Don't you hate it when a day seems to be going swell, only for life to come kick over your sandcastle?

Well, Herald was experiencing that exact feeling, only instead of a sandcastle, it was his body being kicked over. The teen slammed into the wall of the alley, feeling his bones creak in protest at the abuse. He glares up at the now street thug, Julius, quickly hopping back to his feet, staring at the ambusher. "Hey, dickhead. Been a while, hasn't it? 3, 4 years since last time?" Herald gets into a boxer's stance, thumbs out of his fists, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He quickly analyzes Julius, checking his new level.

Name: Julius Naril Class: Thug (Lv 13) Health: 230/230

"Yep. And I still remember that promise I made. Gonna fuck you up, bad." Julius replies, cracking his neck, then his hands. He leads with another kick, which Herald just manages to dodge. The smaller teen gets into range of Julius, lashing out with a punch at his face, which the bully blocks with one forearm, only to get a [Sucker Punch] to the gut, dealing 10 damage to him. He doubles over, which Herald uses to throw a [Haymaker], boxing his ear in and stunning him for two seconds, taking off 18 more health. He then uses [Sweep The Leg] to trip the giant fool, 8 health depleting from his pool of hp, following up with a [Stomp] leaves him disabled for 5 seconds.

Herald quickly scoops up the wax paper package he dropped from being ambushed, sprinting off towards his home. He only is able to run for ten seconds at most, much of his stamina having been used to disable Julius. He checks his notification, grinning when he reads it.

Enemy defeated!

Experience earned: 126

He knew that he got less experience for not killing Julius, but he couldn't. Both because of the level difference, meaning he had less stamina, and that he wouldn't be able to make himself do so. Herald hated him, but he wouldn't become a killer over him. He checks his status sheet, happy that he was closer to level 11 now.

Name: Yomi Herald

Clock: 13:37, 5th of Orni, 1221 3E

Class: N/A

Race: Human

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Experience: 1948/2123

Level: 10

Health: 113/130

Health Regeneration: 1.3 per second(At rest)

Stamina: 2/120

Stamina Regeneration: 1.2 per second(At rest)

Mana: 90/90

Mana Regeneration: .9 per second(At rest)

Physical Effects: Bruised Rib

Mental Effects: N/A

Herald leans on a wall, taking a few seconds to let his stamina regenerate. One it's about halfway full, he walks towards his house, checking over the package to make sure it didn't tear anywhere. He sighs with relief when he doesn't find anything, entering his small home. It only has three rooms, a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen/living room hybrid. Thankfully, even with the world like it is now, magic running water is provided to every household, no matter their status. It might not be hot for those with less wealth, but it's still water.

He rolls his eyes when he finds Kelern laying on his couch, reading a new book of the day. "Hey, Kel. Is my couch just softer than yours or something? You're always over here instead of your own house, which is the door over, mind you." Kelern responds without looking up from his book. "Nah. It's cause I need a place to hide from all the girls wanting me. What better place than here?" Herald rolls his eyes at the jab, putting the package on the counter. "What girls? The only girl you can attract are dusty old librarians who can appreciate a young man who brings back his books on time."

Kel snorts, looking at Herald with a grin. "Hah, good one! Also, what happened to you? You've got a bruised rib, according to Identify." The shorter man smiles, telling Kel what happened. "Had an encounter with Julius. Remember him? He underestimated me and I showed why he shouldn't do that." Kelern sits up, Herald coming over and sitting next to him. "It's wild to think tomorrow's my birthday. Gonna get my class and can get past the level ten cap! Gods, I'm excited!" Herald exclaims, stretching his arms out above his head. "I hope I get a good choice of classes."

Kelern nods, reading his book while leaning on Herald. "And my birthday is the day after yours. I wonder what we'll both get." He glances up at the package Herald put on the counter. "What's that?"

"Oh, that? Those are honeycakes! I got them at a discount for doing work for the baker. One for me, one for you. It is our birthdays, after all." Herald doesn't react to Kelern leaning on him, reaching over to the side table and turning on a small radio, operating because of some weird magic Herald could probably ask Kel about if he wanted info on it. Herald nods, tapping his foot to the tune. They just stay like that for a while, Herald leaning his head back and closing his eyes.

After a few minutes and one or two song changes, a person starts speaking on the radio, interrupting the music. "Hello, citizens of Jelonar. This is King Ornol. War has been declared on our fair country by the kingdom of Gajelnov. The System has given us a grace period of a month to prepare for war. Within a week, we shall be mobilizing our troops to prepare for the war effort. Those who wish to volunteer may do so. The gods look down upon us kindly. Trust in your leaders and we will win." He then cut off, the station going back to the usual music.

Kelern and Herald look at each other for a moment. "So, what do you want to do? You're the one with the plan usually." Herald speaks up first, looking up at Kel. "I dunno. Give it a few days, maybe? See where we go from there." Herald nods in agreement. "Sounds good."

From there, the two of them idled away the day, doing much of nothing, but doing it together. Once they both got tired, Kelern gave Herald a quick side hug, which he reciprocated, the taller teen leaving to go to his own home next door. Herald goes into his bedroom, falling onto his mattress and falling asleep quickly despite his excitement for the next day.