Hunter exhaled in relief. Eunice’s pulse was weak and thready, but she was still alive. He whispered her name, but she remained unresponsive. Gently lifting her chin, he watched as her heavy eyelids fluttered and then slowly opened.

“Leocedes.”

Shock registered on his face, his mouth falling open. It shouldn't have surprised him that Eunice knew the name his mother had called him, yet it did.

Visible strain marked her features as she licked her lips. “I’m so very tired… but it will be a long time before I sleep again.”

“Here, let me help you.” He searched nearby for a towel or robe. Finding one of her arms, he gently raised it, intending to help her out of the water.

“No, no, please leave me be, I can’t…” The urgency in her voice made Hunter release his hold. Her arm flopped down, splashing into the water as if she had lost control of it.

“Can’t you move? Are you sick? What happened to you?” He checked his inventory and cursed. He was all out of healing elixirs except for an empty bottle stored beside his saber tooth pendant.

Her jaw clenched, and she closed her eyes as if being pulled into a world of pain. When she opened them again, she looked directly at Hunter. Only two words escaped her lips. “Typhon’s Breath.”

Hunter froze.

The poison instilled as much fear in him as the legendary monster from which it took its name. Even if he had a healing elixir, it wouldn’t cure Eunice. The poison's rarity meant whoever used it had immense power or wealth, or perhaps, both.

And they had to be one twisted, cruel individual, for Typhon’s Breath promised a slow, agonizing death where the victim lost control of their limbs, enveloped in pain until they could no longer breathe, slowly suffocating to their demise. He had a sinking feeling that he knew who it was, even before he asked.

“Who did this to you?”

“I think you know the answer. Really, I brought this upon myself. Stop looking at me with such pity… I can’t bear it after what I did to you.”

Hunter dropped his gaze. “I know what you did. Men like Vassilus manipulate and corrupt those around them. It doesn’t mean you deserve to die like this.”

“Then you don’t know all the awful things that I’ve done. I was foolish to think I meant anything to a man who loves himself more than all the riches in the world. I wanted some of that power for myself…”

Pent-up frustration bubbled over in Hunter. He couldn’t just sit there and watch her die. “There’s got to be an antidote. Just tell me where it is, and I’ll get it.”

Eunice gave him a weak smile. “If there is one, only Vassilus knows where it is.”

Hunter clenched his fists, his chi roiling like a firestorm. “He’s here. I’ll make him tell me—”

But he knew the futility of his words as soon as they escaped his lips.

Eunice shushed his rage-fueled rant. “It won’t do any good… And it’s too late. I don’t want to die here alone and in pain. Would you stay with me and do what needs to be done? A mercy I don’t deserve after what I’ve done to you and your family.”

“My family?” Hunter slightly recoiled. “What do you mean?”

Eunice winced in pain, her breath labored. She fell into a coughing fit, struggling to keep her eyes focused on Hunter. He held her head out of the water as her voice faltered, barely above a whisper. “I was the one who led them to Jo. I knew you were in the tavern that day—it was a setup, and I was part of it.”

Hunter shook his head. “I already knew, and passing a simple note doesn’t mean you deserve this. It just shows how ruthless Vassilus is—using you as a pawn. His time will come, justice will be served, and I will be there when it happens.”

Eunice’s eyes closed as she struggled to breathe through the pain. “He won’t give up on reaping the tower’s energy for his own gain. As much as he denies it, he has the backing of the death cultists. He wants the Earth core for himself. And he will use you to get it.”

Hunter took a shaky breath, his heart racing at the confirmation of his fears. “I won’t let that happen.”

Eunice’s eyes snapped open, her gaze filled with fear and remorse. “They're here. Please don’t let them take me. Can you release me? Have mercy.”

Hunter looked over his shoulder, but no one was there. She gazed past him as if seeing a spectral presence.

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “They’re watching and waiting to claim my soul. I can’t bear it.”

“Who’s they?”

"The Eumenides," she breathed out, a note of finality in her voice.

The Kindly Ones.

Hunter's blood ran cold at the mention. In Delphare, the Eumenides were known to all; feared deities of vengeance, often referred to in place of the Furies, a name many dared not utter for fear of invoking their wrath. They were the punishers of those who committed crimes against natural order, like kin-slaying or, in Eunice's case, violating the sacred oaths of hospitality.

Despair gripped Hunter's heart.

