Rose Princess: female teen with red eyes and pink hair.

Red rose: male teen with purple eyes and red hair.

White rose: male teen with blue eyes and purple hair.

Black rose: male teen with red eyes and black hair.

Blue rose: male teen with yellow eyes and blue/ purple hair.

Yellow rose: male teen with green eyes and blonde / yellow hair.

I was so caught up with all the surprise gifts Batman had thrown on us and the awaited shopping trip that I didn't even notice the three men that were tailing us from a distance.

The book store has a very cozy atmosphere, armchairs and piles of pillows are scattered around the shop and rows and rows of bookshelves line the walls and extend into the rest of the shop. In the back of the shop, I see a kid's corner with stuffed toys and games. It seems like a nice enough atmosphere, it kinda feels like a place you're very likely to lose track of time in.

We walk in and Stephen only spares me one glance before heading off in the direction of the section labeled coding and computers. Figures.

I wander around the shop, stopping every once in a while when a book catches my eye. By the time I've made a full circle of the shop I only have one book in hand that I want to buy compared to the two dozen I looked at while wandering around. It's a book called Long Past Dawn by someone called Charlie Jublood, it's about a girl who loses everything she has but can start over and try again.

I just grabbed it because the title looked interesting but when I saw the blurb I thought I would check out how well this Charlie Jublood can show the emotions you have when that happens. Since at this point I'm pretty much a pro at the subject.

I go over to where Stephen is, he has at least three books on coding. Strangely I'm not very surprised, then again this is Stephen we're talking about.

"Hey, done looking yet?" I ask, tilting my head a little to read some of the book titles on the shelf.

Stephen jumps a little like he didn't expect me to be behind him, "Ah! Y-yeah I am."

I nod and we walk over to the cashier together. After we're done paying for everything we walk out of the shop. Now only to decide where to go next.

"So where do you want to go next?" Somehow Stephen and I manage to say it in sync before breaking out in laughter after we realized what we did.

"You first," I say, trying to stop laughing. He laughs too before looking around and finally pointing Wallgreens, I nod again and we walk over and into the store. And just like at the bookshop we split up at the entrance, I don't need anything from Wallgreens but I can at least look around.

I aimlessly walk around the shop for a couple of minutes until I stop in front of the makeup section. I've never been a big fan of makeup and all that, mom never let me try any, but maybe I should try some.

I pick up a red lipstick that I kinda like, it's halfway between the peach color my lips are and a cherry red. I don't bother looking at the price or the color name I just take it and keep looking. I don't see any more makeup that I would like to try so I just move on to see if Stephen's found whatever he needs so we can get going.

I find Stephen down one of the aisles and sneak up on him, when I'm just behind him I lean forward and whisper in his ear, "Boo."

Stephen gives a small yelp and jumps before turning around to see me laughing hysterically behind him, "Aw man, that was priceless!"

Stephen's ears turn red as he pretends to be mad at me, he can be really cute sometimes. "Ready to go yet?"

Stephen glances behind him at a glasses case before turning back to me and nodding, "Let's go."

He heads down the aisle ahead of me but I stay back to look at the case he was looking at, it's a leather glasses case. It looks normal but the way that Stephen looked at it was as if it was the only one in the world.

I pick it up and see that it's only eight dollars, I don't know if that's expensive for a glasses case but I think I'll give him it as a surprise present.

I walk over to the cashier and see that Stephen's already finished buying his stuff. I hand my lipstick and the glasses case over to the cashier, a woman probably in her early twenties.

Once she's done scanning the items and putting them in a plastic bag she leans over the counter to whisper something to me, "The glasses case is a good idea for your boyfriend, I saw him looking at it for about ten minutes on the tape."

I blush slightly when she calls him my boyfriend. I hand her two tens and she hands me the bag with a wink, I turn around and walk out of the store after Stephen.

He must have seen my red face because he turns and asks me with a troubled face, "Are you ok? Your face is red."

I just nod, "Y-yeah I'm fine... L-let's just move on..."

Stephen nods but I can tell he's still worried about me. "Alright then."

This time we just walk around for a bit, until a jewelry shop window catches my eye. Well, not so much the shop as a choker in the shop. I stop walking so I can get a better look at it.

It's a choker made of copper wire that has been shaped into a rose stem with small crystals for the thorns and what looks like diamonds for the flower buds. It's so beautiful.

I touch my neck imagining the spot it where it would rest on my neck. Stephen comes over to see what I'm looking at, he follows my eyes to see the choker sitting in the display. "Want to take a closer look?"

I absentmindedly nod because I'm still in my own world and don't realize what's happening until he's dragged me into the shop, he turns to one of the shop attendants, "Hello, can we see that copper choker you have in your store window?"

The shopkeeper nods and smiles before going behind the desk. She comes back a minute later with a black velvet case, she opens it and inside of it is the choker. It's just as beautiful up close.

The shop attendant helps me put it on and once it's one both she and Stephen have nothing but high praise for how it looks on me.

In the corner of my eye, I see the price tag on the box $150.99. Damn. As nice as it is I really don't need anything so expensive... I take the choker off and put it back in the black box.

Stephen must have realized my dislike for the price, "How about I get it as a thank you gift for coming with me today?"

I'm about to say no but Stephen is already one step ahead of me, he's already at the counter with the same shopkeeper paying for the choker. She hands him a gift bag with the box inside after he's done paying, Stephen turns to leave and I'm about to meekly follow him thinking about the 150 we just spent when the shopkeeper stops me, "Your boyfriend is so nice to get that for you. I didn't tell him this but that line is very popular with couples right now."

Here it is again, do we really look that much like a couple? I nod and blush a little before heading out of the store. Stephen is standing outside the shop waiting for me, the lights from the mall make his silky hair shine. Maybe...

Wait, what the hell am I thinking? I'm not about to admit that this kinda does feel like a date. We're just friends... Just friends.

***

A/N:

I'm really sorry to do this to you guys since you have been so awesome in supporting me while writing this not only in the competition but as I continue it but I yet again need to change my update schedule. Due to family matters that I don't really want to go into but need my 110% attention, I'm only going to upload a chapter every two days until I figure things out. I'm really sorry guys, trust me when I say I really wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't the only option.

So I'm sorry but only one chapter every two days until I can sort things in my personal life out. But I still promise that I will be continuing on with this project so please still be as supportive as you have been up until now. 

It may take a bit of time but I do plan to eventually get back to my one a day schedule so please keep reading a supporting Dawn (and me lol)!

Dawn hates her life. It's boring and nothing ever happens to her. She wakes up, eats, goes to school, sleeps again and repeats. Boring am I right?

The only light in her life is hearing about the world's Heroes on the news.

Or it was until an unfortunate accident releases a power that neither she nor the other Heroes she loves could have ever imagined.

***

Art does not belong to me. All rights to the artist. If the artist does not like me using it I will take it down

I obviously do not own DC or the right to use DC characters and this is purely fanfic, all rights to the creators of the characters. Except for Dawn, she belongs to me.

The servant dropped Tiqa off by the door to her bed room. By her door stood a guard and another servant girl. The guard was 5'8 feet tall, wore a long sleeve white shirt, and black pants. Around his waist was a belt that held daggers and a sword. The servant girl had long red hair and light blue eyes. She wore a light grey dress that cut off just below the knee and that's sleeves cut off around her elbow. The guard bowed, the servant girl curtised, and the servant girl (who escorted Tiqa to her room) left. Tiqa looked down to the floor and the servant girl (who stood by the door) said "hello Princess Tiqa, I'm Elisabeth your personal servant." Tiqa looked up and said "hello." Elisabeth said "come Tiqa we'll get you settled into your room now." Tiqa and Elisabeth entered Tiqa's room and shut the door behind them. Tiqa's room had mint green walls with a light purple flower design painted on one wall. She had a window that had purple curtains and over looked the forest. She had a bed with mint green covers and light gray pillows. On one of her walls hung a picture of a Cross and by her bed was a white bedside table that had a Bible on it. She had a purple desk that had books, notebooks, pencils, and pens on it, and a white vanity that had purple and mint green flower designs on it. On the vanity were brushes, combs, bobby pins, flower pins (for the hair), 2 bottles of perfumes, and rubber bands. In her room she had a walk in closet that was 100 square feet. The closet had 20 pairs of shoes, 40 dresses, 30 pairs of night clothes, 30 bottles of body mists and perfumes, and 20 bottles of lotions. Her room also had a personal bathroom that was over 100 square feet. Her bathroom had white towels hanging up on the towel rack, a marble sink with a cabinet underneath that had a mirror in front of it, a walk in glass shower, a soak in tub, a white toilet, and floors that heated up. The floors were different shades of browns and were stones and the shower walls matched the floors. The walls of the bathroom were were a light beige. 

Tiqa stood by the door looking around her room. Elisabeth said "I know it must be a lot to take in. Especially since you've been in the forest for so long." Tiqa looked at Elisabeth and said "you know about the forest?"  Elisabeth chuckled and said "well of course I do Princess Tiqa. The whole castle knows about it." Tiqa asked "how did they all find out so quickly?" Elisabeth said "well when a new princess in your case princesses come to the castle to live its bound to get around." Tiqa said "good point. Now do all princesses have personal servants?" Elisabeth said "well princesses have servants but as far as a servant like me goes its more of a lady in waiting's job. King Mark put me in charge of acting like your lady in waiting until they actually find you a lady in waiting." Tiqa said "oh," and walked over to her bed. She sat down and Elisabeth asked "is it comfortable, Princess?" Tiqa laid back on the bed and answered "very." Elisabeth said "well I hope everything is to your liking. I hope your very comfortable." Tiqa said "I would be more comfortable if that guard wasn't standing outside my room. Are all your rooms armed with guards?" Elisabeth said "yes safety is big for the King and Queen." Tiqa said "oh..." Elisabeth said "well Princess Tiqa enjoy your rest. I'll see you in the morning bright and early." Tiqa said "alright goodnight." Elisabeth curtsied and said "goodnight" as she left the room closing the door behind her. 

