds.


    [???: What would you want with Pax, hot stuff?] The man laughs.


    [Elysia: Official order from King Valerian for me to meet Pax. Should you interfere, it will be considered treason.] Elysia is trying a brute-force strategy. The man just looks unfazed.


    [???: You know what¡¯s crazy? A barrier terrorist has been running around, causing issues and destroying towns. Yet all you guys seem concerned with is some random slum guy. A cell would probably have better living conditions than I¡¯m in now.] The man has a very apathetic tone to his voice. Elysia was about to raise a counterpoint when suddenly he was whacked on the head.


    Elysia turns to see who whacked him. It seems to be a woman in her late 40s. She has long brown hair and seemingly closed eyes.


    [???: Jarek, you shouldn¡¯t antagonize the rich folk, alright?]


    The man, Jarek, now looks up at her.


    [Jarek: The hell Mira? You didn¡¯t have to hit me for it. This bitch was talking about Pax being wanted for something. It¡¯s serious; not giving his location is a treason charge.]


    Mira wacks Jarek again with a [Language!] Then looks back at Elysia.


    [Mira: It¡¯s that serious, then? I always taught Pax to be a good boy!] Mira puts her head in her hands. [I will take you to him then.]


    Mira gives Jarek a stare that immediately makes him fold Pax¡¯s location.


    [Jarek: He is at the orphanage building various stuff for the kids!] Jarek quickly says, not wanting any retribution.


    Mira takes Elysia to a giant building with the words ¡°Iron Orphanage¡± written at the top. Mira talks Elysia into the orange. In the middle is a bulky man with short brown hair and piercing green eyes. His hardened skin is a testament to his lifestyle in the slums. He has multiple little children playing around him. As he starts to play with the children, Mira walks up to him.


    Pax looks up at her.


    [Pax: Sup, Mom!]


    *Elysia: The reports said all of his family are dead. They couldn¡¯t have been wrong, so I¡¯ll ask him later.*


    Mira just looks down at him.


    [Mira: A member of King Valerian¡¯s top officers is here to talk with you. It¡¯s serious.] Pax looks over in confusion and sees Elysia. His face immediately contorts into a more neutral look.


    *Pax: A noble?*

 The Gold

    Pax slowly rises to his feet, his towering figure casting a shadow over Elysia. She can¡¯t help but feel a shiver down her spine as if she¡¯s facing a gorilla in the wild. His soft golden eyes and brunette hair only add to the mystery of his presence. The tension in the air is palpable, so thick you could cut it with a knife, as Elysia meets his gaze. Pax finally breaks the deadlock, his voice cutting through the silence like a sharp blade.


    [Pax: Lila, Kai, and Leo. It¡¯s getting late. You guys need to head to bed now.]


    The kids give a slight [Ahhh] before relenting to Pax¡¯s request. Pax looks satisfied before turning to Mira. [I¡¯ll deal with this.] Before motioning for Elysia to come outside. Elysia follows Pax outside as he slowly turns to her. His golden eyes seem to glow in the dark of the slums, radiating something more than dislike and less than hatred. Pax quickly puts up a smile, but Elysia can¡¯t shake off the feeling of mystery that surrounds him.


    [Pax: What would the great King Valerian want with someone like me from the slums? I trust I did nothing wrong?]


    Elysia decides to change her tone to a more welcoming one¡ªElysia then explains the whole situation. Pax just laughs. Elysia gets a little infuriated.


    [Elysia: What¡¯s so funny?]


    [Pax: I don¡¯t know who you think you can trick with this excuse, noble. I don¡¯t know why you want me to come to the capital, but I¡¯m not going anywhere. Especially with a noblewoman.]


    Pax¡¯s prompt response left Elysia speechless. She knew about his distrust of nobles, but he was barely willing to talk. Hell, for a moment, she was sure he just wanted to straight up kill her. Luckily, she had a trick up her sleeve. Elysia immediately regains composure and says with a smile.


    [Does Hector Grimwood still live around here?]


    The silence was deafening. Pax had the face of a deer in headlights. Pax quickly questions with an agitated voice.


    [Pax: How do you know old man Hector?!?]


    [Elysia: I used to live around here. A long time ago. I think it was up until I was around 12. So13 years ago.]


    Pax¡¯s face was in shock until he pieced the story together.


    [Pax: Don¡¯t fucking tell me? You have forsaken your noble lineage in order to live in the slums?!?]


    This, indeed, was the truth of the 25-year-old Elysia Marywood. When Elysia was 5, she publicly threw away her noble lineage in one of the most contentious events in recent history. She went to live with a lower-class family until the age of twenty. At twenty, King Valerian very controversially picked her as his head of relations after the death of the last one 13 years ago.


    Elysia gives a weary smile.


    [Elysia: Well, not the slums. Just lower class.] She clarifies.


    Pax, still surprised, grabs her hand. Elysia lets out a surprised yelp as Pax tells her [We need to go to old man Hector¡¯s place right now!] Then he runs her all the way to a wooden shack out in the slums.


    [Pax: This is old man Hector¡¯s place. He taught me how to fight. I couldn¡¯t be more thankful.]


    Pax says with admiration brimming out of him. Elysia can¡¯t help but wonder where his hostility toward nobles came from. Pax knocks on the door.


    [???: SHUT UP!!!]


    A small old man opens the door. This man is Hector Grimwood. Hector Grimwood is a seasoned veteran who once served in King Valerian¡¯s army. After retiring from his military career, he chose to live in the Iron Quarter to be close to the people and to make a difference in their lives. Hector has seen many battles and carries the wisdom of years spent on the front lines. His decision to live in the slums is driven by his desire to impart his knowledge and skills to those who need them most.


    Pax quickly jumps at Hector in order to hug him. Hector quickly dodges and wacks Pax into the ground. Ignoring the giant, he looks over at the woman before him.


    [Hector: Oh! Elysia, my favorite student, Welcome back!]


    Pax looks up in confusion and says weakly [Student???].


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    After about 20 minutes, everyone sits around a fireplace outside. Hector explains that he took in Elysia after her parents disowned her. He trained and imparted all his fighting knowledge to Elysia before she found a foster family.


    [Pax: Wow¡­ I can¡¯t believe we have the same master. I must apologize for my rudeness earlier.] Pax says dejectedly.


    Elysia responds with a simple [It¡¯s fine.]


    [Hector: Yeah, you better apologize. She was an infinitely better student than you. She actually listened and learned. The first time as well.]


    Hector was talking like a proud parent despite being in his 70s. Pax just sighed. Pax then excitedly states.


    [Pax: Let¡¯s go drink at the bar! The tab is on me!]


    Hector quickly responded with a sharp [I¡¯m too old to go drinking, Fool!] Hector proceeds to kick them both out. Pax looks at Elysia with puppy eyes. She almost instantly relents.


    [Elysia: I guess a few drinks won¡¯t hurt¡­]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Elysia is completely drunk at the bar and slams the table while saying [More drinks!] Pax just looks at her in disappointment.


    [Pax: Geez, You really can¡¯t take alcohol. This bill is going to crush me!] Pax scratches at his head anxiously. Elysia looks at him.


    [Elysia: H-Hoh dou you even pray for all thus?] Elysia is slurring her words. Pax has friends like this so that he can understand her.


    [Pax: I help out the local community with building and fighting off monsters. I don¡¯t want payment, but they insisted.]


    [Elysia: Oh~ Yoh ar pretty pupulor I gwess.]


    [Pax: You can say that.] Pax looks up and sees it¡¯s dead of night.


    *Pax: Shit it¡¯s late. I better take her back to the carriage.*


    Pax grabs Elysia¡¯s hand and starts to lead her back to where she was originally dropped off. However, as they get closer, a group of thugs stop them.


    A man walks forward.


    [???: Hey! Pax! Seeing you out here with a drunk noblewoman is rich! Haha! I know how much you loathe nobles. Let me and my boys take this one off your hands!]Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    One of the men approaches the drunken Elysia and reaches out for her. Smash


    Pax suddenly punches the man on the side of his head so hard he flies into a building.


    The leader just smiles.


    [???: Woah there, Pax! Don¡¯t want another murder charge, do you?] The man says with laughter accompanying it.


    [Pax: Shut it, Fin.]


    Elysia looks up at Pax as she starts to sober up. She puts her hand on her head.


    [Elysia: Are these your friends?]


    Pax just looks at Fin with a deadpan stare.


    [Pax: Quite the opposite.]


    Elsia proceeds to look at the man named Fin. He is of an average build, with yellow hair and blue eyes. His smile seems like he knows something. Fin has a dagger in his hand, and he is flipping around casually.


    [Fin: Come on, hand her over. You don¡¯t want anyone to find out about how you sacrificed your parents? Don¡¯t you?]


    With surprise, Elysia quickly turns to look at Pax. *Elysia: What the hell?!?*


    Pax is breathing heavily, and anger veins start appearing on his face. His eyes glow, and he seems to begin manifesting power. Elysia quickly puts her hand in front of him. He just looks at her with a desperate stare.


    [Elysia: I will question you thoroughly, but for now, I think I need to interrogate some thugs.]


    Elysia walks forward as a crowd of thugs surround her. Pax tries to move, but he can¡¯t.


    [Fin: Nice job giving yourself up, girlie! Now-]


    Suddenly, a bunch of red crystals appear near every thug. Fin looks at Elysia. Elysia smiles.


    [Elysia: This is my esper ability! Jewel magic, ruby explosion!] Elysia makes a hand sign. Boom!


    All the crystals explode. Knocking out all of the thugs. Fin starts to make his way up to his feat weakly.


    *Fin: She was an esper?!? What the hell?!?*


    Before he can think any more, a fist slams him into the ground. Pax slams his fist again; however, Elysia stops him.


    [Elysia: He is already knocked out.]


    Pax looks down. It only took one hit. Fin was no longer moving.


    [Elysia: Now tell me. What was he talking about?]


    Pax sits down. He starts with an introduction of his parents.


    [Pax: My dad¡¯s name was Garrick, and my mom¡¯s name was Liora. They were both great people in my life. My dad instilled in me my tough nature, while my mom guided my personality to be kinder. We lived an everyday middle-class life.]


    Elysia looks up.


    [Elysia: Garrick¡­Stone? You mean one of the Heros of the War of Shadows?!?!]


    Pax just looks solemnly.


    [Pax: Yeah, the bloody war of shadows. Fought between Aranthia and The Dominion of Umbra.]


    Elysia looks worried.


    [Elysia: Doesn¡¯t that mean you are the son of the man who-]


    Before finishing her sentence, Pax quickly stands up and yells [It was false!!!] Elysia just looks on.


    [Pax: Those noble bastards didn¡¯t like the sound of ¡°Hero from the slums.¡± So they fabricated an allegation that my dad killed one of King Valerian¡¯s royal guards. My dad got arrested, and King Valerian pardoned him from a murder charge. However, our life was never the same. Dad couldn¡¯t find a job, and my mom was shut out of all her communities. No one wanted such a dangerous man working for them. Naturally, that extended to me as well, as the child of a man called a demon. After a while, we had no money left. We were forced into the slums. This was when I was ten.]


    Pax clutches his fist.


    [Pax: Two years later, I turned 12. My family¡¯s situation kept deteriorating not long after we had nothing. Living in a wooden hut with no food. We were on the brink of starvation. When it happened¡­]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Inside a run-down wooden hut. A little twelve-year-old can barely stand to his feat, nearly skin and bones. He crawls over to his mother, who is weakly sitting at a table. She looks at Pax.


    [Liora: Oh? Awake early?]


    A man walks through the doors. His determination is the only thing keeping him standing.


    [Liora: Anything?] She said in a weak voice. The father just looks at her with tears welling up in his eyes. He slams his fist on the ground as the woman goes to comfort him.


    [Garrick: Why did everything have to turn out this way?] Garrick says while sobbing. He looks up to see his child, Pax. [I¡¯m sorry! You shouldn¡¯t have to go through this!] Garrick is still on the ground when a voice makes itself known.


    [Want a way out?] Garrick and Liora immediately stop as this almost ethereal voice penetrates their head. It was soft and sounded alien at the same time.


    Time seemed to stop, and the colors of the world inverted for everyone except the three. A giant portal appeared, and something started to come out.


    It was a massive, monstrous entity wearing a purple cloak with four arms, one pair being much larger than the other pair, and two wing-like protrusions on either side of its bulbous head with a single eye nestled in its mouth. It wears golden bracelets on its smaller arms and rings with eyeballs on each of its fingers. Its wing-like structures host dozens of eyeballs that spiral around randomly. The color of the entity was an alien-like blue. Garrick just looked at the thing.


    [Garrick: What the hell are you?]


    The entity seemed to laugh as it started to talk.


    [My name is Riga. I am responsible for giving negations to people. Surely you have heard of them?]


    [Garrick: Negations? I fought someone with one. The power to negate an entire concept. It is truly a terrifying ability. What the hell do you want with us.]


    The entity is amused and keeps entertaining the conversation.


    [Riga: See, I have come to make a deal. I used to be real, like you guys. However, someone defeated me and relegated me into this false realm we are in. I wish to defeat him. My power isn¡¯t enough, so I need a vessel. I give out negation abilities in the first place in order to see who has the potential to become my new vessel.]


    Garrick gets right to the point.


    [Garrick: What the hell does this have to do with us?!?]


    The entity gets closer to Garrick.


    [Riga: Simply put, all three of you have the potential to become my vessel. So, let¡¯s make a deal! One of you guys will gain great power and become my host¡­]


    Garrick states the obvious. Pax is hiding in the corner, unable to stop the shaking or move.


    [Garrick: What is in it for you?]


    [Riga: Hahaha! You really are right to the point! In return, I will need the souls of everyone close to you!] The entity gets a horrid smile on its face. [You see. In order for my power to manifest in vessels of your quality. A tragedy needs to occur. This is the price that needs to be paid.]


