Sorry guys because of some problems I don't have time to post this chapter and I don't have time to make tables and edit because I'm in haste. I'll edit this tomorrow. Thanks and enjoy reading!
“Now let’s get over with this, I’m quite busy you know and I don’t want to be late.” His stance in the parlance of Japanese swordsmanship, this would be called the hassou-no-kamae one of the five basic stances in kendo. But since Neo's original posture was a flexible and natural stance, he really seemed like he was sticking to his claim of not intending to fight seriously.
Only because of that he was making this sort of attacking stance, intending to enjoy the game.
That said this was still a dangerous game of death where one false move could lead to one's demise but Neo was smiling.
Rather, this was a smile of delight with a hint of malevolence, coming from a man who enjoyed risking his life in battle. The frivolous and handsome face instantly transformed into that of a dauntless warrior.
Neo and the thieves were separated by a mere distance of five meters.
All the thieves needed to do were pounce while swinging their weapons and the distance would instantly shrink to zero.
After he said that the thieves readied their stances as the tension becomes high. Though if any normal person notices that the young man stance was just like normal but in the eyes of the thieves it’s a perfect stance that doesn’t have an opening and can counter any attacks.
The thieves were using different kind of weapons a variety of long swords, short swords and dagger. Though they gained a small amount of mana and stamina but it wasn’t enough as they need to finish it fast because if they drag it long they will be in trouble even they outnumbered him. They consider him as dangerous as they give their all to their attacks.
Fagin and Tom will use cloaking ability to conceal their presence while Keyser and Jase will use dash skill on both sides of Neo.
As they readied their plan they nodded to each other, Fagin and Tom disappear suddenly, Keyser and Jase use dash skill to speed up as they swung their sword.
However, they suddenly trembled, for the air around them felt rather heavy.
This was due to Neo's gaze. Without glaring at them or making threats, he was simply gazing cheerfully. One could even call it a gentle and quiet.
But the thieves were certain their intentions had been seen through.
Every single motion of theirbody down below. The violent pounding in their heart resulting from the dangerous battle and their breathing.
All were seen through completely. Heard. Observed. A complete grasp.
Neo’s eyes were capable of seeing through the speed of falling droplets of water. Plus his past experience in battle that he can predict what will be his opponents will do.
“Yaaaaah!” Keyser ignored his trembling body and uses his mouth to hide his shaking as he rushed to Neo using his long sword. “Shadow Blade” dark aura surrounds his long sword.
“For the Shadow Fangs Guild!” Seeing Keyser rushed like that Jase also follows with his own cry. “Shadow Dual Slash” using two short blades with dark glow to slash Neo.
Neo was still standing on his place not moving and waiting for his opponents to attack. He knows that he don’t have high attack power that’s why he waited for them to attack him. He is smiling from the joy as if a boy was waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve for his gift has finally arrived. He wants to laugh and celebrate but it’s not the time as he focuses his concentration on battle entering the mind of nothingness by letting the sword and the body move naturally.
Move like water, defend like water and attack like water.
Critical hit!
Critical hit!
After a few moments Keyser and Jase was lying on the floor. Both of them were holding their shoulders and stomach. They were hit at their injured part of their body and vital area. Neo hit them using the force of his opponents, but he was still standing and readying the posture for the next coming attack.
*Swwk* “Venom Knife Throw” Tom throw his venom knife on Neo in the distance.
“Back Stab” Fagin appearing at the back of his opponent using his short blade to stab.
Neo dodge the knife to the left and block the incoming attack from his back. The short sword just brushed the wooden sword letting the opponent slashed using its force he counter attack. He attacked repeatedly and swiftly like he did to the other two earlier because he doesn’t have enough strength so he uses quantity on their vital and injured area.
The counter-attack rendering them unable to stand from their pain, he uses the strength and weight of his opponents plus his attacks to render them immobile.
Critical hit!
*Swwk*“Venom Knife Throw”
He dodged the knife and dashed to the direction that the knife was thrown. As he dashed forward the opponent continues to throw the knife and as he reached the area where the opponent was.
“Shadow Blade Swipe” Tom use his dagger to swipe his opponent as he use his skill when in close combat.
He dodge the dagger and he slashed six times diagonally forming an X in front of his face and body and then he slashed horizontally targeting the neck of his opponent, using his knee to the stomach and the hilt of the wooden sword to the back of the neck and another elbow in the back.
Critical hit!
Critical hit!
He noticed that his opponents is bleeding like water from where the bandage is and dyeing the floor red.
The four thieves still continue to stand-up as they push their injured body.
‘Look at them they were all injured and still want to fight. Wew! It looks like I bully them’ Neo said to himself as he readied his stance. He totally forgets the face he showed to his opponents as they fight, like a predator as he finds his prey.
He also knows that if the thieves are in good condition the outcome will be different but it wasn’t the right time to resent his actions towards the thieves as he knows that they were all have pride as a warriors and men. Neither of them doesn’t want to hold back on their opponents recognizing their strengths and have their own beliefs that want to protect.
