-----end of flashback(read intro if you got confused xD)--------

*CLINK* "finally this safe is open" anyways it's been a couple years since then.

I guess NOW is the time to start judging me.Do you blame me? If you do- It's alright, I can sense you’re a good person but let me ask you: If a person steals food from the rich and gives it to the poor, is he a criminal? Tough question huh even I don't know the answer. It is quite the ethical dilemma. Just like you I know what I do is wrong, but in this world survival is key and you are correct I don’t have an excuse.  But I will say this: 'Humans by instinct are greedy!' People can be greedy for power, money, or even superiority, but either way whoever is the last one standing- wins.

"What is this thing?" Recently I found many unique items among the gold I stole. I once found a but I instantly sold it. I don't need these things since they are only resourceful for adventurers. When I first came across adventurer items I was shocked. Because of this I had to study and learn more about the world of adventurers. Here is the information I gathered so far:

1. All adventurers went through school or was taught by someone renowned, obviously school is expensive and finding a teacher is hard since most of them came from a family of wealth thus most are ignorant of younger generation. So basically if you are rich, you get to become an adventurer. The poor like me remain peasants. ~the strong get stronger as they say.

2: There are three main classes: Warrior and mages.

3: Subclasses that split from main.

Warriors= bezerker/ tank

Mage= cleric/wizard

There are a lot more subclasses that are specialized but I didn't bother reading further cause as far as I know it does not concern me.

What I DID read in depth about was items in relation because if I can snag an item adventurers will pay high price due to their wealth. Anyways-continuing on,

1: Some Items can only be worn by adventurers. (By some I mean A LOT).

2: they are divided into ranks:

Common

Magic

Rare        Unique

As it climbs up the ladder it has more bonuses. For example, normal has 1 bonus (bonus= additional stat type like health, defense, intellect), magic items has 2bonus. And both rare and unique have 3 bonuses. Whats the difference between rare and unique? As I read further on uniques and Rares, Rare's potentially have more power than Uniques because they have flexible stats meaning two same rings may have different stats. As for Uniques, its stats are fixed but they usually give a passive such as breathing under water or temporary invisibility, thus are sought more by adventurers.

Anyways that's as far as I know. Too bad I'm not an adventurer to equip things. As I was about to leave the mansion, I notice a glimmer emitting from the next room. Looking through a keyhole, I noticed it looks like some kind of diamond pink in color and careful created; it looks quite extravagant. "Hey could the owners really leave something so expensive unguarded" I ready my arm device.

Since that prison escape a few years back I made many adjustment to what I now call first I replace the saliva/blood with a spring (back to basics huh) and fixed to where I was able to shoot and it will automatically switch to another barrel with a needle ready to launch. Reloading still unfortunately takes long and it could hold 6 needles cause I could only fit 6 barrels so it’s almost impractical when facing large groups of enemies. Still objectively it was an improvement.

Anyways after I ready I set up two escape routes in case it was going to get ugly. Usually guards will come in about 5-10 minutes due to their heavy armor, so I usually escape before anyone sees me. This became a routine to me: find a mansion, plan escape routes, and steal. It was fairly basic but it got the job done so I was content with it.  Besides If it ain't broken don't fix it as they say. With an open window in the other room and a open route to the back door. I swipe the red gem and as soon as I take I I heard an alarm. Shit. I hear footsteps coming from both exits and entrance. I quickly scurry off to the other room that has the window open.

"HALT THIEF"

"What in the..." They are usually slow when it comes to criminals but when I noticed they were the king’s private guards.

...this is bad I run to the next room and jump out of the window. "OH SHIT" two arrows fly toward me from below. One went penetrate through my shoulder. As I climbed onto the building next to the mansion I decided to run home skipping my usual routine of studying at the library. "This is bad..." I take out the red diamond. "Isn’t it just a regular gem?." In due time I was able to reach the city walls and eventually found the river. It looks like I need to lay low for a while. "Agghhh" it seems I need to wait for my shoulder to close up the wound. When staring down my wound, I noticed a flow of blood rushing out. I quickly wrap it in a temporary bandage till I can find a proper way to fix it. Up the river I follow back to my home.

Usually every day I help out my mother at the schoolyard and keep a steady food supply and at night I would go to the capital and pick pocket. I suffered much on this track but I earned even more. I also seem to have gain a reputation as the 'Demon Eyed Vigilante' since they could only see my eyes thanks to my mouth mask. I still wore the mask but only at the capital to rob. Luckily in about 4 months I was able to pay off my mother debt to her tax collectors (without her knowing) ; however, we are far from rich. Right now my current goal is to raise this old town to a thriving city one day---or at least a livable  one.