    [Garrick: If we decline?]


    [Riga: Simple, I will leave, and all three of you will starve to death. Don¡¯t you want at least one of you to survive? With my power, that is possible. Let me sweeten the deal. I will give you the strongest negation I hold as well.]


    Riga puts out his hand. Garrick looks to Liora and thinks. They know what has to be done. Garrick takes Riga¡¯s hand.


    [Riga: So, Hero of the slums, you will take my power?]


    Garrick points to Pax and smiles.


    [Garrick: Not me, my son. Is that satisfactory?]


    Riga looks over at Pax. He then smiles.


    [Riga: This works out in my favor. His compatibility with me is insane. Let me revise the deal. For him, only two sacrifices are needed. You can guess who.]


    Pax wants to interrupt to stop this deal. However, he is paralyzed with fear and still can¡¯t move.


    [Garrick: Will my son live?]


    [Riga: I won¡¯t let him die until my revenge is complete.]


    [Garrick: Then it¡¯s a deal!]


    Garrick and Liora look over to Pax.


    [Garrick: We are going to go ahead a little. Make sure to keep living¡­]


    A bright light envelops the room. Everything is covered. When the light fades, Garrick and Liora lie on the ground. Pax¡¯s body is in a healthy state again as he runs and holds his parents¡¯ lifeless bodies. Tears start to form in his eyes.


    [Pax: Why¡­ Why is life so¡­]


    ¡ºUnfair¡»


    After this moment, Pax was filled with rage, specifically at the nobles who had put his family in this position. For the next three years, Pax hunted down and killed nobles left and right. During this time, he killed another negation user.


    When he was fifteen, he ran into a girl with light brown hair and green eyes. Pax knew she was a noble and attacked her, but he was easily defeated.


    [Mira: Geez. Garrick told me to take care of his child if anything happened to him as a favor from our war days. I didn¡¯t think you would cause this much chaos, though. My name is Mira Thorne]


    The rest was history.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    In the present, Elysia can barely stop herself from crying after hearing his story.


    [Pax: Mira Thorne took care of me and moved to the slums. Just like you, she revoked her noble lineage to take care of me in secret.]


    *Elysia: Thorne? Is Mira related to Sarah in any way?*


    Putting away her thoughts. Elysia walks up to him. She cups his hands and looks at him directly in the eyes.


    [Elysia: How long are you going to let this hold you back?]


    Pax immediately looks up at her.


    [Elysia: You want to help others, don¡¯t you? If you stay here, all you will be helping is yourself. When your parents sacrificed themselves for you, they wanted you to live a better life! Your parents didn¡¯t save you so that you can waste away in the slums like before! Now, you have a chance at saving the world that your parents wanted you to thrive in! Are you going to take it?] She pleads as she stares into Pax¡¯s soul.


    Pax averts his eyes.


    [Pax: Geez, mayb-.]


    Suddenly, Pax gets thrown into a wall.


    ¡ºAnalysing¡»


    Elysia looks around to see Fin standing there.


    [Fin: I never revealed my ability! Special Barrier Constructs. I remade my skull with my unbreakable barriers!]


    Fin grabs Elysia and creates a barrier around them.


    [Fin: Now I will kill you!]


    He starts to create a barrier around her throat when¡­ Crack.


    Elysia is surprised as Pax breaks through the barrier and punches Fin in the face.


    ¡ºUnstoppable¡»


    The barrier making up Fin¡¯s skull breaks to pieces, and Fin is sent through multiple buildings.


    ¡ºAnalysis Complete. Perfect Barrier copied.¡»


    Pax looks over at Elysia.


    [Pax: Fine! I¡¯ll join you damn smooth talker!]

 Narcissism

    Elysia is ecstatic at this news. With an excited [Really?!?] Pax just puts his hand in front of her. He points over to the place where Fin crashed after the punch. Multiple buildings have been broken through and the entire block seems like a mess. Elysia looks up at the beautiful night sky and thanks wherever deity made this possible. Pax sighs.


    [Pax: The fight isn¡¯t finished yet.]


    Elysia looks over to see Fin standing back to his feat. His barriers are reconstructing his bones.


    [Fin: How the hell did you break through my barrier?!? Not even nuke-like blasts have even scratched them!]


    Pax puts up his fist.


    [Pax: The negation I got from a noble I killed back in the day, {Unstoppable}. This negates the concept of stopping. There is nothing that can stop it other than deactivation. As long as it¡¯s active, it will effortlessly break through anything and never stop.]


    Fin lets out a slight [Impossible!] before preparing another attack. However, before he can shoot off his next attack¡­


    ¡ºChain Jail¡»


    Chains appear seemingly out of thin air and wrap around Fin, stripping him of his powers and immobilizing him. A man walks out from the shadows. Pax gets extremely excited when he sees him.


    [Pax: Jarek!]


    Jarek walks onto the battlefield. He creates a chain over Fins mouth and looks over at Pax.


    [Jarek: It¡¯s almost 1 am, dude! You woke me up with all these explosions! I will take care of getting this guy to the authorities. You have other duties, huh. You have decided?]


    Pax looks down. Then back up at Jarek.


    [Pax: Yeah, I¡¯m going to the capital. I want to say goodbye to everyone, but It seems I won¡¯t have the time.] Jarek smiles at this statement as a carriage pulls up.


    [Jarek: Don¡¯t worry, bro. I brought everyone you need!]


    Suddenly, a bunch of people come out from the shadows around them. All the people Pax knows, from old man Hector to Leo from the orphanage. Finally, Mira walks up.


    [Mira: Going to leave without saying goodbye? How mean you are¡­] She makes a pout face and looks back at him with a smile. [King Valerian told us of the situation. We don¡¯t want to hold you back.] Mira goes in and hugs Pax.


    [Mira: So go save the world, my son!]


    Pax responds tearfully.


    [Pax: I love you mom!]


    Pax goes on the carriage with Elysia, and it starts to move. Pax looks out the back with tears flowing down his face as he yells.


    [Pax: I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU GUYS!]


    Old man Hector just laughs and yells back.


    [Hector: Knock ¡¯em dead! You hear?!?]


    [Mira: Say hi to Sarah for me!]


    Pax waves with his giant arm, and almost everyone from the slums waves back. Eventually, they are a spec in the distance, and Pax returns to the carriage. Elysia is asleep in the back of the carriage.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    *Pax: I guess she was tired from last night.*


    [???: It seems you are ready to take revenge.]


    The ethereal voice was familiar to Pax. He immediately turned around to see a smaller version of the monster that had taken his parents sitting beside him.


    [Pax: Riga? Why have you appeared before me?]


    The assertive tone of his voice made Riga smile.


    [Riga: You really have grown since the little boy who couldn¡¯t move in my presence. I¡¯m simply here to congratulate you! I thought we would be in that slum forever, and I would have to find a new host! I don¡¯t think I need to worry now. You are on the path of fighting the one I want to kill!]


    Pax questions.


    [Pax: If you want to kill this guy so bad. Why not just take over my body and kill him? You have unfathomable power, after all.]


    Riga responds in an annoyed tone.


    [Riga: I put in the terms of our contract that I will never be able to take over unless you are in a dire situation or I am given control. Even then, I can only take over for 3 minutes. I told you before, didn¡¯t I? I couldn¡¯t beat him with my powers or my mindset. So I¡¯m passing them on to someone I think can do it. No one should be able to see or detect me. No one will ever find out about our contract unless you say anything.]


    Pax thinks for a second.


    [Pax: Maybe you are not so bad after all. So who are we going to kill?]


    Riga gets quiet before saying in a serious tone.


    [Riga: His name is Zane.]


    Pax goes to ask more questions about Zane, but Riga seemed to disappear. Pax goes back to looking out the window. It seemed like almost no time had passed when talking to Riga. Finally, they made it back to the royal capital.


    Pax enters the capital to see the other two vassals, as well as Aric and Sarah, waiting for him. King Valerian sits on the golden throne in the middle of the room. Immediately as he walks in, Bracken looks at Blake.


    [Braken: Yo! This mf strong as fuck! His aura is wild! There is something else there as well, but I can¡¯t fully sense it! It¡¯s creepy! He gotta be an opp! Let me pull the blicky on em!]


    Selene looks over.


    *Selene: So Bracken can sense this odd feeling as well. It¡¯s like two people in one, well, not two people. One person and one thing. Even with my eyes, I can¡¯t make it out.*


    Pax walks up to King Valerian and kneels down.


    [King Valerian: Pax, you are definitely a controversial pick for my vassals. There will be a lot of pushback after I announce you because you lived in the slums, but also because you killed 30+ nobles in your time.]


    Selene and Blake look at Pax in surprise. They are both thinking the same thing.


    *This guy is a seasoned killer?!?*


    Bracken looks at Blake.


    [Bracken: I told you HE IS AN OPP! Bro is basically an assassin at this point, lmao! This shit tragic frfr.]


    Blake looks at Bracken and quietly tells him to shut up. King Valerian continues to speak.


    [King Valerian: For you to become a Vassal, you can¡¯t be a wanted man. I have decided to pardon you from all your crimes.]


    Pax looks up.


    [Pax: Thank you, King Valerian. I won¡¯t forget this pardon!]


    [King Valerian: As I said before, there will be a ton of pushback, specifically from the elite. Unlike the other vassals, you will need to prove yourself. I look forward to your results. Congratulations on making the cut, Pax Stone]


    Pax looks at King Valerian with determination.


    [Pax: I won¡¯t disappoint you!]


    With that, Valerian dismisses everyone except Blake, Bracken, and Selene. He orders them both to stand up.


    [King Valerian: We can¡¯t spend any downtime recruiting for the next vassals. So you three will be going to recruit the next guy. His name is Azarath. He lives in the Golden District, where he is highly famous.]


    [Blake: Very well, my King. We can do this.]


    Selene looks up.


    [Selene: Isn¡¯t the Golden District full of nobles?]


    [King Valerian: Yes, it is. The Golden District is the wealthiest and most opulent area of the capital city, home to the kingdom¡¯s nobility and elite. It is known for its grand mansions, luxurious gardens, and prestigious institutions. The streets are wide and impeccably clean, lined with ornate lampposts and statues. Try not to give me any bad publicity.]


    Bracken pipes up.


    [Bracken: Ya hear the Blake? You can get yourself one of em rich snow bunnies! Munch off dat trust fund fr!]


    Blake just looks at Bracken.


    [Blake: I¡¯m not a gold digger.]


    Blake thinks for a second.


    [Bracken: True! You always keep it a buck! Respect!]


    Selene just sighed, and they headed to the Golden District.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    A man wakes up in his lavish queen-sized bed. He walks to his bathroom and looks in the mirror.


    He is a strikingly handsome man in his late twenties with a chiseled jawline and perfectly styled blond hair. His eyes are a bright blue, exuding confidence and a hint of arrogance. His physique is muscular and well-defined, reflecting his superhuman abilities.


    [Man, I¡¯m so hot.]

 Hero

    The carriage arrives in the Golden District, a bright, large town home to most of the country¡¯s elite. Selene looks around in amazement at the lush gardens and luxurious mansions that line the town. Blake starts to think about the cost of living in such a place. However, he stops as Bracken pulls up his bank account. It is showing only around 100 bucks. Selene is still marveling at how well taken care of all the gardens are.


    [Bracken: Yo, this some slave work! The King won¡¯t even consider paying us until all the vassals are gathered. Like, come on, bruh! I¡¯m tryna cop a bag!]


    Blake just looks down. He then looks outside for a second before looking back at Bracken.


    [Blake: I guess that just means the real work doesn¡¯t start until we are all gathered.] Blake ponders to himself as Selene looks back into the carriage cabin. She looks elated.


    [Selene: Wow! These nobles must love plants!] Having never left the Whispering Woods gave her a naive view of the outside world as a whole. Blake just sighs. Bracken pipes up.


    [Bracken: That¡¯s because they buy butlers and shit to take care of the plants, dumbass!] Selene gives him an annoyed look as she pouts and returns to looking outside.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Back at the castle, Pax looks around. The castle is even a considerable maze for someone who grew up in the twists and turns of the slums. Suddenly, he is summoned into the throne room. Pax quickly makes his way to the throne room to see King Valerian and Aric waiting for him.


    [Pax: What¡¯s the reason for my summon, King?] Pax looks at Valerian with a stone face. King Valerian responds in kind.


    [King Valerian: We would like to know more about your ability. As you know, Negations are extremely rare, with only 28 confirmed users.]


    Pax looks behind him to Riga.


    [Pax: What do you think? Should I tell them about {Unfair}?]


    Riga thinks for a second and looks back at Pax. Pax is still looking at the King, trying not to make it obvious he is conversing with an eldritch being.


    [Riga: I say go for it. The King seems to have genuine intentions. The mage I can¡¯t get a read on. His magic is too high level. It should still be fine.]


    Pax just nods, signaling to the king his cooperation. The king points to Aric. Aric begins.


    [Aric: As far as we know about Unfair. It negates the fairness of having one ability. More importantly, it allows for you to have six negation abilities and one normal. Is this correct?]


    Pax ponders it over before giving his answer.


    [Pax: Well, there are three things I would like to add. First, there is no limit to the negation abilities I can copy. Two, In order to copy a normal ability, I need to get hit by it. Third, Unfair must analyze any ability I am hit with to copy it. This means the more complex the ability is, the longer it will take to copy.] Pax says this in a more matter-of-fact tone. Aric notes everything he says before continuing.


    [Aric: Now for my final question. Want to have a sparring match?] Aric smiles as he looks over.


    Pax stands up, cracks his shoulders, and stretches.


