-Northern Arundo Continent. Morning. 3RD POV-
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After being ambushed by burglars, Rayan had been waiting for the water magician to stop moving on the other side of the wall all along. "No, you are done..." He countered and commanded his elementals.
The mass of Magic gathered under the water magician's feet absorbed certain minerals and rocks. *Krrrrururum!* A cylindrical cavity 1 meter wide and 2 meters deep was created in a blink of an eye while the dust and rocks unknown to the earth magician fell to the bottom. *Prashhh...*
"...!!" The blue-haired man was concentrated on turning the water into ice when he noticed the vibrations under his feet and jumped. *Whop!* But instead, his boots sank into the grass as the platform under crumbled *Kruash!* "UA--!" *Thump!* "Ack!" He fell to the bottom and bent the knees causing scrapes and bruises while losing control of his elementals which disappeared into thin air.
The Earth magician extended the right open palm at the wall and controlled the ground to collapse into the hole. *Krrruruash!* He collapsed the earth into the hole covering the man inside.
"Guah!" The Water magician mobilized what little magic he had left.
But Rayan wasn't done yet. He closed his hand while commanding the elementals to compress the ground and started crushing the man trapped inside. *Krrrrururum! Kra-krek-krack!*
The water magician struggled to get out and used magic to control the water in his body, but eventually, he was crushed. "UAA--RGH--!" He spews the air in his lungs while drowning in his own blood.
"Huff! Huff! Ogh..." Come on...die already. The guards will be here soon... Rayan anticipated feeling impatient while panting from exhaustion.
*Zoom~!* The Mana wave finally appeared confirming the magician's death and recovered the blond-haired man slightly.
Good. Good. But the Auramcers and the archer aren't dead yet. The blond-haired man affirmed and looked around before crouching. "Urgk! Agh..." He groaned agonizingly and picked up the poisoned dagger on the ground with his right hand. *Klack!* The earth magician got up again and trudged towards the rubble pile while dragging the tip of his blade. *Krrrrrrr...!*
Inside the collapsed house, some people made it out alive towards the other alley while the normal humans inside perished. The Archer found his Bow and Quiver and sneaked around the structure before taking aim. *Pe-chun! Swiss~!* An arrow flew within the hazy cloud towards Rayan's left flank and lodged a whole inch. *Chiak!*
"ARGH! Come on!" The blond man wailed and lifted the sword with his left hand.
*Pe-chun! Pe-chun! Swiss~!!* Two more arrows flew in a succession towards the earth magician's side. *Ting! Klack!* The arrows bounced off the blade and dropped harmlessly. Rayan clenched the dagger's handle and tossed it into the house's ruins. *Swooop!*
The Ranger noticed the short blade and tried to dodge, but still landed on his shoulder. *Chuak!* "GUaAH--!" The blade smeared with poison barely cut the skin, but the toxic substance quickly spread causing intense pain. *Thud!* "Huff! Huff! Huff!" The green-haired man drew short breaths as his regeneration fought the poison and crawled away.
"Tch!" That won't kill him... Rayan clicked his tongue and clenched his teeth before pulling the arrow out. "GNN!" He groaned while expelling contaminated blood from the gaping wounds before plugging them with a thin metal sheet. After finish mending himself, the blond man trudged towards the rubble. *Krrrr...!*
*KruRUM!* "Urghhh..." The gauntlet-wielder struggled out of the rocks covered in blood and cuts.
The Earth magician reached the rock pile and stopped in front of the warrior on his right. *Kch!*
The brown-haired man looked up and opened his eyes wide as his face transforms to hopelessness. "P-please don't kill me. I have a family."
"...Okay. Get out of here and spread the word not to attack me anymore." Ugh... That furball is going to be mad about this... I shouldn't let any witnesses.
"Y-yes... Thank you!" The Auramancer brightened and crawled out close to the ground. *Krrumm!* But just as he looked down, the blond-haired man lifted his greatsword with both hands and brought it down. *Ka-SHRIAK!* The dulled blade tip entered the brown skin on the man's back and pierced through the ribs before reaching the heart.