"Hey Jack" I walked into the back of bar.

"How's it going Ravey boy? I haven't seen ya around here in ages ahahah" we both shook hands as if we were longtime friends.

"Nothing much, I'm still hitting the books."

"AHAHA THATS MY BOY so you hit 14 yet Ravey boy?" he hands me a cup of water. He smiles but his old age also begins to show. His wrinkles near his eyes and on his forehead.

"Oi I hope you run that name out soon enough, Jack" refuting the nickname

"So Rav---"

"HEEEEIRER JACK 'VER HERE ANOTHER BEER" the drunkard waves his bottle back and forth in a chant.

"Sorry Ravey, that's my cue but feel free to turn the VTD on to whateva" he pats me on the back. "HEY DRUNKARD OFF THE TABLE YOU!!!" He dashes to the drunkard.

...well anyways- "let's see what's on" I flipped through all the channels "reports", "arena match", blah-blah, blah... Man there is nothing on....might as well turn to the news report"

"...been 3 months since Duke Sytesque has begun the operation to shutdown illegal auctions all over the city. From rumors spreading around, apparently someone close to him has been kidna-"

Well I see Rosetta is doing well. Recently I have found a new way to fish using my by shooting it so it freed up a lot of my time. I learned how to knit-sad I know; I can't believe it came to this, I also learned to cook, and do many household chores....man I am losing my dignity as a man. I really wish my body can close the wound quicker. Unlike my other wounds, this one was EXCRUCIATING quite slow. Well even though it hinders me I won't let it stop me. I started playing guitar (usually only poor people play instruments since that's the only way they can make money)  but it relieves the stress of poverty-and reading at the library in the capital learning how the world works. (I usually leave my mask at home to avoid suspicion)

"What in the...." *shudder* is the ground shaking. Or is it just me? No, everybody in the bar is also looking down. The ground below us shakes.

“IS THERE AN EARTHQUAKE?”The drunkard dives under the table

“That idiot…” I decide to go outside to see what all the commotion is about. From afar I see a wagon...a rather large one at that. Wait…I noticed more than one metal wagon. Everybody was outside; some were inside because they were scared..honestly I can't blame them. “I need to get a closer look”

I climb the trees on the side of the road to get a bird’s eye view of the situation.

Suddenly from the crowd a red haired women walks onto the road. "Who is this crazy..." Upon further realization-"MOTHER!" She was standing in the middle of the road attempting to signal the wagon to stop. WHAT IS SHE DOING?!?! However only after a few seconds later the wagon stops moving. All the villagers were scared to approach because of the sheer monstrosity of this vehicle.

*BUNK* one of the doors plop open. Out of it came a business like man with an over maintenance mustache...I must say, I’m jealous. Wait he looks familier…

"REBECCA?!?!?"

"DERECKO?!?!?" As soon as their realization hit .The both run to each other arms. It was a wonderful moment.

Am I watching a romance unfolding here or what? Everyone on the other hand was still startled of the abundant amount of armored knights. Well no reason for me to hide now.

I calmly walk up to the joyous couple "YO hey Derecko, we missed you."

"Hey Rave, how you holding up so far?" he smiles back at me.

"Eh swell, so...you wanna kindly offer us the situation going on? I think it will surely help the people around here." I see everyone peeking in windows, hiding behind barrels, and staring at the many wagons on the road.

"Oh right my bad." he turns his back to his caravan."OK BOYS START THE PLAN."with an order-like command, 10-20 men start hauling crates of..what seems to be food. At first people were scared of the large group of men but as the men do this everyone started to get closer as they realize there was no immediate danger.

"Mother?" My mom was gushing out tears. As I take a closer look at her reaction and honestly I have never seen her smile with such a beautiful trance in my entire life.

"Thank you Derecko, I am forever in your debt." She gracefully bows her head. She worked head to toe that everyone in the village gets fed and receives some form of education. Having this burder finally lifted from her shoulder she looks like she will cry in joy everyday.

"Rebecca...please raise your head. This is for paying you back. When I first arrived here, you and Rave were the first to show me compassion to me when nobody would even come near me. You weren't even bothered by my foreign atmosphere. And  soon enough everyone else started supporting me. So this is my thanks to you and everyone else in this village. So I should be the one thanking you because without you ...I'm not sure I would've been alive hehe. So please raise your head. In fact, I have an important question to ask." He gets down on his knees and pulls out a small box.