His opponents overcome their fear or just tired from being fear still continued to attack Neo despite their injuries.
They dashed at him ignoring their injured body. Using skills which consume their life because their remaining mana earlier that regenerates after a few minutes of resting run out already.
Though Neo knows it was futile but still he gives his all to counter-attack at his opponents.
After several minutes a different messages pops-up in front of him.
“Ping”
Fame has risen by 28 points
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
New Stat: Will
Will
The power you have to decide on something and take action. The ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve something. Expressing desire, consent, or willingness. Expressing facts about ability or capacity. Whenever or in whatever way you like.
You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action.
New Stat: Fighting Spirit
Fighting Spirit
You can call on superhuman strength temporarily, or bring weaker monsters to their knees with a force in your eyes alone. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action, especially if you fight monsters for a long time, or often confront monsters stronger than your current level.
New Stat: Sustenance
Sustenance
You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action.
New Skill: You have learned Extra Sensory Perception
Your ability to perceive movement without relying on your normal senses has increased. The skill activates based on your Will stats.
New Skill: You have learned Blade Dance
Move with a smooth, quiet, continuous motion.
You can move like water, defend like water and attack like water.
You can follow the flow of attacks of your opponent more precisely and counter-attack to disrupt their flow turning their own attacks to them. The skill activates based on your Will stats.
Fame has risen by 28 points
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
As his opponents died from bleeding a message continue to pops-up in front of him saying he gained new skills, new stats, leveled up and fame.But Neo ignored the messages as he analyzes the situations. Because of his opponents being a high leveled he leveled up twelve times. There are still two are alive the one he throw earlier and the guy who questioned him first. The first is still moving and struggling to stand up while the other guy cannot stand up due to the blood pouring out from his thigh and his right shoulder.
He checked first at his stamina which is at 9%.
‘I need to finish this before I ran out of stamina’
He knows that his opponents was not at their full strength being injured and was still recovering their mana and stamina. His opponent tried to finish the fight before they were discovered by the soldiers chasing them. He was glad at their tactics because he also like them can’t fight long but he was also feeling sadden that Neo can’t see them fight in their good condition but ignore it because during the battle there are no excuses that you are not prepared yet.
Although he can last for eighty five hours hitting the scarecrow continuously with bread chewing in his mouth it was different during combat because he pushes his body to its limits taking two times the amount of his stamina in every move. If he just only used the weight of his opponents to take down them later they will raise again and again like a zombie so he also put his strength through his attacks which consume two times the amount of stamina than while hitting the scarecrow in the Training Hall.
Fagin tried to stand up again ignoring the pains from his body using the short sword to stand up he readied his stance and he find where his opponents was.
Although Fagin was down he doesn’t have much bleeding compared to the others and his health was still 20% but his stamina is running low and his mana is in single digit which he cannot use any skill. His brothers died already and lost all the reason he has to live, he knows he will die later on as he just needs revenge and he will use his body to take down Neo together. As he saw where his opponent is he pushed is battered body and dash up to him.
Neo allocated all his stats to strength and agility as he picks up the knife from the dead body he killed earlier. Equipping the knife at his right hand and the wooden long sword in his left hand, he stands in his place waiting for his enemy to stand up.
He regained some stamina while waiting for his opponents to stand-up though it was only single digits increased it was still helpful as he knows that if his stamina runs out he cannot move for a while.
As his opponents stands up and dashed to him he also run towards his opponent, although he can wait for his enemy to arrive to where his location is he can’t do that and although his opponent is a thief.After seeing his opponent resolve to die by putting all his strength and life to defeat him if he answers half-heartedly it will be an insult to him.
“For the Shadow Fangs Guild and my brothers!” Fagin shouted as he dash to his opponent.
“Shadow Sword Blast” As he shouted the skill, dark aura surround his sword and still absorbing the shadow around him. The skill also consumes his remaining HP for his suicidal attack.
Neo focus all his concentration on the enemy in front of him, although he leveled up twelve times but there was still a big gap in their level and strength. If he underestimates his opponent the next thing will be he is the one lying on the floor. There is also an ominous feeling around the short sword.
He emptied his mind thinking he can defeat his enemy in front of him again and again.
He not only thinks of it he willed to do it as his skills activates.
“Extra Sensory Perception Activates”
“Blade Dance Activates”
He ignored the sound as he was focus and concentrating on his opponent thinking he can defeat it repeatedly.
Critical hit!
Critical hit!
Critical hit!
After the clashed of weapon the wooden sword broke to pieces and blood pouring through out from his neck, from the side near his heart and near the stomach as he lied to the floor holding to his neck.He was hit three times consecutively from his left side.
Neo using the long reach of his wooden long sword he slashed the hands of Fagin avoiding the short sword and he side step using the knife as he stab Fagin three times without looking.
Fagin’s skill failed and backfired, stunning him for a few seconds. He was stabbed three times while standing and not moving. The skill he bet with his life using even his life force for it to activate missed its target.
“M-My br-brothers… I’m sorry, My Lady… I-I’m sorry!”