Tiqa laid on her bed and stared at the ceiling thinking about her parents. She said "God this is a dream come true. I'm a real princess and so is Driaka. You've already given me more then I ever asked for, more then I've ever hoped. Never in a million years would I have thought I was going to be a princess. A princess who would live in the most beautiful castle in the prettiest room, wearing these beautiful clothes, its all a dream come true. I just have to say thank You, thank You so much!" She sat up,  walked over to her closet, went inside,  pulled out a some night clothes, took a shower, put on her night clothes, turned off her light, and laid in bed. She look up at the ceiling and said "God this is a Blessing, a very great Blessing You've given us. I just thank You for everything." She slowly drifted away in a deep sleep. 

8 hours pasted and there was a knock at her door. The door slowly opened and a servant holding a tray of food entered. The servant stood by Tiqa's bed and said "good morning Princess Tiqa," waking Tiqa up. Tiqa saw the servant and quickly sat up for the servant scared her. The servant said "oh I'm sorry Princess Tiqa I didn't mean to scare you." Tiqa said "no, no its okay. I guess I have to get use to someone entering my room." The servant walked over to Tiqa, gave her the tray, and said "your breakfast today is cinnamon apple french toast with powder sugar on top and to drink orange juice courtesy of the head chef Justin." Tiqa said "oh I love his cooking he made an excellent dinner last night. Please make sure to tell him I said thank you." The servant said "will do Princess Tiqa." Tiqa began to eat and the servant curtsied and left the room while Elisabeth entered the room. Elisabeth said "good morning Princess Tiqa, are you enjoying breakfast?" Tiqa said "very much. The last time I got served breakfast in bed was when I was really young." Elisabeth said "oh the last time I was served breakfast in bed was... Never 30." Tiqa laughed and said "never 30?" Elisabeth smiled and said "yes never 30. Now when your done I'll help you get dressed and then you we can start your studies." Tiqa said "my studies?" Elisabeth said "yes your studies. The King and Queen want you to learn the ropes of being a princess before they have another formal event." Tiqa said "great... So these studies do all princesses have to do this?" Elisabeth said "yes including your little sister." Tiqa said "well this is a lot to take in." Elisabeth said "I'm sure you'll catch on quickly. Now you must hurry up its not good for a princess to be late." Tiqa finished eating and Elisabeth took her tray. Elisabeth said "now I'm going to put this in the kitchen and then we can pick out a dress for you and I'll help you put it on." Tiqa said "sounds good" and Elisabeth left while saying "I'll be right back." Tiqa said "princess classes God? I've never heard of a princess class God. God please help me to adjust and face these new things head on with You in my mind." Elisabeth entered the room and said "now lets find you a dress." Elisabeth entered the closet, pulled out a rose gold floor length gown that had sleeves that cut off around the elbow, and said "how about this?" Tiqa said "its beautiful. I would love to wear it." Elisabeth said "okay now you go take a shower while I find some shoes for you." Tiqa said "okay," took a shower, and Elisabeth helped dress her in her gown. Elisabeth showed Tiqa white high heels and and said "how about these?" Tiqa said "beautiful I'll wear those." Tiqa sat on her bed and put on her shoes. Elisabeth said "now your hair. Come over to the vanity so I can do it." Tiqa and Elisabeth walked over to the vanity and Tiqa sat at the chair that was standing at the vanity. Elisabeth grabbed a brush and began to brush Tiqa's hair while saying "alright Princess Tiqa what do you want done to it?" Tiqa said "can we please leave it down? I would love for it to be down." Elisabeth said "alright Princess we'll leave it down." Elisabeth brushed through Tiqa's hair until it was untangled and the frizz was gone. Elisabeth asked "how's that?" Tiqa answered "its perfect." Tiqa picked up a white flower pin from off of her vanity and put it in her hair. Elisabeth said "now you can start your day and your right on time too." Driaka, Jenessa, and Susan entered the room yelling "Tiqa." Tiqa stood up and said "hello girls I see you guys are all dressed and ready for your day." Driaka said "a nice servant named Sue dressed me in this beautiful purple ballroom gown I have on and put my hair up into a princess bun." Tiqa smiled and said "ah your personal servant did this. What a wonderful job she did." Driaka said "Sue says that me, Susan, and Jenessa have to go to classes." Tiqa said "I heard. Well lets go to our princess classes shall we?" Elisabeth said "oh Princess Tiqa you won't be attending classes with Susan, Driaka, and Jenessa. They attend classes for younger princesses and ladies in waiting. You will be attending an older class. There's more for a princess your age to learn then there is for little ones." Susan said "Tiqa has the fun teacher and we have the strict one Ms.Sky." Jenessa said "speaking of  Ms.Sky we better go to the class now before Ms.Sky throws a fit about us being late again. Because as you know ladies in waiting are suppose to keep princesses on time." Susan said "alright lets go." Susan grabbed Driaka's and Jenessa's hand and they walked away while Driaka said "goodbye Tiqa." Tiqa said "so I attend a class by myself." Elisabeth said "only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Mondays and Wednesdays you attend classes with Stephen." Tiqa's face turned red and she said "I have to attend classes with Stephen?! Doing what?!" Elisabeth said "you'll be learning how to eat dinner, ballroom dance, how to announce your title, what to do at a formal event, etc... Its a good thing you came along Stephen usually has to do this with his Monday and Wednesday teacher Mrs.Charlotte." Tiqa asked "who is Mrs.Charlotte?" Elisabeth answered "she is a lady in waiting and a teacher. She comes here from a kingdom not far from here. Now today you will be in the ballroom." Tiqa said "the ballroom?!" Elisabeth said "yes now lets get a move on. I won't have you be late now." Elisabeth grabbed Tiqa's hand and escorted her to the ballroom. In the ballroom stood Stephen, Mrs.Charlotte, and Cedar. Elisabeth curtsied, said "I'll see you later I have chores to do," and left all while Stephen stared at Tiqa. Mrs.Charlotte said "well I see we have two new students Princess Tiqa and Nobleman Cedar." Cedar said "me a new student? I would think my favorite teacher would remember her favorite student." Mrs.Charlotte said "I meant newer to the class. The last time you attended my class was 4 years ago and now your back. We've upgraded studies." Cedar said "I know its been a while." Mrs.Charlotte said "yes it has. Now we've been learning about introductions, right Stephen?" Mrs.Charlotte looked at Stephen seeing that he was staring at Tiqa. Mrs.Charlotte yelled "right Stephen." Stephen quickly looked at Mrs.Charlotte and said "the essay is due when?" Cedar chuckled and Mrs.Charlotte said "I think someone was daydreaming about his other class. Well now that your back from dreamland will you please show us how to introduce yourself." Stephen's face turned red and he said "you want me to introduce myself?" Mrs.Charlotte said "there's only one Stephen and that's you so yes. Come face the class and introduce yourself." Stephen stood in front of them, bowed, and said "hello I'm Prince Stephen Timothy August Daniel from the Blue Kingdom." Mrs.Charlotte said "good now you go practice that with Tiqa. Now Tiqa I don't expect you to know your title since your a new princess, your tutor will teach you more later. You can just let Stephen practice his introduction." Cedar said "then who am I going to practice with?" Mrs. Charlotte said "you Cedar will be practicing with me. Now you two go on the other half of the room and Stephen practice your introduction." Stephen said "I...I... I will." He put out his hand towards Tiqa and she grabbed it. He led her to the other half of the room. 

He let go of her hand, bowed while she curtsied, and he said "hello my name is, Prince Stephen Timothy August Daniel from the Blue Kingdom." Tiqa said "I'm charmed to meet you and my name is Princess Tiqa Francine Brianne from the Blue Kingdom." He smiled, said "so happy to be here," and Tiqa said "its an honor to be here." He grabbed her hand, kissed it, and she smiled. He said "it seems your a natural princess." She chuckled and said "more like I have to much time on my hands. I use to pretend to be a princess when I was younger rehearsing my princess title." Stephen said "well you've done a job great... I mean great job! Because you are princess perfect... I mean perfect princess. I mean, I meant to say a natural princess he-heh-ha." His face turned red, she smiled, and said "well thank you Prince Stephen." He said "your welcome Princess Tiqa." 

Mrs.Charlotte said "if you are done practicing Stephen then will you two please join me over here." They walked over to Mrs.Charlotte and Cedar and Mrs.Charlotte said "well now that you've practiced why not show me how to introduce yourself to a princess." Stephen grabbed Tiqa's hand and they walked a few feet  away so he could present his introduction. He bowed while she curtsied and he said "hello my name is, Prince Stephen Timothy August Daniel from the Blue Kingdom." Tiqa replied "I'm charmed to meet you. My name is, Princess Tiqa Francine Brianne from the Blue Kingdom." Stephen said "so happy to be here." Tiqa said "its an honor to be here." Mrs.Charlotte said "it seems Princess Tiqa knows a little more then I thought." Stephen said "I know isn't she prefect..." Everyone in the room stared at him and Tiqa's face turned red. Stephen said "I mean, I meant, I mean a natural is what I mean." Mrs.Charlotte said "hmm I'm sure. Lets just continue to go over these titles together." 

The hours pasted as Cedar, Tiqa, and Stephen practiced their titles in front of each other. Soon class was over and Mrs.Charlotte said "alright now you are dismissed." Cedar said "great now its lunch time." Stephen chuckled and said "yeah your favorite time of the day." Cedar said "you know it!" Stephen said "Tiqa I can take you to your sister." Tiqa smiled and said "that would be lovely but..." Mrs.Charlotte interrupted saying "actually Prince Stephen I would like to have a word with you in private." Stephen said "hmm um yes sure." Elisabeth walked into the room and said "Princess Tiqa, come Princess Driaka, Princess Susan, and Lady Jenessa are all waiting in the garden for you. A tea party is set up for you and them." Tiqa said "oh how cute! Well goodbye Prince Stephen I'll see you around the castle." Elisabeth escorted Tiqa to the garden while Cedar left to the kitchen and Stephen starred at Tiqa leaving the room.

