Chapter IV

Alex had just arrived outside of his family's medicinal shop. As he was walking towards the front door, he checked the time. 'It's 2:16pm. Sarah should be stopping by soon...Getting to watch two cultivators fight should be pretty awesome...I wond-' Cutting his thoughts short was a loud bang as the entire front left corner of his family's shop exploded outwards, sending wooden shrapnel flying in multiple directions. Following closely after, was a man being propelled through the air and crashing to the ground quite some distance away. As he landed, Alex stared wide-eyed.

Slowly walking out from where the walls had been destroyed, was a single bald man dressed entirely in black, whose face looked like a demon. Blood was splattered all over it. His arms were covered in blood up to the elbow. As he exited from the shop, he walked towards the man that had landed on the ground. As Alex saw this happen, his faced paled as he was filled with a dreadful feeling. “F-father!” He rushed towards the shop and opened the front door. When he entered, he immediately stopped moving. The color drained from his face and his eyes went wide as he looked around the interior of the shop.

The inside of the shop was painted with blood. Bodies, limbs and innards were littered about. The shelves and most of the counters were broken into pieces. His legs started to tremble somewhat as he stood there. 'By the gods...What happened here?...Father!' Breaking out of his stupor, he yelled, “Father!!” No response. Again he yelled out, “Father!!!” This time there was some coughing and then a voice, “Ugh, Alex!” A slight sense of relief started to wash over Alex as he rushed towards the voice. As he turned the bend around what remained of a counter, he froze in his tracks as tears started to form in the corner of his eyes.

“Father!” He called out as he rushed to his father's side who was laying on the ground in a pool of blood. As he reached him, he fell to his knees. Alex noticed his father's entire left arm was missing. Stuttering, he frantically said, “Father! Are you okay!? What happened?” Immediately after he spoke, he hurriedly looked around for something. Not finding what he was looking for, he pulled off his shirt. He bunched it up and pressed it to where his father's arm used to be, trying to stop the bleeding.

Feeling the pain from where his son was pressing, Kaesan coughed as he tried to speak, “A-Alex! Are you okay?” With a sad smile on his face, Alex replied, “I-I'm fine dad. W-what about you? Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere else?” Giving a pained smile, Kaesan said, “Son. I'm alright-” He started to cough. Seeing this, Alex started to panic. “D-dad!” As his coughing subsided, he weakly said, “Haha, it's alright son. I'm okay...” When Alex heard this, the panic in his heart subsided somewhat. “The bleeding isn't stopping. Dad. What should I do?” While Alex asked this, Kaesan slowly closed his eyes. “DAD!!”

After a few moments passed Kaesan abruptly spoke, startling Alex. “There should be some herbs in the storehouse. Izaley, Aheves and Essu Husk. Go gather those and bring them back. It'll stop the bleeding.” Wiping the tears from his eyes, Alex said, “Alright dad! I'll be right back!” He stood up and ran into the back room. 'Shit, shit, shit. Who the hell was that bald guy!? Did he do all that!? Is he the one who hurt my dad!?' Alex's thoughts were frantic as he was heading towards the storehouse.

Once he reached it, he entered and wildly searched for the herbs. After a couple of minutes he found all three of them. He rushed back to the shop and reached his father's side again. “Dad! I'm back! I've got all the herbs.” He didn't receive a response. Alex shook his father, while he stuttered, “Dad! Wake up! I've got all the herbs! Dad!!” Finally, Kaesan's eyelids trembled as he slowly opened them. “Son...you're back.” Nodding, Alex said, “Yeah, I'm back. Now what do I do dad?” Kaesan's face had become much more pale since Alex had left his side. Mumbling, Kaesan weakly said, “Grind them up...Mix with water...Apply the paste...to the wound...” The moment he finished speaking, his eyes closed. With a heart full of worry and dread, Alex called out, “Dad!!”