Fagin with droplets of water pour out from his eyes mumbled his last words, his right hand holding the wound on his neck and his left hand trying to reach through the sky as he saw the full moon and its moonlight shine through the ground.
Neo who was still standing facing his back to the dying thief heard a different word.
After a few minutes he received a message.
“Ping”
New Skill: You have learned Trance
A half-conscious state in which someone does not respond to things happening around them, by focusing all your concentration on one thing. The skill activates based on your Will stats.
Fame has risen by 30 points
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
Neo allocated all his stats to strength and agility and after that he walked through the last thief lying on the floor waiting to die.
‘I’m sort of like a bad guy here, but oh well it’s not my fault’
He feels awkward because of the behavior of the thieves, he feels like there is deeper explanation and meaning aside from just normal thieves to steal, divide the shares and go to their next business.
“I just want to say! Although it’s not your guys fault, but if I don’t fight back I’ll be the one dead. So any last words old man?” Neo said to the thief lying on the floor. He just wants to get to the fountain in the Central Square to fill his canteen of water and not in his mind earlier that it will be like this when he enters the alley.
“…Just kill…me” Answer the thief shortly as he pant heavily.
‘How troublesome’ Although he felt bad for just knowing one side of the coin he still wants to find what’s in the other side, he wants to know why did they do that.
He also knows it will be a big trouble just by knowing it but curiosity wins his logic.
“If you die here, will that ease you? Will you just accept that?” His instinct tells him that it will be very dangerous. He knows it will be very dangerous and that’s why his thirst for adventure, thrill and excitement manages to win.
The thief looked at him feeling raged and said. “You…don’t know…anything.”
“And why are you guys put your lives like a fool to steal in the palace of the Kingdom? You know there was four walls you need to pass through just to escape. Are you guys’ idiots?” He put more oil in the fire to let him speak. He knows that the man is dying and he knows that by acting kind will backfire because they just fought to death earlier. Although it was bad but the man is dying and if he can’t extract any information it will be too late already.
“We…are not a fool…and don’t call…my brothers idiots…We risk…our lives to save…our My Lady…it’s our mission to protect her.” The thief said as drops of tears pour out from his eyes.
“So just using those treasures can save your My Lady? Are you guys’ idiot? How can you save her if you guys’ die? It’s not that the treasures can walk by themselves.” He heard the term My Lady earlier as he adds another insult to them, he knows that one more push he will reveal the information he wants.
After he said that thief hold onto his pants and said.
“…Please’m begging…you stranger…Please save My Lady…If it’s you…you can definitely…save…My Lady.” The thief said holding to his black pants as he begs for him to save his My Lady.
‘Now his attitude changed. This is it’ he said to himself.
“Are you an idiot? Begging an enemy to save your My Lady? How would you know if I will really save your My Lady? How could you allow an enemy that killed your brothers to save your most important My Lady?”
He raised his voice as he asks the thief.
“…Because…I trust you…if you are…truly a bad person…you would just kill me…and will not ask…our reasons for doing this…If you said earlier…was true…you don’t want fame…and rewards because…you won’t tell the…soldiers that…we are hiding there...I’m sorry for our actions…earlier we are just…frightened of what is…happening to us…Please only you…I can rely on…to save our…My Lady.” The thief said to him as he pants heavily.
Neo feeling awkward at the thief said to him because his actions earlier and now even the reason why he still didn’t kill him was also misunderstood.
He sighs as he put down his knife and said. “Let me hear your story.”
Although he said that but inside he was full of worry if he can still speak. He sits down and put pressure on the wounds on his thigh and shoulder to lessen the blood flowing out of the wound. Though the other part of his body was also bleeding, he only has two hands to spare and don’t have piece of cloth to wrap them.
The thief nodded his head and starts his story.
We are the Shadow Fangs Clan one of the 14 clans of Dark Elvesthat lived in Baelnotheim Kingdom beneath the Toba Valley. Our clan is one of the four strongest among the Dark Elves we are wary with other races and we are in constant war with the Light Elves and Orcs.
But about 5 years ago the Balchrhaugs together with the Orcs invade and destroy our Kingdom. Our strongest warriors, sorcerers fight them but we are defeated and those small and weaker members of the clans forced to flee above the Toba Valley while the Balchrhaugs and Orcs chased us.
We wandered through the wilderness and we encounter the Light Elves many of our kind died after the battle we fled from trolls, goblins and other monsters that in the past was weaker than us. We tried to fight back but with no leaders to lead us, we bound to argue and fight with each other and that’s why we surviving clans choose to separate than to kill each other until we perish.
Our clan travel from one place to the other place until we reached the land of Grothmar of the Kingdom of Ymir. We swallowed our pride because during that time our My Lady is just a child, His Highness his father entrusts us to protect her daughter before they set to war against the Balchrhaugs and Orcs forces. We tried to live with the humans as our only way of living is to hunt we exterminate the monsters near the walls and sell the loots for our food.
