《World Seed》


 Prelude

    ¡°A success in finality, hidden from eyes, beget an infant of reality, of heavens despise.¡± - Last words of the First Divine Envoy.


    Solemn and backed into a corner with the world out to get him, Ceif sat cross-legged on the ground.


    A translucent bubble, surrounding a little further out than arm¡¯s reach held his surroundings at bay as the frown that rested on his face had finally disappeared.


    There wasn''t much he could do anymore in his current situation. He couldn''t even see out of the protective bubble due to all the destruction raining down around him. The ground surrounding the bubble he was inside had long disintegrated into nothingness. The dimensional shield bubble was the only thing keeping him and the dirt pillar underneath in place. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his robe and pulled out the only item he had remaining.


    Caressing the paper-wrapped object, he knew was the focus of his current situation, a sigh escaped his lips. He thought, ¡°A thousand choices and I chose the wrong straw.¡±


    Ignoring the hint of regret from pushing further into his mind, Ceif began unwrapping the paper, and a strange energy pulse emitted as the object was revealed.


    He and all others in the surroundings felt something and Ceif couldn''t help but notice the bubble flicker. He had to admit, that even the thought of all his troubles forcing him to perish like this was probably amusing from the outside looking in.


    Ceif had nothing else on him anymore. His weapons were destroyed and storage trinkets were abandoned earlier. There was no point in regretting those actions as they were in trade for his life to reach this moment. His gaze focused on the object as he thought of everything he had given up, only to buy himself one brief escape after another. Those chasing only took a few short moments to realize the tablet he now held in his hand was not one of the things he had left behind.


    Studying it again, Ceif had long familiarized himself with the diagram on one side and the strange text on the other. The only real choice he had left was to use the technique scrawled upon it in conjunction with whatever force it was constantly expelling. It was either that, or wait until his final shield dissipated and all the different attacks currently bombarding it would fall onto him.


    Ceif let out a self-pitying chuckle at meeting his end in such a way. All the struggle to claw his way up to the Point Formation stage was about to be wasted. He had not even got close to being an all-powerful Verieth. He could see no more hope to survive.


    Cursing those bombarding him in his mind, he exhaled the long breath he had inhaled just a moment ago as he concentrated on the tablet.


    Ceif held the tablet in front of himself with both hands, eyes intent on boring a hole at the starting point of the diagram. All surroundings falling from his senses, he focused his mind¡¯s eye inward toward his soul. With care, he¡¯d began his search, attention precise on the so-called rebirth tether of his soul.


    No matter how much a soul changed, the soul tether always seemed to remain exactly the same. The best way to describe it was a sphere surrounded by a tube, embedded inside your spirit. It only faintly connected with the rest of the current self and would change everything but its shape as you improved and evolved past a mortal being. Even those at the top were clueless if it could be improved in any way aside from that.


    There were stories. It was Ceifs slip-up in revealing that the tablet he found targeted that part of a person. There were a myriad of other techniques that targeted the soul tether, and most would do nothing at all.


    No. Some would damage it and the person who performed the technique would wail from pain before dying an unpleasant death.


    If it weren¡¯t for the text on the tablet that explained the technique and the unique aura emanating from the tablet itself, he wouldn¡¯t even consider trying it out.


    Well, that and his current situation.


    Ceif knew that he could either die now and somebody else would get the tablet, or try to use it and at least have hope for a chance. No matter how slim it may be.


    Shaking the thoughts away, he knew he couldn''t drift off track once he began. The tablet contained the only known technique that seemed to do something to that part of your soul. With no way out, Ceif matched the diagram to the internal view of his own rebirth tether.


    He began as he drew his energies inside away from that area. Slow and with purpose, Ceif pulled them through the willowy veins toward his eyes. Although this was the first technique he had ever heard of that used internal energy in such a way, he had practiced a little before out of sheer curiosity.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Just like when he practiced, Ceifs eyes lit up and began to glow a feint blue that seemed to darken as it expanded past his eyes. From the outside, the strange sight would seem like the darkening blue was somehow growing brighter due to the increasing intensity. Soon, it shifted past the normal sight and all that was visible now seemed to be a haze of turbulent air leading from his eyes straight to the tablet.


    Slow and steady, Ceif began to chant to himself as his energy traced the tablet''s diagram. The completion of the technique described on the tablet, his only intent. Just as described, he mirrored it internally on the rebirth tether of his soul with absolute focus as he traced step by step, bit by bit, the entirety of the diagram.


    Just as Ceif reached the final line on the tablet, his peripheries caught the shift. The lines and points he had previously traced folded in on themselves before blossoming into an even more complex series. In his sight, they somehow extended past the two-dimensional depiction into three, overlaid on a representation of his soul tether.


    Although the change surprised him, Ceif carried on. The more he did, the more he felt the strange fluctuations from the tablet increase accompanied by a pressure like he had never felt before giving him a sense of doom.


    Line by line, curve by curve, Ceif steadily continued with complete disregard for those in his surroundings until reaching the end of what he could see on the diagram.


    As soon as he met that last point, the tablet let out a pulse of energy that washed over him. As it passed, his tired eyes finally looked up and away from the tablet and watched astounded. No more attacks were being thrown at him to only crash against his protective bubble.


    Observing the now visible area around, Ceif could see what used to be a few hundred now looked like thousands of people in his surroundings at varying distances and heights. Beyond them lay even larger vessels floating in the sky of the tiny planet he had escaped to.


    A smile appeared on his lips. Even if these were his last moments, he let his worries go as a sense of peace overcame his mind and mumbled, ¡°I regret nothing.¡±


    Ceif wasn''t sure why they had stopped as he saw several of them frown or talking to each other as he could barely make out their lips moving from afar. There were a variety of different actions the others were all taking, all of which just didn¡¯t matter anymore. He had given it his everything, down to just the clothes on his back and the object he now held.


    A few seconds later, he felt a large tug, ripping the entirety of his energy out from him, stealing his breath along with it. He was sitting down, so while it was painful, he could suffer the extreme discomfort that left him as helpless as he was when he was born.


    At the same moment, all those in the air surrounding him began to plummet toward the ground. In the next thirty seconds, the majority exploded from the height of the fall on impact. Ceif was shocked and a little happy at the same time since they had all pushed him into his current situation, tracking him down all the way here.


    Unfortunately, Ceif noticed several that had survived or were already standing on the ground. The thought crossed his mind to give up on fleeing after dismissing the bubble shield to run some more. That¡¯s when he realized that there was no longer a bubble shield protecting him. He needed to leave while he still had a chance with the massacre that just happened!


    Attempting to stand up, he found that he couldn''t move. He couldn¡¯t breathe. He was frozen in place!


    With his eyes darting around in a slight panic, Ceif realized that not a single person was approaching him, but that wasn''t all he noticed. There was a distinct dark blue haze warping the air and space around him.


    Squinting, he could vaguely make out a large web of energy spreading out away from himself, pulsing to an unknown rhythm like reality was about to shatter. Each pulse of the web glowed, drawing something in as the fluctuating lines of haze grew ever more distinct. The finer branches began to make themselves known, becoming visible to all.


    With each pulse, Ceif could hear a deep thrum, a beat, akin to his own heart. That thought struck his mind as the pulses were exact with his own.


    A bit confounded by what it all meant and what was happening, Ceif looked back to the tablet. It had lifted itself from his grasp, now floating in front of his lower chest, unassisted. Its color had shifted, matching closer to the eerie blue as his senses barely noticed it become cloudy.


    Lost in the sight of the shifting color and haze, several heartbeats passed. Ceif was engrossed as the tablet lost its solidity, now looking closer to a smoky pearlescent silver tinged in darker spots shifting into their own little strings. Realization struck when he focused on the strings, as they matched the focal point with several intersections when he was copying the diagram after the three-dimensional version revealed itself to him.


    A low rumble met Ceifs ears and he looked away from the spectacle of the tablet. His entire surroundings were blotted out by a twisting and contorting space, the world around was but a canvas to be crumpled up.


    The rumble grew, louder and louder as he began to feel like something was wrong with the technique on the tablet. He recalled the excerpt given to him by the seventh researcher he took it to. There was no title, but only the following words.


    "The cost is not which one, one-hundred, or one-thousand can pay, but those and the void can. Forever remember, everything after."


    Ceif began to ponder over the cost until noticing the tablet was now similar to his surroundings. It had completely integrated with whatever energies that thrummed around him in the booming rumble. It all crawled toward him as he could only watch, frozen in place.


    The backdrop to the entire scene was now a contorted mess as the tablet sunk into his lower chest. To those present, their eyes only had enough time to send a millisecond of a visual. Everything around them seemed to phase out to nothingness, accompanied by a sound that could not be described as Ceif and the others followed suit.


    Thus, a void in that universe was born, several thousand light-years across. Later referred to as, the Edge of Space. Anything that passed a certain point in any direction surrounding where Ceif had sat that day was annihilated, and the tablet was lost.

 1

    ¡°The first is a pittance, knowledge grows, entangled preserved ignorance, punishment sowed¡± - Translated from the Second and Third appointed envoys.


    Balver, or Bal as his so-called friends would call him, was nine. He had finally resolved himself to the idea that he might not be completely crazy. He really did remember his past life.


    In the life he remembers, he wasn''t anything exciting compared to his peers. Overall, it was rather normal, and he had lived to be an elder of the island. He had reached the age of 47, spending 18 years in that position, dying before the 48th spring. Now though, while he may not have traveled beyond the large island his tribe inhabited in his last life, everything seemed like a different world from that of his memories.


    Putting aside that the people here had lighter skin and a different language, there were two deities of light in the above. Teshuva and Greshea as the people here called them. In his last life, there was only one light in the sky.


    Bal was an angry baby. Wailing constantly out of frustration, confusion, and general misunderstandings. His pride from his previous life was trampled on continuously as he was force-fed nasty food, which was seldom meat, and put into different positions while things were going on around him.


    It took Bal until he was two and a half years old to figure out the language spoken to him and began to speak some himself. By then, he had suffered enough and gained a sort of understanding that he had not only died but was reborn. Unfortunately, there seemed to be no real connection to his past life that he could find for now. Eventually, he kept the memories in his heart and slowly began to do something he had thought about in his later years prior.


    Enjoy life more as a kid.


    Bal got up to all kinds of shenanigans running around the village he was currently in with a few others. He was just as curious about the new world as them since everything was so different here.


    Time slowly passed and soon Bal became an adult in the village. He was 14 and could go hunting with the olders, to which he was excited. It was the one thing that was most similar to his past life. People would head out to hunt animals or gather plants and berries to feed the rest of the village.


    It was on this trip that Bal was confident in his skills as he held his new spear given to him. Full of energy to show off his skills and bring back food. Grasping the spear in hand and armed with memories of taking down other animals in a hunt, Bal couldn¡¯t help but relive some of his past successes in his mind as the group of four walked out and away from the village.


    Sometime later, Bal had run ahead of the group farther than he had ever been and found a water source. He wanted to show the others how great he was at hunting.


    Squatting near the little creak, he had chosen a spot with line of sight of a well-worn path. It was obviously left from animals coming to and from the stream to drink when needed. And so, he waited for about an hour holding still and remaining silent.


    As he waited, the anticipation of returning with food for the village played over and over in his mind. The waiting was always dull, but he knew it would be worth it when he succeeded.


    It was at the end of an hour, Bal was surprised that he noticed movement up the stream and a slight smile appeared on his face. It only lasted a moment though as he soon saw a man walking into view a little upstream.


    As he had tuned out most other ambient noises like the slight babble of the tussling water, Bal felt a bit of annoyance arise as he could clearly hear the rustling of more bushes as a few other people appeared. These other people would drive away any prey that he might catch today.


    Bal had not seen them before or anything like what they were wearing so he chose to stay hidden in hopes they would leave. Having watched the group quickly fill the water holders, Bal frowned as they all seemed to stand there talking fairly loudly to each other. Who knew what they wanted or how long they would stay, there were stories in his current village of outsiders killing most of their hunting group before.


    Unfortunately, the group didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of leaving any time soon as a couple of people in their group had left and returned to the others. Bal waited, ever patient for another hour before finally deciding to sneak away in retreat. After turning away and taking a few steps out of position, he heard a voice yell out, and another, and another.


    Figuring he was found out, Bal made his decision. Forcing his legs to work their hardest after holding a squatting position for so long did not feel comfortable. It didn¡¯t matter though as having stiff limbs was the only downside to hiding away quietly and concealing himself for a hunt.


    Bal''s steps were well placed among the forested debris as he began to step away from his hiding spot. Trying to escape as swiftly and silently as possible, he reached only ten steps before running into something unseen and rebounded, falling back.


    Squinting with one eye at the sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches above, Bal saw a man block part of his view casting a shadow over him. They were holding a knife, and across their face, Bal recognized a revealing expression from his past life as the edge of their lips twisted up with malice.


    Bal pushed himself back and up as fast as he could. The man remained motionless except for the eyes trained on him as Bal sprang to his feet, adding distance between them.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Losing his senses, Bal seemed to forget there was more than just one as he backed into another person. Before he could even turn around to look, everything faded to black with a pang of pain on his head.


    -


    Bal came too in a daze. His head throbbed in pain and his wrists felt like they were being squeezed so hard it hurt. Along with an offbeat cadence of bumps rattling him around, he knew whatever situation he was in now wasn¡¯t good.


    Realizing his arms were tied behind his back, Bal blearily opened his eyes only to be met with a dark beige that he couldn¡¯t bring his eyes into focus on. The light that sept through the rough fibers of the cloth restricted any chances of seeing what was going on.


    Bal let out a light groan through his parched lips, only to be met with a new language he didn¡¯t understand. It sounded like it was from just a short distance in front of him.


    Another pain in his body announced itself as he bounced around, rubbing his shoulder ever more raw. He was leaning against something hard and coarse as the gravity of his situation and his bound position held him in place.


    He caught more of the strange language between three different voices as he attempted to adjust to the new situation. Soon, he felt the continual push and pull of his weight in one direction come to a halt.


    Not knowing what was going to happen next and helpless to do much about it, Bal lay there, bound. As he listened to movement around him, he let his mind drift while every so often the feeling of whatever he was resting in shifted in one direction or another to remind him of his captivity.


    Eventually, Bal heard a man¡¯s voice a lot closer to him than before. They were yelling something at him. He had no idea what it was and only spoke, I don''t know, in his current language and the one of his past life. Hearing a sound of frustration there was a short pause, then he felt something hard pressed up against his mouth.


    Bal turned his head away, not wanting whatever vile thing they tried to give him. He thought it might be poison. Helpless, he soon felt another hand grip the hair on the back of his head with force, holding his head back and up. Once again, something was pressed to his cracked lips.


    Dazed, strange words yelled rung in Bal''s ears as he felt a liquid fall between his lips. Realizing it was probably water, it tasted almost sweet due to dehydration, he gave in and drank from whatever was held there. The moment ended faster than he wanted as the object was pulled away and the grasp on his head along with it.


    A bit more incomprehensible language and his body shifted. The subtle shifting back and forth resumed, the almost rhythmic bumps and motion rocking him lightly again. It reminded him of being carried, but there were no hands on him.


    Time dragged on and exhaustion overtook him.


    -


    The days were all but lost to Balver. What happened when he awoke came time and time again. Sometimes there was food of some kind given to him. It was unlike anything he had ever tasted before, softer than meat, harder than berries, and broke apart like clumps of dried dirt when he chewed.


    The only thing he knew, was that whoever took him first was long gone. The voices changed a few times as he was pushed and shoved over into different places. With how long it felt like he was being carried in some way, he knew he was nowhere near his little village anymore.


    The repetitive existence ground away at his prior thoughts. Before long, he resolved to treat everything like a new life. He had grown up here, in this body that was completely different from his memories, so it shouldn¡¯t be a big problem to start once again.


    The only difference was that he didn¡¯t have the luxury of trying to figure out the language while growing up as a baby. He would learn though, and during his waking time, that is what he focused on trying to do.


    Days continued to roll by, then weeks. Sometimes he would even hear several other voices. Between that and what the calluses gained as his body attempted to accommodate the change, he grew familiar with the incessant rocking motion of the thing he was being moved in. Even the blanket that covered him most of the time was the only comfort he received.


    The blanket was removed when he was pushed to get up and relieve himself. That part took him a bit to figure out what his captor wanted since they pushed him to stand somewhere and yelled a now familiar word at him.


    That was his cue to go before soon after being jerked back and water being thrown onto him. It was only a moment to dry before once again being loaded up to continue on whatever journey they had.


    One day, he was pushed to stand, just like all the previous times. This time, the familiar word that signaled he was allowed to go to the bathroom never came.


    Bal stood patiently on his weakened legs and waited. Hearing movement from those who talked, he didn''t dare do anything else at this point. The light plodding of footsteps sounded closer and closer after a long silence.


    Bal didn¡¯t know why, but he felt something was different about the approaching step. No words came out from his captors and he had long learned not to say anything himself. So he continued to stand, silent, waiting.


    Knees shaking, legs unaccustomed to bearing his weight, Bal was almost completely thoughtless. Then he heard a new sound. It was a higher pitch, almost ring, that seemed to reverberate through the air as Bal''s guts told him that he should run.


    But where to? He had no idea where he was, what was going on, or what the sound meant. How could he know what had happened over the past several months, carted around to town after town. Without knowledge of the language except a few key words relative to certain things, he was lost in more than location.