Alex desperately followed the directions his father had said before he lost consciousness. He quickly ran to the back room. After he found a mortar and pestle, he ground the herbs up, then mixed them with water. A few minutes later, he had made a weird smelling white paste. He once more rushed back to his father's side. Alex went back onto his knees and applied the paste to where his father's arm used to be. He noticed that Kaesan's breathing was extremely shallow. Worriedly, he thought, 'You're gonna be okay dad...You're going to be alright! You're strong! This won't kill you!..You're going to be alright!' Tears were slowly rolling down his cheeks as he continued to apply the white paste.

After a couple of minutes, the paste was completely covering the wound. However, his father's condition wasn't getting any better. 'I need to go get help!' As he thought this, he stood up and was about to run off to find help. But he froze in his tracks. Leaning on the remnants of a counter, was the now blood-covered bald man. He was staring at Alex and his father. When Alex stood up, he had ended up accidentally meeting the bald man's gaze. However, he didn't shirk away. Staring into the bald man's dark eyes, Alex firmly demanded, “Who are you? Why did you do this?”

When the bald man heard Alex's questions, he began to laugh uncontrollably. A deep and rough voice sounded out. “Hahaha. Boy...I'm surprised...You are actually able to keep your wits about you?” Furrowing his brow, Alex asked, “What do you mean?” The bald man laughed once more. “Interesting...” The bald man turned around and started to walk away. Before he left the shop though, he stopped and said in a voice full of pride, “My name is Landis Blackwood. I belong to the Infernal Demon Sect.” He then continued to walk away while muttering in a barely audible tone, “Interesting...Very Interesting...”

The moment he was out of sight, Alex let out a huge sigh of relief as he fell down onto his butt. 'Holy crap...Just what was that...It was like some immense pressure was pressing down on me...It felt like my heart was in my throat...' Interrupting his thoughts was the sound of multiple chimes along with the appearance of two status windows.

*Ting*

Congratulations! You have unlocked a new stat [Willpower]

*Ting*

You have gained 5 Willpower (+5 WILL)

'E-eh?' As he viewed the status windows, he started to laugh hysterically to himself. “Hahahahaha.” His laughter echoed out in the ruined shop. After about a minute of laughter he finally calmed down and dismissed the status windows. He felt a trace of wetness on his cheeks.'Huh? I cried?' Wiping the tears off, he thought to himself, 'Just what the hell is wrong with me?...I need to find help for dad.' He quickly stood up and ran outside of the shop. Once he was there, he froze in his steps.

The smell of blood and burnt flesh permeated the air. Lying all throughout the street were dead bodies, some of which were charred. Standing there, Alex slightly swayed as he felt his breakfast coming back up. Fighting back the urge to vomit, he proceeded through the obstacle course of various limbs and viscera.

As soon as he was clear, he started to run towards his family's home. While he was running, he was thinking to himself, 'I don't get it. Why was it that when I saw what was inside of the shop I felt fine, but the moment I saw the carnage outside...Maybe adrenaline?...I need to get mom and bring her to dad!...Why were there so many dead people outside? Did that guy...He must have killed some of the people that were gathered from the noise...That bastard...Landis Blackwood...' As his thoughts were running wild, he was sprinting to his house.

** ** ** **

As he was heading towards his house, all of the people he passed gave him weird looks. Some even looked as if they were afraid. The moment he reached his house, he barged in through the front door while panting and yelled, “Mom!...MOM!!!” When she heard the yelling, Laylah hustled out of the kitchen into the living room. The moment she noticed Alex, fear and worry flooded her heart. “A-Alex, what happened!! By the gods, you're covered in blood! Wh-” Alex cut her off as he said urgently, “-Mom! No time! Dad's hurt! He's lost a lot of blood! You've got to come help, now!” As the words sunk in, shock flashed across her face. Stuttering, she said, “Alright. Take me to him.”