"AAACK--!" The Aura user bellowed and struggled with the sword stabbing through him for a moment before his body went limp.
*Shinng!* Rayan pulled out the sword and sent a probe into the rock pile. He noticed the Axeman breathing slowly under the more significant part of the rubble and deemed it unnecessary to kill him. Most likely, he would die soon and being an Auramancer; only a little Mana is recovered from them. After a few minutes, the warrior with his heart stabbed finally died and released a little mana graciously accepted by the earth magician. The Lifeforce remaining in his body would keep him from rotting for a while, and the beggars around would repurpose the corpse.
*Suash!* The blond man grabbed the bloody sack just outside the pile of rocks and tied the scales back on his greatsword before moving back to the entrance of the alley retracing his steps. *Krrrcchhh!* Rayan turned right at the corner near the tall City walls and dragged the sack for fifty meters before turning right on another alley closer to the city gates. Unbeknown to him at the time, two youths, responsible for the previous ambush were spying from the roofs nearby while the Ranger meditated to recover from his injuries not far away.
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The blond-haired man continued Northeast while leaving a bloody trail on the alley's stone floor and resting the blade a greatsword on his shoulder as a pack of scales dangles back and forth catching the eye of passersby. He still had the strength to pull the sturdy threaded Sack weighting hundreds of pounds, and the bleeding was patched, but the poison was ravaging his body. Though even in such condition, the two normal humans following him on the roofs didn't elude Rayan for too long.
The Earth magician glanced up at the roof behind and noticed a human head move out of sight. They must've been the ones who informed those bandits. "You peasants dare spy on me?" He snapped and shot his magic towards them.
"Ah! Run!" A youth with a facemask told another on a different roof and dashed away.
However, magic entered their heads and manipulated certain elements, ripping brain tissue apart.
""UAAARGK!!"" The two young men held their heads screaming while making horrified faces and toppled down, dead on the roofs.
Urgh... I need to recover... Can't make it to the Inn... Rayan determined as he wobbled with his vision blurry and recalled a nearby store. Huu... But...huu...they rip people off too much. He affirmed while continuing down the alley and before long, reached a line of a dozen people leading up to a Counter.
The different aromas of food being prepared for lunch reached Rayan's nose and made his stomach grumble. *Gruuul~!* After 15 minutes, it was Rayan's turn, but he was leaning on the wall taking a nap while holding onto his stuff.
A blond-haired and brown-skinned petite girl with short pointy ears looked to the left and called out. "Next!" Huwaa... He does not look well... "NEXT!" Shouted the woman wearing blue Tank Top and shorts.
Rayan snapped his golden eyes open and staggered getting closer.
Huwaa... What a handsome human! Look at those chiseled muscles and well-kept hair... The Rank 4 Earth magician appraised as her lips curl upwards and sent her probe out. Huwaah! He's a High-Ranker! Uhn? He feels somewhat familiar... Is he new is the City?
The blond man jolted feeling the probe and glared at the counter girl while transmitting bloodlust.
"Ah!" She realized her rudeness and trembled while her lips quivered. "I-I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorryyyyyyy!" The girl apologized while bowing and sweating profoundly as the hair tied in a ponytail swayed.
Rayan's ugly face transformed into pure astonishment as his rounded eyes look about to pop out of their sockets and jaw dropped heavily before he could utter words. "It...it cannot be... My eyes deceive me... The poison clouds my judgment..." He inferred while approaching the girl and pulled out a worn-out picture made on leather from a pocket on his right.
"Uhhh... Sir?" Did he say, poison?
The High-Rank stared at the colored portray of a short blond human and looked at the Counter girl before a broad smile formed on his face. "I...I finally found you...Vershie!" He called out holding the picture as his hand trembled.
"Uhh, S-Sir...? We-we've just met... Verushia is the name my parents gave me." I better not anger him. He reeks of blood... "I'm just a Slave from the Mines. A nobody saved by my Master." She announced and pointed at the red serial number tattooed on her shoulder.
"Haha... Even the name is similar. It IS you!" He declared and burst out laughing. "HA-HA-HA-HA!"
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The people around the laughing maniac stepped away and fled from the area while the girl cringed into the store expecting an attack of sorts.
Yes, hilarious... A shame we don't charge for making costumers laugh. Ack! I'm becoming too much like Master... "Um, Sir, you are scaring the other customers..." Scared everyone off the alley...
"Ah? Sorry..."
A thin black-haired man wearing white Robes appeared from the back and demanded. "What was that commotion, Verushia?"
"Ah! Master... This customer--"
"Is in need of Healing. I'll pay with my Goods." Rayan interrupted her and took back his picture before hiding it away.
...Is being rude and we should call the guards.
The Store Owner gave the fighter an appraising look and asked. "Hoh? What do you have to offer, traveler?"
In just a glance he knew I'm not from this City? Who is this guy? The earth user scrutinized back and answered. "I have Dragon meat and scales. I have another buyer, but it's too far away..."
The Master waved his hand and sent the girl outside before leaning on the Counter. "I'm Jamino. The owner of this general store."
Ugh! Dragons... Verushia winced at the mention and reluctantly left the establishment.
"A pleasure, Mr. Jamino. I'm Rayan, a High-Rank." Rayan introduced himself while untying the large palm-sized green Scales and dropped them on the Counter. *Klarack!*
"Hoh?" The store manager raised an eyebrow and brought a hand closer and tapped on it. *Tok! Tok!* "A shame these aren't from Bloodline Dragons. Folks would go crazy at the Auction if they were."
"Those are difficult to find and problematic to fight... But even common Dragon scales are a composite material difficult to replicate which makes decent Armors and Cultists use it for rituals."
"I am aware. However, the meat sells higher to the Wealthy."
The blond-haired woman opened the shabby meat sack with an unpleasant expression and checked the contents. "Um, Master, the Meat is still fresh."
"Excellent! I'll give you 8/10th the Market price or no deal."
Uggh... This is why I never came to this bloody store. But I need this guy to get closer to Vershie... Rayan conjectured and accepted. "Fine..."
"Excellent!" Jamino rejoiced, putting on a wide smile and asked. "Do you always hunt Dragons, Mr. Rayan?"
"Hm? Yes. I have a grudge against them..."
No matter the reason, a High-Rank Earth magician is extremly valuable and he seems interested in Verushia... This is a good day. I can smell large profits... "Magician, if you become my regular supplier for 8/10 the market price, I'll rent you my slave."
"Fueeh!? M-master..." The girl protested as her cheeks dye crimson and eyes open wide.
Ugh! He noticed... "I accept. I'll be a gentleman."
"Excellent!" Jamino said delighted and clapped. *Pah!* "I'll go get a Healer nearby." He informed, then stored the pack of scales in a box and turned to the girl before instructing. "Verushia, help Mr. Rayan get the goods in the Icebox and tend to him in the Guest room."
"Yes, Master..." She acknowledged with a nod and grabbed the bloodied sack from a side.
Rayan pulled the sack from the other side before they dragged it inside the store.
The Store Owner stared at the bloody trail and grimaced. I'll need to call a Water Magician too. "You two have fun until I come back. Kill anyone who tries to rob my store." He instructed and left through a door on the right.
""..."" The two stayed silent for a moment and continued pulling the sack deeper into the store.
"He's...rather trusting... Or is he testing me...?"
"Master is a good judge of character. He has other magicians working for him, so no one messes with our store..."
"So, he wants me to work for him?"
"Uhh... Maybe? At least, hired as mercenary will benefit you both."
"I see... You are rather a loyal Slave huh?"
"Only to Master." Other Humans can die for all I care... No, they should die for enslaving us for so long!
So, I can't just kill him and run away with Vershie, huh? This will be frustrating... Although he might be able to help me to set my plans into motion...
*Giiiik!* The two open the door of a stone and wood room containing blocks of ice, then threw the meat inside before closing the door. *Ka-thunk!*
The slave girl guided the man towards a room further in the back and helped him undress from behind before folding the clothes on a stool.
