Akil bided his time for two entire days before he sensed a group of 6 people moving towards the bandit hideout. Akil made some last minute adjustments to his illusion to make sure it was as lifelike as possible. As they got close he realized that one of the people in the group was bound and being dragged along. Akil’s stomach tightened, there's only one person who would be bound.
Akil felt hot rage smoldering inside, he forced himself into a meditative state to regain control. It was at that moment the door to the fort was thrown open. The blonde haired Deacon strut confidently into the room with his party close at his heels. The party pulled a disheveled Selena behind them by a rope that was also used to bind her. Akil felt a momentary pang of fury well up before it was swallowed by his meditation.
Deacon swaggered over to a table and roughly sat down. He grabbed a mug on the table and gulped it down. An incredulous look flashed on his face as the illusionary ale disappeared into his gullet. The illusion would have the correct taste and feel of a real drink but it would lack the feeling of fullness that would usually accompany it. Luckily Akil’s illusions were exceptionally hard to disbelieve, even if someone had told him flat out that everything he saw and felt in the room was an illusion he would be hard pressed to shake it off.
“Your ale is shit as always.” (Deacon)
He kicked back in his chair and put his feet on the table.
“And yer a right asshole as always.” (Akil)
They both burst out in a rough laughter. Deacon slammed his cup on the table and wiped his sleeve across his face.
He then harshly gestured towards the bound Selena.
“You wouldn’t believe how much of a fight the bitch put up.” (Deacon)
The ranger looking guy with the bow who was holding on to Selenas rope pulled on it roughly causing Selena to fall onto her knees. She looked up at them with hate and tears in her eyes and spat out.
“I can’t believe you, you all are a disgrace to the hunters!” (Selena)
Deacon sneered at her outburst, he let out a crude laugh. The party members followed his lead with laughs of their own. Akil let out a forced laugh and he made the illusionary bandits laugh as well.
“Have your boys put the slave collar on her and get her ready for me.” (Deacon)
He leered at her pervertedly and licked his lips.
“Oh and get me my cut from the last slut I brought.” (Deacon)
He jerked his head toward Akil, indicating to his party member to hand over Selena. Akil similarly indicated towards one of the illusionary bandits. The party member and the bandit walked over to each other and Selena was exchanged.
Selena was brought over to where Akil was standing and the illusionary bandit handed over the rope to Akil. As soon as the rope was in his hand Akil began casting.
[Remove Enchantment], [Mass Bind Humanoid]
Deacons party members put their hands on the heads as the enchantment magic that had a hold of their minds was dropped. Immediately after the party members and Deacon froze in place as if bound by some invisible force. Akil dropped his disguise and the illusion dissipated. He also released his meditative state, allowing the full brunt of his wrath to surface. His golden eyes boring into Deacon.
A mixture of surprise and indignation crossed Deacon's face, a vein appearing on top of his forehead due to the strain of trying to escape his magical hold.
Selena looked up to him in a daze. She had been ready to resign herself to her horrible fate when someone she barely knew came to be her savior.
“Akil… it's you… but why… how?” (Selena)
Akil tore his furious gaze away from Deacon, his expression softened when he looked towards Selena’s.
“I am sorry Selena, I've been keeping some secrets from you. I promise I will reveal everything to you once I finish dealing with this problem.” (Akil)
She bit her bottom lip as if she was going to say something then nodded at him gratefully.
“HeheheheheheHEHEHEHEHEHE”(Deacon)
Deacon’s eerie laughter filled the air, Akil frowned and looked back towards him.
“I recognize you, you're that two bit hunter that she was with the other day. To think the slut has been whoring herself around so much that she's got herself a little fanboy.” (Deacon)
The party members behind him finally seemed to shake off the enchantment magic.
“What the hell is going on Deacon, what did you do to us, how could you make us do such horrible things…” (Archer)
“You’ve forced us to do your bidding and treated us as slaves, we won’t let you get away with this.” (Mage)
“SHUT UP YOU FOOLS! You should be at my feet groveling, I gave you purpose and power that you never would have been able to obtain on your own. No matter, you are all still of use to me.” (Deacon)
~In the language of the devils~ “EMPOWER.” (Deacon)
A large suction force appeared around Deacon centering on his heart. The party members around him gasped out in great pain. Their screams echoed in the small room and after a few moments red gems were drawn out from their skin by the suction force. After the red gems were fully removed the screaming stopped and the party members dropped to the ground, Akil could sense no life force from the now still bodies.