Tiqa was 11 years old when she got her little sister. She had great parents, and peaceful household, or so she thought. On her 12th birthday she was knocked out and left at an unfamiliar place with her sister by her very own parents. Now left alone in the cold Tiqa was forced to take care of herself, and her sister. The years went on with out any help from the outside world she took on the role of the parents, providing her little sister with all the love, and care she possibly could. Her sister grew to be a happy little girl, but Tiqa Prayed of a day when her knight a shining armor would come, and save them both, and soon her Prayers will be answered.

Was I wrong?
Should I have given her one kiss?
-You filthy man!
Then, a woman's voice slapped him.
-You cannot do it even if the woman wants it as long as you are not in love!
"Ha, ha, ha."
Thinking of that moment made him burst into laughter again. The woman had appeared to be so reserved and obedient, so he had been rather surprised to see her get mad like that.
She had been the first person to not give in to his temptation and yell instead. In addition to it, she had also been the first to say that it was right to refuse when there was no love.
A fresh breeze blew in his mind.
She had slapped him, but for some reason, he felt like that strange woman had cured him.
'Tomorrow is the wedding.'
He closed his eyes and recalled her face. Her kind brown eyes had a stubborn red hue. He had a feeling that their future together wouldn't be bad.
He liked that feeling. He would have that feeling when he found a good math formula or finished an outstanding research project, but never on a person.
'I miss her.'
He was surprised to find himself thinking so. Me, missing somebody? It was unfamiliar.
'I probably want to ask her about what just happened.'
Yes, that was probably it.
Everybody else would say he was cold, but she would probably say he had done well, and he wasn't bad.
He tried too hard to act cold, but at the same time, he felt tormented.
He just wanted to be consoled by her. That was all.
Edgar dismissed those sudden feeling like that and blamed the sudden thoughts for surprising him and making his heart beat fast.

***

Each jewel must be taken care of differently. Some must be cleaned with oil and water regularly. Others lose their luster as soon as they meet water. The right temperature and humidity were crucial for preserving the jewels' beauty for a long time. Along with its long history, the Claymore Family owned jewels and accessories with various stories. There were so many of them that they couldn't be kept in a locked box.
Rubica followed Ann and went past through the entrance where guards were standing watch. She was so impressed at seeing the treasury.
'… it's just like a museum.'
Rubica had never seen anything like that before. So, she was overwhelmed by the enormous quantity of jewels. At the same time, she recalled Edgar saying, "accessories not good enough for a duchess" and smiled bitterly. She thought as he had grown up seeing those jewels, he could have said that without the purpose of being rude.
"Lady Berner, the tiaras are this way."
"Okay."
Rubica followed Ann and looked at the beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and brooches.
As the family was a ruling family, it had tiaras unlike other noble families. They were used only on very special official events. The wedding was the only private event in which those tiaras could be used.
"This tiara was acquired when the 12th Claymore, Marquis Claymore, seized the king of Berna with the cannon he invented."
"The teardrop diamond in its center, that's the Mermaid's Tear, right?"
"Oh, yes!"
The tiara Ann was pointing at had a famous jewel that had been in a book about jewels which Rubica had read in her late father's study.
'It's already been 60 years since I read that book.'
Nevertheless, she could recall it immediately as it had been a book about beauty. Her father had been delighted to see that she liked beauty like the proper daughter of a merchant. Maybe that family background had enabled her to get such a sense of beauty.
'She must have studied the family's history before coming here.'
Ann didn't know Rubica's passion for beauty. Instead, she thought she had studied the Claymore Family's history before marrying Edgar.
She immediately evaluated Rubica even higher. Of course, she had been thinking highly of her even before that.
"How about this tiara?"
"… okay."
Rubica glanced at the luxurious golden tiara Ann was pointing at. She thought Ann had quickly found the tiara that matched the dress the most, but she couldn't help looking at the tiara at the very end.
The other tiaras were all made of gold, but that one was silver white. It had pearls and transparent diamonds that matched its color and was showing a delicate beauty.
"… what about that one?"
"That is the tiara the late duchess brought when she married."
Ann's good mood faded away quickly. The late duchess, she had been a princess from a faraway country across the ocean. Rubica felt like she had messed up with a painful past, so she quickly changed the subject.
"I think the tiara you chose will do, but which necklace and earrings would match it?"
"Oh, there is a set that would be perfect for this tiara. Let me show you."
Ann smiled brightly and took Rubica where she wanted.
The two of them talked like that for a long time and picked accessories to wear with the wedding dress. By the time they had finished picking all they needed, they could see the sun was setting through the basement windows. The soldier who stood guard at the entrance even brought them a lighted candle and warned them to be careful.
"Now that we have decided on everything, should we go back?"
Ann took a last look at the list and asked Rubica. As she was getting hungry, she gladly nodded. They linked arms and were about to leave.
'… someone is watching me.'
Rubica felt someone was staring hard at her and stopped.
"Lady Rubica?"
Rubica turned to look. There was a man in a blue uniform. He was very tall with broad shoulders and a sharp chin. He didn't look away when their eyes met. He looked both familiar and unfamiliar to Rubica.
'Brown eyes that are bluer near the pupils.'
Rubica realized he was Stephen who she had met at the Berner Mansion.
"He is Lord Stephen, captain of the guards."
Ann didn't know they had already met, so she introduced him to Rubica.
"We have already met at the Berner Mansion, Mrs. Taylor."
While Rubica hesitated, Stephen smiled to Ann first and spoke. In spite of his smile, his eyes were staring at Rubica like those of a predator. So, Rubica felt tense and she could feel her body stiffening.
"Don't you always guard His Grace as his side? Why have you remained today?"
"I am carrying out his order."
"His order?"
"… I cannot tell you what it is."
Rubica got the goosebumps, and she could read a warning in his brown eyes.
'Don't even think about running away.'
For some reason, she felt like he was telling her that. Had he been watching her all this time in the shadows? Rubica tried to comfort herself, telling herself she was getting too far ahead, but it wasn't easy.
'Of course, he can't trust me…'
She had packed her things to run away. Maybe Edgar was right to make to take measures to be sure. Nevertheless, she couldn't help thinking it was creepy. They had reached an agreement in that carriage anyway, and she had agreed to his offer. However, he still didn't trust her.
'My opinion is like the dust of the night sky to him. Then that must be how he thinks of the promise we made. I cannot trust him.'
Rubica decided to become an extravagant person once again. She said hello to Stephen and the guard then left the treasury. The moment she entered the living room, she spoke to Ann.
"Ann."
"Yes, Lady Berner."
"I want to ask you a favor…"
"Please, ask me anything."
Rubica smiled and looked at her passionate follower Ann, although she didn't know why Ann liked her so much.
"How is the preparation of the wedding hall going?"
"Oh, I heard Hue's abbey will be emptied without visitors for that day."
Rubica was surprised at the unexpected news.
"They're going to empty an abbey?"
"Yes, His Grace wanted a quiet wedding, so… he probably worried watchers from nearby might disturb you. The abbey gladly said yes thanks to the right amount of donation."
Rubica slightly tilted her head to the right. She thought Edgar seemed to extremely hate the attention of people. She didn't know why he was like that, but regardless of it, she decided to put forth her plan.
"I want to decorate the place beautifully…"
"Oh, that is a great idea."
"But there will only be four or five people there… so I don't know if it would not be wrong…"
She looked down and tried to look disappointed. She despised herself for putting up an act like that, but there wasn't a better way to convince Ann. And indeed, Ann reacted as if Rubica's sad expression hurt her as well.
"Lady Berner, please don't say that. We will make sure the wedding is just as you want."
"But I'm not sure if His Grace will like it…"
That made Ann's eyes turn bloodshot.
"Eddie, no, His Grace said so?"
"Not really."
"There is no need to marry a man who is reluctant to spend money on his own wedding.'

How much money must I spent for you to divorce me!?

Rubika dies in a war without being able to confess her love for Arman but is instead sent back in time.

A new life, she will not live in vain

But what are these new obstacles?

------
© Jeonryeongga 2018 / D&C MEDIA 

The amazingly handsome, rich and powerful Duke Claymore wants to marry her!?