Aww crap I think I'm in a romance novel. So let's skip the mushy ushy and I'll summarize what's going on.

-Mother supported and helped Derecko when no one else did.

-Derecko fell in love.

-in order to pay her back he wanted to do something huge and will try anything to woo her.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

-now that he is back, he proposed to my mother.

-mother=currently fainted at her house.

*half a day later* all the villagers were given food, clothes, medicine, any necessities of keeping this city functional for the next year. I was also helping out distributing all the crates along with all the soldiers. Mother is still currently passed out and is supported by what is ,...and apparently my new father...honestly I don't know how I feel, but if my mother is happy then I will welcome himwith open arms. "HEY RAVE OVER HERE" Jack yelled from the back of his bar.

I dart over to the yelling bartender “any problems, Jack?"

"Nah it’s just a slight mistake, it's this crate" he points at the crate marked with a red plus sign. "Those are medical supplies, could you carry them over to your mother’s house, I'm a bit busy organizing the current supplies I have at hand." He gestures towards the 20-50 crates behind him.

"Eh no problem Jack, have fun. Let me know when you need assistance"

"Yeah...sure" Jack looks back at the 20 crates behind awaiting to be put away. "...huh...this gonna be a loooong day"

I quickly run to my house. After putting the crate on our yard, I slowly walked inside in case mother is still out. I see Derecko sitting on the edge of the bed where my mom was resting.. Once he noticed me, hey signaled to come over to him.

"Shhh....you know Rave, I gotta admit your mother's beauty shines even greater when she's asleep."

"I'm sure she will be glad what you said...and that you watched her sleep."....we both chuckled a bit.

"Yeah, don’t tell her. Anyways…You know Rave; I hope this isn't awkward for you as your soon-to-be father, but..." Derecko looks down in awkwardness

"It's alright Derecko, I don’t find it TOO awkward but I will say I am glad, All my life I have always endeavored  to make her smile just once because even since I was born she was dealt problem after problem so im glad you are here. So there is no other man but you that's fits the bill.” I look back at my mother’s somber face. To be honest I was reluctant to accept Derecko...however my yearn for my mother to negate the damage from this world was greater, I was even willing to sacrifice my life for her to smile.

“UGH” Out of the blue I find myself in the arms of Derecko "Oi old man don't get emotional now, my mother needs you. After all it would be troublesome if you pass out crying here" I pat the old man’s back.

"Hey Rave, what is your current education?"

" I finished the basics and I think so I’m probably done for now, in fact" currently children are taught basic math and English skills up to the age of 15. To go to these schools require money so most aren't educated in this kingdom. I on the other hand was lucky cause my mother was a teacher, so I learned quite a lot. Usually after the basic education children are sent to specialized schools ranging from politics  related academy to the more popular choice, 'adventure schools'. Again nothing is ever free in this world so I doubt I could ever get in one.

"Have you ever thought about the future? Like have you ever desired to become something like  a merchant, teacher, guardsmen or infantry for the king?."

"I often don't think about my future even if at all...we are so much  in poverty we don't have the luxury to even think about it" Hmm I start thinking about what I will do...

"If you want. I would like to give you an education...” he pauses into silence “but… we must move to the mansion at the capital...away from this home. I hope you don't mind, I really want us to live together" his eyes focus on me like a snake for any signs of movement

Errr I honestly don’t know...education...home...I look out the window. Can I really exist in the land of the wealthy? "I find it funny, when you first came here you looked like some lowly foreign tribesmen and we were helping you....now you came back with a sudden proposition. People at the capital are quite scary." Man the rich has much versatile of getting what they want.

"Relax, remember when I said I had family? Well they had a teleportation orbs so I could connect this place to my company. I even went as far as to make a portal. It was quite the hassle I might add." He rubs his forehead achingly as if it was the most stressful moment of his life. . "Anyways...will  you accept…to live in the capital?"

I stare at his hand that was ready to finalize the deal. Man I will sorely miss this place. But this place won’t get better if I continue this daily chore of hunting and sleeping. Just thinking about it gives me headaches. Reluctantly "I guess I will"....I shook his hand.

A few months later...

"Well we arrived" Derecko and My mother exit the horse drawn wagon. Just as I walked out I noticed the mansion...I don't like it of course I would never say it out loud. We were a couple kilometer away from the woods...I can't stand being so far away from it. My mother on the other hand.."It’s so big...do you think we can fit more than one class?".....Derecko and I chuckled a bit. Even with this much change mother will always find a way to support others...

"Well this is our home" Derecko proceeded with the introduction. We started walking around "that's the kitchen"...."bedroom"...."office". I'd say...there is way too many rooms for one building. There was so much to take I decided to go into the backyard...for some fresh air.

CMON THE HOUSE WAS A MAZE TO START WITH,  NOW WE HAVE A REAL MAZE IN THE BACKYARD!!! I can't believe this. Derecko, you are one crazy bastard, as I was about to head inside…

"AHHHHHHHH" a scream scratching the air came from inside the maze.

Instinctively I run inside the maze. From what I could listen it seems the person in danger is running. I kept running for the sound but at every turn there is a dead end. Damn it, next time  I'm going to bring a knife and cut some holes open.

"AHHHHHHH SOMEBODY HELP" a cry for help had hits of fear.

Thankfully I mapped the maze as I go. I also figured out a choke point to where most people would eventually be. "Alright let's do this" I run towards the choke point and soon enough I see a girl being chased by a . I picked up a rock and with enough strength let it go to let it fly at the in hopes of taunting it and sure enough it works.

"C'mon piece of pork, let's battle" the charges at me recklessly. Pulling out my I began shooting the needles, yet to no avail. “Damn it why is this hog so hard to defeat?” I find it abnormal because these needles were made with the sharpest point thus could pierce through anything. I dodge the  and it ran passed me I spin around and immediately see the  already charging me. With the open chance I slide below the hog. Grabbed the horns and sure enough the flipped over its head. During this with no other weapon I tried to choke it till it couldn't breathe, but the would not let it happen so it began to turn and attempt to rock me off....finally after a minute the sign of life from the hog began to dwindle. "Well that should do it" I lift the hog over my shoulder and walked back. "I wonder if the girl ran home safely?" Well no use tr..."aggh" someone push my from behind. It was a girl wearing a maids outfit.

"Don't leave me!" She grabs onto me like she is grabbing on to dear life.

"Hey can you-"

"NO!"

"But uhh I need to-" This is bad, this hog is heavy and along with that the girl isn’t even bothering trying to walk.

"NO!"

I see that negotiating won't be possible. I lead us through the maze and thanks to my memory now know this place inside and out. Once we exited the hedge maze... "Hey open your eyes, your safe" the blonde haired girl opens her eyes.

Once she did she ran into the house in lightning speed.

"Well that was quick," Not wanting to go back inside my new home I decided  to cook the  in the backyard. I set a fire and grabbed a few berries from around. Setting the hog over the fire I began thinking. Looking onto my it was only used for knocking out opponents from afar so it was utterly useless during the fight. Well I didn’t receive a scratch so no use troubling myself, but I couldn’t help myself but wonder. “If I’m up close what will I do?” , will become useless at that time and I don’t carry anything else.. I ponder while looking at my arm device. Maybe I should add a blade. Looking at the hog to see if it was ready, I remember that the skin hanging on the ground. Walking up to it I wonder"How did this deflect my needles" hmmm. Then I decided on something. TODAY: I will recreate my arm device using the hog skin after all it seems to be REALLY sturdy, keep the 'shooting mechanism’, and add a blade in case my opposers gets close. While the hog is being cooked I brought a knife from the kitchen and started making improvement onto my older weapon.

The hog skin...is quite impenetrable. As for the blade, I might need to go to a black smith to make my own. As for the needle shooter I kept the original and mount it on the skin. I was able to mend it together with some of its skin by sewing it onto it.

I look back at the hog, I can see the fire is doing well on it, quite well. "I CANT WAIT to try it" I could barely hold in my drool. I grab the berries and mashed it up into a sauce. I slice a piece of meat off of the . I gently bring the pork slowly onto the sauce. I smother it all over making sure every private part is exposed and covered with the sweet aroma of the berry sauce. I look at the dripping meat as if it was ready to be devoured in its wholesome. The meat struggles to slip free but I slowly grip the tip of it and make sure it will not slip my hand. As I bring it to my mouth, I remind myself to savor every moment. With that the tender disappears into the abyss of my stomach.

“BLEECH WHAT IS THIS FOUL TASTE!!!” Despite its look, It tasted like a piece of wood that took a deep dive into a dragons excrement. “KUHUE, KUHUE” I can’t handle it. I hold my mouth as if trying to hold back my stomach content that is slowly climbing up by esophagus. However something feels off, I can feel excruciating pain, emanating from my body I can feel that my body all over began to attack my brain with torture. ”Whats…going on”I question in agony. I look down and noticed a pool of blood.

“OH NO RAVE!!!” I couldn’t tell who it was, but soon enough everything went pitch black as I fall into the depths of my unconsciousness.

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