!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Mytsy who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them ^^!!! also a big thank you to SR's donators who are supporting sr.
1 day early release, i felt many of you had questions lingering, and i was eager to give some answers in the form of this chapter, like or hate im not sure what response i will get, but it will be interesting, also someone said my writing is like a 14 year old all i have to say is thank you kind sir *thumbs up*
i hope you all enjoy this chapter, i really am trying to improve sr, this story has had tough times in the ranking but i try not to care to much about it, i have my reader base and that is all i need although you know how egos are you can never let go of something as hard as you try, could be worse after all im happy just being in the top 10# a shame though i feel my spot isn't earned a lot of the stories haven't been updated in months, i really hope those authors return, i would love to see RR grow.
just a quick writing tip, make sure you plan your story in a document and follow that plan, it helps to understand and plan the plot, i cant wait to delve into it and show you guys that sr itself has a web that links together.
also after the chapter i left a quick authors note, for those who are interested in my thoughts/purpose for kael, i feel he gets a bit to much hate, that being said not many people like chs that are showing the advancement of other charecters, to those readers you have to know that i wanted to bring a bit more depth to my story i dont want to show you some progress so expect the next chapter or two, to show progress,
reading one other comment comparing me to forgotten conquerer and to learn from it, yes i can say that story is far better then mine, but i am not its author meaning i write the way i want to otherwise it will kill my joy for writing i havent read much of FC i just cant get into it, not to say it isnt good, its #1 for a reason afterall. moving on il just give a bit of a spoiler for those who want to know what charecters im going to show progress chs on in the next couple of chs, il put it in spoilers for those who dont want it ruined.
Spoiler :
Asura/Erebus/Eitri/Syrana/Ayame/Asura again for a little bit then back to Avrin. most likely 2 chapters worth, a decent pace if you ask me
that being said please leave your thoughts on this chapter, like or hate it?
ok enough talking, enjoy :3 F5 army waiting for the first comment post
P.S if i missed something in this initial post, 1 comment will do, il update the main post ASAP.
ok everything is go,
1-thank prs = check. 2-thank donors = check. 3-not posting the raw copy = tripple check.
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Kael roared as half his face reformed to seem more draconian than usual, a line of glowing dark matter separating the side of his human face from his transformed face.
At this point, the bandits were nearly wetting themselves as they drew their weapons. “Who the hell? Some sort of demon!!” The bandit leader shouted with worry. “K-Kill him!!” He shouted.
The bandits, although reluctant, also had a strange feeling that if they didn't attack now it would be hopeless to fight later on. Four bandits charged towards Kael with intention to kill, trying their best to ignore the cold, dark aura.
“DIE!!” Kael shouted, vanishing with only a bit of dust kicking up from where he was. His figure passed the bandits, and within moments, their bodies seemed to have exploded or shattered. One with keen eyes could tell that Kael punched or slashed them.
He no longer cared whether they lived or died. This was the first time he killed humans, but it didn't phase Kael, as he was furious. He began to subconsciously think. “Why...Why am I surrounded by bad luck...my first friend...is dying...this is all my and their fault! Gods and there messed up world where they don't care if the weak are hunted!!”
This only fueled Kael’s anger, but the moment he finished his thought, he was already holding up the bandit leader in the air, the man quivering and shouting for help. “D-DON'T KILL ME!” He shouted. “I'll give you anything! I got money!! Or do you want these slaves?! They’re all yours!”
Kael’s face twisted with anger, darkening as he stabbed his finger inside the man’s body, releasing Nebula Mist. This wasn't intended to convert him, though. In fact, it was something quite gruesome. Kael released the man, dropping him onto the floor, to which he began to scream in agony from having his stomach stabbed.
The Nebula Mist began to spread around the man’s body as it started to devour him from the inside. Kael wasted no more time and turned to look at Helia, who was pale faced with blood running from her mouth.
Kael rushed over and knelt beside her. Helia glanced at him for a moment, her eyes showing a clear expression, before a soft smile appeared on her face. Within the next moments, the light in her eyes darkened, showing that she had passed on from this world, unable to hold on any longer with a wound to the heart. He put his hand on her neck to check for her pulse, as if trying to tell himself she was alive, but he knew deep inside she was gone.
