Hey guys...Sorry for the long wait on this chapter but good news. This is half of what the original chapter was suppose to be. I split it into two parts simply because it was all getting too long. So for those who waited so long for a new chapter, expect the next chapter around the same length to be up by......sometime tomorrow.

Also I updated past chapters with the changes I made. For those of you who want to reread it I added some new stuff here and there. I still plan on editing and redoing chapters later like I said because even I know I've made plenty of mistakes in writing this out. It's still like a rough draft of sorts. Though I won't make a change like that again to the story again I promise.

Then you have someone like Ari who accepts the MC unconditionally regardless of her past. But we also see that her past to her and how she has been dealing with it is almost that of a distant memory. I'll go into detail why that is later but hopefully your getting to see how each character effects or relates to the mc.

Shout outs to my editors you guys are amazing. I had someone clean up old chapters and he's going to help me clean the new ones along with some other guys. So thank you I4MD347H and Kronos!

Chapter 14: No Allies

It took roughly 10 minutes to take down every surrounding Baum monster. They were quite tricky to deal with. If you didn’t jump and avoid their roots that came up from below the dirt you’d become tied up in vines. Their roots weren’t too strong for only being around level 70- 80 monsters but if enough of them surrounded you it would be bad.

I assume they had tough defense but each monster only took a few swings before they’re entire body crumbled away. It may have taken much less time to kill them but.

Ching!

This stupid chain kept getting in the way. No matter how much I tugged at it it wouldn’t budge. So anytime that wolf would leap into more baums I would get drug with him. Honestly I have no idea how Meifeng got this on me without me noticing. It made it difficult for both of us but eventually we took down every last monster that was chasing after Lily. It’s amazing how this wolf chained to me was so close to death only hours earlier from the state I had left him in, was now fighting so exceptionally. Even though his left arm and entire lower body was covered in bandages, his eye looked to be completely destroyed. It along with the left side of his face were also bandaged up. His state didn’t look to be in the best condition but you wouldn’t know that from the way he was fighting. Every swing tore through the Baum’s wooden exterior as if it were butter, killing the large tree monsters with every slash.

‘Why is he fighting anyways?’

After all of the surrounding tree monsters were destroyed Adimar, who was still chained to me, faces me while breathing heavy. He lowered his eyes and glared at me as if telling he was ready for round 2.

I turned over to where Lily and Hjokk were.

I used my spatial magic to appear closer to their location.

“Vali!”

Lily came running towards me and hugged my leg. She was still shaking a bit. When I kneeled down I noticed she had small cuts on her legs and wrists. She had dirt on her clothes and face and looked to be quite warn out.

I grabbed a cloth out of my inventory and started to wipe the dirt from her face.

“...Lily what are you doing out here. How long have you been running from those things?”

“Ugh....since you left this afternoon. I ugh... wanted to follow where you go. I’m sorry!”

‘She had came to find me? So she’s been being chased by these Baums for quite a while then. It almost looks like she may have even gotten caught at some point from the cuts on her arms. Some of the vines from the Baum monsters have thorns coming off of them.’

I activated my Soul Recovery on Lily. My healing ability is now at Novice level 2 after gaining 2 levels from healing the rest of the pixies, my healing magic has become capable of healing multiple people at once. But by using direct contact the healing affects are much larger. Her small cuts covering her body began to seal over and wash away. The similar bright light continued to shine from my hands and surround her body until her wounds were all gone.

“....Poor thing. But you shouldn’t come out here alone like that. This place is dangerous. ”

When I made my tone more serious on that last part she just nodded while holding onto me. Her hands are furry like the first time we met and her small claws are still not retracted and are digging into my leg. If I didn’t know she was from this same race who has caused me so much trouble, I’d probably be perplexed at how she could scratch me.

“Huh...Ugh, Alphi we have to get her away from him. Maybe....she is being brainwashed or something.”

“Ha....Ha....Maybe...But because of this chain....we won’t be able grab her and escape. We can try and knock him out. His wounds seem to all be healed, but with the added effects of this moonlight, let’s defeat him!”

The voices of the two who tagged along on Hjokk’s weird warp ability start to speak up. I don’t know how they came a long with us, but Hjokk’s ability doesn’t work like the spatial magic, it works as a sort of tether to a specific place and can be warped to on invoking the ability. I guess because I was still chained to Adimar they two some how came along for the ride.

I straightened up my poster and faced them.

Akino glared her fangs at me while Adimar standing next to her breathed heavily. His postures wasn’t at that of someone healthy enough for a fight but he continued staring at me as if prepared to fight.....’....Seriously how stupid are these people!’

“Alphi line formation follow right be...”

BOOOOOM!!!!

“Silence dogs!”

A lightning strike struck the ground a foot away from where Akino was standing. Hjokk in her bird form flew over in front of me and Lily.

“The...the bird?”

“.......”

Akino immediately froze in place, while Adimar continued to look between Hjokk and I. He continued to breath heavy but the look of fear I could finally see for the first time was instilled in him.

“Disgusting mortal pigs......you call yourself descendants of Amarok! Puny inbreed muts! I should smite you here!”

HJokk continued her threats and I don’t believe I’ve ever heard this tone from her before.....I guess the site of my appearance may have triggered something for her.

“Umm He...Hjokk?”

Lilly started to question Hjokks rash behavior which she’s never seen from her before. Other than beating me up she doesn’t see the theatrics

“Lily’s right Hjokk....You’d be taking my fun away of beating them both.”

“Wait...no ugh....”

Lily now seeming surprised at my comment looked up at me as I stared intently at the two standing in front of me.

“...Step away from the girl.”

“....Perhaps before we fight. If the child can step away to a safer location.”

Akino began to growl in our direction while Adimar tried to notion with me. They don’t appear to understand the situation at all.

“I recall telling you dogs not to speak.”

Hjokk continued flapping her purple wings and staring down the two Annunakes.

I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do to all of them yet. Death isn’t enough....

“You each seem to be misunderstanding the situation. First off....stop acting like your the ones protecting Lily, you don’t even know her. Secondly.........”

I then turned my status display on and flicked it over in their direction....

“......”

Each of them stared at the display reading my status. I’m told the the world is tied to this status. So everything that lives on this world has to have one in some way. It is impossible to manipulate something like this and usually people keep their own status’s to themselves. It not only shows your level but all of your stats besides the skill’s list. But since these two wolves are only going to die soon I don’t think it matters.

Name: Vali Race: Human Age: ? Level: 165

Class: N/A

Title: Lord of the Forest, Slayer of Death, Death Canceler, Beloved one of the Hildr Pixies

Health: 132,889 Mana: 346, 430

Strength: 14, 998 Intellect: 17,440

Stamina: 12, 115 Wisdom: 9, 880

Agility: 10,010 Defense: 14, 110

Luck: 17,240

Magic Resistance: 25%

Poison Resistance: 7%

Immunity to Fear: 33%

Elemental Resistances:

Fire: 28% Earth: 3% Dark: 25% Lightning: 4%

Water: 1% Wind: 4% Light: 8% Void: 8%

Each of my stats had risen a slight bit from raising my levels by 15. This is due to my growth correction by Loki I assume. In the game if you leveled up your character your stats would each rise based on what class you decided on. It would allocate the stats gained per level to certain stats to build your character. Since I don’t have a class my growth correction just allocates stats equally for now.

“Heh....so your agility is only this much and yet you can keep up with Alphi and me? So what, your strong.”

“.....So you really were.....human?”

I continued to stare at them. I just haven’t quite decided what I’m going to do with each of them yet. Perhaps I should eat this Alpha’s heart in front of her. I clearly didn’t instill enough fear into this race. I offer my help to them, and they surrounded and mauled me. They turned me into their own personal chew toy and due to my own stupidity I didn’t see it coming. I knew they weren’t trust worthy and and I almost died for it.....’If I died.....Who would look after my mother. I’d never be able to reunite with my family again. I can’t be stupid anymore......Kill or be killed....(Rattle).’

I grinned and looked towards them.

“Yeah....so now you....”

Hjokk then cut me off and emerged in her Valkyrie form and was wearing the same stunningly bright armor as before.

“Ah....can you shut that off or something! Geez!”