The red gems flew in front of Deacon and converged into one large glowing gem. Akil could sense heavy magic and life force coming from it. The gem started absorbing into Deacon’s chest. Akil could feel a great increase in Deacon’s power.
“I’ve been nurturing these fools for quite a while, I was hoping that absorbing them would bring me all the way to Mithral level power but Platinum should be more than enough to deal with you.” (Deacon)
Deacon flexed, breaking through the magic holding him. Selena looked on in horror, the hope that had appeared in her eyes previously died out, replaced with abject terror.
“Leave me Akil, you have to run NOW!” (Selena)
Akil felt warmth in his heart at her concern but he stood firm and looked at Deacon with no fear.
“Any last words? Oh wait, don’t answer that, I really don’t care… I’m going to cut off your legs then make you watch as I fuck that little slut right in front of you, at least you'll get a show before I sell you and the bitch into slavery. Male slaves aren’t usually worth as much but you’re a mage and you’re really damn pretty so I’m sure I can fetch a good price.” (Deacon)
Deacon pulled his sword from his side and fell into a deep stance, a crazy look on his face. His aura skyrocketed, covering the entire room with a heavy pressure. The pressure was so strong that Selena’s nose began to bleed. Akil noticed this and expanded his own aura to cover and protect her. He faced down Deacon’s aura increase calmly.
“I gotta say, you’re pretty impressive, you’ll make a pretty good slave.” (Deacon)
Deacon shot forward in a blur appearing in front of Akil in an instant, his sword flashing 10 times in less than a breath. Akil swayed back and forth, dodging the swings by less than a hair's breadth. Deacon scowled, his aura skyrocketing once more as he prepared a maneuver.
Royal Ruby Fourth Tier: Dance of the Scarlet Peony
His sword glowed with a deep red trail, it flitting through the air in intricate patterns painting a beautiful peony in the air. The peony expanded with a sharp aura, exploding outward towards Akil. Just as it was about to reach him, Akil waved his staff, dissipating the peony harmlessly.
Deacon looked on in disbelief and rage.
“I don’t know what kind of tricks you are using but it's time to get serious.” (Deacon)
Deacons started to emit a heavy golden aura.
Majestic Lion Fifth Tier: Feast of the Pride
Deacon split into 5 copies, each emitting a pressure as heavy as a charging lion. The five copies flickered and reappeared around Akil each striking at a different location on his body.
Akil slammed down his staff, creating a powerful shockwave in a circle around him. The five copies were pushed back, slamming into the walls and tables. 4 of the copies shattered into nothingness, leaving a furious Deacon lying against the wall.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“You’re right Deacon, it is time to end this.” (Akil)
Akil raised his right hand and made intricate seals with his left.
Broken Mirror Ninth Tier: Mirror Breakers Curse
A small mirror appeared in front of Akil showing Deacon’s reflection. Deacon felt a strong force pulling his gaze towards his own reflection. No matter how hard he tried he could not look away. Suddenly, it felt as the world around Deacon shattered like broken glass. His view was filled with infinite reflections of himself from the broken pieces of the world all leading towards the small mirror. The mirror moved towards him, pushing through the shattered world. A strong feeling of dizziness washed over Deacon, nauseating him and making it near impossible to discern what was going on around him.
After a few moments the dizziness subsided and he found himself floating in a gray fog with the only feature being a large body sized mirror standing in front of him. Through it he could see the ceiling of the room he was just in. He slammed his fist against the glass and yelled at the top of his lungs.
“What have you done to me!” (Deacon)
On the other side of the mirror a large visage of Akil appeared, looking down at him. From Akil’s perspective there was a small mirror on the ground with a miniature deacon trapped inside of it. He could see Deacon yelling but no sound could be heard. He picked up the mirror and held it in his hand for a few moments looking at the trapped Deacon. He finally shook his head and placed the mirror inside his magic bag.