    [Pax: You bet!]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Back in the Golden District, Blake and Selene make it to their destination. They made it to the house of the next vassal, Azarath. In front of the house is a large crowd of people. They are chanting [We love you, Azarath!] and [You are the greatest hero!]. Blake notes this as they move past the crown and arrive at the door. Blake knocks at the door.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    [Blake: We are here on official business with King Valerian! Open up!] Blake continues to knock, and not before long a man opens the door. The man is 6 foot 2. He has bright blonde hair and baby-blue eyes, an extremely athletic build, and a chiseled jaw. This is the man they are looking for, Azarath.


    [Azarath: King Valerian? I guess I caught a big fish!]


    Azarath invites them in. Azarath¡¯s house is huge, with multiple game rooms, living rooms, maids everywhere, and an entire kitchen staff. It is what one would expect of an upper-class citizen. Various pictures around the mansion show just Azarath¡¯s face. There are also multiple statues of near-naked women. The sight causes Selene to wince. Azarath looks at her.


    [Azarath: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not into dirty demi-humans like yourself.] He said this with a straight face as if he didn¡¯t even know how insulting this statement was. Selene just responds with a weak [What¡­]. So Azarath continues.


    [Azarath: I mean, no one really finds Demi-Humans cute except for the weirdos, of course. I mean, you are green, for heaven¡¯s sake! Personally, I¡¯m more of a basic human guy.] Selene was at her breaking point. She was about to kill this man. She turns over to Blake.


    [Selene: Hey, Am I cute?] Selene asks with a death stare and an emotionless voice.


    Blake thinks about the situation he is in. This feels like a trap. If he says yes, he has the chance to de-escalate the situation, or Azarath could make it be seen as pity and make it worse. Saying no is just a dick move. It is a lose-lose situation. With this in mind, the answer Blake decides to pick is¡­.


    [Blake: Kinda.]


    Selene just looks confused.


    [Selene: Kinda? What the hell does that mean.] Selene says in a confused tone. Seeing a moment of weakness, Bracken starts trolling.


    [Bracken: Oh shit! He means your ugly ass fuck, Skank!] Bracken says while laughing to himself. Selene is about to burst a vein as she screams [Shut the hell up!!!]


    Azarath looks back.


    *Azarath: She is screaming at the air. She is probably mentally ill, so sad.*


    After walking for a few minutes, they enter a big room and sit down. Blake explains the situation to Azarath and asks for his cooperation.


    [Azarath: Nah.] Azarath responds almost instantly. Blake questions him further.


    [Azarath: It is simple. I already have everything I want¡ªfame, money, and women. Why would I go with you guys? I built my image on being an unbeatable hero. This mission sounds dangerous. If I were to struggle on this mission, it would destroy my image. As the hero of this district, that just is not a risk I can take.] Azarath presents his reasoning.


    [Selene: You say ¡°hero.¡± Isn¡¯t a hero for the people? You seem like you are only doing it for yourself.] Selene counters with an argument of her own.


    [Azarath: I make money while being able to use my powers freely. In my opinion, That is the only thing that makes one a hero. Saving people is just an afterthought.] Azarath said this so matter-of-fact it was hard to deny it. This was his genuine feelings.


    Blake ponders his next move. Suddenly, Azarath gets up.


    [Azarath: I hear trouble! I¡¯m heading out; you can hang out with my parents until I get back!] Azarath opens his door and flies away.


    Selene wonders about his flight and then looks over at Blake.


    [Selene: Where is Bracken?] She asks in a small voice. Blake just looks over to her with a sweat dripping down his face.


    [Blake: Trust the process.] Blake said while doubting his own plan.


    *Blake: Bracken, please don¡¯t fuck this up!* Meanwhile, one elderly person comes down the stairs. It is Azaraths dad. Selene immediately goes to hang out with him as Blake just prays.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Azarath arrives at a scene where a large portion of a block is on fire. The buildings are all in pieces on the ground, and a nearly 10-foot monster stands in the rubble. It has sharp teeth and claws, with tentacles coming out of its back.


    [Bracken: It has been a while since Black let me go wild like this! I¡¯m going to enjoy it!]


    Bracken suddenly jumps back as Azarath punches the ground in front of him. Leaving a giant hole.


    [Azarath: Monster! I will defeat you and save all these innocents] Bracken starts cackling at this statement.


    [Bracken: Saving the innocents? All you want to save is yourself!] Bracken launches his back tendrils at¡­ air?


    Bracken thinks *Where the hell is he?* Realizing Azarath is already behind him. Bracken quickly turns around and blocks.


    ¡ºMeteor Punch!¡»


    The blow was so powerful that Bracken¡¯s arm was ripped off. Just from the air it produced, Bracken was sent flying back. Suddenly, Azarath is behind Bracken again. Azarath kicks Bracken to the ground and puts his foot on Bracken¡¯s head.


    *Bracken: Damnit! Blake, let me use more of my power! 10% is not enough to beat this guy!* Bracken telepathically talks to Black.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Meanwhile, back at the Mansion. Blake hears the message. *Blake: Ok, I will allow you to use 30% of your power. Remember, don¡¯t kill him.*


    Upstairs, Mrs.Goldwyn gets up from her bed. She sees Azarath standing over her.


    [Mrs.Goldwyn: Good morning, Son.]


    Azarath just smiles. He then throws a massive punch at his own mother. Without missing a beat, Blake appears from Mrs.Goldwyns shadow and blocks the attack with a shadow dagger he made.


    [Blake: Who the hell are you?!?]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Azarath notices something is off.


    [Azarath: My parents are in trouble!] He immediately goes to leave when three big cuts appear on his chest. He looks behind him to see Bracken standing there.


    [Bracken: Don¡¯t call it a comeback, ¡¯cause I never left!]

 The Red

    Selene runs into the room. It is somewhat dark as half of Azarath¡¯s face melts. Revealing pitch-black eyes and long, dark hair. Selene turned on the light in the room and grabbed Mrs.Goldwyn. She quickly says [I will get his parents to a safe location and rejoin you!] Selene runs out of the room.


    [???: Ah, how did you know?] The man says in an almost mocking tone. Blake just winces as he jumps back.


    [Shifter: The name is Shifter. I was hoping to kill his parents and leave quickly. You just had to get in my way.] Shifter walks closer to Blake. Blake lets out a little chuckle. It turns into a huge laugh.


    [Blake: It is funny. Are you a shapeshifter named Shifter? How corny is that-] Suddenly, Blake is thrown through the side of the house. He shifted his hand to be huge and slapped Blake.


    Blake quickly regains footing and uses his shadows to attack. Shifter just transforms his hand into a light and dispels the shadows. Shifter then gets in close.


    *Shifter: This should be easy. His ability is easily countered!*


    ¡ºCell Manipulation: Creation¡»


    Blake¡¯s arm turns into a hammer and slams Shifter at the side of the head. Shifter quickly shifts his own arm into a spear and stabs Blake before being sent away. Blake heals it with cell manipulation, and Shiter heals by shifting his blood into the skin.


    *Blake: Interesting. His ability seems to be less of shapeshifting and more of transformation. I¡¯m weaker than usual, Bracken is using too much of my power right now.*


    ¡ºCell Manipulation: Bloodflow¡»


    Blake increases the blood flow around his body. This makes Blake way faster as he slices Shifter¡¯s arm with a flesh knife. Shifter goes to move when suddenly.


    ¡ºEarth Manipulation: Sinkhole¡»


    Shifter¡¯s legs are suddenly plunged into the floor. Selene appears on the battlefield with her earth manipulation. Shifter starts to shift out of the hole when.


    [Blake: It seems I already won. I cut you with the flesh knife, right?]


    The shifter¡¯s face changes as he looks over at his arm. It starts to bubble up.


    ¡ºCell Manipulation: Singularity¡»


    Thinking quickly, Shifter cuts off his arm. The previous arm falls on the ground and explodes. He starts to regenerate a new one.


    ¡ºFire Manipulation: Fireball¡»


    Shifter gets hit directly and is burning. His regeneration slows down as the wounds are cauterized. Shifter quickly places his hand on the ground.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡ºEnviromental Transformation¡»


    Suddenly, the rocks under Selene and Blake turn into spikes, stabbing them both. In the midst of the surprise, Shifter was able to shift into fog and escape. Blake heals Selene and himself and sits down.


    [Blake: What the hell just happened?]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    While this is happening, Azarath is on the ground trying to stand. Cuts all over his body.


    [Bracken: Not so strong now, Hero!] Bracken laughs to himself. Bracken then sends a tendril, which knocks Azarath on his back. At this point, a crown has gathered, and the fight is being watched. Bracken walks up.


    [Bracken: How does it feel for everyone to see you get packed up? Pathetic, huh?]


    A tear falls down Azaraths face.


    *Azarath: It is over, isn¡¯t it? My career is over. No one will trust or think of me as a hero anymore now that I lost¡­ I guess to the end, I was never a true hero. I never got the chance. No, I never took it.* Azarath starts laughing to himself at how pathetic he is as tears fall down his face. Bracken approaches.


    [Stop!]


    Azarath looks on in surprise. It is a little boy standing between him and the demon walking towards him.


    [Azarath: Hey, kid. Get out of the way! He is going to kill you!] Azarath pleads with the little boy.


    The boy looks back at Azarath. The crowd is frozen in fear.


    [Kid: I can¡¯t. You are our hero! You saved many of us. You inspired me to want to be a hero just like you! As long as you have not given up, I won¡¯t either!] Bracken just smiles as he encroaches further.


    Azarath looks surprised as he realizes something. This kid is probably spitting out words, random babble. However, this babble helps Azarath understand the true essence of a hero.


    *Azarath: I see. I understand what Selene meant now. Being a hero is not about wanting fame or money. It is about wanting to help others.*


    Bracken lunges at the kid. His claws are outstretched and ready to impale the innocent youth.


    Crash


    As the smoke clears, nothing is in front of Bracken. Azarath is at the side with the kid in his arms.


    [Azarath: Hey, kid. Go back to your parents.] Azarath looks over at Bracken [For fans like you. I¡¯m going to show off a little bit.]


    Azarath powers up his legs to their limit.


    ¡ºSuper Speed¡»


    *Bracken: He was not using that before?!?*


    Azarath, in an instant, appears before Bracken.


    ¡ºSuper Strength: Pleiades Pummel¡»


    A barrage of punches comes at Bracken. They all land with so much force Bracken is nearly knocked out by every single punch. As the barrage ends, Azarath pulls back his fist.


    ¡ºSuper Strength: Starlight Smash¡»


    A punch with the strength of stars lands on Bracken¡¯s chest, nearly breaking every bone in Bracken¡¯s body. Bracken lies defeated in the rubble. Azarath turns around in order to move. Blake and Selene run through the crowd. Blake de summons Bracken. Azarath turns to Blake.


    [Blake: Sorry. I thought I told Bracken to hold back more.]


    *Blake: Damn Bracken! He was using way too much of my power! I couldn¡¯t fight properly before!*


    Azarath just laughs.


    [Azarath: Don¡¯t worry about it. I knew you and Bracken were in cahoots from the beginning. You think I didn¡¯t hear you talking to the air. Then the air talking back? My super senses allow for me to detect creatures like that.] Azarath then looks at Selene. [Are my parents ok?] Selene responds with a nod.


    [Azarath: I really don¡¯t know how I could repay you.] Azarath looks at the sky.


    [Blake: How about saving the world with us?] Blake asks again for the final time.


    Azarath looks over and starts laughing.


    [Azarath: After the great fight your buddy gave me. I was going to do that anyway!] Azarath says with glee. Azarath then turns to address the crowd.


    [Azarath: Sorry for how sudden this is. Your hero is moving onto a bigger stage! It is time for me to save the world!] Azarath tells the crowd as it erupts into applause. Azarath turns and starts walking to the carriage with Blake and Selene.

 Peak Fiction

    The carriage starts its journey back to the royal palace. Selene watches as the scenery outside changes from the Golden District¡¯s lush gardens to the planes¡¯ flowing greenery. Azarath looks around the carriage, a little disappointed. For a king¡¯s carriage, it was less lavish than Azarath imagined. Azarath then looks over to Blake, who is meditating.


    [Azarath: Why are we even still taking carriages?] Azarath says with a sigh. This statement piques Blake¡¯s attention.


    [Blake: What do you mean?]


    [Azarath: Well, we have two neighboring countries. The Gothic and frankly creepy country of Nocturnus. The other is the technological hotspot of the world, Aurorium. Both of them have a technology called ¡°cars.¡± This allows them to move at the power of over 70 horses! I don¡¯t understand why we don¡¯t have those!] This causes Blake to think for a second.


    [Blake: From my understanding. We don¡¯t have the means to mass-produce cars right now. Aurorium has the best scientists in the world and created electric vehicles. Aranthias scientists are still figuring out how to mass produce electricity without magic. Nocturnus uses gas-powered cars because they have oil rigs spanning worldwide. We don¡¯t have that kind of reach. For now, making cars is a thing of the future.]


    Azarath just sighed; he retained only the last part of the statement. They arrived at the royal palace. Azarath entered and looked at the king. Azarath bows. King Valerian just looks at him before opening his mouth.


    [King Valerian: Azarath, You will be a great asset to this team. I look forward to your results.] Azarath looks down and backs up.


    [Azarath: Thank you for this opportunity, King Valerian!]


    With that, Blake leaves back to his quarters. Selene decides to show Azarath to the meeting room. As Selene and Azarath are walking around, Bracken finally gathers enough energy to reform himself. He appears in front of them. Bracken explains his fight with Azarath to Selene before challenging Azarath to another battle. Azarath just looks pitifully at Bracken, who talked about the fight like he won it.


    [Selene: So wait, you were about to kill a kid???]


    Bracken just looks at her as Selene side-eyes him.