** ** ** **

Alex swiftly led his mother back to the shop. The moment they got within sight of the shop, his mother's face paled. He continued to pull her by the hand. A few minutes had passed since he sprinted home, by now there was a small crowd that formed and was continuing to grow. As Laylah was pulled along by her son, she muttered in a disbelieving voice, “T-this...No way...just what happened?” Alex didn't stop as he said, “No time, mom! Dad's life is on the line!” He pulled her past the crowd and into the shop. Once they were inside of the shop, Alex could feel Laylah's hand trembling as she slowed down somewhat. “T-this...by the gods...” “MOM! DAD NEEDS US!” Alex's yell snapped Laylah out of her stupor. Nodding, she looked to her son and said, “R-right! Where is he?” Alex pulled her over to behind the counter.

The moment they came around it, Laylah yelled out, “Dear!” She ran up to Kaesan's side and fell to her knees. She pressed her hand to his chest. As she did so, a green glow spread from her hand and enveloped him. Alex stood there in silence with his arms crossed as he watched his mother tend to his father. 'Please be okay.' He pleaded mentally to himself.

** ** ** **

Ten minutes passed by extremely quickly. Not able to withstand the silence any longer, Alex asked in a concerned tone, “Mom...How's dad? Is he going to be okay?” Heaving out a sigh of relief, she turned her head and looked at her son. Smiling, she said, “He's going to be alright.” Alex smiled in response and small tears started to form in the corner of his eyes. “Thank the gods...” When she heard her son say that, she shook her head. “No Alex. They weren't the ones who saved your father's life...Did you apply this white paste?” Alex nodded with a befuddled look on his face.

Laylah was still smiling as she happily said, “Your father is alive because of your actions. If you hadn't done what you did, your father would have died for sure...From the looks of it, you were in the nick of time.” Alex warmly smiled. “How did you know what to do? I don't recall Kaesan ever telling me he had taught you any of his trade.” Alex's smile turned into a wry one as he answered, “At first, dad was still conscious. He told me what to do...I really should've learned more about medicine...” Laylah lightly giggled, then smiled. “Don't beat yourself up of over it. You'll have plenty of time to learn in the future.” As she said this, she took her hand off of Kaesan's chest. “Alright, Kaesan will be just fine. He should wake up in a couple of hours.”

As they were talking, some footsteps sounded out. Alex jerked around and saw some people entering the shop through the hole in the wall. As they came in, they were talking. A man's gruff voice sounded out. “Wow, such carnage...any idea who it was?” A woman's silvery voice echoed in response. “None. No one who is out there now, saw anything...These poor people. Outside there was only one dead cultivator. The rest were just ordinary citizens.” As they were inspecting the inside of the shop, Alex called out, “Hey! Over here!” Abruptly the group drew their weapons and prepared for combat. One of the men was already cloaked in a red colored Qi.

The woman noticed where Alex was and sternly ordered the group, “Calm down! It's just a boy!” Adhering to the woman's orders, the group slightly calmed down but kept their guards up. The woman looked at Alex and kindly said, “It's alright, we're not going to hurt you. You can come out.” Alex glanced to his mother, seeking her approval.

After receiving a nod from Laylah, Alex stepped out from behind the counter and cautiously approached the group of people. As he got closer he was able to clearly see their appearances. They were all carrying swords. The woman had tanned skin. Her long mahogany hair was tied into a ponytail, with some long bangs hiding the right side of her face. From what Alex could see, there may have been a scar on that side of her face. Behind her there were four men.

Of the two closest men, one was rather tall and had long blonde hair that fell past his shoulders. He had a sculpted face, with fierce eyebrows. While the other was short and stout. He had a furrowed face with bushy eyebrows and had short dark olive green hair. Alex stopped about five paces away from them. “W-who are you people?” He asked in a slightly fearful tone. The woman gently smiled and approached Alex with her arms spread out, showing she meant no harm. “We are from the Earthly Sword Sect. My name is Nahla Ironcrest.” When Alex heard this, he smiled and called out, “Mom! They're from the Earthly Sword Sect!” Laylah stood up behind the counter, slightly startling a couple of the men.

When Nahla saw Laylah stand up, she asked, “Is there anyone else here?” Laylah shook her head as she said, “Only my husband, but he's unconscious at the moment.” Nahla nodded and said, “Alright. Can either of you tell us what happened here?” Laylah looked towards Alex. Nahla followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Well...I'm not really certain...When I got here, the wall of the shop exploded outwards. Then a man was sent flying out by a bald man. I immediately ran inside of the shop to look for my dad at that point.”

