Raindrops beat down onto the roofs of the village as the chaos ensued. Screams echoed through the night as fire ravaged the village, and the battle cries sounded across the land. As the villagers came out of their shacks with axes and hoes hoping to fend off the experienced fighters. One by one, the armed villagers fell to the bandits without ever laying a hit onto them. However, the villagers knew that they outnumbered the bandits, so they charged ahead to slay them. Despite their numbers, by the time the sun rose over the horizon the bandits had slaughtered all of them.

The bandits each took their time to stab the countless bodies that fell before them. Those villagers that had survived the onslaught felt their bodies stiffen when blades piercing their skin. Sadly, the ones that did not take part could only watch from their shack as the bandits continued.

"Yo boss, someone 'ere still movin','" the underling said.

"Well sick 'em!" he commanded.

"Yer orders," the underling complied and raised his axe above his head.

"Wait, I want to make an example!"

"Ye boss!" the underling walked away.

As the boss looked down onto the injured man, he smiled crudely. He could see the fear and hope on the villager's face. Of course, that's exactly what he wanted to see. The feeling of seeing one who's between hope and despair is one that made him feel alive! It made him feel ten times better than sharing a bed with a woman.

"I see that yer 'till youngin, do yer have a woman?"

"Get the fuck out of my face," the villager spat into his face.

The boss wiped his face, "No 'atter, I have plan fer ya."

He turned the young man over and sat on his back while pulling the young man's head up. Making an example of him would be a great way to scare the villager into doing what he wants and fear makes the best servant. He smiled as he brought a knife to the young man's right eye, and then slit it. The young man wailed and cried as the pain rushed to his head. Unable to see from his right now, the boss covered his left eye with the wet mud.

"This is 'ow the blinded see," he laughed maniacally.

"Get away from him!" a woman cried as she burst through a house.

She was young, probably around fifteen or sixteen. Her golden silky hair covered her face as the wind blew. Such a shame that the wind had to blow at such a wrong time, but no matter, as long as she had come to him. Interestingly, the woman threw herself at him, but he brushed her off easily by pushing her away. She charged at him again as he brandish his sword, but she was faster than he was. Just before he managed to unsheathe his sword from its scabbard, her nails clawed into his face. Screaming in agony, the boss threw his fist towards her abdomen, making her gasp for air. Then he sent another fist into her face, knocking her over. The young man from earlier roared, but the underling that sat on him gagged his mouth with the mud. Using his muscles, the young man struggled, but of course to no avail. He didn't have the strength to throw the person off.

"Do what'er the fuck yer want with this bitch!" the boss commanded as he held onto his bleeding face. "We have more than enough virgins to sell!"

"Geral!" she sobbed in her raspy voice as two bandits dragged her off into the house she came from. Screams and sobs echoed through the open door just as slammed shut. Geral, the young man, could feel daggers piercing his heart as she cried for him. He loved her more than the world, but if something were to happen to her without him being able to do anything is worse than death.

Tearing off a piece of his clothes, the boss set it over the scar on his face. The wound stung and burned as he eased the torn cloth on, and occasionally grinded his teethes. Right after his two men rushed out laughing with loose clothing, the boss felt something within break. Fury and anger overpowered him as he stomped towards the house. Once he entered, his eyes took a couple of seconds to adjust to the darkness, but in front of him, the girl was crying. The torn clothes, and bruises covering her whole body.

"You monsters," she sobbed as she covered herself with the straps of clothing she had left.

"Ya at fault fer attacking me!" He marched towards her.

She screamed as he violently slammed her onto the table with her back facing him. While holding her down with one arm, he forced himself on her.

After he finished satisfying his anger by relieving himself inside her, he buckled on his belt and began to walk out. Looking back at her lifeless body, he smiled maliciously. It's been a while since he'd been so satisfied with such a woman however, the feeling of empowerment made him feel alive. He scoffed and opened the door to the outside to breathe in the fresh air. It had been no longer than thirty minutes since he went inside the house, but it felt longer for him as he enjoyed himself.

"Round up er'vy one!" he roared.

They forced their way into the every house and began to assault all of those who would oppose them. After capturing everyone and stealing the supplies, they began to kill off the older generation. Once the bandits rounded every villager up at the center of the villager, they tied everyone down including Geral.

After counting the number of villagers they procured, the boss ordered his men to enter the house with the golden haired female one by one. The first one to enter had been so excited that he dropped his trousers off before running inside the building. He and his men laughed at the sight before them.

