The one thing that I learned in my short time since arriving in this world. Mana is the key resource in this world. Mana is everything. Every organism. Everything is mana. The Magical City of Kubridge and all the Magical cities are made of Mana.
When mages turn the age of five they must be selected in the Chalice of Paths to either be one of two mages.
"Spellcaster Mage" uses magic. They either apply the magic to themselves or to a target(s).
Spellcasters can fall into many subcategories. There are multiple affinities. Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Thunder, Light, Darkness, Chaos, and the list goes on.
"Weapon Enhance Mage" These mages use their Mana to enhance the weapons they use. All mages can use little magic such as healing and such. "Armor Enhance" is an ability that a Weapon Enhancer should know as well as a level-up for them. There is also "Dyad Mage" a rare mage who can both be a Spellcaster and Weapon Enhancer Mage.
------------------------------------------------
I sat in a wooden highchair as I watched Lila create hot water and cold water within the sink. I glanced over to my right as Vincent's daughter Erielle sits and eats her food.
"Wow you've eaten your food so fast Erielle" Lila says as she walks over to me "Oh what about my Valerus"
I ignored Lilas words as my attention went outside as I watched Marko training with a scythe. It looked so cool and badass.
"Hmm whos that out there?" Lila sweet speaks to me. "Yeah that's right daddy's outside training. However it does seem pretty close to the house " her face with concern.
"Elise" she calls the head maid over.
I continued to watch. Marko Marina is a skilled weapon enhance mage he imbued his magic into a scythe. That can generate powerful blasts to blow away his opponents. My mother Lila Marina is a spellcaster mage who specializes in water creation magic. Marko, if not tending to me, would be training in the courtyard. Placed in the back of the mansion surrounding what used to be a beautiful flower garden. Cutting and slashing through all the dummies and hitting markers with Vincent by his side. But I would say most of the time something gets-
SMASH
BOOM
"OH," Lila swipes her right hand across the air as four blue magic circles appear out of thin air.
WATER CREATION MAGIC: AQUA SHIELD
Four water oval shaped shields cast over us and protect us from the blast.
"Is Erielle alright?Lady Lila are you okay?!" Elise asks in a panic as she covers her body over mine.
"Am alright thank you. Little Erielle is safe as well" Lila says as she adds extra layers shield around Erielle. "What about Valerus?" she asks.
"Gaaa" I gotta smile remember am a baby.
"Sir Valerus is fine" Elise says.
"Thank goodness" Lila lowers down the shield as the water wets the floor. She cracks her neck and marches outside with her hands on her hips.
Through the gaping hole in the kitchen Marko smiles as he chuckles.
Vincent looks down while grabbing at his neck "Slightly off sir,"
"Oops" Marko smiles. "S-sorry honey"
"Marko! Look what you did to the kitchen! ! Do you know how much danger the babies would be in if me and Elise werent there?! Do you?!" Lila yells.
"I-it's fine honey. There both way over t-there by you. You did a great job y-your magic is still great. Uhh from when we first met" Marko responds back waving his hands and gesturing a thumbs up.
"His definition of "way over there" is completely off as we were a mere 5 feet away from the rubble from the blast.
"I agree with Lady Lila here it was dangerous sir." Vincent says.
Marko looks at Vincent and drops his shoulders as hes in disbelief.
Elise stands beside Lila with a meanacning glare that could make anyone feel intimidated.
"F-fear not the maids shall get to it!" Vincent reassures Lila.
CLAP CLAP
Two maids arrive on the scene, both by the left and right of the giant hole placing their hands on the wall.
RESTRUCTURE MAGIC
I watched on as the maids materialized the wall too what it was before. It was pretty impressive it was like watching "Tetris" as I saw the blocks being put back together.
Elise examines the wall touching every nook and corner putting her ears on it. "Its stablized thank you both for your help."
"Of course Elise" the two maids bow and make there way out of the kitchen.
Marko again smiles at Lila.
"Hmph" Lila gives a pout and walks away as she picks me up and carries me upstairs "Geez he can be so clumsy sometimes" speaking to herself.
That is a true statement. The beautiful field of flowers in the courtyard. Well, Marko practiced a new move that scorched half the flowers. Lila was not happy about that.
"Haa, I told you not to do it," Vincent adds.
Marko shrugs his shoulders. "Shall we continue?"
"Alright"
BZTT
"The Federation?" Vincent asks.
"Yup on the dot, " Marko says.
"Again? Am surprised they don't put you on maternity leave. How many has it been within a span of these couple weeks?" Vincent asks.
"A handful. What's crazy is that I call for this leave but things have gotten to the point where the Captains need to be involved."
"It's that group again?"
"Yeah it's them. Just giving us headaches."
"I could provide my assist-"
"No you must stay here and watch over them for me. While I am gone."
"If that's what you wish sir"
Marko gets summoned from time to time going on missions. It turns out Marko is a part of this elite group of mages called "The Federation."
"Off to the mission I go," Marko says with a smile on his face as he was kissing Lila goodbye.
"Please take care, dear," Lila said accompanied by a warm embrace of the two. Of course including me in the middle. He wore a long black coat that had the Roman numeral 10 enscripted on there.
"We wish for your safe return Marko" Vincent says bowing with a gentlemanly gesture.
"Thank you Vincent and I wish you the best. Watch over the family for me. "
I saw the way Marko treats Vincent; it's not in some other media where the butler is treated as a servant or lower. Here both treat each other with the same respect.
Throughout the early years of my life, I spent observing how the household runs and its inhabitants.
Of course, there is me, Marko, Lila, and Vincent. However, there are also a dozen maids. The main maid is Elise Vincent's wife. A woman with long black hair that is tied up, bangs that cover her forehead, and the usual maid outfit. Their last names were Agnello. I mostly spent time with Lila, Vincent, and Elise as they cared and watched over me. Crawling all over the household. Seeing all the maids, being scolded by Elise and Vincent.
One afternoon Marko was lucky enough to see me take my first steps. PS these weren't my first steps.
"Dear, shouldn't you be on with your mission?" Lila asks.
"And miss my child's first steps of course not. Valerus is our pride and joy." Markos and Lilas's faces both light up as he says those words.
"Young master Valerus would do fine. He's progressing fast." Vincent says.
"He is right dear," Lila thinks to herself putting her hands into a thinking motion.
"I wonder what type of mage he will be?" Marko thinks as well. "Well no matter what he will be a great one."
"Alright I'll be back," Marko says as he teleports away.
ZIP
I would often read books that were left in the little library within our house, surprisingly I could read what was written down on them. The creation of this world, the inhabitants and beings that once ruled. The one thing that piqued my interest was about the Overlords. From my knowledge, as their names suggest they are above all the mages in this world. The strongest mages in this world hold godly power at their disposal. The full power of one of the Seven can change the whole world. There are Seven Overlords.
Overlord of Weapons
Overlord of Curses
Overlord of Time
Overlord of Death
Overlord of Understanding
Overlord of Illusion
Overlord of Love
As I grew older he would tell me all about his missions. His team, the fierce enemies he faced, the leader of The Federation, and The Overlords of this world. From what I learned the Federation has Captains number 1-10. Marko is the Captain of Squad 10. He fought alongside one of the Overlords when he first started in The Federation. The Overlord of Weapons. "It was a spectacle I watched as all our enemies got demolished by a one-man crew. I witnessed him use weapons I had seen but used in a different way and weapons I had never seen before. The way he used the scythe in that battle inspired me to hone my crafts in mine" Marko said proudly.
He sounded so excited. I wish to meet them one day. "Father, can I meet them one day?" I asked. "Oh Valerus meeting one of them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are all scattered across the world."
"So it's pretty rare to see one like a tree growing on another tree," I thought to myself.
Hearing him talk about The Overlord's made me wonder."Father, why isn't there an Overlord of Magic?"
Marko took a minute to respond "Good question you see in the beginning there were these twelve mages-"
Creek
Lila slowly creaks open the door "Dear I think it's time for Valerus to head to bed,"
"Aughg" I express loudly.
Marko pats my head "Don't worry I'll save that story for another time. Goodnight son"
"Goodnight Valerus," Lila says.
"What was he about to say to a twelve star mage? Ah it's fine I'll head to sleep."
Sooner than I realized I was at the age of five, the time drew closer. I finally started to see my features. I have blonde hair like my mom but it's shaped like my father's, I have my father's eye color.
Every day it seemed like a routine. Get up, get my clothes ready, greet the maids, head over to the dining hall, and sit and eat with Marko,Lila, Vincent, Elise, and Erielle . We all ate together like one big family. The maids take shifts to eat breakfast after we have eaten. The first 6 eat first then the 2nd half after.
I then head over to my studies and prepare for the Chalice of Paths. I felt as if I was on a tutorial mission for a video game.
Erielle and I have gone over training to prepare to be one of the two mages. My preferred weapon was a sword but I also practiced and trained with my father with a scythe. On the other hand, Erielle 's choice of weapon was a rapier. It was the weapon I often saw Vincent carrying. After a few hours of training, we both would learn simple healing spells that are a default skill for all mages.
Both me and Erielle then get to play in the yard of course being supervised by my mother and Vincent or Elise sometimes all three. When Marko is either training or gone on a mission.
Me and Erielle lay in the flower fields as we both laughed and smiled. Erielle now has long black hair, a respectful girl, with bangs, and a cute face.Her soft and delicate voice speaks. "Val are you scared for the Chalice of Powers"
"No, I am sure we'll both be fine. It's not something to be worried about." I am gesturing with a thumbs up and smile.
"But-"
"It's going to be fine. It's just going to tell us what we're going to train on, that's all" I told her.
"You're right Val thank you," Erielle says with a smile of relief.
When the time came we arrived at the church in Kubridge. Marko and Lila by my side. Vincent and Elise by Erielle 's side. With the church bell at the top, a stained glass painting in the back over the church, with many rows of benches.
DONG DONG DONG
The bells of the church resonated in my soul as I felt each gong from the bell send soundwave throughout my body. It felt oddly ominous and mysterious on how the bell would toll.
As we drew closer there was a Stained Glass Painting I realized was very vibrant with multiple colors, red, green, blue, black, purple, white, yellow, basically all the primary colors. For what it depicted I couldn't really tell it looks to be the creation of this world with 12 stars. Constellations I thought to myself. As I was about to examine it more a priest emerged dressed in all all-white .An older gentleman with more wrinkles than a shar pei puppy.
The priest speaks with a raspy and grainy voice "Welcome Marina Family and Agnello Family. This is the time to see what kind of future holds."
Myself and Erielle walked up to the podium as the priest presented us with a golden chalice. The chalice appears to be filled with water. But I can sense that it's partially filled with mana. My heart starts to race a little bit. This is a little nerve-racking. Am I sweating? Why should I be nervous? I am efficient in both currently. Is it because of the excitement and anticipation of what kind of mage will be or is it something else?
"Step forward as the Chalice shall reveal your Paths. Blue for Spellcaster and Red for Weapon Enhancer or Purple for Dyad. Now who shall step first? "
My palms get sweaty and my breathing begins to get staggered. I take a quick glance over at Erielle who looks calm and ready.
"I will," Erielle says with confidence as she takes a deep breath and steps forward.
"Very well Ms Agnello." the priest says.
Using a needle Erielle poked her pointer finger as she let a drop of blood in the Chalice of Paths.
The Chalice begins to change color as it lights up the room with Red and blue.
"Ah here it comes," The priest says.
Everyone waits in anticipation.
A pause.
The Chalice glows a Purple Hue.
"Ah yes, a birth of a new Dya-"
Suddenly I watched as the Chalice began to shine brightly, a bright light blinding everyone in its vicinity.
"Can it be?" I heard Vincent's voice as the bright light subsided.
"Wha- What is this?" Erielle says in confusion as she looks at her left hand.
"You have been bestowed a great power a birth of another Twelve Star Mage" the priest speaks in amazement. "The 6th star. "The Maiden". Virgo"
I was shocked I never heard of a Twelve Star Mage up until now. Marko and Lila were as shocked as me. Both Vincent and Elise were overjoyed. Both my parents were supportive. Looking at the Glass painting more I saw the symbol that was on Erielle's hand on the Painting. Twelve Star. This is what Marko was about to talk to me about.
"My word Erielle this is excellent" Elise says, clapping with tears.
"Good job," Vincent says.
"Wow," I said aloud.
Erielle flashes the insignia on her hand. "Cool isnt Val? Maybe you can get one too?!" as she smiles and steps off the podium.
"Priest, did you just say another was chosen today?" Marko asked respectfully.
"Yes from the Agnes family, he was bestowed the 5th Star "The Roar" Leo. To bear witness to two today is amazing. " the priest says.
Marko "Huh"
"Something wrong dear?" Lila asks.
"Hmm no just a little thought" he responds.
"Now it is your turn, Valerus Marina. Step forward" The priest says.
After hearing all this the pressure is on me. I have to be one of those. I am the heir. Am the son of Marko Marina a member of "The Federation" I have to get at least Dyad please?"
"Dont worry son. We will be proud of you no matter what" Marko says.
"We love Valerus," Lila says.
I feel a bit better now after hearing these supportive words from my parents.
I gulp down as I begin to feel more anxious about my path. I drop my blood. The Chalice spins. "Purple Purple" I kept saying to myself. The anticipation is killing me; it feels like an eternity.
Everyone looks on in shock.
My heart drops.
I cannot believe what I am seeing.
The Chalice of Paths
Didn't change color.
"Eh."
I have felt this once before.
My previous life.
Again I never wished to feel this way.
Voices from back then are brought up again "You going to pursue what. You'll never make enough money doing that. Stick to what your sister are doing. You should not go into that. Think about the pay. You've got to be better. "
My breathing was heavy. My eyes are getting fuzzy and blurry. Am I really going to faint right here?
I am paralyzed standing at the podium.
Have I not met standards once again?
Am I going to be cast out? Singled out once more?
I gaze into the Chalice as I see no tint of color, only the reflection of the Stained Glass Artwork above reflecting on the water.
With my emotionless face.
I stood there.
As the light from the day begins to drain, twilight is upon us.
Suddenly I feel a warm touch on my back.
I calm back down to reality.
I begin to breathe normally.
I turned to see the two bodies on me.
It was Marko and Lila. The two who have cared for me all this time. The two have helped me all this time.
Yes, they were my parents.
"It's all right Val," Marko says, patting my head.
"You're going to be alright sweetie, just breathe," Lila says in a calm and soothing voice.
I shed tears as I was disappointed, sad, scared, and angry that I didn't get selected but they were there to comfort me. As my watery eyes began to clear I glanced over at Erielle , Vincent, and Elise who should be overjoyed and happy. Looking sad and disappointed.
"Shouldn't they be happy?" I thought to myself but I realized looking from their perspective their daughter got the blessings as I didn't.
Marko stands and heads towards their direction.
I thought to myself "Oh no he's going to say something."
Marko stops in his tracks.
Erielle hesitant to look up"Sir Marko I am-"
He kneels down and gives Erielle a hug.
"Congratulations Ms.Erielle "
The Agnello family smile at Markos' gesture.
Lila heads on over as well.
"Congratulations Erielle," Lila says.
Marko stands up "What with the down faces for?" Marko was acting like his usual self. Marko and Lila celebrate with the Agnello family as I make my well as well.
"Congrats Eri," I say with a smile in my voice.
"Thank you, Val," she responds.
"We all should be celebrating. Let us make our way home." Marko demands.
"Wait Val watch this new trick" Erielle speaks up excitedly.
Vincent steps forward "Uh Erielle I dont think"
ZIP
Erielle turns into a beam of light and within an instant teleports away from everyone towards the front of the cathedral.
BANG
"Owww" she says as she massages her head after slamming into the front door. "I overshot it a little." her body begins to wobble.
"Erielle" Everyone rushes towards her.
VOOSH
DROP
"Eri you okay?" I ask as she lands in my arms.
"Valerus" I heard Marko speak.
"Yeah am fine just a little bump" she says.
I cant help but notice her lying as her forehead is read with a lump and her eyes getting watery. However I didnt notice. How did I catch her from falling?'
"Marko." Vincent says as he nudges him.
"I know your going to be just fine Valerus both of you will" Marko says proudly. "Although he lacks mana. His physically capabilities are amped up. He was able to get too the front doors in one dash" he thinks to himself.
"Her darling" Elise places her hand on Eri's head. "Your father told you."
"Smooth move Valerus" Lila says as puts her arm around my shoulders and smiles.
I feel my face begin to get red by my cheeks.
"Aww Valerus is blushing that he saved Erielle!" Marko loudly points out.
"A-am not!" I yell as I chase him around.
Everyone chuckles as we prepare to exit.
As we were about to leave a voice called as it echoes throughout the cathedral.
"Marina family I will say a Non mage is just as rare as a Dyad Mage." The priest says.
Am not too sure if that was a compliment or if it was a pity for me.
"Thank you priest. Enjoy the rest of your evening." Marko says.
"Yes thank you" Vincent and Elise say.
"Thank you again" Lila says.
We reach the doors as the priest voice calls out "Remember this Mr. Valerus, a twelve-star mage can be chosen at any point of their life" as the doors of the cathedral close.
SHUT
The priest stands there motionless as he slowly walks. His arms drop. His head slouches down. The light from the eyes of the priest disappears.
DROP
The priest's body drops as a hooded figure emerges from the shadows.
"Controlling that body for that long of a time was a haste.I would've preferred a younger host." VRMM a orb materlizes.
ZING
"Deadman do you read? Is the selection done?" a mysterious voice calls from the void of the shadows.
"Yes it is done my lord"
ZING
"I really thought you were going to get caught there by A Federation Captain. It would've been unfortunate. Who would I talk too about the amount of blood I consummed in a day" a female voice chimes into the conversation.
"Knowing what we were facing I had to be extra careful with those interactions. I am afraid you wouldn't be too suited for that. You would take other measures. "
"What did you say!"
"Bloody Queen please be quiet." The other male voice speaks.
"Have him watch his tongue when he speaks. Just you watch Deadman later tonight I'll prove it too you"
"Next time we'll have a nice little chat." Deadman speaks.
"Of course like we always do" Bloody Queen responds.
"We now have the whereabouts of two more twelve-star mages. What is the plan now?" Deadman speaks.
"Retrieve both Virgo and Valerus Marina tonight alive Deadman. Before the Captain gets suspicious and reports us too the Federation.I have a similar assignment too you as well Bloody Queen"
"Of course sir. May I ask? Why keep Valerus Marina alive as well?"
"I would like to know that too. Is the verge of death acceptable?" Bloody Queen asks.
Brief moments of silence.
"Alive."the voice responds.
"As you wish" both respond.
ZING
ZING
"Valerus Marina, hmmm"
Walking back home that line stuck in my head. Playing in a loop. "A nonmage is just as rare as a Dyad Mage. Twelve Star mages can be chosen at any point in their life." With Erielle and her family walking ahead I couldn't help but fall back in line a little. "What did he mean?"
"Hmm, you worried something was wrong? What's bothering you? " Marko asks.
"Oh, nothing father." I respond.
"You're hungry aren't you?"
"Ehh"
Lila jumps in "Could it possibly be about what the priest said?"
I remain silent not answering her.
"It is," Lila remarks.
"Well don't be down son. You will be alright.. You're exceptionally quick I'd say almost as quick as me."
That is true. The way I was ablto catch Eri before she fell and with Marko's training I've been keeping up with his pace. I've seen him breaking a sweat too.
"With training and perseverance, you will be better than me in all ways. You wont need magic . That is the truth Valerus. "
"No matter if you're an irregular mage or not. We still love you and the strengths that you have. If you do awaken with your magic thats a little cherry on top" Lila says with a comforting voice.
"Dont focus on what you don't have focus on what you do have," Marko says.
Words that hit me in the right spot. Words that I didn't know I needed.
Back at home, we have a grand dinner celebrating this joyous occasion.
As I get up from my seat and head towards my room I hear a voice call out my name.
"Sir Valerus I wish to speak with you" Vincent calls.
He and Elise stand side by side one another trying to cheer me up.
"It's alright I understand it's not that deep" a saying I would say in my previous life.
"Alright, but Erielle wishes to speak with you out on the balcony."
"O-Ok" why did I stutter? I wonder to myself.
I go past the two and return to their rooms while Marko and Lila clean up. Erielle awaits me under the moonlight standing on the deck.
I see her staring at the moon as the light reflects upon her face with the stars filling the night sky.
"You called for me Twelve Star Mage of Virgo," I said jokingly.
Erielle turned around surprised. "Please don't call me that, just act normal" she requested as she chuckles.
"Well, it's not going to be so normal from here on. You have immense power at your disposal and you'll just grow stronger." I said to her,
With a short pause, "You'll grow strong as well." Erielle says walking around me with her hands behind her back. "I won't let this mess up our friendship. It's just a title. Twelve Star Mage Dyad Mage won't matter" She looks up to the sky and makes a grabbing motion with her hands.
"I see" as I walk towards "Your head feeling alright? You slammed into the door pretty hard."
"Yup my mother has very exceptional healing magic. Thank you for saving me."
"Your welcome."
"I see your training with Sir Marko has proven worth?" she asks
"You could say. So what did call me out for?"
"I just was wondering what you are going to do. What is your dream or goal in life?"
Ah a question that I have never asked myself. What is my endgame for this world? Will I just go for the normal route and strive to be the leader of this world? Should I hunt down all the bad guys and become a vigilante at night?
Questions that I asked myself.
"Wh-What is yours Eri?"
"Huh I asked you first but if you say. HMM" as she puts her hand to her head.
"I just want to explore the world. Visit the other three regions."
"Thats a great dream. You wouldnt just wanna stay here?"
Her smile fades as she looks at me "No disrespect to your parents or mine but I don't wanna live my life cooped up in some mansion. I wanna explore the world and travel by having this-" she shows her Virgo Symbol "allows me to do that. It also gives me the power to change the world. Now that I shared mine you had enough time to think what's yours?"
"Um. Um. To be the greatest mage this world has ever seen" I said with a soft voice.
"Huh what was that" Erielle motions cupping her hands around her ears.
"She's purposefully doing this," I thought.
"To be the greatest mage this world has ever seen" I repeated with a little more volume.
GIGGLE GIGGLE
"I could hear you for the first time," she chuckled. "So you want to be the Ruler of the Nation?"
"No, I want to live my best life and be the best mage I can possibly be."
Erielle looks at me, "That's a good dream. A simple and easy one"
"Is that what you wanted?" I asked.
"Yes, that's all I wanted" as she smiles.
WOOSH WOOSH WOOSH
The autumn winds blow harshly as it becomes winter soon.
"It's getting chilly. We should head back inside"
"Goodnight Val"
"Goodnight Eri"
As we both leave the balcony.
I head over to the dining hall as the light still seems to be on. "Since I dont seem to have any mana I have to ask Marko again about that Twelve Star Mage. Is it possible that they can bring me back too my world?" I stopped and hesitated before proceeding "Do I even want to go back?" I hear murmurs from inside the room, I peek inside. It's Marko and Lila. They seem to be discussing something. I am going to wish them goodnight. "F-"
"An irregular please that's not worthy of my time. It's pathetic" Marko says.
I stood frozen out the door and I couldn't say anything or move my feet. I zoned out and I couldn't hear anything but my thoughts as scenarios went in my head. I then had the sudden urge to run towards the exit and run away. "Why am I doing this?
"Is something my father would say. Now I told myself if I ever had a kid I would never treat them like that" Marko says with confidence.
"Yes dear I know you told too me many times"
"You think I am being a good father to him?"
"Of course you are dear."
"Especially about what happened today?"Valerus will grow up to be something special. Something remarkable."
SLAM
"What was that?"
PAT PAT PAT
"Marko huff huff" Vincent out of breath.
"Sir Valerus seems to have run away"
"Wha"
"Why would he-"
"Ohh he must've heard me talking about how my father would talk. Stay here dear I'll go fetch him and clear the misunderstanding. He shouldn't be that far off."
----------------------------------------------------------
PANT PANT PANT
"Why did I run? Why am I running away? They love me right? Right?
My steps begin to slow down as my legs give out. I continue to walk down this cobblestone road with streetlights.
HUFF HUFF PANT
I found myself in a park surrounded by giant trees. A water fountain made of stone creates a soothing sound in this cold dark night. It shoots gentle jets of water out of it as the mist hits my body as I rest by it.
HUFF HUFF PANT
Great am lost. I've never been to this part of Kubridge. I close my eyes for a brief moment. A cold chill runs throughtout my body.
I open my eyes.
It's dark. "Was it always this dark?" I thought to myself. I looked around the moonlight being my only source of light.
STEP STEP STEP
I hear footstops coming from in front of me in the pitch black darkness.
The moonlight shines at the point where the darkness ends. A man in a white robe appears. He looked familiar.
"The priest from the cathedral? What are you doing at his hour of the night?" I call out to him.
His body rapidly shakes and convulses. I watch as his flesh turns into a blob of nothing.
"What the- "I materlize my scythe.
STEP STEP
"Mr.Marina" , a calm but devious voice, speaks as they step forward. A man dressed in all black with a robe over his head comes to the light.
"Who are you?" I questioned him as I ready my scythe.
"The man who has come to recruit you" the hooded figure says as he paces around me.
"What's going on?" I wondered.
The figure stops "Dont worry" Purple Magic circles begin to light up within the area with the command of his hand.
Corpses begin to rise up from them.
A gody smell of rotten sewage fills my nostrils and makes my eyes watery.
"We shall talk later. Just come with me."
"Sorry I played too many video games and watched too much anime to trust you!" I yelled.
"Interesting and unique choice of words. This A-N-I-M-E word intrigues me. Would you care to explain it too me while you come over here."
"Nah" I twirl my scythe around. "If you want me your going to have to take me by force"
"Very well. Retrieve him" the figure motions his hands.
The corpses rush at me.
"Low-level grunts," I said to myself.
I swing the scythe around decapitating the heads of the corpses. One by one I dance and keep chopping off the heads of these mindless zombies."These are some level one noobs. This is fun. A real battle where my life is actually in danger. The training went well"
DROP DROP
The corpses begin to drop as I begin to move closer too this hooded figure.
SLAM
I slammed the scythe into the ground as I would punch and kick the corpses too the ground linning them up to chop them all in half in one quick strike.
"Score again!"
"Hmm. You move pretty well. How about-"
SNAP
New Corpses emerge but this time with wands.
"Hell, he put some costumes on them. That's cute. Reminds me of a little RPG that I used too play"
BLAST
A ball of fire the size of a basketball shoots towards me.
"Shit" I dodge the attack. The scorching flames brazes my face as I felt the heat as it was passing me"Did that thing just shoot a fireball?"
BLAST BLAST BLAST
I dodged the continuous blast being sent by me. Weaving left to right. Side to side. Cutting through the ones that I couldn't dodge. Feeling the heat of the fire disperse into two parts as I begin to close in on the spellcasting corpses.
HMPH
One appears right in front of me about to shoot a point-blank-range fireball at my face. I duck as I feel the fire brazily miss my skin. I grabbed the scythe and I stood on the ends of it too kick that corpse in the head. Rocking its head back. As it was stunned I stabbed the corpse upwards with my scythe as I swing my scythe around impaling the other ones and turn them into a shishkabob. I throw the corpses at the hooded figure as he deflects them with a magic barrier.
"He's gone. A distraction?" the figure says to himself.
"Gotcha" I appear behind them going for a killing blow.
ZIP ZIP ZIP
I get caught mid-swing by these threads. "Damn didn't think of that," I thought to myself.
"Agh"
"I must say, Mr. Valerus, you move very well. Quick Reaction Time. An excellent weapon handler.A very unique fighting style. Am surprised the Chalice of Paths didn't make you a weapon enhancer mage"
I struggle to move the threads dig deeper into my skin.
ARGH
"Oh, my that looks like it hurts, I'll just knock you out" The hooded figure moves closer.
"Why the hell does he want me?" I questioned.
I close my eyes as I brace myself for a blow.
SLASH
The threads get slashed as am in the someones arms.
"The only person getting knocked out is you scum," Marko says confidently as he places me down.
"A wound first of many son." Marko says with excitement.
"Dad."
"What you heard back there was a misunderstanding. Sorry. I'll make it up too when am done with this."
"Marko pleased to meet you again"
"Again? When- ah whatever" Marko thought really hard before answering and blitzing straight towards the hooded figure.
SLASH
The hooded figure avoided being cut by placing one of the corpses in front of him.
"Sorry I am not letting you walk out of here alive. Valerus stay back and watch me beat the hell out of this scum."
"Scum scum scum is that all you can call me?"
"Yes. Scum" Marko readies his Scythe.
"I am Deadman."
Marko pauses. Puts on a thinking face.
"Oh, you're one of those Phantom Order mages that keeps appearing. Yeah, I know you."
"It is an honor" making a bowing gesture."-To bring your corpse back to The Federation" Deadman says sinisterly. As more magic circles appears.
"Well, that can be said about you as well. I take your corpse. I might become the next Head Captain. Head Captain Marko Marina. Yeah I like the sound of that." Marko says with confidence.