The woman warmly smiled as she approached Alex. She knelt down in front of him and put a hand on his shoulder. “Did you see anything else? The bald man you spoke of, can you identify him? Or give us a description?” Alex looked at her hand and then at her face. He shook his head as he stuttered, “No...I only saw him from a distance. I don't know what he looks like besides the fact that he was bald.” Nahla frowned then looked down. She shook her head and then lifted it to give Alex a smile. “Alright, thank you young man.” Nahla stood up and looked to the blonde haired man behind her, “Hayden, help them carry the boy's father back to their home.”

She then turned to the other two men that were with her. One of them was baby-faced with average height. He had medium-length dark-salmon colored hair. The other man was slightly tall with a weather-beaten face. His long indigo colored hair fell down past his shoulder-blades. Looking at them, Nahla said, “Kian, Theo. You'll stay here and search for anything that may give us clues as to whose responsible for this.” After hearing their orders they saluted by bringing their right fist to their heart. Nahla started to walk forward when the the bushy-browed man said, “Nahla, what about me?” Nahla looked at him and giggled, “Sorry Callum, umm stay here as well. Help Kian and Theo.” Callum nodded and moved over to sift through the dead and various debris.

Alex led both Nahla and Hayden behind the counter to show them his father. Nahla was surprised when she saw him. “Eh? Kaesan?” Laylah hearing this, curiously asked, “You know my husband?” Nahla gave a wry smile as she answered, “Yeah I do. Our Earthly Sword Sect does its best to keep peace in the town. As such we usually get a little banged up. Since there isn't an alchemist in the town, we usually come to Kaesan's shop to get some medicine or get patched up. He mentioned he had a wife and kid, but whenever we came around neither of you two would be here...To think Kaesan was in the crossfire of this...” Shaking her head, she looked to the ground and mumbled under her breath, “Such a shame.” Picking her head up she said, “Alright, Hayden pick him up. Mam, if you'll lead the way.” Laylah smiled as she replied, “My name's Laylah and that's my son Alex, nice to meet you miss Nahla.” After introducing themselves, she led Nahla, Hayden and Alex out of the shop. Then headed to their house.

** ** ** **

Once they reached their house, Laylah instructed Hayden to lay Kaesan down on the bed in their bedroom. Once that was done Laylah, Alex, Nahla and Hayden sat down at the kitchen table. Laylah served everyone some tea as they sat there silently. After a few moments of silence passed, Nahla remorsefully said, “Laylah, I'm so sorry about your husband...” Laylah sat down and smiled. She replied, “It's only an arm. Luckily the gods gave everyone two. He's still alive, so there isn't much to be upset about.”

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Nahla smiled wryly as she said, “Haha, you're pretty easy-going aren't you?” Shaking her head, Laylah responded, “Not really. I'm just an optimist.” Hayden and Nahla exchanged a glance. Hayden then spoke, “Well, there are a few questions we need to ask since this event happened at your family's shop. Is that alright?” Laylah didn't say anything, she only nodded. Hayden took a breath before he continued, “Do you know anyone that may have connections to a powerful sect or influential clan that may have a grudge against your family?”

Laylah sighed in response to the question but then shook her head. Giving a slight nod, Hayden looked at Alex and continued to ask another question, “Alex, was there anything distinctive about that bald man, besides the fact he was bald?” Alex seemed like he was thinking for a moment but then said, “No, I didn't get a really good look at him.” Frowning, Hayden asked, “Could you make out any symbols or scars? Anything at all?” Alex brought his hand to his chin as he thought. After a moment he furrowed his brow and frowned. He said, “No...I was too far away from him. All I could see was that he was bald and wore all black clothes.” After listening to Alex's answer, Hayden let out a disappointed sigh. He looked towards Nahla and frowned.