Eunice was clearly hallucinating, her mind tormented by fear and guilt. The worst part was knowing the agony she faced—endless hours of suffering before the struggle for her final breath would end. It was a horrific fate, one that Hunter wouldn't wish upon his greatest enemy.

Tears formed in Eunice’s eyes as she stared past him, unable to look away.

Anger welled up inside him.

He was angry at all the ruthless, power-hungry men who poisoned the city, angry at the gods who did nothing, but most of all, he was angry at himself for being too late, not strong enough.

Then, a profound realization struck him cold—maybe he would never be strong enough. But this thought didn’t debilitate him; instead, it ignited a newfound resolve. He wasn't alone in this fight. He had allies, the tower, and soon, a group of initiates would stand by his side.

“Leocedes, please…” Eunice whispered, using his mother's name for him. In that moment, it wasn’t just Eunice speaking; it was as if his mother's voice echoed through her, “You are stronger than you realize.”

Those words lingered as he turned back to Eunice. Her eyes held a world of sorrow, an unspoken plea for release from her torment. It was a request he understood all too well, one that tore at his very soul.

With every fiber of his being screaming against the cruel injustice, Hunter drew his knife. His hand trembled with the weight of what he was about to do, but he steadied himself. This was mercy, a final act of kindness for someone who had lost everything to darkness.

Eunice closed her eyes.

Raising the blade in a swift motion, he honored her final request.

Her mouth and eyes gaped for a brief moment, but only gratitude appeared in her gaze before her head bowed. Hunter held her above the water, his tears mingling with the dark crimson water.

Time passed, and Hunter paid his last respects by laying her body to rest out of the water. He took solace in her peaceful repose and placed a flower in her hair before draping a robe over her.

***

Hunter's return to the tower was nothing short of a frenzied dash, his steps echoing urgency. Barreling through Tower’s ghostly archway, Hunter raced past the chained trapdoor, barely rattling as he leapt over it. He stormed into the guild room, a blur of determination, near oblivious to the trail of leeches left in his wake

Tower: Welcome back, Peak Star Refiner.

Hunter tensed. “No time to explain, Tower. We could have powerful enemies coming for you and your core. Vassilus knows he can use me to get to you.”

Tower: Your aura betrays the touch of Dark plasma, yet it's not enough to hinder your cultivation. You’ve grown stronger. Your uncle will be surprised by how fast you’ve advanced.

The mention of his uncle triggered a twinge of anger, but Hunter kept it in check. "He's tied up with his own plots, but that's just a temporary blind spot. My concern is Vassilus. He's a snake, and he's slithering right towards your Earth core, using me as bait. And there's Jo... I need to get her to safety. Can she be brought here?"

Tower: I sympathize with your plight, but I'm bound by the pact you signed with Claude. Jo's entry isn’t possible unless she becomes one of the twelve other initiates.

Hunter felt a knot of frustration form in his gut. “Jo’s cultivation was stunted thanks to Sylphid's Corruption, and my uncle's interference ensured she remained without a cure. Now it’s too late. There's got to be some way to bend these archaic rules.”

Tower: The pact with Claude is binding, but do not underestimate your sister. She has Athena's boon and has proven her resilience time and again. She is not as defenseless as you fear.

Hunter scowled. “That was different, Tower. Back then, Vassilus barely knew we existed.” He rolled his shoulders, filled with determination. “I’ll reason with Claude when he returns here.”

Tower: Speaking of Claude, you have initiates to gather and defenses to bolster. Before Claude returns, there are three renovation tasks awaiting completion.

“Where is Claude? I don’t want to waste any more time knowing Jo is alone.”

Tower: He will return when you are ready to welcome the next initiate. But first, you must complete three more renovation tasks. But take heart, First Initiate, the Founder Gate is unlocked; you are one step closer.

Gathering himself, Hunter accessed the tower's list of renovation tasks, a daunting catalog of chores. "Right, Tower. Let’s get to work. Which tasks can we tackle quickly with the resources at hand?"

Tower: First, replace the metal grates. They need clearing for optimal ventilation and security.

[Improve ventilation and security. Routine Maintenance. The metal grates in the corridor have seen better days.]

[Prepare an eating area. Basic Repair. Eating food on the floor with shriveling leeches for company will be about as appealing to your fellow initiates as a kiss from a gorgon.]

