Abandoned Island off the Serian South Coast.
9:20 am. 23 rd Banem, 1092.
29 Days to World’s End.
Whooo...
Kashi let out a slow breath. A gentle breeze brushed by the shores as the sounds of lapping waves and chirping birds slowly disappeared. The daeben’s eyes narrowed as he nocked an arrow, eyes peeled on the midi standing a few meters away. Fang Ling’s nonchalant gaze had Kashi on high alert. Somehow, he could tell.
Fang Ling was strong!
Fang Ling smiled. Ksh, Ksh . He tapped each foot on the sandy shore, then fixed Kashi with a challenging glare. “I’m coming, kid!” Vwoom! Sand and stone scattered as the midi disappeared from view.
‘Where!?’ Kashi quickly checked his surroundings but failed to find Fang Ling. ‘Above!’ Kashi jumped back and jerked his head to the sky. Indeed, he spotted the grinning Fang Ling hurtling down with a vicious kick.
“Got You!” Kashi trained his bow at the midi. Ffft! A host of arrows zipped toward the airborne midi.
Fang Ling grinned. “Good eyes, kid!” The midi’s expression remained even despite being faced with an unforgiving onslaught. His eyes shone as he kicked the air. Dun! Dun! Dun! Kashi’s eyes widened in disbelief. Fang Ling, without breaking pace, shifted mid-air at breakneck speed, dodging and weaving through the arrows with unprecedented ease. Once he broke through the final layer, VWOOM!
Fang Ling shot off like a rocket. Bwoom! He appeared before Kashi in the blink of an eye and promptly swung his left foot at the daeben’s head. Kashi swiftly raised his right hand to block the strike.
Dun! To Kashi’s shock, Fang Ling kicked the air just before his foot hit the daeben’s hand. The recoil sent his body spinning in the opposite direction. Bang! Fang Ling’s heel crashed into the back of daeben’s head.
“Ugh.” Kashi tumbled forward and then rolled along the ground to absorb the impact. He came to a hard stop and then looked over his shoulder.
Vwoom! Fang Ling appeared inches away, his left leg cutting a sharp scythe towards Kashi’s neck. The midi’s eyes sparkled. “Look alive, kid.”
Kashi winced and swiftly raised his arms. BANG! The ground cracked as Kashi suffered the midi’s full force. He was sent sliding back across the sand. He groaned as his arms throbbed in pain.
Kashi frowned as he looked at Fang Ling, who dropped to the ground with a thin smile. The midi was strong without a doubt. But, after receiving his kick, Kashi could tell. Fang Ling was not as strong as him. In fact, the midi was weaker, both in terms of speed and strength.
But, then why?
Fang Ling grinned as he eyed the youth. “Ready, kid?”
Kashi’s eyes turned grim as he charged a set of ki-arrows. Dun! Fft! Fang Ling kicked off just as Kashi’s arrows flew. This time, Kashi learned his lesson and staggered his shots, hoping to force Fang Ling into a corner.
Fang Ling, in turn, danced around the arrows, twisting and turning at impossible angles. Kashi’s eyes widened as he studied the midi. Fang Ling was not faster than him. Why, then, could his arrows not hit? It was simple.
Fang Ling had pushed the concept of ‘Air Step’ to its extreme limits. Kashi, like many Summoned, knew how to use this move, but he had not seen anyone use it the way Fang Ling did. Rather than a simple, evasive maneuver, Fang Ling turned ‘Air Step’ into a three-dimensional flash-movement technique.
It didn’t matter where the attack came from. Fang Ling only had to kick the air to change his body’s trajectory to bypass it. Even more astonishing, the midi’s ki-control was exquisite. He always chose the minimum amount of ki required to push cross a precise distance, rarely ever over or undershooting his target.
Fang Ling’s mobility allowed him to dance circles around Kashi without ever getting hit. Eventually, though, he began pushing in, closing the gap between himself and the daeben.
Kashi took a step back to increase the distance. At that moment, an image of Razznik flashed through his mind. ‘Is that your way? Will you retreat!?’ “Fuck off!” Kashi’s eyes burned. Strangely, despite his words, he no longer took that step back. Instead, he stomped on the sandy ground.
“Shit!” Fang Ling cursed just as he broke the one-meter boundary. Boom! Dun! He kicked backward, barely dodging a geyser of sand that shot up in front of the daeben. He barely had time to regain his balance before a host of ki-arrows shot out from within the sand curtain.