‘You always ruin moments!’

The bright light shimmering off her armor began to dim to a pale light but she didn’t look at me. She continued staring daggers at the the two wolves in front her. She pointed her spear at the both of them.

“You worthless dogs! He came to help you, to free you from your prison cell and you spit back his good will back in his face. You filthy vermin!”

Sparks started to come from her spear and shot forth.

RAHHHHH!!!!

AHHH!!!!!!!!!

A bright pale blue lightning streaked out from the tip of her spear and shot forth towards the two wolves. They began crying and howling in agony...‘Hmm....this chain doesn’t appear to be able to conduct electricity at all.....Is this even a metal?.....Wait....did Hjokk even know that before she shot off that attack?!’

I glared up at Hjokk in her Valkyrie form and start to feel a tug on my leg.

“Ugh....ummm stop!”

Lily then ran out in front of Hjokk and put her arms up in the air. Her face and eyes were still flush from running from the Baums for so long.

“Please...They....they were nice to me....they they don’t seem like bad people?”

Lily must have not been able to handle the brutal howls these two were making. She never really was a girl who enjoyed violent things. She’s more of a curious child. Chasing flying bugs or always watching me cook. She doesn’t really have the heart to watch someone hurt another. They didn’t move much, smoke just continued to come from their charcoaled bodies. Their alive though, I can sense that much at least. I’m not even sure if Hjokk is allowed to kill a mortal, so maybe this is just venting.

“..Ugh...Rapid Paw!......Moonlight Claughh”

I pulled out Abgrund and activated dark pressure. I made it to where the pressure wouldn’t target friendlies and the full brunt of it went to Adimar and Akino. Her movements stalled and she then collapsed on her knees. She looked up at me and started to shake in terror. Her eyes were much different now. Before they showed rage, but now they show fear. She continues to growl while looking up at me. ‘Yah...I should have used dark pressure with this scythe when I was surrounded. The added affects of dark related magic gets a tremendous boost from using it.’

Adimar behind her stood up. All of his hairs were standing on end. A large dark charcoal stain covers the front of his torso. A large tear from his left shoulder to his right waste has become hard and crusted. Without the use of healing magic the skin would be beyond repair by my world’s standards. I got to give it to him, for an Alpha this guy does take a lot to kill.....’I wonder what sort of abilities I can attain from this strong wolf. After letting that psycho tear into me......’

While my mind began to fill with thoughts of what I wanted to do to these two something strange happened.

“.....Yield Akino....we were wrong...”

Adimar then kneeled where he stood and looked up at me. Akino turned her head and looked back in half amazement.

Do they both think this act will save them?

“Alphi?”

I started to walk forward to the two frozen wolves and stuck Abgrund to Adimar’s throat.....I wonder what abilities I could gain from a wolf like you.

“I....I offer you my life for our mistake....Please save them..”

Adimar continued breathing heavy but never once broke eye contact. Whether their going to die or not this race does seem to be that of warriors. Accepting death so readily....

“...And what makes you think death is enough?”

“.....I’m sure it won’t make up for our sins. But I ask that you spare those trapped in this horrible place. If my life can make up for it....Whatever it is. Please don....”

“You don’t get to ask anything dog!”

Hjokk then spoke up from behind me. Akino then decided to enter into our conversation.

“....Al...Alphi?”

“....He isn’t Malthiel, Akino......He was simply a man trying to help us all here.”

“............”

As if finally realizing I wasn’t that evil monster she finally went silent.

“But....But his bones.”

“Ah...not that it’ll matter in the long run. Why don’t I show you both something.”

I then pulled Abgrund from Adimar’s neck and activated my spatial magic. I ripped through the wreckage of the dead Baum’s lying around the ground and found two oddly shaped cores. It almost looked like a seed in the shape of a fruit. It glowed slightly crimson and had a tough coating. I then reactivated spatial magic and appeared back in the same place.

“Ahh..”

Adimar then fell over and I had then realized we were still shackled together.

“Ah....Hjokk....could you take care of this please?.”

After flashing the chain at Hjokk who was standing by the frightened Lily, I then lifted the core in front of Adimar and Akino. I then chewed into the tough core with my fangs. It was crunchy but had a soft gooey center.

Congratulations! You have just learned a new skill!

Root Vein

Congratulations! You have just learned a new skill!

Tough Exterior

The two Annunakes started to look up at me now puzzled. After reading through the skill list I activated one of the new abilities I’ve obtained.

Immediately bursting through the ground were a pair of dark green roots with small thorns attached to them. I thought about wanting to strangle them with it and in an instant the vine launched out of the ground and attacked the two like a viper. It then coiled around their necks several times and then lifted them up in the air. They were probably strong enough to rip through these roots but in this state their in, along with the shock they probably can’t fight back real well.

Rattle......Rattle....

I watched them convulse for a bit then deactivated the skill. The roots then withered away and sunk back into the dirt. It’s an interesting skill. But it is impossible to use unless my feet are kept planting on the ground. The moment my foot lets up the skill will deactivate.

They both grabbed their necks and breathed hard continually...They had small cuts here and there and and some blood started to form over their shoulders and chest. I then reactivated Dark Pressure while holding onto Abgrund.....I should have used this when I got mauled by their whole pack. The effects of Dark Pressure and Abgrund are too. It’s paralyzed them. Though if I used this weapon when I was on floor one who knows the amount of damage I could have done. I could have even caved in the whole floor killing myself in the process.

“....That’s how I got these black bones.....When I eat the cores of my opponents I absorb an ability. In Malthiel’s case it was also apparently some of his traits......Although I didn’t know about the heart thing.”

“......”

“......”

“Now that we got that out of the way.”

I then pointed Abgrund back towards the two indicating it was their time. I’m going to kill every one of them. I just haven’t decided how yet. My life I feel is slowly being wrapped away by vengeance towards others.....But they dragged me into this....(Rattle)

I pointed the scythe closer to Adimar’s throat. The black aura that surrounded it began to cut and singe off the already rugged fur. It was already covered in blood and partly burnt off from the extent of what Hjokk had already done to him.

“But!”

Lily tried to reach out while Hjokk tried to turn her away.

Beat......Beat.....Beat...Beat..Beat..Beat...’I could hear their beats racing.....’

‘Feed.....Feed....Feed.....feeeeeeed meeeeeee!’

I started to hear strange voices as well...’..Coming from.....Abgrund?....This weapon too wants these two to face death.....(Rattle).’

I looked into the eyes of the one whose life I was about to take and noticed something that took me out of the sort of trance I was in. His eyes never once yielded....‘Does he not fear death?’

“...Al..Alphi?!”

“.....Please save them.”

“.....Do you not fear death?”

“......I believe we all must face death someday. I have lived a long life.....filled with regret and sorrow. But in death.....I believe I may be able to reunite with my happiness.....”

“.........”

I stared back at Adimar. He said his words as if trying to sound stoic. Death....being able to reunite with his happiness huh. I too once believed death could be a beautiful thing....But right now, I can’t allow myself to die. If I did....I will never be able to see my family together again. Back then....because of these two.........I almost lost everything!

‘....But he’s right.....Even I have thought death can be a beautiful thing if you choose to see it that way......’

Why should he get off so easily....‘Huh?’

I looked down and something was tugging on my leg.....It was Lily. I guess I shouldn’t just murder these two in front of her. What was I thinking......

They’re too dangerous to leave alive though....‘Ugh.....I moved Abgrund away from her and put it in my inventory. I don’t want this thing anywhere near her.

I looked up at Adimar and contemplated what I was going to do with them. I patted Lily’s head and then felt something heavy graze her head.

“Huh.....Hjokk....Why haven’t you cut these chains yet?”

“....Ah about that. That isn’t made of just any metal. I can’t break that without possibly killing the two of you in the process.”

“What?”

What she said was mind boggling. She’s a Valkyrie...What is this stupid thing?

“What do you want from me it’s Adamantine?”

“Huh?.....You where did you get this?”

I then pressed Adimar for answers but he seemed kind of weirded out he was still breathing. He managed to somehow spill out that the chain was from some incredibly strong ore they found deep inside the dungeon caves. In the game the two strongest metals that a blacksmith could make armor from were Mithril and Adamantine. It was rare materials you couldn’t find anyplace and took a long time gather enough gold or ore to make a useful weapon or armor with it. It’s strange how these demi humans have both in such a convenient place.