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

[Dust the pillar. Routine Maintenance. The dust on this pillar is starting to develop its own civilization. Time to wipe away centuries of neglect before it sends us a delegation demanding independence. Let's not embarrass my creators, or worse, give the next batch of initiates something to sneeze at.]

Hunter nodded, reading through the three tasks Tower highlighted. He swiftly made his way to inspect the metal grates. "These are still serviceable, just clogged with this slimy gunk."

An idea sparked in his mind. Focusing his chi, he activated the Wind Fall technique. A powerful funnel of wind, enhanced by the abundant chi provided by Tower, spiraled out, clearing the vents of the gunky obstruction with swift efficiency.

Tower: Task complete. The air quality will significantly improve now. Ready for the next two tasks?

Hunter cracked his knuckles in readiness and headed towards the tutorial room. "Let's make the guild room a bit more welcoming. I'll craft the stools. Can you extend the kitchen counter using your stone manipulation skills?"

Tower: Absolutely! The counter will be ready once your stools are complete.

Hunter set to work with the focus of a master craftsman, each stool not just a seat but a symbol of resilience, etched with empowering sigils. Storing them in his ring, he returned to find the Tower's craftsmanship on full display—a robust, elegantly extended stone counter, perfectly complementing his handcrafted stools.

Hunter clapped his hands once. “Last task and no supplies needed, except for my presence.”

Tower: Your most humble presence is always welcome.

Leaving the main area of the guild room, he inhaled as he took in the thirteen marble pillars that stood before him. He smiled as he walked past his own pillar where his mother’s medallion nested within the Holly and Horse symbol.

He rubbed his forearm across the pillar. “This is more than dust, Tower.” Raising a brow, he arched his back, gathering his saliva and leaned forward, unleashing the spit that he followed up with Wind chi. “Stubborn piece of shit. I’m only doing one of these.” He scrubbed his fingers along the pillars’ raised edges, slowly revealing a hawthorn tree and a seahorse.

Leaning back, he admired how the light flickered off the symbol. “What’s the Path of Hawthorn Tree and Seahorse?”

Tower: It is only named the Path of Hawthorn and Seahorse; quite the insightful and adaptable pairing. With completion of this task, I am now ready for this initiate to arrive.

A notification appeared.

[Congratulations, Handy-man. You have completed six of thirteen milestones. Tower (information redacted) is now halfway to completing the Foundation Phase.]

Hunter smiled, patting the top of the pillar. “I feel like our bond is growing, Tower. That trap door didn’t seem to rattle as much as before when I passed by it earlier.” As much as he wanted to reclaim that space for a leech farm, he’d have to save that for a later task.

Tower: You are right. I do believe our spiritual connection has strengthened compared to when you first stepped barefoot inside my walls.

Hunter glanced at his boots. “Yeah, and now I don’t have to worry about the stray leeches trying to sink their fangs into my feet either.”

Tower: You could deal with such an infestation by choosing a pest removal task. Until then you may wish to warn the next initiate of those blood-suckers, especially if they follow in your footsteps and enter barefoot.

“Perhaps.” Hunter nodded and leaned on his own pillar, a drop of blood splashing on his mother’s medallion. He wiped it away with a linen cloth and dabbed his nose as he scanned the many notifications he’d ignored earlier, hoping something would alert him of the poison still coursing through his body.

[Warning, gathering chi in a highly-rich Dark plasma environment is ill-advised, and will taint your chi core. It will need to be purged.]

[Warning, you have tainted your chi core with Dark plasma. Needs to be purged.]

[Congratulations, breakthrough has occurred. As the First Initiate of Holly and Horse, you may now choose a primary and secondary class.]

Hunter furrowed his brows. “Primary and secondary classes? Is that similar to the knowledge scroll becoming more specific to my Holly and Horse path, instead of the Emperor’s Sun Scroll?

Tower: Yes, each of the thirteen paths will be more compatible with certain classes to optimize cultivation.

Rubbing his chin, he skimmed the proposed options for his class.

[Fighter: Skilled warriors proficient in swords, spears, shields, bows, and crossbows, some enhancing their abilities with their affinity.]

[Magistratus: Champions of ideas who uphold different tenets, serving ideals of joy, light, or conquest through their oaths.]

[Ranger: Wilderness experts and hunters who thrive in harsh environments, often taking on roles to hunt specific types of monsters.]

[Druid: Protectors of nature, embodying its wrath and beauty, with the ability to shapeshift and follow different circles representing aspects of nature.

