Islets woke up at the smell of Mrs Green's cooking and Baron's Coffee. She got up and was surprised to have an IV inserted on her left hand. Was she that sick? 

She immediately searched for her phone and looks at her clock. She has been sleeping for two days! It's already past tweleve. What will she do about work? 

As if on cue the door opened with Mrs. Green holding a tray of soup, herb chicken and pure orange juice. The combination of scent reminds her of that house. 

A distinct smell of lemon and vanilla enters her nostrils. Her eyes immediately looked at Salome's dress pocket as she placed her food at the bed side table. 

"Hand over 'that' to me Salome." Salome didn't budge for a few seconds. Informing Islets about the letter is different from knowing its content. She wanted to imply that she wants Islets to rest more. 

But Islets Caroline is still the daughter of that man. Her orders are the same as his.  "Someone dropped that in your mailbox early this morning." Islets take the the black letter that has a logo of a gold thumb print thay she always sees everyday. Below it the thumb print it says, The Company. 

The previous head maid remained waiting for her next instructions after giving the letter.

"Thanks. Are you alright?" 

"You don't have the right to ask me that if you are the one lying on the bed."

Islets smiled and asked her out. Salome is quite scary when she's mad. She doesn't want her to see her dismay when she get kicked out of her job. 

She heard about the black letters from The Company. She haven't seen one herself but rumours says that black letters are important announcements for a very specific person. 

Announcement huh? "Will I really loose my job?"

She opened the black envelope. Inside is a black paper. On the first glance one will assume that there is nothing wrriten but if you will look closely there is something shiny written on it. 

It says, "Off." 

"Will something happen if I turn off something? What should I turn off?" 

There is nothing on her room aside from her bed, the bed side table, her drawer and working table. Her laptop is outside. Should she get it and turn it off? But it's already turn off? What else can be turn off.

Lights!

She stumbled a bit while reaching for the switch. Just as she thought the letter glows up.

Her heart pound not because it might contain a dismissal letter but to the thought that The Company will be so secretive of such note. It makes her wonder what kind of business do they really operate.

And Al White. He is in the company too. Does Vanilla Lemon knew that he is a killer before he send him to The Company to be hired? But he smells like a good person. Was she wrong on her assessment? 

No, she must stop thinking a head and losing to her wild imagination. First let's see what is the does the letter says.

Notice of Promotion.

ALICE WHITE
Position: Hunter
Status: Mission complete.
Performance Grade: 100%
Recruiter: Islets Caroline 
Recruiter Level: 0 PROMOTED TO B

Report to Hansellot Gringham on 16th.
Block 2. 3PM. 

She felt like she someone just splashed her a cold bucket of water. Notice of promotion? Hunter? Mission complete? She remembered the smell the scent of that person mixed with blood. Is killing that man a mission for Al White? 

Islets folds the glowing letter. Her room succomed to darkness once again. 

"Did I just hired a murderer?"


Islets locked her room. She didn't want Salome coming right in and seeing her in that state. She would guess right away and might come to the office. Islets could imagine her bursting to the office and demands for something outrageous like dismissal for her. 

If she stayed in The company she will tarnish the reputation of her benefactor. But how can she find another well paying job? Baron still has debt to pay and she wanted Salome to retire and have more time for herself. To do that she has to pay her the same amount her  previous master was gaving her before. And its not like Salome can waltz back to that house either. 

Should she file for a resignation? Or should she stay. She buries her face to her pillow. She should have known that they are in that kind of business. They are very secretive with everything. There were only few times she was able to meet the other employees too. It was hard enough for her to get information out of the company even she was already an employee herself. What is beyond the door to her left? What are those mission? Are they hired killers? 

"I don't know anymore!" 

She looks at the letter. The light inside is leaking. 

Alice White is his full name. His hair and eyes is definitely different when Islets interviewed him. His scent is the same. Fresh and clean. Why? She remembers his clothes, the clock dangling on his neck and his marble red eyes. Why did she think it was beautiful? 

All the thinking is making her feel tired again.
Why did he smell so good if he is a bad person? Who is he? She rack her brain but can't finad an answer. Minutes passed nothing comes to her mind but him. Curiously she is not having nose bleed this time but she just feel very very very tired. 

As if she haven't had enough sleep her eyes gets heavier and heavier as she thinks of him. 

Why did he said that?

"We are not supposed to kill co-workers." she mummbled before finally closing her eyes. 

What did he mean by that?

"Caroline."

Her eyes opens wide. "He will kill me...he will if I am no longer an employee." She exclaimed. 

Damn! "He'll come after me if I leave the company! That's what he meant at that time!" 

Die? Can she die? Is she allowed to do that? 

Islets set her eyes to the letter. Hesistating, she flip the letter open. The bright light escapes from the paper. Once again she read the contents. 

"So this is not a promotion but a warning huh?" 

The room becomes dark again. 

"Fine." She whispered. "I will not quit."

Islets Caroline is a recruiter. She recruit good people for her company. When she say good it means they don't need to have a good educational background, good experiences, training or any of those. What she looks for is a good smell. She have a special ability. That is to smell who is good and who is bad. Simple. She was told to seek for people with that good scent and hire them. She's been doing it for five years now. But two years ago, she hired a very special one. A man she cannot forget. You see once she hired good people she bids them good luck and never see them again. Until she sees this particular man. When he entered the room immediately cold shivers run through her spine. He is no longer the same person. He is bad news. At least bad for her. He said to her, I want to hire you for something. Are you up for the job?
Looking back at that time Islets realised it was never a question.

As the days went on, Ritzy was becoming more and more skilled than he was in his previous life. The training he was given by Savior proved useful, especially the bell training. By finally being able to farm for miles without having the bell rung, Ritzy could fell how much quicker and less energy he used per each movement. 

The water training also proved rather useful when he was finally able to collect 50 fishes in one go. The result of the training was he only needed to hold his breath to be able to run for almost 10 minutes. It was a far better situation before where when he would be hit in the back, he would only have enough energy to give a couple of swings of his sword.

Also sparing with Savior brought a whole new level of combat for Ritzy. In the beginning, Ritzy was fighting like in his old world where physics and much more restrictions were in place. Now Ritzy fought in a whole new light. Instead of simple fights, Ritzy would use the world around him as an extension. He used eath magic to control the ground, air magic for range attacks with his conjured crossbow, black magic to create a black mist that hampered the enemy's vision and made it harder to breathe, and fantasy-like strength to be able to fend off Savior. Ritzy was now a warrior of this world and not just a simple assassin like in his old world.

---

A couple a miles away from the Red's manor in an abandoned green plain was loud clanging sounds. For the average person, it would seem like two people doing a fast-paced choreographed dance. In reality, it was 18-year-old Ritzy and Savior. Ritzy skill in fighting has advanced so profoundly over the years that every attack seemed like a work of art just like Saviors.

Savior then jumped back and said,
"It seems that making you swing that sword all night for the past month has paid off. You finally mastered how to give a perfect swing that combines the right amount of speed, strength, and control. Let's see if you can keep it up for another hour!".

Ritzy,
"You better not regret extending the training old man, I don't want you to pull your back mid-battle".

Giving a snicker, Savior said,
"I show you who is an old man!".

Savior bent down and then lunged with all his force at Ritzy's direction. Coming to Ritzy he swung he sword that had firestone embedded inside. By infusing mana into the sword, the sword started to give off powerful flames that were strong enough to start making Savior sweat just by holding it. Even Savior's magical shield that covered his body couldn't completely keep Savior cool.

Ritzy sensing how serious how Savior got, he conjured a long sword made of water magic and a short sword made of air magic. Once Savior started swinging downward on Ritzy, Ritzy felt the seriousness of Savior's attacked which caused him to stop holding back. In a split second, Ritzy swung his long sword parrying Savior's sword and then thrust his short-sword to Savior's throat.

Before Ritzy could make contact with Savior's throat, Savior used his hand to grab Ritzy wrist to stop him. Just barely catching Ritzy's hand when the short-sword was only a quarter of an inch on Savior's neck.

Seeing his attack fail, Ritzy than turned his short-sword into a crossbow. With the crossbow on point-blank range on Savior's neck. Ritzy said, "Check-mate".

Savior seeing that he no escape he admitted his loss.
"I give up. It seems that you have bested me again".

Ritzy than allowed his weapons to disappear and then said,
"It seems that I'm finally a better fighter than you when it comes to sparing. Or could it be your old age that made you worse instead?'

Savior yelled,
"Screw of you young punk. It's your damn luck that let you win today"

Ritzy,
"Yesterday, and the day before that. And also the day before that as well"

Savior seeing him say that with a snicker made him fill with anger. He conjured a whip and started attacking Ritzy.
 
Seeing Savior angry and conjure a whip he started to run.
Ritzy,
"See you at the Dining hall master, I gotta go".

Savior yelled at the top of the lungs,
"Don't let me capture you before dinner or I smack you until you become as stupid as a worm".

---

Back at home, Ritzy was waiting for Jacky with the usual items so he could wash himself per usual after training.