The sand curtain robbed Fang Ling’s line of sight to Kashi. This, in turn, robbed him of the opportunity to read Kashi’s attack from the bow. As a result, he was unprepared for the storm of arrows fired from beyond the sand.
Fang Ling’s eyes narrowed. He was forced to rely on acute vision and superior instincts to barely dodge the never-ending arrows. Tfft! Blood poured. The midi looked at the injury on his right arm with a smile. “Good job, kid. Seems I can take this a little seriously, after all.”
Before Kashi could question what Fang Ling meant, the midi’s ki suddenly exploded outward, scattering the incoming arrows but then condensed a second later. Fang Ling’s lips curled up as he bounced in the air. “Now, let’s try this again.” Dun!
Kashi, who had been keeping an eye on Fang Ling with [Mind’s Eye], grimaced as Fang Ling’s speed doubled. The midi zig-zagged through the arrows to appear before the sand wall. Upon reaching the wall, Fang Ling’s eyes shone as he kicked out twice in short succession. Balls of ki shot out from his legs and slammed into the wall.
Boom!
The balls exploded as they hit the sand wall, tearing open a small hole. Dun! With a firm kick, Fang Ling zipped through, thus appearing before Kashi with ferocious momentum.
Fortunately, Kashi was ready. The daeben met Fang Ling’s kick with his fist. Boom! Sand and dust scattered for several meters as the two colossal forces clashed. Kashi’s superior strength sent Fang Ling flying back.
But.
Dun! With his first kick, Fang Ling stopped his backward flight. Dun! With his second, he flew above Kashi, DUN! His last kick sent his heel crashing down toward Kashi’s head. The entire sequence took less than a second. In the eyes of others, Kashi had just punched Fang Ling away, but then the midi appeared above the daeben,
BAM!
Kashi’s left arm snaked upward and caught Fang Ling’s heel. He made to pull the midi, but Fang Ling spun in place, sending his left heel crashing toward Kashi’s neck. Recognizing the danger, Kashi released Fang Ling’s heel and then bent backward, so the midi’s foot sailed harmlessly past.
Kashi was not one to only be on the receiving end of punishment. He gritted his teeth and dropped his hand to the ground. Once his fingers touched the sand, he flung his arms upward and then crossed them.
Whoosh!
Sand erupted at either side of Kashi in the shape of scythes and then cut toward the midi above.
Dun! Dun! Dun!
Fang Ling rapidly ascended, barely dodging the crash as both sand scythes smashed into each other. Grrr... Fang Ling’s eyes narrowed as a strange sound issued from the sand. Boom! The sand exploded like a geyser and then shot upward with the force of a rocket.
Dun! Fang Ling kicked to the side, dodging the sand column. Dun! He then shot to the ground like a missile. As he sped down, the sand split, forming five veins that crashed towards him.
Fang Ling’s eyes shone with a warrior’s joy as he bounced his way through the sand. Pufft! Eventually, Fang ling broke through the last layer of sand to see a frowning Kashi with his arm extended outward.
Kashi bled from his nose as he forced himself to control the sand better than his skill level allowed. Unfortunately, as a result, he could not transition smoothly to defense. This allowed Fang Ling to close the gap in one swift motion and place his large, rabbit feet against Kashi’s head.
Whoooo!
Heavy winds burst out from Fang Ling’s foot, scattering the sand and dust gathered around them. The midi grinned as he bounced away from the daeben and then landed on the ground. He regarded Kashi with a thin smile. “Not bad, kid. You’re pretty strong.”
“No.” Kashi frowned as he rubbed the blood off his cheek. “I’m weak.” He clenched his fist, angered by his failure. “I should have won that fight.”
“True.” Surprisingly, Fang Ling agreed. He felt it while fighting Kashi. The daeben was faster and stronger. But he was also unrefined, like a chipped gemstone.
Something was missing to make him whole. Fang Ling looked into Kashi’s eyes. He’d taken a liking to the daeben’s rage-filled gaze. “Kid. Yer an archer, right? Why didn’t ya back off? Yer aim’s as good as it gets. No way, I’d have caught ya if you kept yer distance.”
“I do not know.” Kashi frowned as he recalled Razznik’s scathing glare. “Somehow, it just does not feel right to back off.”
“Yeah? But you didn’t charge either, did ya?”
“Charge?” Kashi’s eyes widened. “I did not charge? Me?”
“Where’s ya mind at, kid?” Fang Ling pointed at Kashi’s feet. “Ya ain’t moved a single step on yer own.”