“I…” Without realising it, Kael’s face began to distort more as anger began to creep up. He suddenly remembered something Avrin had once told him during their training, and that was to never lose his cool, as it would do more harm than good. It might bring a boost in power, but it will also bring trouble in different forms. Kael turned to look at the bandit leader who was twitching, already dead.
Kael glanced fiercely at the remaining bandits who were already trying to flee. He no longer had any thoughts of it as he pointed his hand towards them. Nebula Mist formed and condensed into sharp purple flames in the shape of swords that shot out towards the fleeing bandits. Those that were hit soon began to burn, writhing in agony, screams echoing throughout the bandit den, before burning to ash within seconds.
Kael’s mind was twisted and a wave of emotions flooded him. Some bandits had escaped, but he wanted to remain here, “Helia..I'm...sorry...it's my fault...my master was right...people like these...they shouldn't live...you're dead now and it's all because of me…” Several tears formed under Kael’s eyes, and he clenched his fists.
“Kael…is that you?” A voice called out. A figure cautiously walked over. It was Surun, with tears streaming down his face. No one else approached, as they were petrified of Kael’s appearance and power. Not even Helia’s mother, who was crying.
“I'm sorry…” Kael tried his best to control himself, finding it difficult, but slowly managing to suppress the anger, knowing he had a lot to learn. Slowly, his face began to revert back.
But at this point, several shouts echoed from the tunnel, the sound of metal clashing, and soon nothing. Metallic steps could be heard, and several knights clad in armor appeared, looking around.
One knight in particular, who noticed the captured people, called out, “Is everyone ok? We are knights from the Lukin kingdom.” Kael glanced at Helia and let out a soft sigh. He reached over and removed the necklace Helia gave him and offered it to Surun.
“Helia...gave me this...here...” He offered it back to Surun, who was kneeling beside his sister with a red face clearly one could see tears were streaming down, but he managed a reply. He glanced at Kael. “She gave it to you?...Well..I...I'm sure my sister had a reason. It's...it's best if you keep it.”
Kael looked at Surun and was about to say he didn't deserve it, but the knights began to spread around and called out. “You there, did you do this…?“ The lead knight glanced at Kael seeing he looked different and emitted a mysterious, dark aura. Feeling he was dangerous, he didn't dare approach easily.
“I'm...sorry, Surun, but I need to go.” Kael didn't want to cause trouble for Avrin by taking a chance and letting himself get caught.
“It's fine...please, visit again...I'm sure when we meet, you can visit my sister’s grave..please..keep your promise...I just hope my father is okay.” Surun tried his best to suppress his emotions. He didn't want to lose to Kael.
Kael nodded as he glanced at Helia’s lifeless body one more time. His heart shook. He stood up, which made the knights approaching him quickly move their hands onto the hilts of their blades. Kael’s figure turned into a blur, and he vanished.
In an instant, Kael was in the forest. “Master was right...” Kael recalled Avrin’s words when he said bandits are evil and only know killing and bad deeds. His face twisted with a fierce look. He knew he couldn't be merciful any longer. He was certain that because he left the bandits alive, they ran off to alert the others. This made him furious, but he knew he needed to calm down before traveling.
He felt that Surun was quite strong willed, even more so than himself. Kael was emitting a dark aura, but Surun seemed to ignore it for the most part. Kael knew that if Surun was given a chance, he may be a great warrior.
“I still have a lot to learn. I swear I will become a proper warrior! Maybe my brethren in the Northern continent are stronger, hopefully they’ll be able to teach me. I'll go there as soon as I can.”
Kael took a deep breath and vanished, heading in the direction he thought was right.
Meanwhile, within the North, a group of Spectral children were playing outside, trying to train their abilities, but at most, only one could produce a small amount of Nebula Mist.
“See? I'm the strongest out of us ten! I’m going to be a great warrior and lead our people! Hahaahaha!” A kid with short black hair and a clumsy look shouted as he produced the Nebula Mist.
This made the other kids point and laugh at him. “You want to lead the people but you can't even lead us! You're so lame!” The other kids began to laugh harder, but the child who had produced the Nebula Mist was clenching his right fist and started to shout soft curses at the children, which made them laugh even harder.