Noticing the glance, Nahla then asked, “Alex, did you perhaps see any of the techniques that the man used?” Alex shook his head. “No, when I was inside with my father, I had to run to the back courtyard and get herbs from the store-house. Then I came back and treated my dad. From where I was, I couldn't see outside at all...” Nahla frowned. Then with a tinge of disappointment in her voice, she said, “Alright then...I'm going to go back to the shop to help. Hayden stay here for a little while in case Kaesan was the target of the attack.” Hayden obediently nodded. Nahla stood up and as she did so, Laylah stood up as well. “Miss Nahla, allow me to see you out...I really hope your able to find out who did this.” They then both proceeded to leave the kitchen. After they left, Hayden secretly gave a suspicious glance to Alex, then quickly turned away.

After seeing Nahla out, Laylah came back to the kitchen. “Mister Hayden. Please make yourself at home. If there's anything you need please don't hesitate to ask.” Hayden nodded, then said, “Very well Mrs. Hartlow.” She lightly smiled, then said to Alex, “I'm going to go sit by your father's side until he wakes up.” Alex nodded and said, “Alright mom.” After she left the kitchen, Alex looked at Hayden and curiously asked, “Mister Hayden, do you think that bald man was from a sect?” Raising an eyebrow as he looked at Alex, Hayden said, “There's a good chance...but then again, since he was willing to commit such wanton slaughter in the middle of the day, he may just be a vagabond.” Alex nodded. Afterwards, he and Hayden sat in the kitchen in complete silence for a quarter of an hour.

Breaking the silence, Alex asked in a curious tone once again, “Mister Hayden. I know your Earthly Sword Sect is rather powerful, but what other sects are around here that would dare to slight your sect?” Hearing his question, Hayden was quiet as he thought for a moment. After a couple of minutes he finally answered. “There's a lot of schools, sects, clans and one academy in the Kingdom of Wrurin. Amongst them, the ones that are more powerful than our Earthly Sword Sect are quite numerous. But the ones in the immediate vicinity that are more powerful than us....Hmmm...There are only a handful...”

He paused to take a breath and then continued, “Those being, the Sunfire Sect, Lunar Sword School, Ironpalm Sect, Skywater Sect and Lunar Lotus School...but none of them would so brazenly slaughter so many people for no reason.” After thinking for a moment, Alex once more asked, “Who's the strongest sect in our area?” Hayden raised an eyebrow but answered nonetheless. “In our region...I'd say the Raging Buddha Sect over in the city of Autumnwell.” Alex slightly nodded as he said, “Hmm, I see...There's so many sects out there...” Hayden chuckled. “Yeah, there's as many sects, schools and clans as there are leaves on a tree.” After they finished their conversation, they sat in silence for quite some time.

** ** ** **

About an hour and a half passed by. Laylah walked into the kitchen with a beaming smile on her face. “Alex, your father's awake.” Alex jumped up from his seat as he asked, “Really mom!? That's great.” He then rushed over to see his father. As he entered the bedroom, Kaesan was sitting upright on the bed. Alex had tears in his eyes as he called out, “Dad!” He rushed forward and hugged Kaesan. Kaesan smiled and laughed as he hugged him back with his one arm. “Dad, you're okay. Thank the gods!” Separating from the hug, Kaesan happily said, “I'm glad you're okay too son.” As father and son were talking, Hayden and Laylah entered the room.

When Kaesan noticed Hayden, he immediately stopped talking and smiled. He called out, “Hayden! My friend, what are you doing here?” Hayden walked over to the bed and shook Kaesan's hand as he said, “Well, as you know, our Earthly Sword Sect tries to maintain order here in town. We're investigating the attack that happened at your shop.” Kaesan showed a dejected smile when he heard that. Having noticed his reaction, Hayden asked, “Kaesan. Just what happened? Your son said it was some bald man dressed entirely in black that caused such a disturbance...” Kaesan nodded. He remained silent and rubbed his temple as he collected his thoughts for a moment.

