Author's Note:

Sorry for being gone for so long but it's been holidays, celebrations and so on. To compensate for my lateness I made this chapter extremely long. Another ending. Hopefully you'll enjoy it. (Surprise surprise it's so long it doesn't fit into one message...)

****

"What do you mean kids have ventured in here? The illusion was made by Levin and he's one of the best! No kid could just destroy it!"

"It wasn't destroyed, sir. They said they followed a small flame that went right through the ground so they tried it too."

"And you tell me it only now?" the man in heavy armour asked his servant, hitting him over the head.

"What did I have to say first?" he asked, looking lost.

"Idiots! Idiots all around! Why does so little people possess any common sense?" That made the guy even more confused as he wasn't sure what he had done wrong, seeing that Perin took a deep breath. "Has the cage been finished?"

"Yes, sir."

"So where are my generals?"

"Right here!" two people said, rounding the corner. They were as heavily armoured as the leader but not as shiny and had rowdier faces. They were people you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.

"Is everything prepared? I don't want any more mistakes."

"Of course! We just checked and everything is as you've ordered. All prisoners are also ready to be moved. Is there anything else you would need?" one of them asked.

"No." Perin thought for a moment and a cruel smile found its way on his face. "Or wait. Pick these kids and add them to the list of sacrifices. He called them to use their parents and catch us, such a simple but easily manageable plan. Yet he miscalculated one thing."

"We are often being hunted..." one of the generals said with a twisted smile. “But we've never been caught" the other added.

"Exactly" Perin said with a nod. "Now let's be quick. We have a show to prepare for the coming nobles."

***

Ace listened to it and cursed himself repeatedly. 'Why didn't I think of it? They can easily kill everyone and frame me! And I even brought those people to kill! Dammit! I need to do something!' He ran out of the cell which Perin was entering and flashing [Flare] in his eyes just for the sake of it, scanned his brain for a way to save his face. If he was caught killing people, there was no chance that his fame and infamy wouldn't combine! He didn't want to face that scenario at all.

"You can run, kid! But you know you can't stop them from coming like you can't stop a tide from rising. You've lost this match of wits!"

'Get lost!' Ace hissed to Perin in reply, although the guy didn't hear it. 'I'm going to turn everything around just because you said that. No one who ever said he was unstoppable lasted long.'

'Nein! I need to go to him! He's the only one who can see me and might be able to understand what happened!' He ran around for some time before being able to find the guy. He had been moved from the previous cave and along with his body put inside a glass cage in a huge cavern. They were overlooking a lava fall and Ace could feel heat washing all over him. It wasn't comfortable in the least.

"So you've returned... I guessed you wouldn't leave without having a good laugh first."

'What?' Ace asked surprised. 'What is he talking about?'

"Tell me, what are you planning now? Will I get to be free or forced to endure under those idiots a bit longer?" Nein asked casting a snow storm spell. It was confided inside the prison and because of the heat turned into rain. "Although it's not too bad here. The place is warm and I have lots of free time."

Ace stared at him for some more before grasping the situation. 'He thinks it's all my plan! As if!' He pointed at the cavern and then at himself and shook his head making an x with his hands over the chest. 'That's not my doing!'

"You meant this place doesn't belong to you? I got it already. It's that guy's who died after showing up. Oh yeah, he should be alive by now. Is that why you're here?"

Ace nodded and pretended to be him to show how he's going to throw everyone into the lava. "You're acting the guy, right?" Nod. "And he's throwing something down?" Another nod. "So what? If he went mad, that's his problem, you know?"

Ace face palmed and threw himself off the edge into the lava. It was unbearably hot but he stayed there for a few seconds before flying up ahead. "Is he going to throw you off the ledge?" 'No!' Ace screamed at Nein's denseness but the guy was oblivious so he had to try something else.

He showed his height and started to push invisible people down. Every time he showed the height, hoping that would explain what he wanted to say.

"Small people? What's up with them jumping off? Did they get tired of living too?"

That was when Ace got it. Previously Nein had understood everything almost instantly and now he suddenly became stupid? It was impossible and it left only one explanation; Nein was faking it. He understood everything but didn't feel like complying. Ace swiftly left the place.

He walked down some corridor, kicking stones that didn't move an inch. 'What's up with him? He should have helped me! I can't call on anyone else at the moment!' He couldn't find any logical explanation. They had become acquaintances and that meant he was obliged to help. So why didn't he?

Cold water passed through his form and a shiver ran down his body. There was no feeling of sustenance but change of temperature was felt some way.

He wondered that too as his feet where taking him somewhere. How was he going to get his body back? It was fun being a spirit only as long as one had no troubles. Once those came around a corner you were...

"So you're back here again? Your plan didn't work as well as expected?" Ace felt like leaving, just running away but it wasn't like he had a place to go. He would have to stay around to find out how deep in trouble he'll be and see whether his body would return to him after dying or not. So he sat down against the wall facing Monthu's cell and made [Flare] move in a line a few times.

"That's surprising. So what are you up to now?"

[Flare] moved around; up and down, to the sides and in a circle before restarting everything.

"Don't tell me you've given up?"

The little flame exploded in Monthu's face before recreating itself and flowing a bit away as not to shine in his eyes.

"Poor kid, incapable of doing anything!" Flame became brighter but didn't move from its position. "Well, that's what you get for acting the way you do. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Did you expect people to always follow you because you're you?"