    No matter the newness of the sound, the soles of his feet began to ache along with the strain of standing. Bal''s toes gripped the dirt as he flexed them to calm himself with the only sensation he still had some control over at the moment. He sighed with the thought that he could at least still feel the dirt beneath.


    Long adjusted to wearing a blindfold, he had kept his eyes closed as the subtle breeze had faded and all that was left was the rustle of tattered fabric that could barely mask the encroaching footsteps behind.


    A voice called out. Not toward him, he could tell. What sounded like a short conversation followed and then another long moment of silence.


    More footsteps approached and a new voice, that sounded younger spoke up. It sounded shaky as the much lighter footsteps neared. A flash of memory appeared in his mind as he guided a youth in his past life on their first hunt.


    Every moment was confusing Bal more and more as he stood waiting. He began to ignore whatever was going on as he focused on standing under his own weakened strength. Mind wandering he thought to himself.


    Would he remember this life in his next?


    Would there be a next?


    It was then, he felt a sharp pain radiate through his chest. A feeling he felt in his past life told him what it was. He had been pierced by something, and it was something bigger than a claw or a spear he was familiar with.


    Bal gave in, letting his legs fall. A scream escaped out as best it could, only for blood to come up instead halfway through. Whatever it was, drove straight through his right chest from behind. The object was pulled out and Bal crumpled the rest of the way to the ground. Gasping for what little air he could between the blood already filling most of his lungs, the other attempted to compensate.


    There he lay. Collapsed on the ground in a field of unknown. Breath escapes as his brain slowly shut down, asphyxiated by his own blood and all once again turned to nothingness.

 2

    ¡°The First Envoy perished to get those words, left only with half a breath to utter. Is that price not proof enough of what will come?¡± Jovae Chanthel in appeals to take action.


    Hugh pieced together the few memories he had of his third and forth life. He really didn¡¯t think about them too much as in the third, he died shortly after being born.


    It was some miserable sickness that took him before he could even figure out what the people surrounding him were even saying.


    The previous life, or his fourth that he now remembered, wasn¡¯t as bad. Though, he only made it to four years and had learned enough to speak and understand many things surrounding him.


    He wished he could go back to that one. There were so many things he hadn¡¯t seen in his previous lives before. Originally, he thought that his parents were leaders of some sort.


    At first, he had thought that maybe his father was the village leader with how often he seemed to be missing out during the day after putting on an outfit that seemed majestic at the time. It was only later he had learned how naive the thought was.


    In that life, there was no trading of items between people. Everything was traded for some hard circular rocks. His parents had referred to it as money. They would then take that money and trade it for other things that they needed.


    While nothing too complicated was explained, he did have an idea of why they did it that way. After all, he had to think about something while growing from a baby and nobody was speaking.


    That wasn¡¯t the only strange thing in his past life, there were all kinds of things he hadn¡¯t seen before. Sure, in his first life, there was a general place and time people gathered to trade items. That was usually after eating the last meal of the day. In his fourth life, he was taken to a market a few times by his mother.


    It was there he saw people buying and selling things constantly. When he asked his mother about it, he found out that it was like that for most of the day. It initially surprised him, but after witnessing so many people around, he figured it made sense. He couldn¡¯t imagine having to remember who had what or needed something specific, and all that with so many people around. That is one of the main reasons he came to accept why money was needed.


    There were many other differences too that were completely new to him, there were even grand stories of people doing fantastical things. He didn¡¯t believe them though as it was to far out there, and in his first life, he had told grand stories about others long passed preforming feats akin to magic. It always got the young ones excited. And so those stories were relegated to the back of his mind as just that. Stories.


    During his forth life, he had thought that it was going good. Better than the second and third, since he realized that the house they were in was more comfortable than his previous lives. The air was never too hot nor too cold inside their home and food seemed to be plenty. His father was a big man, with twice the bulk his first father had, and taller too. He would¡¯ve been a good hunter in his second life. After learning the language, he discovered his father was not the village leader like he had originally though, but just a guard of sort that protected people.


    Things were looking up in his forth life, then one day he heard a voice that seemed to come from everywhere at once. It was another big reason he reflected on that life so much.


    Like somebody was standing right next to him speaking, he heard, ¡°If you don¡¯t show yourself in one minute, then this town, which you have sworn to protect, will be no more and you along with it.¡±


    He was in awe of the ability to so clearly made himself heard through the walls of this home he thought were almost impenetrable. That aside, he was also in fear of his house being destroyed. He couldn¡¯t do anything, he was only four at the time.


    In the one minute after those words were spoken, he heard several things. Mostly of people off in the distance begging to be spared, or curses at whoever the person was who spoke earlier.


    He knew there wasn¡¯t much he could do and his mother had already found him only to hug and tell him everything was going to be alright. Even though it was obvious she thought different from the hysterical voice and the way she acted. He had seen people lost in terror before in his first life when somebody was judged not worth their crimes and sentenced to death to bring peace to all. His mother was lost in that terror he saw in those judged for death.


    He, however, tried to imagine how one person was going to walk to each house and beat down the door. Only to then use a large club or something to slowly destroy the village bit by bit.


    He couldn¡¯t even fathom how anybody would even let that happen. Which is why, at the end of the minute, when the voice echoed again in his ears, ¡°So. Be. It.¡±


    He realized how very wrong he was.


    Just after the last word was spoken, he noticed everything began to become brighter rapidly, before he could no longer see. It was but for an instant that he even felt anything. An all encompassing weight of a thousand pounds smothering him and crushing him far worse than any hug his mother had given. A burning, all over his body at the same time. He didn¡¯t even register that it was two separate effects. Luckily, it ended just as fast as he realized that the entirety of his being was in pain.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    That was how his fourth life ended.


    -


    Hugh had spent a lot of time in this current life wondering how that would even happen. What was it that killed him?


    Was it a god?


    He could only assume the reason he died was from the wrath of something that voice was related to.


    In the end, after stretching his imagination, he could only think within the limits of his own knowledge. Whoever the voice was after had done something so unforgivable that even a great being was angered to destroy himself along with whoever was hiding.


    Hugh had settled into his new life after coming to that conclusion about his last and found that his current life seemed to be a mix of his second and fourth.


    There was money used for trade and his home was not as comfortable as the last but way more comfortable than the others. His mother took care of everything around the house, and his father worked as a farmer.


    He first thought it was strange that his father in this life spent all his time to grow plants, but after a better explanation, he was more impressed since that meant people didn¡¯t have to risk their lives to hunt animals. It was still a struggle to eat normal bread, as the memories of his second life were ever present with every bite of the stuff.


    Apart from that, there were also fantastical stories in this life as well. People who could wield fire with their hands, create water out of the air and so on. He had wrote them off in his mind, just the same as the last.


    He was turning 10 today, and it was the day that he could choose what he wanted to do. Although, when his father, Yando, sat him down and explained his options, he wasn¡¯t interested in them.


    Yando said, ¡°You can become a farmer like me, and always make sure that no matter what happens, you will be fed.¡±


    Hugh had thought of that originally, but found that most of the time, the work looked boring. He was a hunter before, and after more thought, found that he didn¡¯t like the idea of not being able to explore while hunting.


    Even in his first life, it was thanks to his want to look around and see what was over the hill, or at the beginning of a stream, that he was able to find food for his tribe.


    A young voice responded after shaking his head, ¡°I don¡¯t want to do that.¡±


    His father frowned, obviously he wanted Hugh to take up the same duty. That when his mother, who was standing with her arms cross listening in stated, ¡°He could work with Beff and learn how to make tools. You know how helpful it would be for him to repair your tools instead of paying Beff to do it.¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t want to do that either. While he wasn¡¯t as against it, that would still mean he would be holed up in a house all day. He was remembering the house he had in his forth life so he asked, ¡°Can I be a guard?¡±


    Yando shook his head and said, ¡°That is not going to happen. Most of them are retired soldiers from the Cowr Kingdom and they are constantly traveling.¡±


    His mother chimed in, ¡°Your father is right. Even if you wanted to be a soldier first, they don¡¯t even grab anybody from our village. We are on the outskirts of the kingdom. There¡¯s nothing to guard around here except from beasts, which are rare anyways, especially this far away from the blessed lands.¡±


    Hugh had learned about the general location of their village before and that they were part of the Cowr kingdom, but it was all just in name. Every few months, a trader, Kino, would come with a cart pulled by some animals, accompanied by another person.


    A year ago, he had learned that the other person was a guard, whose sole job was to protect Kino as he went from village to village and then back to where he was from, Belford.


    Kino wasn¡¯t that friendly to him and ignored him whenever he tried to ask questions. It was completely different to how he treated the village leader. Hugh didn¡¯t mind though. He knew kids could be annoying from his first life. Thinking back, he had almost spent more time as a kid than as an adult now. For a moment, a thought popped into his head, ¡°I keep dying before I become an adult.¡±


    The conversation went back and forth, his mother and father both mentioning one thing or another, sometimes circling back around to being a farmer and how helpful it would be.


    Eventually, Hugh went on a whim and said, ¡°I want to learn how to make fire and water out of nothing like in the stories.¡±


    Yando chuckled and said, ¡°Those stories are exaggerated Hugh. It sounds nice and convenient, and you¡¯d think it would make life easier but life is harder instead. Being able to do things like that doesn¡¯t get you anything but trouble. And out there, it¡¯s nothing special so instead you have to be very careful or you¡¯ll lose everything on another persons whim. So here we are.¡±


    His mother was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°That¡¯s not entirely true dear. It¡¯s just that this land isn¡¯t blessed so there is no source energy here. There are clans that take people in that teach and protect them until they grow up.¡±


    Hugh asked, ¡°Then why do we live here? Shouldn¡¯t we move to where that is?¡±


    Yando shook his head, ¡°No Hugh. There are lands that people say were blessed by the gods. Everything grows faster, people can live longer, and some say even the trees can speak the thoughts.¡±


    Hugh wondered if they were really being serious. Hughs initial statement definitely wasn¡¯t, since it was intended to just get his father to stop asking him to be a farmer, even if it was just for the day.


    Yando patted Hugh on his head and said, ¡°It sounds great. Doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Hugh nodded, ¡°Then why do we live all the way in the middle of nowhere?¡±


    Realizing his son had no mind to let it go, Yando now wore a solemn expression. The seriousness he showed only a couple times in Hughs memories.


    ¡°It¡¯s only great until you learn the darker side of people and what happens to the wildlife in those places. A person wants to buy your food you worked hard to harvest, and only wants to pay you a tenth of what it¡¯s worth. If you refuse, they may decide to kill you and take it instead. What if somebody likes your house? Unless you are stronger than them, the result would be the same. People can do all kinds of things in places like those that you can¡¯t even imagine. That¡¯s where the curse, unblessed comes from. The lands are blessed but the people are not. Aside from the people, even all the animals, even the small ones like a mouse, is strong enough to bite through rock. Living every day in fear that somebody or something can kill you on a whim is not blessed, no matter how magical the land under their feet may be.¡±


    Hugh understood what his father was saying, but after he was done he asked, ¡°Then why not become strong enough so we don¡¯t have to worry about that?¡±


    Yandos expression eased, ¡°That sounds good. In practice, it is not so easy. Even then, can you become more agile than water, stronger than fire, harder than rocks, and faster than wind? Then sure, everybody would have nothing to fear. Out here, where we are now, there¡¯s no water threatening to drown us out. No fire, threatening to burn us down, no rocks attempting to bury us in the ground and no wind rushing to blow us away. Out here, we can live peacefully, away from the struggle of life and death with every passing moment¡­ That¡¯s enough of all that. Now Hugh. Think about what you want to do, even if it is to end up working with Beff.¡±

 3

    ¡°A perished world, which begins, fifth life abounds, nix sin.¡± - Last word of the Second Divine Envoy


    The words Hugh''s father spoke yesterday left his mind in turmoil. After walking around the village, asking about what everybody did in more detail, he spent all night restless, his mind turning through his previous life, even when he tried to push the thoughts down to sleep.


    How could he sleep?


    If what his father said was true, then a person really could control the elements. If people could control the elements, then, was the end of his last life really caused by somebody who could?


    That thought sent chills down his spine when he first came to that realization. Running away from the thought in his head, rejecting it outright. But no matter how many times he tried to think of anything else after that, it plagued his mind, consuming his thoughts and filling him with despair.


    His mind tumbled over and over, reliving the moment before the end of his last life. At first, it was the whole minute he relived in his mind. The terror-stricken mother, squeezing and cradling his four-year-old self. Almost a suffocating tightness wrapped around him, death''s embrace that wouldn¡¯t let go. The backdrop of loud shouts, faintly heard through the walls releasing the emotions of those around. The fear, anger, and bitterness in those voices cut through any barrier that had previously sheltered him in peace. Even the moment of annoyance he recalled feeling at his mother''s initial smothering that scrunched his nose into her shoulder, and lungs breathless as she squeezed him tighter than ever before.


    The night waned on and Hughs focus shortened toward the end of that last minute until it was just the last couple seconds from when the voice spoke. The voice still echoed in his mind, ¡°So. Be. It.¡± The simple, calm declaration to the end of that life sounded almost bored like it really didn¡¯t matter and probably all those he had ever known in his short time there didn¡¯t matter to somebody who could do that.


    The memory continued through everything becoming blindingly bright, and then to a weighted rapturous pain enveloping him but for an instant. Then, nothing.


    The only thing Hugh could recall giving a similar feeling was another memory of when he had burned himself on a fire in his first life. Except it wasn¡¯t just part of his hand but everywhere at once.


    Was that fire?


    An all-consuming fire?


    He lay there, wide-eyed at the revelation and a thought occurred to him. Triggered by a recent memory of words his father had just spoken and mumbled to himself, ¡°more agile than water, stronger than fire, harder than rocks, and faster than wind. Stronger than fire. STRONGER THAN FIRE.¡±


    It was at that moment, that he began to mentally dig himself out of the self-induced despair he had been in as he followed a new thought.


    If nobody was stronger than fire, then wouldn¡¯t everybody soon kill each other in the blessed lands?


    Hugh didn¡¯t want to be subject to that again as the idea began to take root. He would become one of those people. While Hugh had no idea how to achieve that goal of being stronger than fire, he felt like he knew it was possible. He just had to find out how to do it. The last few hours of the night were now filled with excitement at the idea that he might be able to stand at that level.


    -


    Rays of light from the sun shone through the window to land on Hugh''s face. He was so tired after staying up late lost in his thoughts, but the day wouldn¡¯t wait for him to catch up, and neither would his mother.


    Hughs mother standing at the door to his room called out, ¡°Comon¡¯ Hugh. It¡¯s already late in the morning. Any longer and people will think you¡¯ve come down with something and breakfast is already cold.¡±


    Hugh groaned and mumbled out a reply as he rolled back over. He knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep anymore so he got up after letting his eyes adjust to the blinding light.


    Heading to the living room, he saw his father was still at the table and not working the fields. His mother sat by his side at the table as they were waiting so he knew there was going to be another discussion.


    Yando spoke first, ¡°Have a seat son, and tell us what your thoughts are after asking around yesterday.¡±


    His mother looked at Yando and said, ¡°At least wait until he¡¯s done eating dear.¡± Turning to Hugh, she continued, ¡°Go ahead and eat first and get the sleep out of your head.¡±


    Hugh knew there was no getting out of this as he trudged over and took his usual seat where there was an egg and a piece of bread at the table left for him.


    What followed was a long back and forth. Hugh shied away from taking any job in the village, rebutting that he didn¡¯t want to do any of those things. His goal was firm in mind after last night, so he continued to bring back that he wanted to learn how to control fire.


    After ending the discussion in frustration on all sides, Yando left for the fields and Hugh''s mother said, ¡°We want you to live a long healthy life Hugh, and most people who practice magic end up dying young. If it wasn¡¯t as dangerous, we would try to figure out a way for you to do what you want, but where we are, there is barely any ambient energy for you to even practice.¡±


    Attention now focused, Hugh said, ¡°But I can still practice?¡±


    His mother let out a sigh, ¡°Of course that is the only thing you hear from what I just said. Your father and I don¡¯t have any specific methods on how to practice, but if you promise me to choose a mentor in the village, then I¡¯ll tell you what I know about practicing with natural energy.¡±


    Hugh smiled widely for the first time today and hugged his mother while thanking her before running out the door and back to the village.


    In the house, his mother let out another long sigh and a worried look appeared on her face as she thought to herself. This child, I hope he grows out of it soon.


    Hugh was stoked about what his mother had said as he rushed out of the house. He just had to figure out what he wanted to do for now and find a way to leave to the blessed lands.


    Instead of going to any particular person to become a mentor, he ran to the other side of the village to find his friend, Gris.


    Passing the shoddy wooden structures, and quickly reaching another side of the little village, Hugh''s thoughts tumbled. Hugh spotted Gris and slowed down his approach, losing a little of the excitement as he called out, ¡°Gris!¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Gris was about a year younger than him and pudgy was the best overall description he could think of.