But the people who believed in the god of light and members of the churches despise us because of our race asthey treat us enemies but we beg Marquis Lensztat de Lioncurt the castle owner in Grothmar. He agreedthat he will let us stay in his land but he will only allow us on certain condition that we will work under him in secret. We agreed at his conditions as we established the Shadow Fangs Mercenary Guild on the city we accept request from townsfolk, merchants and help during wars in the borders under Lord Marquis command.
We also do dirty works under our Lord Marquis like this stealing from the palace of the King of the Kingdom of Ymir. But we failed and now My Lady is in danger that bastard Tauronn under Lord Marquis said that if we failed this mission our My Lady will die. I don’t know how he knew about My Lady because we didn’t tell them about her.When we meet Lord Marquis and that Tauronn our My Lady is not with us as we keep her always safe in the headquarters with bodyguards. And now we failed, our My Lady will die we failed our Clan Leader his father.
That’s why young man please help My Lady. You can have all the treasures we got from the palace except the Black Chest and two hundred million gold that Tauronn needed to deliver to him. We hide the treasures in the sewers and you will probably need this. I don’t know why it was in Human Treasury but it was belong to us. We plan to use it to reclaim what we lost but death forbids us to.
The thief looked at him with pleading eyes as he took out the bag for him to accept.
While the thief was telling the story in every sentence he heavily catches his breath but he still finished the story. He was amazed that the thief still has a strength left to tell him that long story and shock at their history and reasons why did they steal from the palace of the King.
After the story a message pops-up in front of him.
“Ping”
You obtained information about the Shadow Fangs Clan one of the Clans of Dark Elves living in the Baelnotheim Kingdom
Intelligence increased by 1 point
Wisdom increased by 1 point
Save the Princess of Shadow Fangs Clan
The Princess is threatened to be killed by the Archmage Tauronn if the mission failed. Keyser who is dying cannot continue on the mission beg you to save his My Lady in his place.
Difficulty Level: B
Reward: All the treasures they stole from the palace of the King of Kingdom of Ymir.
Quest Requirement: Deem worthy by Keyser to save the Princess.
Warning:Failed if the Princess dies.The whole Shadow Fangs Clan will all tried to kill you if failed. The whole Kingdom of Ymir will be your enemy depends on your action.
‘Wow that warning is totally thrilling. So they are Dark Elves that explains the color of their skin and if you look carefully they have long ears and pale white hair’ He was thinking first before he accepts the quest because it was tricky with difficult Level-Band he doesn’t want to become infamous because he get the treasures of the Kingdom of Ymir.
‘If I accept the quest I’ll become their accomplice and there are still questions I need an answer’ He then starts to ask Keyser what he needs to know first.
“How long you guys’ need to get this Black Chest and gold to that Tauronn guy? What’s inside the Black Chest?”
Keyser thinks first before he answers. “…Four Months”
Then he added “…if you travel west…from here…on horse…you will arrive…in 1 and half months…on foot…it will take…5 months” Keyser said with weak voice and breathes heavily.
“……Even we…don’t know…what it is...We were…just asked…to take it…from the treasury…of the King…So please…help My Lady…save Her…We rushed…here because…we didn’t…want her…to be…in danger…that long.” Keyser breathes heavily and his HP is at 10% approaching 0% at fast rate.
‘So he didn’t know what it is, I’ll just find it later. Hmm four months is enough and it’s good that they rushed their mission to steal.’ He said to himself as he calculates on his mind the time and he thinks he can do it or if not he will still do it. All adventures always have a risk that you can die even from the books he read and movies he watch it wasn’t easy.That will only happened if you accept it even with all the odds against you, if you can’t overcome all of it then it wasn’t a true adventure.
He faced and eyed him for a second before he answered with seriousness and confidences.
“Don’t worry. Leave Her to me, I’ll definitely save Her.” He answered him with reassurance as he takes the bag from Keyser.
“Ping”
You have accepted the quest.
Fame decrease by 150!
You have acquired the bag that contains secrets of the Kingdom of Ymir and the Shadow Elves.
When Keyser was inside the treasury to find the Black Chest he found a book in the bookshelves with a symbol of Shadow Elves. He was shocked at what he was seeing but he swallowed all the questions in his mind and took all the books in the shelves. He knows that the books will not only save his My Lady but also the whole Shadow Elves.
“Thank you…I can now…leave assuredly…I know…it was…a gamble…and…I don’t care…what the others…will tell me…but…with your strength…I’ll trust…you to save…our My Lady…She’s just…an innocent girl…before I forgot…what is your name…young man?”
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“Neo” He answers immediately.
“Neo please accept…this mark…before I forgot…you will…be needed…this for you…to use…what’s inside…the bag…” He nodded at Keyser as he said his last words, his grip on his arm weakened as his hand fall down and then he dies.
He felt a hot pain in his left arm like something is carving at his skin as it was glowing dark and he can feel power pouring to him. Keyser that turns to dark particles pours into him through the mark in the middle of his chest.
“Ping”
You have joined the Shadow Fangs Clan!
The mark in your left arm was a symbol of Shadow Fangs Clan. Keyser chose you as his successor as his remaining life and soul will become your powers.