The children grew silent as a giant shadow loomed over the angry child, towering over him. The children all stopped laughing and gazed with horror at the large creature. The boy, who was in front, had a dangerous feeling as he turned to look, only to see a large, rock-like troll gazing down at him as if he were food for it.
“Ahh...” He tried to scream, but his legs were shaking. He could hardly control his bladder.
The troll roared, causing the ground to tremble slightly. It raised its hands, which made the children all scream in shock. The troll started to slam them down.
A large black blur appeared above the troll and smashed into it, causing the troll to slam into the ground, it's head exploding from the impact and it's body cracking. “You dumb bastards are like vermin. Why can't you piss off and not make me come out so much…” The figure spoke while scratching its chest boredly as it stood on the troll’s corpse.
“Ah! Lord Asura!” The children all grew excited as they rushed over to Asura and started to thank and praise him. “Lord Asura is so strong! I want to be as strong as him!” One child spoke while another replied, “Lord Asura is our greatest warrior! You think you can be as strong as him? Haha.” The kids began to laugh again.
Asura’s face reddened a bit from the praise. Clearly, one could see that not only had he gotten more intelligent, but his ego was quite sensitive to praise. He looked at the troll’s corpse, “Hmm, these things taste like nasty dirt bah, anyway let’s go. I'll take you all back. It's dangerous here.” Asura sighed and began taking the children back. Nearing the main area, he saw some guards that are usually tasked with protecting the kids.
As soon as they saw Asura with the children, they knew something went wrong, as he doesn't show up unless something bad happens. “L-Lord Asura, is everything o-” Before the guard could finish, Asura spoke.
“You idiots are lazy! Next time, guard them properly or there will be hell to pay!” Asura grumbled angrily, which made the guards shiver. They had seen Asura when a group of four rock trolls came to attack them. He single handedly decimated them, cutting them in half and smashing them to pieces with a few strikes.
“F-Forgive us...” They spoke quietly, but Asura ignored them. Soon, they all returned back to the mountain, which looked the same on the outside, but the interior was vastly different. The interior was starting to shape up like a small city, with beautiful architecture. Of course, the one to thank for all this wasn't just Eitri, but the Spectrals as well.
Their constant improvement and training, as well as stamina and learning ability, helped them become quite good at this job, which made it easy for Eitri to warden for them. One could see the large pillars that stood tall, touching the interior’s ceiling that spanned at least a fifty meters tall. One could tell how large the mountain was, and it was almost entirely hollowed out, so Eitri had made sure to use pillars like these to help support it.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
There were stone houses that looked fit for even a noble to live in, and with Nebula Mist, they could all create tools and living items to make life easier. Another good thing was that Spectrals didn't need food, as they could survive by absorbing mana and converting it to energy. But nearly all have created rations and food to eat, as they were not able to break such habits.
After Asura entered, the guards took the children to their parents after thanking Asura again. Asura glanced around. He was also a bit taken aback from the sight, as he had always been. Everyone seemed to have a role. Some were smithing, others training, others helping to build, while some were taking care of guarding and other jobs.
Asura’s favourite place was, of course, the training field to practice new abilities. He was about to head there when a voice called out, “Lord Asura, you have returned just in time! Lord Erebus seeks to meet with you.”
A young man told Asura, who glanced back, making the young messenger gulp with worry. because no one has really been able to get close to Asura. “Hmm...that guy?...Fine...” He grumbled before heading off to see Erebus, making the messenger sigh in relief when he left.
Erebus’ area was located in the central plaza, in a large building that had several guards. It's exterior looked exquisite. One could see that he managed to get on Eitri’s good side and convince him to make such a grand place, showing just how smart the man was.
Asura entered with the guards not daring to bother him, only bowing respectfully and calling him Lord Asura. They had no reason to provoke their strongest warrior.
Asura arrived at Erebus’ makeshift office, which wasn't anything special, but had the bare necessities, such as documents to keep tabs on important facts and events. He wasn't like Avrin, who could create those information spheres.
“Ah, Asura. It's good to see you. I heard what happened from one of the guards who brought a child here. Good work, as usual. You are starting to shape up as a great, strong, leader figure. I'm sure master would be very pleased.”