"Urgggh... Pain... painful... agonizing..." Rayan complained entering a Bathtub while wobbling and lowered his body, trembling. *Shruasshh~!* "Ah! Ah! Ahhh..."
"You got in a fight?"
"Assaulted. But I am glad they did since I found you."
"Ah-ah... You know, Sir, you could always buy a Slave like me. There are many in the Mines that would love getting out." While I receive special treatment and attention out here... Augh...
"I know, but there's no other like you." Rayan denied shaking his head. "Have you heard of Reincarnation?"
"Ah, yes... It's an interesting Myth. We've sold a few books about it before. Why? Do you want one?"
"Pufft!" Rayan held his laugh and pointed at his pants. "Take out the picture on the right pocket."
Verushia followed the instructions and took out the palm-sized carefully.
"I had that made 114 years ago, to never forget your face..."
"T-this is--!?!" This human woman looks like me!!? And the name written is similar too... What's going? It does look worn out by years, perhaps decades...
Rayan smiled watching her expression and revealed. "That's you in a Past Life. Vershie, you were called."
"FUhh! Fuahahah... Good one, Sir. Haaa..."
"..."
"Oh, you're serious... I-I mean no disrespect, but, um, some people look alike, no?"
"I can prove it to you."
"...How?! How would you even prove something immortals can't?"
"Actually, many beings in the world know or suspect that Souls come and go already. They just stay quiet about it."
"Uh-huh. Why? It's an amazing discovery. If--if it were true, that is."
"Because it's a common belief that Souls form during pregnancy and disappear on death which gives meaning to life, purpose, and love for children. Otherwise, most individuals would simply suicide seeking a better life or neglect their offsprings..."
"Umm... I guess that makes sense. But life has ups and downs. I too considered suicide when I worked at the Mines. Luckily, I awakened as a Magician a few years ago and Master bought me."
"I don't argue that. But not everyone accepts that their child or friend remembers a previous life either."
"Sounds like you speak from experience."
"I do, actually. Everyone shunned me for my behavior... My parents...well, they tried to kill me but failed, then they called the Lord, the Church, and a Mob..." Though I killed them all... People in this world are so ignorant... Nothing but trash in every corner.
"Haap! That's horrible!" She gasped and blurted feeling sympathy but remained skeptical. "If--if it were true, that is."
"Well, they were certainly convinced. At the very least, spreading the idea was dangerous enough to burn me at the stake for heresy."
"I see... That could explain why no speaks of it... But that's still not proof--of any kind."
"Well, I could commit suicide and come talk to you in 10 years..." If I can make it here at that age.
The blond girl squinted her eyes giving a stare of disapproval and pleaded. "Please don't commit suicide. Master would be mad at me."
"Yeah, I don't want to de-Rank either. It has taken me a century to get where I am now."
"De-Rank? That happens also?"
"Hm? Yes, the Spiritual progress in the conscious part of the Soul is temporary along with the memories in younger Souls."
"Houwaa~ This would make a good book. If I knew how to write one and had the time or money... But I'm pretty sure I'd remember a past life."
"Nay... Most creatures remember something through the course of their lives or when Ranking up, but can't distinguish memories from mere dreams."
"Sounds like an excuse. Makes you look...special."
"I am special! But not for being 500 years old between two lifetimes."
"Y-you say that so casually..." Huwaa! I'm only 29... Our age difference makes me look like a child!
"However, precisely because I can remember my life with you, I can prove that you reincarnated."
How would-- "Ah! A confirmation!"
"That's right. I wrote things about your life on a metal sheet. You can compare which memories you had already and which ones you'll remember as you Rank up."
My...my past life...when I wasn't a slave... Verushia contemplated while staring at the picture and a soft smile crept on her face. There are too many coincidences already. IF what he wrote is true, then I won't doubt him anymore. "You sure were prepared for our encounter..."
"Did I mention that I searched for your Reincarnation through all Dawrf towns controlled by humans for a hundred years?"
"Huwaa! T-that's too much attention for me... How can I be that important to you? It's just--...Augh..."