• Familiarity with the Shadow Fangs Clan was at maximum if they see your mark.
• You can equip and used all the items required for the Dark Elves.
• You have an access at the class exclusive only for the Dark Elves.
• When in the dark area and night time your skill and stats increases by 20%.
• The Light Elves will be hostile with you when they see your mark.
• All the Church who worships the light will be hostile with you when they see your mark.
New Skill: Dusk Shadow Soul Level 1 [0%]
Keyser a Shadow Assassin entrusted his soul and power to you before he dies.
Can manipulate your shadows and control it at your own will. Can imbue your weapons and skill with shadow to improve your damage ignoring your enemy’s defense as it enables you to hit the invisible and the intangible.It increases the damage and defense. It can also increases the durability reductions on your weapon and armor when using. As the level rises it increased its mass and volume where it covers.
Effects: When it activates,
Dusk Blade +10% Additional damage if used on your weapon and +1% weapon durability reductions when using.
Dusk Armor +10% Additional defense if used on your armor and +1% armor durability reductions when you are hit.
Dusk Skin +10% Additional damage and defense if used on the body.
Mana Consumption: 50 Mana per second
Fame has risen by 35 points
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
‘I have never thought of that and I need to hide this mark because it will be dangerous if they see it.’ He said as he read the messages appearing in front of him.
Though it has benefits and he also gets a new skill which will be very useful on combat because he still doesn’t have a profession. But the disadvantages was also great because he knows that compare to the Dark Elves which is considers bad being with the Dark accompanied their name the Light Elves who was considered good and beautiful races also because of their appearances and the light accompanied their name. Plus the church who believes in light as their gods or goddess whatever name they have was also a problem to him.
The church that teaches them since birth for hundreds of years that the Dark, Black and Shadows were evil which most people who cause destructions, murder and evil uses it. It was ingrained in the deepest of their souls and bodies which was hard to change especially to those who are narrow minded people that composed of most the population.
He knows that most people in Bersa continent believes in god and goddess of Light whatever name they have. They even consider that the ones who accompanied Dark, Black and Shadows were evil. Though he doesn’t hold a grudge to them being narrow minded because they immediately judged without knowing the whole truth because that was the true nature of humans. They fear what they don’t know; they fear the dark because they can’t see, they fear their appearances which are uglier compared to them.
Hes tands up and thinking what he should do next but he was suddenly disturbed by the noise of the soldiers patrolling and finding where the thieves hiding themselves. He pick up immediately all the items he can get and put it in his new bag he now has two bags. But most of the items have a high level requirement that’s why he can’t use it.Only the knife, some throwing knife and their black short sleeve shirt, but the shirt is low in durability with holes and cuts that’s why he didn’t wear it though he used it to hide the mark in his left arm as he cuts a long strips of cloth and roll it on the mark in the lower part of his elbow.
He then checks the items he can use.
Thief Knife
Durability : 65/90
Damage : 23-25
This dagger is every bit the weapon it looks to be, possessing top-notch construction and a sharp, forged blade fit for battle.
Effects: +5 Agi
Requirements: Agi 70+ Str 60+Level 20+
Wing Throwing Knife
Durability : 23/25
Damage :12-15
Range: 10m
Sleek and shining, this silver Wing Throwing Knife are little more than a metallic blur once released into the air. Made from quality materials, these throwing knives also feature exceedingly good balance.
Effects: +2 Agi
Requirements:Level 15+ Agi 50+ Str 45+
He also checked where the thieves hide the treasures and see the opening of the sewers is small for human of his height to enter.
‘That’s why they can’t use the sewers to escape. But how could they get it?’ As he was thinking how he could get the treasures, he remembered something.
‘And now that I remember they just need to deliver the Black Chest and two hundred million gold to that guy Tauronn but the gold they stole in the palace was hundred times more than that. Tsk they were greedy not that I can complain to them.’ As he was talking to himself the sun shines through his face.
‘Oh shit! I’ll be late for the exam!’
Neo throw the cloak to the sewers to hide the treasures, as he seems it was enough to conceal it through naked eye he immediately run to the central square to refill his canteen of water.
After running for a few minutes he stop a few moments to stable his breathing and started walking in the streets to the fountain. He saw many soldiers on the street patrolling and looking for something, he just walk normally and suddenly stop at the call from his behind.
“Hey you stop!Young man!” The soldier shouts from his behind.
He felt cold at his back. ‘Shit! Did they notice me?’ He doubled checked himself first before getting out of the alley, he’s sure that there is no trace of blood from him.
‘Maybe it’s not me because there is many young man here’ as he decide to continue on his way but when he was just to take the first step.
“You young man with the light blue hair, stop for a moment!” The soldier shouts as he approached him from behind. The surrounding people also looked around and then after a few moments they were all staring at him.
He looked around him and notices that there is no light blue hair except for him. With no other choice ‘I need to overcome this’ he said to himself.
He calms himself first and wears his best smile as he turns around.
