It was an auspicious day. The suns were at their highest and the clouds had parted. The sunlight was so bright and calming. That was the day, Xiv was born.

Born into the Aenios family, he was given adoration, care, wealth and power. His mother was the heir of a powerful mage clan that had defended the kingdom for many years, while his father was the son of a famous general and the owner of many marketplaces and businesses.

As he grew up, his parents noticed something strange about him compared to the other children.

He was quiet and antisocial. When invited to play, he would decline, he'd much rather read a book instead. He had spent a lot of time in the library which had grown dusty after the many years it wasn't used. His parents were worried he was spending too much time alone, so they proposed an offer to the neighboring noble family, Rose.

The Rose family was a much older family who had been around since the time the kingdom was born. Because of this, they had much more wealth and land. Xiv's parents knew that the Rose family had a daughter around Aenios's age and they decided to unite the families through their marriage.

Because of this, the families became closer and would often visit each other, letting the Rose's daughter, Helia play with Xiv. Xiv hated the new company while Helia absolutely loved it. Helia was attached to Xiv and would follow him around whenever she went to their house. They basically grew up together.

Fortunately for Xiv, it wasn't everyday Helia came over to play. When he was alone, he could relax again. His parents, recognizing his love for books, hired a tutor. Something Xiv responded positively to. The tutor, a man named Rale, was also happy to find a noble child who was actually willing to learn.

The years flew by and it wasn't long before Xiv inherited his mother's natural talent for magic. At only the age of ten he was able to control his element, Light. Light being regarded as one of the most powerful and most respected elements you could have. Xiv's family was ecstatic at the news. Xiv's reaction?

"Oh."

Rale added a new curriculum to Xiv's agenda. Magic. Xiv was a natural. He quickly learned the basics in an instant and continued on the more intermediate course with ease at the age of twelve. His counterpart, Helia, was still struggling to fully harness her own powers at twelve, but that was still considered an amazing feat.

It was like this that the years flew by once more. Rale barely had anything left to teach. It wasn't long before the Aenios family had received a letter. A letter from the new royal academy of magic. An invitation letter.

The old academy had been established since the creation of the kingdom but was destroyed in the plethora wars. Construction started to rebuild it right away, but it wasn't until sixty years later until they finally finished it.

Xiv's parents were speechless. He had multiple acomplishments under his belt already, but this one was probably his greatest. The royal academy only accepted the students with the potential to become archmages. After all, all the teachers were archmages. Xiv's mother was especially excited.

They accepted the invitation without Xiv's consent. The school year would start in three months, until then, they would have time to prepare.

They informed Xiv about the letter during one of Helia's visits. Xiv's reaction?

---

Xiv: "Ok."

Father: "Ok? Only ok? Do you know how amazing this opportunity is for you?"

Father was looking angry. It seems that he expected another response from me.

Mother: "Now, now. This was always how Xiv has been."

Mother was looking calm. Father looked at her surprised.

Father: "You're the one who was the most excited! After all, yo-"

Mother cut him off there.

Mother: "Let's go now. We need to let them absorb that information."

They left, silently talking to each other. I couldn't hear them from here. Thank goodness. Now to return to-

Helia: "YOU'RE GOING TO THE ROYAL ACADEMY?!"

Ah, them. I forgot SHE was here.

Helia started to pace around the room, obviously upset and deep in thought.

Helia: "That's not fair! I want to go with you!"

It was then I realized the benefits of going to the school. The school provides dormitories as it resides in the middle of the kingdom. I would be able to gather some very, very important alone time.

Xiv: "You'll need an invitation to get in and I don't think my parents will give you mine."

Helia looked at me and started pouting. I hate her sometimes. She's the biggest obstacle in my plans.

Helia: "That's right... an invitation! Is Rale here?"

When she asked that question, I looked up at her.

Xiv: "Probably somewhere in the library."

She squealed and ran off.

Xiv: "Sigh..."

I thought she'd never leave.