Akil looked over to a wide eyed Selena sitting on the ground. He could see confusion and a little bit of fear reflected in her gorgeous seafoam eyes.
Akil sighed and walked over to her slowly.
“I will free you now, I ask that you give me a few moments to explain myself.” (Akil)
Akil cast simple 0 level Chore Magic to untie the rope that bound her. He reached out his hand to help her stand. She looked at it for a moment, rubbing her wrists that still had marks from the tight rope that she had been bound with. After a few moments of hesitation, she made up her mind and took his outstretched hand. He delicately lifted her up into a standing position. He then gestured over to one of the tables for her to take a seat. She willingly obliged, taking her seat then looking up at him expectantly, waiting for answers for her unspoken questions.
Akil sat down across from her and took one more deep sigh.
“So as you could probably guess, I am not just a simple researcher from the academy at Damerel. I did not lie about my name, I am still Akil, but I am not from this world originally. I am not sure how I got here, I was attempting to lay low and find out how I was transported here. I apologize for lying to you earlier. Do you have any questions for me?” (Akil)
She paused for a few moments then asked something that had been on her mind as she watched the fight.
“...Exactly how strong are you? Deacon said his strength should have been around platinum rank but you seemed to have no trouble handling him.” (Selena)
“Well it's up to you whether you believe me or not but I am able to use spells up to 14th level and maneuvers up to the 9th tier.” (Akil)
Selena sucked in a sharp breath.
“14th level?? That shouldn’t be possible, spells only reach up to 9th level.” (Selena)
“Common misconception, if you get past level 20 as a mage then you will get the ability to cast spells higher than level 9, most people only use this to cast enhanced spells of lower levels, like an Extended or Empowered 9th level spell. I have personally researched and developed actual spells up to 14th level. It may be possible to cast even higher level spells as well but the magical energies become much harder to control at that point. Instead I spent more time focusing on learning martial skills.” (Akil)
“So what level are you exactly?” (Selena)
“Fifty Five.” (Akil)
Her hand shot up to her mouth as she gasped.
“But the strongest person in history only had a level of 20, it’s well known that it is impossible to get higher than that.” (Selena)
“Not impossible, just exponentially harder.” (Akil)
Her look was of slight disbelief. She had trouble believing that someone could be so powerful. But she didn’t know why he would lie about it.
“Well I guess I believe you for now but I can’t stay here much longer. My brother is in dire straits right now, I need to get back to him as soon as possible. We can talk more once I figure out a way to save my brother.” (Selena)
“Ah I was distracted, I forgot to mention that I already cured your brother of his disease.” (Akil)
“You what?!” (Selena)
Tears of joy immediately started pouring down her face. She sputtered out in between sobs:
“I don’t know how I could ever thank you… I didn’t even know how I was going to thank you just for saving my life and now you saved my brother as well.” (Selena)
She grabbed onto his arm tearfully. Akil felt very embarrassed, for him this was a very minor issue but he realized that for Selena this was absolutely life changing.
“Ehem, well, uhh… we should get back to your brother soon, I left him asleep at your home.” (Akil)
“What about them…” (Selena)
She gestured towards the bodies of Deacon’s party members.
“Unfortunately their souls were destroyed in the process of whatever it was that Deacon did.” (Akil)
Akil thought that it was very strange, souls are very hardy, it takes a lot of power to destroy one. Even his spell Rend Soul was an 11th level and should be above the means of the people of this world.
“Let’s return then.. I can’t wait to see my brother.” (Selena)
Selena stood up and looked around, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.
“How far out of the city are we right now, how long do you think it will take to return?” (Selena)
“Oh don’t worry about that, just take my hand.” (Akil)
Akil reached his hand out towards her, she looked at it for a moment and even though she had just grabbed his hand before for some reason this felt more intimate, a slight blush burned at her cheeks.
She looked down at her feet and shyly grabbed his hand. He saw her hesitation and feeling slight butterflies in his stomach over how cute she was being. He shook off the out of place feelings and began casting a spell.