“Good Morning Sir. What can I do for you?” As he turns around he bowed immediately greeting the guard with his best smiles.
“Good Morning to you also” The soldier greet him back as he saw the young man greet him with a bow with bright smile and handsome face.
Then after a few seconds he noticed the soldier was kind of familiar to him.
“Ah! Are you Sir the one guarding the door to the Training Yard the last week?” He recognizes the soldier in front of him amazed.
“Yes I am Clutch soldier of Kingdom of Ymir.We already meet the last week, no need for formalities young man. Are you going to the Entrance Exam now?” Clutch asked him. Though he knows that the freeman can now participate for the Entrance Exam without high level requirement compared last twelve years ago but he ignore the changes as it was his nature not to think deeply on matters he encounters.
“Yes I am going Sir and you can also call me Neo.” He nodded and answered Clutch.
“Ah yes, sorry to disturb you. But I just want to say something to you regarding last week at what I told you.”
“No need to worry Sir, I won’t tell anybody.” He replies immediately.
“No, that’s not what I mean. How should I say this?”
He tilted his head because if it wasn’t about that then what is it then?
“I just want to tell you that maybe I’m mistaken about what I told you the last week. Maybe you should also prepare a weapon and armors. It’s maybe because this coming Entrance Exam will change their rules and what type of exam you need to do. That’s why I’m sorry from what I saidlast week.” Clutch said bowing his head to him.
‘Oh it was like that’
He shakes his head and hold both arms of Clutch to help him lift his head and said. “No need to worry Sir, it’s not your fault and you just wanted to help me. I’m prepared for the incoming Entrance Exam and I’m assuring you that I will pass the exam.” He said it with confidence in his eyes and not just boasting that cannot back it up.
Upon seeing Neo’s eyes he regained his composure and said. “Alright I know you can do it, I know it from the first time I meet you.”
He tilted his head again as not understanding what the soldier means but Clutch just ignored it and said. “I thought I won’t meet you again before the exam, you can take this.” as Clutch was about to give him the equipment’s.
“Thank you for the offer Sir, but I will decline, I have a knife already and I can move fast with less equips.” He declines the offer of Clutch as he stops him from bringing out the items in his inventory.
“Is that so? Ah, how ignorant of me, you are just a low level you can’t possibly use this if I give it to you.” Then Clutch just remembers that the item he was about to give has high requirements.
Though Neo wants the item Clutch was offering, but he can’t take it because any more weight will lessen his movement speed. Even though he has two bags for inventory, his strength still can’t lift the two bags full, that’s why he has to lessen the equipment and throw it with the cloak in the sewers.
“Excuse me Sir, but I have to go now. I don’t want to be late for the exam.” He said with regret but he can’t do anything about it as he bowed to bid the soldier farewell, and he wants to leave already because he spends too much time already and any more he will be late for the Entrance Exam.
“I’m sorry I take too much of your time and I can’t still help you.” Clutch was regretting his actions, although he prepared the equipment, he was on the rush and didn’t think more carefully. Coll always tell him that don’t act on impulse, but Coll also tell him that his straightforward attitude is one of his good points.
Neo upon seeing Clutch like that he sighs and then he suddenly got an idea as he asks the soldier. “Sir I’m sorry but could you have a sword belt? Although I have a knife I need to take it from inventory because I can’t always carry a knife on my hands.”
“A sword belt? Yes I have here but it has a requirement of Agi 50+, Str 70+and level 24+. So you couldn’t use it I’m sorry. How could I just ignore the requirements of the equipment?” Clutch who was hoping that he could help Neo feel sadden again that nothing he could do to help him.
Upon hearing the requirements he said to himself. ‘Perfect!’
“It’s ok Sir, I’ll take the sword belt.” Neo said taking the sword belt from Clutch hands.
Double Wrap Sword Belt
Durability: 40/40
Defense: 15
Double wrap sword belt with blacksmith knotwork embossed on the belt. When the extra length of belt wraps around a body the second time, both hips then support the weight of the sword. Provides great balanced suspension.
Requirements: Level 24+ Agi 50+ Str 70+
Effects: Agi+5 Str+10 Magic Def +20
“But you couldn’t use that, it has a high leveled requirements.” Clutch can’t think of how he could use it because Gaea of the Holy Seer send freeman just ten days ago and they can’t leave for a month inside the city for them to hunt and level up.
“Don’t worry Sir,I’ll just have to wait till I can use it.” He bowed and said. “Thank you for your kindness in giving me this precious item of yours.”
After he thanked Clutch he bid farewell.
“I’ll have to go now Sir. I hope I can meet you again in the future.”
“Yeah good luck on your exam, till we meet again and be careful because there are thieves around here. They were dangerous so you better don’t walk alone at night.” Clutch after seeing Neo thanked him, he ignored the sword belt requirements and also bid farewell to him and he remind Neo about the thieves that are still around that haven’t caught yet.
Clutch felt happy that he could help him at least and Neo just nodded and started to walk away. Clutch didn’t notices that different expression of Neo who was walking away in front of him going to the fountain.