Stephen thought to himself, The scoundrel who has once landed me in a horrible situation actually did not show a tinge of remorse or guilt now that we met again. He's pretending like he doesn't know me at all. How shameless! Not only did this bastard almost kill me in the Abyss of Tharlen, he even snatched away the three relics of Geresco that should have belonged to me. There is no doubt that he could enter the Legendary-realm so soon and enjoy such a huge reputation in the Breezy Plains all because of the relics. I should be enjoying that. 
Stephen was furious beyond words.
Although Stephen was just an Archmage, he was not at all afraid of Lin Li who was already a Legendary-mage, because they were now in the Dark Blade's campground and in the presence of the three leaders of the Dark Blade, who included his father. He was confident that they could defeat a Legendary-mage who had just entered the Legendary-realm.
At this moment, all Stephen wanted except revenge was to snatch the three relics of Geresco back. Since Lin Li could rely on Geresco's relics to advance to the Legendary-realm, why couldn't he do so too?
He was especially enticed by the Book of Eternity, which contained all of Geresco's life experiences. It was a holy grail that all mages looked up to and coveted. Putting the Archmage Stephen aside, even a Legendary-mage like Borg was just as tempted by the Book of Eternity as he was by the Immortal King's treasure. 
Stephen actually had a simple mindset. Instead of painstakingly searching for the Immortal King's treasure, he decided that he'd rather try to defeat Lin Li and snatch the Book of Eternity from him before considering anything else.
However, before Stephen could even rush towards Lin Li, Borg rushed forward and stopped Stephen from proceeding. He barked, "Outrageous! Master Felic is my guest. Stop making a fool out of yourself. Get lost!" 
Stephen immediately stopped in his tracks, and glared at Lin Li who was standing a short distance away. However, he had no choice but to suppress his resentment out of fear of his father. He turned around and stormed back into his tent angrily. However, he did not seem as angry as he really was on the surface. In fact, he seemed a little thrilled.
Stephen felt that his father was not actually blaming him for being rude, but rather had other plans in mind. Since Felic was a Legendary-mage, it wouldn't be hard for him to flee if they were to really get into a scuffle. Hence, he felt that his father had to be planning to lure Felic in before the three of them colluded to defeat him. He thought, Felic is just a minor Legendary-mage who has just entered the Legendary-realm. He probably won't even be able to keep up in battle and stay alive for a moment. By then, the Book of Eternity will belong to me and Father. It will be easy for me to enter the Legendary-realm then. 
Regardless of Stephen's dreams, Borg led Lin Li and Cheyenne to the largest tent in the middle of the camp. When the subordinates outside the tent saw Borg, they quickly bowed to him respectfully before extending their hands to pull the curtains up. 
There were already two people in the tent. They seemed to be waiting for Borg to come back. Sensing the energy fluctuations in the two's bodies, Lin Li guessed that they should be the other two Legendary leaders of the Dark Blade. From the appearance of the two of them, he could tell that one of them was a Warrior, while the other was a Bandit.
The person who was dressed like a Warrior had long curly blond hair and a thick beard like Borg. His appearance reminded Lin Li of the nickname Golden Lion. Looking at the Warrior's body, he realized that he was tall, burly, and clad in a simple half-body soft leather armor, which revealed his bronze-colored skin and toned muscles that were like copper cast iron that contained huge destructive power. Judging from the energy fluctuations in his body, Lin Li was reminded of the Sword Sage of the Storm from the Warriors Union in Alanna. Although he didn't know who the stronger one was, he could at least confirm that the Legendary Warrior in front of him was at least level-21.
The Legendary-mages were familiar with Rule Power, and were masters of elemental Rules, thus allowing them to create Magical Domains that could be completely controlled by their minds. In the Legendary-realm, Warriors were known as Sword Sages, and were in the pursuit of the ultimate development of their own power and the exploration of their own mysteries to obtain more power. The strength of a particular individual was actually subjective—a matter of opinion. Wisdom or power alone couldn't be a standard for comparison between the strong and the weak. Although humans in Anril generally believed that Legendary-mages were stronger than Sword Sages and other professions of the same level, no one would really despise or belittle Sword Sages. Those who had had probably faced terrible consequences. 
When the benefits were tempting enough, even brothers would turn against each other, let alone partners who had nothing to do with each other, and only decided to work together at the last minute. Lin Li did not doubt it at all. If he were to abandon Cheyenne from the Malfa Family and work alone with the Dark Blade, he would definitely be attacked by them in the end. Even if he owned all kinds of treasures, he would probably be at a loss in the face of the joint attack by the three Legendary leaders. 
Not to mention, Lin Li shifted his attention onto the Bandit whom he felt he could not see through. It seemed that he was level-21, but Lin Li somehow felt that something was wrong about him. However, he could not put his finger on it. He could not tell if it was due to the fact that Bandits had special abilities or because of another reason. However, he could not help but feel uneasy about being unable to see through him, hence keeping his guard up.
Rumor had it that the founder of the Dark Blade was a powerful and mysterious Bandit. Lin Li reckoned that it had to be the person in front of him[1]. Among the three Legendary leaders of the Dark Blade, Borg was probably not the most terrifying. Instead, it could be the Bandit Lin Li could not see through. He might not be stronger than the other two, but Lin Li found him even more dangerous. 
Based solely on appearance, the Legendary-realm Bandit looked more like a traditional aristocrat who was from a noble family with copious heritage. His dark brown hair was meticulously combed back, and his mustache seemed to have been trimmed too. His white shirt was combined with a well-cut jacket, which made it impossible for anyone to associate him with scheming bandits.
There weren't any more speculations about the Legendary Bandit, apart from the rumors of his formidable power. No one knew his origins, and his past was a mystery that couldn't be seen through. However, Lin Li knew that what he saw was the true image of the Bandit, devoid of any disguise. 
Although the special nature of the Bandit profession would often require them to change their appearance to hide their identity during missions like stealthy assassinations, the act of disguising had become insignificant for Legendary Bandits. It would be useless to rely on those tricks to deal with another Legendary figure of the same level, after all. Besides, there was no need they dealt with the targets below the Legendary-realm.
Therefore, the impeccably dressed aristocrat was presenting his true appearance as a Legendary Bandit. Of course, that also made Lin Li a little more curious about his origins. He wanted to know what made a traditional aristocrat turn into a Bandit and establish such a huge bandit organization like the Dark Blade.
While Lin Li was observing the two Legendary leaders of the Dark Blade, they, too, were in fact scrutinizing Lin Li, the young Legendary-mage. They were not surprised by the arrival of Lin Li, because it was no secret that the Malfa Family cooperated with the Tower of Dusk. It could be said that everything about Aminya City was known to the Dark Blade. Hence, it was logical for Borg to go to Cheyenne to discuss the cooperation and invite Lin Li for a visit too.
The Legendary figures knew very well about the hardships of the journey, and they could hardly believe that a young man barely past 20 had within a short period of time already completed the journey that they had spent years to complete. Stephen said it was because of the Book of Eternity, but the three Legendary powerhouses knew that the book alone was not enough to take Lin Li to such heights, as much of it was a summary of Geresco's life experience.
If Legendary figures represented legends in the hearts of ordinary people, the young Master Felic of the Tower of Dusk could be considered the legend of all legends. It was not a gauge of how strong he was, but he was so powerful that he intimidated all three Legendary leaders. It was surprising enough that Lin Li had already made it to the Legendary-realm at such a young age even though he was only at the bottom.
"Cheyenne is an old friend of ours, so we can save the introductions. However, I must introduce Master Felic of the Tower of Dusk." Borg introduced Lin Li to two of his peers before saying to Lin Li, "The one with the mustache is Lansdale, while the one with the beard is Baldela. They're the other two leaders of the Dark Blade. Please come with me…"
Lansdale was the mustached Bandit, while Baldela was obviously the bearded Warrior who resembled Golden Lion.
They chatted and exchanged greetings cordially, after which Borg led Lin Li and Cheyenne to their seats. Five Legendary powerhouses gathered in a tent, an uncommon scene that could rarely be seen, especially since the Malfa Family and Dark Blade had an intense feud. None of them remembered ever having such a calm and harmonious conversation while being seated opposite each other.
Of course, they were not completely calm and harmonious. Well, at least Cheyenne was not as composed as he appeared to be on the surface, especially after seeing the map in the tent. Lin Li was not very clear about the map, because it was not the design sketch of Sky Castle. It was different from what he saw at the Malfa Family. However, Cheyenne obviously knew what it was because he was the one who'd illustrated it according to the narrative of that High Elves Print, so no one knew every feature better than he did. Although the map was slightly different from the one he'd made, it was clearly also created based on the transliterated High Elves Print.
Noticing that Cheyenne had shifted his gaze onto the map, Borg smugly said, "What's wrong, Cheyenne? The things you mentioned are all here. I didn't lie to you, did I?" He then made eye contact with his peers smilingly.
When Borg had proposed the cooperation earlier on, he had said that he owned not only the treasure map, but also information that Cheyenne and Lin Li didn't have. The treasure map was now hanging in the tent, and Cheyenne was very clear about its authenticity. There were also some clues on the map which hinted at the existence of the information. 
Cheyenne took a closer look at the hanging treasure map, and soon saw that there were plenty of details on the map that had been modified, including some of the areas he himself had felt vague at the time. Everything was clear on the map. After all, the Dark Blade was the owner of the area, and—to put it simply—understood the geography of the place better than Cheyenne did. The locations of the gullies and hills were also clearly annotated on the map. 
From these details alone, it could be seen that the Dark Blade did not come to take advantage at the last minute, and instead had put in lots of effort. In fact, Cheyenne also knew that cooperating with them would be their best bet given the situation that they were currently in. The danger in the Haiga Mountain Range was far beyond what most people imagined; hence, it was necessary for them to have the Dark Blade guide them during the exploration. Of course, Cheyenne still felt rather uncomfortable at the thought of his own family member leaking the information and the treasure map.
Actually, everyone knew that cooperation was the only option for those who wanted to obtain the treasure of the Immortal King. The Dark Blade seemed to be powerful with three Legendary-realm leaders and more than 200 elites who were at or above level-15, but it would be impossible for them to make the treasure entirely their own. Putting aside the obstacles that they might face during the quest, the Dark Blade might not be able to take it if the Malfa Family were to relentlessly attack them, let alone with a young Legendary-mage. 
The same was true for Lin Li. With the powerful support of the Dark Blade, at least their journey before finding the treasure would be easier, and their chances of finding the treasure of the Immortal King would also be higher. As for what problems the three parties would face during the distribution of the loot after they found it, that was not the focus of consideration for the time being. As long as it was guaranteed that Lin Li would obtain Thunderbolt and the treasure that sealed it, Lin Li couldn't be bothered with the rest.
Borg looked at the contemplative Cheyenne, and turned to look at Lin Li. He suddenly yelled out of his tent, "York, tell Stephen to come here immediately."
[1] More like the founder's descendant, I suppose, or maybe the most important of three leaders. Either that or the author suddenly forgot the Dark Blade existed for centuries lol.


Lin Li accidentally enters another world while playing with his smurf mage account just after he maxes out all kinds of crafting skills, bringing with him various top-grade materials. Although his character is practically powerless, what he gains in return is unprecedented magical talent! Can he survive by himself after being thrown into another world?

27th day, 7th month.

'The prophets alleged the forthcoming arrival of a disaster; a curse, they said. An outsider plague that would have scourged our lands every 100.000 years. How much of it is true? Can we trust the maunder from a bunch of make-believe despotic rulers? We rallied in the central plaza to hear their speech. Nobody believed them. Not when the very same gods that bestowed them oracles had forsaken our prosperity. The fools. The throne of power is bound to see the light of a new sovereign.'

4th day, 8th month.

'The heavy tang of copper permeated the streets. They were killed; the fools and their butt-lickers sycophants. Blood carpeted the burning skeleton of the church. Chaos ran amuck today, and I have to begrudgingly admit that I'm a bit scared too. I knew that someone would have stolen their fading political influence, but to outright annihilate an entire structure filled with strong crusaders and holy knights?'

8th day, 8th month.

'The Dark Elves went into hiding, and so did the Royal Phoenixes. The city has been oddly quiet, forgoing the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Raegis. I don't like this at all. Maybe it's time to move somewhere else, the lamias have been fidgety lately. A change of scenery will hopefully ease their worries.'

14th day, 8th month.

'They were right! The fools were goddamn right! Something is happening... the King of Dragons has been found eaten alive on the border of our continent. Who the hell could have done that? This is ludicrous and illogical, such a transcendent existence became someone else's afternoon snack, and no one was the wiser for almost a week! The Elder Ones won't stay quiet about this.'

15th day, 8th month.

'This makes no sense... the moon became red.'

16th day, 8th month.

'After a whole week of preparation and activities, we're finally out of Raegis' walls. We'll head north-west, towards the Valley of Forgotten Souls, there's a peaceful citadel of spirits uphill, their leader has an alliance treaty with us, I trust there won't be any problems welcoming us. This journey will be a dangerous one, it would be for the best to avoid the main road where we'd be under the public's eyes. The moon is still red. I pray for my tribe's safety.'

18th day, 8th month.

'Today we lost three sisters due to the ambush from a bunch of humans. Why do they want to bring us back? And why did it warrant the death of three of us!? Why!?'

20th day, 8th month.

'I'm tired. We're all tired. There's been hardly any rest for us, it feels like we're escaping from something. We can't delay our exodus. We shall march on until we reach the citadel.'

21st day, 8th month.

'Two lamialets died today.'

23rd day, 8th month.

'I hate the night sky... I hate this journey. I just wanna rest but noooo... Spring Whore Sky and Green Shit Dew had to keep bitching the whole night about the lack of food! I feel so guilty for wanting to leave everyone behind and survive by myself, I'm so stressed. I'm hungry. I'm scared. I'm angry. Maybe it was not a good idea departing from Raegis.'

24th day, 8th month.

'Just a few more days... just a few more days and we'll be there...'

26th day, 8th month.

'Today we almost ended up inside the stomach of a Sphinx. We've been chased down for miles, incredible how none of us died. It was all thanks to him; he who appeared out of nowhere, his body discharging so much power and pressure that it went beyond anything I've ever witnessed. He was dressed fashionably, and it was a wonder how no blood splattered onto him when he cleaved the huge creature in half with a light chop of his hand... and the moment his bewitching red eyes locked onto me... the lopsided grin on his face... his short pitch-black hair that danced in the breeze...'

26th day, 8th month.

'I'm writing this right after he promised to escort us to the citadel! I'm soooo relieved!'

27th day, 8th month.

'The night is not so scary anymore, not now that he's with us. He's been providing us with food I never thought we'd ever eat. He's such a charming man, and it's always a delight to talk to him. I may have overstepped my boundaries a bit when I asked him what race did he belong to, because his complexion had darkened considerably. He answered nonetheless. A Predator? Never heard of it, but if they're all as powerful as him then they rightfully deserve a spot in my book. I want to learn more about him...'

28th day, 8th month.

'What a feast for my eyes. He killed a Forest Behemoth, and he did it so easily and cleanly that I felt pity for the downed monster. Not gonna lie, I might have blushed a lot at the display.'

30th day, 8th month.

'We've passed through the Valley of Forgotten Souls, just another day and... he'll go away, won't he? He didn't tell me but I know, he's been very gloomy recently, restless and impatient. I've even caught him yelling at the sky last night, almost in a pleading way, to go back somewhere... he was angry and sad... but why shout at the heavens when there's no one up there anymore? I'm confused, but I don't want to let him go, I finally found someone that can smile at me without that disgust glean in their eyes. But with a body like mine, would he agree to stand by my side? I should stop daydreaming.'

"Eh?" Jadesin clutched the sheet of paper tighter, "This is... uh, Stephen, do you know--" she swallowed back the rest of her sentence when her eyes grazed her guest's features, "Stephen?"

"Jadesin..." his words were spat out through quivering breaths, "L-Let me ask you... that curse, I mean, that outsider thingy... is it true? Did it truly happen every 100.000 years?" he cupped the edge of his eyes with a hand, least she saw the plethora of emotions entwining in his shaking orbs.

"H-Hey... are you alright?"

"JUST ANSWER!"

Jadesin recoiled at the sudden uprise in his tone, "Y-Yeah..." she cleared her throat before trudging on carefully, "We don't have documented evidence that it actually happened every 100.000 years, a lot of scriptures were lost, all we have is some journal that contains a cursory summary of what unfolded in those times."

"So... can I infer that something indeed happened in those periods, but you can't be sure if it was because of that curse?"

"That would be correct." Jadesin heaved a deep breath as she leaned closer to him, "This journal here is way more detailed than the other ones we have, not to mention the oldest. There were big wars, yes, and an incredible number of races went extinct as well. Was the curse those prophets talked about behind it? No idea."

"Was... emh, what about the red moon? is there any information about it?"

"Nothing." she shook her head, "This is my first time hearing of something like this, honestly, it's kinda spooky..."

Stephen drooped his head as he let the silence be the foreground for his churning thoughts. Jadesin glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, chewing on her bottom lip to keep herself busy. He was tense, and panic-stricken too if his rocking body was anything to go by. There must have something in that journal that disturbed him, she mused.

"Hehe... go figure, who would have thought that the first matriarch of our tribe would fall in love with a Predator, I wonder what happened afterward. Did they wind up together I wonder? Or maybe she never told him what she was feeling inside... would have not been the first time something like this happened to a lamia." her blatant attempt to lighten up the atmosphere failed miserably when twangs of sadness started thrumming in her heart.

With a sigh, Jadesin propped her elbows down her scaly lap, with her hands held up wherein her chin rested on.

"Lady Jadesin, Stephen, we have brought you dinner." Red Virtue's announcement dwindled a bit of the stress draping about the room, and she found herself silently thanking her retinue for the rescue. Stephen's quiescence was making her rather uncomfortable.

"Oh right... please come in."

Red Virtue and Blue Pearl hustled inside upon consent and hurried to cautiously place the immaculately crafted wooden trays atop their hands upon the table, before they proceeded to rearrange the food out of their containers onto plates.

"Thank you." Jadesin beamed at them as she scrambled back up and headed for the recipients of her hunger. Having finally found a topic to breach Stephen's sullenness with, she prattled, "Well, are you hungry my dear?"

"..."

A determined glint flashed through her eyes when no answer was given, "Red Virtue, Blue Pearl could you be so kind as to leave us alone for a couple of minutes more?" her tone of finality, so divergent from the content of her sentence, left no room for objection. She had masked her order under a more amiable request.

The room had soon two people less, and Jadesin wasted no time in approaching the listless Predator. Her action was swift and decisive, and before he knew it, the hands he's been covering his face with were yanked away to unveil Jadesin's face.

He stared at her, too tired to muster up any resistance.

"If this is how you're going to behave tomorrow, when we'll depart to execute our plan against the Orc tribe, then you might as well stay here and mope around." it was fascinating how despite the ghost of a smile she's been wearing so far, her eyes had crinkled into a heated stare.

She didn't know, of course. She didn't make any connection. It was a world of pain and concern the one so attentively buried within her eyes, and he couldn't bring himself to be enough of a bastard to uncaringly swat away her pursuit in soothing his problems. She had her owns too, he reminded himself.

Jadesin was still looking at him, and she was waiting for an answer. He acquiesced, "I apologize for my previous outburst." he probed, and the rewarding gentle smile that bloomed in size on her face was more than worth it.

"It's okay... we're partners, aren't we?" the hands that been imprisoning his wrists had ever so slowly eased off, magically finding their way onto his face, "Feeling better?" her husky timbre was like the sweetest croon to his ears. The way she playfully nuzzled the ridge on his cheekbone prompted a small chuckle out of him.

"Yes, thank you." that was a well-covered lie, and he had to thank his father's trials for molding him into a competent actor, "The food's getting cold, aren't you going to eat?"

"Of course I am you silly, I'm starving here."

Except that her hands didn't leave his cheeks. It was like they were spellbound to stay there and embed warmth on his face, and he wondered if the perception of eating food had shifted onto eating something else, more alive. The way her smirk had thinned into an embittered line, and the mixture of hesitation and eagerness played out across her crumpled up features had his heart halt for a moment.

Was it the romantic undertones of the journal?

He soldiered on and met her gaze. Thankfully she had some good sense left in her for she rasped out a giggle and pulled away. Stephen felt a pang of pity for her, but he was in no mood to untangle her knot of sadness. All that stress was weighing on him, and her too apparently. Who knows what she's been dealing with before his appearance. Maybe she identified herself as the lamia on the entries, and the fatidic entrance of an unknown man - so resembling of his one - had her knees weak at the prospect of a mate.

"Soooo... what do you wanna eat?" she chirped as she sashayed back to the tableware filled with delicacies, "We have meat, salad, rice, fruits, fish and potatoes." she rummaged around, serving herself a plate of everything.

"I'll take what you have."

"Uh-huh, coming!" she replied in a sing-song voice.

She started allotting a spoonful of everything into a plate until it was crammed full, and then she did it for herself as well, before diving back on the bed next to him with a wide grin.

"Bon appetit." she handed him his share.

Dinner went on without interruptions or chitchats. Overall, the food was not bad for a culinary-retrogressed race; seasonings and other assortments of sidedish were missing. Nonetheless, he thoroughly enjoyed it. He finished gulping down a jar of water before wiping his mouth off of stray residues of food with a napkin, "Hmm, it was... delightful." he smacked his lips together and remarked like a veteran food critic.

Jadesin huffed in amusement and played along, "I'm most grateful for your recognition sire Stephen." she curtsied while tugging up the hem of an invisible skirt.

He nodded in satisfaction, drawing another huff from the lamia matriarch.

"Since we've finished eating I'm going to fetch you something that will make you all pumped up with energy in the morning."

"You're gonna drug me then?"

"Yep, you have a problem with that?"

"Nope."

She smiled at him before slithering out. Stephen exhaled, his eyelids fighting against themselves not to drape down. All that information intake and the emotional turmoil that followed did a number on him. Was that how he was supposed to live from now on? What was his role in Relictus?

The red moon... the Red Moon of Doomsday.

No, it was not a coincidence.

Roseline? You there?