Asura scratched his head, not sure what to say, as he felt a bit awkward. Erebus simply laughed and continued on. “I didn't bring you here to just praise you, unfortunately. We seem to have a problem. Lately, I noticed a pattern of rock trolls coming within these areas and attacking.”
Asura replied, “Maybe they are trying to hunt in wider areas?” Clearly referring to his old, primal instincts. Erebus began to think. “Hmm, maybe. But it's best if we investigate a bit. My guess is that there is a bit of instability within the region and perhaps they were forced out.”
Asura thought about it, but didn't add his opinion, which made Erebus continue. “Well, Asura, I'm sure you may know where this is going. I have a favour to ask of you.”
Asura’s face turned a bit green and his fur stood up. “Making me do your dirty work again? I refuse!” He growled. Erebus blinked and sighed. “You have to know that no one here is as strong as you. It would be best if none of us died, and you are clearly a one man army. I just want you to take a small group of people and investigate what is going on and where the trolls are coming from.”
Asura began to think. It may be good for him to be free of babysitting and always killing the trolls that roam by, if he goes to the source, so he quickly spoke, “Agreed...but I'll go by myself. Everyone else will just annoy me.” He turned around and began to leave.
Erebus didn't interject at that comment and smiled as Asura began to walk off. “Very good. Can you please leave as soon as possible then?” Erebus asked. “I'll go in the morning!” Shouted Asura before he left.
As soon as Asura was out of the building, he felt hungry and wanted to go eat. Lately, he felt his stomach was more passive, which was why his favourite place was the training field and his second, the dining hall, “Ah! It's Combat Lord Asura!” A voice called out while another followed. “Combat Lord Asura, please give me advice on some Nebula Mist techniques!” Soon, he was surrounded by people who wanted advice from him.
This made Asura feel uncomfortable, but he thought, “Combat Lord Asura? What is this shit? Aren't there rankings that Master gave? I should be King Asura! Mmm, why didn't that Erebus tell the others about the rankings? Hmm... maybe he thinks it's too early. That guy is smart, so he should know what he’s doing.”
Asura flickered, moving out of the middle of the group, leaving the Spectrals there shocked and surprised at Asura’s speed. “Combat Lord Asura is incredibly fast, as expected!” Soon other voices agreed with that comment.
Meanwhile, within the blacksmithing district, which was specially designed by Eitri to make sure everything was needed, as well as to boost his ego, he was currently within his own forge, tampering with a chunk of Infernium with a crazy, excited look on his face. He was examining it carefully to try and analyze what it’s best suited for.
He was surrounded by other young and old blacksmiths, who could be said to be disciples or followers of his. Each one was wearing attire suited for the harsh furnaces and work of smithing, all gazing with awe at the chunk of ore they knew was very rare.
“What are you all gaping at? Haven't you seen a chunk of Legendary rank ore before? Haha!” Eitri laughed at his sarcasm, and wanted to make them all even more excited.
They burst out with whispers. “Incredible. I knew that ore Lord Eitri had was special!” Another replied. “Special is an understatement! Legendary ore? Even emperors can only dream of owning a little bit.”
They continued to whisper to each other, which only served to further excite everyone. “Lord Eitri, what are you planning to do with that ore?” Eitri replied to that comment. “Oh, this Infernium? I'm going to forge it into a piece of equipment. But it will be very tedious, I'm sure.”
Whispers broke out again within the large group, but a female who wore her black hair in a ponytail and had a beautiful look despite her face being covered with some soot from the furnaces spoke, “But Lord Eitri, if you fail, wouldn't it be a waste? What will happen then?”
Eitri burst out in laughter and replied. “Easy. I'll just spend the next thirty hours creating a new chunk from Nebula Mist.” Whispers turned to shouts of excitement, as they didn't know Eitri had the ability to create it. Each one of them held hopes that if they do good, maybe they would be rewarded with their own chunk of Legendary ranked ore.
But they were cut short from their thoughts as Eitri suddenly yelled, “You lazy bastards, go back to training! You think this is a show?!” Within moments, everyone had left and ran to their workplaces out of fear and worry about being shouted at by Eitri, not daring to get on his bad side and lose out on a lot of good materials and techniques.
The blacksmith area that was somewhat silent before began to be filled with noises of work again. Eitri focused on his smithy again and began to think. “Hmm, I wonder what that brat Avrin is doing right now, heh.