“Are you done now? Captain Raylan wants our squad to check the 1st district, they received a report that they found the other group of thieves hiding in the slums.” Coll said to Clutch who is still looking at the back of young man walking fast to the fountain.
“Yeah let’s go.” Clutch then turns around and started walking leaving Coll behind.
“Hey wait for me!” Coll immediately follows his friend from behind.
After they were in the same distanced shoulder to shoulder Clutch asks Coll suddenly a question.
“Coll, do you believe on the Chosen One?”
Coll was speechless for a moment from the unexpected question coming from Clutch. “Are you sick? Or do you hit your head while we are chasing the thieves last night?”
“I’m not, I’m perfectly normal how could you possibly think that?” Clutch said as he looked to the left with wide eye.
“Because you’re spouting nonsense, how could Clutch who I know think deeply on the matters? The Clutch I know is the one acting on impulse, involving those around him in troubles while not thinking of the consequences.” Coll states and lecture him what he knows about Clutch.
“Do I’m really like that? Well not anymore, I feel like I’m gonna achieve my dreams if I work hard.” Clutch said having steeled his determination as a smile starts appearing in his face.
Coll eyed his friend for a second with amazed expression then looked in front of him.
“Yes you are always like that. That’s what we believed in the past but not on this Kingdom. If you want to achieve greater you need to kiss the ass of those nobles.” Coll states the reality to Clutch.
After that they close their palm from the silent rage, just remembering it makes their blood boil.
They were Centurions in the past training to become a Knight in the palace, just before they graduate an incident happened everything has changed when they ignore the offer of the nobles to them. After that they were framed up for stealing from the nobles, Clutch who acts immediately on impulse almost kill the nobles who said that but Coll hold him back to prevent him from assassinating the nobles.
Captain Raylan of the Royal Knights there mentor help them to lessen their punishment so they are tasked to guard the Intelligence guild. The punishment was lessened to demotion and they accept it regretfully, they spend most of their time guarding the Intelligence guild for five years now.
Last night after the incident happened all the soldiers in the Kingdom were tasked to find the thieves and triple the guards in the palace. That’s why their chance to get out from guarding the Intelligence guild and it’s now time to take back what they lost.
After a few minutes of silence remembering their past Clutch break the silence.
“Yeah I know that and I haven’t forgotten about that, but I will start again and you also. I know you will not just forget what happened five years ago.”
He said looking at Coll who nodded and agreed with him.
Coll being a son of the merchant also have dreams to become a Royal Knight but after what happened in the past his resolved was easily crumbling.
“How would we do that? Just from catching the thieves we can’t get a revenge on those bastard nobles.” Coll asks Clutch because they biggest problem is the nobles. They know that the nobles will not just sit back and watch for them to become a Royal Knights.
“I have a plan but first we need to catch those thieves first.” Clutch whisper in the ear of Coll about his plan.
Coll falls back and looked at Clutch with his eyes wide open.
“Are you sure about your plan? I have a bad feeling about this because all your ideas lead us to troubles.”
Clutch then look at his friend before he asks.
“Do you have any other plan? If you have I’m all ears.”
After Clutch ask that Coll just answer while looking down “No”
Clutch then formed a smile and said.
“Okay, now we both agreed and we have a plan. Let’s go catch those thieves.”
As Clutch said that they all rushed to the 1st district to catch the remaining thieves.
The Kingdom of Ymir though it was one of the Kingdoms in the central of Bersa continent it was also composed and surrounded by mountains. The travel between one town to the other was not only difficult but was also dangerous because of the monsters and bandits living in the mountains. They need to make long preparation and need strong escorts or hired mercenary for their safe journey.
Though the Kingdom was like that but after thousands of years living in that kind of environment they learn to adapt and survive at their surroundings. They grew stronger and become formidable as the years pass living in that kind of life. They need to stay strong and fit as they can’t live a normal life compare to the others.
The Kingdom flourish as they survived in the harsh environment but they can’t expand their territories because of the death rate in the Kingdom was fifty times greater comparing to the other Kingdoms.The deaths were composed of soldiers that were defending the borders for invasion of the other armies of other Kingdoms or helping the other villages for securities that was being attack by monsters and the citizens that were leaving the cities that want adventures or want to go to the other cities of the Kingdom of Ymir.
They can’t establish new town in the wilderness or mountains as they don’t have enough armies that can circulate in the whole Kingdom of Ymir for securities. If one wants to establish a new town they need resources and armies that can defend them 24/7.
They have a below average population compare to the other Kingdoms in the central of Bersa continent though not the lowest compare to the Kallamore Kingdom which their territories lowers because like them the constant invasion of the other Kingdoms and monsters around them which they can’t defend and other reason was because of the Captain of the Royal Knights that was reported died in battle. Though the Kingdom of Ymir still manages to defend their territories but they can’t leave their posed to invade as they don’t have many hands to handle multiple territories.
The Kingdom of Ymir gave up on expanding their territories as they stabilized their forts, walls and castles defensed against any invasion of monsters and armies from other Kingdoms.