    Gris stood from where he was and walked the last couple steps to meet Hugh while scratching the back of his brown curly hair, ¡°Did ya figure out what you wanted to do yet?¡±


    Hugh stopped short with a wide smile, ¡°I know what I want to do, but it isn¡¯t something here in the village.¡±


    Gris was pretty quick on the uptake and reasoned with what he knew. Speaking a little slowly as his mind caught up to what Hugh had just said, ¡°So.. You want to be¡­ a trader? Like Kino? He barely even talks to us though, how are you gunna get him to agree.¡±


    Hugh shook his head left and right, ¡°No. Kino isn¡¯t very friendly, and I don¡¯t want to be like him. Plus, he always pushes too hard for deals that are worse than last time. I do want to leave though, so maybe a guard at first like the man who follows Kino around. But, I want to learn magic!¡±


    Gris looked at his friend for a moment, before asking, ¡°Like the stories? That would be great but those are stories. Unless¡­ ¡° Gris cracked a smile and filled his tone with a playful suspicion, ¡°Did Kino¡¯s guard show you some magic and you didn¡¯t tell me!?¡±


    Hugh lightly punched Gris in the shoulder, ¡°No! But¡­ They¡¯re not just stories. People really can do those things in stories, but just not here. We have to go to where other people learn magic.¡±


    Gris raised both his hands as if to calm Hugh down, ¡°Alright, alright. But why wouldn¡¯t we be able to do magic here too?¡±


    Hugh calmed down and leaned in. Almost conspiratorially and with a quiet voice he said, ¡°There¡¯s not enough magic here to start practicing so that¡¯s why I am going to leave. Do you want to come with me? We could both learn and then not have to live in the middle of nowhere.¡± Hugh knew all too well Gris¡¯s weakness when it came to being adventurous.


    Gris knew what Hugh was hinting at and matching his friend''s volume he said, ¡°You wanna go to Belford!¡±


    Hugh nodded and smiled lightly, ¡°We have to start somewhere.¡±


    Gris was excited as he always wanted to go to Belford, the nearest town they knew of and it is where Kino is from.


    Seeing he had his friend hooked, Hugh continued, ¡°We need a reason to go first.¡±


    Gris asked, ¡°Why not just go? We can follow Kino when he leaves and since he has a guard, if anything happens, we can run over to him for protection.¡±


    Hugh thought that could work and said, ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±


    -


    Hugh and Gris had several weeks before Kino¡¯s next visit and during that time, they had spent it preparing. Sneaking food to hide away in a pack mostly. They had to start over again at one point due to an animal getting into their stashed supplies, but Kino was leaving the next day and they were as ready as they could be.


    The morning came and Hugh had finished breakfast early. Giving his mother a hug before leaving, he said, ¡°I¡¯m going to hang out with Gris until his father is ready.¡±


    Leaving his little home, Hugh could not help but be more aware of the well-traveled dirt path as his steps brought him closer to his goal. Looking up, he saw the wood fence that was built when their closest neighbor cajoled Kino into bringing them chickens, though his father actually handles them.


    A little bit further down the makeshift path between houses, he looked to his left. The largest building in the village. Even compared to the building he remembers from his past lives, it was still pretty big. He had only been in it a couple of times though, and that was always in an area where you waited.


    Hugh thought that was an odd thing to waste a room on but after he asked his parents about it, their explanation convinced him otherwise. The other room he had been in was a little like a dining room, but eating was not done there. Their place is the only one in the village that had images hung on the walls, or paintings as Yando called them.


    Hugh wondered for a moment, do the houses on the blessed lands all have paintings and waiting rooms.


    Turning away, Hugh''s steps carried him not to Gris¡¯s place, but in a direction leading out of the village. Quickly, the path faded and each step fell on lightly padded ground. Although the land may not be called blessed, grass carpeted the light woods that surrounded the village.


    Soon, Hugh made his way through the area, climbing up when he needed to and finally down into a small ditch that was more rocky than its surroundings. That is where the foodstuff for the journey was being kept.


    Hugh reached into the smaller nook to pull the burlap sack everything was stashed in only to find the spot empty. Frowning, Hugh took a deep breath and looked around the area to see it there was any trace of what happened only to find clues wholly absent.


    Letting out a small yell in frustration, Hugh sat on a nearby rock as he thought, ¡°What are we going to do now¡­¡±


    There was enough food in there for two weeks if we were careful. We even placed it so far away from the village that I know that none of them found it. Not even the hunters come this way because there are barely any animals.


    As he sat there, he pulled out the last small bit of bread he was sneaking away today and began nibbling on it.


    A few moments later Hugh¡¯s head shot up to look into the surrounding trees as his thoughts were interrupted.


    A voice called out, ¡°So the owner of this little stash is just a kid.¡±


    Hugh finally spotted two men approaching him by the end of the statement. Both wore similar clothes to him but theirs were notably dirty with a couple of holes that needed patching. The man who spoke was slightly leading the other, he had a placid smile on his face as he continued to get closer. Hugh¡¯s eyes were not particularly down to their features, as the scar across the second person''s cheek wasn¡¯t anything he cared about, but the sack held by the man who spoke was.


    Hugh stood up as the man continued, ¡°Now, what would a pipsqueak need so much food stashed fo,r way out here?¡±


    Word caught on Hugh''s lips as he was about to chastise them to give it back. Like a gust of wind from hell that only he felt, the memory of being caught in his second life flashed through his mind. Spine-tingling in a moment of fear, the words in his mind remained unspoken.


    The man turned to his partner a little, ¡°Do you think we would get anything if we turned his obvious theft into the nearby village?¡±


    Hugh felt the tension internally built up slacken a little at the words until the other man spoke, ¡°No. They don¡¯t have anything worth it. Let''s just keep the food and lose the kid. I don¡¯t know why we approached him anyway.¡±


    The man turned back to Hugh, ¡°See kid, my friend doesn¡¯t even think we should meet the one who stashed this food away for us. I have a different thought. I began to wonder when I saw you look for the sack. I asked myself...¡±


    The man''s eyebrow raised as he looked up and away a little while gesturing with an open palm, ¡°Why would a kid stash away so much food, especially this far away from the nearest village? Yeah, assumptions were made, but I¡¯d take a guess that you have somewhere to go. Which leads me to why I even revealed myself to begin with.¡±


    Hughs thoughts raced, as his eyebrows rose in surprise that somebody who he had never met before guessed his intention. Finally, he managed out a meek, ¡°Yes¡­ I do¡­¡±


    The second man sighed at his partner''s theatrics and crossed his arms to wait until he was done.


    The man in the lead''s face changed to be more serious, ¡°We can take you to a nearby town, and I even know of somebody who is willing to give you work¡­¡±


    Hugh thought he misheard as his attention focused on every word as the mans pause ended, ¡°But you can only come along if you stay quiet and eat only what we give you. No questions, no whining, no slowing us down, and you must swear to do what we ask while we travel.¡±


    Hugh''s brows creased as he thought about what was said. The conditions weren¡¯t that bad as he would be protected somewhat, and there would even be somewhere for him to work once they got to town. He could cook a meal or two or whatever they needed on the way there, as long as he got there!


    Thinking like that, Hugh nodded, ¡°I want to come along.¡±


    The man said, ¡°You must swear it, or we¡¯ll leave you behind. No questions, no whining, no slowing us down and while traveling, you will always do what we ask.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Hugh stated, ¡°I swear that I, Hugh Greenfield, will not ask questions, whine, slow you down, and do what is asked of me as we travel.¡±


    The man with a scar shook his head as he unfolded his arms and asked, ¡°You done here now?¡±


    The other man smiled wide as he turned slightly to answer, ¡°Just about.¡± Turning back he continued, ¡°Now, Hugh. You can call me Jack, and my partner here is Koel. Take this.¡±


    Jack removed a bag he was carrying and handed it over to Hugh stating, ¡°You¡¯ll carry this, now follow us and remember what you have sworn.¡±


    Hugh was a little confused as the man named Jack handed him a different bag that was on his back before. Putting it on the same way, he slowly followed Jack and Koel further and further away, only turning back once a couple of hours later to give a silent apology to which Gris would never hear, only to see that he didn¡¯t even recognize his surroundings anymore.

 4

    ¡°It¡¯s been over ten millennia and there is no infant of reality. Let it rest.¡± Current Seat of the Beyond to Jovae Chanthel


    Hugh had been following around Jack and Koel for a little over a week now. At first, his whole body ached from walking quickly to keep up the pace throughout the day, but as the week progressed most of the muscle soreness went away.


    What replaced it was blisters on his feet from shoes not meant for travel and a few cuts and bruises from falling on a misstep or two. Luckily, Jack noticed and did slow their overall pace for a while some days.


    Koel never seemed too happy with the situation and a grumble would escape his lips from time to time. Hugh didn¡¯t miss that but there wasn¡¯t much he could do except try his best to keep up.


    Jack had mostly asked him to gather wood, or small things whenever they stopped. He got used to it pretty quick and was just relieved when Jack said they would be reaching town tomorrow.


    Koel, on the other hand, was stoic as ever, maintaining that brooding silent type air about him. Hugh was reminded of the smith, Beff, by the way the man carried himself. The thought was always cut short as he mindlessly took step by step over the days and often wondered what Gris was doing. He felt a little bad for leaving him behind, but he could go back once he learned a little magic and go get him.


    Luckily, even though his mother didn¡¯t know much about magic, she had told him that people would take the energy into themselves and store it. He didn¡¯t know how, but over the preparatory weeks, he had often laid awake at night, trying to envision pulling energy into himself.


    Although Hugh knew it wasn¡¯t exactly the right way since it didn¡¯t seem to do anything, he had to try. He wasn¡¯t sure, but it did seem like he recovered faster from the days fatigue the further he got away from his little village, but he didn¡¯t know if it was real or if it was just imagined at this point. It didn¡¯t matter too much though since they would get to town tomorrow and he would be able to start figuring everything out.


    -


    Hugh looked up at the sky through the trees as the rays had shifted from horizontal to more vertical. The light that filtered through the foliage told him that morning was on its way out and it would soon be mid-day.


    Long accustomed to not asking questions by now, he stayed his tongue when the thought of asking when they would reach the town appeared in his mind for the 37th time today already. Instead, he just looked around some more, attempting to see if he could spot any change in the surroundings. Not ten minutes later, he could finally see a small break in the trees, and he couldn¡¯t help from cracking a smile.


    Jack slowed his pace to which Koel and Hugh matched. Looking over at Hugh, he said, ¡°Alright kid. We¡¯re almost to the last stretch. It will be on the road. Let us do the talking at the gate and nod along. After all, we¡¯ll be answering with the truth.¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t care how he got into the town, he just wanted to finally be in one so he couldn¡¯t hide the excitement in his voice as he replied, ¡°Okay!¡±


    Moments later, the trio stepped onto the cleared path and turned to follow it in one direction. Hugh couldn¡¯t help but feel a little lighter on his feet as he made step by step, even seeing a couple of people off in the distance on the path heading the same way.


    Shortly after leaving the more dense forested area, Hugh finally saw a couple of houses that looked about the size of the one he had lived in during his fourth life and slightly smaller than the village leader''s house. While they were new for him to see, the novelty hadn¡¯t waned. What really caught his attention so much that he ended up tripping, only to stumble forward a little before catching himself was shortly after when they crested a large hill.


    Hugh had laid his eyes on the vast valley that was in full view from where they currently were. He could spot parts of a river that wound through it, with farmland on either side lined up to take advantage of the water source more easily. Even the small blobs that were obviously the houses of the farmers outnumbered the size of his village.


    What caught his breath and made him stumble was the unworn rock beneath his feet as they traveled on the side of the now widened path in case a carriage were to pass. That and the sight of town that lay in the valley. Sprawled out, mostly along the river path and at one portion, perpendicular to it as well.


    Hugh could tell that was the main part of the town by the taller walls that encompassed over half of all the structures there and how the paths all seemed to flow into one as people, not unlike the chickens his fathers took care of, congregated around a gate that he could barely make out in the distance.


    Hugh had lived in a town in his fourth life but he had never known just how big it was. He had never seen it from afar like what he was witnessing now. Not able to help himself, Hugh said in amazement, ¡°It¡¯s so big!¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Koel frowned and Jack said, ¡°I¡¯d imagine it is to you. This is just a smaller town. It can¡¯t compare to Seigmond. The capital even makes Seigmond look like your village. Get it all out of your system now, so when we reach the gates and get inside, the commoners won¡¯t mock you for being an unblessed churl and us by association.¡±


    Hugh knew what unblessed meant. Since he came from lands that weren¡¯t filled with energy, he technically was. But that didn¡¯t change whether he liked the association with the known curse from his own in his village. While he didn¡¯t know what a churl was, he was sure it wasn¡¯t any good. Especially paired with the other words that people would mock you for.


    Jack had turned his head when he said that so Hugh nodded and gave a simple reply, ¡°Okay.¡±


    No matter how much he wanted to ask, he didn¡¯t want to sour the relationship between them, even with the town so close. He still needed to rely on Jack and Koel to get set up in¡­


    Hugh wasn¡¯t sure if this was Belford or not, and for the same reason, he didn¡¯t ask. As he trod on with lips closed and eyes glancing around, the time spent on any one thing was often long enough that most would call it staring. It was so bad that as more people were beginning to be nearby and the gates grew ever closer, Jack spoke again, ¡°Stop ogling everything around you and just pretend it¡¯s your village that you see. It¡¯ll get boring fast enough anyway. Remember to be quiet from here on.¡±


    Those words were the last ones spoken until they reached the queue for the gate. There were a couple of nods or waves Hugh saw, but all the people waiting seemed to keep to themselves. While waiting in line, Hugh saw a couple more carriages ride right up to the gate and the guards quickly let them through before moving back to talk with the groups of people in line, bit by bit.


    What felt like a couple ofhours later, Hugh stepped up with Jack and Koel to meet the guards right outside the entrance gate. Hugh wasn¡¯t paying that much attention though as he was looking up at the wall that towered over him. He wondered how tall it was as the shadow cast by the now evening sun covered the nearby structure.


    Hugh barely caught anything of what was being said until he heard his name from Jack, ¡°Hugh! Comon¡¯ we have to find an inn and we¡¯ll get everything set up in the morning.¡±


    Hugh followed along as he looked down from the height of the wall to go inside. The path was no longer dirt-covered but was flat and hard, almost like one giant stone showed the way. It was a dull gray though and did not reflect much of the light that met only half the road at this time of day.


    The shadows didn¡¯t give much contrast to the mix of buildings he saw upon reaching the other side of the gate. Most buildings seemed to be built out of either the same kind of rock or wood that somehow uniformly looked the same. The most noticeable though was different signs everywhere, staked into the ground in front of different doorways, on the side of walls, and some even hung freely to swing in the wind from a rope, tied to a pole that led right to where they were referring to.


    Hugh could read a good portion of them, but there were still some words he couldn¡¯t figure out in the short time they followed the flow of others walking from place to place. It seemed so bustling, like the market he once got to visit as Balver.


    Walking for longer than he thought was necessary, making turns here and there, they were finally stepping into a building where the sign out front had a small image of a bed and a cup. Written underneath in a strange red lettering was, Weary¡¯s Respite.


    Hugh didn¡¯t know the words specifically in writing, but he knew what a bed looked like, and he knew what a cup looked like.


    Entering the door behind the others, his face scrunched some as his nose was assaulted by the smell of alcohol that he only knew from when the village had a celebration of the year. Along with that, the noise that struck his ears was just as rowdy as those times as well.


    Hugh was excited by the general atmosphere as everybody always seemed to have a good time. The trio walked up to the nearest open counter and they were soon greeted by the bartender, ¡°What¡¯ll ya have this evening?¡±


    Jack¡¯s voice seemed to be a lot more serious, much like when he made Hugh swear to him, ¡°We¡¯ll have a room with two beds, and the cooks evening meal for two. Also¡­¡±


    Hugh couldn¡¯t hear Jack¡¯s next words over the bustling noises all the other people were making. He didn¡¯t care too much though as he looked around at all the different people eating and drinking.


    Jack soon grabbed his shoulder and said, ¡°Comon¡¯ boy. We¡¯re going up to the room. It¡¯s too loud in here.¡±


    Hugh reluctantly followed Koel after the light and he didn¡¯t dare resist the encouragement directed by the hand that was on his shoulder. Up the stairs and down a short hall, the sound from below had drowned out leaving them in a much more quiet part of the building. Koel opened up the last door on the left and went inside. Following his lead, Hugh stepped in shortly after to see Koel already sitting on a bed with a contented smile that was rarely witnessed.


    The sound of Jack''s footsteps behind him made Hugh choose to move to a vacant part of the room, next to a cabinet, the only other thing in here. The door was closed and Hugh turned around to find Jack walking up toward him with a smile, all too similar to the one Jack expressed when they met.


    Hugh felt a little unease in the pit of his stomach and the way Jack approached. He looked over to Koel only to be met with a smile from him as well, except he looked much uglier, like a mocking laughter as Hugh¡¯s gut was screaming at him to run.


    Jack was in the way of the door and the only window he could see was on the other side of the room, closer to Koel. Thoughts racing, Hugh wasn¡¯t exactly sure of the situation, and he tried to reason out in his head why they would do anything now that they were finally in a town instead of on the trip.


    Suddenly Hugh felt something new, yet old, as a feeling gnawed at the back of his mind, The weight that fell on his body seemed to root him to the spot as his voice failed to comply with his will to ask what was going on. Eyes looked back to Jack who seemed like a blur moving toward himself and it clicked.