After a couple of minutes, a knock could be heard at the door.

Ritzy,
"Come in".

Jacky came inside carrying a bucket filled with water and a towel. 

Jacky was Ritzy personal servant ever since Ritzy was born. She has been acted the role of his mother, counselor, and friend. In the begging, she was a chubby teenager that took care of Ritzy but now she was in her late twenties and turned into a beautiful adult.

She then placed the towel on the table and said,
"I'll be taking my leave then".

Ritzy,
"Wait one second".

Ritzy went into his drawer and took out a small box.
"It's your birthday today correct? While I was in town yesterday with my instructor, I got some free time. With that time I went to a jewelry store. There I bought you a gift you might like".

Embarrassed, Jacky said,
"Young master I don't deserve this, you should turn it back for your money".

In a light-hearted tone, Ritzy said,
"Are you forsaking the kindes of your master?"

Jacky,
"No! Thank you for this gift!".

Jacky grabbed the box and opened it. Inside was a ring with lines of enchanted on the inside.

Ritzy,
"It's a defensive ring with a magic stone. I know you don't know much about magic so I got a stone that automatically gathers the magic around it to create a shield around you when you desire. Just press on the stone and the shield will manifest. It takes three hours to completely recharge and every time it's activated, it can last for ten minutes. Also so people know it's yours, on the rim of the stone is your name".

For a second Jacky showed pure joy and love could be sense but then she calmed herself down.

Jacky,
"Young master this gift is a bit inappropriate, I just your humble servant".

Ritzy,
"Nonsense, now take and wear it with pride. I want everyone to know that you're under my protection and that if they want to bother you. They should go through me first. You should know how people are in this land. They will take advantage of you without a moment of hesitation. This is just to make sure nothing horrible befalls my servant and closest friend".

Jacky,
"Thank you, young master, I will cherish this with my life".

---

After dinner, an emergency meeting was held in Christopher's study. The meeting included Christopher, Elizabeth, Groom, and the two oldest men in the family.

Christopher,
"Head butler Sebastian, tell us what the letter from the kingdom says"

Sebastian,
"The letter says ' My beloved nobles, we are currently facing a predicament on the beastkin kingdom. They have formally declared war on our honorable Phoenix kingdom. To combat this for our future safety, I request that the youngest adult of the family that isn't the official heir to be sent to help the conflict. As for some good news, if the representative of your family proves themselves in battle. We would like to invite them to become the knights of the kingdom. We would also like to mention that each noble must donate an adequate amount of resources either it be human or materials to help for the war effort. Any that do not comply by the end of the year will be severely punished".

Elizabeth was in a complete trance. The letter they just received meant that her only child will be sent to fight a war, and not just any war. A war that's against the horrible beastkin know for the brutal acts.

Groom,
"So the reason you called us here and not the rest of the family because we will be sending Ritzy, or am I incorrect".

Christopher,
"Sadly yes, he is the only one that fits the criteria".

The second oldest man in the room was a black-haired man that was the family's soldier instructor Reynaldo. He then began speaking.
"Ritzy has amazing potential. From the few times I have seen Savior train Ritzy, I could tell that Ritzy has a bright future and will probably be the family's greatest asset. Is it possible that we bribe the person in charge of the recruitment?".

Christopher,
"Sadly no, the king won't be able to cover for me just because I'm his nephew. Secondly, the recruiter is the archduke from the Wealthy Boar".

Groom,
" Do you mean the greedy bastards who don't care sacrificing their men even if it's just for a small profit".

Christopher,
"Yes".

After hearing all this for a while, Savior spoke up.
" Ritzy is the best student I have ever seen. He keeps growing no matter the obstacle. I believe this will allow him to grow more by experience how the true world works. I taught him everything I know so now what he needs is experience".

Christopher,
"Do you believe Ritzy will be able to survive the war? I don't desire to send him to his death".

Savior,
"Let me tell you something first. During my whole life of seeing recruits. I have seen many talented individuals who were destined for greatness. Sadly, they could never place what they have learned into practice. I want you to allow Ritzy to represent the family so he can place into practice what he has learned over the years".

Everyone here agreed with Saviors' reasoning. Ritzy needed experience and they also couldn't ignore the letter.

Elizabeth shouted,
"but he's our son, we can't send him to war!"

Jack Rojas, AKA Bloody Ripper; the most notorious assassin to ever exist. Jack was a United States CIA Black Ops Agent. His job was to go under the alias Bloody Ripper and murder any leaders from other nations that opposed the United States. On a particular mission, he got caught and tried to make his escape but failed. As he was about to die, everything went black. All he could hear was a woman's light but loving voice.

Is this new world better or worse? And if it's worse, could it be good for Jack?

"Haha....don't make me laugh kid, what kind of idiotic question is that?" The military recruiter stared at Aker like he was looking at an idiot.

After Leland finished registering it was Aker's turn to sign up for the military. As Aker had been talking to Leland, he was still considering in the back of his mind the option to try and forgo the "errand boy" status and become a fighter right away. The more Aker thought about it the more he came to the conclusion that it wouldn't hurt anything to ask about it.

If the military recruiter told him it was impossible, he would just need to spend his time as a puer nuntius like everyone else, no harm no foul in asking.

As each person signed up for the military at this particular recruiting center they were called into a small room, so Aker wasn't able to see the recruiter before stepping in. As Aker cleared the corner and walked in now that Leland was done, he was startled by the man sitting before him. Aker had thought that all people who were in the military would be killing machines, they would carry an aura of death and destruction and be in fantastic battle shape.

The man before Aker was extremely overweight and he carried the aura of a miser and weasel. His eyes were shifty, his lips were crooked and if Aker stared close enough, he could almost swear there were imprints in the desk from the man holding his hands out and accepting bribes.

As Aker walked up the man looked Aker over and instantly observed Aker's cheap clothes as well as his aura that screamed "I've never seen money!" and immediately decided Aker wasn't someone worth paying attention to.

"ID" the overweight and greedy recruiter called out not even bothering to look at Aker while talking to him. He was clearly irritated as he waited for Aker to drop his ID down.

'What are the odds that I would have two back to back street beggar's worth nothing. If you don't have the money you should steal it before coming in here. Don't they know the way this works? How do they think people get assigned to those famous divisions as a puer nuntius, do they think it's just through random luck? That last kid even had the audacity to ask about getting assigned to the Kill Kings division. Which puer nuntius wouldn't pay exorbitantly to serve that group? Not to mention what they would earn and learn, just their future in the military when they join the Kill Kings would already be paved.' The recruiter would leave the best slots for the puer nuntius open to those kids who had the money to afford joining the best military groups.

Aker who had tossed down his ID and was waiting for the military recruiter who seemed to be distracted decided now would be a good time to ask about bypassing the puer nuntius and joining the fighting right away.

"Senior, I would like to know if there is any way to join the military now as a fighter instead of having to spend my time as a puer nuntius?" Aker who was neither humble nor disrespectful asked the military recruiter.

The military recruiter didn't bother looking up as he continued to fill out the paper work. Aker waited a moment and decided to try a different approach, "Senior, if there is a test or some other way that I can prove my capability I would be willing to submit to it, is there truly no way to not join the battle right away?"

After the second time Aker asked the question the recruiter was obviously irritated as he mocked Aker laughing while calling his question idiotic.

"So does that mean there isn't a way?" Aker seemed to ignore the irritation of the military recruiter as well as the fact that he had called Aker's question idiotic. As far as Aker was concerned, he didn't say "no" yet.

"Whether there is or isn't it has nothing to do with you. For a beggar from the streets there is only one place you can go, The Frail Fighter squad. Based on your background you should fit right in with that group. Now leave, I have other appointments to take care of and I've already spent too much time on you." The overweight recruiter slid the documents over to Aker without looking up. In fact, the entire time Aker was in the room the recruiter only looked up the single time.

"What's your name?" Aker's cold voice surprised the man. The entire time Aker had been talking prior to this he had seemed affable, but suddenly the overweight recruiter felt a chill, 'how could a snot nose brat give off such a feeling?' he couldn't help but wonder to himself. 

Since the first time after Aker walked into the office the recruiter raised his head and his eyes met Aker's who was glaring down at him. Suddenly the military recruiter felt tiny, as though he was a small ship in a vast ocean of stars.

This overweight recruiter was well known in certain circles as the man who could get the right kids into the right military squads. He was the go-to man for those affluent families who don't have the right background, in essence their family had the money but they don't have the right connections. For the kids of these types of family's this recruiter could get them into the competitive squads that would allow them to make the right connections for their future.

As this type of man, he detested the military in general and was a coward who would sell out his own wife and kids if he was in any danger. He was the type who liked to flaunt his connections and influence to threaten others but could not be threatened.