    [Bracken: I ain¡¯t Meek Mill, son. I don¡¯t fuck with kids like that, on god.] Bracken defends himself, and Selene just gives him a stare. Without pressing the issue, Selene opens the door to the meeting room.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    [???: Why the hell would you fight him?!?] A female voice rings out in anger as they look on. Another voice just responds [Ok, I¡¯m sorry!] Selene looks on as a pair of blue and yellow eyes meet them.


    Elysia is in the room lecturing Pax, who has bandages all over his body. Upon being questioned, Elysia tells about how Pax was absolutely decimated by Aric. Pax is about to tell his side when his eyes catch a new person in the room, Azarath. [Noble bastard.] He says under his breath, but it didn¡¯t go unheard by Azarath. Who quickly retaliates.


    [Azarath: If I didn¡¯t trust the King¡¯s judgment. I would have called him crazy for allowing a rat like you into the team.]


    Upon hearing this, Pax immediately gets up and meets Azarath¡¯s gaze. They both start throwing insults at one another until they are on the brink of fighting. Elysia immediately steps in and stops the both of them. She looks at Pax.


    [Elysia: No fighting, at least for the time being, Pax. Your wounds are deep and might reopen.]


    A message summoning Pax and Elysia is given over the magic speakers as if on queue. Elysia grabs Pax and drags him over to King Valerian. When they get there, they both bow to the King.


    [King Valerian: You two are the ones I choose to recruit our next vassal, Peak Whitlock. He lives in a village north of here called Glimmering Heights. It is a perpetual blizzard in Glimmering Heights, so I have some winter clothing prepared for the both of you. Put it on and head out immediately.]


    Elysia immediately speaks up.


    [Elysia: With all due respect. Pax is currently in no condition to do missions. Having him sit this out is probably a good idea.] Elysia clearly and concisely states her view.


    [King Valerian: I respect and value your input, but let¡¯s hear what Pax has to say. Pax, do you want to go on this mission?]


    Pax looks up at the King with a smile.


    [Pax: You said I needed to prove myself, right? If I let a little damage stop me from that, then who is going to take me seriously?!?] King Valerian smiles at this response and looks back at Elysia.


    [King Valerian: If that¡¯s how Pax feels, then I see no harm in permitting him on this mission.] Elysia just responds with a [Geeze¡­] Before they both leave to change into their winter clothes.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    A man is running through the snow with a large bag filled to the brim with money. He just came from robbing a bank and is trying to make an escape. However, something is swinging its way above him. The man runs into an alley to escape the cold snow. As he starts to relax, he hears something behind him. It is a youthful, wiry man in his early twenties with a contagious smile and bright, expressive brown eyes. His curly hair is a mess of dark brown.


    The robber quickly pulls out his gun and aims it at the man.


    [I will shoot! Don¡¯t test me!]


    The smile on the man gets bigger as he starts to stretch. Revealing sleek muscles under his tight-fitting attire.


    [???: What do two walls say when they are about to meet?]


    The robber is not having this. He is angry that this man is not taking him seriously. [I told you I would!] The robber shouts as he shoots. The man immediately jumps, avoiding all bullets as he shoots what seem to be webs from out of his hand. The webs swipe the gun from the robber¡¯s hand, and a second web sends him into the wall at the end of the alley, sticking him to it.


    The man smiles as he walks away, and the police arrive.


    [???: ¡°I¡¯ll meet you at the corner!¡±]

 The White

    After an awkward carriage ride, both Pax and Elysia arrive in Glimmering Heights. Pax walks out of the cart and into the harsh winter blizzard. He wonders about why it is a perpetual blizzard here. Elysia is the next out of the cart. She immediately looks around for anything that can help identify Peak Whitlock. They go to the police station, as there have been reports of a vigilante helping out with local crime, and they caught the vigilante. They enter the station, and Elysia approaches the desk and explains the situation.


    [Officer: Peak? That¡¯s the name of the vigilante. If he has business with the king, then I have to release him.] The officer goes back and brings out a man.


    He is small and slim, with dark brown hair and eyes, and is wearing a tight black suit. He looks up at Pax and Elysia before bursting into a smile.


    [Peak: I heard King Valerian wanted something to do with me! That is dope! Thanks for getting me out of there. The guard overlooking my cell smelled like rotting cheese!] Pax looks down and smiles at Peak while Elysia just thinks about what she got herself into.


    After leaving the station, they enter a restaurant where Pax explains the situation.


    [Peak: See, I would love to join you. However, I¡¯m working on a big case right now. Help me crack this open, and I will give you the egg that comes from it.] This was a very obscure sentence that Elysia didn¡¯t think she fully understood. Pax somehow understood what he was saying, and they both shook hands.


    It was weird. Pax and Peak had already formed a deep bond despite this being their first meeting. Elysia just sighed, and they went to discuss the case.


    [Peak: Recently, cult activity has been spiking in this area. I don¡¯t know exactly what they are going to do, but it is going to be big. We need to stop them. Like putting an end to an operation. You feel me?]


    [Pax: I got you.] Pax replies, and Elysia questions further.


    [Elysia: Do you have any idea what the cult is? Who they are? Do you have a plan?]


    Peak thinks for a second.


    [Peak: Nah, not really. They might have come from the gloomy nation Nocturnus. The border is only a few miles away. I do have a plan, though. We are gonna find the base of operations for the cult, beat up the leaders, and bring them to the police!] Peak exclaimed in a confident tone.


    Pax looks over at Peak.


    [Pax: How are we going to find them?] Pax questions. Peak pipes back up.


    [Peak: Simple! I¡¯m pretty fast! I will scout one side of the city. You both scout the other side! We report back if we see anything wrong! We will get ¡¯em with the Tom and Jerry!]


    Peak is confident he can deal with anything. Pax looks at Elysia, who decides to follow Peak¡¯s plan. With that established, Peak shoots a web out of a little hole in his wrist and flies out of the restaurant window. Pax then gets up. [I¡¯m going to do some scouting as well.] As he leaves the restaurant. Elysia decides to go do her own research. However, she is stopped by a waiter, who then proceeds to hand her the check.


    *Elysia: These bastards! They left me to pay the entire bill?!?*


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Peak is slinging his way through the city as he feels a tingle in his body. Peak puts his head back as a fireball whizzes by his head. Peak drops to the floor to look at his assailants. It is a group of hooded figures. The ground starts to charge up elemental magic and starts to rapid-fire them at Peak.


    Peak easily dodges and avoids all of the bullets. Peak jumps into the sky and webs onto two of the hooded figures.


    [Peak: Once, a woman at the bank asked to check her balance. So I pushed her over!] After delivering this joke, Peak slams both figures together and webs them in place. One of them comes up behind Peak with a knife.


    [Peak: What do you call a nosy pepper? One who¡¯s jalepe?o business!] Peak says with a laugh as he spits into the hooded figure¡¯s face. It immediately starts smoking as the acid spit eats through his face.


    More hooded figures approach. Peak looks at them and smiles.


    [Peak: How do you tell the difference between a bull and a cow? It is either one or the udder!] Peak laughs as he quickly spins around, releasing a bunch of acid-covered webs.


    ¡ºVenomous Snare¡»


    All of the hooded figures are covered in webs. They are unable to move because of the acid, causing them immense pain. Peak laughs as he walks over to one to interrogate. A voice suddenly rings out in the street.


    [???: You did a number on my subordinates. Allow me to pay you in kind.]


    Peak quickly turns around as his sense of danger goes crazy. This makes Peak jump and cling to the side of a building.


    [Peak: Who are you?!?] Peak says in a somewhat joking, somewhat serious tone.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    [Let me introduce myself¡­]


    ¡ºAlchemist of the Obsidian Covenant, Balthazar Crowe.¡»


    Balthazar is a wiry, sinister-looking man with wild black hair and dark, sunken eyes. He wears tattered robes covered in alchemical symbols and vials, and his hands start to turn into claws. Balthazar is extremely fast and suddenly appears in front of Peak.


    ¡ºAlchemy slash: Anastesia¡»


    Peak¡¯s danger sense allows him to block the attack as he slashes into Peak¡¯s arm. Baltazar laughs as he jumps back and starts to walk slowly towards Peak. Peak¡¯s vision begins to fail.


    [Peak: What¡­ What the hell did you do to me?] Peak says in a weak voice.


    [Balthazar: My ability allows me to produce any type of drug from these claws on my hands. You are currently going to have a little nap.] Balthazar states with a horrid smile. [B-bastard¡­] Peak says as he falls asleep.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    It has been one day since Peak seemingly disappeared. Pax is still searching the town when a group of hooded figures surrounds him as well. Pax immediately gets into a fighting position and starts to knock the figures out. Pax is stronger and faster than them, so only one hit is needed. However, Pax is caught off guard as more appear behind him. They start to shoot elemental bullets.


    ¡ºUnfair: Special Barrier Creation¡»


    A barrier is made around him, blocking all of the bullets. With this, he easily defeats all of the figures around him.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    A few blocks away, figures surround Elysia. They start with the magic onslaught.


    ¡ºJewlery magic: Topaz defense¡»


    A giant orange gemstone appears around her and reflects all of the magic back at her assailants. As they start to recover, hundreds of red crystals appear all around them. The crystals explode. Knocking all of them unconscious except one. Elysia walks over and starts to interrogate the man.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Pax receives a call on his communication stone. Pax picks it up, and it¡¯s Elysia in a hurried tone.


    [Elysia: Peak is in danger! I can¡¯t tell you the details now. Just hurry to the abandoned factory on the other side of town!] Elysia hangs up.


    Without skipping a beat, Pax activates {Unstoppable} and starts running through buildings while speeding to the factory.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Peak slowly wakes up in an abandoned factory. He looks down to see a circle of blood under him. Balthazar slowly walks in front of him.


    [Balthazar: You are finally awake. I was afraid I gave you a lethal dose on accident.]


    Peak is angry as he lashes out, but his hands are tied up in the back.


    [Peak: What the hell is all of this?!?]


    Balthazar laughs.


    [Balthazar: This is where we are going to summon an ¡°Anomaly¡± with you as a sacrifice. First, let me ask. Do you think you¡¯re funny?] Peak smiles.


    [Peak: I am the funniest guy I know!]


    [Balthazar: Really? Is that why your parents disowned you? Is that the reason no one is coming to save you? The truth is you are not funny at all. No one at all thinks you are funny.] Balthazar hits Peak with a wave of criticism. Peak just looks down. Balthazar starts chanting. The room glows as Peak screams in pain. When Balthazar is suddenly sent flying across the room, Peak is surprised as Pax is now in the building.


    Pax deactivates Unstoppable. He tells Peak [Are you ok?] He looks at Balthazar, ready to fight.


    [Balthazar: Fine, I guess some need to be killed.] Balthazares hands start to transform into claws.


    Pax spits blood. [Huh?] Pax falls to the ground, holding his chest. The bandage fills with blood.


    *Pax: Shit! My wound must have opened up by using Unstoppable through all those buildings!*


    Pax starts to lose consciousness, and Balthazar quickly kicks him aside. Balthazar repositions himself in front of Peak to begin chanting. Peak starts to talk.


    [Peak: Thanks, Pax, for trying to help me. I will take it from here. Hey, Balthazar, you said no one finds me funny? Well, you are wrong, there is one¡­]


    Balthazar is almost knocked out as Peak¡¯s leg goes a full 90 degrees and kicks Balthazar in his chin.


    ¡ºSpider-Limb Strike¡»


    Peak then uses his other leg to propel himself into the air. The ropes around his wrist melt away.


    *Balthazar: He can produce the acid from his wrists as well?!?*


    Peak smiles as he looks down.


    [Peak: That person is¡­ Myself!]


    Peak declares as he points to himself. This was Peak¡¯s true strength, not his webs, not his acid, but his indomitable will. He then dislocates his leg for extra range and slams it down on Balthazar¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡ºStreched Dropkick¡»


    Balthazar is furious as his other hand swipes at Peak with the most deadly poison on this planet.


    ¡ºAlechemical Slash: Botox¡»


    However, before it can strike, it gets reflected off of Peak.


    [Balthazar: Huh?]


    A small orange gem is what it bounced off of. Peak quickly looks over at Elysia, who just arrived.


    [Peak: Nice cover!!!]


    Peak dislocates his arm to its maximum length and covers it with acid webs.


    [Peak: What¡¯s red and bad for your health? A spiked punch!]


    ¡ºVenomous Pulverizer¡»


    Peak winds up the ball of webs and acid. He then shoots it with full force directly into Balthazar¡¯s face. Sending him flying back into a wall as his face melts. Peak relocates his arm and leg and immediately turns around to check on Pax.


    ¡ºJewel Magic: Emerald Health¡»


    A light green glow emanates from Pax¡¯s wound as Elysia stares at Peak, saying he is going to be okay. Peak hears something move as he turns around. Balthazar is trying to get up. His face melts as he stands. His claws start emanating various drugs.


    [Balthazar: HAHAHA! I will now inject myself with all of these drugs! Let¡¯s see if you can keep up with my roided self!] Balthazar laughs as he goes to stab himself. However, he can¡¯t move an inch. [What¡­] Balthazar looks over at Pax, who has his hand outstretched.


    ¡ºUnfair: Perfect Barrier Creation¡»


    Pax created a human-shaped barrier around Balthazar, stopping all of his movements. Balthazar quickly looks over at Peak with a desperate stare.


    [Bathazar: Hey, buddy. Convince him to let me go! I will retire from crime! I swear. The Obsidian Covenant will kick me out if they hear I failed. You can join if you let me go!] Balthazar pleads with Peak. Peak just laughs to himself.


    [Peak: What did the worker at the rubber band factory say when he was fired? Oh, snap!]


    Peak then punches Balthazar in the face, knocking him out. Peak hears something behind him.


    [Ha.]