No answer rebounded back through the line of their connection. What happened to her? He pursed his lips in contemplation. If she was somewhere deep inside his inner abyss, she must've been slumbering, unless she was finding it humorous playing the quiet game with him.

"Whatever."

His thoughts trailed off and zoomed in on the face of Natasha...and then on that fleeting instant, where their lips had almost connected and wrestled together into the perfect display of the savagery behind their fermenting passion. He sighed, waving off the clouds of images that started looming over him.

Damn introspection.

"I'm back Stephen." Jadesin tumbled back in with effervescent enthusiasm, "Drink this." she scooted closer to him, uncorking the lid of the vial in her hand before proffering it to him.

He scanned curiously the lava lamp-like liquid floating inside; it was a pinkish solution with crimson bubbles merrily swimming within, "What if it is poison?"

She shot him a pointed glare, "Are you serious?" she lightly dipped her pinky atop the substance's surface before plopping the appendage into her mouth where she licked it clean, "Satisfied?"

"Sorry..." he gave her a sheepish look and then proceeded to gobble it down in one shot. It tasted like a fuse of different fruit juices, lacking a bit in sugar but still tasty. He felt a rush of vigor running through his aching muscles, it was a pleasant tingle, "Oh... nice. Thank you."

"Hmm, we can't have you limping around in front of the Orcs, can we?"

"Heh, I won't... well, I'd like to catch some zzz if you don't mind." he stretched his arms up with a barely restrained yawn.

"Of course not," her gaze softened, "This room will be yours from now henceforth, until we set up a more comfortable lodging for you."

"It's okay..." he leaned back on the mattress.

"Good... then, goodnight."

"Sweetdreams Jadesin."

Just as she was about to walk out and leave her tenant to the curative embrace of sleep, Stephen's voice stopped her promptly, "Hey..."

"Yes?" she slightly tilted her head back.

"Well... can you tell me when..."

"When what?"

"When did the monsters begin this cutthroat squabble of theirs?"

Furrowing her brow, she crossed her arms and guessed, "You think that the 100.000 years curse is about to happen again?" when he didn't answer back she took his silence as a green light and continued, "Hmm... I guess they started behaving heretically around... almost 2 weeks ago, maybe?"

"..."

"Stephen?"

"Nothing, don't worry. Goodnight Jadesin, let's trounce them up tomorrow! Haha!" his chuckle rang out as quickly as it faded into nothingness.

Taking that as a clue to make her exit, the lamia matriarch stole a last glimpse of his shadowed silhouette curled on the bed and silently slinked out, closing shut the ragged veils behind her.

Stephen, a power-hungry forsaken man, awakens in a place he knows nothing of, alongside a bunch of strangers. His stay in this phantasmagorical world will lead to disturbing discoveries, and as he keeps on surviving, the line between right and wrong becomes more and more blurred. In a world where power is the bedrock of society, what if he shed a bit of blood for his goals? Thrilling adventures, outlandish races, endless power at his fingertips, nothing will ever be the same again to him. Aiming to become unrivaled, he'll do anything necessary to become the ultimate existence.

*You can find this novel on RRL and Scribble.*

*The cover is not my creation, I'm only responsible for some edits. If you are the original creator and wish for me to take it down then let me know.*

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=24918763


TAGS: Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Romance | Harem | Handsome Male Lead | Beautiful Female Lead | Non-Human Protagonist | Non-Human Female Lead | Sword and Magic | Transported to Another World | Multiple Individuals Transported to Another World | Magic | Sword Wielder | Polygamy | R-18 | AntiHero Male Lead | Ruthless Male Lead | System | Different World | Weak to Strong

Dave teleported to the Drow Kingdom, the closest raid zone to the Ash King's domain, then summoned Grumpy. Once the big lizard appeared, it growled at Dave in discontent.
"Sorry buddy, I know I haven't been summoning you in a while, but we're going on a mission right now," Dave said.
The lizard snarled but still let Dave ride on. The two tread their way through the vegetation and rocky area of the Drow kingdom heading deeper toward the east, and what Dave firmly believed to be the Ash King's keep, his stronghold and where he was mightiest.
Dave opted to take the Basilisk rather than Onixya, first due to her size and how much attention she could draw to them if they were spotted. And secondly, because she was moving around the Wilds, clearing the area of any hostile monsters that wanted to take her crown for themselves.
Dave needed to have his dragon cement her dominion over the Wilds and rule it as her own, as did her parent before her. Dragons needed their space he thought.
Grumpy wasn't much of a stealthy mount, but he was the best when it came to the rugged and rough terrain leading to the Ash King. The area was barren, rocky, and hot. The more Dave moved closer to the east, the hotter it became, he was even surprised to see a glowing pillar of fire in the distance.
"Shit, this looks like Barad-Dur," Dave commented as the pillar of fire was shaped to a tower of flames that rose above a great cathedral-like building, only this cathedral looked demonic.
He was actually intimidated, as even if the distance was still great, the cathedral was apparent to him from far away, it was as if the Ash King had the mountain's top carved into the shape of this building that emitted a fire pillar from its midst.
The closer he got to the pillar, the darker the land became. Even the light coming from the moon gradually faded until it disappeared at one point. Hidden by orange clouds, though these clouds weren't orange in origin, the light from the Ash King's stronghold was powerful enough it painted them the color of fire.
The ground became more jagged, small bridged of stone extended from section to another of the area, where rivers and rivulets of lava seeped from the depth of the ground and under these bridges clashing in flaming fury against the rocks, and splashing droplets of magma to the heights of heaven.
If one was not careful, they would die under a fiery rain from these continuous explosions of fire. Grumpy crossed the bridges with confidence, his massive size and weight proved little to no hindrance to bridges that were heated continuously, reinforced and strengthened due to the flames underneath them.
Once Dave finished crossing the bridge, a notification appeared in front of him.
***
You have set foot in the Underworld's Fifth and final Raid Zone, [Ash King's Keep]
Debuff Applied, [Trespasser Level 2]
Effects: You cannot use Teleportation scrolls to leave the area.
You cannot summon any type of undead to your aid, the summoning of mounts and support creatures is limited to one.
You have entered the area with [Grumpy] you cannot summon any other mount to your aid, including [Dunlord Stinger], [Forest Pronged Fiend Spike], [Grave Lord Tiny], [Black Terror Dragon Onixya].
Special Addendum 
Undead, you have walked into the domain of the Ash-King.
All creatures within the area will be hostile toward you, and treat you with extreme prejudice, as should Demons to Undead.
The Ash King has asked for your immediate death upon encounter, and having come to his area is the same as serving yourself to him on a golden platter. Be wise, finish your business as fast as you can before any of the Demonic beings of the Underworld notice you trespassing.
***
"Grumpy, you'll have to stay here," Dave said as he dismounted, the basilisk, however, snorted, clearly dissatisfied from being left out of the upcoming 'fun'.
"I know what you're thinking, but I can't, this area needs us to move stealthily, we can't risk being exposed so early on, it's going to be difficult with just me moving around, if the two of us are spotted, we'll have a hard time surviving, and I would rather die and respawn in the Undead Realm than have you go through that experience buddy," Dave said to the basilisk.
His care and worry for Grumpy were apparent, and the basilisk didn't argue anymore, however, he still slumped down, giving Dave a clear indication, that he wasn't going to follow, nor was he going to leave, "We came together, we leave together," that's what Dave understood from Grumpy's attitude.
Dave patted the onyx basilisk on the head and said, "Don't worry, I won't take long."
He then moved and ran forward.
A few minutes of full sprint covered a great deal of distance from where Grumpy was sitting to where Dave was. And he had to thank the great work of Andre for his armored masterpiece.
The Undead War King set was amazingly powerful and heavy, yet it didn't clank, squeak or make any sound that a heavy armor set was supposed to do when running, even his boots made silent kisses to the ground as he walked on them, the ingenuity of the making of the boots made sure every step was muffled.
Dave had to stop after five minutes of sprint, first of all, he didn't notice a single demon along the path he crossed. And secondly, there was a gaping rift separating the area where he was standing to the cathedral building.
Dave took a good look at the view. The place looked like a carved mountain at first. But in reality, it was a gigantic volcano, encircling the standing building in the middle.
The building sat atop an enormous pillar that rose through the volcano's magma.
The whole thing was like a building built atop a pillar in the middle of a volcano, while the lava worked like a moat suppressing anyone who wanted access to the main keep.
From where he stood, Dave couldn't see anyway to the middle building. There were no bridges and no crossways. Anyone who wanted to cross to the main building needed to have wings.
Dave hopped off the edge of the volcano and toward the lava, then used [Demonic Ascension] gaining raven wings that gave him the ability to fly. The demonic energy encircling him matched the surroundings perfectly that he didn't even feel the heat coming from the volcano anymore, and felt like a fish in the sea.
 Dave flew across the lava lake and toward the main building, landing on its top floor and began observing the area.
The building roof was tiled with marble and had hundreds of gargoyle statues sitting squarely around the building's edges. Dave didn't have a doubt in his heart that these gargoyle statues were not 'alive,' the only thing that made him think of why they haven't attacked him yet was his current form. He was in a demonic form, so if the gargoyles noticed Dave, they would have most likely though of him as one of their own, thus they didn't attack.
But that was not going to last for a long time, the timer of the skill was limited, and he didn't have much time before he will be discovered.
Dave darted his eyes around, trying to locate an entry point to the building. He found nothing of the sort on the rooftop, so he jumped off and flew around the building. Which took a great deal of time due to the sheer size of the whole thing.
The building was decorated with large demonic statues, and every statue was of a different carved demon, some were giant worms, some were gargoyles like the ones on the roof, others were demonic rams and some were imps and Demon Knights. Between every two statues was a colored glass window, and while Dave was roaming around the building he noticed that one of the colored windows was broken.
He flew toward the broken window and discovered that it could easily fit him in. The timer on his skill had less than ten seconds. Dave folded his wings and perched atop the broken window, peering to the inside of the building.
Large study shelves and books were neatly positioned atop each other, making one of the largest libraries Dave had ever seen before. Dave could swear, that just this room was larger than the Stephen A. Schwarzman library, both in size and the sheer number of books.
Large shelves in the middle of the hall intertwined between each other in a maze of books, if one didn't know their way around they would definitely be lost, Dave included. Thankfully, he was able to see the only path leading out of the library from his current position. He memorized it and flew down.
He landed on the floor a second before Demonic Ascension ended and went to a long cooldown.
He moved around the library, eyes moving, inspecting, locating, and prying upon any unfortunate soul that would dare expose or fight him. Yet nothing but the occasional Imp, dusting the books every now and then showed up. These Imps were working tirelessly at making the whole library look clean and organized.
He even noticed a few of the imps pouring a yellow liquid on some of the books after checking their condition, the liquid seeped into the books and dissipated leaving nothing. This made Dave curious as to why these creatures were doing so, so he waited until one of the Imps left the area and he went to inspect the book.
***
History of the Mage-Lands XI
***
Dave wasn't interested in the book but the coating it had on it, he inspected it again this time focusing on the substance that covered the books.
***
Sulfuride Extract.
A powerful flame repellant extract, made by combining sulfur and [Unknown] to create a thin coating to preserve items from fire and heat.
***
"Hmm, that could come in handy," Dave said as he turned toward the Imp that just moved away.
Dave was about to take the path leading out before a section of books drew his attention.
***
Mortal Reminders.
***
those were the words written on top of one of the shelves, and on the shelves were many books of different colors, designs, and age, with a rare few empty slots.
Dave picked up one and began reading.
***
God Slaying Chariot
A golden lighting beast chariot that was used to chase gods and slaughter them in the days of old. It was made by a man who despised the lord for having made his life a miserable heap of sadness, defying them to slay the divine was his purpose, and creating the God Slaying Chariot brought nothing but carnage upon the divine realm…
***
Dave stopped reading as there was a note written on the bottom half of the book.
***
The God Slaying Chariot was destroyed by the God of War [Unknown] in year 212.
Dave didn't need to read further and switched to another book.
***
Brahma's Arrow
An arrow, once aimed and fired shall never miss its target. It belonged to the god of the heroic Diva Brahma to fight against the Evil Asura Ravana…
***
more of the book was written describing the battle and what happened but another notification at the end made clear of what happened to such a tool.
***
The Arrow of Brahma was used as a sacrificial ingredient in year 450 by the Pharaoh to create the Forbidden Tome.
Dave read more and more of these books, each detailing a weapon or a method to kill gods, but most of them were lost, destroyed, or simply legends with no truth behind them.
Dave didn't need to continue reading, he knew that this is how the Ash King got his hand on the God Slaying bolt that brought down the Undead God to an almost death. And now this thing was in the hand of the Ash King and he needed to get it back.
"Alright, let's get out of here first, we need to find the Chosen One and kill him without notifying anyone else, sounds easy," Dave said and moved according to his memory, to the only way out of this library.


