!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Tembulon who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them. Also Full Credits to Askard who maintains the Information Doc where a majority of spectral regalia information is written please Rep him to ^^!!!
so a couple of things. i decided to leave 2 of my prs notes 1 is because its important to see that they understand the issue between "then" and "than" the other because i found it funny :)
secondly i wanted to reccomend a new story for you all i dont usually do this i think the only time i did this was for universe online but this story allthough it has quite a bit of mature content i feel its a nice refreshing feeling and a new concept that hasnt been explored not to mention its well written and twists a lot of aspects into something new entirely its hard to fault it. i havent talked to the author before and i dont know him personally this is only because i like the story myself.
http://www.royalroadl.com/fiction/1902 its titled Blackthorne you lot may or may not like it but i wanted to help get him out there since its good to see more quality work on RR :)
P.S the 1k rep suprise is almost done you guys will have to bare with me ^^
P.s.s this ch is extra long
P.s.s.s hopefully a ch of ES will be out tmr
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[PR NOTE:NOTING A TREND IN CONFUSING "THEN" AND "THAN". Nothing else I guess ☺]
With the night ending smoothly, the unit packed up and began their journey onwards. Although reassured by Avrin, they were quite nervous. They were heading to towards the Twisting Lands, a land of horror. Any hardened knight would fear without a capable group.
The 3rd in command, wanting to take another shot at convincing Avrin to change destination, told him the tales of 3 Master leveled combatants vanishing after entering deep within. Of course, his face turned sour when Avrin gave a soft chuckle and replied with eagerness in wanting to arrive.
Avrin was careful on the trip. He knew that despite being in the Central Continent where humans ruled monsters, the biggest issue was bandit groups who were organized such as the group Gregson's convoy encountered.
Of course, to Avrin, he was sure he would survive. But as strong as one is, when protecting others, such a person cannot underestimate thorough thinking. Especially bandits that may have been doing this for a while.
Avrin’s Divine Sense spread out, and he was easily able to navigate through hot spots. Despite this, he felt the situation too broken in doing so, and kept pressuring himself that there may be someone who can avoid such a sense. But as much pressure as he put on himself, he was only met with laughs and joyful words over the days of the knights having not encountered any bandit groups.
“I can't believe how smooth travelling is. It's quite rare not to encounter a bandit group, but it's been a few days and we are almost at the western port city. Indeed, we are with luck today“A veteran spoke in the back and the others seemed to nod in agreement.
Kael smiled and spoke out “I'm sure they all fear Lord Avrin. With him, we have nothing to be afraid of” Avrin was a little uncomfortable with this boy who seemed to praise him endlessly. Avrin knew he wanted to get stronger and was trying to appeal to him, but it would take some getting used to.
Nearing the port city, Avrin’s face turned into a frown. He had detected many single mana sources spread out and he knew it would be impossible to avoid them unless he wanted to waste another day.
“Hmmm, expect an ambush in 20 minutes” Avrin calculated that in 5 minutes they would arrive, and it would take another 10 minutes for the person that spotted them to go report back and then get organized, and a final 5 minutes for them to prepare.
The knights laughed at Avrin’s words “Lord Avrin, surely you are kidding? We have yet to encounter bandits and this close to the port city? They wouldn't dare.” The 3rd in charge spoke and the others seemed to agree like a bunch of buffoons.
“-Idiots…-” He thought quietly, and they continued down the rocky path in the dense forest over a small hill. Kael pointed. “There it is Lord Avrin! The port city of Rael” Avrin tilted his head and replied “Rael? Why is it called that” (A.N Rael in their language means Strength and avrin does understand a majority of the languages)
Kael spoke “Ah, Lord Avrin, you don't know? Usually only wealthy merchants or adventurers and strong warriors come here to head to the western islands, and when they return, they get to sell monster parts and things they found. So only people with strength bother to go there“
Nodding quietly, Avrin turned his attention to the 60-70 mana sources hiding in the tree lines as well as the bushes around the area. “-30 meters ahead-” thinking to himself, he stopped his horse and suddenly everyone did as well.