“Not many options, about fifty-fifty if I’m choosing both a primary and secondary class.” He clucked his tongue, weighing the choices. It seemed all of them were geared towards his past experience. Though, if he were to be most resourceful as he gathered the initiates, he could choose Magistratus, a natural leader like his mother. He shook his head, dismissing the idea as images of Vassilus and Dimus appeared.

With that, he made his final selection.

[Congratulations, first initiate on the Path of Holly and Horse. You are a primary Ranger class with the dominant trait of Horse. You may now choose your specialty.]

A smile spread across his face as he glanced at the options.

[Beast Tamer: Ability to forge unbreakable bonds with creatures of the wild; your observational skills and communication with beasts will be crucial in battles and exploration.]

[Botanical Expert: Ability to enhance plant knowledge, from initial harvest to the alchemical refinement stage; your skills will unlock the secrets of the diverse flora.]

While Hunter liked the idea of aiding his progression through herb gathering and alchemy he was reluctant to choose it. Mastering those skills would mean investing considerable time in study and practice, a commitment that seemed challenging with his existing obligations.

Hunter felt more at ease with his beast taming skills. It was something he just naturally knew how to do. And, he sensed it would come in handy when he began hopping through different times and places. With a confident shrug of his shoulders and a satisfied grin, he knew he was on the right track.

“I choose Beast Tamer.” Deeply satisfied, Hunter rolled his shoulders and grinned. “I’m coming for you Night Mare.” With his chosen option, his updated stats displayed. He winced as his core prickled, the sensation sending goosebumps along his limbs. He shrugged the sensation away, hoping it had nothing to do with the Dark plasma tainting his chi core.

[Name: Leocedes “Hunter”

Age: 18

Clan: Filo

Class: Primary – Ranger. Secondary – Fighter.

Path: Holly and Horse

Element Type: Primary – Earth. Secondary – Wind.

Energy Type: Granted – Chi. Earned – Aether.

Chi Cultivation: Peak Star Refiner.

Specialization: Beast Tamer

Titles Earned: Phantom Pilferer of Death Island. Handy-man.]

[Health: 90/100

Chi: 10/10

Aether: 10/10

Stamina: 10/10

Physical: 42

Mental: 39

Weapons Mastery: 30

Armor Mastery: 5]

His eyes widened. “I have access to aether now!” He inhaled, scanning his body, the prickling sensation lingered, but seemed to have lightened.

Hunter opened his inventory and retrieved the one item he’d initially hoped to use on himself. Staring at the saber tooth pendant, now withheld a dim glow. His shoulders slumped as the wave of guilt crushed his heart, the flood of sadness threatening to submerge him.

He dropped to his knees. “If only I had read my notifications sooner, I might have had a chance to save Eunice, spare her life.” He dropped his head, his eyes closing. “She deserved better.”

Tower: I am sorry you lost a friend. Losing someone you cared about can leave its mark on you.

As much as he enjoyed Tower’s sympathy, he still didn’t think Tower truly understood, at least not in the way humans experienced loss—even with his creators gone.

Hunter opened his eyes. “I don’t want to wait any longer with Jo at risk.”

“She really pulled a MacGyver.” The smooth voice echoed from behind and Hunter turned to find Claude standing nonchalant in his silk robes with staff in hand.

Hunter stood. “MacGyver?”

“Future cultural reference.” Claude dismissed the question with a wave of his hand. “The main point is that you can see I abide by my pacts…even the amendments. It seemed Athena granted your sister her boon, and it paid off nicely.”

“So it was the amendment I made that helped save her life?”

“A good negotiation on your part.” Claude dipped his staff toward Hunter’s closed fist. “I see you claimed your Divine gift too. Have you found it useful?”

Hunter glanced down, the tip of the saber tooth indenting the skin nearing puncture. “I should have used it sooner…” He sighed. “For someone else.”

“Ah yes, regretting one’s choices is part of the human condition, perhaps in time you will rise above that. Even with the benefit of hindsight, bending fate to your will is like trying to reroute a river with a spoon.” Claude tilted his head. “For you, it doesn’t seem too late.”

“Are you saying, she would have died no matter what I did?” Hunter never liked the thought that no matter how strong he became he would remain at the mercy of Fate.

Claude looked at the pendant and remained silent.

If I can defy a broken system I can challenge fate and win.