I closed my book and got up. It's time.

I heard rumors form the servants that a rather large bandit gang had established a foothold here in my lands. That was unforgiveable.

I walked around the castle. Various pots filled with exotic flora lined the halls. Paintings of beautiful landscapes and my ancestors right above them. Maids dusted the furniture and watered the plants every day. This was routine. I continued down the hallways, out of the door, beside the perimeter, passing the training grounds and entering the garrison.

As I entered, all the men in the garrison lined up, scrambling out of their beds.

Xiv: "I need five or seven guards to come with me. I'm going to investigate the rumors of bandits in the area. I can't promise you won't die. Of course, you will be paid, and if not you, your families."

The guards remained silent before all of them took a step forward.

This just makes picking a party harder.

Guard: "Sir, I think we all have to agree, that we'd all like to go. Extra pay or not. We can't leave the young master without adequate protection."

Xiv: "I said I needed only five or seven and even that's generous. With all of you, it'll look like were going slay a beast. The thieves will easily notice us and remain in hiding."

They remained silent.

Xiv: "I have my magic. If something goes wrong, I can easily escape. It's not my life you should be worried about. Its yours. You do know what bandits do to their prisoners right?"

Slowly, the guards started to back off one by one until only five were left. Perfect.

Xiv: "Come along then. Don't regret this decision."

Luce: "I won't."

The smallest of the guards bounced beside me. Luce, my annoying personal guard. He's quick witted and has a sharp tongue.

I groaned.

Luce: "Aw, did you miss me?"

Xiv: "We'll head into town, walking. Leave your armor, find some commoners clothes and wear them. We leave soon. I'll be waiting outside."

I leave the garrison and Luce behind. I requested another guard many times, my parents never gave into my demands.

I guess this operation would be the best place to get rid of him.

I go to the servants’ quarters. The steward inside handed me some dirt ridden clothes form the village. I've been planning this for some time now, and it must be done in secrecy. My parents would never let me do this, and this operation is determential to my plans.

I walked back to my room, taking the longer route that avoids my father's study. I wore the despicable clothes and ran back to the servants’ quarters.

These clothes... are strangely loose.

Using the service door, I exited the castle and walked to the front. Luce and the other guards were already there waiting for me.

Luce: "Took you long enough. We've been waiting here for some time now. Some of the servants stated to toss us coins." He started snickering.

I ignore him and walk down the road, they start following me.

Xiv: "We split up into teams of two. Luce is with me, the rest of you form up."

Luce: "You do like me! When's the wedding?"

I glare at him, anger apparent in my eyes. "Another word and I'll send you to Helios personally."

He put his hands up and chuckled nervously, but he didn't say anything else.

Xiv: "Good."

I turn around and continue to the village.

Xiv: "Look around the town and ask around about the bandits. Be inconspicuous and careful with your words. If the bandits catch wind that someone’s looking for them... they won't be too happy."

Xiv: "Return to the entrance of the village when you get some important information. Return immediately if you see someone with a snake coiled around a dagger tattoo. That's the symbol the bandit's carry."

The guards saluted. "Sir!'

Right before entering the village, we split up into our teams.

Me and Luce entered through the main gate. The other two teams from the side.

Luce: "Well, where do we start?"

The village was quite big but in poor condition. They still haven't recovered from the various civil wars. The houses were either dirty or broken, the roads all earth and the marketplace was in poor condition. The people needed water, but the nearest source was deep in the forest where plenty of beasts roamed.

Although, there was always one shop that was booming with business.

Xiv: "We'll go to the bar."

Luce laughed. "I think we’re a little young to be drinking."

Xiv: "I'm asking questions. You'll be doing the drinking."

Luce winced. “Oh boy..."

I put on my cowl.

We headed to the bar. It was a rather big building compared to the rest of them and had some level of sanitation. We entered through the front doors. No one seemed to mind or notice us enter. They were too busy drinking their sorrows away.

We walked to a table in the corner that seemed to be unclaimed. Strange.