[Greater Teleport]
Magic circles appeared around both of them, Selena around in amazement, unsure of what was happening. The magical energies instantly transported them to an alleyway in Graycott. Selena was awe-struck.
“Was that precision teleportation magic, I heard that only Orichalcum ranked adventures can cast precise teleportation magic?!” (Selena)
He started rubbing his head, embarrassed.
“At my level this is rather simple...” (Akil)
She looked at him in a new light, she had watched him fight Deacon and she knew he was strong but this was definitive proof he was at least as strong as an Orichalcum ranked adventurer. That kind of strength was far beyond her comprehension.
He walked with her out of the alleyway, they drew a couple of vulgar stares and smirks. It was only then that Selena thought of the implication of a man and a woman walking out of an alleyway together. Her face turned a deep crimson. She tried to hide herself behind Akil’s large frame. After a few moments of calming down, Akil and Selena started the short walk outside the city and towards Selena’s house.
After the short walk they ended up in front of the house, Selena swung the door open and called out.
“Hayden, I’m home!” (Selena)
The priest came out from Tristan’s room in the back.
“Selena! I’m glad you’re doing okay.” (Hayden)
“How is Tristan doing?” (Selena)
“There's been no change but with his condition I would say that's a good thing.” (Hayden)
She shot Akil a questioning look, He just smiled back at her reassuringly.
“We're here to take him to a healer in Damerel.” (Akil)
“Ah you are that fellow who came asking about Selena earlier this week.” (Hayden)
“Akil.” (Akil)
Akil put his hand out for a handshake, the priest put his relatively small hand out to Akil for the shake, smiling.
“Hayden, I’m one of the local priests around here, but I'm sure you already knew that. It's nice to formally meet you.” (Hayden)
He looked back to Selena and smiled at her.
“Well if you are going to take Tristan to Damerel then I better get back to the church, I hope everything works out.” (Hayden)
“Thank you so much Hayden for all your help, take this.” (Selena)
Selena took out some silver coins and tried to hand them to Hayden.
“I can’t possibly accept that Selena, please use it to help your brother.” (Hayden)
He pushed her hand with the money in it back towards her. He gave her a light hug and Akil a nod then started walking away.
Selena and Akil walked to Tristan’s room, she saw her brother on the bed with a poor countenance she gave Akil a confused look.
“I thought you said you healed him?” (Selena)
Akil gave her a small smirk and waved his hand over the sick Tristan, dispelling the illusion that he had previously placed on him. A healthy looking Tristan could now be seen lying in the bed. Selena put both hands up to her mouth at the display, tears welling up in her eyes.
Akil put his hand in front of Tristan's face and snapped his fingers, Tristan’s eyes fluttered open slowly. Akil heard a sharp gasp coming from Selena from behind him. Tristan's eyes fully opened and moved his own body then from Akil to Selena. He gave his sister a confused look. She threw herself at him and held him strongly while crying.
“...Sister, what's wrong, why are you crying?” (Tristan)
Selena managed to choke out through tears.
“Tristan, I’m so glad you are okay! You’ve been very sick for a while but now Mr. Akil was able to heal you.” (Selena)
Akil gave Tristan a warm smile.
“I’m glad you’re okay, you gave your sister quite the scare.” (Akil)
“Thank you so much Akil, you’ve saved both of our lives, I don’t know how I will ever be able to repay you…” (Selena)
She looked up from holding her brother, with red puffy eyes, a slight color on her cheeks.
“You don’t have to thank me, I just couldn’t bear to see both of you in pain.” (Akil)
“There must be something we can do for you.” (Selena)
Akil was about to deny it when he had an idea.
“Actually, if you want to help I have an idea. I could use a party to help me gain fame on Talendria. First I am going to give you both some time together alone after your ordeal and to give my idea some though., Selena you can tell your brother about me and my situation. I just ask that you keep it to yourselves.” (Akil)
Akil began casting a spell.
[Planar Transport]
Magic circles appeared around Akil.
“Thank you again.” (Selena)
“Thank you for saving me.” (Tristan)
Selena and Tristan both gave thanks to their savior as he disappeared.