Kashi’s heart trembled as he looked at his feet. Indeed, just as Fang Ling said, he did not move during that battle. His feet were buried deep in the sand as if anchored by his insecurity.
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Fang Ling smiled observed the daeben’s lost expression. “I see what’s going on.” He had seen those eyes before. “Yer lost. Yer don’t know which way to go, do ya? Advance, retreat, or stand still. Yer don’t know which to pick, and so yer stuck.” The midi chuckled as Kashi looked at him in shock.
“Don’t be so surprised, kid. Yer ain’t the first to hit a bottleneck.” Fang Ling said as he drew a circle with his right leg. “Every warrior has a moment when they have to choose their path. Some find that path, others forever languish in mediocrity.” Fang Ling raised his leg and pointed his foot at Kashi. “Yer different, kid. You’re strong. And I’m pretty sure you already know your path. You just have to remind yourself. But, if you would allow me to give you one piece of advice...”
Kashi swallowed hard. Fang Ling’s grave expression suggested the midi considered this advice very important. “Please, do so.”
“You,” started Fang Ling as his gaze traveled to the bow in Kashi’s left hand. “ Give up your bow .”
“...What?”
Fang Ling pressed on, disregarding Kashi’s stunned gaze. “Give up that bow. I don’t know what kind of fighter yer are. But I know ye ain’t no archer. Ye ain’t got the mentality. Yer blood’s too hot.” Fang Ling pointed at Kashi. “To begin with, have ya ever heard of a close-range archer? That’s bullshit. The bow’s too limiting. Ye can’t block with it, or it might break. No one’s gonna give ya time to draw in a close fight. Of course, ya can withdraw to create space, but, like ya said, that ain’t yer style, is it?” Fang Ling glanced at the bow and then looked at Kashi. “Why’d you pick the bow anyway?”
“Why?” Kashi’s fingers trembled as they gripped the bow shaft. ‘Something different.’ No. Back then, any weapon that was not the sword would have sufficed. The bow just happened to be the first one he laid eyes on. Kashi never actually chose a weapon. He just continued using the bow because it was the weapon on hand. Eventually, he came across the Realm-Piercing Bow Techniques. That only solidified his ‘choice.’
But now that Kashi thought about it, he rarely used the bow as an archer should. Instead, he invented his bow-less, hand throwing style. He often resorted to either this style or his fists when battling extremely tough bosses. What did that mean? It meant that on a fundamental level, Kashi rejected the bow. He had just never actively considered it.
Kashi lifted [Ferulic’s Practice Bow] . Could he let go of this bow? Most of his fundamental abilities were tied to the bow. Giving up the bow would mean cutting off a significant portion of his strength.
‘Is that your way? Will you retreat!?
Kashi frowned. Grip! The daeben tightened his grip around the bow, but then, with a sigh, he sent the bow to Orez. Kashi stared at his empty hand for a while and then looked at Fang Ling.
“Sure about that, kid?” Fang Ling cautioned when he saw the resolve in the daeben’s eyes. “It’s a big decision.”
“Don’t worry, Ling-san.” Kashi clenched his fists, a determined expression displayed on his face. “I’m not letting go. Not yet. I just want to see it. What I would be like without the bow. Maybe, the answer I seek lies there.”
Fang Ling grinned. “I like the look in yer eye, kid. How about it? Wanna go another round?”
Kashi grinned as he clenched his fists. “It would be my honor.”
Ygg, Ederwood
10:25 am. 23 rd Banem 1092.
29 Days to World’s End.
Beautiful sunlight flittered through the trees, but the city below was gripped by a tense silence. Several wisben gathered around one of the major roads, wary eyes watching one woman as she, along with her guild, walked to the Augury.
“Hmph, the peanut gallery’s out in full force today.”
“Now, now, don’t be mean, Grizzly. These folks don’t have much in the way of excitement after all.” RustyReaper smiled as she soothed the scowling GrizzlyDiamond. “Besides, this is a good day, don’t you think? It’s been a while since we’ve been together like this.”
GrizzlyDiamond grunted. However, he could not bury the smile that tugged at the edge of his lips as he looked at the people around him; RustyReaper, Honne-Onna, and Nightslayer in his main assassin character. At their head, the small but deadly Rogue, Roro, walked alongside the beautiful thorn, Brilith Loneheart.
Like RustyReaper said, it had been months since they were all gathered in the same place. Often, one or more were sent on assignments, so it was quite rare for them all to be recalled like this. GrizzlyDiamond could smell the scent of something exciting. That was the only reason Brilith would have ordered them all to gather like this in their main accounts.
“Grizzly, how did it go?”
Brilith’s sudden question shook GrizzlyDiamond out of his thoughts. His lips parted in a toothy grin. “It’s as you guessed, Brilith. Orcs are the best race for pure warrior class. The strength modifiers put all other races to shame.”
“Will you have any trouble with your skill?”
“Nah, I’ve already memorized the breathing technique.” GrizzlyDiamond waved his hand with a nonchalant expression. “My orc account will acquire the technique with a few more days of practice. Can’t say the same about the Berserker mode, though.” He let out a frustrated sigh. “Pretty sure the Berserker mode’s like a class upgrade. It’ll need some long-ass, annoying quest to activate.”
Brilith glanced over her shoulder, cold eyes boring into GrizzlyDiamond’s soul. “Whatever it takes, acquire that Berserker status as quickly as possible. Or all our efforts would be for nothing.”
“Definitely!” GrizzlyDiamond swallowed a breath of air when Brilith turned forward. Sometimes, he found it extremely difficult to reconcile Brilith’s cold presence with the cheerful and bubbly Yokina Natsu in real life. Either the girl was a natural role-player, or ...
“Crazy.”
Everyone turned to the grumbling, little Roro. “It’s all crazy. Why’re working so hard when we could just destroy them?”
Brilith’s expression warmed as she patted Roro’s head. “We aren’t just fighting for that little territory, but the continent, Ro-chan. The orcs would make powerful soldiers if we can successfully conscript them. Which reminds me...” She looked at Nightslayer, who was wrapped in his trademark, gold ninja outfit. “Did you complete your task?”
“Preliminary negotiations have been completed successfully.” Nightslayer’s eyes, the only thing not covered up, sparkled with excitement. “The assassin’s guild is open to future co-operation, dependent on the profit and risk involved.”
Brilith smiled. “Good job, Night.” The assassin’s guild was an old power on the continent, an underground power on a similar footing as the adventurer’s guild. Thousands of assassinations were carried out by its members yearly. Yet, despite the continent’s best efforts, they had failed to find any traces of this ancient force. Nightslayer had captured the eyes of this guild. This opened a myriad of new possibilities for her guild.
“We’re here.”
Honne-Onna’s announcement drew Brilith’s attention to the building at the center of Ygg, the old Augury, home to the oldest wisben. Intriguingly, the Holy Mother, Anya, stood in front of the Augury, her crooked frame supported by an old cane. Several prominent figures in Ygg, Summoned, and Residents alike surrounded the building as if awaiting an announcement.
Brilith’s gaze traveled from Anya to the children stood at her sides. Sophie she recognized. That little twerp had the other half of Yggdrasil’s blessings. Unfortunately, Brilith had not found a way to successfully transfer blessings between people, or she would have long since killed the impertinent brat.
The other girl, the daeben, Brilith did not recognize. Of course, she had never met Zuri, so it was no surprise she was in the dark as to her identity.
Brilith’s gaze then turned grave as she focused on a man standing behind the trio, seemingly like an ordinary bodyguard. The man sensed her gaze and nodded his head in acknowledgment.
Brilith, however, felt goosebumps crawl over her skin! She could tell that this man was different! She’d only felt this kind of pressure once before - When she first met Anya. This man, like Anya, stood at the peak of this world!
‘I’ll beat you.’ Brilith’s gaze mellowed as she brought her emotions under control. It did not matter how strong this man was. Eventually, he, like everyone else, would worship at her feet.
So, with a strengthened will, Brilith tore her gaze off Rider and looked at Anya. Brilith smiled, clasped her hands as if in prayer, and then bowed. “Esteemed Holy Mother. I’m pleased to see you remain in good health. I, Brilith, hastened upon receiving your summons. I pray all is well?”
Anya cracked a thin smile as she regarded the bowing Summoned. The old woman knew in her heart. This child, Brilith, harbored great ambition. A raging flame that could just as quickly burn down the forest as it could provide warmth to a camp. Left to Anya, Brilith would not have half the power she did now.
‘Why her?’ Unfortunately, Yggdrasil precisely chose to bestow this girl the second half of its blessings. Anya could not understand this decision.
Brilith was the antithesis of everything Yggdrassil represented. Death and misery were the Summoned’s companion, whereas life and joy were Yggdrasil’s.
“Welcome back, child.” Anya smiled. “I have indeed summoned you for an urgent mission.” The old woman looked at Rider, who nodded and then stepped forward.
Rider’s powerful gaze bored not only into Brilith’s eyes but the other figures present. “According to prophecy, Razznik Y’Terlow will be summoned in 29 days.” Loud murmurs erupted, but Rider powered through, effectively silencing their cries. “We must prevent this at any costs, or the world as we know it might cease to exist. Razznik is the god of Chaos, and as such, the laws of creation themselves fall to ruin in his presence.”
“Hey man, if you’re right, do you expect us to fight a god!? Most of us aren’t even level 200 yet!”
Rider glanced at GrizzlyDiamond, who immediately felt a powerful chill run down his spine. “Do not fret. I only require your assistance in defeating those who aim to summon Razznik to this plane. For certain reasons, I cannot personally participate. But, in the event that Razznik is summoned, I will do something about it.”
Brilith’s gaze narrowed. “How dangerous is this quest?”
Rider scanned the ground. “At least half of you will most likely perish. The Choas Order have prepared for this for over a decade. Expect strong resistance.”
“Chaos Order?” Fire burned in Brilith’s eyes as a sinister smile curled up her lips. “Perfect. I owe that guild.” She then glanced at Anya. “Is there an accompanying reward?”
Anya nodded. “You will be suitably compensated.”
Brilith smiled and then nodded. There was no need to argue specifics with the Holy Mother, especially in front of other wisben. Confirming the reward was enough. She knew Anya would not shortchange her.
“This battle. Where is it going to hold?”
“Oni Hill.” Several Summoned’s expressions twitched. Oni Hill? That place was also in this game? “At the center of Drakase.” Rider looked at the trembling Summoned as he confirmed, “The battle will take place at Oni Hill in Drakase. You have 27 days to prepare. Do not worry about transportation. A teleportation matrix will be prepared for you all.”
“Teleportation matrix?”
“You will understand when the time comes. Just make sure you are ready. The matrix can carry 1000 people.” Rider nodded and then glanced at Zuri. “We’re leaving.”
Zuri’s eyes shone as she ran over and then jumped onto Rider’s back. She then smiled and waved at Anya and Sophie. “See you, Sophie! Take care of Anya-obaasan! Zuri’ll get stronger, and come see you guys soon!”
A pair of dark-black wings made from condensed ki sprouted from Rider’s back. The hybrid ascended with one mighty flap and then looked at Anya. “I’ll return with the matrix.”
Anya smiled. “Are you going to see Niye?”
Rider nodded. He glanced at Sophie and then at Brilith. “Just like you, she must have one or two potential champions by her side. We could use all the help we can get.” His gaze warmed as he looked to the northeast. “Besides, it has been a few decades since anyone visited her. She must be quite lonely.”
Anya chuckled as she observed the man floating above. For all of Rider’s posturing, he was the only one who went out of their way to visit the Cursed.
Rider liked to claim he was just passing by. Still, the Cursed knew it was because he was secretly worried they would succumb to the despair of watching life grow and die around them without end.
Rider, after all, was a hybrid even before the curse. No one knew his real age, but he had definitely lived a few centuries before meeting Razznik. As such, he was uniquely equipped to deal with the passing of time, unlike the other humes.
Anya thought of the stubborn kiwox sitting alone in her temple. Her features softened as she said, “Tell Niye I said hi.”
Rider revealed a wry smile. “I suppose time can indeed heal anything. I will pass along your greetings. Just do me a favor, and be civil when you meet.”
“Ho-ho.” Anya’s eyes turned into crescents as she chuckled. “These old bones wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Rider sighed. Anyone foolish anyone to believe those worlds would soon find themselves in a world of hurt. The hybrid shook his head and then looked at the crowd. “Remember, 27 days. Sharpen your blades and bolster your forces. I shall not wait for anyone.”
Leaving those words behind, Rider took to the sky. BOOM! A sonic boom exploded as the hybrid disappeared from sight, speeding towards the northeast.
Brilith’s gaze narrowed as she looked at the empty sky. She took a deep breath and then turned to her guild members. “You heard the man. Put all assignments on hold. Order potions from the apothecaries and commence level training. Everyone here must gain at least one level before the time limit. Am I clear!?”
“HOO!” The guildmembers behind her generals roared their assent. Following this, the generals set out with their consignments for the surrounding forests. These were going to be a torrid three weeks of mourning for the monsters.
Brilith watched her troops disperse and then glanced at Anya, but more specifically, the elf by her side. Her lips curled up in a smile. ‘Soon.’ With that thought, she turned and left the Augury, determined to improve her strength before the big day.