    Hugh knew this feeling and the dread that plagued his mind from his past life, all the way until a little over a month ago. It was a feeling he had only felt for an instant, at the same time as he felt like his entire being was on fire. This time though, there was no fire that accompanied it but the grip of overwhelming might still made him incapable of anything but looking around.


    The blur that was Jack slid to the side of his vision and everything went black.

 5

    ¡°Those blind to ties cannot see, those who see the ties are blind.¡± Speculation on an inference of messages from attempted ascension to become a Divine Envoy.


    A groan escaped Hugh¡¯s lips as he awakened. There was a throbbing sensation as he finally registered it as pain. With each pulse came a splitting headache that forced Hugh to wince.


    Hugh opened his eyes to find himself in a dimly lit room as he barely made out a male voice whispering, ¡°The new guy¡¯s finally awake eh.¡±


    Another man spoke at the same level, ¡°Looks like it. Hey. Kid. I don¡¯t recognize you from here, and with an outfit like that, I¡¯d think you were one of the street orphans.¡±


    Hugh pushed himself up to a seated position as he took in the barred wall on one side of the room and a couple of benches aligned on the other walls. It was there he saw three others.


    The voice that spoke first added, ¡°Hey Krom, just because you knew some of the street orphans doesn¡¯t mean you know all of them, now do you?¡±


    Krom huffed, raising his voice a little, ¡°And what¡¯s that supposed to mean? At least I tried to help them out. Nobody else was doing anything.¡±


    The third man spoke, ¡°Knock it off before they hear you guys. We¡¯re all in the same hole now, so there¡¯s no point.¡±


    The other two men grumbled a little, recognized the statement of fact, and went back to a barely audible whisper.


    Hugh shivered a little from the cold of the cell and felt his head where he had a throbbing pain from. Krom saw this and said, ¡°Well kid, since you have that wound on your head, I take it you didn¡¯t come willingly eh?¡±


    Not knowing what was fully meant by that Hugh finally spoke, ¡°I came to Belford willingly, but the people that helped me get here said they had a job they could help me get.¡±


    The third man let out a snort and the first said, ¡°Hate to break it to ya, but Belfords a ten-day carriage ride from here. And whoever those people were probably sold you off.¡±


    Hugh was in a daze for a moment as he couldn¡¯t help but have a heavy frown, ¡°Then what town is this you guys don¡¯t sound like slaves.¡±


    Krom chuckled and said, ¡°This is the general jail. All unblessed are kept here whether they¡¯ve done something wrong or not since the punishment for most unblessed is to become a slave.¡±


    The gruff voice of the third man spoke, ¡°Since you don¡¯t even know that, then he was definitely sold. There¡¯s no point in trying to figure out who he is since all he did was get tricked and captured. That¡¯s probably why it¡¯s taking so long for them to process this time. Just my luck.¡±


    Krom spoke in a slightly cheery tone, ¡°Comon¡¯ Heron, It¡¯s not like you won¡¯t be done with your sentence in a week anyways.¡±


    Heron replied, ¡°Yeah, but who knows what they¡¯ll do now that an appraiser will come.¡±


    Hugh asked, ¡°What¡¯s an appraiser?¡±


    Krom said, ¡°It¡¯s somebody who comes when there is a new permanent slave so that they can properly give you a value.¡±


    Heron grumbled, ¡°And since we¡¯re in here with you, instead of just working as slaves of the city for a week, now we have a chance of being appraised and taken too.¡±


    Hugh had to admit that he was pretty lost on the details of what exactly was and would be happening, but he was all too keen not to end up a slave, to be carted around until sold again. The last time that happened, he ended up eventually just being killed.


    He didn¡¯t want a repeat of that and didn¡¯t exactly have anything that could help him out except the three that were in the cell with him. So he asked, ¡°Is there any way not to become a slave? I¡¯m willing to work a normal job and learn if needed.¡±


    The man who he heard first spoke again, ¡°Nope. You¡¯re already screwed, kid.¡±


    Krom said, ¡°Yup. It¡¯s as Joff said. You¡¯re screwed¡­ Unless¡­¡±


    The teetering statement left Hugh waiting in suspense. As the pause dragged on, Hugh couldn¡¯t take it and said in a slightly raised voice, ¡°Unless what!?¡±


    Heron snapped with a loud whisper, ¡°Quiet kid! Just because they¡¯re letting us talk quietly, doesn''t mean that if you disturb anybody, they won¡¯t come give you a beating.¡±


    Hugh quickly apologized in a whisper and said, ¡°Sorry! Unless what?¡±


    Joff let out a chuckle, ¡°Unless you have some strong ability or are secretly talented. In which case, you wouldn''t be here in the first place, so don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡±


    Hugh was still lost at what that meant, and said almost in a pleading whine, ¡°I don¡¯t know what that means. I¡¯m not from here. How would I know if I have an ability or talent?¡±


    Heron said, ¡°And there it is. The chance. If you¡¯ve been tested, you would know already. That¡¯s why the appraiser is coming¡­¡± As if in afterthought, with a wink he added, ¡°And kid, if you do happen to be talented, put in a good word for me, alright?¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Hugh didn¡¯t know what to think of it all as he tried to fully understand what everything meant. In the end, Hugh just scrambled to lean against a wall and do the only thing he could do. Wait.


    -


    Forince left the overly grand walls of the palace in the capitol a week ago. He had been traveling around the Cowr Kingdom, visiting all the major cities and towns out of sheer boredom. He was proud of all he accomplished so far, but sitting in a palace and helping the prince navigate his karmic ties, or guiding the King on who he should and shouldn¡¯t deal with by avoiding those with a little too much negative karma was not what helped him grow.


    Forince was born with a very particular affinity, and while his overall talent wasn¡¯t that high, he was able to improve his cultivation quickly into the realm of Restructure just as fast as somebody with a high talent. That was all due to abusing his affinity with karmic ties and feeding off the energy released when they are formed or resolved. At 87 years old, he was just past half of the expected lifespan of somebody who reached the realm of Restructure. Even though he knew he still had at least 63 years left, he also knew that the rate he was currently improving was not fast enough.


    Forince received the best growth speed when he was struggling to grow up since he ended up using the vague karmic bonds he saw people had to escape a lot of situations. Almost all of them showed up as faintly translucent nearly invisible strings attaching one person to the other. Neutral ties were white, positive ties were gold, and negative ties were black.


    Most of the ties he saw were white or gold, the thicker the string, the stronger the tie. Usually, gold ties were between brothers, happy couples, master/disciple, or most commonly parent and child. They usually weren¡¯t obtrusive in his vision and he could easily enough tune them out if needed. Which is exactly what he had done for the past two days.


    He was almost done with his trip around the kingdom and had stopped in a town called Kippur. Briefly checking it out, he didn¡¯t see anything too egregious, and yet he didn¡¯t feel like his time out was long enough. Deciding so, Forince asked for a room to seclude himself on as he closed his eyes to meditate on how he could improve his cultivation faster.


    That had been troubling him for several years now as he had reached a wall. It seemed that no matter what Karmic ties were formed or broken around him, the extra energy from them was no longer enough.


    It was early in the morning a few days later that he finally reopened his eyes and he was shocked.


    A darkness so thick it filled his entire room left him seemingly blind. It was like the light was completely swallowed by nothingness. Sweeping out his energy to check on his surroundings, everything appeared absolutely normal in every other way.


    Forince was confused as he tried to look around with his eyes to no avail. Eventually, he let out a sigh as he swept his energy out amongst the palace. He didn¡¯t care who got offended since he was the strongest here in this out-of-the-way town. Especially since somebody was obviously playing a trick on him.


    With that thought in mind and after not seeing anything specifically wrong, he released just enough pressure to put an unblessed on their knees but added a depth to the pulse that told every single cultivator that he was pissed off.


    After the pulse, Forince watched the reaction through his energy sense of all those in the palace and found nothing obvious. He even watched the little play of the city¡¯s top guard respond by immediately running to his room to presumably play innocent.


    Forince waited, watching everything with his energy sense, still not able to see anything but the darkest depths of black and nothingness with his eyes as he sat there calmly. As soon as the guards made it to the door in his room, he retracted his aura except for sensing his surroundings and said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    Noting the twelve guards at the door, the main one asked, ¡°Has something happened my lord?¡±


    Forince raised an eyebrow and asked in a mocking tone, ¡°Do you think I would so brazenly release a smidgen of my power if nothing happened?¡±


    The guard didn¡¯t really have anything to say to that and defaulted on a line he used in these kinds of situations. Pounding his hand on his chest and bowing at the waist he stated, ¡°We await your command Lord Forince.¡±


    A silence hung in the air for the next half a minute until the only sound that grew louder was the clacking of hurried footsteps hitting the polished stone floors.


    Upon hearing the door swing open again, the guards straightened up and stepped to the side as Kippur¡¯s city lord stepped into the room, ¡°May I ask who has angered you, my lord? Please let me know so that we can find the culprit.¡±


    Forince let the silence stagnate the air. Although he could not see the city lord with his eyes, he still squinted them as if he were studying him. Indeed he was studying everybody in the city lord''s mansion right now, but nothing seemed that off.


    Eventually, Fornice stated after checking on the unblessed slaves of the city lord''s mansion, ¡°It seems I am the only one affected¡­¡±


    The fear running through the city lord''s veins at the moment was a little relieved when the silence was finally broken, as he tentatively said, ¡°Affected by what, my lord?¡±


    Forince frowned and commanded, ¡°Leave me. I will let you know if I need your help. For now, I am checking on it myself.¡±


    The others left as Forince continued to watch everyone in the mansion and then gradually expanded his energy to cover part of the town. Unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t even close the the shattered realm so he was unable to cover the entire town, but a quarter of it was enough. He would simply have to move around a little.


    Not being able to see with his eyes wasn¡¯t the biggest issue, but it was still annoying nonetheless, so he left the mansion grounds in the air to hover around the town to look for anything suspicious.


    It was at that point that Forince noticed that ever so slightly, the deepest blacks covering his eyes lightened. Noticing this, he raised himself up into the sky further and further, even choosing the direction toward the capitol.


    It wasn¡¯t long before he could finally see again, but he was already two mountains away from Kippur as he looked back from where he came. Forince was stunned as he lost control of his technique and fell from the sky. The sight was so shocking that he had no clue such a thing was even possible.


    Catching himself to softly land on the ground at a good vantage point, he just stared toward Kippur as he tried to wrap his head around just what he was looking at. Was it really possible to have some many Karmic bonds, let alone, so many negative ones that glowed strong enough to suck the light away from his sight at such a radius?


    He had only heard of something described like that in some old texts. The topic was deities who also tread the karmic path, sowing negative Karmic bonds so numerous and strong that they had even destroyed hundreds of worlds.


    Only a deity could withstand the natural retaliation from that as the world attempted to reject the entity by killing them any way they could. Circumstances stacked in unison that would always result in that person''s death.


    Forince didn¡¯t want to believe it but the proof was there, the gigantic mass of threads darker than night were so numerous it looked closer to a ball. All he knew was that there was no way he would even go back toward that, as he was no fool to run toward his own demise.


    He only sent a message by crushing an inscription stone and fled the kingdom to get as far away as possible.

 6

    ¡°Jovae¡­ You¡¯ve long past Severance. Leave the lines of those chasing it behind. The heavens no longer have bearing on us.¡± Current Seat of the Beyond to Jovae Chanthel


    The cell had been silent for quite some time as Hugh began to wonder if this life would be a repeat of his second. The smooth dull gray walls that matched the stone path at the entrance of the town did nothing anymore for his curiosity. Peering out through the bars lining one wall, he wondered how long he would have to wait this time. The only major thought being that he would have to be more careful in the future.


    Soon the padding sound of footsteps falling on the hard surface of the ground rhythmically fell in the distance. Hugh and company turned their heads toward the bars in anticipation as though sounds trumpeted the arrival of somebody new.


    Long adjusted to the dim light, Hugh set his eyes on the two as they entered his line of sight. Both men approached the doorway as one fumbled about with some keys.


    The man behind waited with a bored expression and glanced at the four through the bars before focusing on Hugh.


    The man opening the door wore garments like the guards at the town''s entrance. It was some sort of armor that had a faint sheen to it giving it a look as sturdy as the buildings around them.


    Hugh was interested in the other man. He wore a long purple robe that looked more luxurious than anything he had ever seen. The fabric swayed some with every movement and gave a feeling of incongruence of elegance against the placid look the man showed.


    The door swung open and a clear voice rang out, ¡°Stand back against the wall.¡±


    The others stood up and moved to the side of the benches to stand against the wall at nearest their location. Hugh stood as well, only to get a different command when the same man pointed a finger at him. ¡°You. Stand in the center of the cell. Appraiser Falk will be checking on your potential and ability.¡±


    Hugh''s meek steps took him to the center of the cell. As he faced the two men the purple-clad man entered the cell. Having pieced together that he could have some chance of a decent start if he did have potential, he dared yet act out in the vain attempt to have a quick end.


    Falk walked in, steps crisp against the cool cell air, as he approached Hugh and spoke in a nasal tone, ¡°Well boy. It seems you¡¯re not from here since there is no record of your existence in the town''s knowledge pool. You better hope you''re worth me stopping my cultivation.¡±


    With that said Hugh watched as a large translucent orb about two hands wide appeared in the man''s hand. Raising it up in front of him, he spoke again, ¡°Let¡¯s get it over with. Place your hand on this orb and we¡¯ll see if you¡¯re worth me coming down here.¡±


    Hugh gulped and reached out. Placing his hand firmly on the orb, he awaited his fate.


    A second passed and he watched as a dull purple light seemed to flow from the side Falk was holding onto. The glow eventually settled in the center of the orb and soon the hue began to fade as it shifted to a dim white light held inside.


    Hugh wondered how it worked as the light inside seemed to congeal and move to his outreached palm on the surface.


    It had only been five seconds, but that was not near as fascinating to Hugh as the feeling he got. An eerily cool sensation flowed into his palm and began to slowly move up through his arm.


    It didn¡¯t hurt, until it reached his shoulder and began to speed up as it rushed down his right side, bouncing around in a limited area as it made its way down to his foot. Coming back up a different path and repeating the same on his other leg and back up through his arm.


    It was moving much faster now as it shot up from his shoulder and into his head as it swished around, now leaving a chilling bite throughout his insides and a splitting headache. Surprised by the sharp pain as it shot through his head and across his eyes, Falk noticed the flicker that shone through them in the brief instant and said, ¡°Don¡¯t collapse now boy.¡±


    Hugh squeezed his eyes shut, trying to outlast the tyrannical energy, and grit his teeth. He grew lightheaded and the energy shot down from his head and began to rampage across his body. It seemed to hit every place it had yet to go, darting in strange angles every moment as the sensation now ran closer to searing his insides. An irony tang began to suffuse Hugh¡¯s taste buds as his gums began to bleed from clenching.


    At last, the energy swept up and through the same arm it came from before shooting out of his palm and into the ball.


    Hugh''s hand fell from the orb as he collapsed onto the ground, grunting and gasping for fresh air to carry away the pains wrenching his insides.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Falk lifted up the orb squinting at it as he said in his nasal voice, ¡°Well, well. This is definitely interesting.¡±


    On the ground with pain subsiding, Hugh cracked open an eye to look at the item of intrigue.


    The orb resting in Falk''s palm glowed a pearlescent silver as a thrum of inky black silk strands spun around to create a small swirling storm inside.


    Everyone waited as Falk peered into the orb, watching the contained swirling storm. Face now in a contemplative position, Falk paid no mind to those around him.


    Why would he? Only the guard had any sort of internal energy and he would not dare to strike him.


    The guard soon asked, ¡°Appraiser Falk, if I may. What does that mean?¡±


    The others in the cell were also curious as none of them had seen such a result before but none dared speak up at the moment.


    Falk''s gaze never left the orb as his brow furrowed, ¡°It seems the boy has some potential since there is a color, and judging by the activity, he also has quite some ability as well.¡±


    Everybody knew that except for Hugh, who had finally abated his deep breaths and was also staring intently at the orb. With hesitance in his voice, he asked, ¡°Does that mean I can learn to use magic?¡±


    Falk snorted at the idea before stating, ¡°Boy. Do you know why I wear a purple robe?¡±


    Hugh had never given it much thought in the short moment prior so he shook his head to indicate he did not.


    Gaze still focused upon the orb, Falk continued, ¡°Well. I¡¯d expect as much. It matches the color the orb glowed when I had my talent and ability checked. Though it was actually slightly lighter than my robes.¡±


    Falk lowered the orb and stowed it away as he looked down at Hugh, ¡°Interesting¡­ Interesting indeed.¡±


    Hugh shrank back at Falk''s piercing gaze as the guard asked, ¡°Is there anything else we need here appraiser Falk?¡±


    Falk turned his head, ¡°Hmm? Oh. This is fine. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Falk turned to walk out of the door and began to head down the hall as the guard hurried to re-lock the cell before catching up.


    The cell remained silent as Hugh rested, still recovering from the ordeal as he could barely make out the mage¡¯s voice from the echo down the hall, ¡°Don¡¯t register his results. I know a couple of people who might be interested.¡±


    ¡°Yes, appraiser Falk.¡±


    The padding steps soon left Hugh''s earshot and he made his way back over to where he was before they all came in. Once he had rested his back against the wall, he looked at the others and saw a few different emotions on their faces. While Joff seemed to have a contemplative look staring at the cell door, Krom and Heron were both looking at Hugh.