I started to scan the area for anyone who might look like a bandit. Unfortunately, everyone here looked like a they lived in filth.

Luce: "Hey boss..."

Xiv: "What?"

Luce pointed to the entrance. There, some extra burly looking men walked in and the bar went silent.

One of them walked up. "Ok bartender. We'll need your best pints and ale. Make it on the house. We're working so hard to keep these monsters out of the village."

The bartender solemnly nodded and went into the back.

The men walked into the center of the bar, harassing the customers on their way.

It was then I noticed the snake and dagger tattoo, sitting on the bandit’s hand in plain view.

Luce: "Xiv..."

Xiv: "I see it too. I don't know why they're just showing it off, but it makes our job easier. We'll just watch for a while."

The bandits laughed and chuckled throughout their stay. When the waitress brought the drinks did things start to go sour.

Bandit 1: "Oh, so they do have women in this fine establishment."

The other men started to chuckle.

The waitress tried to leave but the men surrounded her. The rest of the bargoers simply watched.

Bandit 1: "Stay a while. These drinks would be much better with some fine company." He outstretched his hand, about to grab her when...

Stranger: "Stop! Leave her alone!"

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

The bandits turned around. A young man carrying a rather oversized sword approached them.

 Bandit 1: "And who‘ere you? You her boyfriend?"

He drew his sword and didn't say a word. Both the bandits and I noticed. His arms were shaking.

They left the girl alone and surrounded him.

Bandit 1: "You must be real strong, being able to hold that massive sword and all."

The other bandits chuckled. Why don't they say anything?

Young Man: "Just leave us alone!”

Bandit 1: "Tough words. Can you back them up?”

The bandits pulled out daggers and other weapons from various locations on their body. I guess even buff men weild daggers.

Luce: "Xiv..."

Xiv: "Don't interfere. This is getting interesting."

The bandits 'escorted' him outside the establishment. We continued watching from the windows.

People saw the weapons and the obvious fight that was going to break out but ignored it. A stream of people emerged on either side of the combatants.

Bandit 1: "You ready for this kid? Its such a good day! I'd hate to ruin it with some blood."

Luce: "Xiv!"

Xiv: "I know."

I raise my hand and point it at the boy. Palm outstretched a gentle golden light emerges, unbeknownst to anyone but me and Luce.

Suddenly from outside, the young man started to emit a golden light. His radiance blinded the bandits.

Bandit 1: "Wha-"

Taking the opportunity, the young man swung his sword hitting the bandit with its broad side. The bandit went flying and was immediately knocked out.

Now, a crowd was gathering. Not only because someone was actually beating the bandits back, but because of the golden light that surrounded him.

The second bandit tried to avenge his friend, running straight at him with his dagger, but the dagger simply bounced off.

The other bandits started to run after seeing this but were quickly disposed of by the Young Man. One by one he knocked them unconscious.

When the last one fell, the whole village cheered.

The young man panting and exhausted reentered the bar and the waitress from before carried him off to the back. He received cheers all the way there.

Luce turned to me. "Are you okay?"

I chuckled. "I didn't do anything. I just stimulated some of his inner strength, that's all."

Luce: "So that power? The shield?"

Xiv: "Inconsequential."

Luce laughed.

Luce: "You try and act heartless but you really do care, don't you?"

Oh, Luce... you couldn't be farther from the truth.

I stood up and started to leave the bar. Luce followed me. We stood on the outside and watched as the constable and his assistants dragged the unconscious bandits away.

Xiv: "I think its time to visit the station."

We followed them back to the jail.

---

Inside a dark, damp, smelly cave somewhere.

A rather small man in leather armor ran inside the cave. He ran past wooden construct towers and shacks built into and around the walls of the cave. The place looked like a little bandit town. He opened a door at the end of the chamber, leading to a man-made stone room with various piles of gold and treasures lying around. At the end of this room was a man sitting on a makeshift throne.