That's why when he heard Aker's question and his cold and bone chilling voice, he suddenly felt ashamed that he would be scared of some street kid.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Do you understand the difference between you and me? How dare some street trash ask for my name and try and intimidate me? Do you think I'm scared of you? Boy, it's you who should be afraid of me, if you understood my connections and the power I wielded you would be running out of here with your tail between your legs begging me to forgive you!" The overweight and weaselly recruiter yelled at Aker, his face turned red as he pointed and wagged his finger. As the words were coming out of his mouth, he tried to take an intimidating stance of standing while talking.

"You still haven't given me your name." Aker calmly pointed out, his eyes still trained on the military recruiter, the icy cold glare hadn't changed in the slightest throughout the recruiters attempt at intimidation.

"Edgar Davidson, let's see what you do with that, now get out of here." Edgar would remember this kid and if in the future he had an opportunity to make his life miserable he would certainly take advantage of it.

Aker having received the name of this recruiter turned and walked away without saying another word. Aker had anticipated that there would be no way for him to bypass the puer nuntius two years and as such it would have been no issue if the recruiter responded as such. There was simply no harm and no trouble in asking, however this recruiter ignored him, told him that it didn't matter if there was a way to bypass puer nuntius, called his question idiotic and tossed him out of the office without bothering to answer a simple question that would affect Aker for the next two years.

As Aker walked out of the office and was distracted by his thoughts of Edgar, he heard someone calling out "Aker".

As Aker looked up, he saw Leland standing off to the side, it was clear he was waiting for him. As Aker approached Leland the anticipation was evident, he could barely contain himself "Which squad did you get assigned to?" Leland finally blurted out.

"I think he called it the Frail Fighter squad" Aker was still fuming over how unreasonable Edgar was so as he answered Leland's question he had a hint of frustration in his voice.

Leland who heard the frustration immediately correlated Aker's frustration to being assigned to the Frail Fighters squad. If he knew that Aker was upset due to a confrontation with the recruiter, he would be beside himself as picking a fight with someone like that could only result in misery.

"It's not a big deal whether were assigned to the King Kill squad or the Frail Fighter squad, essentially our duties will be the same either way. I'm also assigned to the Frail Fighter squad so I'm excited to be in the same squad with you. If you do a good enough job you'll be recognized and have the opportunity to work for the commander of the Frail Fighter squad or maybe even higher just the same. I was upset at first too but as I thought about it, being assigned to this group should be good too, at least we won't have to compete with all of those kids with the backgrounds."

Aker who realized that Leland was excited about being in the same squad thought to himself 'There is no sense in getting angry about this right now. There is nothing I can do now except for focus on advancing and remembering him in the future.'

Aker who after dealing with the pressure and the inability to get revenge on the people who ran The Pit for so many years was able to put down this small conflict. Unknown to Aker, his ability to stay calm and recover his mind is a mindset that many from the older generation work hard to create. Not that he didn't still get upset, obviously he was just upset by that recruiter. The goal is not to become emotionless; the goal is to be able to control those emotions and let them go without letting them ruin you. 

As Aker and Leland walked towards their new squad, they both talked about their backgrounds and why they were joining the military. No one had provided Aker with a story so he arbitrarily made it up as they walked. He described growing up on earth, however he twisted some of the details. He used the knowledge he had of how the universe worked and replaced the simple, quiet and peaceful life on earth with a few stories of suffering and loss using his time in The Pit as a reference so it wouldn't be a lie.

Hearing the story Leland nodded his head in understanding, as Aker spoke Leland looked to Aker as if he was looking at a kindred spirit.

After Aker finished talking about his background Leland described how his parents were killed in a raid by the Nefarious Four five years ago. Leland was moved from his remote city on a remote planet to here to be raised by his uncle. Unfortunately, after living with his uncle for only a year his uncle got sick and passed away. After his uncle passed away people swooped in and took all of his possessions and the small house they lived in. As Leland didn't have any other relatives to live with, he was forced out onto the streets to fend for himself.

"Really the reason I want to join the military so badly though is so that I can meet the young master from Venicular Planet Lance Vilmore who killed the Nefarious Four. The Nefarious Four killed my family and destroyed my life causing me to live like a dog, if I can just shake the hand of the person who killed them, I would be eternally grateful." The determination in Leland's voice could be felt and it was no lesser than Aker's determination as he spoke about getting revenge on the people from The Pit.

"How does joining the military help you meet the young master from the Venicular Planet?"

"I heard that after the impossible feat of defeating the Nefarious Four he was offered a commission in the war. He agreed to join the military if he was made a General and given his own Division to command. Ever since news spread that he had formed his own Division it has become one of the most famous and sought-after Divisions in the entire military. There are countless people whose lives were destroyed by the Nefarious Four and as such having the opportunity to serve the man who brought them their justice would be their highest honor. I'll work hard and earn merits and hopefully in the future I can join his Division and get an opportunity to thank him in person."

As Aker heard the story, he didn't think anything of the Nefarious Four that Leland was describing. Aker was unaware that the four pirates he killed while defending Vance was the Nefarious Four that Leland was describing. To Aker the four pirates he killed were just disgusting pirates that deserved to die, he never asked any questions about them and no one bothered to explain to Aker who the pirate group was.

Since that was the case Aker looked to Leland as a person who could understand his struggle and hopes and replied back "Then let's do what we have to do to get what we both want!"

Aker and Leland were transported over to the the military compound via a shuttle, a trip that took almost a full day. After getting out of the shuttle they were greeted by the murderous eyes of the installation guards, the guards watched them closely as they approached. The guards had to be cognizant of their surroundings as this installation was at the front lines of the war for this planet and the people from the Fenlon Empire would attack the gate from time to time. The guards upon seeing their paperwork only snickered to themselves especially when they saw who had assigned them to the squad.

"Head that way, when you see the buildings that are barely standing, you'll know you made it to the right area." One of the guards instructed the two of them as he shook his head.

Both Aker and Leland were impressed by the military compound they saw as they walked in the direction the guard pointed out. Aker couldn't help but be ecstatic as he walked along, everywhere he looked he could see countless fighters practicing with each other, it got his blood boiling. 
After spending seven months in daily fighting practice with Vance and Cap Aker began to look forward to that time. Even this morning he was lamenting that he didn't get to have his morning battle with Vance before heading off to the recruitment center. 

Leland didn't seem to care about the fighters at all, he was more interested in how nice the buildings were. Everywhere Leland looked the fighters were wearing similar robes, he didn't see a single person out of place or single person with worn down and tattered clothing.

Aker couldn't help but remark at how well organized it all was, every building and every facility seemed to be symmetrical and with purpose. For Aker this was his first time seeing an entire area so well thought out.

After walking for nearly an hour they noticed that the buildings began resembling shacks more than they did the buildings they had seen earlier. 

The environment appeared dead, whereas earlier it was overflowing with greenery, vitality, and the flowers and trees gave off a feeling of strength and life. As Aker stared out at the current scene, he couldn't see a single blade of grass or a single green bush, only dust blew in the air. 

If Aker had to bet, he would gamble that the world had turned its back on this specific plot of land so that it could focus on the rest of the world. This plot of land that became the sacrifice for all other land...This plot of land would be his new home.

Growing up with just his mom 8 year old Yuto just finished celebrating his birthday. 

Suddenly he was kidnapped, experimented on, and forced to fight for his life with no explanation. 

In order to get revenge and in order to survive, Yuto changes his name, abandoning fear and hope.

With a new name and left for dead in The Pit he must fight his way out. 

Why was he kidnapped and experimented on?

Why was he thrown into The Pit to die?

Why after the experiments was he able to level up and see skills?

This is the story of a boy who in fighting to survive becomes something so much more.

Three chapters a week with the following release days:
Monday
Wednesday
Saturday or Sunday