    Peak turns around in surprise to see Pax laughing at his quip. Elysia just sighs [You have such lousy humor, Pax.] Pax looks up at Peak.


    [Pax: That one got me! Good joke! Hahaha!] Pax can barely contain himself. Tears start forming in Peak¡¯s eyes, but he wipes them away. The police arrive at the abandoned factory as Peak looks down at the both of them.


    [Peak: You guys said you needed me for your team. I¡¯m definitely going to take you up on that!] Peak says enthusiastically. Cementing his place on the team.


    |Arc 0- Recruitment Arc, End. Arc 1- The Ascended Crucible, Start.|

 The Team is All Here

    The ride back to the royal palace starts for a near-final time. Elysia wants to throw herself out of the carriage multiple times as Peak¡¯s jokes keep getting worse. Pax just laughs, entertaining Peak to keep making more jokes. Peak stops for a little in order to have an actual conversation. At this point, Elysia is tired and on the verge of falling asleep. Pax stops laughing after a while, and Peak looks at him. Peak¡¯s brown eyes glowed with anticipation for the future.


    [Peak: So, what is the royal palace like? I hope it¡¯s cool, with statues, gold, and other rich stuff!] Peak says with extreme enthusiasm. Imagining the grandeur of the castle. To this end, Elysia reenters the conversation.


    [Elysia: Everything you are thinking about the royal palace is true! It is an excellent place for all types of people!] Elysia says with complete confidence and pride. Peak starts to fanboy even more as Pax just sighs and looks out the window.


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    They arrive at the royal castle a few hours later and start getting set in. Peak walks in and is overjoyed at all the glory around him. Peak immediately begins to climb the walls to get a better look. Pax and Elysia start to freak out and try to convince him to come down. At this time, Blake and Azarath walk in.


    [Blake: So that is our newest member? He seems like a handful¡­] Blake says with a hint of apathy. Azarath just puts his head in his hands.


    [Azarath: Another middle to lower class member? This team is a shit show!] Azarath states with anguish. Pax immediately stops what he is doing and looks at Azarath.


    [Pax: Shut up, trust fund baby.] Pax retorts with lasting resentment. Azarath refuses to let this disrespect slide.


    [Azarath: I don¡¯t want to hear anything from a sewer rat.] Pax also refuses to let this disrespect slide, and they both start hurling insults at one another. Elysia just looks annoyed as she frantically tries to stop Peak from breaking anything. Bracken manifests near Blake.


    [Bracken: This guy is definitely something. Isn¡¯t he a little young to be on a team like this? No diddy, tho.] Bracken casually says. Blake looks over at Peak, then back to Bracken.


    [Blake: Maybe you are right. He seems to be around 18-20, while we all are around 25-27. It shouldn¡¯t matter too much in the long run, though. Hey Azarath, I think it¡¯s time to catch Peak.] Blake looks over at Azarath.


    [Azarath: Shut up, emo boy!] Azarath quickly snaps back. Blake doesn¡¯t really care about the insult. However, Bracken would not let this slide.


    [Bracken: Shut your goofy ass ¡°Man of Steel¡± head ass up. That¡¯s why I clapped your sorry-ass little bitch boy.] Bracken says as he shows his claws. Peak immediately stops moving around and looks at Bracken.


    [Peak: Oh, a monster. Don¡¯t worry, I will protect you!] Peak suddenly webs onto Bracken and dropkicks his chest, sending Bracken through the wall. Bracken breaks through multiple walls before getting up. Just as Bracken is about to retaliate, Blake desummons him. Bracken starts talking to Blake.


    [Bracken: Let me back at ¡®em¡¯. I will beat his sorry ass!] Bracken is fuming at this point. Blake decides the best course of action is to keep Bracken desummoned. Elysia¡¯s soul leaves her body upon seeing all of the damage caused by the impact. Deciding enough is enough, Blake starts to use shadow manipulation to catch Peak. Peak drops to the ground in order to dodge. Pax and Azarath are on the verge of fighting.


    [Will you guys just shut up!]


    The ground gives out under the group. They all start to sink into it. Blake looks over to see a woman walk into the room. Her pale, faintly green skin and blue eyes shine as she enters the room. Selene stands as everyone is stuck on the ground, their bodies sinking through the floor like quicksand.


    [What is going on here?]


    An old but wise voice rings out. Everyone can instantly tell who the voice belongs to as Aric enters the room. He surveys the destruction caused and the people stuck in the ground. Aric just waves his staff, and the room starts to fix itself. The group gets ejected out of the floor as it begins to reshape into what it used to be. Pax and Azarath are standing on the opposite side of the room. Blake is holding Peak down with shadows while Peak actively tries to escape. Selene is just annoyingly staring at the situation.


    *Aric: Getting them to work together will be challenging, won¡¯t it?*


    [Peak: Let me out!! Fine, I¡¯m sorry, the monster looked like a monster, so I had to take him out!]


    Blake relents and frees Peak. Peak quickly jumps back to create some level of distance between him and Blake. Aric slams his staff on the ground, making a shockwave reverberate across the whole room, stunning everyone.


    [Aric: Can you guys calm down?!? I need to explain some important information, so if you could get in a line in front of me, that would be appreciated.]


    Seeing the raw power displayed with the slam, everyone decided to fall into place, even Azarath. They get into a line from tallest to shortest. Pax, Azarath, Selene, Blake, and Peak. After they are all in order, Blake asks a question.


    [Blake: You said you have some important information?]


    Aric looks at them and smiles.


    [Aric: It¡¯s more or less going to be a quick crash course. I will explain a lot of things here, so make sure you listen closely. You might have learned some of this if you went to school. However, I know some of you have not gotten a proper education.]


    Without missing a beat, Azarath looks over at Pax and does an audible [Heh]. The richness radiating through his laugh, Pax would have definitely punched Azarath¡¯s jaw off by now if the looming threat of Aric was not standing right in front of them. Selene looks on. Peak is in his own world and is not paying Aric any attention. Blake leans over, very interested in what Aric will explain.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    [Aric: First, I will explain the various powers of this world. Every power in this world is categorized into five different categories. The first is called ¡°Specialists¡±; these are people who were born with an ability; they are usually random and happen completely unrelated to any previous powers within a bloodline. An example of a Specialist would be Azarath, Blake, and Peak. The second is called ¡°Esper¡±; these are people who have inherited abilities, whether it be from an item or a person, and even learned abilities are considered Esper abilities. A prime example is Elysia, whose jewelry magic runs in her bloodline. Blake and Selene can also be considered Espers.]


    Blake and Selene look extremely surprised.


    [Blake: I¡¯m an Esper but also a Specialist? Is that even possible?]


    Seeing Selene¡¯s face and hearing Blake¡¯s questions. Aric starts to answer.


    [Aric: You learned your shadow magic from a dragon, right?]


    Blake takes a step back. Everyone in the room looks at him in surprise. Even Peak tuned back into the conversion as he whispered [Dragon?] whimsically.


    [Blake: How did you know that?]


    [Aric: I did a little digging into all of your backgrounds. You are a specialist because of your flesh control. Your father left you a dragon to protect you after he left for the last time. That¡¯s where you learned your shadow magic. It¡¯s a learned technique; therefore, it is an Esper ability. Hey, can you eat shadows?]


    Aric looks at Blake. Seeing Blake¡¯s confused face looking back at him, Aric decides to move on.


    [Aric: Selene is an Esper because, as a dryad, she inherently has the ability to control nature. Now, let¡¯s move on. The third category is called ¡°Negations¡±; these are people who have the ability to negate a fundamental quality of reality. An example would be Pax with his Unfair. This is the rarest category to happen naturally. Four and Five go hand in hand, so I will go over them together. They are called ¡°Binding vows and Contracts¡±; they are both conditions made to benefit a party in some form. Binding vows are usually vows made with oneself where the premise is that you sacrifice a particular aspect of yourself in order to attain a goal or achieve a buff. Binding vows are based on an equivalent exchange; you can only take as much as you give in. Contracts are vows made between two different individuals that usually are to the benefit of both parties. They could be unfair; however, that¡¯s just the truth if you are bad at negotiations. An example of a contract would be Blake and Bracken, with their contract being that Blake has to split his powers if he wants to summon Bracken, and Bracken will follow all of Blake¡¯s commands. Any questions?]


    They all looked on. No one raised any questions. Blake and Selene were taking in the information. Pax had never known this before, so he was internalizing it as well. Azarath learned this in school, so he just waved it off. Peak was not listening to a word Aric said.


    [Aric: Ok, continuing. You are a team made to fight against strong foes known as the ¡°Aspects of the Apocalypse.¡± It is said that the old god of the end, ¡°Apollyon¡± will make his resurrection using the Aspects¡¯ power to bring about a new age of destruction.]


    Peak unexpectedly raises his hand.


    [Peak: So how strong are these Aspects???]


    Aric looks in surprise for a little bit before continuing.


    [Aric: Before I explain, I will tell you how you will be rated in strength. First is Grade 3, which is an average soldier. Grade 2 is an above-average soldier. Semi-Grade 1 is someone who is way above your average soldier but weaker than a Grade 1. Grade 1 has reached the peak of human capabilities; usually, these people are some of the strongest out there. Special Grade is reserved for people who are strong enough to take down countries; they are so strong that they are considered weapons of war in this world. It is a common law that every nation has to register every special grade soldier they acquire so the other countries can know and prepare. Finally, Abyssal Grade is a threat to the entire planet. This is only a grade in theory, as no human or monster has reached this point.]


    Aric sighs after saying all of that, but he continues on.


    [Aric: If the legend is to be believed. The best-case scenario is that the Aspects are only comprised of high-grade 1s and a few special grades. The worst-case scenario is that the Aspects are comprised of entirely special grades with at least one abyssal grade.]


    Pax raises his hand for a question.


    [Pax: You said that every country has registered special grades?]


    [Aric: Yes. It¡¯s an unwritten rule that kings have to be of a special grade to protect their countries; however, they usually don¡¯t count. The highest number of registered special grades is in our country, Aranthia. We have two registered special grades. I am one of them. The other one is not in the city right now. Nocturnus has one registered special grade. However, they have the highest number of grade 1s. Aurorium has one special grade as well; however, it has the largest guild system in the world. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if they were hiding some special grades. The trade nation Veridia has one, but they are also very secretive.]


    Azarath scoffs; everyone knows what Azarath is thinking ¡°I am probably a special grade.¡± Pax looks annoyed. Aric, seeing this, summons an orb.


    [Aric: This orb tells you your stats and what grade you are. It is very helpful and you can get one in nearly every market in the world! It will tell you your grade and what level you are in your grade. So, for Grade 2, you could be Low-Grade 2, Grade 2, or High-Grade 2. Same for Grade 1 and Special Grade. Now, put your hand on and see your grade!]


    Azarath laughs as he is the first to walk to the orb. Confident in his chances, he puts his hand on it. The orb starts glowing and springs to life.


    [Name: Azarath Goldwyn. Strengths: Grade 1 level offense and speed. Weaknesses: severe lack of training, arrogance, and usually not thinking of plans. Overall grade: Semi-Grade 1.]


    Azarath looks shocked as if his whole world has been turned upside down. Pax starts dying in the background.


    [Pax: Look at you, barking all that! You are not even a grade 1! Watch this!]


    Pax runs up and puts his hand on the orb.


    [Name: Pax Stone. Strengths: Varying offensive options ranging from Semi-Grade 1 to Grade 1. Grade 1 level defence. Negation ability. Well-trained in combat and martial arts. Weaknesses: Speed is lacking at first, and Pax needs a while to gain speed. Limited to his opponent¡¯s abilities. Low IQ. Kind nature. Overall grade: Semi-Grade 1.]


    Seeing that they both have the same grade, Azarath and Pax start to beef about who is actually stronger. Selene pays them no mind as she puts her hand on the orb.


    [Name: Selene Rivers. Strength: Amazing variety in abilities. Relatively smart. Guardian state. Weaknesses: Grade 2 level offensive and defense. Easily startled. Grade 2 level speed. Can¡¯t willingly summon the Guardian state. Overall grade: High-Grade 2.]


    Selene is happy with this result. While she isn¡¯t as strong as Pax or Azarath, she is still well above average. Blake makes his way over to the orb and touches it.


    [Name: Blake Everhart. Strength: Extremely smart, is both an esper and specialist, monster contract, decently trained. Weakness: Mindset. Is thrown off easily. Grade 2 to Semi-Grade 1 level attack and defence. Grade 2 level speed. Monster contract can limit Blake¡¯s overall power. Overall grade: High-Grade 2.]


    Blake is a little disappointed that he is not Semi-Grade 1; however, he accepts the result. Peak is brimming with excitement for his turn as he puts his hand on the orb.


    [Name: Peak Whitlock. Strength: Grade 1 level offense, speed, and defense. Has a reliable way to immobilize an enemy. Acid can do extra damage. High battle IQ. Has a fighting style developed by himself, making him unpredictable. Weakness: Peak holds back in every fight he is in. Has a hard time aiming at particularly fast enemies. Low normal IQ. Mindset. Extremely gullible. Overall grade: Low-Grade 1.]


    The room turns silent as everyone just looks and reads what the orb says about Peak. He¡¯s the strongest?

 The Kings Son

    Everyone just stares at the orb for a second. Azarath is absolutely fuming, and Pax just has a surprised look on his face. Blake immediately makes a mental note of Peak¡¯s strength as Selene just smiles and sighs. Even Aric is surprised at this result. Seeing he is the strongest, Peak just puts his hand on the back of his head.


    [Peak: I guess the secret is out then¡­ hehe¡­] Peak does a small chuckle to himself. Azarath raises his fist in defeat and punches the sky. Suddenly, Pax walks up to Peak, grabs him by the collar of his shirt, and slams him into a wall.


