chapter six

Maere was seriously pissed off when he saw the youth lay on the ground cowering in fear. It was exactly this kind of ` Human Nature ' he despised, they claimed to be one of the noble races and thought of grand ideals of justice and fighting for what's right.

But when they were faced with the cold reality that was death they instantly started to regret it.

In the end they were just selfish beings that only really cared for themselves. With this thought in mind he raised the sharp blade in his hand and without any hesitation swung it down on the youth.

` If you believe in something then be prepared to die for it '

Then he felt the edge of the blade sink into flesh and warm blood being spilt. However in only a instant he realized that somehow the blow had somehow landed on his own body. Maere felt the deep cut that had appeared on his upper back, but instead of screaming out of pain he ignored it as his mind started to run through all the possibilities.

" A m,manifest soul bond " Very soon he reached the most plausible conclusion. It was in a situation were a expert-level Manifest mage would manipulate the soul in order to form a direct link with themselves. In doing so any ill intent directed at the Master's soul would then instead be directed to the servant soul. This was usually done when acquiring a powerful servant to avoid any attack from them and to let them bear the brunt during a fight.

His sharp eyes turned towards the youth in slight confusion, no matter how he looked at it the youth was definitely no Manifest mage nor did he looked affiliated to one. Due to his own powers once rivaling the Manifest mages he knew exactly how rare one was. There were probably less then ten of them who existed at one time.

" Interesting " Maere couldn't help but let his interest grow. Although he wasn't happy with the fact that a high class spell had been put on him that bonded him to the youth, in a way this was also a clue hinting towards the person who had kept him alive after the great war.....

" Huh ?! " the youth on the ground slowly opened his eyes as he realized his neck had not been severed from his body, his confused yet grateful eyes met with Maere.

With a light sigh, Maere put away the blade and his face quickly changed into a cold smile. He knew that until he was in this weakened state he could only acknowledge the bond and let the boy follow him around.

" I have decided to spare you, my name is Maere "

Perhaps the information seemed too shocking but the youth remained in a daze before answering " My name is Arin Jaha ! " after saying that he hesitated before weakly adding " I am grateful... B,but that does not mean i have given up, i saw the evil you used to destroy the warriors from before. "

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Maere's smile stiffened as his surrounding grew considerably colder, this foolish boy was courting his own death. Moments ago in the face of death he was a coward that would renounce his principals yet now he started to speak of them once more.

" I don't think you understand, " Arin could feel the wrath hidden in those word " I did not give you back your life when i decided to spare you, no i have decided that a living slave is more useful then a corpse. Meaning you no longer own your life, it is mine whether i am a tyrant or a saint. "

The words echoed in the empty underground chambers as the truth dawned of the matter dawned on Arin. As someone who was raised with proper values he fully understood that the second he succumbed underneath Maeres blade, it was no longer his choice to make. His fists clenched tightly by his sides.

" Yes " Arin knew that although what stood in front of him was merely a prepubescent child, behind him was the actual devil that would not hesitate to relieve him of his pitiful life. No matter how good hearted he was, in the end he still had things he wanted to do and that required him to live today.

" Good, now tell how did you find me ? " After establishing his point, Maere proceeded to find out the important details.

After Arin finished his mysterious tale about the tree and the fox, Maere carefully stored them as they were bound to be usefull later on.

" So, uh, how will we get out of here ? " Arin carefully asked the question that concerned him most.

" That wont be a problem " Giving a light reply Maere wandered over to where the tunnel that brought Arin into these chambers was located, or at least in that general direction as the upheaval that occurred before had also blocked the entryway completely.

Arin gasped worriedly as he tried to remove the layers of rubble that stubbornly sat at the entrance " I don't think we'll be able to dig this up."

He himself was weakened considerably due to being knocked out at least twice and receiving a near death beating while Maere's child like body would definitely not help.

Ignoring the naive youth Maere instead turned around and walked in the opposite direction. He approached one of the slightly intact corpses of the warriors and using his sword he sliced it open. A small puddle of blood formed directly under the wound and Maere dipped his index finger into it.

Arin watched on disgusted by his actions but still quietly observing.

Having gotten what he wanted, Maere returned to the blocked tunnel.

" Although i no longer have any magic capabilities within me, the warriors were quite skilled therefore making their blood quite potent. "

His fingers danced on the surface creating a complex diagram that completely baffled Arin.

However in a few seconds he started to slowly realize what was happening. The already dark chamber started to unnaturally dim down as countless whispers arose from either the shadows or Arins own mind.

For an instant everything else seemed to exist and the air grew heavier causing beads of sweat to form on Arins face.

It was then that the diagram Maere had drawn suddenly came to life and emitted a eerie glow.

And then instantly all the darkness gathered together before molding itself into a singular sphere, that noiselessly blasted right through the blocked tunnel.

Having done its job, the darkness receded as the glowing diagram slowly vanished. Maere patted his hands as he nonchalantly commented " Not bad " before continuing on into the tunnel.

` gulp ' Inwardly Arin was immensely relieved at his decision to accept Maere's orders as he looked at the gaping hole that had just been formed before he too carried on