‘If I can get enough of this material are you saying I could make armor out of it........It’s even strong enough to take Hjokk’s spear.......’

With that thought my eyes widened as if forgetting everything else that has happened up until this point.

‘As I am right now, I can’t even compete with Hjokk. She has been abusing me ever since Malthiel. If she finds out that I walked into that trap practically knowing it was about to happen.....Yah maybe I can make a helmet or something.’

“I know what your thinking....And it’s not that amazing.”

“Heh...it could stop your spear....”

“Yah....Adamantine is supposedly what titan’s fangs are made from. It’s durable....But it doesn’t have nearly as amazing affects as Orichalcum armor the Siren’s use or even compared to something like Zeus’s breastplate Aeigis......What I’m saying is it won’t last that long against me.”

We glared back at each other.

“Umm......Is it over now?”

Lily looked up at me and was still holding onto me. I feel bad, I put her through something bad....I can’t do something like executing someone in front of her....I killed someone on the day we met and she’s just starting to warm up to me. She stuck close to me when we were in Aldain but once Noah started to live with us she started to be more cautious of me. With Ari’s influence though she has been approaching me more now. The only reason she ran out here was because of me.

I guess if I were to kill this wolf I would be dragged his dead body around with this strong chain until I got the key. ‘Ugh....’

‘Maybe I can wait to kill these wolves whenever I get back into the dungeon.......I could even get the effects of the double experience if I wait to do it.’

Wisdom + 1

‘....I guess that’s a sign.’

“If only we could bind them somehow.”

“You don’t plan on killing them?”

“I don’t think that’s good for Lily. Besides...This one is an Alpha. Same rank as some of their race leaders I believe too. If I just off him here without giving him back to his superiors there could be problems with getting everyone over to joining us.”

“I see.......Then perhaps we can use an item Loki gave me should Fenrir ever get......too rowdy.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

Hjokk then walked up to me and pulled out a shining golden rope. It had a sort of blue light coming off of it as well. It was.....a color I had never seen before in my old world. It was hard to describe the color it was emitting but it definitely looked to be the product of a divine being.

“Loki calls it....Gleipnir....It’s suppose to act as a sort of leash for Fenrir should he ever get.....well yah.”

She handed it to me and it had a heavy weight to it. She then pointed the other end of Gleipnir to the two and it entangled their bodies like my vines previously had. They encircled the two of them to where no body parts showed at all then swirled around to where their necks were. The shining golden rope wrapped around their necks individually and tightened. The thick golden rope then shrunk down to the size of thin golden thread. It continue to glow in the same pale blue light.

“And this is suppose to......bind them?”

“Yes, it will tighten and choke them should they ever disobey or attack you. It also has an interesting feature. Watch this......mut!...”

ROOOoooooooorrrrrr

NNNNNnnnnnnn

Each of them howled in pain for a brief moment and then lowered their shoulders. They looked back up at Hjokk with wide eyes and then back at me, not being able to realize the situation.

“Loki said he programmed it to shock them at a voice command..........I prefer mut.”

“....Oh this will be interesting....”

Looking at the two of them I think they finally started to give me the look that I was looking for. After the betrayal, this isn’t enough....but it’s a start. It’ll at least be amusing for the time being.

“Mut....Mut..mut!”

ROooooOORRR

Ahh...AHhh ahahaha

Hearing them squirm with each shock was like music to my ears. Such an amazing thing Loki gave me for Fenrir....Luckily he’s a good wolf. I’d never need something like this for him.

Ruf!...Ruf!

I can almost hear the sounds of him barking right now.

Ruf.....RUF!

“Fenrir?”

Fenrir came running up and came next to me and Lily. Lily still confused was holding onto my leg but pet Fenrir whenever he got closer. Fenrir somehow has managed to get close to all of the slaves, including Noah. I guess it’s his odd cuteness when he’s this size.

I started to pet his head when I realized something.

“Wait. Who’s watching after the cabin?...”

‘I left Fenrir there to watch over everyone. I guess with Lily missing they sent Fenrir to find her.’

Deciding it was about time to get back we ventured back to the cabin. The unlikely group of myself, Lily, Hjokk in her bird form and now to Annunake’s began to venture back to . I’d activate my spatial magic right now but I’ve found out another weakness to my spatial magic if that wasn’t enough of a pile on to my failures.

I need to know where I also am to use spatial magic. If I’m not aware of the space I’m in, it’s difficult to move to another space that isn’t within my field of vision.....‘That’s why I couldn’t warp out of that torture room even if I tried.’

“Um....Where are we going?”

“....To my cabin. I don’t have time to take you both home right now...... By the way your currently standing outside of the dungeon.”

As I said this each of them gave me looks of unbelief. The words I said were the truth. I said them clearly and continued to walk back home. I warned them that if they didn’t follow me the collars around their neck would start to shock them again. I warned them what would happen should they disobey me. They didn’t listen...’.They just looked at the ground and then kept looking up at the sky. No...The moon.’

Akino shed tears and Adimar said nothing. Lily stopped and looked at what they seemed so interested at. I guess they are from a species of wolf. Maybe the moon hold some special meaning to them. Lily looked back at me smiled. She ran over and held my hand as we continued to walk home.

“You guys might want to keep up. If you disobey those collars will shock you again.”

These Annunake’s with me have given me a lot to think about. Other than Lily I don’t know about the others of her race. Even after Malthiel I still made bad decisions. I should have never ventured off with these people and trusted them so easily. During the fight I should have gone all out. I relied too heavily on my top tier skills but without Abgrund my Abysmal mist wasn’t nearly as powerful.

The Annunake are an absolutely vicious race and I felt that personally with my flesh. They tore my flesh down to the bone. Some of them ate me. My entire left arm was peeled away piece by piece. Only my black bones remained. They had been licked clean. My chest and ribcage had bite marks in it and most of my inner organs may have been removed. If that wasn’t enough my face was partially torn off by their leader. Before I knew what happened my mana and stamina had been completely drained as well. I don’t know how I honestly survived such an assault.The torture afterwards was honestly like an ant trying to bite an already severe wound.

The Annunake’s........They are dangerous.

“Um....Vali. So....You were only trying to help us all. What you must think of us..”

“Yah. If you guys may have used your brains you might have thought the “undead” who couldn’t possibly be performing healing magic might not be the bad guy.”

“....We wouldn’t know anything about undead monsters. Malthiel is the only undead we’ve ever came across in Dark Eden.”

‘The dungeon is a 100 levels of all sorts of different terrains and monsters. Your telling me in 100 levels you haven’t come across a single undead type of monster? They were quite frequent types of monsters in the game.’

“Still, you didn’t have to surround me and turn me into your own official scratching post.”

“You attacked first...”

Adimar finally budded into our conversation.

‘What is he talking about! He and his wolves surrounded and mauled me.’

The memory plays back in my head and I remember Adimar saying something about that being a good first attack, then he howled. I even got a bunch of de-buffs to my stats from the skill he used. ‘ Could he be talking about Dark Pressure?’

‘I guess an intimidation skill being used that decreases everyones abilities can be considered an attack. I don’t even know the effects of my ability on them. But no they were much higher level and they surrounded me. They even put shackles on me.

“Listen Vali....We are not going to make excuses for what we did. Our mistake cannot be forgiven with words. I know this..”

Adimar straightened up his posture and walked towards me. His body was still smoldering from what Hjokk had done. He looked me in the eye continuing.

“ ....I only wished to hear what you had to say. This chain was only so you wouldn’t be able to escape, could you have been Malthiel or one of his pawns. Whenever you released that....skill....it let the pack know we might have to get rough before you started talking. “

“..........”

‘And so everything after that was what?......This wolf is only starting to make me angry. I won’t deny given the same situation, from their perspective the idea of someone outside of that dungeon suddenly appearing with all my characteristics would be

“Um so.....Vali, what do you plan on doing with us?”

Akino walked up to me and Lily. Hjokk was now resting on my shoulder having had to wait so long. Fenrir was up ahead chasing something.

“I guess for now have you follow me till I figure that out. I’ll see what Malfius wants to do.”

“....Even if you don’t wish to hear it.....I am sorry for “

“Your right I don’t want to hear it.”

‘I don’t want to talk about this anymore it’s only going to agitate me more. ‘

“If....There is anything we could do to possibly...”

‘You could let me tear out your hearts.’

I just started to ignore Akino and walk back to the cabin while holding onto Lily.

Scenes of my mistakes continued to show into my head. How I could have handled the situation differently. But it only made me angry at myself. What happened to me was my fault. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to let them off the hook for what they’ve done. Each of them will...hm?

Looking down something soft kept tickling my left arm. It was Lily’s ears. They were furry and since they kept twitching it would gradually tickle my forearm. It was kind of distracting. She was holding onto the hand that had been ripped off by that wolf only hours ago.... She just looked up at me and smiled. ‘These kids may be healing me some in their own way.’

“Ow...”

I turned around to see Akino was struggling with walking. She couldn’t really walk real quick and I was wondering what the problem was but I guess it due to her legs being scorched to such an extent. Hjokk aimed for the wolves chest, but this ones legs. I guess she aimed for their most favorable points. She wanted to wound them pretty badly.

“It’s ok...Vali can heal you! His magic is amazing!”

‘Or maybe these kids can be something entirely different than a healing process for me.....’

I got guilt tripped into healing Akino but also did it due to us needing to quicken the pace. I don’t like the idea of the cabin being without someone to guard it. There are obviously people out looking for me at this very moment.

I noticed something weird coming out of the top of Akino’s head....‘Hmm’

When I brushed the top of her head away I could see

“Wha...My.........ears? Tail? My TAIL?!”

Tears began to well up in Akinos eyes and I too was kind of surprised. When I first met her I mistook her for a human since I didn’t see her animal ears like the others. I didn’t even see a tail coming off of her. I can’t differentiate where the healing takes place so I guess everything got healed. It’s strange though, I didn’t think my healing ability could reattach limbs? Maybe if it’s something like a partially torn off appendage like part of a finger, or part of an ear in this case. The other part can reattach?

‘I need to ask Asher’s about this when we meet. Maybe I can gain some knowledge on this skill. They are essentially the ones who gave it to me.’

“Alphi.....”

She smiled up at him and cried and looked back at me as if saying can I heal him too?

“He can walk just fine.”

I pointed at Adimer and then turned around and continued walking back to the cabin. Akino later tried to come thank me but I didn’t want to hear it.

It was dark. ‘Definitely past curfew. Mom’s gonna be mad again for sure. I don’t blame her, I’ve been worrying her quite a lot I’m sure....If I told her I was going to train in a dungeon created by a dark god all day she would flip. I wouldn’t be late if I was tied up by that woman.

I glanced down at the small Lily walking beside me and looked at my other hand. It was the hand I wore that Arachnee girls bracelet. It got ripped off when I got swarmed. Only a few minutes ago this hand was nothing but bone. The effects of whatever that was Hjokk made me drink was incredible. Everything got replenished in a moment. The liquid vial I took was orange and glowed a bright red when she poured it into my mouth.

It was strange though....When she cut at me. No blood spurt came rushing from my wounds. I had an entire arm missing and I should have lost enough blood to kill me but.....I didn’t die. I don’t think it’s cause of that woman either. It’s not because of my cross this time either.....‘That crazy bitch has it.’

She took the one item I have left from my mother away while she cut at me. She saw the fight lights pouring out and decided it was too bright. That woman....Alysteir.

The look in her eyes are that of an insane person. She enjoyed tearing my skin away. Flaying my hand layer by layer. It hurt....It was agonizing. I could feel the pain attacking my nerves numbing my mind from anything else. I had thoughts of Kaylan, Hayden, my mother, Elyria.....I even thought of Ari and those I have gotten close to in this world. Even Hjokk. But every memory or image that entered into my mind was always immediately cut away by that woman. Shocking me back to reality.

‘......Alysteir....(Rattle)...What you did to me.’

Ari POV

‘VALI!’

“I SAID SHUT UP!”

“AH....My tail”

The mean man who entered our house with several masked strangers yanked my tail and pulled me away.

--------------------------------------------------

Whenever they got close to the cabin Elyria told me and Noah to hide in the bedroom under the bed and let her handle it. Loud noises erupted outside and the whole cabin shook. Lights coming off the same magic that Elyria had shown me shot out passing by the windows.

I heard the sound of several men yelling and fighting with Elyria and the fight lasted a few minutes. I shook the entire time. I knew he would come. I knew he would come rescue us. Just like he rescued me. If I could just walk....I could help Elyria. Noah then held my hand and told me he was going to go help Elyria, he said all he had to do was buy some time until Vali showed up.

But they both were beaten only a few minutes after that. Several large men in dark robes and two very suspicious characters entered the house after that. They each had weapons and blood on them. Elyria and Noah were with them.....they each had bruises on them but no blood. Maybe that’s not their blood?

Elyria and Noah were both unconscious. I just sat there under the bed and cried. A large man with long black hair pulled my tail dragged me out from under the bed. He picked me up by my tail and threw me on the bed. I tried to run over to be with Elyria but he pointed a bright light spark came from his hands and he warned me if I tried anything he was going to kill them.

I just sat there.....Helpless....They kept noah in one corner. Elyria in the living room and me in Elyria’s room. They kept us all three separated and I could now also hear there were even more people outside. Maybe Vali....Maybe he shouldn’t come back home.

He’s....He’s such an amazing person. He never asked for anything in return for all he has done for me....He saved me when I asked for help. He healed my wounds, he would even feed me. I started to remember the first day that we met. He held me so close to him and would bring the large spoon of the soup he had made to my mouth.....He always treated me so special.

I felt bad that I couldn’t walk, I mean as a slave I thought I should be the one who cooked and cleaned. I even tried to clean up for him once but.....he just picked me up and....and....said he’d help me....sob...sob..

‘Vali....I wish you were here right now.’

“Hey.....everything’s going to be fine. You don’t have to cry.”

“VALI?!”

“Ugh...No....I’m Sting. But what’s your name.”

A tall man with long green hair walked into the room. He had black leather armor on with a long black spear hanging on his back. He had a black hood on over his head and when he revealed his face he looked to be around the same age as Vali. He kind of gives off a similar atmosphere to Vali.

“It’s ok....I’m not going to hurt you. And don’t worry I know all this looks pretty bad but......No one’s going to get hurt I promise. Now....What’s your name.”

“.....Ari.”

“Well that’s a pretty name.”

“Thank you....”

The man Sting then sat down on a small chair that I had watched Vali make himself.. He then leaned back and looked at me.

“Umm....You said no one’s....going to get hurt. Does that mean Elyria and Noah are..”

“Safe....Yes both of them are fine.... Not as much as I can say for those Aldain guys.....Well I gave them a mild poison that temporarily knocked them unconscious.....I’ll give them the remedy to wake up soon. That Elyria woman packs quite the punch. Her level threw me when I heard what it was, well....that’s a mage type for ya. “

I stared back at the man with long green hair. He was a human. Just like Vali, but also just like every other human I have met. Can I believe him?

“Why did you have to knock them out and why are you separating us?”

“Ya know your human speech is superb for a girl your age.....Ughhh...I had to knock them out so as to stop them from fighting with Laxus or some of those Elliot characters. They have no problem maming women or children. And um to your second question it is because I hear this Vali character has quite the knack for jumping around. And it’s the way Yuri Elliot decided we would get him to cooperate.”

“But...Vali’s a good person why would you all be here to hurt him.”

“Mm...I’m not sure if they mean to harm him. I think the guys from Aldain do but I think this is something like a job request. I wouldn’t know this is essentially my job too. I only got hired as a guard of sorts. But I’m not sure if your Vali friend is completely innocent....I mean he did demolish an entire colosseum full of spectators and murdered a bunch of guards in cold blood.....Well I guess I can’t judge I wasn’t really there was I....”

“....That was the day he saved me.”

“I’m sorry did you say something?”

“I said......That was the day Vali saved me.”

“Was it now.....hmmm...”

“WOH!”

“What the...Swords OUT!”

Shing

Shink

shink

Sounds of weapons being drawn in the living room and everyone in there started making sounds...Snif...snif..........

‘It’s him!’

“.......What the HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!”

“Oh my if the main guest hasn’t arrived.” - Yuri

“Oh here we go!’ “ - Laxus

“Val...”

“Shhh....Wait here. I’ll make sure nothing bad happens.”

The man with green hair then entered into the room where Vali was.

Vali POV

‘These bastards!.....I’m going to rip them apart.’

When we arrived back at the cabin I saw multiple dots that surrounding the house. Not only that but inside the cabin as well. The one thing I feared most happened. All because her......Alysteir!

I told everyone to wait outside the cabin.

“Fenrir. Anything that runs out of that cabin......eat it.”

I activated spatial magic and appeared inside the cabin with Hjokk on my shoulder. I scanned the room and here in my living room were roughly 20 armed men. Some in Aldain colors and the others are wearing black cloaks. What was the name of that family again? Each of them started talking to me but I wasn’t really paying attention I was trying to see if everyone was ok.

And there I saw it......The image of my mother tied to chair. Her face was bruised, her right side as a large purple bruise on it and I can see she’s missing several teeth. Her eyes are closed but she’s still conscious. I can still feel her pulse beating...It’s beating just fine actually. I see Noah in the corner but I can’t find Ari. I look back at the image of the woman who has cared for me since I came to this world. The woman who took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself. Fed me with her own milk when I was only a stranger to her.......(Rattle)

I looked up at and saw the individual who was standing next to her. It was a man in a black robe.

“I see you brought an ally. Well you gonna start talking? Or keep looking for a way out of this? We took the liberty of separating everyone so you won’t be able to save them all should things get ugly.“

“...Where’s Ari?”

“Oh you must mean that little demi human. She’s alive....just in the other room right now. She didn’t fight back nearly as much as this one. So she doesn’t have any injuries.”

If these people had wounded Ari in the way that they have my mom. I’d skin them. I activated presence sense and found she was alive and her heartbeat was racing but she was ultimately fine.

“You know....I have a thing about intruders in my home....”

“Hahaha! Well I’m afraid we aren’t just going to leave son. We don’t care even if you did bring someone to help you.”

I then noticed the chain was still attached to my hand. Adimar is also here. I warned him not to get involved and only to watch. The chain was luckily long enough that the chain shouldn’t be a problem. I also told Hjokk to watch out for the others. ‘They are going to feel the pains of their sins here with my fists.’

“Oh leaving? No....It’s too late for that.....”

I started to walk around the cabin as I remembered the clan name of those I killed recently. I snapped my fingers as if realizing it and pointed at him for confirmation. I was definitely being sarcastic.

“Hmm...what was it again...snap...snap.....Elliot’s....right?”

These people really have the worst luck....Here I am just begging to let out some steam after all that’s happened and these people come here into my house. I focused my vision towards everyone and found that there’s only two people in this entire cabin that have levels anywhere close to mine. The one with long black hair is 194 while the spearman with long green hair is 177....Regardless...After what happened, I won’t be making the same mistakes I’ve made before.

‘I’m going to tear each of their limbs off.’

“That is correct. I am Yuri Elliot. Now son how’s about we have a talk ya? No one has to get hurt.”

“.....Think we’re already past that aren’t we....I mean. Just look at what ya did to my mother there. Surely you didn’t think you were just gonna walk outa here and all things were gonna be peachy did you?”

Everyone started to look around at each other and smirk.

Haahhaha

“Clearly you don’t seem to grasp the situation clearly son. One false move and it could be the end for your loved one’s here....Now it doesn’t have to end bad. We just have a sort of business opportunity for ya.”

“Haha!.....You must be joking.”

“Oh no we of the Elliot family would be hon......uh huh?”

AHHHH!!!!

What the [email protected]

RU Aughh!

KILL IT!!!

Shing!

Shink

Sounds of swords swinging and men screaming began to come from the outside....When I was snapping my fingers earlier I wasn’t just trying to be snarky. I was also signaling Fenrir. Their were a lot of guards outside, he’s simply cleaning them up right now. As far as what I’m concerned with what’s in here.....It should be a cake walk for him. He’s already at level 68. After being in my party in the dungeon and hunting so many monsters, his level is slowly catching up to mine. He may actually have a faster growth rate than me.

Everyone’s eyes continued to look around at each other while I stood there staring back at the man in the dark robe....I smiled at them. I locked eyes with the man standing weapon drawn over my mother until they all realized just where they were.

“Mmm....You all see now.....I’m not trapped here with you.......Your trapped here with me.”

“Hehe....Looks like the kid wants a fight then after all.....Perfect!”

“Listen....Vali. We don’t need to turn this into a fight if you’ll just list....”

The dark long haired man’s eyes started to shine and shoot out like electricity. The green haired man next to him tried to persuade me but I think we’re all past that now. They just picked the wrong day cabin and the wrong day to come here.....that’s all....Now...Who first?

“Yes Perfect!....I’ve been wanting to get back at him for what he did to Elija!”

A tall man in armor and a black robe walk forward. He has a clean face and short brown hair. He removed his hood and grinned at me.

“.....He was my cousin boy.”

“Oh....was he the one Fenrir ate?”

“ATE!.....Oh I am so gonna enjoy beating you kid.”

“Nobody touch him he’s mine.”

“Fine Laxus! After you beat him I want a go at him!”

“No, Edwin has told us that we came here just to ta...”

“He’s already past that Yuri. It’s what he said. Let’s get him for what he did to our cousin.”

Several of the Elliot’s began to argue with one another.

“Yah!”

“WOO! Your in for it kid! This guy’s brother is the Lightning god, Donner. One of the 12 Grand Saints! Their blood is from a strong mage family that stands at the foot of the god’s themselves.”

“Hahaha!....I hate to break it to ya.....but his brother could be the freaking god of miracles and second chances.....that still won’t save you .”

At my comment the surrounding clamor died down and I thought to myself how I’m going to kill each of them. The Elliot clansman whose cousin I killed walked towards my mother.

“Ha....yah...and when we’re done here we’re going to take that weapon of yours too! Then I’m going to defile this mother of yours....Right in front of your....”

BAM!

Splat!

The sound of the Elliot man’s eyes bursting from his skull resounded over the clamoring of clansman and the fight outside. His body contorted and looked like it had shrunken in from the Death’s Grip. His head tilted back and blood started to drip out of his mouth. It’s as if crushing this man’s heart sent all the blood flowing out of whatever opening in his body there was.

He remained standing....lifeless. Since I was still using death grip on him his body I deactivated it and his body hit the ground. Everyone was no longer looking at me but the dead Elliot clansman. The one called Laxus widened his eyes and turned his head back at me with a grin. The one with green hair only widened his eyes.

“Mmm....he was getting a little loud. Now I can think........What to do?”

The Elliot clansman, Yuri, standing over my mom now has a look shock but then contorted to fear. I locked into his pulse first.....And activated death grip and clasped onto his heart. His movements froze, but I didn’t kill him.

I activated my spatial magic and reappeared in front of Yuri who was holding a dagger to my mother earlier. He seemed to be the leader. I grabbed his hand that was holding the weapon and applied pressure. Before he had time to react I jerked it to the side tearing it off entirely. His health took around a third off and he started howling. I then kicked him to the ground to wallow in pain.

He screamed and howled but it was started to get difficult to hear. It sounded distant. Something else started to make sounds. It was Abgrund. I could hear breathing coming from Abgrund for the first time. He was giving me the power to slay these who have come into my home. They came here and harmed my family.....There is no forgiveness for that.

I activated my spatial magic and then dark pressure. I took out Abgrund and swung it freely towards a group of clansman.

Several heads then fell to the ground. The blade from Abgrund along with the strength of my swing, severed the armed men cleanly as if I were tearing through silk. The feel of it almost felt....Intoxicating. The feeling it gave when searing cleanly through meat was exhilerating. The dark aura surrounding it cut cleanly through their inferior armor, swords, and then their bones. Their open necks were each cut cleanly while blood began to erupt from the fatal blow and their bodies toppled over.

Boom!

The force however did go past their necks and blew through the cabin walls destroying part of the hosue.

Everyone was still paralyzed by Dark Pressure. Seriously this thing is amazing. When their bodies fell over revealing my figure I smiled at those in front of me. There was now only 7 more enemies remaining. Killing things with Abgrund is actually rather easy. As long as I don’t shoot off a skill or let it touch anything important to me.......It’s an amazing weapon.

The man standing next to Noah tried to make his body move cut him.

BAM!

I again activated my Death grip and ended his life. Laxus’s body now continues to shine in a bright light....What’s he thinking?

‘Only around a two seconds have gone by since this fight has started and I’m going to kill each of them one by one....I really needed this.Every swing severed a limb and ended a life. Taking lives with Abgrund was in all honesty the easiest thing I have done since coming here. It’s as if the scythe is asking me to use it.’

Laxus continued to shine and then stop. Sparks started to come from his body and within a second his body left my field of vision.

BOOM!

You have been struck by Lightning Fist

You have received 250 damage.

Due to your resistance to lightning you have received an additional 50 damage

‘Haha......is this it.’

I won’t lie for the amount of health that got taken off it did have a decent level of power behind it. But I’ve already activated Demonic Awakening. My mana is at about 94%. Dark pressure is paralyzing the weaker foes here while I use death grip on anyone who might interfere. I’m going to vent some anger here.

“Hjokk....Protect everyone.”

I told Hjokk and she flew over to where Elyria was and activated a small light that then surrounded her. She then flew over to where Noah was and did the same thing while pulling him closer to where Elyria was. The man standing above my mother continued to stand there unable to move.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Laxus continued to appear and reappear in and out of my field of vision. His speed is in all honesty much higher than mine. I have to use lightning step to keep track of him, but his speed may keep increasing. It’s actually quite difficult to keep track of him. He had good strength but he just had no way of hurting me in this state. With my defense this is nothing. It’s roughly close to that of a 300 level monster.

“Haha....that all you got.....lightning boy?”

“Ughhhhh!!! I’m going to become something stronger than even the 12 Saints! Your nothing! I’ve already killed 2 blessed beings! You think that confidence will save you!!! THUNDER CLAMP!”

“Woh...He can produce magic with such a short incantation?!”

“Yah, kill him Laxus!”

You have received 900 lightning damage.

You have been bound by Thunder Clamp

A large bright orange wave of lightning wrapped around my body and continued to shock me. The sounds of his comrades thinking the fight is changing directions yell their excitement. The current was enough to singe my shoulders that absorbed the attack. It hurt....But with my defense right now this guy is nothing....He is nothing compared to those wolves.

I shrugged my shoulders and the lightning binding me cracked and broke. Abgund’s dark aura may have also canceled it out.

“I think maybe.......you aren’t as good as you think are mhmhm.”

I swung Abgrund downward towards Laxus’s head and his vision then disappeared from my field of vision. His speed really was something. But as for his defense....

I anticipated this and delivered a blow right into his stomach. He’s fast...faster than anything I have ever faced in my world....His technique wasn’t even that bad. But when all your focus is on speed your technique might suffer. He relies too much in being faster than others. He’s predictable.

“Guah.....”

He put too much confidence in in speed which made him think he could get close to me whenever he wanted. So I took his hits until he made the mistake. I then gripped the back of his neck so he could no longer run away. His body let loose a barrage of sparks that started to singe and roast my skin. After all of his efforts he finally managed to take off around 10% of my health.

“You should have never come here......”

I then lifted him up and severed both of his legs with Abgrund. I had to hold back it’s power as much as possible not to blow past the environment. But even without activating any skill’s, it cuts through things so easily.

“AHHHH!!!!!!! You...YOU! Guah!”

I activated spatial magic and reappeared in front of the man in dark green hair. When my figure disappeared, Laxus’s body was then pierced in mid air by spears and a sword just before hitting the floor. Some men broke free from their paralyzed states and entered the fight. I reappeared behind the men and severed them from their wastes.

Three left....I disappeared and reappeared in front of the green haired man from before. I swung Abgrund towards his neck and his figure disappeared from my field of range.

You have been struck by Viper Lance

You have received 200 damage

You have been poisoned!

You have received 3,000 additional damage.

If not cured, you will receive 5,000 additional damage every 5 seconds

I activated Freya Soul recovery and saw that the health continued to fall. Hjokk called for me and threw me a purple stone I activated it and with that the poison was cured. ‘Hmm nice thinking.’

The green haired man was now pressed his back against a corner. He held out a large dark spear and didn’t look at me. He was looking only a few paces above his feet....Why?

‘Oh....this guy’s clever. He’s backed himself into a corner with his spear to stop me from appearing behind him. And he’s not looking at where I am....He’s looking at where I’m going to be. He can still see me in his peripheral vision though’

His look was that of someone absolutely terrified but he didn’t break his posture he just continued to wait for my image to get closer to him. He was breathing hard and he took up a defensive stance.

I activated Flicker and delivered a kick into his chest but he tried to use his spear to block it. The force from the impact was elevated by the use of the skill and hit the spear towards the center of the staff shooting the green haired man back into the wall and even much further. The cabin wall behind him was destroyed by the strength of my kick and sent him flying outside.

I turned around and saw Hjokk was then staring back at me with an odd face. Noah and mother were still unconscious next to each other. She continued to flap her wings but continued to stare at me. I looked away and saw the carnage below. Body parts and limbs were cascaded throughout our home. There was a lot death, not even a minute has gone by. I should end this now.

Wait where’s Ari?

“Owe!...My Tail!”

I turned wide eyed in the direction of the sound and there I saw Laxus holding Ari up by her tail and pointing a knife to her throat. Her eyes were in tears but she looked up at me, she didn’t need to ask for help this time. This man produced lightning from his fists. His speed was amazing but I took that away from him, permanently.

He started trying to say something and even the two other survivors started trying to speak but my vision distorted due to what I was seeing.’ He wants to try and take something away from me? Your fists are why my mother’s face was so bruised isn’t it. You dare come into my house and put your hands on my mother!?’

I raised my hands and grasped onto his heart. His arms began to tremble and his eyes started to look back at me. Death magic....other than that time with Meifeng....I haven’t felt anyone know how to resist it.

Laxus then lost his grip on Ari and she dropped to the floor the moment before she hit the ground she was then sitting right beside my mother. I didn’t activate that skill this time, Hjokk did. She then put the same light barrier around Ari and flew down beside her.

“....You’ll....You’ll die for this you..demon.”

I appeared next to him and lifted his upper torso into the air. I put away Abgrund.

Guah!

I delivered a punch to his stomach. The impact caused him to loose his breath. I then gripped him by his arms and looked into his eyes.

I smiled at him and activated abysmal mist to pour out from my palms which were holding him. It ate away through his arms until melting through to his shoulder. A small dark cloud came from my hands eating away everything it touched. His now upper body broke away and fell onto the floor. I dropped him as if showing him how it feels to be one the one being abused. The one in control. I crouched over his now limbless body and activated healing magic on his shoulders. So he wouldn’t lose too much blood. Something I learned from that woman....Healing magic to keep someone alive to torture them. Only in a world with magic. It looks like he already did something to his legs to escape from bleeding out.

He was just an upper torso with long black hair now. I then delivered blow after blow to Laxus now open face. I swung my fists into his face and with every swing teeth would fly away on impact. I broke his jaw in the first swing. In the second and third broke his cheek muscles and eyes. I thought about everything that had happened to me. What is wrong with this world! My vision grew dark and I feel as though somehow somewhere I lost control. Everything just went dark. I could hear such familiar chains.

I’ve only came here to find my family and leave. I can’t trust any species in this world, human or demi human. Each is filled with such deceit.

Those back at the dungeon I helped. I fed them, Healed them. They think me an undead and almost kill me. That woman....She took my mother’s necklace. But not before she tried to make my right arm match the damages done to the left one. She cut each layer off me into as little layers as possible to prolong the torture for even a second longer. It hurt. Not as bad as the rest of the body, but it hurt. It didn’t hurt near as much as the pains I’ve already felt. She tried torturing my body.....My minds been tortured for what has felt like an eternity......

I thought of my mother back home. I thought of my mother in this world. I thought of my siblings and how I could probably never return to them. I thought of my failures....My life was full of them. They ate away at me for months before I came here. The ways I could have done something better. Anything different than the outcome that came. Because of my weakness, those nine months awake or asleep, was a living nightmare. I nightmare of being wrapped in chains, too weak to protect those I cherished. It kept repeating itself, repeating itself....repeating itself.... Reminding me every second of the images I’ve seen. It fueled me to become stronger, but it also may have broke something in me....

Those where what I thought about while Alysteir tore my chest open and skinned a large sum of my right hand. She would sit in my lap and seemed to enjoy torturing me. She just like this world just......enjoyed it. She laughed....Just like they laughed when the burned my family alive in front of me!....Like these people here....They’d only laugh taking away the lives of those close to me! (Rattle) Why!...WHY!.....(RATTLE!)

It was started to get hard to breath and my vision began to blur.

Huh?

Something soft brushed my cheek and I looked down. My vision came back and looked down in front of me. I see the destroyed corpse of the man I attacked. His torso up to his neck is motionless while there is no longer a head remaining. The wood on the floorboards must have also been destroyed by the impact. The entire part of his upper body had been blown away. I’m still in demonic awakening........

But what was that?

I looked down and there pulling up on my legs.......

Ari’s POV

I knew he’d come save me. I can hear his voice in the other room. I tried to climb down Elyria’s bed and but it took me a while. I latched on to the blankets and climbed down. I tried to stand on my feet and walk to him but....Bam.

I still can’t walk yet.....sob...I have to be with him.

I started to crawl. To the sounds of him and the men from before were fighting. The door had been had a someone laying in front of it. I tried to push the door further open but it was hard to budge. I’m much stronger than I was when we first met but I’m still not strong enough. The person was just too big. I continued to push.

I wanted to be with the man who has been trying so hard to take care of all of us. To the woman who has tried so hard at helping me walk. I must be with them.

I then squeezed myself through the small gap of the door and crawled over the man who was lying there. I saw shadows of figures fighting but I couldn’t see him.

Vali is....

“Owe my tail!”

I felt something grip my tail and lift me up into the air. But...I didn’t get lifted that high off the ground. It was the man from before with long black hair. I dangled by him and I could see that he now no longer had any legs. His legs up to his knees are gone and seem to have been burned quite badly.

“You...You BASTARD!....You dare mame me! If you don’t put your weapon down where you are now I swear I’ll kill this little demi human right here! So stay right there!”

I looked up and there I saw him....

Vali...He was looked right at me. His eyes were the same color as the day we met.

‘Ah...huh?’

The dark haired man who was holding me started to shake and he let go of me. Just before I fell I then found myself sitting on the floor next to Elyria. Her and Noah aren’t awake. They have such horrible wounds. Hjokk then flew down to where I was sitting and her beak bent up showing she was smiling.

“It’s ok, everyone’s going to be just fine. Vali’s taking care of it.”

Boom!

I looked over and there now Vali was holding the man who threatened me. He was hitting him and then dropped him on the ground.

I felt my heart start to beat harder.....No one has ever, stood up for me before. Or even angry when someone would hit me. Even with Elyria, no one has ever tried to protect me before. I’ve just never had anyone ever really...care about me. Never enough to get angry for me....

He was...crying again. For us...and me?

“Please....Ughhhh....Sto...gahhhhh”

The man continued to scream and beg for his life but Vali didn’t stop. He kept swinging and with every blow a loud sound rang out through the cabin.He just kept swinging until his fists went through the mans face entirely. The mans mouth got torn off and flew off towards the rest of the bad men and then stopped talking completely. Within only seconds Vali’s fists began to crash through the floor boards killing the man who threatening me. He just kept swinging, with tears pouring down his face.

He looked so sad....it....it made me sad.

I started to crawl towards him since I still couldn’t walk. I had to climb over several of the dead men who came here, but I had to get to him.

When I gripped his pant leg he didn’t react to me. His face just looked so sad. His eyes were black and filled with tears. I climbed up onto his lap and used my tail to wipe off his tears. I couldn’t reach with my hands, and besides...I think he likes it when my tail touches him. He sometimes would smile whenever it would.

“See...It’s ok...I’m fine see....He only pulled my tail a little.”

“......Ari?”

“Yah we’re all ok, you don’t have to be so sad. See”

I then tried to show him my tail to let him know I was ok. Before I knew what happened he had brought me closer to his chest. It has been such a familiar place for me these past few days. I didn’t know how show how happy I was. My earlierst memory is when my mother....Or I think she was my mother, would lick her tongue over my head and face. It felt warm and really nice....I started to do the same to him. Maybe it could make him feel nice.

It felt like it was only me and him in the world. It always felt this way. I could feel the warmth of Elyria now wrapping around us as well.

“Yes....you saved us Vali....Thank you.”

Elyria whispered that into his ear and sand which me between them....This, is the warmest place I have ever known. I wish I could stay with them for the rest of my life.

Vali POV

Something just.....snapped. I’ve never felt like that before. I’ve blacked out before back at the gym in my world, but this felt different. But when I looked down at that man I had executed him a similar fashion than how I beat that instructor. Maybe with the added affects of Abgrund I feel like I lost it a little. But I can’t use that as an excuse......When I put it away is when I blacked out. I feel bad I showed such a grizzly scene to everyone.

After killing Laxus I was brought back to reality by the small girl I saved in a colosseum. She used her tail to wipe the tears running down my cheek to try and cheer me up....This little girl may have healed me more than I’ve healed her. I was then embraced by my mother and Ari and I was brought back to reality that......I wasn’t alone anymore. I could feel Ari’s small cold tongue licking my neck and shoulder while my mother wrapped her arms around us both. Even though I haven’t found my sister, I’m not alone like I was when I was in my old world.

“Mmm it smells so good....”

“Yah mom made this? It smells really good actually.”

Currently I’m washing Ari’s hair and giving her a bath. I insisted that everyone clean up from the mess but she didn’t want to leave my side. Since I had to clear out all the dead men from the house I would have had Elyria do it but I guess it’s not a problem Everyone’s been through a lot tonight and I was honestly amazed by what she had said. I guess it’s not a big deal because I’ve given my siblings baths all the time. And Ari doesn’t seem to mind. I took her outside and brought out a makeshift bath I made out of a tree. We collect water in buckets and I or Elyria use our fire magic to heat up the water. Even though she is healed entirely. Her body is still very small for her age. Even if she is gaining some weight and growing stronger and more healthy each day, her muscles are still too thin.

Her legs were healed by Freya’s Soul Recovery to become practically brand new. But it only repaired the damage. During times of extended starvation the body ate away the muscle after the fat just to survive. It was healed but she’s still too thin too do much by herself right now.

Luckily I have people now to collect my water and pile up the dead bodies outside the house. I have Adimar, Akino, and now a strange fellow named Sting. The green haired man with the spear I decided to keep alive.

After I came to I decided to finish up the rest but Ari and even my mother insisted I didn’t kill him. Apparently whenever my mom started killing and harming some of theirs Laxus stepped in. She got the upper hand on him which caused him to severely injure her whenever he decided to get serious.

Seeing my mother’s beautiful face brought back to such a state hurt me. Because of me again she was hurt. The skin that took the hit looked to have received lightning damage as well. I activated my Soul Recovery and healed her outer wounds but some of her teeth was still missing. I asked Hjokk for that strange vial she gave me earlier to heal all my wounds but she told me that they were incredibly rare. She only had one left and was only to be used incase of emergencies for me. I didn’t think twice and told her to hand it over.

I had to have my mothers face back to it’s original light. It’s something that gives me more strength than any skill. Her smile has it’s own healing ability.

I continued to brush Ari’s hair with Elyria’s brush and and she seemed to be relaxed. Amazing how this little girl is so attached to me. Amazing how this little girl is so calm. Even during that whole scene she was only worried about me...‘Hmm...such a weird little girl.’

“Mmmm this water is so warm.”

We continued to talk and Ari would tell me about what she did that day like she always did when I got home. Our relationship was an odd one, but I feel that these small moments are what keeps me attached.....Even I know there’s something wrong with me.

I smiled back at Ari and lifted her back out of the water and put a towel around her. She smiled back up at me and let me dry off her hair. She really was a cute little kid. Her flopped ears flopped back over and her tail now wagged back and forth releasing the water it had collected.

I put the towel around her and carried her back around the other side of the cabin. Even though I had Fenrir drag some of the other body parts away. The ground here is soaked with blood and weapons. Such destruction. Fenrir didn’t leave any alive outside of the house. He ate roughly 20 armed men, it was enough that it made Akino and Lily terrified. Though Lily let it go and came inside to be with Noah and everyone else, Akino has yet to take her eyes off Fenrir. He’s now in his small silver form and is inside laying down.

I walked around the house and saw Adimar and Akino sitting on the porch looking up at the sky. Sting is sitting only a few feet away from then staring at the ground. He said he was something like an armed guard but I don’t trust him at all. I suppose with the bindings of Gleipnir he won’t be able to harm me or any of those close to me without killing himself. It’s the added effects from the strange divine bindings. Still....I can’t have people like this here. I’ve taken up his and the rest of everyone else’s items and through them into my inventory. I’ll have to look at them all later. Some of the items looked quite expensive.

I’ll probably wind up taking him to the dungeon as well and letting him die there. I don’t plan on these three surviving much longer. If it weren’t for this stupid chain around me I wouldn’t have to drag a corpse around with me.

Everyone’s already clean but the house is a mess. Mom’s room is still clean so everyone decided it was good to sleep in her room tonight. No one disagreed. I gave Ari to my mother and told her I’d be to bed soon. I still had a few things left to take care of. She kissed me on the forehead and picked up Ari. She hugged her in tight and told me she loved me.

I had heard my mother in my last life say she loved us sometimes but, somehow this felt different.

I then shut the door behind them and looked at the gross scene that is in front of my view. Blood stained the wood and the walls were destroyed. Hjokk had left to speak with Loki but said she would return quickly. She needed to report on everything that had happened. I’m assuming they have a lot to talk about. So do her and I, I’m sure. After getting hurt from Malthiel she beat me and I have no idea what sort of ideas Loki is telling her to discipline me with now.

I walked outside and called Fenrir. There was one more person alive from this night that I haven’t killed yet. It was the leader Yuri. Whenever I woke up I had him tied up with more gleipnir rope to a tree a short ways away from the house. I told Fenrir to go stand by and guard him. It’s not like it matters anyways. Even if he had friends to come find him....They would never be able to take that rope off.

When trying to view the rope the only information I received was:

Gleipnir Bindings

(Immortal Object)

I walked past the three who were bound by the same rope and headed towards where Yuri was. Whenever I got there he begged for his life. But I was honestly tired and didn’t want to have the chat with him. I asked him several questions about who his clan were and why they were searching for me.

“Please...please I beg you. If you just let me live.”

“Sorry that’s not gonna happen.”

I told him if he didn’t talk the journey until death would only get worse. He then started to warn me some, this one’s pride seems to be a bit too high. He doesn’t see this is the end for him.

I snapped my fingers and Fenrir began to eat the man from his legs up.

He screamed and begged for him to stop. His pride stopped the moment Fenrir began to tear into him. He eventually screamed out a few of the answers to my question and I found out that they are a noble family that works for a kingdom in the central continent. They wanted to make me their ally but due to their hostilities a fight happened. They also said they wanted to see my weapon but it’s obvious they were only out to kill me for this weapon. They didn’t want to be my allies. At least the Annunake tried to be sneaky about it, these rats are cowards.

I then told Fenrir to finish up the meal and left him there begging for his life. I didn’t want to listen to what he had to say only because I have already heard and seen plenty of unwanted things for the day. I just wanted to get to sleep.

“Sto....STOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPP!! Please..... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”

I walked away while listening to his death throws and took out the heart of Laxus that I had collected earlier.

Congratulations! You have just learned a new skill!

Thunder Jammer

Congratulations! You have gained 1% in Lightning Resistance

‘Hmm this skill seems interesting. I was assuming I’d get one of his skills that made him move around so quickly but I got something that seems different. Thunder jammer appears to be a disruption based skill. It shoots sparks of lightning off my flesh and can even stop a skill if strong enough.

Skills like these came around a lot in the game. Disruption skills were a large component of the game but very rare to find one useful that could be used in the middle of a battle. If you found a strong one you could potentially stop even a boss monster’s special attacks with it. This skill doesn’t seem to have a lot of power to it though. It can’t shoot out of my hands like you see in the movies. Only small sparks appear to buzz around my skin and then stop crackling all together. Maybe it’s due to my low lightning resistance. That Laxus guy was even able to use lightning to make him run faster and punch harder. That must be how he was moving around so quickly.

I continued to walk back around the cabin and I saw three figures. I was still chained to Adimar by yet another strong chain so I can’t stay too far away from him. It was weird but the three I bound from earlier don’t appear to be moving. In fact....their heart beats aren’t beating at all?

I walked right past them and they appeared to be frozen in time. I then started to hear a familiar laughter and walking out of the cabin was Loki.

In a construction hat and overalls he walked out of the cabin holding a tool kit.....’...Um...what are you doing.”

“.....Honestly I don’t want to deal with it right now I’m going to bed.”

“Oh come now aren’t you going to thank me for the repairs to your cabin getaway?”

I peaked inside and it had been completely repaired. It honestly looked better than new and had a small shine to the surroundings. It’s as if the whole grim scene from before never happened at all. The walls were repaired and the wood even looked to be given a new fresh coat of paint.

“....You say that but didn’t you just wave your magic around and fix it all. I mean, how long did that really take you.”

“Seriously, for a human you sure are disappointing. You could at least act impressed once in a while.”

“If it’s so easy for you to do it, why do you seek so much credit for it? And anyways why are you even dressed like that? Couldn’t you have just waved your foot like before and fixed everything. Why dress up at all?”

“Huh, oh yah cause that’s just as fun....”

Loki then made a dissatisfied look and walked past me he waved his hand and two chairs and a table appeared in front of him. He opened up a glass and poured out a bottle of wine.

“Come on come sit down....let’s have a chat. This wine I stole from Ponchius’s secret divine vineyard.....He still doesn’t know I know where it is. Let me pour you a glass.”

Loki then sat down and poured a glass of wine and ushered me to sit down.

“Now....I know you must have a lot to say. And I wouldn’t disagree with some of the things you need to get off your chest. But how’s about we sit down and have a drink.....Like bros?”

“Yah maybe some other time....I’m tired. And you can’t just show up after everything happens and act like we’re peachy Loki!”

“Mmm....I see. Your probably right. But I even told Hjokk to wait to come back so we could have some bro time!””

“..........”

I just looked back at him as if uninterested. Honestly after this day I just want to go lie down next to the ones who have been there for me. It’s not that I’m tired just.....mentally need a break. Sitting here and talking with Loki would only be a pain. I’d have to put forth all my efforts into talking with him and putting up with his weird personality.

“Oh come now....Are you going to let those scars of yours define you. Now, how’s about we try playing a drinking game? “

“Not interested, and I’m still pissed at you for leaving me in the dark about Kaylan.”

“Hmm....Ugh I guess your right, but if all I do while we hangout is answer your questions I feel it would grow boring. We could be here forever answering all the things you wish to know of this world, so how’s about we make a compromise hmm? How’s about we play a game.”

With that Loki snapped his fingers and began to sip on his wine. Appearing in front of him was a chess board. He smiled and leaned back into his chair. He was still in his construction outfit and was waiting for me to take a seat.

“.....Yah. If I wouldn’t drink with you why would you think playing a game of chess would change my mind?”

“Let’s change the rules a bit huh....Let’s play it to where for every piece you take from me.....You may ask me one question....So....interested?”

He smiled and looked up at me. He then leaned over and poured another glass of wine for himself and ushered me to sit down. He smiled and laughed to himself and continued guzzled down the wine. I looked around and saw that the 3 from before were still frozen in time. Loki must have erected this barrier so we can talk alone again.

I walked over to Loki and sat down to have a quick game. Tomorrow I have a meeting with the king of Asher, but I suppose I could stay up just a little while longer.

End of Chapter

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