    [Pax: The hell is the meaning of this?!?] Pax says with anger radiating from his eyes. Peak just lets out a small [huh].


    [Pax: I could give a two rats ass that you are stronger than me. However, you were holding back?] Pax says in an irritated tone.


    [Peak: I just don¡¯t like to kill¡­ Cut me some slack¡­] Peak says in a small voice. To this response, Pax raises him higher. Blake and Slene get ready to restrain Pax if need be. Pax starts to talk.


    [Pax: We were fighting a cult! I was severely injured and on the verge of death! Now we know you had the power to take them all by yourself?!? What did Elysia and I put ourselves in danger for?!?] Pax says with anger in his voice. Peak looks down.


    [Peak: To be fair¡­ I did just get hit by a heavy dose of anesthesia by that time¡­] Pax lets him down.


    [Pax: I don¡¯t want any excuses! You could have let us both die there!] Pax looks around, but Elysia is nowhere to be found. Aric interjects.


    [Aric: Even without Peak, you would probably be fine. After all, Elysia is a Grade 1, which is even above Peak. It¡¯s usually customary that anyone serving the king is at least Grade 1. The only person that is not is Sarah because she is relatively new.] Peak gives a smirk to Pax. Pax just turns around.


    [Pax: My point here is that I want to be able to trust your power as my teammate. Now that we are going to be fighting people on higher levels, if you pull your punches, you or one of your team members could suffer. Holding back against grunts is fine. But, I want you to promise me that you won¡¯t hold back against any of the big dogs.] Pax puts his fist out for a fist bump. Peak responds with a smile and bumps it back.


    [Peak: I won¡¯t let you down!] Pax then turns around and says [Elysia, is it true that you are a Grade 1?!?] However, she is not there. Peak just laughs. [Peak: I guess I really am the strongest person in the room, then.]


    Aric just walks up. He stares at everyone.


    [Aric: Yes, Elysia left during the discussions. Also, Peak, you are not the strongest person in this room. I am.] Aric says with a smile as he puts his hand on the orb.


    [Name: Aric. Strengths: Extreme variety in abilities. Forbidden Magic. Various contracts. Has a spell for basically anything. High-Grade 1 level offense, defense, and speed without magic. Weakness: If an opponent can nullify magic, Aric has to fight physically. Overall: High-Special Grade.]


    Aric walks to the center of the room.


    [Aric: By the way, there are only five registered High-Special Grades in the entire world.]


    Aric laughs and fully flexes his power to the amazement of everyone watching. Aric turns around. [It seems it¡¯s finally ready, everyone come in.] Six figures proceed into the room and stand around Aric. Elysia, Sarah, and Lyra are a part of them. However, no one in the room recognizes the rest of them. Aric then instructs them to step up and introduce themselves.


    Elysia steps up.


    [My name is Elysia. I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Aranthia.] Elysia steps back, and Sarah steps up.


    [Hello! My name is Sarah Thorne! I am the lead strategist for Aranthia!] Sarah pops back, and Lyra steps up. Selene winces upon seeing Lyra. She is wearing an eyepatch and has burn marks on over 50 percent of her body. It¡¯s a miracle she even survived. Selene will destroy whoever killed her home and made Lyra like this.


    [Lyra Greenwood¡­ Hi¡­ I am the leader of the agriculture of Aranthia¡­] Lyra shrinks back. Aric skips himself because he already introduced himself. Now its just the three mysterious figures to Arics right.


    One of them steps up. He looks to be in his early 50s and has a slender build with an air of quiet authority. He has neatly combed, thinning white hair and wears glasses around his amber eyes. His attire is always immaculate, consisting of fine, tailored clothing suitable for his position.


    [My name is Felix Wern. I am the Treasurer of Aranthia. I am also going to be the one supplying all of your paychecks.] At the sound of money, Azarath immediately locks into the conversation; however, to his disappointment, Felix steps back. A woman walks up.


    She is in her mid-40s, with a lithe and agile build. Her long, dark hair is often tied back in an intricate braid, and her sharp gray eyes miss nothing. She wears practical, dark clothing that allows her to blend into the shadows, and she carries a small, ornate dagger.


    [Hello. My name is Isabella Montrose. I am the head of espionage for Aranthia.] She walks back. Blake notes that she makes no sound when she walks. Finally, a bulky man steps up.


    He looks to be in his late 40s and has a tall and sturdy build, with weathered skin and deep blue eyes that reflect his extensive time at sea. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and he sports a neatly trimmed beard. He wears a naval uniform with gold epaulets and a captain¡¯s hat.


    [Sup! The name is Cealum! I am the leader of the Royal Guards that protect the king!] The man smacks his chest and returns to his position in the line. Aric just says [Any Questions?] Selene raises her hand.


    [Selene: Why are you not the leader of the Royal Guard if you¡¯re the strongest?] Selene asks with a confused look. Aric responds.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    [Aric: You see, as a High-Special Grade, I am the king¡¯s closest fighter. If a person is strong enough to get through the royal guard, only then will I fight them. I wouldn¡¯t worry, though. As a High-Grade 1, Cealum is extremely powerful.] Cealum puts his hand on one of his biceps and smiles. Azarath raises his hand.


    [Azarath: So how much are we getting paid?] Felix walks up and answers this question.


    [Felix: As a special task force created by the King himself, you are above the royal guards. Your salary will easily put you in the top 1%, so don¡¯t worry about that.] Felix walks back. Azarath, content with this answer, smiles from ear to ear.


    After a while of answering questions, someone walks into the room. All of the higher-ups instantly bow to the imposing figure. It¡¯s King Valerin, and someone is trailing behind him. The vassals follow suit, bowing to the King.


    [Valerian: Hello, my Vassals are loyal followers! I have a surprise for you!]


    A man walks up from behind King Valerian. He is tall and athletic, with a strong yet agile physique that reflects his combat training and physical prowess. Dark blue hair that falls in soft waves all the way down to his feet. He has striking dark blue eyes that look like the ocean at night. He wears an intricate white tunic with gold and blue lining around it. A small pendant is around his neck, with the crest of the royal family.


    Everyone looks confused as the words leave King Valerian¡¯s mouth.


    [A new vassal, my son, Harpstein Valerian!] At this, the boy gets on one knee and bows.


    Everyone is shocked at this revelation. The King waves his hand and everyone except the vassals and Aric leave the room. Even Azarath, who has various noble connections, didn¡¯t know about this supposed son of the king. The only known son of the king is Lyric Valerian however he is only fifteen years old. Is it possible that the king was hiding a child? Thoughts flooded Blake and Azaraths heads. Pax and Selene were absolutely dumbfounded. Peak gets up and raises his hand, looking very concerned.


    [Peak: Wait, you are telling me your name is not Valerian??? What¡¯s your last name?!?! I need to know your real name right now!!!]


    The ridiculous nature of the question relieved some of the tension in the room. Pax lets out a small chuckle he is desperately trying to hold back. The King replies [My name is a secret.] While putting a finger over his mouth. Blake takes the chance and hops in the conversation.


    [Blake: So what¡¯s the deal with this son?] Blake asks in a cautious tone.


    [Valerian: I knew you would ask about him. He is the first son of the Valerian family. He is 25 years old. I never revealed him to the public because he told me he never wanted to be in the public eye. Harpstein was my successor. However, he has chosen to join your team instead. I told him that he couldn¡¯t be my successor if he joined this team; it was too dangerous. However, he kept insisting. So here we are.] Valerian sighs. A hint of worry in his voice. Harpstein bows.


    [Harpstein: Thank you for having me on the team. I hope I can fully meet your expectations.] The humbleness of his voice was genuine.


    Without warning Pax lunges at Harpstein and goes for a punch. Harpstein doesn¡¯t move and before the punch connects Pax stops his fist. Blake immediately covers Paxs body in shadows, stopping him from moving any further. The rest of the vassals are also prepared to defend Harpstein.


    [Pax: Listen here. I don¡¯t care how much your dad vouches for you. This team isn¡¯t for shits and giggles. We will be fighting for our lives and the lives of this country. You will be damned if you think I will let someone get on this team through nepotism!] Pax says with a hint of disdain in his voice.


    [Harpstein: I¡¯m sorry.] He gives a worried chuckle. [However, I have just as much a right to be on this team as you.] Harpstein tries to explain his case to Pax. Blake looks over at King Valerian.


    [Blake: Considering you or Aric didn¡¯t move when Pax lunged, did you expect this reaction? What is your goal in introducing him to us this late into the game?] Blake says quizzically. The king answers.


    [Valerian: To tell the whole truth. Harpstein was in my dream as well. I didn¡¯t want to believe it and grappled with it for a while. However, my dream didn¡¯t lie. This is his destiny.]


    Pax uses Unstoppable to break free from the shadows and then walks up to Harpstein. He puts his hand out for a handshake.


    [Pax: Don¡¯t expect any special treatment because you are the king¡¯s son.]


    Harpstein shakes Pax¡¯s hand.


    [Harpstein: I wouldn¡¯t expected anything else.]


    With a mutual understanding established. Harpstein looks to the other members. Azarath immediately gets on his knees.


    [Azarath: Don¡¯t worry, I will treat you nicely.] He whispers. [So give me a good word with the king?] Pax immediately gets angry.


    [Pax: You are sucking up to him already?!? That¡¯s crazy!] Azarath looks over at Pax.


    [Azarath: Shut up! No one is talking to you, hoodlum!]


    Harpstein tries to calm them down.


    [Harpstein: Please! I don¡¯t want any special treatment because of my royal lineage. Plus, I¡¯m only Sem-Grade 1.] Harstein tries to reason. Selene looks down.


    [Selene: As long as he doesn¡¯t complain like those two dimwhits, then I¡¯m fine.] Blake nods, signaling his agreement with the message. Bracken whispers in Blakes¡¯s ear [Let me take a crack at his royal ass.] Blake decides to keep Bracken desummoned. Peak comes bubbling towards Harpstein.


    [Peak: Hey! Ya, like video games?] Peak says with full curiosity. Harpstein responds truthfully.


    [Harpstein: I always had access to video games growing up. Needless to say, I love them.] Peak lets out an excited [Yay!] as he finally finds someone with whom he can discuss the latest gaming trends.


    With the introductions to the team out of the way, King Valerian leaves and signals to Aric to show them to ¡°The Room.¡± Aric leads them to a room. It¡¯s grand in scale and has a large roundtable in the middle. With a floating book in the middle.


    [Aric: This is Aranthias national treasure; it is called the ¡°Ark.¡± It is said when six heroes sit in the seats, the book will open. The book¡¯s name is ¡°Apocalypse¡±; it will provide you with various quests, with penalties if you don¡¯t finish them. Sit down and see if Ark activates. This will prove that he got the right people.]


    There are six seats on the Ark. Each has a symbol on it. The first symbol is a plant; Selene sits down there. The second seat has the symbols of a man and a monster, with multiple other creatures behind them. Blake decides to sit there. The third seat depicts money and fame, and Azarath happily takes the seat. The fourth seat has the symbol of an hourglass; Harpstein sits down on that one. The fifth seat has the image of a balled-up fist; Peak hops into the seat without even looking at the symbol. The final seat has an X symbol on it. Pax sits down.


    Suddenly the table glows. Its energy overflowing as the book springs to life. It grows a demon like smile as it opens up.


    [Apocalypse: One quest. Win ¡°The Acended Crucible¡±. Reward: Location of the Artifact ¡°Adam and Eve¡±. Time to beat Quest 1 month. Participants six. Penalty for failing the quest ¡°Faulty¡± will be added to the world. Do you accept?]


    After reading the terms, Harpstein speaks up.


    [Harpstein: We accept.]


    ¡ª----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    A mysterious cave. It has jagged corners and steep ledges. A man walks into the cave. He has a slim build, relatively tall. While he is somewhat athletic, it looks like he doesn¡¯t work out all that often. The most peculiar part was what he was wearing. He had a dark purple suit with white lines running down. A white undershirt and black tie. Purple dress pants as well. He had dark purple spiked-up hair. He has black gloves on. The man looks up, revealing beautiful rainbow-colored eyes. He starts laughing uncontrollably.


    ¡ºFun of the Apocalypse, Madness- Zane.¡»


    Zane skips around for a little bit before standing still. He claps his hands, and 13 other figures appear in the cave.


    [Zane: A lot of really cool things are going on! So¡­Let¡¯s have a little chat!]

 Utopia

    The cave is dimly lit. Stalactites cover the ceiling and leak water. The rest of the cove consists of jagged edges and steep falls. Zane claps his hands. A round table appears in the cave. It has 14 seats, befitting the fourteen people currently in the room. On the roundtable appears a white book that looks exactly like Apocalypse. Zane puts on his most demented smile as he jumps on the table. Zane looks over to the people as he starts his speech.


    [Zane: Hello! My fellow aspects! How have you guys been? This is the first time all of us have convened, hasn''t it?] Zane skips around the table in glee. Another man slowly walks up.


    ¡ºSadness of the Apocalypse- Tragedy, Dolor¡»


    Dolor is a gloomy individual with sad, almost haunted eyes. He possesses a thin, gaunt build and pale, almost translucent skin. His black hair is long and perpetually messy and falls over his face in a tousled manner. He wears dark, ripped clothing that seems to have seen better days. Dolor looks at Zane.


    [Dolor: Do we have to be here¡­ I would really like to go¡­] Dolor says while yawning. Dolor just sits down in his seat and starts to drift off. To this end, another man steps up.


    ¡ºStart of the Apocalypse- Chaos, Eugene¡»


    Eugene is an ordinary-looking man. He has a slim build with pale skin. Eugene has short white hair accompanied by his golden yellow eyes. Eugene wears noble clothes and has round earrings. Eugene looks over at Zane.