Three years ago Conquest was released, redefining virtual reality and gaming. 
‘An entire world on a server. Dive in and play the RPG to end all others; explore, create, conquer. LIVE!’ 
It became an overnight phenomena worldwide. 
Dave Ruster grew up without a family to speak of, he had few friends and fewer prospects. He lives in the same small town where he graduated from high school, and works long hours at a low-paying job that barely pays for rent and the food on his table. He can’t afford college, but at least he is not out on the streets. 
His life is going nowhere, stuck on a treadmill. 
Until chance, karma, or providence, call it whatever you believe in, intervenes. Suddenly, David’s circumstances change. 
Injured and unable to work, he’s about to lose what little he has. His fate balances where crisis and opportunity go hand in hand.
He can risk it all, seizing the opportunity to make circumstances work for him, potentially going further and higher than he ever dreamed. Or he can accept his fate and watch life from the sidelines 
Join Dave as he puts all his aspirations and hopes, all that he is, into the game he always wanted to play, Conquest!  
It will be a journey of adventure and discovery, victory and loss, as he strives to create a new future for himself, in-the-game and In Real Life.


**** Story is currently being proofed by our Lord Sambraga! (chapters 54+) so please bear with the mediocre quality of writing in the first chaps, it gets much better later on!****

The third Day of the Fire, month of the First Moon; four people were seated within a wagon that sped along a well-paved road. The road was made from what looked like marble that had been crushed into a fine powder and then re-solidified.

The wagon had four wheels under the compartment while two more wheels protruded out at the front. The compartment was divided into two sections: the tiny front section where the driver sat and the spacious rear section where the passengers could comfortably sit.

The driver sat on a springed cushion as he placed his right hand on a steering apparatus that controlled the two wheels that protruded out. His left hand was placed atop a board where various runes were inscribed into. A steady stream of energy seeped out of his left palm and entered into the board, activating the mechanisms that were actuated through the runes inscribed into it.

The driver hummed a popular local tune as he occasionally popped a fruit into his mouth. The fruit easily melted the moment it touched his tongue and began to steadily replenish his energy. It was shaped like a strawberry and smelled like it was made from nectar even though it tasted bland.

Every time the driver ate the fruit, he would slap his right hand across a counter placed beside him that sported a simple number pad. Every time he slapped its head, the value of the number displayed in it increased by a single numeric while producing a sonorous sound.

In the passenger section, four people were currently seated. A man that had his head balding at the top but still sported a thick chestnut brown hair on the sides gently patted the figure of a girl as he hummed a tune. Another man who had wavy black hair that flowed like silk sat opposite to the man as he too hummed in chorus. 

On his lap rested the head of a boy that was drooling while occasionally flashing a stupid grin. The eyes of the man with the wavy hair softened with pride as he gazed at the boy resting on his laps as if it were the most comfortable pillow in the world.

"Sirs, we will be reaching the gates of Rooknil Princely City in 5 Chants." A voice echoed from the driver's section.

"Alright." The man with the semi-bald head echoed. He then gently nudged the shoulders of the girl sleeping on his lap.

"Sarah, we have to get down soon."

"Dad, have we already reached the city?" Sarah woke up and rubbed her bleary eyes while letting out a lazy yawn. She then climbed atop the thighs of David Washer and peaked out of the window. The moment she took in her surroundings, her eyes widened in surprise as she screamed in excitement.

"Dad look, the walls are so big. It looks as if a hill had been carved into the wall." Sarah exclaimed as she jumped on David's thighs in excitement. She then turned around and jumped at her father, intending to pull him closer to see the marvellous sight she had just witnessed. In her excitement, she failed to notice her position and head bumped onto her father's nose.

"Oww," David held his nose that had turned red from the impact. Sarah had still not noticed that she had head bumped onto her father's nose since she wasn't hurt by the impact. She then shifted her gaze onto the boy who was peacefully enjoying his slumber.

"Sleepyhead, how long are you going to sleep. We are leaving you behind." Sarah shouted near the ears of the boy and cunningly took a step back.

"No! Don't leave me behind!" The boy sprang up in fright before clutching his head in pain. His head had directly crashed into the chin of his father when he had hurriedly woken up in fright.

"Sit still!" Stephen Miller growled at the boy and placed a hand on his mouth. He had probably bit his tongue due to the hit on his chin.

"S-Sorry." The kid meekly responded and obediently sat on the seat next to him, just beside the window so he could gaze out.

'Hehe' Sarah beamed with happiness after seeing the boy get scolded when a fist lightly tapped her on the head. A pair of arms then lifted her up and seated her on a lap.

"You little rascal." David Washer said while his eyes were slightly cloudy due to the hit his nose took.

"But, Dad, I want to see more. Can I? Please!" Sarah said.

"We are approaching the gates. Sit still." David said as he tightened his grip around her, afraid that she would break free once again.

Sarah pouted in displeasure as she slightly craned her neck towards the window and enjoyed her surroundings.

A thick green wall extended on both sides beyond what her eyes could see and spanned a height of 20 Dobin, a height that was equivalent to 20 grown men stacked vertically atop each other.

Sentries were placed along the sections of the wall at various heights and positions, while battle armaments like crossbows and cannons were placed at the top of the wall.

Their carriage slowed down to a halt and joined a queue that consisted of wagons of various shapes and sizes. There were ones that were shaped like a pumpkin, cucumber, and a bottle gourd. There were even imbalanced wagons that had only two wheels but carried a huge carriage overhead that looked like it would topple at the slightest breeze.

The carriages slowly inched forward when it was finally their turn. Two soldiers that donned Iron armour with the symbol of an eye inscribed into their chest plate marched forward and pointed a cylinder-shaped object at the carriage. Energy rushed into the cylindrical object and activated the ability within it. A transparent wave of energy that felt cold to the touch emerged out of the cylindrical object and scanned the wagon from front to rear.

On not finding anything out of the ordinary, the soldier nodded to another soldier who approached the window of the wagon and knocked on it. The driver immediately handed out an identification tag which the soldier took to inspect with another cylindrical-shaped object.

Similarly, another soldier took the identification tag passed on by David and Stephen and carefully inspected them. On finding nothing amiss, they peered into the wagon and noticed the two children. After a couple of questions, the soldiers captured a picture of the two children and haphazardly scribbled some of their defining features in a notebook before giving the green signal for their wagon.

"Dad, is their inspection always so strict?" Sarah asked. The turn of events was an eye-opener to her since this was the first time she had visited such a big city.

"It is always guarded with such strict inspections. For, a prince is in charge of this city." David said.

"A prince; like, the son of our King?" The boy, John inquired.

"No, the term prince here just stayed due to past traditions. The person in charge of this city is actually the younger brother of the King." Stephen Miller said.

The wagon then entered the city and travelled across the well-maintained road. The road was 100 Dobin wide which was split into two equal halves by a column of trees. The two sides of the road were also lined by neatly trimmed shrubs that were laden with aromatic flowers.

Their carriage proceeded to travel on the left side of the road, occasionally flattening the flowers that came under their wheels due to the winds, further enriching the aromatic smell infused into the air.

"Smells so fresh!" The two kids simultaneously exclaimed as they took a deep breath of the air.

The two adults smiled at the antics of their children before giving the driver further details pertaining to their destination. There were wide buildings that ranged from being two to three-storey high and were styled in a fashion similar to the monument, Chichen Itza of Mexico. The only difference was the low number of floors which were further carved into the shapes of numerous beasts arranged in all sorts of poses.

As the carriage continued to go forward, the sceneries changed from the wide expansive buildings to the ones that could be called skyscrapers. The carriage finally stopped before a building that was 15 storeys high that had a symbol of an eye hovering above an opened book and a sign that read, "Temple of the Principle Seeker."

The quartet alighted from the wagon as David inquired about the price of the journey. The wagon driver showed the counter as David inspected it. He then fetched out a Ten Rupi coin from his pocket and handed it to the driver.

The eyes of the driver twitched in annoyance for a moment as he held the Ten Rupi coin and added it to his pouch. He then fished out 7 One Rupi coins and handed them back to David. David calmly pocketed the change and beckoned for the others to follow him inside.

The One Rupi coin was thumb-sized and red in colour. It had the image of an eye made with fine indentations on the back while the front had the image of the number '1' impressed into the mold. The Ten Rupi coin was similar in size to the One Rupi coin except for it being orange in colour and having the number '10' on its front.

The four people climbed a flight of stairs and entered through a wide archway that led into a spacious hall that could fit about ten-thousand people at a time. The two children abruptly turned silent as the two adults led them inside and joined another long queue. 

After what felt like an eternity, they finally approached a desk where a woman sat with a frown. Without any nonsense, she curtly gave them two forms and asked them to fill it. David and Stephen quickly filled the form that only requested them of the child's age, date of birth, details of the parent(s) and finally, a drop of blood from the two.

The woman gracefully collected the four blood samples and passed the first set under a machine. She inserted some energy as the machine whirled into motion. It quickly scanned and flashed a green light.

"You are her father and she is your child. Proceed to room number D56." The woman handed David the form he had filled after stamping it. She then proceeded to swiftly throw the two blood samples into a designated trash can before inserting the next set into the machine.

David brought Sarah to the side while Stephen stepped forth with John in tow. After the machine whirred and emitted another green light, the woman stamped their form and instructed them to proceed towards room number 'D57'.

The quartet silently walked towards a flight of steps on one corner of the wide hall and climbed towards the fourth floor. Then they inquired a couple of staff for directions until they finally reached their designated rooms that were placed next to each other.

David patted the head of the nervous Sarah as he pushed open the door to the room labelled 'D56' and entered it. The two of them were then greeted by the sight of a tired-looking gentleman who was munching on a couple of fruits that looked like a strawberry.

"Sorry, give me a moment. I am running dry." The gentleman hurriedly swallowed a handful of the fruit and expertly wore a pair of gloves.

A conspiracy claims the life of her only family member. Hiding her past as the daughter of a Pirate, Sarah Washer sought to infiltrate into Noble society in order to unravel the culprit and the incidents surrounding her father's death.

In a fantasy world where people were capable of performing superhuman feats and where magic, artifacts, mysticism, and dungeons intertwined to complicate all life, Sarah must strive for a pathway to her revenge.

Humanity suffered from a plague that nearly brought it to its extinction. The undead rise after their deaths to feed on the living. They are ravaging at the corpse of the person or animals they killed by ripping off the flesh of their victims. The soldiers defended their kingdoms with their lives against the attacks. Others have fallen but not all suffered. This is the story Stephen's mother always tell during bedtime before he fell asleep, about the horror of the past that his grandfathers never forget. In this world of swords and magic, the protagonist named Stephen strives hard to be stronger every day. With his basic holy skill [minor heal], his fatigue and torn muscles regenerated after his rigorous training. He strives day by day after becoming a Glory academy student then meeting friends. The people, mages, knights, assassins, rangers, druids, necromancers, ronins, and fighters take refuge in the Almaria kingdom and are living peacefully for a hundred years. Now the peacetime is nearing its end because there are undead sightings at the borders of the kingdom. As the knights are assigned to patrol at the borders of the kingdom, they are victorious in capturing the Navasca Fort. How long can the kingdom last? can they survive till the end? Can they reclaim the lands? Can they hold out? The answer will unfold itself

“This is aristocracy!” The three simple words hung over the classroom.

Unconsciously Jin Tao had sat a little straighter and a twinkle invaded his eyes, stirred by the exciting speech. It was a sentiment shared by almost all in attendance.

Wu Junyi’s hard expression had softened perceptibly, and beside him Jin Yan’s breath had quickened to match her flushed face.

Tang Mi’s jade green eyes shone. Beside her sat Zhou Qianlin, and though her expression was unchanged, her heart was beating with excitement.

“Before the eighteenth century of the Former Era, nobles were still an integral part of society. They were important. Even today the older families protect and pass on their titles of nobility, and grant them to subsequent generations. When the nobility became the common citizenry, the bourgeoisie didn’t rise up, didn’t rail against their culture. On the contrary they sent their sons and daughters to finishing schools in the hopes of becoming aristocrats themselves. They bought titles, figures and insignia’s, anything they could to inherit the mantle of ‘noble’. The reason why the noble institution has continued until today is because it has earned the approval of the people. Because the people believe that the noble spirit represents a certain honor… A certain dignity.”

“In the old days battles were all more or less the same; on the field they were enemies. Back home they were neighbors. Looking back on them now people see these fights like schoolyard scuffles.”

“Long ago in the former era a king died. Both his grandson, Henry, and his sister’s son Stephen thought they were entitled to the throne of England. Stephen had already been in the country when the king passed, so he was first to arrive. He rushed forth to claim the throne as his own. Henry, meanwhile, was on the mainland and upon hearing the news grew resentful. So he raised an army of mercenaries to confront Stephen. But Henry was young, inexperienced, and he deployed his troops without the proper planning or strategy. His mercenary army arrived from afar to land on his native shores, and disembarked to find that he had spent all of his money. Their food, too, was gone. What was he to do? It was then he came up with something a normal citizen couldn’t; he wrote to his adversary Stephen begging for aid. I have embarked on an expedition, he claimed, but have failed to bring the proper provisions. I ask you to send financial assistance so that I might disperse the mercenaries and send them home. Surprisingly, Stephen acquiesced and sent his second-cousin some funds. And in response Henry later began a second bid for the throne.”

As he related the story Lan Jue had returned to his normal, soft-spoken persona. A small smile was on his face, and as he continued he had the attention of every ear in the hall.

“Someone offers you financial assistance, and you return the favor by trying to murder them. Most would call this ungrateful at the very least, but nobles believe that affording your enemies a measure of leniency is a matter of course. If competition is required, then there will be competition. And so a few years later Henry lead his armies against Stephen in a second go. At this point he had grown older, wise, and this resulted in Stephen’s defeat. He had won his victory, but the result was quite interesting. The two signed a treaty wherein they agreed Stephen would remain upon the throne, but Henry would become his successor. Not long after Stephen succumbed to age and Henry became king. To the average man earning only a successor’s title after winning such a difficult victory hardly seems worth it. But this is precisely the spirit of nobility. Henry use the code of aristocracy to repay Stephen for his earlier leniency.”

Lan Jue paused as though lost in thought. Gradually the look in his eyes grew more serious. “In regards to the noble spirit there is yet another story that makes me shiver, an unforgettable tale. It was back when I was still a student, a story my own professor told me. Today I’ll tell it to you.”

“In the former era mankind had produced a massive cruise ship. They christened it the Titanic.”

“The name Titanic had been borrowed from Greek mythology, referring to the giants called Titans. The Titans wished to wage war against the god Zeus on behalf of the mysterious forces of nature. They were ultimately defeated, and banished to the depths of the Atlantic ocean, buried deeper than the eighteenth level of hell itself. Thus it was people said the name ‘Titanic’ was poorly chosen, ominous, and would invite catastrophe.”

“And as predicted, the ship sank to the bottom of the sea in an accident.”

At the mention of Zeus, Zhou Qianlin inadvertently raised her head. Her eyes found Lan Jue’s looking directly back at her.

Lan Jue continued. “But the difference between this great ship and the titans of lore was that the only thing that sunk was it’s steel.. it’s bolts… it’s people. It’s spirit was never conquered. That is to say that the titanic sunk, taking with it the lives of one thousand five hundred passengers. But the invincible spirit of human civilization remained. Unsinkable.”

Lan Jue’s voice grew louder as he pressed on.

“As the boat sank eight musicians calmly stood upon the deck, playing their instruments. Those notes embodied the dignity and honor of the human spirit, refusing to bow it’s head to the ruthless acts of nature. Just as the famous writer Hemmingway wrote in his book The Old Man and the Sea: A man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated. The sharks following the old man could gnaw on the fish lashed to his boat until there was nothing but bone, but they couldn’t gnaw the sailor’s undaunted spirit. This was the burning fire of the inner spirit, the will of man, that not even the entire ocean could extinguish.”

“Even many years later people still laud the actions of those musicians and sailors. How could they have so much courage when they faced drowning in the brine? How is it they could adhere to their duties when death lay in those tumultuous waters? How is it they could retain the noble sentiment to wait until all the women and children had filled the lifeboats before thinking of themselves? Statistics state that seventy-six percent of the sailors died in the accident, a ratio that outstripped the first, second and third class passenger deaths combined. The sailors even had evacuation preference over the passengers – but they gave their opportunity to others. They took on that hopelessness for themselves. Nor was it one, or two sailors who did this. All nine hundred staff, including sailors, waiters, firemen and even the cook all chose to stay behind; so many people, willing to do what they did. As we think on it today, this sort of towering spirit of humanity is not unlike what they said about the sinking of that great ship. It is almost unbelievable.”


Skyfire Avenue is a street that is 2048 meters long. There are 168 stores here, and each of the store owners is an extremely powerful adept. The Avenue does not permit any vehicles or any robots to pass through it, much less mecha. Even the patrolling police must move about on foot. This is because this is a street for pedestrians, a lane for nobles, hidden away within this high technology world. Lan Jue, the greatest of the mercenaries, code-named ‘Zeus’, has secluded himself here in Skyfire Avenue after the death of his wife. The name of his shop is “Zeus’ Jewelry Store”, and here in Skyfire Avenue, he has been given the title, Jewel Master.

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