“Lord Avrin, what's wrong?” Kael asked curiously. “Look carefully Kael, this is another lesson. Always be aware of your surroundings. You can never know what filth lurks within. Your comrades should learn this as well.”
The knights blinked and glared, confused at Avrin’s taunt, unsure why he had spoken. “Lord Avrin, what do you mean by offending us?” A knight spoke. Avrin raised his finger and a black sphere with purple edges charged. It was in the shape of a void sphere that would then condense into an arrow like spike.
Watching with awe at this unique looking magic, Kael’s eyes shined, as well as the knights, wanting to know what he was doing. The spike like arrow shot out, screeching in the air, before it vanished into the forest.
A second later a blood curdling scream echoed as a bandit had his chest pierced as he screamed in agony while the arrow turned the surrounding flesh as well as some of his heart to dark matter ash before he died miserably with blood seeping from his mouth.
His companions looked at him with fear before a voice spoke out. “They found us! Get them!! Quick!!!” The knights, having heard that scream and the yell that seemed like an order, suddenly unsheathed their swords, knowing that not only was Avrin right and they were shamed by it, but his ability to identify bandits was shocking.
“All of you watch carefully. No one interfere.” Avrin’s voice was clear in their ears, as if being spoken directly to them. They all froze. Even Kael shivered. The large bandit force sprung out from the forest and charged up ahead while some fired arrows.
“-Lets see just how good I can push this-” Focusing directly onto his Divine Sense, he began to emit dark matter from his body, and a menacing, mysterious Nebula Mist emitted from the aura and was infused into the Divine Sense. It spread out like a sentient swarm.
The Nebula Mist used the Divine Sense to get around nearly instantly. The arrows were vaporized into ash in mid air, and small 1 centimeter balls of Dark Matter formed everywhere around the bandits, causing them to look in confusion.
“What the hell...” One spoke before slashing at one of the Dark Matter balls. His sword’s edge was engulfed in a splash of dark matter from hitting it, causing it to slowly turn to ash. Anything that touched the balls would slowly turn to ash, so after seeing their fellow bandit's sword eaten away, they all felt terror in their eyes as they were completely surrounded.
The bandit leader was sweating immensely as he got on his knees and spoke “P...Please my Lord, spare us!! W...We won't do this again!!” A man that has always been in control and killed many innocent people had most likely even killed those who begged.
“Oh? But you and your group were so confident in attacking us. Where is that courage?” With those words, the bandits all began to tremble, also going on their knees and begging to the point where even the knights who were in shock and awe over Avrin’s mysterious ability started to feel pity.
“Sorry, but I'm not a merciful person. Consider this punishment for killing so many innocent lives” A large void sphere charged at the tip of Avrin’s finger, and as he was about to fire it, Kael immediately rushed over in front of the kneeling bandit and spread his arms, as if trying to protect him.
“L...Lord Avrin... They give up. There is no need to spill blood… We can hand them in to the authorities at Rael city…” Giving a fierce look, Avrin raised a brow. “Boy, step aside before-” seeing his chance, the bandit leader immediately got up, unsheathed a dagger, and grabbed Kael as he held the dagger to his neck.
“Hahahaha… Stupid boy… Ok Lord whoever… Give up and I'll spare this boy’s life...” The 3rd knight immediately rushed to Avrin’s side as well as others going forth. Henreth spoke “L...Lord Avrin, Kael’s life is important. We must surrender!” He roared out. Avrin frowned.
“Hmph…. Here is another lesson, boy. You reap what you sow Hey you can kill him if you want, but I guarantee that if you don't give up, not only will I torture you, I’ll rip your innards out and make sure you don't die while I use my power to slowly rot your body from the inside out”
Kael, who froze in fear, shivering at being taken hostage, felt the cold edge of the knife against his neck. The bandit leader, under Avrin’s threat, even though holding a hostage, was shaking with fear. “Y...You're bluffing… T...This boy is a noble right? He is sure to be worth a lot…”
The area was quiet for a few moments before Avrin chuckled. “You idiot… You gave me too much time to prepare.” While Avrin was speaking and buying time, small specks of dark matter had already attached themselves to the bandit’s arm and knife.