As they were laughing, a lone figure in a black cloak covered from head to toe waltz right into the house. The boss turned to his men and scowled. How could his own crew allow someone to pass through the perimeter? However, all of them looked as confused as he did.  Of course, he questioned himself as well. Why would someone enter a raided village? Rather, this person entered the village knowing that bandits occupied it.

Brandishing his weapon, he step forth and readied himself. His underlings did the same as well, but immediately after they were in formation the door broke and a body flew at them. All of them ducked as they noticed that body was one of his men. However, something seemed off about his subordinate. His neck twisted in an odd angle, and at the entrance of house was the figure clad in black.

"Ya..." the boss said.

***

The war twenty years ago started all of this, and people call this a ceasefire. Soldiers turned to banditry as a means to survive, scavengers looting the leftovers to live, and ruined lands that prevented the production of food. However, these reasons don't justify the actions of the individuals as a necessary mean. These bandits enjoy harming others.

"Ya..." he heard the man said.

This man must've been the one behind everything that had happen to the village. The man cursed himself for not being diligent enough. He knew of course, that a group of bandits had occupied a region near the area, but chose to ignore it. However, after knowing what happened to village caused guilt to envelope him. Despite his guilt, something deep within him overpowered it, something much darker.

"Ya killed him with yer bare hands," the boss confirmed.

He scoffed at the leader of the group.

The boss turned to the men behind him, "Sick 'em boys!"

All of them charged at him as if they were hungry animals. However, their actions didn't faze the man as he brandished his steel sword from behind his waist. Contrary to running away, he charged fearlessly into the pack and began his onslaught.

He mentally conjured a spell before the pack reached him. The first to reach him chopped vertically at him, but he sidestepped and swiped from below at the arms cleaving them off. Then followed straight through the neck and cleanly hacked it off. Then the second stabbed at him, but the man parried it by sliding his blade across the bandit's, and followed through at the waist cutting deep into the torso. The third swiped his axe at the man's neck, but the man kicked his knee at an angle popping it. Then cutting diagonally and following through with a spin killing two others in the process. After that, he using the momentum he built by kicking one of the bandits in the stomach, he leaped away. Immediately finishing his mental incantations, he snapped his finger and a spell circle appeared on the ground setting the rest of the bandits on fire. The scent of burning flesh touched the man's nose as he scowled in disgust, but none of that matter right now. He had to finish what he started. He had to someone that he wanted to kill!

"Magic?" the boss squeaked, "Who are ya!?"

Raising his hand above his head, he flicked his wrist and black magic blades formed above. Although the blades were not of the physical realm, it could still deal physical damage.

The boss' eyes widened, "Dark magic? Yer the Exiled Prince! What the hell are ya doing here?"

There was no need to answer such a question by someone on the verge of death. However, there's no way he could ever forget something so important as well. He is the Exiled Prince of the Raultivon Kingdom as well as its the target for elimination.

"Gray Raultivon..." The leader cowered.

The wind blew his hood off revealing his naturally dark hair. He sent a magic blade at the bandit's foot and hacked his right leg off. The boss screamed in agony as he fell down staring at a stump of a leg. Then Gray sent his magic blades into the bandit pinning him down to the ground.

"Do not speak of that name!" Gray roared as he marched over. Grabbing the bandit's face, he muttered a spell and burned the face in the process. Once he confirmed the bandit couldn't move anymore, he proceeded to cut the villagers loose from their binding. However, someone in particular caught his attention; a man with an injured eye. Smirking, he passed a knife to the man. Of course, he didn't know who this man is, but it seemed the bandits wronged him the most.

"You're choice." Gray offered as he stared at the injured man.

He had no right to kill the one who caused the village to suffer because he is an outsider. However, he'd done the what he wanted to do by giving the villager the tools they needed. After all, leaving the village after killing the crew and injuring the commander had been part of his plan all along.

"Thanks for your help," the young man with the injured eye, said as he clenched the knife so hard his knuckles turned white. "I will punish him accordingly."

"I did this on a whim," Gray said.

"Still..."

"I apologize though," Gray frowned. "I knew that they were around the area, but I decided not to act. But... I remembered something."

The villager stayed silent.

Taking a last glance at the villager, Gray began walking into the woods. Even now, he can still remember what happened when he was still just a boy. The soldiers of a certain kingdom assaulted the women in the village that raised him as well as trying to sell them off to slave traders. However, he was weak back then, but now he is much stronger. One thing stands true to his mind, and that is to kill the one responsible.

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After traveling deep into the woods, he looked back noticing the smoke in the sky. Something must've happened to the village, but Gray could care less. This kind of thing always happens in a world where authorities have no power. Kingdoms watch only what happens inside their own territory and no one bats an eye when it comes to outsiders like that village in particular.