    Krom¡¯s seriousness carried into his question, ¡°Where did you say you were from?¡±


    Heron spoke quickly after the question, excitement plainly on his face, ¡°Boy, it looks like you are in luck. It doesn¡¯t matter where you are from, whoever that appraiser has in mind must obviously be a good deal since he told the guard not to report the result. When they come back to¡­¡±


    A pulse of energy swept past the group as they all halted their breaths. Hugh was yet again frozen and was really getting tired of being so helpless constantly. Yet, the thought had only just formed as the energy shifted to apply a new pressure. Hugh heard a couple of thuds as the others fell from where they were standing or ended up falling off the bench and onto the floor. The intensity was so great that Hugh had a flashback to the end of his fourth life. The invisible mountain resting atop every fiber of his being crushing him from every possible direction.


    Hugh and the others'' breaths were forced from their lungs as the immense pressure left just as swiftly as it arrived. Moments passed as no words were said as all but heavy breathing met Hugh''s ears.


    In short, bursts between those breaths, Hugh asked, ¡°What¡­ was¡­ that?¡±


    It took a minute before Heron answered, sounding quite a bit better than how Hugh''s question came out, ¡°That, Hugh, was somebody powerful pissed off releasing their aura.¡±


    Nodding along, Krom added, ¡°At least they weren¡¯t strong enough to kill us.¡±


    Joff''s low voice asked, ¡°Do you really think they weren¡¯t holding back? If they were truly pissed off, we¡¯d be dead.¡±


    Hugh gulped and looked to the cell door again as he began to have a couple of second thoughts about coming all this way.


    Some time passed and Joff spoke first, ¡°It seems like whoever was angry resolved the issue.¡±


    Krom grunted, ¡°Not necessarily. We don¡¯t know what happened. A person that strong making a move would¡¯ve been heard, even in here.¡±


    Heron cheerfully said, ¡°Does it matter? It¡¯s been half an hour and nothing else happened so whatever the problem was is long dealt with. I¡¯ve seen Encapsulation level people go wild before and what happened before was probably just a warning.¡±


    Joff mumbled something under his breath while Heron turned to look at Hugh. Standing up, Heron walked over and held out a hand toward Hugh, ¡°Heron Caldwell, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    Hugh looked at the man with his scraggly beard and unkempt hair two shades away from a dark brown. As the hand stretched out in front of him, Hugh glanced down, a little confused before stating, ¡°Hugh.¡±


    Heron heard a slight chuckle from behind him as he pulled his empty hand back. Half talking to himself before inflecting back toward Hugh, ¡°Hugh. I guess the last name isn¡¯t all that important. Hugh, it seems that you do have the talent. I know you¡¯ll probably be picked up and sold to somebody and who knows who that somebody would be. From what I see, and the fact that you are in here with us, means you haven¡¯t progressed into the mist stage yet. I can teach you how to do that and you can just say I am your distant uncle.¡±


    Krom and Joff were silent while Hugh was in thought. In truth, Hugh would love to know how to at least get into whatever the mist stage was but wasn¡¯t sure about Heron. He didn¡¯t seem that bad, but something was a little off. Heron reminded Hugh a little of the merchant Kino. In the end, Hugh wanted to become stronger and even this small step would be in the right direction. Still, Hugh asked, ¡°And what do you want from me?¡±


    Heron beamed a smile, ¡°Not too much. It¡¯s actually free for you. All I want is you to say that you want me, Heron Caldwell to come with you since I am your distant uncle when you are bought.¡±


    Hugh thought furiously of everything he knew, but he really couldn¡¯t see a downside to it. It¡¯s not like he would have to do anything else and at least Heron was more friendly than the others. Having thought a little too much, Hugh nodded in agreement before asking a question on his mind, ¡°I can do that. What is the mist stage?¡±

 7

    ¡°I will show restraint in direct action, but that does not mean I will idly stand here and cast away my sight.¡± Jovae Chanthel parting words to the Court of the Beyond.


    Discussion long passed for all, and Hugh couldn''t help but get lost in thoughts. That of his family, friends, and where he grew up.


    Due to the time he spent, he was most attached to his second, fourth, and current life. Though his longest life lived so far was his first life, his parents had died while he was still young and the village helped him out. It wasn''t an understatement to say that his first life was a struggle to stay alive without the help of his parents directly. Luckily, food was shared with the whole village every day so that wasn''t the largest problem.


    Looking back now from his fifth life, he is actually surprised he lasted so long comparing them to his other lives. He didn''t know if there was magic wherever that was, but there didn''t seem to be any major outside threats.


    Moving his thoughts back to his current life, Hugh wondered how far he would make it. At the very least, he wanted to learn how to get to the mist stage so that he could always have that knowledge if he died soon again.


    Thinking that he spoke in a quiet tone, "Heron... When will you teach me how to get to the mist stage?"


    Heron, lost in his own world of thoughts, was disturbed by Hugh and frowned for a brief instance. However, that vanished as he realized Hugh was the one who called his name. A friendly smile replaced it as he spoke, "We don''t know how long it will be until they come get us. I haven''t decided on which one is best yet."


    Hugh had not thought that there would be different methods to get to the mist stage. With the amount of information he knew, he just looked blankly back at Heron for a moment before asking, "Does it matter?"


    Krom, overhearing the conversation between the two that lightly echoed off the wall let out a light breath in exasperation before cutting in, "You really don''t know anything at all. If you build a tower with hay, and you build a tower with steel, does it matter?"


    Heron raised a brow stating, "As he said, you can go as far as your foundation allows."


    Hugh understood and inquired, "So... Which one is the best?"


    At this point, Joff couldn''t help but chuckle at the question. Heron continued, "It depends on the person, and I only know of five different methods."


    Krom turned to Heron with surprise, "What the hell are you doing with five methods?"


    Heron shrugged lightly, "It''s not like I can use them, and who knows when you might meet a Hugh." Turning his head back to Hugh, he said, "Alright. I have one for people with fire affinity, earth affinity, and one with no affinity. And as Krom stated, I know that the no affinity one is equivalent to building a tower with hay. The fire and earth affinity ones are only slightly better, but you''ll grow faster if it matches your affinity."


    Hugh asked, "What about the last two?"


    Heron lightly coughed, "Well. I don''t actually know their affinities or anything about them really. I came across them when I was younger and was trying everything to get into the mist stage myself."


    Joff''s gravel voice spoke, "Kid, with what he said about the first three, you might as well pick one of the other two."


    Krom nodded at that and Heron seemed to not be happy with that. Before Heron could say anything Hugh asked, "What''s the difference between the last two?"


    Heron paused to think, letting out a hmm or two before answering, "Mind you, I''m still mortal so I don''t know if anything I say really matters. But, the fourth one felt draining, and not in an exhausting way. Although, trying to do anything with the energy around feels exhausting in itself to us mortals. I really wouldn''t suggest that one because of that. Also, it..."


    Krom cut in, "Yeah, yeah. What about the last one?"


    Hugh looked from Krom to Heron. Heron cleared his throat and said, "The last one... I don''t really know. I tried to use it too but as you know, I am still completely mortal. I didn''t feel much of anything with it and just stopped after trying for about an hour."


    Hugh and the others figured that meant it was a method with no affinity, from Heron''s statement. Then Joff asked, "How many breathing techniques did it have?"


    Everybody looked back to Heron as he scratched his head. He answered the best he could, "I don''t really know. I had found it on something like an inscription stone and I could only see the first one ."


    Joff instantly said, "Choose the last one kid."


    Confused by the certainty with which Joff stated that he asked, "Why that one? Heron said he couldn''t feel anything."


    Joffs piercing gaze focused on Hugh for a moment before stating, "Only high-tier methods are inscribed on anything. Even if it doesn''t match your affinity, it would still be better than what the others sounded like. Unless..."


    Facing Heron, Joff asked, "Are any of the others inscribed?"Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Heron shook his head, "No. No. The other ones, people had tried to teach me for a price."


    Joff said, "There you go. Choose the last one."


    Heron sighed as Hugh nodded and said, "Thanks Joff. Heron, do you have the stone?"


    Heron sighed and said, "You''re lucky that I was thinking about selling it right before they caught me."


    Reaching in a pocket and pulling out a rough-looking, looking tear-drop shaped object, Heron tossed it over to Hugh.


    Hugh reached up to catch it to only have it thump across his hand and bounce to the ground. A little embarrassed, Hugh got up to retrieve the object and sat back down.


    As he got comfortable and focused on it nothing seemed to happen. After a bit, Hugh looked back up at Heron and waited until he and Joff stopped talking before asking, "Umm... How do I use it?"


    Heron said, "Jeez, don''t even know that huh? Inscription items are intent based objects. Just focus on it and with your intent, will, whatever you want to call it, think view, or read, open, or use. It depends on the object and its purpose but that one, you have to use for some reason."


    Hugh thanked Heron and refocused his attention on the stone in his hands as he observed it in detail.


    The tear-shaped stone was a yellowish-brown color and smooth like a polished tile. The entire surface felt unblemished as he dragged his finger around it curiously. Like there was a shallow transparent layer encompassing the object, Hugh could not feel a trace of the visible etchings scrawled across its surface. Even if he could, it wouldn¡¯t help. The particular stone he was holding had multiple layers, each one opaque and concealing the next.


    Hugh paused his inspection as his curiosity got the better of him. Whispering to the room in hopes of answers, ¡°What¡¯s with the shape? Are all inscribed stones this shape? And why the light brown color? Doesn¡¯t that show what affinity it is?¡±


    After the last question, Heron interrupted before Hugh could get more out, ¡°Hey. Just use the damn stone. I¡¯m not an expert in those things and I don¡¯t think anybody here, and maybe even in this town could answer you anyway.¡±


    Hugh registered the reality of his situation again and refocused on the stone. Staring intently at it once more, he stopped his thoughts about the whys and hows for the object as a whole. Uncertain how to actually use it, he thought about how he would use any other rock as he visualized throwing it.


    Nothing happened.


    Remembering his first life and due to the pointed shape of the stone Hugh pictured affixing it to the end of a long piece of wood to make a spear.


    Nothing happened.


    Hugh went through a few different ideas on how to use the stone but all resulted in nothing happening.


    A little too embarrassed to ask what he was doing wrong, Hugh remembered some of the other commands he could try.


    Staring intently at the unrecognizable patterns hiding just beneath the surface, Hugh wished he could understand them as he visualized himself doing the same in his mind. The only difference was that he seemed to be studying with some understanding internally.


    Hugh''s eyes went blank as his gaze unfocused in a trance. As his visualization shifted into a Blur, everything turned to a white background and the stone appeared in the center of a large space oriented with its pointed end aimed at the sky.


    Hugh noticed it began to spin as the colors shifted from the dull yellowish-brown to a deep and vibrant red. The immediate surroundings began to glow with the same intensity in stark contrast to the simple plain background.


    Just as Hugh thought that was it, the colors were instantly sucked back into the stone and a pulse of energy was released in reality. No pressure was given to anybody and the only person who would have noticed anything had long fled.


    In Hugh¡¯s mind, right after the color disappeared, it bloomed with a brilliant yellow as dazzling as the sun before another pulse was released upon being pulled in. Hugh watched as this happened multiple times with more colors than Hugh could name. The whole time Hugh watched a dazzling display of colors coming and going, he only noted a few times that there seemed to be a pause in between before it began again with different ones.


    After what seemed like at least half an hour passed, Hugh saw the stone in his mind rise up from where it was as he was presented with a choice.


    No text, no voice spoke, and no other movement was seen. Yet, Hugh understood that the stone had an intent to question him and demanded an answer. Not knowing exactly how to respond, Hugh inadvertently gave off confusion as a response.


    In turn, the will left in the stone attempted to rectify the situation by separating three distinct intents. The first was to give itself to another.


    The instant Hugh felt that thought encroach on his mind, he immediately rejected it since it went against everything he wanted. That still made a subtle change in Hugh¡¯s mind as he felt like the object he was holding was not an inscription stone anymore but a seed. Of what, he did not know.


    Unable to dwell on that small bit of new understanding, the seed sent the second choice to Hugh by will.


    Hugh felt a new intent with the same distinct flavor wash over him as he felt what was intended before he knew what was intended. Hugh¡¯s eyes lit up at the initial bit of intent as it would guide him to break through to the half-transcendent stage. Hugh had never heard of that before but he was sure it was higher than mist.


    The only problem was the trailing part of the intent. Hugh would be bound to the seed for the entirety of his life and that stage would be a limit. He would also have to allow the seed to, find and scan others.


    Hugh thought that this might be alright since he would at least have a starting point that he could use in the next life and so on since he was already a slave, but the seed felt Hugh''s hesitation as it stopped the intent behind the choice.


    Hugh was a bit worried he was too late as he felt a new sensation wash over him. As he shifted from feeling the intent to understanding it and the meaning behind it, Hugh was certain he wanted it, even with the cost and requirements.


    The seed felt a strong desire and will contained in Hughs own will as the seeds will changed to a feeling of acceptance before Hugh blinked in the real world.


    The others watched Hugh as he focused on the stone. They all noticed when his attention shifted to a daze and they knew he had started using the odd inscription stone.


    However, after only ten seconds a huge change came as the stone began to glow. Quickly becoming brighter and brighter, everybody in the room couldn¡¯t help but close their eyes. The actions result but a blink, as the cell returned to dark just as fast. Hugh and the others watched and the object seemed to shed a layer of material, dissipating into motes of faint sparks trailing away before converging onto the stone.


    A second had passed since the flash of light, and the stone shifted becoming translucent before shooting toward Hugh''s head.


    Faster than any of them could react as mortals, Hugh''s head was forced back and into the wall as the object passed through his skin. Hugh felt the burst of pressure but could not react as a grunt escaped his lips before a sharp pain assaulted him that shook his very soul.


    In the final instant of consciousness, Hugh glimpsed something in his mind that he had never seen before. An ethereal object that looked to be tied to a string that led off into the distance. Along with that, the tear-shaped object he now knew was a seed had somehow stabbed into the string with its pointed end like a ripened fruit hanging there, waiting to fall and begin its journey to start a new life. Its existence was nothing but patience as the host grew and it could one day be pulled from the proverbial vine.

 8

    ¡°Thousands of worlds with their spirits stripped, and we are no closer to the cause. We shall vote to entreat a new Envoy, and if karma allows, they become divine. ¡± Seat of the Beyond to the Court.


    Hugh was roused by a couple of voices that were somewhat familiar, ¡°I¡¯m his distant uncle and we had never tested him. That¡¯s why he came to Kippur. But he was taken and sold as a slave. I got in trouble looking for him and that¡¯s how I found Hugh here.¡±


    A commanding voice that didn¡¯t hide its condescension followed, ¡°I don¡¯t care about that. Why is the boy unresponsive?¡±


    Hugh placed them in his mind as Heron now, ¡°Since you were able to test his talent, I gave him the method we had been saving in the event that one of our family was blessed with the talent. It was on an inscription stone and he passed out after viewing it.¡±


    The other voice seemed to speak to itself in a quiet tone, ¡°His mental ability is so weak?¡±


    Hugh opened his eyes as he looked around to see the purple-robed man standing over Heron and the guard from earlier next to himself facing away.


    Falk seemed to notice as he turned to look at Hugh and said, ¡°Ah. It looks like the boy is awake. Good.¡±


    The guard turned to him as Falk started walking to the cell door saying, ¡°Bring him along so we can get this over with.¡±


    The guard placed his hand on Hugh¡¯s shoulder saying, ¡°Up boy. Follow me.¡±


    Hugh felt a surge of warmth from the guard¡¯s touch push into his body as he felt some of his exhaustion fade away. Even his blistered feet from the trip the prior week healed up and the dull ache that he had long accustomed to in his legs vanished.


    Amazed by that, Hugh didn¡¯t rise until he felt the grasping hand on his shoulder clamp down gripping his shoulder and yanking him up, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Appraiser Falk does not like to wait.¡±


    Forced up to his feet, Hugh knew he didn¡¯t have a say in the matter so he nodded as he took his first step toward the cell door once the guard¡¯s grip was released.


    Hugh had his own idea of what was happening but he wasn¡¯t sure as he turned his head to look at the others in the cell before he walked out of view. As he did so, Heron said with his trademark smile, ¡°Don¡¯t forget about your uncle once you¡¯re out.¡±


    Hugh gave a meek smile back as he carried on following appraiser Falk who was waiting in the room at the end of the hall.


    After leaving the building they were in, Hugh found himself being taken to a large building he remembered seeing before off in the distance. It was notable and he wanted to check it out once he got a job here.


    Slowing his approach, Hugh looked up to see the massive walls he knew towering over the gate to enter Kippur. Buildings so large were amazing to him as he took a moment to stare.


    That was short-lived. Hugh felt a push from behind and he heard the guard speak, ¡°Stop gawking kid and follow appraiser Falk.¡±


    Hugh caught himself before he stumbled too far forward and carried on into the building, but not before reading the sign a bit away above another entrance that others were almost flying through, entering and exiting, The Glittering Gallery.


    After Falk had spoken to some people, Hugh was taken into what seemed like a small bedroom. Aside from the bed, there was a table, chair, and a sliding door he found a toilet behind, but not much else. Atop the table was food of some sort and what he assumed was water in a cup.


    Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Hugh ate the bread and strange meat only having to pause to gulp down some water from eating too fast. Relaxing on the bed, he lost himself in thought. A while later he even tried to open the door to find it locked.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The days went on like this as somebody would open the door to bring him food and water every so often and the only thing Hugh could fill his time with was trying to meditate and draw in the energy around him.


    Hugh had no idea how things were going to go from here. He did recognize that despite his situation, he was fed well and could sleep in a nice bed. It was reminiscent of the soft bedding from his fourth life so he really didn¡¯t mind too much. However, the worry about his future still nagged the back of his mind.


    The next day when Hugh awoke, he finally set his mind straight to focus on what he could do. Ignoring the fact that he was confined to only this room, he sat cross-legged atop his bed and attempted to get a feel for the energy in the air.


    It was hard to place since the air just felt a little different than the village he grew up in, but there wasn¡¯t anything clear about it at all. Thus, Hugh sat there bringing his mind to focus on what he could feel.


    He felt the shirt on his skin, the pants on his legs, the air entering his lungs. Hugh began to focus on the only thing he did know that his mother had told him, ¡°Those that do practice mastering the energy all start by focusing on their breathing and the energy within the air as it enters their lungs.¡±


    Hugh shifted to slowly focus on the air moving in and out. The sensation it created as it went in, and then out. He had been doing this almost constantly for over a week now when he could find the time, it was nothing new.


    This time though, as he turned more and more towards that sensation, something seemed different. Something felt different.


    It was hard for Hugh to place but to describe a subtle warmth, a distant fire on a brisk cold night. Ever so slightly, a vague sense that his lungs were the cave of escape from a torrent of rain held at bay outside.


    Breathe in.


    Breathe out.


    What seemed like a few short moments spanned into a few hours as Hugh lost track of any notion of time. Every breath pulled in just a bit more of that new sensation and any thought otherwise.


    Breathe in.


    Breathe out.


    The employee brought food to the door only to leave with it, seeing that Hugh had not yet eaten the breakfast left behind. Hugh, for the first time, was lost in the trance of deep meditation.


    Breathe in.


    Breathe out.


    Each breath was now steady and measured, smooth and long. Subtly flowing with the rhythm of the energy as it shifted around his body. A slow intake, cutting off a part of the whole. A bit of power from a steady breath. A state that those could not normally enter without years of training. Gifted by a seed.


    Hugh¡¯s eyes fluttered open, only to look around confused. He felt tired and full.


    Thinking upon the feeling, he changed his mind. Not full, but his body felt satisfied. It was definitely a new feeling that he could only compare to being full.


    A few moments later, he noticed the breakfast left just inside the door so he shifted to get off the bed and grab it to eat.


    No matter how full the rest of his body felt, his stomach was yelling out for nourishment. As soon as Hugh shifted, he realized how stiff and sore he felt like he had been sitting like that for hours.


    How could he?


    Breakfast was still sitting right there. Was it that long?


    A little confused, not much could hinder him at his young age as he hopped off the bed to snag the plate of food. As soon as he bit into the normally warm meal of oats, he found it cold.


    It was no matter though with how hungry he was, quickly consuming what was there. Only, he was still hungry once he was finished. Leaving the now empty bowl back near the door, Hugh returned to sitting on the bed, pondering on the new sensation.


    Luckily, only about ten minutes later, the door opened again. The person replaced the empty bowl with a plate of bread and a few vegetables and water set to the side in its own cup.


    Hugh got up as soon as they left and snagged those too, until it was gone and he placed them back.


    Laying back on the bed, Hugh felt good, better than he had before as tiredness overtook him and he passed out.


    The next days went much the same, except every day, Hugh would awaken from the trance state earlier and earlier. On the seventh day, he had only spent under two hours in what he now referred to as meditation until he felt like he could not progress any further.


    Day in and day out, Hugh repeated this. On the ninth day, he felt that it was good enough. How it was good enough, he wasn¡¯t sure. What to do about it, he did not know either. He just had a vague feeling that he could do, something, and he would move on.


    Unfortunately, Hugh had no idea of what he needed to do, and each new day, his meditation sessions were so short that he was once again sitting bored most of the day. That was until the 17th day, Hugh hit a wall. When he finished his meditation which lasted only a couple of minutes, he felt like that was it. There was no more that would happen. The sensation of needing something was all that was left and the next day he only took in a single focused breath before hitting the same feeling once again.


    It was that day that something happened not long after.

 9

    ¡°Jovae will never accept the task with his thoughts on the current situation.¡± Elder from the Court of the Beyond.


    The door swung open to somebody new as a crisp voice rang out, "Comon, it''s time."


    Hugh knew what that meant by now as he got out of the bed he was sitting in and followed along. He had been there for over two weeks now as he grew accustomed to the distant sounds of people every so often. The girl who normally brought his food had filled him in on his situation over the last week.


    Given his situation, he was happy that she was friendly and even deigned to speak with him. As Hugh walked behind this new person, he noted that the man was not as willing to speak as Clair was. He still tried though, "Do I need to do anything when I am out there?"


    His clipped response said all he needed to know to stop talking, "No. Be quiet."


    They soon arrived at a opening where curtains were drawn closed. The man peeked through and Hugh could hear several people bidding in tandem but the numbers barely meant anything to Hugh until the final call.


    "1 gold, 35 silver, going once... going twice... sold!"


    A clamor amongst the crowd followed as only a moment later the curtains were opened by another man wearing the same outfit as the man Hugh followed. Right on the heels was a girl who wore a frown. Hugh met eyes with her and it seemed like she tried to smile, but all that came across was the sadness behind it. Hugh noted her eyes showed her real feeling on her situation. He couldn''t help but say something, "Have hope in the next life."


    Hugh didn''t know how horrible that sounded from the outside. Even though he was in the same situation, it was as though he had already consigned her to death as well. Still, the words echoed in her head as the man Hugh was following said, "Silent. No talking while on the floor."


    Somehow though, the girl locked eyes with him as if the tone in which had spoken got through his actual intention. Her eyes lost a little bit of the despair and to be replaced with determination.


    Hugh could only tell that she didn''t seem as sad anymore as he was pulled forward through the curtains.


    The announcer went on, "Here we have another slave to be sold! Don''t be fooled by his look though, as he was found and brought from a distant land... That is why..."


    The pause even made Hugh look at the speaker as he was curious about what was about to be said, just like those in the crowd.


    "... he had never been tested for talent and ability until recently..."


    Another pause took place and Hugh looked around to see rows upon rows of people filling the seats in a circle around him as he stood in the center now. The backs of the huge room seemed empty but it was still more people than Hugh had ever seen. The front row itself held more people than his entire village a few times over.


    As Hugh took in the spectacular size of the room and all the eyes focused on him the announcer continued.


    "And the result of that test has never been seen! Folks, what we have here is a boy about to enter adulthood. Only a little bit late to start cultivating but with a completely unique result! Of course, don''t take my word for it. We''ll run it again and maybe the more discerning can unravel the depths of what he can achieve for you and your group!"


    Hugh saw a familiar orb appear in the announcer¡¯s hand as it was held out. Hugh knew what he needed to do as murmurs came from all directions.


    Reaching forward to touch it with his palm, he saw a blue energy seem to leak out from where the announcer was holding it as it shifted to white once it settled in the center of the orb. Hugh took a deep breath as he watched the energy shift toward his palm and enter him.


    Like last time, it gave him warmth as it passed from his hand and up through his arm to his shoulder. This time though, it was drawn to the center of his chest and stayed for a moment and he felt something new. There was a vague sense of the energy spreading thin until he couldn''t feel it at all anymore.


    It had all been converted to his own. Hugh felt something, right at the end, but he wasn¡¯t sure exactly what it was and he was distracted by everything around him to realize that the sense of being on the edge of improving had utterly disappeared. And then nothing.


    Murmurs grew as Hugh felt that the energy had merged with the little he had taken in.


    Soon the Announcer spoke in a low tone to him, "Boy, have you been practicing on your own?"


    Hugh lightly nodded as he got a bad feeling.


    The announcer¡¯s voice suddenly rang in his mind, "That mistake will cost you, boy. Push whatever energy you have mustered into the orb and hope to the deities that it''s a half-decent method."


    Hugh gulped as the murmurs increased in volume even more.


    What method, he thought to himself. He had just been breathing, focused breathing, but just breathing the whole time.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    He wasn''t exactly sure how to manipulate his energy in such a way yet, but he tried to do the opposite of what he had felt.


    Closing his eyes, he slowed his breathing down to match his meditation method as he attempted to feel the energies surrounding him.


    Once he had the slightest sense, he felt inward and did the only thing he could think of. Taking that feeling of energy in his chest from earlier, he tried to bring it together.


    There just wasn''t enough there but he kept trying anyway and he heard the announcer¡¯s voice in his mind, "Push the energy into the orb."


    Hugh felt like he didn''t have enough. He didn''t want to do it yet. Especially with how little it seemed to be. He knew that he had to.


    Changing his will to bring the energy in his body to move to his outreached palm, he felt the subtle shift as it moved faster than what he wanted.


    It shot from the center of his chest to his shoulder, through his arm, hand, and left darting through his palm with such force that Hugh felt like he tore a muscle.


    At the instant the energy left through his palm, he, and everybody in the auditorium heard a thunderous crack. The orb left from Hughs¡¯s light touch, splitting into a hundred thousand pieces. A brilliant flash accompanied the sound as each speck of the orb glimmered to create a rainbow effect like falling rain as each speck began to radiate a different color.


    Just as the moment began, all the brilliance seemed to be sucked back in. The light emitted rested on the edge of a thousand minuscule ravenous whirlpools. Churning wildly until all that remained of the shards as they hit the ground were specks of black so dark, stars against the night sky would be their only contrast. As quick as that sight registered, the pieces seemed to dissipate into nothingness.


    A pregnant silence held the surroundings still as Hugh felt as though the energy he pushed through his hand had returned. It was different though, like the smell of the ocean instead of a river.


    Fortunately, the announcer had things not go his way before. Even though he, himself didn¡¯t clearly see what exactly happened despite it being right in front of him, he still attempted to smooth it over, ¡°There it is. For those that didn¡¯t catch it, young Hugh here had his first attempt at using the blessed energies with his one-of-a-kind inheritance. And we, The Glittering Gallery, were just lucky enough to schedule him for auction just before he unlocked it! ¡­I know, I know¡­ all he did was blow up the orb by releasing all of his energy, but¡­ to those that missed what actually happened to the orb so quickly, all I have to say is ask your elders. Young Hugh here was completely a mortal only a couple of weeks ago! And, all of our staff can attest to him not receiving anything but basic bread, water, and oats. Oh! And a couple of apples.¡±


    The announcer finished the last statement with a wide smile, and it did get a couple of chuckles from the crowd.


    The announcer finished his pitch and began, ¡°Now, for those of you that have a more discerning eye, and the backing to purchase this boy with a special inheritance. Make his luck, your luck. Now is the time¡­ But one more thing¡­¡±


    A silence fell once again as those talking to each other put a pause in their conversation to hear another catch to the slave.


    ¡°We do not know what his inheritance is nor anything about it. Before he unlocked it, the testing orb¡¯s energy made his eyes glow the same color as the orb once he was done. Appraiser Falk described it as a pearlescent silver, as thick as the clouds. The energy swirled around inside the orb chaotically by strings of black lightning supercharging it all. Dare I say that, this boy may be your key to growing further if done right¡­¡±


    The crowd seemed lost in thought as he carried on once more.


    ¡°Now. I¡¯ve told you about his prospects, with just a little embellishment on Appraiser Falk¡¯s description. We will begin the bid at 10 silver, with increments no less than 5 silver!¡±


    Hugh just looked around as there were quite a few people that yelled out and the auction quickly shot past 50 silver. Furrowing his brow, he remembered that the girl from before was bought at 1 gold and 35 silver. He didn¡¯t know if he thought he should be more or less than her. Then again, he had no idea if she had good talent, or what either.


    Like a play put on just for him, Hugh watched as the bids climbed to 1 gold and he was surprised that it hadn¡¯t yet slowed down much.


    1 gold 20 silver.


    1 gold 60 silver.


    2 gold 30 silver.


    Finally, at 2 gold and 50 silver, there was a short pause and the announcer said, ¡°Going once!¡±


    Hugh was surprised at the amount until a voice rang out over the crowd.


    It seemed authoritative, yet curious as there was no hint of malice in the tone nor inflection, ¡°Hugh, was it? Do you know what the name of your inheritance is?¡±


    Hugh looked up and around but did not see anybody who seemed like they were speaking to him, then the voice rang in his head next, ¡°Just say your answer out loud and I will hear it.¡±


    Hugh wondered if he should state the name he knew or be vague with it. He did know that it was a seed specifically as well. Deciding to go with that, Hugh spoke, ¡°I only know it¡¯s referred to as a seed.¡±


    The answer was heard by almost everyone there and to everyone, his words only brought confusion. Yet, the voice rang out, ¡°I think that term is a good reflection of what the youth are. I¡¯ll take a gamble today, five gold.¡±


    Hugh was shocked at the difference as he had no idea who had just willingly stated they would pay 5 gold for him. In his village, they only ever dealt in copper so it was a little hard to grasp how much that was.


    However, that was not the end as another voice rung out that Hugh could not locate. This one was a woman, and there was a certain steel to it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve wondered how long it would take before you started bidding. I don¡¯t think you could afford to pay for the boys¡¯ true talent. Six gold.¡±


    Hugh was baffled by the statement as he mostly took things at face value. He wondered if the lady that spoke up knew what the orb meant. Maybe she could tell him.


    Then the first voice rang out, seemingly a little tired as even the sigh before the words were heard, ¡°I know you want me to spend my money. There¡¯s no point, I¡¯ll forgo the elixir at this auction. 6 gold 5 silver.¡±


    In her box, the woman thought to herself, she had no grievance, and if she stopped bidding now though, she knew that would reflect poorly on her standing after having contested the slave to begin with. Since she had last raised it 1 gold, she decided to say she was willing to accept and meet him halfway. With that thought, her voice rang out in an almost accusatory tone, though her amount showed her acceptance, ¡°And how do I know you won¡¯t go back on your word? 6 gold 50 silver.¡±


    Hugh was confused at the discussion mid-auction and had no idea of what other hidden meanings had just occurred. A short pause was truncated by the announcer called, ¡°Going once!¡±


    In the other box, the man was neither happy nor sad and almost decided to not get the slave, but he had already shown his interest and he could not show weakness in such a publicly facing auction. He was only slightly happy that the other person agreed to acquiesce even though the cost was still raised, raising his annoyance a little. The man¡¯s voice rang out again, ¡°You can believe me or not, but if you raise the price again, then it will be you who must care for and teach the boy. 6 gold 55 silver.¡±


    There was nothing more spoken except the announcer calling out the final sale price as Hugh was whisked off stage, only to be immediately taken right back to his room.

 10

    ¡°The Courts will has been made. It is not his duty on whether to accept, but ours to perform the rites.¡± Seat of the Court of the Beyond.


    It wasn''t long after, while Hugh was still going over the prior events in his mind that another person arrived at his door. It was a man dressed in the same style clothing as all the others so far, who Hugh assumed worked for the company selling him.


    "Follow me."


    Hugh didn''t know how things would go, and he didn''t have much of an idea either. The others in the cell seemed alright with everything and even the man named Heron asked to be taken with him.


    Hugh got up from the bed where he lay and followed along. He had questions but kept to himself since the man he was following had not said anything beyond following him. Wondering if all the people here were like that, Hugh walked into a small room.


    There was a window on one wall, which showed a view over some buildings outside. He noticed he could even see the inner walls of the city from here.


    The room itself was lit with a single light in the center of the ceiling. Below that was a large table and to each side were a few chairs. They were yellow in color, and the cushions on each appeared fluffy like pillows. On one side was a middle-aged man wearing clothes that made it obvious he was with the auction house. Opposite to them sat a older looking man. Long white hair and a beard covered most of his face as he turned to look at Hugh.


    ¡°Hugh, was it?¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t know how he should be answering the man, and given his obvious age, he did what he normally would with elders in his village and said, ¡°Yes elder.¡±


    The old man chuckled, ¡°You don¡¯t seem too scared of the current situation. Do you know what happened today?¡±


    Hugh wondered about the way the elder in front of him was questioning him. He assumed it was this man who purchased him, the voice sounded the same. The other man on the chair just sat there, silent, apparently waiting for his answer too.


    Hugh spoke, ¡°I was bought as a slave during the auction, I think by you.¡±


    The old man nodded, ¡°And how did you end up a slave?¡±


    The other man frowned and spoke up, ¡°Sir Diosk, may we finalize the transaction? He is free to answer all your questions after.¡±


    Hugh stayed silent and watched Diosk turn and stare at the other man. Nothing was said but Hugh could feel the slight tension in the room. Diosk wave his arm and to Hugh¡¯s surprise, several coins appeared on the table between the two. As quickly as it appeared, they all disappeared except 5 silver that rested on the table.


    The other man stood up and said, ¡°Thank you for your business. We still have several other transactions to conclude, if you could please use the exit hallway to leave. It leads¡­¡±


    Diosk cut the man off, ¡°Rushing through things is never wise. There¡¯s no need to tell me how to leave. Hugh, follow along.¡±


    Hugh saw the old man get up and head to the door, ¡°Yes elder Diosk.¡±


    Hugh followed behind Diosk as he walked slowly through the hallways and through a couple of doors before stepping out onto the street. Once they got outside, Hugh couldn¡¯t help but look around.