Kaesan sighed as he said, “It was just a normal day like any other at the shop...It was starting to get busy. But then suddenly there was an argument that broke out between two cultivators. I didn't catch much of what was said. Just something about one of their sons wounding the other's son. They must have ran into each other when they came to buy some medicine at my shop...They were about to start fighting, but then some bald man dressed in black told them to be quiet. From there, some threats were thrown about..." He paused there to catch his breath.

"But in the end, the bald man...he struck one of the men in the chest with his palm. When he did so...that man exploded apart. It was gruesome...After that, everyone was startled and enraged. They attacked the bald man, but he effortlessly handled them all. In the conflict I was hit by one of the bald mans stray attacks. Thus, I lost my arm.”

Hayden looked gloomy as he asked, “Kaesan, do you have any idea how strong that man was? As in what his rank was?” Kaesan closed his eyes and brought his hand to his chin as he was in deep thought. After a moment, he said, “You know old man Burton, right?” Hayden slightly nodded his head. “Yeah. He reached Adept rank some time ago.” Kaesan frowned as he continued, “Well that bald man effortlessly killed him in one attack...Old man Burton couldn't even defend or react against it.”

When Hayden heard what Kaesan said, his face turned ashen. “One attack...and couldn't even react to it?...Crap, if that's the case...this bald man is most likely at least at the Expert rank. Not good. I have to go inform the sect right away. Kaesan, rest up and get better soon.” Hayden smiled and then hastily left. Alex was extremely intrigued by their conversation as he listened. He looked at his father and asked, “Hey dad. What are these adept and expert ranks you guys were talking about?” Kaesan frowned as he answered, “Haha son, you should ask your mother. I'm not certain about all the ranks. But she's a cultivator, so she should have some idea.” Alex nodded and then turned towards Laylah.

Seeing his curious gaze, she gently smiled. “Alex, when you cultivate, you take in the Qi from the world. By doing this you become stronger. Those ranks that they were talking about, are the ranks of Qi cultivation. By cultivating you can advance in rank and when you do so, you grow much stronger.” Alex was wide-eyed as he listened. When Laylah stopped talking he eagerly asked, “Mom. Exactly what ranks are there?” Smiling at her son, she said, “From weakest to strongest, they are: Beginner, Novice, Apprentice, Intermediate, Adept, Advanced, Expert, Master and Grand-Master...When I was with my school for some time before I met your father, I had heard that there are actually ranks above Grand-Master. But I have no idea what they are.”

Alex was grinning after he heard all of that. He thought for a moment before he asked, “Hey mom. What rank are you at?” She chuckled slightly as she said, “Geez, you're really curious today, aren't you?” Alex only smiled wryly at her comment. Sighing, she continued on to say, “I'm an Early-Stage Apprentice.” Alex tilted his head after he heard early-stage. Still with his head tilted, he asked, “What's an Early-Stage Apprentice? Is that different from a regular apprentice?”

Laylah laughed as she responded, “Hahaha, I forgot to explain the stages didn't I?” She looked towards Kaesan. Notcing her gaze, he nodded. Pretending to hit herself in the head, she said, “Each rank has ten levels. Depending on what level you are at, you would fall into a certain stage. These stages and their levels are: Early-Stage Level 1-3, Mid-Stage Level 4-7, Late-Stage Level 8-9 and Peak-Stage Level 10.” Alex let out a breath of air after he heard all of that. Tilting his head to the other side, he curiously asked, “Hey mom. How do you rank up from one rank to the next?” Laylah chuckled as she answered him, “Once you reach level 10, you would then need to breakthrough the bottleneck to level 1 of the next rank.” Alex released an “Oh” as if he understood everything.

Laylah warmly smiled at Alex as she said, “Alright, how about you let your father get some rest.” Alex nodded and started to walk towards the bedroom door when his father's voice sounded out. “Alex, don't forget about your date with Sarah.” Alex's face paled when he heard that. He frantically asked, “Dad! She wasn't at the shop when that man went on his rampage was she!?” Kaesan laughed as he calmly said, “Hahaha, no son, she wasn't. So you can calm down...You better hurry to get changed though and meet up with her. I'm sure if she gets to the shop and sees the state it's in, she'll be worried about you.” Alex looked surprised as he replied, “Ah! Right! Good idea dad!..Then I'm going to be off! Rest well.” As he said this he left the bedroom and headed towards his own room to get changed.