Using Divine Sense, he immediately engulfed his arm in a coating of dark matter, and as if telepathically connected, the man’s arm twisted and broke before he was lifted into the air. Kael rushed over, trembling in fear as he hugged one of the female knights under his command.
“Kael, do you truly want these bandits to live?” Avrin asked again curiously, wondering what Kael’s choice would be now that he had seen the disgusting side of no remorse. The other bandits dared not move, as they were still surrounded; only having a half meter of moving space.
“P...Please do not kill me!! Argh!!” As he spoke, Avrin crushed his arm more, using the dark matter coating on the man’s arm. Kael, who was shaking, steadily freed himself from the female veteran’s embrace, and moved from the knights surrounding him for protection. “L...Lord Avrin, I still...keep my word… Please don't kill them…”
Sighing deeply and shaking his head, Avrin spoke “Very well. Consider yourselves lucky. “Raising his hand, the dark matter balls shot towards the bandits' arms, acting like magnetic cuffs they forced their arms behind their backs and seemed to restrain them.
“I'll leave the rest of you lot to organize them. “ Avrin began to ride off slowly. Henreth sighed, as he felt Avrin was even more remarkable than expected. Usually, an incantation was needed for a restraining spell, but this ability of his seemed to move as if following his will. “An enigmatic user… I couldn't believe Lord Gregson at first, but his words are true. With such power, we may be able to stay alive in The Twisted Lands.”
Time passed on, with the knights shackling the legs of the bandits as they walked behind them all. For precaution, 4 knights rode behind them. The bandits all had nervous looks. They had spent many days murdering and stealing and gaining easy money. Who would have thought a day they like this would be their end.
Kael knew Avrin was a little disappointed, and as the main unit caught up to Avrin, who rode alone, Kael nervously rode up beside him. “Forgive me…Lord Avrin…” Avrin didn't reply. He didn't care whether they lived or died. He was here to protect him and teach him a lesson. Part of that lesson was meant to show him not everyone deserved a second chance.
As Avrin ignored Kael’s attempts at conversing with him, he gave up as they reached the entrance of the port city. The knights guarding the front immediately knew who this group was by their armor.
Showing them the badge/insignia given to him by Gregson, the knights froze and quickly treated Avrin as if he ruled this city. “My Lord! Please enter. We will notify the mayor” One knight spoke. The commotion attracted a bit of unwanted attention by adventurers who wanted to enter as well as merchants and people inside, even more so when the unit came in with what looked like prisoners.
Henreth dismounted and walked to a man wearing heavy plate mail “These bandits were captured not too far from Rael. You should send word around to have the area scouted.”
The man nodded and folded his arms “I see. Indeed, there have been some bandits causing a ruckus around, but we could never find them. I'm guessing these bastards are the culprits. Hehehe, I'll be sure to handle their punishment personally”
Overhearing the head knight, the bandits gave up on life as they were lead by Rael city’s knights to the prison. Kael looked around at the adventurers in envy. “These are adventurers who risk their lives for glory… So incredible“
His eyes shined with respect. Avrin somewhat agreed. Adventurers indeed risked their lives for glory and wealth. The unit continued on, with eyes stuck to them as whispers and curious chatter could be heard.
Henreth rode beside Avrin and chuckled “Lord Avrin, I hope you don't mind the chit chat. It's not every day a unit of knights enter Rael with intention of heading to the islands unless reinforcements are needed.”
Avrin turned to look at him for a moment. “It seems like they think something important happened on one of the islands.” Avrin replied and Henreth nodded. “Indeed. Quite perceptive, my Lord. “Of course, to Avrin, whose hearing was exceptional, he could overhear the talk.