"Hmm… where to start… This town's name is called Arkala and the noble house that watches over this place is the house of Utar. The closest surrounding towns are Romsey and Rochdale. You can get to them with two days' worth of carriage rides." The barman started off.
"As for anything that's been happening, word on the street says that last night, the young master of the Utar was killed by a slave he had bought. Ironic really, that guy was never a decent human being." He shrugged whilst grabbing a new cup to polish.
"Hou~… Seems like you don't really like the young master of the Utar family." Shiro raised an eyebrow.
"Nah, no one does. Especially women. If he has his eyes on anyone pretty, even if they're married, he'll capture the woman and have his way with them. Unfortunately, every time the inspectors came, he was always able to hide the evidence so they can't do anything to the bastard. You're lucky young lady, if you had been a day earlier, I'm sure the bastard would have sent his men over to grab you."
"Hahaha, thank you for the warning. I'll watch out." Shiro responded with a smile.
"So do you know a place called Silvermoon Keep? I was heading over there and had gotten lost on my journey."
"Hmm… Silvermoon Keep… Could you be on about one of the most fortified towers in the country?"
"If there aren't any other Silvermoon Keeps, I believe this should be the one."
"In that case then I suggest you rethink your journey. Rumour has it that a band of evil cultists have made the place their home. Not only that, but none of the official soldiers had managed to retake the keep due to how fortified it is. Not to mention the fact that the cultists somehow recruited quite a few talented mages into their midst. No one knows what the situation is like at the moment but all we know is that we powerless people should avoid that place at all costs."
"Is that so… then do you know a place where I can buy a map of the entire place?"
"A map? Just go down the streets and turn left. Continue down the road and you'll eventually see an old man wearing a straw hat, straw bag and a broomstick. His name is Derrick and you can buy a map off him for 5 silvers. It's expensive but the maps drawn by him are worth it."
"Thank you, tell you what, give me another ale of yours and this time I'll pay for it." Shiro smiled.
"Alright, that'll be 50 coppers." He replied and made another cup of ale.
Paying the money, Shiro chugged down the ale and walked out of the bar.
"Damn… that ladies got a stomach for ale alright." The barman muttered in appreciation before continuing his job.
Following the barman's instructions, Shiro found old man Derrick by the rivers.
"Excuse me, are you Derrick?" Shiro asked politely.
"This one is called Derrick. How can I help you, young miss?" He responded with a kind smile.
"I would like to purchase a map if that's possible."
"Of course, where to?"
"Silvermoon Keep."
"Hmm, I'd suggest you avoid that place. Word is that evil cultists have taken over the keep and the army can't do anything about it." He frowned slightly.
"I know. But I have urgent matters there so I must go."
"Hais… fine. A map for Silvermoon Keep. You should know my price right?" He said whilst shuffling through his bag and grabbed a tied up scroll labelled 'Silvermoon Keep'.
"Yes I do, 5 silvers is that correct?" She asked and handed over the money.
Receiving the map to Silvermoon Keep, Shiro walked away and unravelled the map.
'Hmm… There are two stops before I can get to Silvermoon Keep. Roughly 3 days of travel in total between locations.' She thought whilst observing the map.
To get to Silvermoon Keep, she had to travel to the town of Hythe first. After arriving at Hythe, she'll need to then travel towards the west, towards Norbury before she could reach Silvermoon Keep.
If she was fast with her travels, she'd arrive there in 3 days provided that she doesn't take any breaks. If she was slow, it may take up to a whole week before she could arrive at her destination.
That being said, she wasn't sure if the last carriage would even go to Silvermoon Keep from all the rumours she had heard. With the town's folk recommending her to avoid the keep, she doubts the carriages would take her there.
"Which means I can take two carriages to Norbury and then everything else will be on foot." Shiro concluded.
Storing the map away, she made her way to the stables, in hopes of hitching a ride towards Hythe first.
When she arrived at the stables, she saw a small sized caravan recruiting for some bodyguards.
"Excuse me, are you perhaps going to Hythe?" Shiro asked the recruiter.
"Mn? Yeah we are. But our carriages are already full. Plus, we're only looking for bodyguards now. I doubt a young lady like yourself can fight well so maybe next time." He replied as he heard her voice. He couldn't see her face clearly since she only reached his lower chest in height.
"About that, I'm an Ice Mage looking to join some people to Hythe. I can work as a bodyguard if that's ok with you." Shiro replied, not minding the fact that he thought she couldn't fight.
"A mage? You?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Take your hood down, I'll need you to demonstrate your magic and record you into the register if that's the case."
Shiro nodded and flipped her hood down. Her white hair flowed out behind her as the people of the caravan were shocked at her beauty.
"What kind of magic do you want me to demonstrate? Defensive type or attack type?" She asked.
"Ah ehem. If you can demonstrate both, that'll be great." He replied as he tried to suppress the blush that had crept up on his face.
"Hm, alright." Shiro nodded.
Stepping back a little, she made sure that there was some space around her. Stomping down, Shiro created rows of ice walls around her in an instant.
The recruiter was shocked at the activation time since it was common knowledge that mages needed to not only chant, but also charge up their spells. He had never heard of mages that could cast spells without chanting. Not only that, but the magic took effect almost instantly.
*Click!
Snapping her fingers, Shiro cast an attack type spell this time.
Several ice spikes materialised in the air as they pointed towards the recruiter, threatening to pierce him.
"You pass!" He said as he silently wiped his sweat away.
Mages were powerful but weren't feared due to their slow cast time and predictable spells. This allowed warriors to approach the mages during this moment and kill them with ease.
However, the situation would be completely flipped if the mage could perform like what Shiro demonstrated.
'If mages were all like her, the demand for warrior would collapse.' He thought as he couldn't even imagine what battlefields would be like if mages were all like the young girl in front of him.
Thawing the ice around her, Shiro waited patiently for him to finish her registration.
"Here's your identity pass for this trip. Just write your name on it and then we'll discuss your wages." He said whilst handing her a wooden plate and brush.
Writing her name down, she passed the brush back to the recruiter.
"So the wages are 40 silvers for the whole trip from here to Hythe. Food is provided. We'll stop during the night with the guards taking night shifts in case of monster attacks. Would that be fine?" He asked. Usually, the bodyguards would get only 20 silvers, but for someone of Shiro's talents, he knew he had to double the price if he wanted to recruit her.
Little did he know, even if he offered her nothing, she would have joined anyways.
One of the reasons for her to join the caravan instead of running there herself was due to the fact that she wanted to see if she could ask for some information about the cult and some context to this world from the other bodyguards.
She would have a better chance of success if she knew the full situation after all.
"That's fine. So how long till we set off boss?" She asked with a small smile.
"We'll be leaving once we get two more bodyguards along with some routine checks on the goods that we're transporting." He replied.
"You can join the other bodyguards and we'll call for you once we're ready."
Looking towards where he had pointed, she saw 7 other people waiting patiently, all equipped with armour and weapons.
'So for a caravan of this size, they're opting to take 10 bodyguards with them on the journey.' She thought when she saw the group.
Currently, the group had 2 tanks, 3 attackers, a mage and what seems to be a healer.
"Hello. I'm Shiro, an Ice Mage." Shiro greeted with a smile. The moment she saw the healer, she had the idea of learning healing arts from her.
Since she doubts Silvia wants to join her group after she killed her friends, either she gets another healer or learn some healing arts by herself. Enough so that they could sustain the party for now.
Unfortunately, the party members didn't share the same feelings as her since 6 out of the 7 members just ignored her.
"Um hi. I'm called Reyna. I er am responsible for um healing the party." Reyna replied a little timidly.
She had long brown hair that wasn't tied up at all. The length of the hair reached past her waist while the bangs framed her face. While her face wasn't that of an ethereal beauty like Shiro's, it was definitely beautiful in its own right.
As for her outfit, it was a priest robe that was mainly coloured white with red streaks along the edges.
[Reyna LVL 35 – Priest]
Suppressing her repulsion towards the outfit and the fact that she was clearly linked to a church of some kind, Shiro shook hands with Reyna.
"So Reyna, what kind of healing magic do you use? Are they single target or area of effects?" Shiro asked with a small smile.
"Erm I use a mix of both. Though I'm more specialised in area of effect." She replied, a little taken aback by her question.
"Ah I see. You'll be very handy in large scale battles then." Shiro complimented.
She needed to butter up Reyna first before she could ask her to teach her some healing magic.
"Ah thank you."
Shiro did try to strike up a conversation with the other members but they either just blushed or tried their best to look away.
'Well aren't they the talkative bunch.' Shiro thought as they were about to set off soon.
The last two bodyguards the caravan had recruited were both warriors.
However, out of everyone here, Shiro's goal was Reyna and only Reyna. The others didn't provide her with enough benefits that warranted her to give them more attention. So after one failed attempt at striking up a conversation, Shiro completely ignored them and left them to their down devices.
"Alright, we're setting off!" The recruiter shouted out as the 'team' of ten stood up and surrounded the caravans.
Shiro hopped on one of the carriages and sat down on the roof. Due to the fact that she was, in his opinion, the strongest mage amongst them. The recruiter ignored this and allowed her to stay on the roof of the carriages.
Throwing a lollipop in her mouth, Shiro sated her hunger for a bit since she wasn't able to find anyone selling mana stones in the town. This made it hard for her to feed herself so she could only settle with the remaining pile of lollipops in her inventory.
The journey was rather smooth sailing with only the occasional monster trying to attack the caravan.
However, they were dealt with easily by the other guards. Shiro didn't even need to move from her spot on the roof.
"So Reyna, what's your reason for joining this caravan? Or are you perhaps in a party with the other members?" Shiro asked as she offered Reyna a lollipop.
Reyna accepted the strange looking candy and placed it in her mouth. She was surprised at how sweet the lollipop was and couldn't help but glance at Shiro curiously. Everyone knew that sugar was expensive and that not many households would use sugar like how Shiro has. If she had to describe it, it was like she was eating a hardened ball of sugar.
Tasty but at the same time very wasteful.
"I'm a lone adventurer. Normally I would just join a few random parties to earn some money for myself. And since I'm a healer. I'm accepted into parties quite often." Reyna replied as she realised she finished her lollipop already.
The fact that she could bite into the lollipop and taste the sweetness spread through her mouth made her drool for more.
 Chuckling at the fact that she was basically wearing her emotions on her face, Shiro handed her two more lollipops.
Hopefully, she'll be able to get Reyna to teach her some healing magic before the trip ends.