Hunter looked up at Claude and back at the pendant, squeezing his fist, the skin popped under the pressure, the cooling sting enhanced the prickling sensation of aether surging through his limbs and into his core. He released his hold, the tip of the saber tooth pendant coated in his blood absorbed, fading to white.

[Liquid purification of blood complete.]

He sighed. It really was that simple. He returned the pendant to his inventory.

“Great, now you’re really using all your resources, intelligence and opportunity. Let’s see how you put those skills to work when you meet the next initiate.” Claude extended his hand, a folded parchment appearing. “Your first travel engagement is noted at the top, following your own initiate timeline, of course.”

Grabbing the parchment, Hunter unfolded it and scanned the graph that spanned centuries. Several initiates lived in the far reaches of the future, while a handful existed before his time.

Hunter’s pulse raced as the thrill of adventure rushed through him. He’d never expected his travels to lead him that far beyond his own era. He glimpsed the names next to each era date. “Mike, India, Juliett, Charlie.” His pulse raced faster. Who were they? What were they like? How would he find them and how different was the world where they lived. His eyes widened at the name next to his own era. “Alfa!”

“Yes, you see, it’s even displayed on your status now that I can fully trust your potential.”

Hunter glanced at his status.

[Name: Alfa Leocedes “Hunter” Filo]

“I’m not using that name!”

“I’m quite disappointed you don’t like it. Granted by me, Claudeonaros Divine Executive Tour Specialist, it’s a name of Divine Origin.” Claude glanced at his staff, the orb taking on a slow white glow. “Ah, right, look at the energy pulse.”

Hunter raised a brow, uncertain what that had to do with his given name. “Even if it is Divine Origin, I’m not using Alfa.”

“Hmmm…” Claude watched the orb’s light begin to pulsate. “We shouldn’t delay any longer. Let’s get you to your destination, a paradise in its own right.” He flashed Hunter a grin.

“One moment.” Hunter pulled up his inventory, scanning his supplies to make sure he was prepared for his journey. “Shit.” His eyes landed on the blinking orange items. “I still haven’t opened the final rewards chest and Divine gift.”

“It’s really not that important right now. It’s not like you’ll—”

“No, I don’t want something else to slip away if I could use it.” Hunter waved his hand at Claude, cutting him off as he set the wooden chest down in front of him. He’d save the best for last. Glancing back at the other two items, he inspected them.

[Fire Stone. Uncommon Tier. Pulsating with the essence of pure fire, this stone is useful for rapid heating and manipulation of small flames.]

[Resilient Rabbit’s Pelt. Uncommon Tier. When worn, this fur-lined pelt offers moderate protection against physical attacks and harsh environmental conditions, without compromising agility.]

Glancing at his leather bracers, their scuff marks a reminder how important armor would still be needed as a Refiner stage cultivator until he could forge chi-armored skin like Lyra.

He rubbed his chin, looking at the compact stone. Small in size, he could easily stow it in his storage ring. It would have been useful against his encounter with the Black Temple slime,...or the item could allow him to create a flaming distraction if needed. Donning the pelt, he grasped the Fire Stone and skidded it across the floor, disappearing with a streak of smoky haze.

Shifting his gaze toward the wooden chest, he unlatched the lock without hesitation. He opened the wooden chest, his eyes widening with awe. An imperial spear shined as he lifted the weapon, the weight of its metal shaft comfortable in his hands. “Identify.”

[Imperial Spear. Rare tier weapon. A Divine gift from the gods, made from mithril, beaten like copper, and polished like glass—light yet durable.]

Hunter beamed, finally he had a Rare tier ranged weapon. He held it aloft admiring is sleek design. “Now that’s what I call a spear that instills fear in ones enemies. I can’t wait to see it in action. It would have been mighty useful in the Black Temple.”

“Probably so, yet you managed with your trusty knife-broom and your wits.” The side of Claude’s face highlighted by orb’s brilliant glow, pulsating at a pace quicker than a heartbeat in the city of Delphare “Now enough fawning over that spear. You really must go.”

Reluctant to let it out of his sight, Hunter spun it around before placing the Imperial Spear in his storage ring. He took one last look at it in his inventory and gave Claude a firm nod. “Okay, I’m ready. Send me to the next initiate.”

“That’s the spirit but I should warn you…” His voice became more distant as the white light enveloped the chamber. “It might be a bit of a rocky landing…”