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“Let’s spend the night here in this city. Henreth, please handle the issue with the mayor. You can all go find accommodation with him. I'll rest alone here, at Wing Eye inn” Henreth blinked “Lord Avrin, why is this necessary? Surely the accommodations we receive will be-”
Avrin cut him off “I have to tend to my own matters, so unless an issue needing my permission arises or my attendance is required, I don't want to be disturbed.” At this stage, Avrin didn't want to teach Kael anything significant until they reached The Twisting Lands. At such a place, if they wanted to live, they would need to listen to him down to the T.
As Avrin broke off from the group, Kael followed him with a soft laugh “Hahaha, Lord Avrin, I'll also rest at the Wing Eye inn” Frowning, Avrin didn't bother to reject him. This boy truly wanted to copy him as much as he could.
With Kael and Avrin arriving at the inn and moving their horses to the small station to the side, Kael rushed in eagerly. Avrin was in no rush and followed behind. As he entered, he saw Kael looking around in joy, as if this was his first time in an Inn/tavern. He even attracted the attention of some adventurers and other individuals who were laughing at him.
A man with bulging muscles in a habergeon approached him and patted his shoulder. “Kid, this isn't the right place for you. Go back to your mommy” With the laughs of the onlookers, Kael’s face flustered and he hit the man’s hand away.
“I'll have you know I'm a noble of Altea city and I have just as much right to be here as you, you dumb oaf!” Speaking with pride and ferocity. This made the adventurers and others laugh at the man with bulging muscles being told off by a kid.
“You little shit…. I'll teach yo-” As he raised his fist to hit Kael, who grinned, the man felt his hand bound, as if it were in a vice. He saw his fist was held by a cloaked individual wearing a white mask. The man wasn't as big as him but he couldn't move his fist an inch.
“Hitting someone smaller than you? People like you should piss off” Avrin spoke, and threw the man. The man yelled out in surprise as he landed on the table of his friends that broke.
“Thank you Lord Avrin!” Kael replied brightly. “You bastard!” The man’s friends roared out as they charged forward towards Avrin after unsheathing their weapons, but stopped after a sweet yet strong voice called out. “Enough you idiots… Harming a noble is punishable by imprisonment or death.”
A female wearing a mix between leather and chainmail who was walking down the stairs with 2 individuals, one of the beast tribe and another human. The female herself was Elven and her appearance was quite something. She had fair skin and black hair. Her face had a scar across her eye and her bust, despite wearing leather and chainmail, was still somewhat noticeable. She seemed quite strong and balanced in her stance, with a long sword by her side.
“Hior, you should stop picking fights…” The Elven female spoke as she sighed and walked down, shaking her head at him. Avrin paid no more attention and led Kael to the counter, where an elderly man frowned and shook his head disappointedly at Avrin.
Avrin showed him the insignia Gregson gave him, only for his eyes and the man’s to eyes nearly pop out as he softly laughed. “I...I apologize my Lords. I'll have the VIP rooms immediately ready. Please take a seat and we will serve our specials!”
Avrin blinked and wanted to laugh at how effectively this metal with a pattern on it could make someone's skin shiver. Kael rushed over to an empty table where no one was near, and Avrin also walked over and took a seat.
“Lord Avrin, that was incredible! You threw him as if he where nothing. Was that a martial arts technique?” Avrin shook his head, no longer ignoring Kael. “Just strength” Kael clenched his fists with imagination. “That's incredible! You must have trained really hard. I wonder if I will ever be able to do that”
(PR Note: Clenching fists with imagination….*suddenly has a horse mask* I love it!)
Avrin replied as a waitress brought over 2 mugs of a special alcoholic beverage. Kael looked with a grin, and as he was about to take it, Avrin spoke. “Please get this boy some juice instead” Kael frowned. “Lord Avrin, I-” Avrin shook his head. “No drinking till I see you're a capable fighter. Right now you don't need it or deserve it” In truth, Avrin didn't want to see a young child drinking alcohol.