These guys may overtake him in skill if he ain't careful. Quite a few promising hatchlings. Bah, forget it. I bet he is adventuring and discovering new rare ores, damn it! It's even more exciting than turning it into equipment! When he returns, I'll be sure to take every piece he has found for this forge, hehe.”
Eitri began to prepare some materials and tools for his work as he thought. “-Then again, this Spectral race is something Avrin started. Looking around, I’ve overheard these guys’ stories. It's terrifying to know that those near death’s door are now filled with hope and energy. He even gave me new hope and endless potential. I can only do my best trying to make the best pieces of equipment for these people and him.”
Eitri grinned, removing a large piece of parchment made from the skin of a deer-like creature. He began to draw schematics for some armor and weapons, hoping to make the best use of his Legendary ore.
“As long as I have time, I will make sure everyone here has equipment that even the heavens will be jealous of!” Eitri roared out as he finished the schematic, causing those around him to look at him with surprise, before he reached over and grabbed a newly made hammer he had been given, smashing away at the Infernium to break it into smaller pieces, causing sparks of orange light to shoot everywhere.
Everyone around him couldn’t help but stop and look at the best blacksmith within the Spectrals go at it, wondering what sort of object he would make.
While Eitri and Asura tended to their matters, Erebus was currently within a small room that was nearly pitch black, with only a small candle on the ground.
He was seated within the same meditative position Avrin uses, as he had gained the information from Avrin and had shared it with everyone. Those Spectrals that weren't seen were either guarding outside the mountain or doing closed door training like Erebus.
“Down on my luck and inches away from death, I was saved and given new life and hope. Words cannot express how grateful I am to you, my king and my master. My misery and weakness, with no choice but to let people trample over me.
And not just me. Everyone here has suffered in this unfair world. The gods are all powerful and can easily end this cycle of hatred and suffering, but they choose not to. How arrogant of them, how disgusting.
One day, my king, I will surely hope that you remove them from their golden thrones and turn them to ash.” A dark aura emitted from Erebus as he began to fill with hatred towards the gods that had never lifted a finger to help him or those that suffered. Instead, it was Avrin who had made the effort to save them.
Erebus remembered his goal, wanting to turn this into a religion of sorts that can only secure a bit of power like a kingdom on this planet. But when Avrin arrived and shared the sphere with him that was filled with information, Erebus knew that he would be destroying the potential of the Spectrals.
“My king, how short sighted I was with my goals. I truly look forward to seeing you lead us Spectrals into the vastness of space and across the stars. One day, we will all be gods among gods. Our people are the chosen of existence.
Why use a planet these gods have made when one day we will have the ability to make our own? We will bide our time till then, and when we are capable, I can finally tell our people of the rankings that you have given. I just need to be sure of all the details as to not allow any infighting.”
Before Erebus could finish his thoughts, a soft knock echoed within the room. “Lord Erebus, it's us. We would like to discuss a concern we have about, well...our king.” Erebus’ brows twitched before he spoke, still maintaining his position. “Come in...”
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so this chapter was called personal hopes, but i felt that it wasn't sufficient as it depicts kaels growth as well as the progress of the spectrals in the north there individual growth as well, the growth itself is in different forms and i wanted a title that captures it for everyone without leaving anything out, advancing in many ways, each one advances along their path emotionally, mentally, physically, etc.
helia, people think that her death may be sudden and doesn't make sense, her purpose is a bit unique, she was the key for kael to grow up and stop being a child allow him to finally understand the world isnt easy, but this would be more so of a plot device/armor to just introduce her like that and not respect a character and kill her just to get that reaction from kael,
as i told one of my readers, kael grew up in a harsh environment in an emotional sense with no one wanting to befriend him and no expectations given to him, a black sheep bringing his family down, if you were like that and found someone who was kind and sweet with the possibility of a long lived friendship that will last decades, only to find that they died because of your ignorant actions, how would you feel? would you react the same way as kael?
my only regret is i dont think i captured the emotional distress of him and surun enough. but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, i know next time i will correct it, maybe one day down the track i will revisit helia's character down the road of sr, this way she isn't a character that is brought and removed so easily.
now then off to bed for me, goodnight everyone :) see you next week