I'm captured? Fine, I can't help it since I can't move.

Experimented on? At least give me some anaesthetic.

I'm freed? Let me get some revenge.

Want to plead for your life? Sorry, this miss here holds a grudge.

I destroyed the lab so now let me explore this world freely.

I somehow joined Mr Hero's party. Fine, he seems fun.

"Aiya, how cruel. For the honour of being a hero you'd kill this missy huh?" She smiled whilst bleeding out.

"Che, you still have the mind to joke right now?" He said with a glare.

"What is life if not to enjoy every moment? Since I'm going to die and I can't avenge myself, I hope someone else does."

"No one will. You were the only one who was more powerful than I with your Nanomancy. Now with you out of th-"

"Hush child. I'm trying to die in peace here."

"But I'm ol-!"

"Ap! Good children don't disturb their elders."

"But yo-!"

"Bye~" She grinned before losing strength.

"FUCK!"
…

Why am I sleeping in the snowfields?

Mr Wolves are growling at me. Hungry huh?... Me too.

This is my second book please have mercy on this author. Enjoy.

Nanomancer=A mage that uses nanobots

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Release schedule 2 chap per day

After heard what Lie Fan just said,everybody in the hall except Lie Fan,Mi Zhu,and Chao Bai leave the hall.
"Now then,I leave the two of you to discuss how to proceed our next plan." SaidnLie Fan while leaving Mi Zhu and Chao Bai
"Yes My lord!" Said The two of them
,Lie Fan who were leaving the hall suddenly heard a familiar sound
DING!
[Congratulations Host for completing another one of the Chain Quest]
'Hmm? what other quest is already done?' Thought Lie Fan while checking the quest 
[The Quest:
1.Train 2000 more troops and 500 elite troops for your hegemony(Completed)
2.Take control of Xiapi through economy 
3.Recuit at least 3 talent at any kind of profession(Martial arts,strategy,and administration)(Completed)]
'So the one completed is the troop quest,then the last one is taking control of Xiapi' Thought Lie Fan happily
After checking the quest,Lie Fan quickly returned back to his room and write two letter,one to Chao Bo to recruit another 500 man but trained them to be skilled at assasination,spy,speech,and many more to become their elite spy networks and the other one to Mio to ask her if that The Yamatai have a skilled spy who skilled at almost everything to help Chao Bo train the 500 man,if she agree to help him he will give 200.000 rations to her.After writing this letter,he called for the messenger that followed them from Huai An to send the two letter to General Chao Bo on Huai An,hearing that the messenger hurry give his salute and leave Lie Fan room to go toward the stable to ride his horse.
'I Hope Mio agree to help us' thought Lie Fan.

While he was waiting for the reply from Chao Bo and Mio,Lie Fan was helping Mi Zhu and Chao Bai with expanding the Merchant Guild and influence minor official and servants at Xiapi with his title of the Inspector.for three weeks Lie Fan was helping Mi Zhu and Chao Bai when suddenly a soldier came from outside and yelling about something.
"Hey breathe first then tell us whats going on." Said Chao Bai
"M-My lord,the Grand Administrator of Xiapi is heading here." Said the soldier
"What?!" Mi Zhu and Chao Bai who heard that was shocked while Lie Fan isn't.
"Why is he coming here?" Ask Mi Zho to Chao Bai
"I don't-" Reply Chao Bai wjo were cutted of by Lie Fan
"It's fine you two,I was the one who invite him." Said Lie Fan
"What?! why My lord?" Ask Chao Bai
"Because I have something that will make him agree to anything that I want." Said Lie Fan mysteriously
Mi Zhu and Chao Bai who heard what Lie Fan says were confused and excited at the same timw because if the grand administrator really will do anything that means they can just ask him to make Lie Fan the grand administrator.
"Now then lets meet The Grand Administrator at the guest hall." Said Lie Fan
"Servants,please lead The Grand Administrator to the guest hall when he arrived." Order Mi Zhu to the servants
"My lord if may I know,what secret that you know that can make The Grand administrator to give anything you want and how do you get the secret?" Ask Chao Bai
"Chao Bai,did you remember the servants and minor officials across all of Xiapi that we inflenced and persuaded to join our side?" 
"Yes,of course I remember it My lord because everyone single one of them agree to join us." Reply Chao Bai
"Some of them give me an information and evidence that The Grand Administrator was helping an rebel group in our province with giving them weapons,armors,horses,and rations while at the same time making the people at Xiapi suffering because of 'The Emperor' so that they will join this group of rebels." Said Lie Fan
"What?! that fat man is helping a rebellion!?" Yell Chao Bai
"shh,don't yell about it Chao Bai and yes he is helping a group of rebel called Yellow Turban." Said Lie Fan
"But how this minor offcials know about this?" Ask Chao Bai suspicious about the information 
"Because this minor officials was used as the recruiter of the Yellow Turban with their family as compensation if they do not join them." Said Lie Fan
"Damn that fat man!" Said Chao Bai
"Okay than lets hurry to the guest hall." Said Lie Fan

I make this novel and update it once per day because I make it that day and release it the same day because I want to make the readers make the storyline and future plots with me

From,
Author
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lie Fan was a Normal High School student who loves The Three Kingdoms History, He already plays all of the three kingdoms games and read the Romance of the three kingdoms. When he was walking home from school he encounters a very strange necklace in the street, when he takes the amulet he was reincarnated to the three kingdom era where it was 17 years before the beginning of the yellow turban rebellion
“Finally I can change the course of history!”
Follow Lie Fan in his struggle to rewrite the history with the help of the strange necklace that in the inside was a system.

Ben decided to go hunting to level up Ava and get some money to spend on himself. He decided to join a hunting party to see how they worked and to protect the rookies. Duke was still with Grayson's group hunting and training the rookies.

Ben walked down the street, the vendors and stores were in full force and actually had customers in them. 

'Looks like they took my words seriously.' Ben was glad to see this, it would increase the economy and the city took a cut from every transaction made. Ben greedily watched the city's treasury grow. 

At the gates of the city there was a large group of people gathered around a short bearded man with a large battle axe. 

"Listen up! The new City Lord has passed a law that all citizens must be level 30 by the end of the month! Each hunting party is taking a group of people to level up! Anyone who wants to level up can come up and grab a weapon, we will be hunting goblins this morning. Follow us if you want to safely level up, the Bloody Axe hunting party!" the bearded man yelled at the surrounding people. A pile of common weapons were on the ground. 

Ben walked up to the bearded man, "Mind if I join your group this morning?" 

Bearded man looked up at Ben, his eyes widened in shock, "O-of course! It would be our honour City Lord." he gave a small bow as he fumbled over his words. 

"Call me Ben." smiling towards the bearded man. 

"I'm Jim." he said. 

Whispers surrounded them as they conversed. 

"He's the City Lord!?" 

"He's a kid!?" 

"Look at his tattoo! It's so lifelike!" 

Ben decided to address them directly, "Hello everyone, I'm Ben, Ava and I will be joining you today for this hunt." Lifting his left arm Ava appeared in all her glory. 

"Woooah!" 

"Look how beautiful that bird is!" 

"Her name is Ava? Does she have intelligence?" 

Ben spoke to Ava through their soul connection, 'Do you want to say something to them?'

Ava nodded her head, "I'm Ava." she simply said in her beautiful voice. 

 "S-she spoke?" 

"W-whaaaat?!" 

Ben jumped on Ava's back and flew high above the group and flew over the wall and into the wilderness. Ben had asked Ava if he could ride on her back as she flew and she agreed. 

He loved the feeling of flying, the wind in his face and the wide open land. It was truly a freeing feeling. The trees were thick and Ben was hardly able to see the land with the exception of a lake here or there. 

'There's a group of trolls 1km north of us.' Ava said. 

"Well let's go." Ben spoke a little excited. 

Ava let out a loud cry before heading north. 

… 

Cloey walked around the mansion accompanied by Lily. 

Cloey and Lily both felt restless after Ben's speech yesterday and couldn't sit still. 

"Do you want to go shopping?" Cloey asked Lily. 

"Is it safe?" Lily asked a little fearful. She was abducted last time she was tried to shop. 

Cloey grabbed her hand, "No one would dare touch you and if they did it will be the last thing they do. I promise." Cloey knew that Lily would forever be scarred by what happened to her and the only thing they could do was slowly wait for her to heal. 

"I will go with you my dear if that would help." 

Cathy approached them with a loving look on her face. 

"It's fine Mrs. Arnott, no need to impose on you." Lily said respectfully. 

"It's fine dear. I have somewhere to go anyway. Let's go together." Cathy said cheerfully. 

The three of them left the mansion and headed towards the main street. The street was packed as usual but there was something different happened. 

"Flame Warrior Colton is recruiting for warrior's! Apply here! Good pay and will provide equipment!" 
 
"Ranger James is recruiting for scout like classes! Good pay!" 

"The beautiful Mage, Shenelle is recruiting mages for her army division! Learn from the best mage in the city! Good pay and spells provided!" 