With the drink taken away, Avrin looked around. He noticed all the adventurers were on one side while a few normal looking people were on the other side. The adventurers were shooting them glares occasionally, as well as the 3 females looking curiously sometimes.
“Kael, tell me more about your siblings and Gaia Academy.” Avrin spoke softly, wanting to get those stares off his mind. “Ahh, of course, Lord Avrin.” Kael rubbed his chin and sighed. “Well, I guess I'll start with my elder brother.” Kael’s voice seemed a little angry yet sad.
“He is only a couple of years older than me, but when he was 10 he reached the level of trained, which could be considered near a genius… And he brought the attention of many people inside and outside my family wanting to offer him support in hopes he would one day join them
I really tried hard to catch up to him, but I'm still at the basic level even though I'm 14… Everyone thinks I'm a black sheep. This is where my sister comes into play. She is only a year older than me. When she turned, 12 she reached the trained level in magic. My brother is talented in martial arts and my sister in arcane arts. Me, I'm talented in nothing but being useless.”
“Hmmm” Avrin carefully pondered a little. “-Both his siblings are talented, so what is it that's holding him back-” Truly a mysterious issue. “What do you know of Prince Cale?” Avrin spoke. From his guess, the younger generation paid attention to each other in a sense that they were compared as well as have people to look upon.
“Prince Cale? Hmm... Well, not only is he the son of our King….but he is a true genius. I heard he is about to enter the level of master at the age of 18. That's incredible. That earth cleaver weapon... I'm so jealous of him. If I had an ounce of his talent, maybe I wouldn't be so useless” Kael frowned as he drank some of the juice from the mug he was given.
“Don't underestimate yourself. All you are lacking is some good training” Kael shook his head. “My parents tried that. They spent a lot of gold trying to have people teach me, but I couldn't grasp anything. This is why they gave up on me. And now I'm here, away from them… I know my father sent me here so I won't shame our family, but one day I'll show them” He pressed his gauntlet covered hand onto the table with a building rage.
“Indeed.” Avrin hadn't bothered to touch his beverage, as he wasn't in the mood to drink. As the food came out, he raised his mask slightly, which revealed his lips enough for him to eat. Kael couldn't help but speak. “Lord Avrin, why do you wear a mask? Do you have a scar you don't want seen?” Avrin softly laughed as he put a piece of meat in his mouth using the utensils he was given. “Something like that…” Kael was about to speak, but his eyes glanced passed Avrin, which caused Avrin to stop for a moment. Emitting a little of his Divine Sense, he noticed 2 individuals walking towards them.
One of the individuals sat down next to Avrin while another next to Kael. It was the Elven female and the beast tribe girl. The girl from the beast tribe wearing a somewhat revealing outfit as well as her tail fluttering about while she gazed at Kael. She immediately held him against her chest, causing her reasonable bust to push up.
“Felia, he's so cute!! I could eat him up! Can I keep him?” Kael’s cheeks turned a deep red as he tried to push himself away. Avrin remained calm as the female Elf stared curiously at him. “Wyni, you're going to scare the young boy to death. Besides, I'm more interested in this ‘Lord Avrin’. “She smirked as she looked at Avrin.
“I wish I could say the same for you, but unfortunately I don't share the same thoughts” Avrin softly replied as he continued to eat. Felia softly laughed. “That's fine. You know, Avrin, it's not every day there is someone who can throw an Intermediate level person with ease. You hurt him quite badly, how do you plan to make up for it?”
Stopping for a moment, Avrin turned to gaze at her. “Extorting someone who has status. You seem to be quite brave” Even Avrin had to commend her for that. Felia smiled “Extorting? Oh no, only bandits would do such a thing. I'm more interested in that strength of yours. My Band of adventurers could use a powerful individual like yourself. Would you and the young boy be willing to join us in the western islands?”