    Diosk noticed Hugh¡¯s pause and he said, ¡°So Hugh, how did you end up a slave?¡±


    Hugh looked over to the old man he was following, who had now turned to look at him.


    Hugh wasn¡¯t sure if he should tell the whole story. The elder seemed nice enough, but he did buy him as a slave. He decided to give a short version.


    Hugh said, ¡°I was tricked into following a couple of people here with the promise of a job. When we got to town, they knocked me out and I woke up in a cell with other slaves. I met uncle Heron there and he told me what had happened. Do you think we could get uncle Heron too?¡±


    Diosk studied Hugh for a moment and said, ¡°He¡¯s not your real uncle, is he?¡±


    Hugh shook his head, ¡°No.¡±


    Diosk asked, ¡°Why should we get him too?¡±


    Hugh said, ¡°He gave me the seed.¡±


    Diosk spoke, ¡°Interesting. Let¡¯s go find this, Heron fellow.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Hugh followed the old man as they made their way around the town. Eventually, he realized they were approaching the jail where he was kept before. Upon getting there, they were stopped by a guard, ¡°Halt! Please explain your presence here.¡±


    Hugh stopped and elder Diosk kept walking as he said, ¡°I am here to see if there is a mortal slave name Heron still here.¡±


    The guard frowned as the old man kept walking and was about to speak again when another voice came from inside the building, ¡°Yes, the fool is still here. He refused to complete his punishment.¡±


    Diosk said, ¡°Oh? How much is that worth?¡±


    Hugh watched as elder Diosk paid some silver and they retrieved Heron from the cells. When he stepped out Heron immediately bowed to Diosk, ¡°Thank you senior for clearing my debt.¡±


    Heron stayed bowed while the guards dispersed. Diosk seemed to study Heron for a moment before saying, ¡°You may rise. I don¡¯t believe you have any talent. From where did you get the inheritance?¡±


    Heron knew what the old man was getting at, ¡°I had searched for years to find a way to improve my talent or find a way to practice despite my talent. When I met Hugh, after getting to know his story, I decided to take him as my nephew and give him the inheritance I found since it was of no use to me.¡±


    Hugh thought the wording was a bit odd but it was close enough to what happened that he didn¡¯t really care. Diosk eventually said, ¡°Very well. You can follow along. Know that since you have no talent, the best I can do for you is to assign you as Hugh¡¯s caretaker.¡±


    Hugh looked at Diosk and then Heron as Heron said, ¡°Yes Master.¡±


    Diosk snorted, ¡°Don¡¯t call me master. Your only duty is toward your proclaimed nephew. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Hugh and Heron followed along. As they were walking Heron asked in a whisper, ¡°You¡¯re not a slave anymore?¡±


    They both heard Diosk speak from afront, ¡°He is still a slave until he can prove himself worth more. Should he fail to prove his value, yours will change from little to none. I am not paying you, but you may eat for now. Know that I only consider Hugh a follower at the moment while I see if he has as much potential as it seems. Although you are now his caretaker, you are free to leave whenever as it is currently unnecessary. We¡¯ll see how it goes. Your only restrictions are to not burden me, Hugh, or any others. Any malice will be met with death.¡±


    Heron heard the warning and understood it as a chill went down his spine at the way it was ended.


    They all walked in silence after that, each immersed in their own thoughts as the steady pace took them through the streets. Diosk led them to a building near the central palace of the town that did not lose aesthetically to the palace itself. Hugh''s eyes were wandering everywhere the whole way, and even at the guard as they entered.


    Diosk said, ¡°Stand on that platform there.¡±


    As Hugh stood on the platform with a trembling Heron, he asked, ¡°What is this place?¡±


    Heron gulped and said, ¡°It¡¯s a transportation port.¡±


    Hugh was confused, ¡°What is that?¡±


    Heron said, ¡°It moves you somewhere else in the blink of an eye, but it¡¯s very expensive and there are only five in our kingdom. There¡¯s only one in this town because some noble put it here long ago.¡±


    Diosk joined them on the platform after talking to some other people for a moment and what looked like a transaction. He then placed his hands on the shoulder of the two and Hugh felt an immense energy flood his body and immediately wrap itself around him.


    An instant later, his world spun, his eyes blanked, a dull thunderous sound reverberated in his mind, and he was tingling all over.


    As the world returned to view, he found himself on a similar platform but completely different surroundings. He realized he was shaking all over and licked his lips as his mouth felt dry like he was breathing heavily through his mouth after a long run.


    Hugh almost collapsed onto the platform right there and then when he felt the energy from Diosk dissipate. He saw Heron to his side. Unfortunately, he was unable to remain standing after Diosk removed his energy as he lay on the ground, dry heaving.


    Hugh frowned, about to ask if Heron would be alright when Diosk spoke up, ¡°Carry him. You should be strong enough to do that since you¡¯ve begun your path. Mortals don¡¯t do well with matrix transportation since they don¡¯t have any energy.¡±


    Hugh caught his breath and managed a weak, agreement before leaning over to help Heron up, each muscle in his body feeling a strain.


    Heron was cursing in his mind having stared down death just a moment ago. He knew full well that mortals couldn¡¯t use them and would usually result in a meat paste coming out the other end. He was initially relieved when he felt the mysterious Diosks energy wash over him, but he was still angry that they had to use that method of travel, knowing he was a mortal and Hugh had just stepped out of being one.


    It took about 30 seconds for Hugh to get Heron up and moving, once again following Diosk. This time, he noticed that several people bowed to greet him like he was some sort of lord or king as they went.


    Hugh had no idea who Diosk was, but Diosk was obviously more important than his first assumptions. He just had no idea yet who the man who purchased him really was.


    They soon entered a gate with wide open land inside. There were a few smaller-looking buildings or homes and one larger one that stood above the rest in the grandeur that even the palace of the last town was no comparison. The walls of which, seemed to have this subtle radiance, despite the color not being bright. Hugh could even feel a slight sense that it was not actually just a large building despite his eyes showing otherwise.


    Heron and Hugh had no avarice toward it, but just admired the structure from afar as they soon reached a modest house quite a distance from the main structure. It was about the size of what Hugh¡¯s home was in his village, although this one looked a lot nicer.


    Hugh couldn¡¯t explain it though. Just like he had a sense that the larger structure in the distance was more than just a building, he had a sense that the comparably tiny and modest structure in front of him had a sturdiness and integrity that he had never felt from back home.


    For just a moment, Hugh thought that the man, no Diosk, lived here as he calmly opened the door and walked in.


    After walking in, Diosk spoke again, ¡°This will be your living quarters. While I stay in the palace in the distance, you are not allowed to approach it. There is food in the pantry that your follower can cook and there is a training room in the back. I will be back to check on your progress and see if you are truly talented, or just lucky.¡±


    With that, Diosk didn¡¯t just walk out at a speed that they followed him there. Instead, he seemed to vanish as both Hugh and Heron were left standing in silence.

 11

    ¡°In the vast history, not once has an appointment been denied.¡± Member of the Court of the Beyond.


    Hugh stood there, dumbfounded. He wondered, ¡°Did Diosk leave? Was that it? Do I just have to train?¡±


    His thoughts weren¡¯t left to dwell too long though as he heard Heron cough before saying, ¡°It looks like you have a powerful master¡­¡±


    Hugh voiced out his first thought, ¡°Did he leave?¡±


    Heron wondered what Hugh had been through, or rather, hadn¡¯t been through since that was his first question.


    ¡°He left. I guess everything now falls on your shoulders and you have to train your energy. Did he say anything about the inheritance?¡±


    Hugh shook his head and said, ¡°No. He just asked where I got it, which gave me the chance to mention you¡­¡±


    Heron was relieved that Hugh had said something, as he was taking a risk by refusing to complete tasks as a slave. Another week and he would have just been executed. He wouldn¡¯t let it get that far and had already decided to just do what was asked on the 5th day out from reaching that point. Nonetheless, he was still relieved Hugh didn¡¯t leave him there as every day of refusal after the term of work was decided would add more to his plate.


    Heron said, ¡°Thanks, kid.¡±


    As he plopped himself into a chair in the living area they were standing in, Hugh asked, ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    Heron took a deep breath and said, ¡°Find something in the pantry to cook and let¡¯s eat. Then you have to keep training.¡±


    Hugh asked, ¡°What will you do?¡±


    Heron shrugged and looked to be contemplating before he said, ¡°I don¡¯t think I have much of anything to do here since it relies on you so just improve, and I¡¯ll think of something.¡±


    Hugh felt Heron¡¯s reaction to the situation was a little odd, but he had no problems with it since he wanted to improve his strength to begin with. Deciding to take a look around the house they were in, Hugh first walked to the cooking area and found it stocked with several dry foods.


    He was glad there wasn¡¯t anything to worry about on that side, though he didn¡¯t see any dried meats and wondered if he would have to hunt himself. He carried on and walked into several other rooms. Three of which were obviously bedrooms, one a bathroom, and the last and largest room he entered felt different as he stepped through the entryway.


    Hugh could almost taste the energy in the room, a flavor unknown to him. It was like the room left his mouth watering for a sumptuous dinner and his body yearned to absorb the ambient energies. The feeling was wholly opposite to what he felt after being teleported as he felt more energetic the longer he stood there wondering about the change.


    Hugh looked around to find a weapon rack along one wall, that seemed to hold several wooden weapons. There was nothing else in the large room, making the rack seem a little out of place. The floor had some design Hugh had never seen before as he brought his attention toward it. There were lines and shapes all seeming to congregate into a whole that drew attention to the very center of the room. The center itself was blank by several paces except for a partially raised pad Hugh was curious about.


    He had never seen a room like this before and as he stood there trying to figure it all out, he jumped up in surprise after a voice came from behind.


    Heron said, ¡°Looks like you have a nice room to train in. Even has a formation.¡±


    Heron noticed Hugh jump at his words, but didn¡¯t pay it too much mind.


    Hugh said inquisitively, ¡°Formation?¡±


    Heron grunted for his initial response before offering a slight explanation, ¡°Yeah. Those markings on the ground are part of a formation that makes the energy in the room more abundant. Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t feel the difference in here?¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t really get it but understood the most general sense. He said, ¡°I feel a difference¡­ I just didn¡¯t know that was what it was.¡±


    Heron¡¯s curiosity about the kid finally got the better of him so he asked, ¡°Don¡¯t even know what a formation is. Where are you from exactly?¡±


    Hugh was uncertain if he wanted to explain but amidst his hesitation, realized he really couldn¡¯t explain it in great detail anyway.


    Slowly at first, Hugh began to put words together, ¡°I¡¯m from a village¡­ In the middle of forested lands. There was, is no ambient energy there and everybody is a mortal.¡±


    Heron understood quite a lot about Hugh with that bit of info and thought before saying, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve been found to have talent, your life will be very different from whatever you knew in that unblessed land you are from.¡±


    Finally feeling a situation where he could ask more questions after holding his tongue for so long, Hugh asked, ¡°Do you know where we are?¡±


    Heron shook his head, ¡°I only know that we are no longer in the Cowr kingdom. I¡¯ve been to all the towns with teleporters and have not seen this one before.¡±


    Hugh quickly asked a couple of questions without breath, ¡°Which one are we in? How far away are we? Can I pay somebody to send a message to my parents? I know the closest town is Belford.¡±


    The rapid-fire words Hugh spoke made Heron frown, ¡°Whoa, kid. I don¡¯t know where we are since I hadn¡¯t been outside of the Cowr kingdom before, but even the town we were in, Kippur, was pretty far from Belford. Belford¡¯s a town on the outskirts anyways, so I guess that makes sense if you are from around there and have never been tested.¡±


    Hugh asked, ¡°On the outskirts?¡±


    Heron replied, ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s near the eastern edge of the kingdom close to the unblessed lands between Gardath and Cowr. And, from what I saw on the walk here, I think we are somewhere in Gardath. Though, I don¡¯t know which town. Never heard of Diosk before either since mortals don¡¯t really get to mingle with cultivators. At least not in any meaningful way except doing what they say.¡±


    Hugh already understood that for the most part from the little bit he had seen so far. He was about to ask another question when the sound of the front door being closed caught both of their attention.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    A female voice immediately followed, ¡°Hello? I¡¯m looking for Hugh.¡±


    Both Heron and Hugh walked out of the training room and back into the main room. Hugh saw a woman standing near the door with her arms crossed with a demeanor of not quite impatience, but definitely gave off the feeling that she felt there were better things to do.


    The woman, spotting the two walk into view unfolded her arms and said, ¡°There you are.¡±


    She immediately walked up toward Hugh and said, ¡°Come on. I¡¯m here to show you around.¡±


    Hugh was a little hesitant since he had no idea who the lady was, but he didn¡¯t really have much of a say as he barely saw her hand reach out, grasping his arm and yanking him over to her side. His only reaction was to try and stay on his feet as he was jolted from one position to the next, only managing to get out a short, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The lady stopped for a moment and said, ¡°Oh. Right. I¡¯m Hatia. Now lets go, I have other things I need to do.¡±


    Hugh half hopped along as they left through the door, somehow making it smoothly through without trouble while Hatia spoke again before closing it, ¡°Don¡¯t wander around and maintain the place for Hugh. We¡¯ll be back shortly.¡±


    As soon as the door closed, Hatia let go of Hugh¡¯s arm and spoke to him, ¡°Follow me.¡±


    With that, Hatia began walking away with seemingly slow steps that defied Hugh¡¯s understanding of walking. With each step looking as normal as the last, they still obviously carried her further than they should have. The incongruence left Hugh in a slight daze watching from behind as even the cultivators he saw in Kippur and Diosks steps never had such an odd effect.


    Hatia had only taken five steps, though it had carried her about 30 feet before she turned around. ¡°Hey. Snap out of it and catch up.¡±


    Attention drawn, he quickly began to move his legs to attempt to catch up as Hatia turned once again, stepping carrying her farther away.


    Hugh struggled to follow, almost running behind her as they made their way toward a structure in the distance. Hatia waited outside the door, staring at Hugh the whole way as he stopped near her trying to catch his breath.


    After a few moments, she said, ¡°Alright. You really have just barely started and have a long way to go. Luckily, you are not too late to start or else you probably wouldn¡¯t even be here. There aren¡¯t really many rules here and you¡¯re not really strong enough to break too much anyways, so I¡¯ll just give you the short version.¡±


    Hugh gulped as Hatia¡¯s tone carried a more stern tone in contrast to earlier.


    Hatia continued, ¡°The first rule is that while here, your only concern shall be to cultivate. At the bare minimum, you must reach Condensation before even thinking about doing anything else. This is as much for your safety as it is to keep you from annoying or bothering anybody else. Though¡­¡±


    Hatia tapped her index finger to her chin lightly as if in thought.


    Hugh wondered how it would be for his safety and he couldn¡¯t help but let his mind wander while Hatia was obviously thinking of something. Of course, the first thing his mind jumped to was how he had died in his previous life in just an instant.


    He was brought back to reality as Hatia spoke again, ¡°Since you aren¡¯t being bratty, I¡¯ll give you a tip. You really should try to reach the Liquid stage before seeking anybody else out. Since you are here and master Diosk brought you back himself, I assume your talent isn¡¯t bad and it won¡¯t take too long. Plus, if you do that, then you won¡¯t be looked down on by the others. Either way, that¡¯s your only task. The second rule and all that doesn¡¯t really matter right now since the energy density is plenty high at your level but that still brings me to this building.¡±


    Hatia turned halfway away from Hugh and opened her palm as if to present the building much larger than the place he was given to stay in.


    Hugh looked back over to the building with its pale walls and crimson roof. It was two stories tall and strangely had no windows on any of the walls that he could see. There was only a single step leading to the entryway, which was a door larger and more grand than any he had walked through before. The only comparison he could think of was the entrance to the auction house he was sold in.


    Hugh wondered how grand the main structure off in the distance would be.


    Would it have similar intricate designs laid across the door?


    Would the frame itself shine more brilliantly than the subtle red glow that already made this entrance seem so magical?


    Hugh wasn¡¯t wholly enthralled by it though as the materials itself were not gaudy like the gem-encrusted structures and objects detailed in so many stories he had heard of the rich and powerful. No, this gave off a presence that seemed to establish itself above things that were just shiny.


    Perhaps it was the obvious attention he had given the entrance, or just that Hatia would speak on it next, but she continued speaking.


    ¡°You will be able to enter the Nexus when you reach Condensation to find out more. It¡¯s actually the Inner Sector Nexus, but there¡¯s no need to say all that since you¡¯ll be stuck here until then, and probably longer. That is, unless you don¡¯t progress at all and are instead kicked out or something.¡±


    Hugh noticed she carried on talking though it seemed to be more inner thoughts than information as she was speaking a little more quietly as she went.


    ¡°Then you would probably be sent somewhere as a slave to pay for however much you cost him. But, that shouldn¡¯t happen since he was brought here and he probably has really good talent. Too bad he wasn¡¯t able to get that pill instead. Now I¡¯ll probably have to¡­¡±


    It was at this point that Hugh could no longer hear the words Hatia was speaking so softly. He wasn¡¯t in a rush either, hoping he could get more information if he wasn¡¯t rude.