"The miracle healer, Lilith is recruiting healers. Come join!" 

"Holy Knight Lane is looking for valiant warrior's! Equipement is provided and the pay is high!" 

People were shouting all over the streets recruiting. Each recruiter had a crowd signing up and asking questions. 

"Looks like Ben's army might actually happen." Cathy smiled at the sight of the recruiters. She knew that this was part of Ben's plan to strengthen the city and the sight of it starting to take form made her happy. 

Cathy walked up to the healer recruit, "I'd like to apply for the healing division." 

"What is your class miss?" the female recruiter asked. 

"Healer." Cathy replied. 

"Please fill out the sheet. The first batch of recruits will meet tomorrow at Lilith's compound at 1PM." the recruiter said. 

"Thank you." Cathy replied handing the filled out sheet back to her and joined Cloey and Lily again. 

"Mrs. Arnott you plan on joining the army?" Cloey asked surprised. 

"Yes. It's the only way I can help my son." she gave a small smile. 

… 

*Slash*

A troll's head fell to the ground and the body sooned followed. Ben looked over at the remaining troll. 

"AAAAAAHHHHH!" 

It screamed as black flames covered its body, burning it alive. Ava hovered close by watching as the troll died. The ground was covered in headless trolls and burnt corpses. 

Ben checked out Ava's stats panel. 

Ava Lvl 32
Dark Phoenix (Divine Beast) 
Element: Black Hell Flame
Mana: 555/631
Vitality (VIT): 152 
Strength (STR): 75 
Dexterity (DEX): 75 
Agility (AGI): 164 
Intelligence (INT): 221 
Wisdom (WIS): 220 
Loyalty- 65%
Skills-
Shape Shifter 
Rebirth 
Fire Spells 


'10 levels in less than an hour? Now that's power leveling!'

Ava was leveling like crazy and becoming stronger and stronger. Her stats already eclipsed the most powerful mage in the city. 

"Ben there is a pack of wolves ahead of us. Should we attack it?" Ava asked. 

'Her senses are incredible, way above mine.' Ben thought, he couldn't sense these wolves or the trolls in the first place. 

"Let's go meet them first." Ben said, walking in the direction of the wolves. Maybe it was because of his class but he didn't want to slaughter beast with intelligence. For the monsters he couldn't care but the beast he felt he had a connection to them. 

The pack sensed his presence early and retreated back to a large cave. They seemed to sense Ben's strength because none of them challenged him or attacked. At the mouth of the cave over 100 wolves stood growling at him. These wolves had red fur with black marking on theirs sides. They stood around 1.5m tall and 3m long. 

The pack leader emerged from the cave, it stood around 2m tall and 4m long, around the same size as Duke. It's fur was a deep shade of red and the markings on its side were complex. 

'What do you want human?' a feminine voice entered Ben's head. 

"Oh so you can talk, good. That makes things easier." Ben spoke loudly for her to hear. 

'I'm waiting human.' her voice sounded annoyed. 

"I want to enter an agreement with your pack." Ben spoke bluntly. 

'What's the agreement?' she asked mildly curious. 

"Your pack will help my people scout the area. You can report your findings to a man named James. He will meet you at the human city's gate that is straight south of here in 2 days. In return, my people won't hunt or kill any of your pack members and if you find yourselves in trouble you can contact us and I will come assist you." Ben knew that the most important thing he needed was information. He trusted Deke would set up a powerful intelligence inside the city but he needed information outside the city as well. 

This is vital if he wanted to defend from threats and he believed this wolf pack could greatly assist James and his scouts.

'What do you want us scouting?' she asked. 

"Anything and everything. I need to know what is around the city. The man James is training people to do this job but he will need your help." Ben hoped that James was the right man for this job. 

'If we are to agree, first you must beat me in combat.' her voice was filled with battle intent as she stared Ben down. 

"Sucker for punishment, eh?" Ben chuckled as he readied his fist, his swords wouldn't be needed. 

Eve- Red Forest Wolf Leader 
Lvl 51

…

A Supreme Being is unsatisfied with Earth's evolutionary progress and decides interfere, throwing the planet into hell. 

Follow Bennett as he tries to not only survive,  but thrive in this familiar yet different world.