    [Eugene: Do you know who I am? I am a very important person who has a lot of things I could be doing. Why did you rip me from my residence so suddenly? At the very least, you could have provided a prior notice. Choose your words carefully and make sure I don¡¯t misunderstand.]


    Zane looks over at him and smiles.


    [Zane: Oh, some big things are going down in the world! I''m pretty sure Utopia is going to open up soon! I want us all to be a part of it, considering it''s our job! Plus, I just want to talk with my friends!] Zane tells Eugene in an excited tone. Without warning, Eugene moves his hand and Zane is blown up from the waist up. Eugene just looks on.


    [Eugene: Zane, you dare commit such an egregious affront to my being, tearing me away from where I rightfully belong and forcing me into this pathetic, dimly lit hole with¡ªwhat is this?¡ªthirteen other people? Do you have any idea who I am? To infringe upon my rights, my personal space, my existence in such a barbaric manner! And for what? To surround me with these insignificant, unworthy individuals? It¡¯s an insult of the highest order! I refuse to acknowledge this situation as anything other than a disgusting violation of the sanctity of my autonomy! I can personally educate you on the true meaning of justice¡ªmy justice, which is the only justice that matters! I-] Only mumbles are heard as Eugene turns around to see Zane, perfectly fine, standing and smiling. Eugene puts his hand up to his mouth. It¡¯s gone. [Enough out of you!] Zane says excitedly and teleports Eugene into his chair. Strapping him into the chair as well.


    [I agree with Dolor. We should probably get this over with.] An older feminine voice rings out.


    ¡ºDeath of the Apocalypse- End, Nyx¡»


    Nyx is a stunningly beautiful yet terrifying figure. Her long, flowing purple hair seems to merge with the night, and her skin is a deep, midnight blue. Her eyes are a striking, luminous silver, like stars in the night sky. She wears a flowing, dark gown adorned with sparkling constellations, and her presence is awe-inspiring and chilling. She moves with an elegant and otherworldly grace. She puffs on her pipe and walks to her seat.


    [Nyx: Isn¡¯t that right, Echo?] Nyx states while looking at another female in the room.


    ¡ºLonliness of the Apocalypse- Solitude, Echo¡»


    Echo is a dignified woman with a slim build. She wears a military uniform and has various knives stationed on her utility belt. She has long, icy blue hair and icy blue eyes. Her expression is that of annoyance and hatred, but it is also somewhat devoid of emotion. Echo quickly glares at Nyx.


    [Echo: Die.] She says coldly as she sits in her seat. In this way, another man steps up to Zane.


    ¡ºStrategy of the Apocalypse- Dystopia, Cawdore¡»


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Cawdore is a large man, 6''5" with a muscular build. He has short salt-and-pepper hair and glasses on his face. His stern expression and calculated eyes are testaments to the dozens of battles he has fought. He wears a black robe trimmed with gold and covered in medals and insignias, and his eyes burn piercing red, telling tales of wisdom and brutality.


    [Cawdore: You seem to think Utopia will open up soon? Might I ask why?] Cawdore asks Zane. Zane eagerly responds.


    [Zane: Well, Apocalypse opened up already! That means Utopia should open up if we sit down.] Zane tells Cawdore, who just accepts the reasoning and sits down. Two more men sit down as well.


    ¡ºSalesmen of the Apocalypse- Bargaining, Jake¡»


    Jake is an average-looking man with a friendly, approachable demeanor. He has short brown hair and warm brown eyes. He wears a neat, professional outfit - a red polo shirt and khaki pants, complete with a name tag that reads "Jake." His smile is disarmingly charming, and he carries himself with the confidence of a seasoned salesman.


    ¡ºKing of the Apocalypse- Antichrist, Archibald¡»


    Archibald is a short, pompous man with a commanding presence. He has a square jaw, sharp features, and perfectly styled, jet-black hair in a pageboy cut. He wears a regal, red, and gold outfit complete with a crown and a flowing cape. His eyes are a cold, calculating blue, and his expression is one of smug arrogance. Despite his small stature, he exudes an air of authority and malevolence.


    [Jake: I was in the middle of some pretty important discussions. Let¡¯s see what Utopia has to say.]


    [Archibald: While I dislike a royal like myself being teleported so suddenly. I won¡¯t be the last to sit!]


    A man starts walking to his seat.


    [Fine! I guess I¡¯ll sit down as well!]


    Another man walks into the frame. He has black hair and pitch-black irises. He has a slim, slightly muscular build and is wearing a kimono around him. A small blood protrusion comes out of his left shoulder, and his shadow seems unnaturally dark. He has gnarly scars covering his body, and his nails are painted black and extremely sharp. He has a wide smile as he walks in.


    ¡ºSuddenness of the Apocalypse- Catastrophe, Raze¡»


    Raze bounces into his seat. There are now only five people left who haven''t sat down. A bulky man walks to his seat.


    ¡ºExecutioner of the Apocalypse- Armageddon, Ryomen¡»


    Ryomen has a fearsome, intimidating presence. He has a tall, muscular build and is covered in intricate, black tattoos that mark him. His hair is short and spiky, a dark black hair that contrasts with his dark eyes, which glow with a red light. He wears robes that are stained with the blood of his enemies, and his expression is one of cruel amusement. He is of the demon race.


    [Ryomen: I hope Utopia gives us someone strong to fight. Or this is a waste of time.]


    Three more people give into their seats.


    ¡ºEnd of the Apocalypse- Rebirth, Charon¡»


    Charon is an ethereal, almost ghostly figure. He is tall and slender, with pale skin that seems to glow faintly in the dark. His eyes are a deep, endless black. He wears a long, tattered cloak that seems to be made of shadows, constantly shifting and moving. His hair is long and white, flowing around him like mist. Charon''s cloak covers his whole body.


    [Charon: Let¡¯s continue with this¡­]


    ¡ºDoctor of the Apocalypse- Famine, Orion¡»


    Orion is a slim, skeletal figure with a haunting presence. His sunken eyes are hollow, ghostly white, and his skin is pale and almost translucent. His hair is thin and wispy, a sickly gray color. He wears a tattered, old doctor''s coat stained with blood and dirt. His fingers are long and bony, and he carries an old, worn medical bag filled with ominous-looking instruments.


    [Orion: ...]


    ¡ºJudge of the Apocalypse- Judgement day, Solomon¡»


    Solomon is a tall and wise figure. He is kingly in stature, with a long, flowing beard and white hair that is spotless. His eyes are deep blue, piercing, and filled with knowledge and power. He wears elaborate, ancient robes adorned with mystical glyphs and carries a staff radiating a powerful, divine aura.


    [Solomon: I hope we get a good artifact from these quests.]


    After all three are seated, only one is left. Zane looks over at him and smiles.


    ¡ºDestruction of the Apocalypse- Annihilation, Sol¡»


    Sol is an imposing figure with a godlike presence. They are incredibly tall and muscular, with a powerful aura that seems to radiate destruction. Their skin is a dark, black hue, so black that no light can escape. Sol''s skin can only be described as looking like a living black hole. Their eyes glow with an intense, otherworldly light. Sol has a mouth that is a singular white line that goes across their face. Sol also holds what seems to be a glowing pitch black katana in their right hand.


    [Zane: Come on, Sol. You know you wanted something to do. Life is boring for people like us!]


    Sol looks up at Zane.


    [Sol: ?????¡ñ?¡ñ? ?? ???? ????¡ñ??? ??¡õ? ????¡ñ?¡ñ? ????¡õ???¡ñ?????] Sol speaks in some otherworldly language, no one in the room can understand what they are hearing. Everyone except Zane.


    [Zane: Whoever you¡¯d like. How about this if we get a quest that involves it? We will give it to you.] Sol ponders for a second.


    [Sol:???????¡ñ????] Sol sits down in the chair.


    With everyone seated, Utopia opens its eyes and shows them the quests for this month.


    [Utopia: Quest one, Kill the current leader of Aurorium, participants three.]


    Sol suddenly gets up.


    [Sol: ?? ????¡ñ?¡ñ? ???????? ??????? ?? ????¡ö? ??¡õ? ???? ????????¡ñ??????]


    The page rips out of Utopia and is given to Sol, who leaves the room. Sol took the quest so fast that despite being a three-person quest, Sol was the only one assigned it.


    [Raze: Wow, he was quick to take the quest¡­ I guess we have to be quicker from now on!]


    [Utopia: Quest two, Defeat and capture the dungeon of terror and starvation, participants three.]


    No one raises their hands or voices to take this quest. It isn¡¯t that the quest seems particularly hard, it''s just most of them don¡¯t care or just don¡¯t want to do a quest so simple. Utopia randomly assigns the quest to three people in the room because no one has answered it. Utopia moves on to the third and final quest.


    [Utopia: Quest three, Capture Pax Stone, participants one.]


    Zane leans in and looks for a second.


    [Zane: Oh? A capture quest? Perfect! I didn¡¯t want to get my hands too dirty anyway!]


    With that, Zane takes the quest and smiles.

 Golden Hour

    After all the quests are given, Utopia opens the next page, which unveils both the reward if completed and the penalty if failed. Solomon''s eyes light up as he sees the reward. He immediately calls dibs on it. On the other hand, the aforementioned penalty confuses everyone.


    [Utopia: The reward for completing these quests is the location of the artifact ¡°Scales of Aeon.¡± The penalty for not completing these quests is that ¡°Cable¡± will be added to the world. You have one month to complete these quests. Good luck.] Utopia smiles as it closes and lies motionless on the table.


    [Solomon: I will be taking those scales after we complete the quests.] Solomon says with full confidence. No one is willing to challenge him over some scales, so the other aspects leave it.


    The aspects start to leave the cave. Charon summons a boat and rows out of the cave. Solomon and Raze both fly out of the top. Eugene is still squirming in his seat, so Zane teleports him away. Two shadow people walk into the room and pick Lord Archibald off of the ground, taking him away. Dolor sulks out of the room with Orion. Jake packs his things into a suitcase and gets into a luxury car he has parked outside of the cave.


    There are five people left in the room. Zane, Echo, Nyx, Ryomen, and Cawdore. Ryomen opens his mouth to speak.


    [Ryomen: I really wanted that kill quest. Damn, Sol, that thing is not normal.] Ryomen laments as he sighs. Zane interjects while chuckling to himself.


    [Zane: The guy with four arms is calling another not normal? Now that''s hilarious!] Zane starts to laugh intensely. Ryomen responds with [Bastard!] and starts to walk over to Zane. Nyx takes a smoke of her pipe and lays on her side.


    [Nyx: Come on boys~ Don¡¯t fight. You wouldn¡¯t want to mess up your pretty faces.] Nyx winks at Ryomen, and he backs off. Zane looks over at Nyx.


    [Zane: You know, you are the only nice person here.] Zane starts to make gestures as Nyx laughs to herself. Ryomen begrudgingly sits back into his seat. Ryomen looks over at Zane.


    [Ryomen: It¡¯s very weird that you are the only one who can understand that walking calamity.] Ryomen was obviously referencing Sol when he said that. Zane responds with a simple answer.


    [Zane: It¡¯s nothing big. I just made myself understand him.] Zane says casually. Ryomen doesn¡¯t understand this explanation too well, so he turns to Cawdore. During this entire conversation, Cawdore was reading various books at once. Cawdore looks up at Ryomen.


    [Ryomen: Give me the rundown about Sol. Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know.] Ryokan commands Cawdore. Cawdore meets Ryomans'' gaze for a few seconds before relenting. Echo, who would have also left by this point, decided to stay to learn more about Sol.


    [Cawdore: I will admit, I did look into every Aspect''s background. I know everything there is to know about you guys, and I suspect Jake does as well. That''s beside the point. Looking into Sol''s background yielded next to nothing. However, I do have one lead. It is a little shaky though, so take what I say with a grain of salt.]


    All of the remaining Aspects listen intently.


    [Cawdore: There is a legend that originated around five years ago. Our story takes place on a small, isolated island. This legend states that the old god of destruction, ¡°Grogroth,¡± died on said island. After a while, a village formed on the island, and the dead god was found. Under the dead god was a pitch-black egg. The villagers worshiped this egg, and it would eventually become a cult. The egg would occasionally move and grow. Eventually, a small opening opened up on the top of the egg. The cult eventually started to sacrifice people by throwing them into the egg opening, basically feeding it. The cult got so powerful they were feeding special grades to the egg. Then the egg hatched. A being described as the void itself descended from the egg, with glowing white eyes and a white mouth. The being then murdered everyone and left the island.] Cawdore recounts the story. It was a popular urban legend. Zane and Echo are left speechless. Nyx speaks up.


    [Nyx: Are you trying to tell us that Sol is that monster in that urban legend?] Nyx asks quizzically. Cawdore nods his head. Ryomen steps in.


    [Ryomen: Are you trying to say Sol is a descendant of an old god?] Ryoman asks.


    [Cawdore: I know it¡¯s hard to believe, but the physical descriptions match. Another thing. I managed to track down the island. Here is what I found.] A hologram appears in the middle of the table. It shows a giant hole in the middle of the ocean.


    [Echo: Hole¡­?] The hologram stuns everyone in the room. A whole island, destroyed without a trace.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    [Nyx: Wouldn¡¯t that mean Sol absorbed multiple special grades?] Cawdore thinks about the answer; however, Zane interjects and says [Yes.] in an unusually serious voice.


    [Zane: You guys probably can¡¯t tell, but Sol would be able to kill everyone in this room, except myself, easily.] Zane had already displayed his strength earlier when he teleported everyone in. No one doubted Zane''s strength at this point. So, considering what Zane said, no one was willing to disagree. Ryomen shakes his head.


    [Ryomen: This is too much. I''m heading out.] Ryomen walks out of the cave. Cawdore starts packing up his hologram to leave as well. Zane starts to smile again. Zane looks over at Echo.