    Hugh had found long ago, that if he let people finish their thoughts before continuing the conversation, he was much more likely to have questions answered than if he interrupted right away.


    Unfortunately for Hugh, Hatia seemed to come back to herself quickly and said, ¡°Alright. So once you reach Condensation, but preferably the Liquid stage. You can enter the Nexus and things will be picked up from there. Until then, everywhere else is restricted and you¡¯ll probably die, so I¡¯ll see you when you are stronger.¡±


    Hatia then walked up to the entrance and opened it before stepping inside and disappearing from Hugh¡¯s sight.


    Hugh tried to see what was inside out of sheer curiosity, but all he could see was another door, which reminded him of the small waiting area in the village heads house.


    Hugh didn¡¯t think too much of it and stood there to think for a moment before he began slowly walking back to where his designated house was.


    Hugh didn¡¯t know how to take any of what was really going on except for being partially thankful that he didn¡¯t end up in a situation where he would be killed again.


    All he really knew was that he had to at least make it to the Condensation stage, and though he was already at mist, he had no idea how long it would take to get to the next as he had not even tried to seriously take in energy again.


    There was also the sensation he had in the back of his mind that seemed to lightly tug at him to try and somehow, look, at the seed again. Hugh wasn¡¯t 100% sure of how to do this yet but he couldn¡¯t complain for whatever this place was and that he was taken here.


    As he reached his new home, he stepped through the door with a thought in his mind.


    At least I have the chance to get stronger.


    -


    Inside the building, Hatia walked over to the wall nearest the front as she watched Hugh with her energy. He was just standing there at the moment obviously thinking of something and Hatia frowned.


    From behind her, an aged voice spoke, ¡°It is rude to take a gift away from the receiver.¡±


    Hatia clenched her teeth and took a deep breath to calm herself before replying.


    ¡°It¡¯s just being held until he proves he is worth it.¡±


    Hatia turned around to face the elder man. He was always here, always calm, and always commenting on one thing or another.


    ¡°If he can¡¯t even make it to condensation on his own, he doesn¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    The man asked, ¡°And liquid?¡±


    Hatia almost left right there and then turned to see Hugh still right outside.


    ¡°He needs to know he can¡¯t frolic around thinking he¡¯s something special just because he was brought here. I mean look, even with the warning, he¡¯s just standing outside like he owns the place.¡±


    The man raised his eyebrows and then shook his head left and right, deciding to leave it alone.


    Hatia saw that and reacted, ¡°What? If he was at least halfway competent, he would at least walk and think at the same time. Even mortals can do that. He doesn¡¯t deserve it!¡±


    The man knew there was no point arguing at the moment but he also knew that she would think back to the moment sooner or later and remember with a clearer mind.


    Hatia noticed Hugh finally turn and begin to slowly walk back toward the house he was staying in as quiet filled the room.


    Once Hugh got out of sight, Hatia said, ¡°Finally. I can¡¯t believe he took so long.¡±


    She started for the door to get back to her own training room. As she was about to leave she heard the old man speak again.


    ¡°The world is wide, Hatia. You saw what he was doing but not how he was doing it. Not all are what they seem.¡±


    The man watched as Hatia paused for a brief moment before quickly leaving.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity she can¡¯t discern it yet.¡±

 12

    ¡°I stand, apart from those ties, yet you want me to bind myself to all?¡± Jovae Chanthel, gazing at the stars on a balcony in silence.


    A cheery voice met Hugh as he closed the door.


    ¡°Hugh. How was the tour? Did you get to meet any of the masters or learn where we were?¡±


    Hugh shook his head, ¡°No. She took me to the front of a building and told me to reach Condensation before entering.¡±


    Heron frowned before asking, ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything else?¡±


    Hugh wasn¡¯t really trying to hide anything, nor did he think hiding anything really mattered so he said, ¡°I have to stay here and cultivate to Condensation, but preferably Liquid, or I might accidentally be killed. Then I should go to the¡­ Nexus? I think she called it.¡±


    Heron perked up at that word and quickly asked, ¡°Did you say the Nexus?¡±


    Hugh was a little perplexed at the reaction but he nodded to affirm since it definitely sounded right after hearing Heron say it too.


    Heron said, ¡°Oh. We¡¯re somewhere in the Gardath Kingdom then. I wonder where.


    I don¡¯t know all the towns there, I mean here. I can only say the capital has a teleporter for sure. I know that this is probably not the capital since I didn¡¯t see a grand palace or anything on the way here, so¡­ Hugh, did she say what kind of Nexus it was?¡±


    Hugh thought before speaking, ¡°The, um, inner section?¡±


    His voice raised pitch at the end, clearly revealing his uncertainty. That was enough though since Heron knew Hugh had absolutely zero knowledge of the world.


    Heron still tried to confirm it though as he asked, ¡°Did she call it an inner sector nexus?¡±


    Hugh said, ¡°Yeah. That was it.¡±


    Heron was a little surprised, a little happy, but also a little worried. From what he understood, only powerful cultivators at or around the Encapsulation stage would hole themselves up around an Inner Sector Nexus.


    They were primary points of contact for the Gardath empire and were all built at locations where the ambient energy was the best for a given area.


    Heron knew that he was now stuck in the house after hearing that. He was a little bit indecisive about his current state. On one side, he felt great about snatching the rope that could lift him to a more comfortable life. On the other, he felt bad for stepping into the maw of a dragon whose only stay of execution was to remain as still as possible. Either way, the path forward was hoping for his supposed adopted nephew, Hugh, to pull the rope he was dangling up before the dragon¡¯s jaws came clamping closed.


    Hugh noticed Heron''s contemplation and waited patiently as several emotions obviously played across his face. Eventually, Heron closed his eyes and took a deep breath before asking, ¡°All you have to do is reach Condensation?¡±


    Hugh nodded, ¡°That¡¯s what Hatia said. Though she said Liquid would be better.¡±


    Heron looked at the kid in front of him. Most kids were tested for talent well before their 10th birthday. After the results, they were given clear instructions and a path to walk early on to prepare them for the long road ahead.


    This kid had traveled across the unblessed lands, only to get sold as a slave, then bought and dragged to another part of the continent to prove his worth. To Heron¡¯s knowledge, he had not received a single bit of real guidance. The only exception was the little bits of info he and the others in the cell told him. Which, was basically nothing since they were all mortals and could only go off of what others had said about how things felt or went.


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    Heron asked, ¡°She really didn¡¯t say anything else? Maybe about how to practice or anything like that?¡±


    Hugh shook his head, ¡°No. That was all she said. That, and I might be killed if I don¡¯t reach condensation before walking around.¡±


    Heron knew that made sense, ¡°You remember the feeling in the cell when we all fell down? That was somebody annoyed at a stronger level. Though I don¡¯t know how strong since they probably controlled it enough not to kill mortals like us at the time. But if you walked around, that would probably happen again, except they wouldn¡¯t control it to not harm you. I guess we really are stuck for now.¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t really mind too much since he apparently had everything he needed. Yeah, it wasn¡¯t the best, but it was pretty much what he wanted.


    Hugh walked to the back, headed toward the training room, and asked, ¡°Could you show me how the training room works?¡±


    Heron shrugged and said, ¡°Might as well since everything depends on you getting stronger at the moment.¡±


    Hugh waited while stepping into the room. He looked around but didn¡¯t see anything new so his attention was mostly on the patterned floor.


    The raised slab in the room did nothing to draw his attention to the dull gray, even though it was obviously the focal point. Instead, the strangely spaced and patterned surrounding segments of the floor laid in an obviously intended design were the most eye-catching.


    While it looked intricate, there was a repetition to it. Each part connected with another letting Hugh barely make out symbols and lines that didn¡¯t quite look like any writing he knew. Let alone the fact that it all seemed somewhat disjointed, as no shape or symbol seemed wholly connected to another. Instead, it was like each one was by itself and if it wasn¡¯t for the surrounding patterns and lines, he would never have guessed they had anything to do with one another.


    After following along a certain section around the center with his eyes, he found that, in total, the pattern seemed to repeat three times.


    As he was inspecting the floor, Heron entered and said, ¡°From what I understand, training rooms are pretty simple. At least the passive ones.¡±


    Hugh shifted his attention to Heron, waiting for a better explanation.


    Heron saw Hugh turn to look at him, so he gestured to the small raised segment in the middle. He said, ¡°If this is a passive one like I think, then all you have to do is sit in the middle and there will be more energy gathered there so it is easier to absorb.¡±


    Hugh asked, ¡°I don¡¯t have to turn it on or anything?¡±


    Heron said, ¡°I¡¯m not too familiar with any of that, but there are probably ones you have to turn on.¡±


    Scratching the back of his head, Heron continued, ¡°The energy in the room is already more abundant than outside the room. Even I can tell that as a mortal so don¡¯t worry about it and go sit in the middle.¡±


    Hugh could feel the difference too, though it wasn¡¯t that big of a difference, or as much as Heron¡¯s words made it seem. He was new to this kind of thing though so he didn¡¯t say anything more and slowly approached the center before sitting on the slab.


    Sitting cross-legged there, he looked around and felt like there was more surrounding energy than the outer edges of the room, but the slab beneath him was hard so he said, ¡°Can you get me a pillow? This stone is hard.¡±


    Heron was flabbergasted that Hugh¡¯s first thought sitting down was to get a pillow and said, ¡°Yeah, yeah. Just start already and I¡¯ll go grab one.¡±


    As Heron left the room, Hugh looked around from atop the slab. It was only from the center of the room that he noticed that there were certain points in the pattern surrounding him that seemed to almost point toward him now.


    Shaking his head, Hugh ignored the thought as he knew that he could probably stare at the ground all day and not figure out how any of it worked. Instead, he began to focus on his internal sensations as the density of energy where he sat was apparent, like Heron said. The only thing Hugh could liken it to was how the air felt wetter shortly after a dense rainfall despite no more water falling from the sky.


    Thinking about this phenomenon, Heron reappeared with a pillow in hand and tossed it at Hugh.


    Heron left after saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go do something else.¡±


    Hugh only realized when the pillow hit one of his knees and barely registered what Heron said. It had bounced off of his knee and was a couple of feet away. He didn¡¯t mind though as he got up to grab the pillow that had bounced on the ground.


    Placing it down on the slab, he tried to get comfy sitting cross-legged atop it, only to find the pillow wasn¡¯t very soft. He couldn¡¯t complain though since the fleeting thought was not a big deal. It was still better than the hard slab.


    Refocusing on the sensation he felt, Hugh began to steady his breath and attempt to draw the energy around himself inside. He hadn¡¯t been able to do so since he was at the auction and was happy to find it was so easy here.


    Slowly, the energies that were drawn into his lungs began to suffuse his upper torso before being steadily pulled toward a point in the center of his body.


    It was there that it seemed to enter a point and almost disappear.


    Time slowly passed for Heron as he stepped in every now and then, checking on Hugh. Every time he entered the training area, Hugh had his eyes closed and was doing what he needed to.


    Heron went to sleep in one of the rooms and when he woke up, he found Hugh still sitting there like a statue. The only change was a very subtle movement of his clothes as Hugh took slow deep breaths.


    It was almost a full day later when Heron was resting in the front room when Hugh came from the back.

 13

    Hugh opened his eyes, not knowing how much time had passed. He knew that he was very hungry, but that was nothing new.


    Feeling a mix of satiety in his muscles with hunger from his stomach was still a relatively new feeling to him though. It was the same as when he practiced his breathing while stuck in the room inside the auction house.


    By now, Hugh knew that it meant he was done for a while. From what he had gathered so far, he was pretty much finished until after he slept next.


    Figuring this to be the case again, Hugh got up and stretched his slightly aching muscles before looking around the house to find Heron and some food.


    After leaving the training room, Hugh went directly to the front room and found Heron just lying on a long bench with pillows.


    Hugh said, ¡°How long has it been?¡±


    Heron jumped in surprise at the unexpected voice as he was lost in thought.


    After calming himself, Heron said,¡° Jeez kid. It¡¯s not polite to sneak up on people like that.¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t know what else he should have done since he was still at the entrance where the hall met the front room when he spoke.


    Luckily, Heron kept talking, ¡°It¡¯s been a day. Take it you¡¯ve made progress?¡±


    Hugh nodded now that Heron was looking in his direction and said, ¡°Yeah, though I can¡¯t tell if it matters if I am in that room or not.¡±


    Heron said, ¡°Who knows how long you would¡¯ve been if you weren¡¯t in that room. Are you almost there?¡±


    Hugh said, ¡°No. I¡¯ve done as much as I feel like I can right now. I have to rest or get some sleep before I can do it again. I¡¯m very hungry though.¡±


    Heron frowned. He didn¡¯t like how vague Hugh was with his answer so he asked, ¡°How long do you think it¡¯ll be before you are at Condensation?¡±


    About to go into the kitchen to get some food, Hugh paused to think. Hesitantly, he said, ¡°It took me about three weeks the first time to get to Mist? I think I am in Mist?¡±


    Heron asked, ¡°Are you in Mist?¡±


    Heron mumbled to himself right after. Is he in Mist? He has to be at least Mist or the teleportation would¡¯ve messed him up more. Yeah. And supposedly each stage takes twice as long so a month and a half until he reaches condensation then. Alright. I just need to hang out until then and¡­.


    Hugh saw Heron began mumbling to himself and he was too hungry to really care after not eating for a day, so he turned and walked to the kitchen.


    Looking around, he found some bread and didn¡¯t bother with anything else, just ripping it into smaller pieces before shoving it in his mouth. Intermittently drinking some water between bites, he continued for a while before he felt a little better.


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    When he was done, Hugh went back to the front room to find Heron still lying on the bench, no longer mumbling.


    He didn¡¯t really have anything to say and he was curious about the floor in the training room, so he returned to it to try and make sense of what it was.


    The days dragged on like this until almost a month had gone by and Hugh''s meditation time shortened every day.


    Today he finished in just under an hour and the sensation he got reminded him about what happened last time.


    He felt like he could move on if he just did, something. The only problem was that he still wasn¡¯t exactly sure what he had to do.


    It was because of that, he spent most of his time on the seemingly fruitless endeavor to figure out how the training room worked.


    After all this time Hugh felt no closer than when he came here trying to figure out the floor. The only progress he made was having memorized it entirely. He no longer needed to go to the training room to look at it and just tried to understand by his memory now while lying in his room. Heron wasn¡¯t any help either as he seemed to just exist, not really doing anything except complain about being a captive and not having anything to drink.


    Of course, it didn¡¯t take long for Hugh to figure out he just wanted alcohol, but there wasn¡¯t anything he could do except what he was already doing.


    Another three weeks passed and Hugh felt that all progress had stopped. No matter how long he sat in the training room, he felt like he couldn¡¯t take in any more of the surrounding energy and keep it.


    It wasn¡¯t for lack of trying, or that no energy was taken in, but any excess just seemed to bleed out of him and escape back into his surroundings. The small mist-like mass of energy he found in his center seemed full, refusing to consume any more energy.


    Hugh knew that the next stage was called condensation and had thought it over again and again on how to move on. He was frustrated being a step away and yet so far.


    Getting up, Hugh walked into the front room to find Heron lying in his normal position, wallowing in the boredom he so proclaimed as his only pass-time.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost there.¡±


    Hugh didn¡¯t get a response at first so he wondered if Heron was asleep. Just when he was about to go lay on his bed again, Heron started talking.


    ¡°How much longer?¡±


    Hugh thought for a moment before saying, ¡°I can¡¯t take in any more energy and I can¡¯t figure out how to move from Mist into Condensation.¡±


    Heron sat up quickly and looked at Hugh.


    ¡°You can¡¯t figure it out?¡±


    Hugh nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. Just gather a whole bunch and shove it into the center of whatever is holding the energy.¡±


    Hugh stood, flabbergasted. He had not tried that. He had obviously tried adding more to it, but it was always at a steady rate.


    Hugh asked, ¡°Is that it? How do you know this?¡±


    Heron said, ¡°Do you really think I wouldn¡¯t know that, especially after trying to do it myself for so many years? It¡¯s common knowledge. I can¡¯t believe you didn¡¯t know that. Even if you were stuck in the middle of nowhere, it¡¯s not like nobody knew what cultivation was.¡±


    Hugh thanked Heron as he began on one of his long monologues Hugh came to know him for. They were mildly entertaining at first, but they got old fast when the content began repeating itself over and over, complaining about the situation.


    Hugh returned to the training room and sat back down, calming his mind before he began his rhythmic breathing once again. This time focusing on holding the extra energy he gathered with each breath apart from his mist-like core as he went.


    Slowly but surely, he built it up, feeling like he was trying to build another blob of energy inside himself.


    As the hours passed, he felt like it was a good enough amount and attempted to shove it against his core.


    Eyes wide, Hugh felt something new as he sucked in a breath. His body lightly trembled as all the energy he gathered pushed inside at once, and this time it didn¡¯t leave.


    He sat there trying to feel what was going on, but all he knew was that it was progress, even if he didn¡¯t know how much yet, he was just glad to be moving forward again.


    Days began to pass once again and each day Hugh would sit for roughly 12 hours and gather energy to push into his mist energy center all at once at the end. Two and a half weeks later, Hugh ran out of the room at a speed faster than before as he almost hit a wall.


    ¡°I¡¯m in Condensation!¡±