In the east of Ymir was the Augury Valley and Senbain Mountains which acts as the border to the Kallamore Kingdom.
The people of Kingdom was glad that the structure of the lands was like that as the monsters rushing from the Senbain Mountains can’t enter nor has a difficult problem to enter the territory of Ymir as they need to pass first the Augury Valley which they also call the Red Valley, Blood Valley and Thirst Valley. It was a dried valley with no plants living and only monsters lurking around.
Though the Kingdom of Ymir was strong that can defend all attacks compare to the other Kingdoms in the central but it was also the most corrupt Kingdom. The nobles leading them used their authorities to gained more powers in the Kingdom that not even the Royal families can stop as the House of Ymir was crumbling.
Meanwhile in the highest room in the castle of Grothmar
“What’s the news about the Box of the Ancients?” Ask with deep voice.
”We still don’t know Milord, but I heard a news from the Audhumla City Capital that there was a casualties on both sides and many of the Shadow Fangs Guild is dead but the thieves who are carrying the Box of the Ancients and the other treasures was still haven’t found.” Tauronn answer his Lord Marquis. They have spies in the capital and other cities that will report to them what was happening to keep updated in the latest news.
“I take that good news then and sacrifices are necessary to achieve your goal. Is there any report from the Shadow Fangs Guild?” Marquis Lensztat was in a good mood that the thieves carrying the Box of the Ancient weren’t caught.
He knows also that the palace of the King was heavily guarded and there was four walls they need to pass but still they succeed on infiltrating the treasury. He was a kind of person that won’t hesitate to sacrifice his own subordinates to achieve his goal.
Tauronn dress with dark blue robe holding his wand in his right hand with a height of 1.8 meters answers his Lord Marquis.
“We still haven’t received any report Milord. According to the plan their estimated arrival will be two months given they didn’t encounter any problems, so we expect them they will arrive here in four months because they have encounter the Royal Knights and have casualties with them, it will be hard to run with no one protecting your back and front.” Tauronn estimated immediately the time the Shadow Fangs Guild will arrive after he was asks.
“See to it they arrived here safely, if there is any updates about them report it to me immediately.” Marquis Lensztat knows that they will need to bribe the officials if the thieves were to pass the territory of other nobles.
“I will take care of it Milord.” Tauronn also will take care of those that cannot be bribe. To silence them they need to kill any witnesses.
After that Marquis Lensztat changed the topic.
“How is the preparation for the participants in the Training Grounds?” Marquis Lensztat send his subordinates to join the Training Grounds, those who passed the Entrance Exam will have the privileged to enlist them to the Ymir Guardian Force of Kingdom of Ymir under the tutelage of the Five Masters of Ymir. He wants to gain power in the Ymir Guardian Force by sending his loyal subordinates to join in the Training Grounds.
Tauronn paused for a few seconds before he answer.
“Sir Knight Alex was seeing to it that our soldiers will be chosen.”
Sir Knight Alex was a loyal subordinate of Marquis Lensztat he sent 12 years ago and Alex proved to be worthy by obtaining a rank captain in the Ymir Guardian Force.
But not only Marquis Lensztat wants to gain power in the Ymir Guardian Force other nobles and even the King himself sent his loyal subordinates.
“That Zorak will surely not sit around.” Marquis Lensztat was referring to King Zorak Visser Ymir 210th ruler of Kingdom of Ymir, Marquis Lensztat was angry as he insult the king by calling its name without honorifics.
Tauronn seeing his Lord Marquis twitch his faces suddenly asks the other related matters.
“Milord is it okay to ally with Duke Ravan Kryczek?”
Duke Ravan Kryczek was one with the great powers in the Kingdom of Ymir, they ally with each other to dominate the Entrance Exam and take down their common enemy.
“I know what you are telling me, but only this once and after that we can take both of them down with our trump card the Box of the Ancients.” Marquis Lensztat said it as he was confident that he can defeat them with the powers of the Box of the Ancients.
Tauronn then nodded at his Lord Marquis and then warns his Lord.
“Yes Milord, I will just warn you that Duke Ravan was also planning that.” Tauronn knows that Duke Ravan Kryczek won’t easily accept their temporary alliance if he doesn’t have secret under his sleeves. He wants to warn his Lord Marquis because the Duke was dangerous by his reputation.
“Don’t worry and that’s why you are at my side to see to it what they are planning.” Lord Marquis hearing the warning of his trusted subordinate calmly assured Tauronn that if he sees any problem he can break the alliance anytime he wants.
“As you wish Milord” Tauronn said as he bows his head to his Lord Marquis.
To be continue...
Author Notes:
Here we goes i don't have much time right now because it seems it wasn't mine as the others take it from me. I just want to say that sorry for late updates and thank you for reading my rush posts I promise to edit it tomorrow for any mistakes please do tell me so I can edit it right away after I log in tomorrow. And lastly feel free to post any comments, suggestions, corrections, criticisms and etcs. I'm still a novice compare to the other authors here in royalroadl.com so please do guide me thanks! XD