    [Zane: Now that things here are finished. Wanna grab something to eat?] Echo glares at Zane with a disgusted look.


    [Echo: Kill yourself.] Echo says sharply as she vanishes without a trace. Zane just looks on.


    *Zane: Who was I talking to just now?* Zane thinks to himself. Nyx looks over at Zane.


    [Nyx: I¡¯ll go out with you. Any place you have in mind?] Nyx says in a seductive tone. Zane just stares at her.


    [Zane: I think I will pass.] Nyx says a quick [Aw~] Zane starts to peek again. [I was just saying that to tease¡­ someone? Nyx, who was sitting next to you?] Nyx looks over at the empty seat next to her in confusion, trying to think about who is sitting next to her, and Cawdore speaks up.


    [Cawdore: The person sitting next to Nyx is supposed to be Echo. I don¡¯t remember her at all, but considering Utopia opened, she had to have been here. Maybe this effect has something to do with her aspect ¡ºSolitude¡»] Cawdore tells everyone in the room. Zane thinks for a moment.


    [Zane: Ugh, why does everyone''s aspect power have to be so confusing?!? Anyway, I have a quest to do! See you!] Zane teleports himself out of the room.


    [Nyx: He is not going to do any work until the last minute.] Nyx says while chuckling to herself. Cawdore just starts packing his things to leave.


    ____________________________________________________________________________


    Back at the royal palace. The vassals get up from their seats. Peak looks over at Aric and asks him what the Ascended Crucible is.


    [Aric: The Ascended Crucible is a one vs one style match between 12 individuals, six on each team. Two teams are involved: the ¡°attackers¡± and the ¡°defenders.¡± The rules are as follows. If your team is picked as ¡°defense,¡± they must survive against three teams of attackers without a break. If your team is ¡°attackers,¡± you must defeat all six defenders in order to win.] Blake raises his hand, and he is called on.


    [Blake: So basically, it is one-on-one fights, correct? That would mean if our team is defending, we would have to fight 18 people in order to win, three people for each of our fighters in a one-on-one combat. If we are attacking in order to fulfill the goal of defeating all the defenders, we would all have to win, correct?] Aric answers.


    [Aric: Correct! If you are defending, you would have to win against three different teams of six attackers. If you are attacking, the only possible way to win is for all six of the attackers to win.] Pax raises his hand.


    [Pax: Wouldn¡¯t it be better to be a defender? No offense, but attackers seem like a horrible team. You have to rely on the fact that everyone will win.] Aric responds.


    [Aric: You would be correct. Usually, the only teams that win the Ascended Crucible are usually defender teams. The one caveat is that the teams are randomly picked. So you won¡¯t know if you are defending or attacking until it is drawn.] Azarath raises his hand.


    [Azarath: So what''s the reward for winning this tournament?] Aric answers.


    [Aric: The reward is to meet with the Old God of Knowledge, Truth. Truth will then provide you with what you ¡°need.¡±] Selene raises her hand.


    [Selene: What do we need? Not want?] Aric responds.


    [Aric: Yep. Truth will look into your future and give you what you ¡°need,¡± as he states. It¡¯s usually worth it.] Peak raises his hand.


    [Peak: So how strong are our enemies going to be?] Peak is basically jumping out of his seat and waiting for an answer.


    [Aric: Well, special grades usually don¡¯t like to rely on others. Don¡¯t expect any of them to enter. On average, Semi-Grade 1 - High-Grade 1s enter. Over the next week I will be training you all to at least the rank of Semi-Grade 1. Now that everything is explained, I need to get something ready.] Aric leaves the room.


    Everyone is thinking about the information. Pax looks up at Harpstein. Harpstein looks back at Pax.


    [Harpstein: Yes?] Pax looks to the side for a second and looks back.


    [Pax: Listen, not that I think you are weak. However, I''m going to need to know what your ability is. Just so I can rest easily that you won''t be a burden.] Harpstein smiles. He was waiting until someone asked him this question.


    [Harpstein: I am an esper with the inherited ability of the Valerian family.]


    ¡ºGolden Hour¡»


    When they hear this, Azarath and Blake almost immediately jump out of their seats. They cannot believe what they are hearing.


    [Azarath: Imagine how dumb you have to be to ask someone with Golden Hour if they are strong!]


    [Blake: No way!]


    They both are in complete disbelief. Pax, Peak, and Selene are confused.


    [Selene: What¡¯s Golden Hour supposed to mean?] Harpstein opens his mouth to explain, but Blake silences him.


    [Blake: It is the power King Valerian used to bring this country''s military to his knees; it is considered one of the strongest esper abilities in existence. It grants the user complete dominion over time itself. Truly a terrifying ability.] Blake states while Azarath continues to try to suck up to Harpstein. Pax, Peak, and Selene just stare at Harpstein with a wide gaze.


    Harpstein, sensing the confusion, starts to explain his ability on his own terms.


    [Harpstein: My ability is not the be-all and end-all. Currently, I can only stop and reverse time for 5 seconds each use. The ability also has a very heavy stamina drain, which means I can only use a limited amount of stops or reverses before needing to recharge. I would need to train with it way more to reach my father''s level.] Harpstein admits with humbleness in his voice, not realizing that being able to stop and reverse time is still extremely powerful. Before anyone can say anything, Aric walks back into the room.


    [Aric: It¡¯s ready!] Aric shouts enthusiastically as he leads the vassals into a room full of weapons.


    [Aric: Pick up a weapon. It is way better than using your bare fist!]


    They all start to walk around. After a while, they all come back with their weapons of choice. Blake picked an axe connected to a mace with a chain. Harpstein picked a spear. Selene picked a bow. Azarath picked a nice pair of golden gauntlets. Pax, on the other hand, picked a pair of brass knuckles. Peak went with a good old sword, a type of katana. Aric is happy with their choices.


    [Aric: We will start the trek to the Ascended Crucible in around one week from today. In the meantime, you guys are going to be training with me!] Aric has a devious smile.

 Gacha!

    Clank! The sound rings out through the field. This was the fifth time this had happened in the last 3 days of training. Azarath looks down at his hands in disbelief. Shattered pieces of gold are everywhere. Azarath then looks up at Aric''s staff, which he just hit. No visible damage was done to the staff. Azarath slams the ground, creating a giant crater. Aric puts his hand to his chin and thinks.


    [Aric: You appear too strong for golden gauntlets. If we continue this way, we''ll deplete our supply... I believe no weapon suits you right now. It''s best you take a break. I¡¯ll head over to Peak and Harpstein for their training.] Aric says with a sigh. Azarath gazes up, feeling disappointed.


    [Azarath: They would have looked so good, though¡­] Azarath wallows away, accepting the reality that he is just too physically strong for any weapons. As Azarath makes his way into the castle, he sees Pax sitting down outside of Blake''s room and looking defeated. Pax is murmuring [It¡¯s impossible] to himself over and over again. Azarath, seeing a chance to get a jab in, doesn''t miss a beat.


    [Azarath: Oh? The rat is missing his home sewer, perhaps?] Azarath says in a joking tone. Pax just gets up, grabs Azarath by the shoulders, and says [Not now!] Azarath is confused now.


    [Azarath: Tell me about whatever is going on. I guarantee I can fix it.] Pax just stares at Azarath before relenting.


    [Pax: Aric tasked me to get Blake for today''s training. However, there is one huge problem. Blake won¡¯t leave his room! Just try to get him out! I¡¯ve been here for hours! I know our first paycheck was yesterday, but damn. What the hell is he buying to spend this much time in his room!?!] Pax is at the edge of his rope. Azarath just laughs.


    [Azarath: Clearly, you haven''t experienced the pleasure of a hefty paycheck. Blake has, thanks to graduating from college. Move aside, commoner! I''ll handle this!] Fed up with the situation, Pax simply says to Azarath, [Good luck.] before walking away.


    *Azarath: It can¡¯t be that terrible. He''s likely just considering all the nice things he can buy now that he has money!* Azarath thinks as he opens the door and enters Blake''s room. He finds Blake seated in a chair, fixated on a small rectangle, one side glowing while Blake taps on it.


    [Azarath: It¡¯s time for train- Wait, what the hell is that thing?!?] Blake looks up from this device with a dead stare. After realizing the situation, Blake explains.


    [Blake: My father went on a lot of business trips to various places. One day, he came back with this device he called a ¡°phone¡± and gave it to me. Never mind that I can¡¯t go! Not right now!] Blake runs up to the confused Azarath and shows him the screen. It had a bunch of 2D women with stars under them with the words ¡°Roll x1¡± and ¡°Roll x10.¡±


    [Blake: This is a gacha game! Basically, I roll for rare people from banners and use them to fight!] Azarath responds [Ok? What does that have to do with-] Azarath gets cut off by Blake. [Ok, so you see this timer. This banner will only be up for 24 hours! I just got paid, so I need to capitalize!!!] Blake scrolls to a woman that has five stars under her. She also has the number 0.0001% under her. [This is ¡°Jiko¡±; she is the five-star fighter I need to get before this event ends! Now get out! You are running my luck streak!] Azarath feels a looming presence behind him. He turns around to see Bracken.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    [Bracken: Sorry, bruh. I don make da rules.] Suddenly, Azarath is blown through the door, which promptly shuts. Azarath just stares at the door in disbelief.


    ____________________________________________________________________________


    Back with Aric, he is training Peak and Harpstein. He ordered them both to try and hit him without using their abilities. They both rush at Aric and start slashing, and Aric dodges and blocks with his staff.


    Clank


    Aric sighs as Peak''s sword shatters into a million pieces upon hitting the staff. Harpstein jumps back. Peak looks at his sword in defeat; he is having the same problem as Azarath. However, Peak is undeterred. He will have a katana.


    [Aric: Listen, Peak, maybe gloves would be better? I don¡¯t see any weapon currently available that is not breaking because of your strength.] Aric looks up to see Peak, still not relenting.


    [Peak: Come on! Every hero needs a katana! That is hero 101!] Peak shouts with determination.


    [???: How about we give him this one?] A voice booms out from behind them. Aric turns around to see King Valerian standing there. He immediately bows to the king.


    [Valerian: I was walking by to give Harpstein something when I overheard your conversation. So, I got this from my own personal treasury.] Valerian pulls out a blood-red katana. Aric quickly perks up [We are not giving him that, are we? He is not ready for a weapon that strong.] The king just smiles and throws the sword to Peak. Peak catches the sword with ease. Valerian continues


    [Valerian: This is one of the mythical swords belonging to the strongest swordsman in history, Akon. It was said he was so powerful that as he died, his soul was split into mythical katanas representing his person. This is one of those swords. Specifically, this sword represents Akon''s bloodlust. In order to use its ability, you need to cut yourself with the blade.] Without missing a beat, Peak cuts his own arm.


    [Peak: AHHH!] Peak feels an intense pain; it feels like all of Peak''s blood is being drained from his body. Peak looks down to see his arm mummified and it moving up the rest of his body. Peak quickly throws the sword away and looks back at his arm. It is back to normal. Peak looks confused.


    [Aric: I told you he couldn¡¯t handle its power.] Aric says with a snarky voice. Valerian just sighs. Peak looks disappointed. Peak slowly walks over to the sword and picks it up. Peak looks at the blade with disappointment in his own abilities before sheathing the sword.


    [Valerian: It is a katana that won¡¯t break from your strength, that¡¯s for sure. Just hold off on using its ability until you are stronger. There are fourteen other Katanas Akon personalities that were split into. Now onto you.] Valerian turns to Harpstein and holds out a light blue spear. It has a sharp point at one end and at the other end is a floating ball. The spear has various engravings held within it.


    [Valerian: This is a weapon I thought would benefit you because I used this weapon when I was at your level of proficiency with Golden Hour. It is called ¡°Spear of One Thousand Screams.¡± When you say the command ¡°Scream!¡± A powerful shockwave will ring out from the spear and throw off projectiles and enemies.] Valerian tosses the spear to his son, who catches it and swirls it around a little.


    [Valerian: I want you both to train with your weapons, learn them. As you will be fighting alongside them. Train them well, Aric.] Aric just bows as King Valerian starts to leave. Peak and Harpstein walk up.


    [Harpstein: Thank you for the spear!]


    [Peak: Yeah, thanks, boss man for the katana!]


    They both shout enthusiastically as they get back to training.


    ____________________________________________________________________________


    Selene is practicing her aim at the shooting range in the field. Selene shoots a bullseye three times in a row. Aric walks up behind her.


    [Aric: Seems your aim has been improving a ton! That¡¯s great!] Aric says. Selene just sighs.


    [Selene: I don¡¯t think this is going to be enough. If I want to beat an aspect, I need to get to at least grade 1!] Aric is surprised at Selene''s enthusiasm for getting stronger.


    [Aric: Just don¡¯t push yourself too hard.] Selene just goes back to shooting arrows


    ____________________________________________________________________________


    One day later¡­


    Blake is sitting in his seat at the roundtable, looking extremely defeated. Blake can¡¯t even manage to look up. Selene and the rest of the vassals peak into the room.


    [Selene: What¡¯s wrong with him?] Selene asks with a puzzled expression. Pax chimes in.


    [Pax: If I had to guess¡­ He didn¡¯t roll Jiko, and the banner went away.] Selene just responds [Jiko?] while Azarath silently agrees. Peak runs into the room while shouting [I know the perfect way to cheer him up!] The rest of the vassals follow Peak into the room. Peak bounces in front of Blake, but before we can put on a show.


    [WHAT?!?!?!]


    A voice rings out through the entire castle. It is coming from King Valerian''s room. It is not a scream, annoyance, or joke. This is serious; this voice is genuinely concerned. All of the vassals immediately run to King Valerian''s door when they hear the words.


    [WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE KING OF AURORIUM WAS ASSASSINATED?!?!]