He had an eyepatch over one eye. Dirty black hair and red eyes. A dagger sat by his left side and a consort by his right.

Bandit Scout: "Boss! Someone form the village took out one of our squads, alone!"

The man was still playing around with the girl.

Bandit Scout: "He was glowing light Boss! I think it was some kind of magic!"

It was then the Bandit stopped and looked at the scout.

Bandit Leader: "Really now? I didn't think that little town was good for anything but pillaging. To think they still had hidden talent like that."

Bandit Scout: "What do we do? If that guy really was a mage, he'll be big trouble in the future. I mean, it looked like his first time using magic. I don't even think he knew he was using it."

The eyepatch man scratched his chin.

Bandit Leader: "Well, might as well give him a little scare. We can't let him run around after all. Would decrease morale. Besides, were here for something better than robbing a town."

Bandit Scout: "And what about the guys in jail Boss?"

Without hesitation, the eyepatch man said - "Kill them."

The scout grinned. "Got it boss!"

The scout ran back into the cave.

Consort: "You're not one for loyalty, are you?"

Bandit Leader: "Here's the thing about us bandits. We'll fight as long as it’s good for us. We'll backstab anyone. They'll just squeal as soon as the constable gives them a little proding. But enough of that. Come back here, I'm not done with you yet."

---

Back at the village.

Xiv and Luce had met up with the other guards and they went together into the jail.

There a lone man sat at a desk completing paper work.

Xiv: "Constable?"

The man looked up. He had grey hair and a scruffy beard.

Constable: "That'd be me."

Xiv: "We need to talk to your new prisoners. It's a matter of upmost importance."

The constable looked at me confused.

Xiv: "These are disguses constable, now where are the prisoners?"

Constable: "Who are you again?"

I lifted my cowl, revealing my platinum hair and my golden eyes. The constable immidietaly stood up.

Constable: "Aenios... sorry sir. I was just making sure."

I sighed. "It's fine, just lead us to the prisoners. It won't be long before someone comes around to kill them so get some guards ready."

The constable, still confused tossed me the keys and ran off. I can assume he went to get some guards.

I handed Luce the keys and we entered the Jail.

It was a dark and dirty place. Not even street urchins would want to live in here.

We walked to the very back where the bandits were being kept.

I illuminated the place with my magic.

Bandit 1: "That light... I knew that kid couldn't have beat us alone."

Xiv: "Yes, but I can. I need information. Information I'm willing to trade for your safety."

Bandit 1: "Sure. I don't really care about those scumbags. They'd doublecross me the second they got the chance."

Excellent.

Xiv: "Firstly, where's your hideout. I heard you established a foothold somewhere around here."

Bandit 1: "Boss picked this shitty cave to live in. It sits on the mountian side somewhere in the forest."

Xiv: "The forest? You better not be lying to me..."

The light in my hands grew brighter.

Bandit 1: "I'm not, I'm not! Really. The boss had us dig a tunnel on the outskirts of the forest right beside the mountian. It leads straight to the cave. That way we don't have to deal with the monsters!"

Strange. How did the boss know about the cave? I'll press further on that later.

Xiv: "Fine. Second question. What are you bandits doing here. Other than harassing the town?"

Bandit 1: "We don't know. All we know is that the boss and the bosses back at home base have something big being planned. We're here to make sure nothing goes wrong."

Troubling news.

Xiv: "Last question do you kn-"

I was cut off by the sound of the front door being kicked in.

Bandit Assasin: "Hey guys! I'm back! Remember how you said I couldn't join you? Well now I don't need to!"

I whisper to my guards. "Hide in the open jail cells. Attack him when I say so."

I close my lights and hide in the jail cells with a random guard. I put my hood up. It's a good thing we're wearing these disguises.

The bandit assasin opened the jail cell door and entered the jail.

Bandit Assasin: "We could of had so much fun together." A torch illuminated the room revealing a man with a somewhat short stature. He had a dagger in one hand that dripped with a green liquid. Poison.

Bandit 1: "Nah, you're way too scrawny. All the ladies would simply laugh at us."

Bandit Assasin: "Why you little-"

Xiv: "Now!"

The guards burst from the jail cells and restrained the assain, bringing him to the ground and removing the dagger from his hands.

Bandit Assasin: "What the?"

I get up and walk in front of him.

Bandit Assasin: "What's this? A little kid? Go home boy."

I kick his face. Knocking out a tooth and causing his nose to bleed.

Bandit Assasin: "GUH"

Xiv: "You're not in a position to talk. Check him for more weapons. When you're done that, toss him in with his friends. I think they have a few words to say."

The bandits grinned. "Man, if only you were our boss."

That may be a possibility in the future...

I left two guards to deal with the assasin. They're proffesional. They can deal with that measly bandit.

For now, we need to get into that hideout. I've got a meeting with a certain somebody.

I walked back outside the station only to find half the village in flames.

Luce: "What happened here?"

Xiv: "Great." I point at the three other guards. "You three. Help defend the village. Me and Luce will go to the bandit hideout. We'll be fine. Worry about the village."

Without complaints, they run off. We head towards the forest border.

Luce: "Xiv I don't think this mission is safe. It's not like that bismuth bear. That was a single enemy. This is an organization. Didn't you say this mission was solely reconasiance?"

Xiv: "Doesn't matter Luce. Can you just follow orders?" I grew annoyed. Luce noticed and stopped talking.

We quickly made our way to the forest-mountian border.

Luce and I start searching for the entrance. It was then I noticed that mark placed the trunk of a tree. I approached it. The tree was surrounded by thick foliage.

What a extremely ineffective way of hiding something.

Luce walke beside me.

Xiv: "Clear it."

He started tossing around the leaves before the tunnel mentioned by the Bandit was exposed.

Xiv: "I'm going to bend the light around us. No one should know we're here unless we make a sound. You ready?"

Luce: "I guess."

Light radiated from my hands until I couldn't see my hands anymore. Then, we made our descent.

---

It was dark and musty but the trip wasn't long. Soon we could see the exit.

We climbed out of the tunnel and back out in the forest. It was suffocating in there. Especially with Luce.

Directly in front of us lay the cave. It's mouth wide and agape. Someone had made the entrance wider. But for what?

We walked in. I knew Luce was beside me because I could see the footprints he made in the dirt. Oh, so sutble hints to remind each other that the other was there.

We walked into the cave and were greeted by two tall wooden towers. I was amazed at the contruction work and how quickly they built these defenses. It couldn't have been more than a few days, right?

Thankfully there was no wall. Only bandits in and beside the towers. They all held some type of ranged weapon. It seems they are well prepared to defend this place.

What was past the towers was what truly shocked me.

A bandit town. Houses were built in and around the walls of the cave with extreme efficieny of space. No mere bandits could be able to this alone. They had someone helping them.

But that wasn't my priority right now. I could figure out the secrets behind this place later.

At the end of the cavern, I could see our obvious target. A door with a sign hanging on it that read 'Boss'.

I whisper. "Luce."

I felt a tapping on my shoulder. He was there.

Bandits walked around us in all directions carrying supplies and weapons. They really were preparing for something, and someone powerful was backing them.

We walked to the end of the cavern and waited beside the door. We waited for a long time before someone finally opened the door. We followed them in before they could close the door.

Inside the room lay piles of treasure and gold. That can't be right. Where did they get all this loot from? The village doesn't have anything like that!

Bandit Scout: "Boss! The men we sent to scare the village were defeated. The assasin hasn't come back either."

I looked at the very end of the room. There, sitting on a makeshift throne was a man wearing an eyepatch and what seemed to be imperial armor coloured black and brown. By his side was what was an obvious consort. His hand wrapped around her waist and her thigh over his leg.

The 'boss' chuckled.

Bandit Leader: "Seems like someone's helping out the village don't you think?"

Bandit Scout: "What do yo-"

Bandit Leader: "Leave." He looked towards the consort. "You too sweetie."

She slowly got of his legs. As she walked past he slapped her ass seductively. Ugh, what a vulgar display.

They exited and the door shut behind us.

Bandit Leader: "Now then." He got of his throne and walked over to the door, locking it."

Bandit Leader: "Mind introducing yourself?"

I sighed. The light once again hit my face, revealing me and Luce to the outside world.

Bandit Leader: "My nose is pretty sharp y'know."

Xiv: "I'm sure."

Bandit Leader: "Mind telling me why you're here?"

Xiv: "Luce?"

Luce: "Yup?"

Luce drew his sword.

Xiv: "Tell him why we're here."

Luce: "With pleasure."

He leaped at the bandit leader.

The bandit leader drew two daggers from his belt. He quickly raised his hands, right in time to intercept Luce's attack.

Luce bounced backwards and took another stance.

Bandit Leader: "And they call us bandits underhanded."

Xiv: "Underhanded? No. You mean first to attack."

I outstretched my hand and a golden light envoloped Luce.

The bandit leade flinched when he saw this.

Luce dashed forward again, sword pointed directly at the bandit leader.

The bandit leader tumbled to the side to avoid the attack, but with some inhuman reaction, Luce swung the sword that way as well, slashing the Bandit Leaders arm.

Bandit Leader: "ARGH... hehe. Seems like you've both got some tricks up your sleeves."

The bandit leader looked straight at me and tossed his daggers. Luce intercepted. The light around him deflecting the daggers.

Bandit Leader: "I get it now. You're the one who's been messing up our plans, aren't you?"

Xiv: "Perhaps. But that shouldn't be your concern right now."

Luce walks up to the Bandit Leader with full confidence. The Bandit Leader draws his sword. The blade was made out of a blood-red crystal.

That's not good.

Xiv: "Luce. Be careful. That thing absorbs magic and makes him stronger."

Luce nodded and stopped approaching the Bandit Leader.

Bandit Leader: "You're well-versed. I think it may be even beneficial to keep you alive."

I laughed. "That is, if you can even beat us."

The bandit leader took the initiative this time and dashed at Luce, catching him off guard and knocking his sword out of his hands. He then knocked him out and tossed his unconscious body into a pile of gold. Ouch.

Bandit Leader: "But I can. I've been able to this entire time!"

Finally.

Xiv: "Finally..."

Bandit Leader: "Excuse me?"

Xiv: "You lose, friend."

I raise my hands towards the ceiling.

Xiv: "Come guardian of light, heed my call and smite the evil before me!"

A bright light enveloped the room and from the light emerged a 7ft tall woman. Wings spouted from her back and a sword clasped in her hand. Her eyes blindfolded and her mere presence a sign of light. Stragely though, she had a thick, white scarf wrapped around her neck.

The bandit leader stood baffled. "Is that... a fucking angel?"

She pointed her sword at the bandit leader and blast of pure white energy covered him. He screamed in agony. Even his sword shattered. That amount of magical energy was enough to destroy anything.

When the ray of light ceased. What was left was a barely alive, pitiful bandit.

I walked up to him, healing him.

Bandit Leader: "What... are you.... doing?"

Xiv: "Healing you."

Bandit Leader: "...Why..."

I smiled. No. I grinned. A grin that stretched across my entire face. The bandit leader's eyes went wide.

Xiv: "Hehehe.... HAHAHAHAH"

The bandit leader started to crawl away but I dragged him back.

Xiv: "Justice... again."

Justice once again raised her sword at the bandit leader.

Bandit Leader: "Wai-"

Once again he was covered in holy light. His screams even louder than the first time.

I walked up to him and placed my hand around his neck.

A blinding light, brighter than ever before emerged from my hands. His eyes rolled up into his head.

A high-pitch screeching noise could be heard until I finally removed my hand. What remained was a glowing list of runes wrapped around his neck.

I healed him once again, making him conscious again.

Bandit Leader: "wWhHyy...."

I started to laugh but I stifled it. That was enough for today. "It's difficult being a goody-two shoes all the time. Sometimes I need to blow off a little steam. I just decided to use you today. Shame I can't kill you. I need you for my plans."

He looked at me. I bent back down and started to heal him.

Bandit Leader: "No... more... please...."

He started to crawl away again.

Xiv: "STOP MOVING YOU INSUFFERABLE RAT."

The runes around his neck started to glow and he stopped moving.

Bandit Leader: "Wha-"

Xiv: "Surprised? I'll give it to you in short form. You're mine now. The light around your neck? It's proof your mine. A collar... FOR A DLITHY DOG."

I kick him brutally, denting his armor. He coughs up blood. It's probably going to bruise.

Xiv: "I assume this gold is all yours?"

He slowly nodded.

Xiv: "Well its mine now."

He looked like he wanted to say something but he couldn't

I bent back down and started healing him. His wounds started to close and he looked better... except his mental state is probably in shambles. I'll deal with him later. For now, I need to earn the loyalty of his men and I know just how.

I turn him invisible.

Xiv: "Stay still. Oh, and, never attack me, unless I say so."

I'm sure he nodded.

Next, I drew a circle around him in the dirt. I'll use this for later.

I turned my angel and nodded. She disappeared into a flurry of light. I think she would spook my new friends if I kept her around. Besides. I didn’t need her to defend myself. Not here at least.

Finally, I opened the doors. The consort, the scout and several other bandits were sitting outside.

Bandit Scout: "Who the fuck are you?"

Xiv: "You're all men. Just like your boss." I start to talk.

Bandit Scout: "Hey punk, I said who the fu-"

I kicked his face inward. I've gotta say, my kicks really are brutal. It also grabbed the bandit's attention.

Xiv: "You all work just as hard as him, but he reaps the rewards, doesn't he?"

I hear a few murmurs from the crowd.

Xiv: "From this day forth, I'm your new boss and I'm much kinder than your old one. As an act of gratitude, I'll permit you to enter the room behind me and take as much treasure as you want."

The bandits’ eyes widened and they jumped up excitedly.

Xiv: "HOWEVER." They stopped moving. "There is a circle in that room. It has no treasure in it. In fact, its empty. Don't walk inside, and we'll be just fine. Got it?"

Some of the bandits muttered.

Bandit: "Who's stopping us from killing you and taking the gold? Why should we call some random kid our boss?"

Bandit: "What happened to our old boss? Sure, he was hoarded all the gold but at least he wasn't some snot-nosed brat!"

I sighed.

Xiv: "Let's discuss this after you collect the gold. Things may get... messy."

One of the bandits stood up.

Cocky Bandit: "You know, I've had enough of you. You come out of nowhere and start bossing us around. I might as we-"

I outstretch my hand. Golden chains emerge from thin air and wrap around his neck and slowly bring him towards me.

Xiv: "I had fun with your 'boss' but I didn't get to kill him. I'll just kill you instead."

His eyes started to widen as the chains closed around his throat. The other bandits couldn't do anything but watch.

Xiv: "Bye-bye!"

I moved his body right above the other bandits right before his head exploded from the pressure, raining blood all over his comrades. His head landed in front of them and me.

The chains disappeared and I dropped the body. It landed on the consort who started screaming in absolute terror.

The other bandits simply looked at me.

Xiv: "Anyone else?" A grin emerged on my face.

No one responded.

Xiv: "I was feeling generous before, but now I don't really feel like giving you that gold. You soured my mood."

The bandits still didn't speak a single word.

I started to smile, then I started to laugh. I started to laugh uncontrollably.

It was for a few good minutes before I finally stopped. The bandits still watching me with fear in their eyes.

I look at them. "You can move you know?"

They shake themselves out of it and I decided to ask them one more question.

Xiv Aenios: “So, who am I?”

END OF CHAPTER 1