As soon as Alex left the room, Laylah immediately adopted a look of concern as she asked, “Kaesan are you sure you're alright?” Looking down at his one remaining arm, he said in a wistful tone, “Yea...I'm fine...” Laylah frowned. She tried to comfort him, she said, “Dear, at least you're still alive...” Kaesan smiled wryly as he looked up at her. He sounded cynical as he said, “Laylah...With just one arm, how am I supposed to keep running the shop?...Not to mention, did you see how much damage it suffered?...There's no way we'll be able to reopen it anytime soon.”

Laylah walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. She grasped his hand and said with a smile, “Honey. Even with just one arm, you can still continue being a physician...As for the shop...It can be repaired in time. Until then, we should be able to do just fine...It's a good thing we were saving up some money.” Kaesan gazed into his wife's eyes as he replied with a sigh, “I suppose you're right, dear...”

He paused and looked to where his left arm used to be. “It's going to take some getting used to though...” Laylah warmly smiled and then kissed Kaesan. After separating from the kiss, she show a gentle smile. “There's the man I married...This is only an obstacle in our life...that's it.” Kaesan slightly chuckled, “I suppose it is...I'm gonna lay down and get some more rest okay?” Laylah nodded and then left the room. After she left the room, he laid down on the bed. With a very depressed look on his face, he muttered, “Just an obstacle...”

** ** ** **

Once Alex entered his room, he closed the door behind him. He walked over and sat down on his bed. Right when he did so, multiple chimes sounded out along with various status windows appearing. 'Holy crap.' He thought as he looked at them.

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Stamina (+1 STA)

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Agility (+1 AGI)

*Ting*

You have gained 4 Charisma (+4 CHA)

*Ting*

Level up: Deception (Beginner Level 2 [15/15xp])

*Ting*

Level up: Deception (Beginner Level 3 [0/20xp])

After he read all of the status windows, he shook his head. He was a little amazed as he thought to himself, 'I gained one stamina and agility?...Was that from sprinting home and then back to the shop with mom?...Four charisma and two level ups for Deception....Guess it was a good choice to lie to those Earthly Sword Sect people...' As he thought to here, his face became distorted as a very chilling light flashed across his eyes.

'Landis Blackwood. I'll get stronger and then...I'll pay you back for harming my father...So you better not die before then!' After a few a moments, he shook his head and dismissed the status windows. 'Alright...I need to get changed so I can meet with Sarah...But first, I wonder what my stats look like now. Open Status Window.' Heeding his call, a large blue rectangle appeared.

*Ting*

Name: Alexander HartlowAge: 12Level: 0XP: 0/100Health: 10/10Qi: 2/10Energy: 62/120Satiety: 60/100Titles:

None

Stats:

Distributable Points: 0Constitution: 1Intelligence: 4Vitality: 1Wisdom: 4Stamina: 3Endurance: 1Strength: 5Charisma: 8Agility: 2Dexterity: 1Willpower: 5Bloodlust: 2Luck: 50?????????????????????Attack: 1Defense: 0Element Resistance: NoneAdditional Information:Race: HumanGender: MaleElement Affinity: All ElementsAlignment: NeutralAllegiance: Undeclared

'Whoa, my stats increased by a good amount...Huh...Oh yea, it said I earned willpower after that Landis left the shop...I wonder what it does. Help Willpower.' As he thought it, a help window appeared.

*Ting*

Willpower (WILL): the ability to control yourself and strong determination that allows you to do something difficult. Increasing this will improve your resistance towards mental effects.

'Awesome. That's a really useful stat...Huh, I have two Qi now. So it regenerates on its own...That's good, especially since I don't exactly know how to meditate yet. I still need to try that later.' He smiled and stood up from his bed. 'Alright! Time to get changed.' After thinking this, he went to his dresser and began to change his clothes.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **