Domain

                      volume 2 upgrade specialist chapter 19 - Gareth's reminiscence

Having finished helping cook dinner, Gareth decided to wander around the base. He was looking for any problems with the wall created by the unranked. Even though he had personally supervised them it didn't hurt to be careful.

He knew that Alice had gone with dinner to see Solomon. He didn't want to disturb their fun. Though she had tried to hide it he knew the both of them had something between them. As Solomon's subordinate, he was happy knowing Solomon had someone he was in love with.

As his thoughts turn towards love he became melancholic.

Gareth: I wonder how she's doing.

His thought were on the wife he had left in the neutral plane. Before coming here he had lived a long life. Starting with a childhood of poverty he had turned to crime, building a criminal empire. At the age of 19 he was caught for all the illegal acts he had performed and was sentenced to life in prison.

At this point he was approached by the army. They said they could remove his sentence if he joined them. Seeing no other alternative he accepted. Then spending the next three years in training he was moulded into peak condition. Possessing the needed skills he was sent into the field, spending the next 5 years serving the army.

Until he met her. Having been sent to destabilize a small countries government his mission was to kill the king of this country and his sole air. After slaughtering his way to the king all of his teammates had been killed. The team he had been with for eight years had died before his eyes.

By then he had realized this was a suicide mission. The country that sent him only wanted to get rid of older soldier who were more likely to defect. Filled with regret and hate he went forward determined to die a soldier's death. Entering the throne room the king sat on the throne, a young girl on a lavish chair next to the king.

He had been waiting for me. He knew after killing the rest of my team he had no men left to kill me. Realizing this he waited.

King: dear assassin I would like to propose a deal. This daughter of mine has no thoughts of the throne. Can you spare her after killing me.

Hearing her father words the princess showed great sadness. Seeing this he had no desire to kill the king. Though he had been sent here with that mission the country he came from were more or less abandoning me.

Gareth: i have no want to kill you. I'm sure you figured out I'm a disposable pawn by now. I merely want to die a soldier death, like my comrades. Do you have no men who can face me?

Gareth had already summarised this was the case but he still asked.

King: you have already killed them all. Alas it is the fate of this foolish king to bring doom on his people. Assassin I have an offer. If you are looking for a soldier death I can give you a chance at one. Swear fealty to me and I will give you the chance.

Hearing this offer he felt an exit had opened up before him. Though this man would only manipulate him, he didn't mind. As long as he could die fighting he cared nothing for what cause he fought.

Walking in front of the king he knelt down pulling a knife from his belt. Slitting open his palm he drenched the blade in blood. Presenting it to the man he recited words taught to him by the special forces. This was a ritual they had you learn, letting you pledge yourself to your superior. Though he had never done it he was versed in the details.

Taking the knife the king accepted Gareth's pledge.

From here Gareth was sent off to a battlefield. Though he fought against greater amounts of men, his instincts from years of experience did not allow him to purposefully throw his life away. Every time he would fail to die on the battlefield he would return to the kings castle.

Most of the people there, having seen his previous actions, detested him. All but one, princess Katrina. To her he was the man that spared her father's life, and joined his side. Even after her father ordered the deaths of his comrades. Every time he left for battle she would feel a sense of loss and worry, growing greater with every battle.

Seeing his daughter become more and more attached, the king had a dilemma. Gareth was the greatest asset of the country, saving it from destruction several times. For the people he would have to keep risking Gareth's life. But for his daughter he wanted to keep him here.

He spent many night deliberating for an answer. Many months later after a particularly bad battle Gareth returned injured. Seeing the several horrid injuries on Gareth, Katrina immediately ran to him, embracing him. As he tried to sooth her he was surprised when she kissed him.

Seeing this clear display of affection the king had his answer. Later that night he called Gareth to his office.

King: Gareth I'm afraid I have to break our promise, I can not allow you to die a soldier's death. For my daughter you must live on. For many years I have struggled to keep this little country afloat. Now, it is time for it to sink.

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Gareth had conflicted emotions, he still felt the want for an honourable death. But the love he felt for Katrina held fought against that desire.

King: I'm going to submit the country one of the local superpowers. This way the people can live peacefully as well as my daughter. But these country's will not simply leave me be, assassins will be sent for me and Katrina. I want you to run away with her. This is my last request.

Looking into the eyes of the man he had followed for over 4 years he knew this decision would not change.

Gareth: I will do as you ask. As long as I live your daughter will be safe.

Accepting the kings resolution Gareth went to Katrina. After hearing what her father planned she tried to argue many times. But in the end she could only accept it.

The night before the king planned to give up the country the both of them left. Having planned this for a while the plan was to be in another country by the time the king announced anything.

Reaching a train station we planned to take a train out of the country. Just as we got on the platform two men in black clothing attacked us. Though he was surprised by their appearance he was not unprepared. Pulling out a combat knife and handgun he forced them back.

Katrina being in a combat situation for the first time froze. The train we were going to get on was just about to leave the platform. Ensuring her safety he pushed her onto the train.

Gareth: go to the place we organized before. I'll catch up when I've dealt with these guys.

Before she could protest the doors had closed and the train had departed. Turning he faced the assailants

Attacker 1: sending her away won't do any good. Once we've killed you we'll go have some fun with her.

Hearing a threat directed at his lover Gareth was filled with hatred. Lunging forward he attacked the men. After a short confrontation it was obvious he could not take the both of them. Though they were weaker than him their teamwork was seamless.

Affirming his intentions he decided he absolutely could not let them live. Attacking once again he let both of them stab him with their weapons. Surprised by their attacks succeeding they both were caught of guard when Gareth stabbed one in the heart and shot the other through his skull.

Having dealt with the threat relief flooded his body. Collapsing to the ground he looked at his body. Several small wounds from the fight as well as two knives in the gut. He knew he would not survive this time.

Gareth: sorry Katrina, it looks like I won't be catching up.

Just as he was about to sink into death the world around him turned white. Confused he looked around him. A small white orb of light was floating in the centre of the white world. As he stared at this world a mechanical voice echoed within his brain.

Automaton 127: contestant number 135497671463, you have been selected as a contestant of Domain. I, Automaton number 127, have been assigned as your system exchanger manager. I will now commence the test.

Suddenly a shot of light emitted by the orb hit him, healing his body and removing his memories.

Gareth: huh, who am I?

Remembering the story of his life a deep sadness pervaded his heart. Thoughts like would he see her again and would she recognize me? Ran through his mind. Calming his thought he accepted that the only way to gain answers was to get stronger.

Having been stood still reminiscing quite a bit of time had past. As he was about to walk back to the tent he heard distant shouting. Worried they had been discovered he bolted over. Upon reaching the gate he saw two unranked looking around sporadically.

After approaching and questioning them he had been told Gareth's orders. Though he was worried he would follow his orders. He told the two men to keep all they had seen to themselves and act like usual.

Rushing off, he went to Aries tent.

Gareth: Aries, are you in there?

A few seconds later Aries emerged from the tent.

Aries: I'm here, is there something you want?

Gareth: I have something to tell you, but, we should go somewhere more private.

Following me we went to a secluded section of the base. After explaining to her what happened she proposed we just keep it quite. After all the odds of them returning quickly was very high.

Gareth: let's do that. Anyway I have something else to discuss. I know Solomon invited you to the team, but unlike him you haven't earned my or Alice's trust yet. If Solomon trust you will accept you. But let me warn you. If you betray us I won't let you live.

Aries looked at me square in the eyes, assessing me. After hearing me out she spoke.

Aries: I haven't even decided to join yet, but don't worry. I owe Solomon. I have no intention of betraying his trust. It's pretty odd though, you don't find many teams that have such levels of trust between members. Most people see guilds as ways to advance their power by using others. The amount of guilds built on trust is exceptionally low. Though I suppose this is what you'd expect from a G rank guild. Anyway that's everything right. I'm going to go back to bed. Let me know if something comes up.

Watching her closely I used my military experience to check if she was lying. I didn't find anything which likely means she was telling the truth. It was unlikely she could lie to me.

Gareth: okay then, I will.

As we were about to go our separate ways a the surrounding suddenly darkened. Confused by the spectacle I looked up. Above me flying through the air was a several stories tall mass of red scales. As I stared in shock at what I presumed was a dragon an earth shattering raw bellowed from the creature.

Dragon: RAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHH