No matter how unexpected this was. Veles had this nagging feeling that something out of the ordinary was happening with this girl. So, he stood in front of his rescuer. And peered into her eyes. They still lacked that spark, but the desperation for survival hidden deep within couldn’t escape his senses.

He then quietly said, “To think I would meet someone with that constitution yet again. But this time, without a guide. Poor soul. You let your own power consume you. Isn’t that right, ‘Pioneer of Vea’?”

Hearing his last words in an unknown language. The girl shuddered. A very uncomfortable chill visibly passed through her whole body, making her scrawny hands frantically shake. It forced her to drop the wedge she previously held. But the feeling passed fast as it came, leaving her yet again staring at Veles, displaying no emotion at all.

Having more important pressing matters to attend to, Veles gently tapped her shoulder, shifting her position away from him. After making sure she wouldn’t be caught in the aftermath, he placed his hand on the stone responsible for his imprisonment, intending to see what kept him here.

All runes carved into the stone came to a sudden halt. Their previous chaotic momentum was replaced with neatly formed words floating under the glasslike surface.

It took just a few seconds before the runes vanished, giving Veles enough time to grasp how this thing even managed to hold him. And learning the details… he couldn’t help but stare in disbelief. What a simple condition. The one he obviously overlooked.

“I just had to find someone who really needs my help, that’s it?” mused Veles. If he thought more carefully, it now made sense how he remained stuck for so long. Ever since he'd woke up in this place, everyone visiting him had ulterior motives for trying to release him. Nobody ever required honest help…

But he could never have predicted this. Because, in the first place, he was the one who imprisoned himself…

It sounded ridiculous, yes, and Veles still pondered how he ended up like this. The last memory he could recall before waking inside this place was of him entering that wretched dimension and finally getting rid of his curse. The journey itself through the dimension and what had happened afterward was entirely blank.

Something unexplainable had occurred. This ridiculous ‘condition’ to pull out the wedge didn’t sound like something he would do. But the chain, stone, and even gate were all his work. They were his greatest creations, and they would never listen to someone else. He had to be the one who instructed them how to act.

Strange…

He shrugged. This question would be answered for sure. And honestly, he didn’t care. Whatever happened before was unimportant as long as his curse was no more. For now, he should focus on the present problems.

Veles brought his attention to the girl who released him, “There is no such thing as coincidence. Every step we take, be it the very next or the ones in the years to come. Each has a deep meaning that eventually leads us to the ultimate end.” He took a few steps towards her without stopping with his speech. “There will be no time for regret as you’ve come to learn that there are no second chances without paying the price. I know your kind, and I very well know why it led you here.”

Veles stood a step away from the girl. Having already made a decision. He placed his index finger on her glabella. “I will play along for now. The rest depends on you.”

A strange kind of energy surrounded Veles and the girl, circling around both of them wildly. Slowly but surely, it condensed itself, forming a small transparent ball floating just above her forehead. Just as Veles removed his hand and took a step back. A small ball of transparent energy shot forward and entered between the girl’s eyes, jerking her head backward.

She stood frozen for a few seconds with her head facing the sky. But when she straightened her head. Her past expressionless face and blank eyes were gone, replaced with a sharp and intelligent look.

Her change was evident and drastic, but clearly, she wasn’t there yet. She was looking around and trying to figure out what was happening, still having trouble understanding her surroundings.

“Ha! Sharp as ever. As expected of someone with those eyes. Now, can you tell me your name?” Veles asked, his eyes narrowing.

Still confused, she subconsciously replied, her voice harsh and rusty. “Olivia.”

After saying her name, the girl put her hands before her face and stared at them. Not even a second later, tears started to fall down her malnourished face.

“Come on, don’t cry,” said Veles. “This is just the beginning. It would be best if you considered yourself lucky. You at least remember your name.” Disregarding her current state. Veles readied his palm, coating it with bluish energy. He struck straight to Olivia's abdomen while making sure not to carry too much force.

When the punch landed, she immediately started to cough dangerously. But instead of helping her, Veles took a few steps back.

It would be ungrateful of him not to go all out with the benefits he could currently provide. Her part was only to grit her teeth and overcome this short, painful process. And later, reap the benefits.

Followed by more uncomfortable coughs, Olivia dropped to her knees and spat a small, not even a centimeter big transparent ball completely covered in blood.

Veles did not react as he saw her spatting her Mana Core, a feat which should have resulted in her death, considering a Mana Core was just another important organ in a human’s body.

So, like last time, not caring one bit, he waved his hand, forcing ten deep blue crystals to appear and surround her. After moving his hands in a particular manner, those crystals released mana that forcefully entered through her pores.

Unfortunately for her, when mana from crystals touched her skin, a massive amount of pain assaulted the poor girl. She started spasming and letting out muffled screams, but they didn't last long. Her consciousness shut down, unable to bear the pain. She lay down motionlessly, her skin reddened, and smelly black goo started forming on the top of it, which not long after poured like rivers from within her body.

Veles walked back to his chair at the table. He sat down and watched the girl covered in a sticky black substance. Slight traces of disgust on his face. All that poison. He didn’t understand how those born west of his forest even survived with this amount contaminating their bodies.

“Sir Veles, if I may ask. What about us? Can we leave?” Davis suddenly asked, slightly nudging Olgled on the side, hoping his friend would get a cue and follow along.

Oh yes, they were there. Veles’s mind was too preoccupied with the plans he had prepared for this exact moment to care about them. As far as he was concerned, even if he just let them go, their chances of survival were zero, considering the sequence of events that would occur after his release.

Having the shackle removed, a small portion of his strength had returned. Which in turn made him notice just how bad his body’s condition was. It was totally messed up. Calling him a cripple wouldn’t be wrong. So, he really had no means to help them.

But thinking deeply about it. Like he’d already said, this group was a decent one, good and talented kids. It would be a shame just to let them go like that. Unfortunately, he could not afford to bring all of them outside…

Veles just looked at them one by one—to their shock—he just shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. It depends.”

Now, it was Olgled who decided to finally say something. “Depends? On what?”

“On your skills. But I guess it’s already too late,” replied Veles.

Just as Veles’s words settled in, Davis’s face was splashed with a fair amount of blood. Stunned, Davis followed the small thud upfront, and his gaze caught Melinda’s head slowly rolling on the wooden table. Davis’s head snapped to his right, where he saw Melinda’s body falling from her chair and Olivia standing there holding a strangely curved sword in her hand.

Davis immediately stood up. Grabbing Olgled’s shoulder, he pulled him along, taking a safe distance from the crazy girl. Both grabbed the handles of their sheathed swords, pulling them out. It’s already clear that the situation had gotten out of hand.

“How about you calm down? We can talk this out,” said Davis, trying to defuse this situation somehow.

Unfortunately, Olivia didn’t care. She didn’t even give them a chance to organize appropriately. She dashed toward Davis, making him panic. He raised his sword, preparing to parry. But that was never meant for him. Instead, it was Olgled who took the full brunt of it, and no matter how ridiculous it looked, Olivia was pushing him back.

Davis’s confused state made Veles amused. It was a foul play, but what could he do about it? To say that Olivia was a monster on account of her talents would be an understatement. So, he leaned in his chair and treated this like a show.

Seeing the opportunity as Olivia and Olgled crossed their blades yet again. Davis lunged, striking at her back while using just a third of his strength, using this attack as a probe. She, unexpectedly showed no reaction as his blade kept nearing.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

When suddenly, the sword fell from his hand, loudly connecting with the ground and even denting the paved stone floor. Stupefied, Davis blinked, which was enough for a solid frontal kick to land on his chest, sending him flying backward.

Olivia focused again on Olgled. Veles saw her sword getting heavier the more she defended against Olgled’s attacks. Until she finally managed to knock Olgled’s weapon away, making him defenseless and allowing her to plunge a solid blow directly to his heart, ending his life here and there.

Removing her sword from an already dead Olgled, she gripped the handle tighter, then turned around with the clear intention to finish Davis off.

But she suddenly stopped as she heard the noise of someone clapping from behind…

“As expected from you! Marvelous! Those eyes, in combination with your mental constitution, are extraordinary. But I would like it if you leave this boy alive.” said Veles, still sitting at the table as he enjoyed the play. After a few more claps, he pointed at Davis. “He can be useful to me after I leave this place. I would appreciate it if you forget your grudge against him.”

Unexpectedly, Olivia just glared at Veles and spat venomously. “They treated me like an animal! They deserve to die.”

Veles just gave her a slight chuckle. “Trust me, girl. You were even worse than an animal.” This time, Olivia sent a murderous glare towards Veles. To which he just added. “I hope you understand your current state of mind. Focusing on a grudge the moments you regained your wits isn’t a way for a stable recovery.”

Not waiting for any answer, Veles stood up. The table and chairs all vanished, and he slowly started walking toward an unexpectedly calm Davis who had just regained his footing.

Davis just stood there, looking at the approaching Veles. “What do I have to do?”

“You surprised even me. You carried yourself through all of this decently well.” Standing before him, Veles prepared his palm by gathering bluish energy around it.

Davis sighed. “The moment I stepped beyond that gate. I was resigned for anything…”

“I can see that,” answered Veles.

Glancing at the swirling bluish energy in Veles’s palm, Davis asked. “Does it hurt?”

“Oh, definitely.”

“Do I really ha-” Palm landed on his abdomen. Davis experienced the same thing Olivia did, first spatting out his Mana Core, then succumbing to pain as blue crystals danced around his unconscious body.

Olivia was watching Veles’s back and could not help but ask. “And what now?”

Veles could tell she directed that question to herself. Veles looked at the stars in the sky, watching them slowly lose their light, disappearing into nothingness.

“There is not much time left. And I have plenty of things to prepare,” he said.

Not much time left? Only when Olivia followed Veles’s gaze and saw the disappearing stars did she notice the apparent change in scenery. And more importantly, the lowering of temperature…

“You made a good choice.” Said Veles while pointing at the weapon Olivia was holding. Out of all the fancy and golden artifacts, she chose a normal iron katana. She seemed to have understood that the rest were not safe to use…

Noticing she wasn’t going to say anything, Veles decided to ask her an important question. “Hmm, there is something I want to ask you.” Veles slowly started making circles around Olivia, making her visibly uncomfortable.

“I’ve met your kind before, and let me tell you, the hatred they showed toward me is still something I find strange. By any chance, do you feel an unbearable urge to kill me or to perhaps do anything in your power to stand in my way?” Veles asked. His voice carried traces of hostility, signaling this was no simple matter.

“No, I don’t feel any hate or urge to hurt you in any way. Contrary to that, I feel like you are the most natural thing I’ve ever seen,” she immediately replied. Her face colored in confusion, unsure why she even said it like that. “It is strange. I can’t explain it…” She suddenly clutched her head. And her face contorted in pain.

Unknowingly, Olivia just gave Veles an answer to a crucial question. He, of course, had yet to stake his hopes on her ability. However, his previous encounter with those carrying her gifts proved that they were extremely hostile toward him because of his curse. If she said there wasn’t any hidden hostility—he was also sure she didn’t lie about it. This confirmed it. His curse was most likely no more.

The only thing bothering him was her calling him a ‘thing’. She also said it quite sternly. What was that, tough?

A wave of transparent energy washed over Olivia, making her headache vanish without a trace. Then Veles decides to tell her a crucial fact. “I know you’ve instinctively used your ability to show you the right way or right answer, but you should do your best to suppress the urge to use it. I helped you once, but there won’t be a second time.”

Out of nowhere, Olivia glared at Veles and spat in anger. “Why should I do that?! I can do whatever I want!” But a moment later, she froze, shocked by her own reaction.

Veles just chuckled.

“I see you are already deep in. It feels great to know everything and to find the best way to find anything you desire, doesn’t it? But did you ask yourself what price you would be paying for it?” Then Veles started pointing out some hard truths. “You know your own name. That’s great. But do you know how old you are? What about your parents? Where do you come from? What do you like to do or eat? Where were you a year ago?”

The more he said, the more Olivia’s face grew pale.

“You get it now? You were paying mostly with your memories. You probably didn’t notice anything strange when you first unlocked this ability. By the time you did, it was probably too late. You were corrupted by the feeling of power it gave you. And in the end, you were degraded to such levels where you knew nothing except the basic instinct to survive.”

Veles’s words seemed to be spot on, seeing how shaken she was. And he couldn’t blame her. He had seen numerous cases like hers before.

Wiping a few tears threatening to spill, Olivia took a deep breath and, with difficulty, asked. “Can you please get rid of it?”

“Get rid of it?” Veles snorted. Removing something you were born with? Impossible. “If such a thing was possible, I wouldn’t be here. I might not be able to remove it. But I’ve already ‘sealed’ it. What’s left is for you to take care and not force it. After all, I’m not sure of all the capabilities your gift has. And you are lucky, I barely managed to heal your mind, so there is a possibility that your memories might come back…”

Olivia nodded in understanding, saying nothing. Veles took this as her needing the time to gather her thoughts, so he shifted his focus on Davis.

“You should be well aware that what you are doing is pointless,” said Veles. With a gust of energy, all black goo stuck on Davis was blown away, forcing him to jolt and stop faking his unconsciousness.

Standing up, Davis acted as if nothing had happened. “I was just taking my time. It would be rude to interrupt you two.”

“Chose one,” instructed Veles. Deciding not to comment on Davis’s behavior.

Next to Davis floated a set of various weapons. It was clear what Veles wanted, but after inspecting them for a full minute, Davis had a dumbfounded look on his face. All of those weapons were unbelievably basic, made of ordinary steel and wood. After deciding not to mind it that much, he picked a standard spear with spearheads on both sides.

“This looks nice,” said Davis. Fiddling with the weapon he chose.

“Good,” Veles replied. Turning around, he summoned three wooden chairs. Gesturing for Davis to sit on one.

Veles then faced Olivia and said, “You can’t go on like that. You look ridiculous. Go change.” With another wave of his hand, dozens of wardrobes appeared. “Just touch what you want to wear, and it will instantly appear on you.”

Olivia confusedly looked down at her cheap and ragged clothes. The lack of memories most likely destroyed her perception of what was considered normal to wear. And not having any choice in the matter, she listened to Veles’s instruction.

Seeing her gone. Veles faced Davis. He raised his right hand in a grabbing motion, and a small blue flame manifested in his palm. It slowly grew until it started revealing pitch-black parchment. Once it was fully revealed, those blue flames attached themselves to the paper in the form of various strange letters.

He then handed the paper to Davis. “A single drop of your blood is needed to sign this. Once you do, you will become something like my student, pupil, or disciple. Call it whatever you want…” Veles wasn’t done yet. “The benefit of doing so is that I will give you appropriate guidance in your magic path, should you deserve it. Also, remember that it’s not extravagant to say that you will never meet anyone more knowledgeable than me.”

Veles expected him to be astonished by the offer, and Davis didn’t disappoint him.

“You should understand that the path of magic isn’t based just on resources. Knowledge is much more valuable than a few shiny rocks. Now, onto your part…” Veles added before his tone turned serious. “You will follow almost all of my instructions. You are also allowed to question some of my decisions. But sharing sensitive information about me and betrayal will result in something worse than death. And also, you will have to fulfill one of my orders without any questions asked.”

Davis nodded. Not giving it much taught. “It’s honestly a good deal. But I won’t be treated like a slave, right? And I would be able to pursue my own goals?”

“I don’t enslave people who don’t antagonize me. As for your own goals, if they don’t go against mine, it should be fine.”

“What if I don’t want to sign it?” asked Davis.

“You take that spear and leave. I would alter your memories, and you will forget all our interactions. You can basically enjoy your life and do whatever you want,” replied Veles. Not pointing at the fact that his chances of survival outside would be zero.

“Understood,” then Davis hesitantly pointed at the bodies of his teammates. “Are they?”

“There is a chance. But I do not have enough ‘materials’ now. Meaning you must earn them,” confirmed Veles.

Just as Davis was about to ask another question, the sound of footsteps distracted him. When Davis looked at where the sound came from, his jaw dropped.

The former slave girl was now dressed in plain oversized black pants and a green men’s martial robe. Ignoring her lousy taste in clothes, her change was still unbelievable. The former malnourished look was replaced with a healthy young woman. She had her black hair tied in a ponytail that reached her neck, and her cold expression combined with pitch-black eyes gave her a unique aura.

“Drastic change, huh?” Veles commented. “You should check yourself too. Keep this in mind. The first one is free. Everything after must be earned—of course, after you sign the contract.”

Veles made a mirror appear in front of Davis, making the guy’s already wide eyes wider.

Before everything happened, Davis was just a 28-year-old guy with a smaller structure. He looked like an older kid even while in his late twenties. If before, his height was a little below average. He was now a head taller. No longer looking like a scarecrow, he packed solid muscle with broad shoulders. His brown eyes stayed normal, while his past baby-fat face was now handsome with a visible jawline. And his old dirty brown bob cut hair got replaced with new shiny neck length brown with deep red ends.

While Davis was in disbelief, Olivia took an empty seat and glared at Veles.

Veles completely ignored her piercing gaze and handed her the same parchment he gave Davis. “By dropping a single drop of your blood on this parchment, you agree to become my discip-” Without even finishing, Olivia had already struck her index finger on the needle placed on the bottom of the parchment and smeared blood onto the paper. The next moment, the paper burst into flames and vanished without a trace…

“That was easy,” Veles muttered. He was sure it would take some time to convince her. However, she proved him wrong…

“What else am I supposed to do?” Olivia said.

Ah, that made sense. Veles nodded. She still lacked her memories. Her mind was akin to a clean slate without any meaningful memory outside the essential ones. What gladdened Veles was that she’d figured out her own situation rather well. This would lessen the trouble Veles was prepared to face when she signed the parchment.

Not even a moment later, Davis also signed the contract. Seeing Olivia doing it without hesitation apparently pushed him over the edge.

“Why is there a need for contracts like this in the first place?” Davis asked. “I mean. Aren’t you really powerful? What could the two of us do to help you?”

“Oh, I will keep that as a surprise when we leave this place,” Veles replied with a mysterious smile.