Sighing, he traveled in the opposite direction of the village. Going back would be suicide because scavengers would go after the leftovers and kill those who would stop them. One scavenger would be no problem for Gray, but scavengers are numerous. The smoke is a perfect signal for both bandits and scavengers, and fighting both groups would prove too much for Gray.

Purging the thought of returning, he focused on arriving to the closest town. He had no original destination to begin with, so traveling and doing odd jobs from town to town is how he lives his life. Recalling his nickname, the Lone Wanderer, made him realize his tendencies to travel alone. Out in a world like this, traveling alone would be the same as suicide since the War of the Five Kingdoms twenty years ago threw the world into disorder. Then again, he's been alone ever since he turned eleven.

The sky shifted into a crimson red as the sun sat across the horizon. Recalling that the nearest town is the trading town Tamworth, Gray gathered up dry wood and began to set up camp. Unlike most adventurers who have someone to watch their back, Gray always felt vulnerable whenever he sleeps. Sighing, he leaned onto a tree to cover his back as a means to ease his discomfort. Closing his eyes, his sword leaned on his chest as he slept.

Gray's cheek twitched as a branch snapped and he immediately became aware of his surroundings. Then he felt a presence getting closer within each breath of his. Tighten his grip on his steel sword, he slowly pushed the sword out of its sheathe with his thumb. The fire must've attracted some unwanted attention whether it be men or monsters. Heavy breathing followed as the popping came closer.

Twigs, Gray confirmed.

Taking a deep breath, he waited until the right moment to move. Within each of its steps, the presence came closer. Realizing that this thing wasn't human, Gray snapped his eyes open. After pulling his sword out a little further, the noise stopped. Reflex kicked in as Gray leaped off his feet somersaulting in the air just as the tree behind him came crashing down. An enormous club had torn through the base of the tree. Clicking his tongue, he twisted sharply in the air landing on both legs. Feeling the momentum pulling him back, he leaned forward and slid to keep himself from tumbling. Once he stopped moving, he took a glance at the monster and scowled in disgust.

Fresh blood caked the iron shackles around its wrists. It seems the beast had escaped from his cage just moments ago, or maybe hours. However, Gray knew that he had to take care of the beast before it reaches Tamworth.

The creature stood at least four meters tall with two large tusk protruding through his lower lips. Veins pressed against its skin as its muscles budged from it body. Its nails were cracked and caked with musk and dirt as if it had gone through hell. Interestingly, its face looked like that of a human, but at the same time, it seemed like that of an Ogre. Physically, both had a strong and large body, but a human face is abnormal. Rather, a regular Ogre would not have any hair on its head.

"Ogrum," Gray scowled.  "Zazion is playing God, huh."

Gray sighed as he twirled his blade around to generate a friction with the air to ease the amount of magic needed for his spell. As sparks lit up in the air around his blade, the Ogrum roared and charged at him. Gray felt his balance slowly slipping as the Ogrum stomped towards him with each step shaking the ground. Readjusting his balance, he swiped his blade and ignited it. At the corner of Gray's eyes, the club swung towards and it seemed as if time slowed down. Immediately ducking, he avoided the club then grabbed his sword with both hands and swung diagonally from below at the Ogrum. As the blade dug deep into its flesh, the sword ignited the wounds.

Of course, if this were normal flames it would actually stop the Ogrum's bleeding, but this flame had magical properties. Going in for another strike, he thrust the sword into the Ogrum's chest instantly igniting it into a pile of ashes.

Sheathing his sword, he sat down next to the ashes of the Ogrum. A monster created from experiments by the Zazion Kingdom, yet discarded into the wild like trash. Remembering his visit to the borders of the Zazion Kingdom, he had smuggled a young girl across the territory into the neighboring Kingdom of Gregare. Scowling, he recalled what the girl had told him about the inhumane experiments, such as forcing a healthy females to copulate with an Ogre. Most died in the process, but those that survived mostly likely either gave birth to Ogrums or died in the process.

Feeling the cool breeze brush against his face, the ashes of the Ogrum mixed into the wind. He dragged himself upwards to find a rock large enough to use. Although it wasn't tough to find a rock as large as his head, but he needed to do something for the Ogrum. Planting the rock onto where the pile of ashes used to be, Gray set its club on top of the grave.

"Sorry, it's better if you didn't have to suffer," Gray said sadly and began his journey towards Tamworth again.

Gray recalled that fiends are like animals, they have a goal and they works towards it. If killing humans is a part of their goal, then they kill humans. If they're hungry and a human happen to be in sight, then that human is likely their meal. However, a monster is different. Monsters are created, and they aren't limited to only fiends. On the contrary, humans make the worst monsters.

Walking by the entrance of Tamworth, Gray recalls how the town is always bustling with people trading and haggling for the best price. Exactly as he remembers from back then, nothing changed. Four years ago, he had a job as an escort for some perverted merchant with his merchandise to Tamworth. First time to Tamworth as well however, once Gray found out that the merchant was a slaver under the title of a merchant, it was the last time anyone saw the merchant.

Unlike the cities, Tamworth's well kept: the roads are clean, the air is fresh, and the people are well behaved. Then again, this is a trading town, so appearances means a lot to a town like this. A poorly kept trading town is like asking for ruin. Looking for a place to take shelter for the next few days, he saw Robin's Inn and made his way through the crowds.

A fist flew into his face immediately after he walked in. Gray jerked his head back as the fist barely grazed his nose. Of course, the fist wasn't directed towards him, but someone else. The impact of the fist echoed in the Inn as it sent the victim into the tables, breaking them.

"A bastard brother like you doesn't deserve her!" the instigator roared.

"Even as her fiancé, you still treat her like dirt!" the victim said as he slowly got up from the ground.

"You little bitch!" the instigator pulled out a dagger and drew it back, almost cutting Gray's face if Gray didn't pull back immediately. The hood fell off as Gray snapped his tongue. He would've ignored the two of them if they didn't drag him into their fight, but drawing a dagger on Gray when he isn't part of it crossed the line. Grabbing the instigator's armed hand, Gray twisted sharply disarming him, then kicking his knee from behind causing him to fall. Putting a foot on his back, he pulled the instigator's arm back.

"Who the fuck is it? I promise I'll get my father-"

Gray leaned in, "I suggest you walk out before I lose my cool and do some unnecessary damage."

"You think I'm afraid, my father will get you for this!"

"And do you realize what kind of situation you are in right now? If I pull just a little bit, it will render your arm useless. So I hope you know what you are doing."

"Guards, get this bastard!"

Two towering men advanced towards Gray as he sighed for their stupidity. Pulling instigator's arm, he snapped it and advanced towards the towering men. Their faces had scars and burn marks like they've been through hell. However, something interesting crossed Gray's mind. The first guard threw a punch at him, but Gray jerked his head left dodging it. Then he held onto the wrist and sent the palm of his free hand into the guards elbow. A loud crack sounded as Gray dislocated his arm. The other guard immediately kicked at him, but Gray kicked his foot down and pinned it, then he sent his other foot into the guard's knee, dislocating it.

"I'll have your head for this!" he said as he cringed in agony.

Gray smiled, "I see that you're of noble origins, but your guards don't seem to be your own. I guess your father disapproves of your actions."

"What do you mean not my own? My father-"

"The scars on their faces says otherwise," Gray interrupted. "They seem to be some local thugs that you hired off the streets. A noble's guards are more dignified than these guys, so I suggest you three leave before I pull out a blade."

"I'll get you for this!" the young noble warned as he walked out with his two limping thugs leaning on each other for support. Shifting his attention to the victim, he glared. The victim must've have been the half-brother of the poor bastard, and the love of one woman caused this uproar.

"Thanks for helping me, I-"

"Get out!" Gray interrupted.

"What! I didn't-"

"Don't make me repeat myself," Gray hissed.

A young man walked out of the crowed and grabbed the victim by the arm. He whispered a few words to the victim and the two of them raised themselves upward. The young man bowed in a perfect ninety-degree angle as if he had made a great mistake.

"I sincerely apologize for the young master's actions, I hope you'll forgive us for our rudeness."

Gray clicked his tongue, "Why are you apologizing for his sake."

The young man looked up in despair, "But-"

"Enough!" Gray cut in, "Get out of my sight! I can't stand someone who don't hold themselves accountable."

Gray walked past the two of them, and sat at the front counter where the owner stood behind. The owner, Robin, calmly dried his mugs and plates as the crowd stared in awe at the man sitting before them. Noticing the footsteps echoing behind him, he gestured Robin over, but the footsteps suddenly stop.

"Hey," the voice sounded like the victim. Scowling, Gray turned around.

Finally taking the time to look over him, Gray noticed the fine green leather vest he wore on top of his silk shirt rolled up around the sleeves. He had a slightly shaved beard, and his braided golden hair drooped loses around his right shoulder.

"What now?"

"I gave it some thought," the victim bowed towards Gray, "I apologize for disturbing everyone in here, and I hope you all will forgive me. It was stupid of me to bring internal affairs into a public area, and I will deeply reflect on my actions."

Gray smiled, "So you can own up to your mistakes."

"Sorry about earlier, but may I know your name?"

"Shouldn't you introduce yourself before you ask for someone else's?"

"My apologies, I'm Sigurd, bastard son of Lord Eristol."

"Alseif," Gray said.

"Interesting, you're the first I know of to have an Elven name. Either way, I hope we will meet again," Sigurd said as he left the Inn with his supposedly servant.

The Inn regained its liveliness after Sigurd left, and the people began to chat among each other. Interestingly, Gray could overhear a few topics such as who is the best whore in town or who sells what. However, the most widely overheard conversation is haggling for the best price among merchants. After turning around, a plate of medium rare steak along with some mushrooms and herbs dipped in a unique sauce sat in front of him.

"This isn't the usual," Gray mentioned even though his mouth watered as the scented aroma touched his nose.

"We're out of the usual, so you're gonna have to wait until I get my supplies." Robin said as he dried a plate.

Gray sighed, "How much is this going to cost me?"

"It's on the house."

"That's awfully nice of you for once."

"That's awfully cruel of you, Alseif. I may be a businessman, but I'm not heartless. You saved my Inn from anymore unnecessary damage, so this is payback."

Gray cut into the steak with his fork and knife and sent the piece into his mouth. The juice from the steak oozed into his mouth as he chewed. It was a bit sweet with a touch of sour making it the perfect combination for him.

"Anyways," Gray put down his fork and knife. "How are the girls doing?"

"They're doing better now that they were four years ago if that's what you're asking." Robin raised any eyebrow, "Aren't you going to talk to them?"

Gray picked up his knife and fork again, "There's no need."

"I remember when you came here with a bunch of girls in chains with blood all over your face." Robin shook his head in disbelief, "How old were you when you waltzed in here, fourteen?"

"Thirteen," Gray corrected.

Robin cringed, "Did you hesitate when you killed him?"

Gray stopped eating and looked up at Robin, "No, why would I?"

Robin narrowed his eyes and whispered, "Alseif, people would hesitate to kill at that age."

"How would you know that?" Gray returned to his meal.

"Joining the army require that you pass sixteen summers, but you've only passed thirteen. That says a lot about your past, and I'm curious as to how you became a killer."

"Killed my first man at the age of nine," Gray commented.

Robin widened his eyes, "You aren't lying are you?"

Gray continued with his meal.

"I guess not," Robin shook his in disbelief, "Anyways, all the rooms are booked since you chose the wrong time to come to Tamworth, so you're sleeping with the girls whether you like or not. "

"I'll find some place outside the town then."

Robin sighed, "Better not, I've been hearing that the Raultivon Kingdom is looking for a certain someone."

Something sparked inside Gray, and he had to reach deep down into his gut to voice out to reply. Sweat trickled his palm, but luckily he had bundled his fingers into a fist. Any suspicion and the whole town will be turning Gray in for some coins. After all, Tamworth is a trading town, and coins have no allegiances.

Gray swallowed the piece of meat in his mouth, "Have you heard the reason why they wanted him?"

 "Oh so you know of him then?"

Shit, Gray let it slip unconsciously. He cursed himself over and over again. His emotions got the best of him, and knowing Robin, he may turn him over to the Kingdom. After all, Robin is always on neutral grounds when it comes to political affairs. He'll keep his customers safe only if they are inside the Inn. Otherwise, he leaks information like crazy if the right question comes up. If someone were to attack Robin, he has his own underground gang to protect him. Right now, Gray understood that he was walking on thin ice. However, Robin still doesn't know who is Gray Raultivon at the moment. After all, he took up his Elven name to cover up his identity as Gray Raultivon.

"I might," Gray asserted, keeping his cool. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

Robin grabbed onto Gray's sleeve, "I've also heard a rumor that he travels alone and makes a living by doing odd jobs."

Gray scowled, "No wonder I can never get a decent job nowadays."

"Alseif is just an alias, right? Your true name is-"

"Don't say it," he desperately moved in, "At least not while I'm still here in front of all these people. You can turn me into the kingdom anytime you want, but at least let me get out of here first."

Robin tightened his grip, "Gr- I mean Alseif, I'm trying to keep you safe here. Assisting you right now is on the borderline of breaking my golden rule. Besides, you know that I can't break it, so please stay for the night until they leave."

Gray sighed in defeat, "Fine, I'll retire to the girls' chamber then."

Robin smiled in relief, "The girls will be delighted to see you again after all these years."

Gray scratched his head, "Yeah, no doubt about that..."