"Because--..." Rayan started saying as he turned left and leaned over the Tub before extending a hand to her face.
The Dwarf girl flinched but remained still as if hypnotized.
"You were the only good thing that happened to me in that life. You were kind and loving and understanding and smart. You didn't hesitate to bear my child. I even thought it was impossible, yet you still found a way." He praised while caressing the short girl.
"Huwaa~ Y-you can't tease a girl--" That never had a boyfriend... "Like that!" The Dwarf girl complained seemingly upset while squirming before taking a glance below. And I can see your--B-big... As expected of Humans... The bashful girl reviewed while hearing the thundering beats of her heart. *Thump! Thump!*
"However, it was a forbidden love..." Rayan said turning serious as his face hardened and laid back into the Tub. *Shruasshh~!*
"Eh? L-love...?"
"Those Monsters took you away from me... That day, at the climax of our happiness, you--you were vaporized in front of me!" He narrated and slammed his right fist on the Bathtub's edge. *Bang!*
"Haap!" She gasped sympathetically before shouting angrily. "That's terrible!"
How dare them take everything from me... My future, my family, my happiness and they are even more arrogant in this World... I won't rest until I kill them all! He determined with a murdering glare and emiting bloodlust that made the girl flinch. Seconds later, he calmed down and smiled before exhaling. "Huuuf... That was my most despairing moment in 500 years. My biggest regret. But not the only one."
"I-I-I can't even begin to imagine..."
"Well, you probably had it tough too since our Souls got trapped in this world. Maybe you were a Slave before as well..."
"Eh? W-what do you mean?"
"You came from a World far more technologically advanced than even the Dwarves here. It was you who visited my World... You have an affinity for their Race or so I was told by a mysterious being. Anyway, the only way to leave this World is by becoming DemiGods."
"...HUH!!? ...That...no...toO MUch... Head...spinning..." Verushia uttered feeling confused as she paced around until deciding. "I'm-I'm not going to believe that just yet for the sake of my mental health."
"Well, you asked. And there's more..." Rayan shrugged saying.
"Augh... But it's enough for now..." The Dwarf girl looked down mumbling and asked. "Even so, what do you wish of me, Sir?"
"Call me Rayan." The blond-haired man said and leaned left, then beckoned her closer.
She conceded brought her head closer before he whispered. "Want to start a revolution and get rid of all the Humans enslaving your people?"
"...Ehh!!? Eh?" Verushia opened her eyes wide blurting shocked and looked around flailing in a panic. "Shh! You'll get in trouble... How can you say that? A-aren't you a human too?!"
"Pssh! Like I chose to be born in this form. Although it is convenient. But I don't really care about Humans. Especially not these people who enslaved your Race with a dumb plot 300 years ago because they were envious. Such technological advanced race wasted as mere labor is unacceptable!" He declared and slammed his right fist on the Bathtub's edge again. *Bang!*
"Agh... Y-you're right..." I just hope this whole thing isn't an elaborate sick joke... I do wish to free my family from the Mines... "Why would you want to help us?"
"Because I'm 128 years already and I'm only Low-Rank 7. This is unacceptable! I have formidable enemies in this World that I must defeat..." Those bloody idiots do not qualify to save our Soul! It is I, who will do whatever it takes to preserve our existence. They exist only to make me stronger!
"So... You want soldiers?"
"Eventually, yes. But fighters can be bought or made. I need the Dwarvenian race to prosper and attain resources. I need inventors to develop my ideas, and who better than your people?"
"Humph! Of course!" She puffed her modest chest affirming.
"But it won't be easy... You people--you don't even have actual shackles binding you! Yyet you all just ... bow down and obey. What's wrong with you all?"
"Huwaa... That hurts..."
"Follow me, Verushia, and you'll be free... Truly free!"
"...You have some things to prove first." Could he be the 'savior' we've been waiting for? I hope he is. I want to get my family out of the Mines, but...the others won't believe a Human...
I hope no one raided my room in the Inn...
And just like that, the seeds of revolution had been planted, and trouble loomed for the other Soul Shards.