Matteo sat aboard the transport truck, butt on the transport seat, as he struggled to watch the unfolding siege. For minutes on end, batteries across the coast lit in flashes of white, yellow, and orange; cast a haze of smoke and gunpowder that obscured the shore and water. The shield fluctuated—rippled dramatically—with each blast, but showed no sign of collapsing.
"Can this go on?" the young corporal asked the radio operator, Simone Meneghin, who watched beside him.
"They have thousands of shells stockpiled," the operator said. "It could go on all day."
"Will—Will they really hold out?" Matteo asked.
Meneghin frowned. "I'd bet money on it," he said, his expression fouling by the second. "At this rate the alternative would be…." The operator's eyes popped open; Matteo turned his head.
The shield flickered, pulled up from the ground, and gathered in an orb above Vultheras' iconic clock tower. It appeared to undulate, or bubble, in its instability; each eccentric bump caused a flash that pained the eyes. Yet, the orb drew Matteo's attention, like a victim bound by sleep paralysis. So much as he wanted to turn his head, he could not summon the strength.
"What's… happening?" he asked Meneghin.
"Could it be Mathematzen?" the operator seemed to ask.
The clouds that churned far above Vultheras began to descend, and as they swirled down, an arc of blue lightning bridged the orb with the sky. By that flash, the orb disappeared, and arcs of blue lightning tangled among the clouds; spread from the city to beyond the mountains.
"I'm about to tell you something," Meneghin said. "And when I say it, you do it; don't over think it, don't second guess it; do it. Understand?"
<Why am I quivering?> Matteo wondered, looked down at his jittering palm, bumped against the barrel of his rifle. <The shield was broken, the battle is going our way, and yet… and yet… I'm so afraid.>
"Matteo!" Meneghin shouted.
<The air… tastes like copper. I can't smell the rain; I can't smell anything. These sounds, they're mixed in my ears. My heart is beating, louder and louder. I've felt this way before, but… when?>
Lieutenant Benasso rounded the back of the truck, glanced between Matteo and Meneghin. "What's with those looks?" he asked with a smirk. "We just took down that shield! Show some smiles, we're about to win this war."
Thunder quaked the sky and the storm above turned black. Nine beams of lightning, each at least one hundred feet across, fell around Vultheras; one for each of the city's nine arms. Then, they moved, swung like a pendulum, or a sword. Slow at first, they quickly gained speed as they sliced the water, and then deep through the shore.
The land was split before them and all was melted in twain, turned to ruin in chasms of blazing fire. Matteo blinked, and the beams flashed past their convoy; struck the mountains and broke their peaks, before they disappeared into the clouds. Sounds filtered back through Matteo's ears. He heard the rumble of distant avalanches, the thunder of a furious storm, and so much confusion. The rain came pouring down.
"By Achlesial," Benasso said, held his hat tight on his head.
Meneghin looked stunned, at a loss for words.
Matteo forced himself to breathe—fill his fearful lungs—as he stared toward Vultheras, a city then obscured by the rain. "Was that… magic?" he wondered aloud.
Voices crackled through the radio and Meneghin raised the receiver. "4th company, we're safe and mobile, over," he said.
"Cohenburg…" Benasso said in disbelief.
Matteo looked southward, down the hill. The town that was their forward headquarters was up in flames, its municipal courthouse gone—annihilated—in the chaos.
"Who's in command, over?" Meneghin asked, paused, then pressed down a switch. "The major? The colonel? Cohenburg is gone? Speak clearly, over."
"Sir!" Denato shouted, came running from the lead truck.
"Report," Benasso said loudly with an air of seriousness.
"The major wants to swing around the hill," he said. "Forget the invasion, they need us at Cohenburg; his words, sir!"
Benasso reached his hand past the side of the truck, appeared to pat Denato on the shoulder. "Heard loud and clear, get onboard," he said, pulled on the corporal.
Denato clambered onto the truck; Zanon and Medati were right behind him. Benasso walked out of sight, behind the side. "Saddle up 2nd!" he yelled. "We're gonna save some lives, let's go!"
Matteo clutched his rifle, his anchor in troubled waters. He listened to the shouting of lieutenants and sergeants, the scramble of boots through mud, and the start of truck engines. The boy sniffed the air and found he still couldn't smell, not the exhaust from the tailpipe, not the copious rain, or his own sweat.
<Boom!>
Matteo bounced forward. Denato cringed in pain and held his head. Medati snapped to their feet, leveled their rifle. A hand grabbed Matteo by the arm, and the boy caught the glare of the sergeant's muzzle flash, but he couldn't hear anything past the ring in his ears.
He was pulled—thrown—off the back of the transport truck. While he turned through the air, his eyes met with those of the radio operator, Meneghin. Black hair, blue eyes, olive skin, a scowl creased on his face; Matteo's eyes drank of his angry expression as Denato crumbled, Zanon turned up from his seat, Benasso turned around, and the radio pack tumbled from the truck. 
Time slowed to crawl.
He didn't think anything of the Meneghin, except that he was a little strange. They had known each other for less than a day, and in that time had one conversation.
<Why?> Matteo wondered. <Why are you telling me to run?>
Esidoro Denato was short, even at his young age, with brown eyes and blonde hair stuffed under his wool cap. Manzu Zanon was built like a tank, tall and round around the belly, with short black hair and piercing blue eyes. Ilario Medati had green eyes, a loud—but comforting—voice, and looked quite valorous in his greatcoat, with his rifle firm in his grasp. Lucas Benasso, who seemed so affable with his youthful looks and charming disposition, had a bright yellow-stained smile and accent that brought Matteo home, to the wind-swept fields of the Highlands. Matteo still hadn't thanked him for saving his life.
Back then, Lucas looked so confident; now, he was so afraid.
<Why am I noticing these things?>
In time, he could have come to enjoy their company. Manzu's level-headed, stoic commentary; Esidoro's witty one-liners; Ilario's steady, thoughtful manner; Meneghin, despite his haunted stares, and Lucas, of course. Eventually, Matteo could forgive his mother for sending him to war. He could even forgive his father, for abandoning him, and dying in a tunnel somewhere in the bowels of the earth.  
If his father had cared so much, asked about Matteo in every letter, why had he left? Why did he never return? Why did he die? The farm struggled, Matteo's mother cried, and his brothers withered as breakfasts of bread turned to mere grains. The chain that began with his father's death, that led to Matteo being offered to the Army, led him here.
If Matteo really focused, closed off his mind and turned his thoughts inward, he could almost hear that distant conversation; what first he heard when he stumbled on his mother and the recruiter on their farm. Suddenly the words, in the stillness of the world, became so clear.
<"You're certain?"> the recruiter asked. <"You want me to take Matteo?">
<"Yes,"> his mother answered. "It's what he would have wanted. If—If there was even a chance of escaping this—">
<"Ms. Venturi, I assure you,"> the recruiter said, held Matteo's mother steady by her shoulders. <"We haven't forgotten what your husband did for us across the hillocks; what he did for us all. Matteo will be treated very well. I'll see that he's shipped into a reserve company and he never sees a battle. There'll be food, medics, clothing, and decent pay; I promise, he'll come out of service stronger.">
<Why am I remembering this now?> Matteo wondered. <What's the point in remembering this now?!>
<How is Matteo? What is he doing? Is he eating well? Is he getting along with his brothers? He's not as smart, not as strong, not as clever, not as fast, not as lucky, but—!>
<I love him.>
Time sped up, Matteo landed in the mud, and a steel lance as long as the truck pierced its cab, tipped it on its side. There was a flash, Matteo covered his ears and rolled in the mud. <Boom!> Shreds of wood and burning metal punctured the road. The boy's ears rung like mad, but as he turned his head up in a daze, he saw soldiers scramble from the next truck behind him. They had their rifles out, but they weren't taking position—they weren't firing—they were running.
<Crash!> A giant fell on the transport, crushed its cab beneath its thick legs. Matteo's eyes analyzed it; twelve-feet tall, unpainted steel, with a huge sword clamped to its broad shoulders. The boy's eyes opened wide, for he saw a man jockeyed on the giant's back. The rider turned to look at Matteo, and the giant turned its head to match.
The Echokhetan rider had a smile on his face; not one of glee, or madness, but excitement. Their heart pounded and their blood burned with a thrill for the battlefield. The machine—hollow eyes blue and bright with mana—wore a mask like a twisted mirror: The steel visage of a grinning skull.
With a step, or a slash of the sword, Matteo would die. He knew he would definitely die. But, after the rider appeared to examine him in his black eyes, he turned away. The machine un-clamped its sword and swung it through the back of the truck, split it in two. It dismounted from the cab, stuck its feet deep in the mud, and turned its head. Its jaw unhinged, its mask split open, and a dazzling blue beam fired from its maw. It melted through all the transports in the convoy, turned them red with molten metal—inflated by the heat—until they burst into flames.
Soldiers were on fire, coated in burning slag. They stumbled off the road and into the tall, green grass. They dropped in the mud to put out the flame that burned to their bones. One young man, in their confusion, ran past the machine's leg with fire crawled up his back. The machine swung its cleaver down, chopped him apart. Blood splashed across the mud. Matteo gagged and vomited in a puddle.
<Lanius,> Matteo thought. <Lanius! It's a butcher!>
The boy, spit and bile dripping from his lip, pushed himself up from the ground. On his weak, trembling legs he ran; off the road and into the grass he stumbled, toward the second convoy one field down the hill. <Run!> he told himself. <Run!> he cried, tears in his eyes. He didn't stop to see if anyone else made it. He didn't stop to see if Lucas was alive. Through the ring in his ears, he heard screams, explosions, and the pop of futile gunfire.
<Guns can't stop that thing! Nothing can stop it!>
The 4th company was gone, but perhaps their sacrifice bought the 5th and 6th time to mount a counter attack. Down the hill, the two rows of convoys dismounted with their rifles. The tanks rumbled and turned their turrets. A shell was fired! Muzzles flashed! Bullets whizzed past Matteo's ears. He waved, shook desperately his hand so they wouldn't put a bullet in his stomach.
The blue beam swept left, over Matteo's head, melted through the second convoy in one pass. Fuel and ammunition popped off at once, went up with the tank in a ground tearing roar. Matteo crossed his arms in front of his face, slipped on the grass; he was blown off his feet and onto the ground.
"Sir!" he heard, through the ring; the pain in his ears. "Sir, sir! Are you okay?!"
Matteo stirred from the hard ground, brushed pieces of mortar and concrete from the black and gray camouflage of his shoulder. He unzipped a black covering over his chest, punctured by shrapnel, and checked the underlying armor. There was no penetration.
"Sir!" the voice said again, extended a hand.
Matteo grabbed it, leaned into the pull as a man hoisted him onto his feet. They were in the shadows, in the dim light of the evening sky, under the cover of a low concrete overhang. Beside them were stacks of sandbags, and all around were debris, twisted rebar and chunks of concrete. A battle raged—rung in Matteo's ears—where soldiers in the same camouflage fired machine guns mounted on the sandbag wall.
"Alex, right?" the man asked. He was olive skinned, blue eyed, with black hair visible beneath his ceramic-composite helmet. There was a machine gun low in his arm, holes punched in the plate of his chest armor, and his magazine pockets looked empty. But, there was a smile on his face.
"Alex!" Matteo shouted over the blast of fixed howitzer. In case his words failed to reach, he agreed with a nod.
"They said you'd be young!" the soldier shouted over the blast of a nearby explosion. "Welcome to Firebase Broadsword, last base in the Pacific Northwest! Welcome to the front line, sir! Here's where we humans stop running—!"
"Here's where we start fighting back!"

The Demon Emperor had taken one billion lives and conquered the realms of elves, dwarfs, and giants. When the final realm of man fell to his armies, the stage was set for their world’s finale. 

A spire of brilliant light pierced the sky, and as the land was torn asunder, the demon emperor met his death. It was not by the hands of a hero, or goddess’ champion, but by a system developer—a creator of the VRMMO Ark World—masquerading as a god!

“It’s ironic that it would be you,” said a voice in the black void of the quantum system. “Strange, that you’ve given me this quest, and stranger that I can’t do it without you.”

By the power of the thirteenth system developer, the “goddess” Amarytha, the demon emperor was reborn in a new video game where his character never came to be. In the Ark World Sandbox, humans rule as gods over nations of NPCs. Through mastery of their administration commands, they hold absolute control. Only the demon emperor, liberated by the Player System, can challenge them.

A crusade begins with one step. Freedom from humanity begins here!

------------

Illustration by Cyborgraptor 
(She's pretty great)

I was too scared to even blink before Seth had reached me his mouth gaping ready to remove my head from my body. 
 A white field appeared between us preventing Seth from reaching me. Thankfully the shield I had hidden within the spell I cast on myself worked as I had intended. 
 To my shock Vanessa wove her way through Seth's coils heading for the core. I wasn't sure what would happen if she reached the core, but I didn't think I wanted to find out. 
Vanessa was only a couple steps away from her goal, I was about to use the keyword to activate the restraint I had hidden within the spell I placed on Vanessa, when a gray blur appeared by her side. With a growl Elisia leapt at Vanessa, jaws clamped down on Vanessa's throat then with a twist of her head there was a spray of red blood. 
 It all happened so fast I couldn't react to it. I stared in horror as Vanessa's eyes widened in fear her hands coming up to cup the hole in her throat as Elisia fell to the ground exhausted. 
 I could hear a faint wheezing as Vanessa tried to breath but failed. 
 Seth tried to attack me several more times, but I didn't pay him any attention.I was sure my shield would be enough to keep him at bay. Instead I panicked as it quickly dawned on me that Vanessa was about to die. So I rushed past him to Vanessa's side hoping to make it in time to save her with my magic.
 Reaching her side I tried to draw on my mana to form a healing spell to save Vanessa, unfortunately in my panic I wasn't able to grasp my mana. I tried over and over again while staring down into Vanessa's eyes, her fear clearly shown. With every failed attempt seconds slipped by as Vanessa tried vainly to breath through her ruined throat. With each of those passing moments my panic rose making it even harder to grab hold of my mana, yet I couldn't break free from the panic. Finally I stopped a few minutes after Vanessa breathed her last tears streaming down my face. With each moment Vanessa had met my gaze, her own full of fear yet hopeful I would succeed. I despaired as I realized I failed her. 
 Just as I had my suspicions about Seth given the way he joined us, I also had my suspicions about Vanessa. She didn't behave like a woman in the situation she had described. I couldn't believe a woman who feared what would happen to her family if she lost her virginity, thereby decreasing her value, would flirt with a man. Let alone willingly seek out a runemaster to apply the succubus charm. Instead I would expect her to keep her distance and maybe get a male repelling charm instead. 
 Then there was her other self. The way the second Vanessa treated herself when they were supposed to be one mind in two bodies gave me the hint that there might be conflicting thoughts within her. Her conscious thoughts and her subconscious were in a strong disagreement with each other.
So rather than believing she had knowingly betrayed me, I was positive that she had been brainwashed. Zephirah had been alluding to it, and if her recruiter knew someone who could apply a succubus charm, even if it was done badly. He should be able to find someone who could alter her mind.
I had prepared for the potential betrayal, and as I didn't think it was her fault I had set up the restraining field within the spell I cast on her to keep her warm against the ice mana. It was supposed to activate automatically when her recruiter appeared and ordered her to attack me. I had never even considered the possibility that someone else would attack me while she went for the core. Then again I wasn't even sure what the point of it was, except that it wouldn't have been a good thing for me. 
I didn't know what to think as I stared down at Vanessa's body. Twisting around in my mind was grief and guilt for being unable to save her. If  I had better control over my magic, she would still be alive right now. There was also anger and hate at Seth, a powerful desire to tear him apart for placing me in this situation and for all that had done to Vanessa before this. As he had the keyword to order her to do as he wished, he must either be her recruiter, or someone who worked for him. There was also conflicting emotions of anger and relief at Elisia for her actions. I was sure I could have stopped Vanessa by activating the restraint spell, if she had waited just a moment longer she would have seen Vanessa being restrained, but there wasn't a moment left to spare. Vanessa was nearly to the core, Elisia acted swiftly and decisively to protect my dungeon, I couldn't fault her for attacking someone she perceived as an enemy, not logically, but I wanted to anyways. 
"NO!" Seth yelled waking me from my confusion.
I turned to survey the room. Seth lay on the ground unmoving a golden band three inches wide had appeared around his neck. I couldn't be certain but I had the feeling the golden band was related to his broken allegiance. 
Laying close to my side was Elisia. She seemed completely unharmed as she watched me warily as she panted tiredly. 
 "What just happened?" Lilian asked.
 "I am not completely sure, but I would guess Seth made a move for control of the core." I replied as I pulled myself together. I wiped my face then moved closer to Elisia. She didn't move or say anything as I got closer. Just watched me. If I were to guess I would assume she had used whatever energy she could to stop Vanessa, but I doubted that. I was sure she could still defend herself if she needed too. 
 "That doesn't look comfortable, I am going to move you back onto the bed." I told her then scooped her up into my arms before standing up and setting her back down gently on the foot of my bed. Despite my mixed feelings on the issue I had decided not to hold Vanessa's death against her. She did it to protect the dungeon so I shouldn't reciprocate her efforts with hate. "Thank you. Are you alright?" I  asked.
Elisia nodded her head tiredly in reply. I was relieved that she hadn't hurt herself. Then I turned back to the cobra and the fairy.
 "No way! Not possible! No one does that! The repercussions for betrayal are harsh!" Lilian told me.
 "That is what Zephirah has been telling me, but what if he succeeded though. If he did gain control of the core. Would he still be punished?" I asked.
 Lilian hesitated for a moment.
 "No." A male voice said as an older man with long gray hair appeared at my dining table. I never saw him enter, he just appeared there. "He would not be punished. The oath of allegiance binds him to the dungeon. If he becomes the master of the dungeon he obviously couldn't have betrayed it." 
 I looked at the old man, I was sure I had never seen him before. Yet he put off a familiar aura of power. "Sire." I greeted politely.
 The old man chuckled. "At least you are smart. Is she hurt?" he asked.
 I almost thought he was asking about Vanessa, which should have had an obvious answer, but quickly remembered that the ancient dire wolf would only care for his daughter. "She is fine." I replied.
"Good. The shield was your work?" he asked.
 I nodded. "Yes, the look of hate Seth gave me when we were fighting, before he pledged his allegiance, bothered me. So I took precautions." I replied.
 "But not the girl?" he asked.
 I hesitated on how to explain. "She had one as well, but I made a mistake. She was an odd circumstance. I had set the spell to activate when she attacked me. I believed someone had messed with her head, I just didn't realize it was Seth. Zephirah has alluded that she was brainwashed or something similar, but refused to say it out right. Something about me having bad acting skills." I explained.
 "Can't be that bad. You set up a defense against the snake without him realizing you suspected him. Trust me, if he thought you suspected him and had protected against him, he wouldn't have tried this. Then again after you took Elisia in he should have realized what would have happened to him even if he succeeded." The ancient dire wolf said. 
 "And what pray tell would that have been?" another man who appeared on the other side of the dining table asked. Like the ancient dire wolf I didn't see him enter, he was just there. 
 "This was your work?" The ancient dire wolf asked stiffly.
 "He is one of mine. Though the plan was his." the other man replied. He seemed similarly old as the ancient dire wolf, and gave off a similar sense of power. However that was where the similarities ended. The ancient dire wolf was muscular like a warrior while the other man was slim like a scholar. The ancient dire wolf wore his hair long and untamed, much like his fur, while the other man kept his hair cut close to the scalp, just long enough that he didn't look bald. However the eyes were the biggest difference despite the fact that both were golden. The ancient dire wolves eyes were hard, unrelenting, but non judgemental. The other man's eyes were angry and calculative. 
 "Congratulations human, you have thwarted a plan he has had in motion for over a year now. Ever since he came across that variant gemini." the new man that I now assumed was some kind of serpent told me.
 I frowned. "So was Vanessa's recruiter?" I asked.
 "Indeed. It was a grand plan that would have worked incredibly well if he hadn't gotten greedy." the man replied. 
 I frowned then remembered what Vanessa had told me. "He saw Melissa." I stated.
 "Smart boy." the serpent man said with a smile. "I am sure you have more questions. Maybe we could work out a trade?" he suggested.
 I shook my head. "No, not for information, and before I make any decisions I have to consult my sprite." I replied.
 The man hissed but the dire wolf held up his hand. "He did not say he wouldn't make a deal, just not for the information." he told the serpent.
 "I am not an idiot you mutt, the human should be smart enough to take what is offered to him!" the serpent man replied angrily.
 As if I had just called her Zephirah came zooming over from the orb to float beside my head while glaring at the serpent. "Liar!" Zephirah yelled. "You just want to cheat him while he doesn't know how much he is entitled to." she yelled at the serpent man angrily.
 "The little sprite doesn't seem to know her place." the serpent man commented.
 Zephirah didn't back down, instead she continued to glare at the man until he looked away. 
 Zephirah nodded to herself happily. I groaned, I was sure the man was a mediator, and positive he would find every possible way to mess with us from this moment forth. 
 "He can't." Zephirah replied. "Since he is related to this case of blatant betrayal, his duty as a mediator will be shifted to another trial." she told me. 
 I shook my head. She didn't even seem to consider the fact that he might be friends with some of the remaining mediators who could mess with us for him. Then again she also thought it was impossible for Seth to attempt to betray us.
 "Sorry." Zephirah said aloud her expression downcast. Obviously she was following my thoughts and realized that if I hadn't been paranoid and trusted her words, I would be dead, and the dungeon would belong to Seth. 
 "That is better." The serpent man said with a smile. 
 I didn't bother to correct him.
 "So these repercussions you were talking about?" I asked Zephirah.
 "Oh right! Wait! Before that, you need to know that Vanessa isn't dead." Zephriah told me. 
I looked over at Vanessa's corpse but was surprised to see that it had vanished. 
 "What?" I asked stupidly a sudden ray of hope shining down upon me.
 "She is our champion. This is one of those perks I mentioned. As long as my core isn't shattered she can't die, neither can you, just so you know. She will reform in a couple hours with a level lose, and a migraine." Zephirah reassured me.
 I nodded relieved, all my conflicting emotions vanished leaving just the anger and hate for Seth.

A flash of a pretty smile and then I woke up on the strangest farm I have ever heard of. What is a dungeon core and how can it be repurposed? My only option to survive is to grow crops, why? Because I have no idea how to leave yet. 

I do not own the image, if I need to I will change it at a later date.

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