Kael, who was being eyed like a piece of meat by the beast tribe female who appeared to have feline features spoke with his cheeks reddened. “I...I'm sorry ma'am, but Lord Avrin and I have a unit and we are heading to The Twisting Lands…” Speaking as if trying to block the shotacon female from his mind.
At this moment, both Felia and Wyni froze a bit and laughed. “The Twisting Lands? I don't believe you. A death sentence is all you're getting there. You're out of your mind” Felia laughed as she grabbed Avrin’s mug and drank from it as if it were ok.
“Kael, let's go find another inn.” Avrin spoke, not in the mood for trouble. Kael stood up as Wyni pouted a bit. Felia quickly spoke “W...Wait, I'm sorry. Please hear me out first...” Avrin stopped for a moment then sat back down. Kael looked at him for a little before he also sat back down, to Wyni’s delight.
“Speak.” Avrin spoke in a demanding tone and Felia responded. “Look, I'll cut to the chase. I'm hiring strong individuals because I came across a dungeon map by chance, so I'm building up a group to go explore it.”
Raising a brow, Avrin replied. “So? There are plenty of adventurers here, from what I saw” Wyni frowned and stretched as she entwined her arm with Kael’s, to his embarrassment. “This dungeon is different… We went there a few days ago with a group of 100 strong and only came out with 10… The average level was Intermediate with a few Experts. The monsters in there are unlike any we have ever seen and are incredibly fierce.”
Felia then continued from where Wyni left off. “The strange thing is those creatures were lizard like. Almost to the point where I could have sworn they’re miniature humanoid dragons. Tough scales too. Strength of an Expert at the very least.
“-Interesting. Obviously there is something they’re protecting. If, by chance, a piece of Skymetal is within, it would benefit me well. Not to mention I can train Kael-” Avrin was quiet for a moment, before he lowered and repositioned his mask.
“What's in it for me?” Kael blinked “Lord Avrin, what abou-” Avrin turned. “Do not worry Kael.” Felia smiled and spoke “5% of what we find or 500 Gold right here and now.” Avrin chuckled, which made Wyni and Felia wonder what was up.
“You take me for a fool? Expert level draconian creatures fanatically protecting a dungeon? There is definitely something in there that's important. I only ask that if there is a piece of ore down there, no matter the rarity, I will give up any other treasure to take all of it. If it's a piece of Common ore, then it would be my bad luck. A piece of Rare ore or above, then lucky me.”
Felia was quiet for a moment and Wyni frowned. “Why are you speaking as if you know there's a valuable ore down there?” Felia replied. “Well, whether there is or not, there is sure to be a bundle of treasure, and it's only 1 ore. This deal is certainly workable. But I have a condition.”
“That is?” Curiously replying to her, Avrin spoke. Gazing at Avrin, Felia responded. “As we enter, we will find some draconians, we will call them that for now. I want to see you fight some to see if your strength is the real deal or not.”
Avrin replied. “Indeed that is fair. But I also have a condition. “Felia laughed, thinking this may go back and forth “Mhm?” Avrin then replied. “I will go at my own pace, as I am training this boy. You and your group may stay behind or go ahead, but I'll be doing things at my own pace.”
Felia glanced curiously at Kael, who looked at her and blinked. Then she looked at Avrin “That seems fair. Then if that's the case, bring your own supplies” She winked playfully. “Very well. When did you want to head out?”
Felia smiled “Well, if you're any good, then I should have 40 people ready to give it another go. The dungeon is located at the Verge Island not too far from The Twisting Lands. It's not as rough, but the monsters in that dungeon will definitely give you a challenge, if that's what you're after. So, be ready to sail tomorrow”
Avrin stood up. “Tomorrow is good. Kael lets go meet with Henreth” Kael managed to break from Wyni's grasp and stood up, quickly following Avrin out, leaving the two females there. “Do you think that guy is any good?” Wyni spoke out of curiosity.
Felia smiled. “At most, probably a peak Expert. I'm more worried about the kid. Either way, we will find out after tomorrow when we arrive at the dungeon. Hopefully”
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