For a moment [Flare] stayed motionless before jumping to action. It rapidly wrote symbols in the air that were almost impossible to catch by human eye. I'm nice and everyone likes me. They want to protect me and I let them so when I need it they will follow me. What is wrong with that? Why did he make fun of me instead of helping? All I wanted was a word of advice! Is it too much? But I was friendly! And I helped him! He should have wanted to help me himself! What is wrong with him?

"You sound like one of the whiny kids you hate so much. Why are you here if you've been friends to everyone and can call on anyone for help? So do it! Just before you do it tell me, is there really a person who knows you and would come to save you? Or will you rely on all those people whom you lied to?"

The little flame moved towards Monthu's face like lighting and he closed his eyes preparing for its explosion but nothing happened. When he opened them, he saw [Flare] breaking apart into many sparks that like leaves in the wind fell to the ground. After that he didn't see anything until some guys came to take him away. They were already carrying Par who was still fast asleep. 'I truly hope you can do something, Ace. If my brother dies, you are not seeing us ever again. And I'm not kidding. You can lie and trick people as much as you want for all I care but keep it to yourself. We're not going to be your scape goats.'

***

Nein sat in his cage being drowned in water. There was no place for it to leave and it rose reaching to his midriff. When it did, he would dispel it and cast snow storm again. It wasn't the best of ways to cool yourself down but better than nothing. 'Sometimes, like now, I really wish I would have chosen a more simplistic class that had all the general skills. How simpler life would be if I could only cast fire resistance on myself and be done with it.'

While he was daydreaming, the kid returned again but instead of approaching him sat down on the cliff right beside the lava fall, some bits flying at him. 'What is he playing at now?' wondered Nein pretending not to see anything. 'If he thinks I'll jump to his help just because, he has another thing coming. One stab in the back is more than enough for me.'

"What are you going to do? Why did you bring us here? Speak up! Or are you too scared I'll destroy all your plans? Are you that afraid? Weaklings!" A female screamed to everyone who was listening as she was howled up to another cliff which was thirty meters away from Nein.

"I just decided that there can be a worse leaders than you. You can be proud" one of the men following the female and her group said. He kept the binds on them while another guy flew them in the air.

"Thanks, Owen. I appreciate it" muttered Caro as he watched everything go smoothly. They had caught the group and now had to kill them. A great waste of time in everyone's opinion but Perin was dead set on it and wasn’t listening to the voice of reason, if he had it, that is.

From another entrance Perin came out leading more prisoners. Nein watched as the group of kids was brought in at the back looking terrified. It was unfortunate that they had to die but life was never fair. If it was, he wouldn't be locked in here in some glass cage because a kid decided to make it so.

'Why is he so heartless?' Ace asked himself as he looked over the place while hot sparks dripped through him. His sitting place wasn't going to last another day.

"Now you bastard watch as those you care about die quickly but as painfully as possible!" Perin said with self-satisfaction looking at Nein and his puppet. "Also there's a group of my people who will be there to meet them after the required time." To his surprise there was no reaction on the kid's face, not even an extra blink of an eye. "Have a nice day!"

'If you brought all the people I so care about to kill, where in the god's name is Vera? She's the only one actually deserving that!' Ace thought, rolling his eyes. Some people just couldn't do anything right. 'But how am I supposed to stop him? I'm as powerful as a level one player and no one is coming to help me out.'

He raised his head as a scream reverberated through the cavern.

In stories people always died looking composed and sometimes even making fun of their captors. That was how it was supposed to be.

But wasn't.

Perry fell shouting her lungs out and with a most terrified expression Ace had ever seen on anyone. Was it so bad to die? Wasn't she just going to be reborn after a short period of time? Her hands and legs flailed all around while she desperately tried to grab onto air and somehow stop her fall. It wasn't happening. Like a rock she plunged in, her scream reaching unparalleled heights.

Yet she didn't die in an instant. Her level was over a hundred and that meant a lot of health points. "Heelp! Som-" Her head fell beneath the bright thick liquid and didn't come out. Ace stood up on his ledge and dived down to see whether she was really already dead.

It was hot. Very hot. And bright. So bright he couldn't see a single thing. Disappointed he had to rise up just as someone else dropped in right through him. It was a female cleric. The look in her eyes as she was sinking in scared even Ace. 'That's how a wronged person should look. Quiet but full of pride and go out with a silent promise of revenge. Who cares if you're nowhere near a fighting class!'

"Why isn't he showing even a slightest bit of reaction?" Perin asked himself silently. The kid was as uncaring of what was happening as before. Deaths didn't seem to matter at all. He wasn't even moving his head to look at the people's last moments as they were swallowed by the river of fire.

"What is wrong with him? Well, at least one person is enjoying the show" he muttered, looking at Nein who was standing glued to the glass wide eyed. 'I never thought he was actually going to do it! Is he planning to deal the same with the kids too? That's inhumane! I need to do something.'

It was a nice idea and all but he was still confided in without any way to interfere with what was happening outside. All rested in the hands of a kid who was taking his time diving in lava and watching people fall with usually distasteful expression. 'They're all doomed... Not that I fault him for doing nothing. He really can't do anything.'

As if hearing that thought Ace raised his head and looked straight at Nein. The guy looked taken aback but just turned his gaze away to the next person being pushed down. 'Isn't that the mercenary? He looks so down. Did that picture really meant so much to him?'

He fell like a brick without moving a muscle and instantly disappeared from sight.

It was getting repetitive so Ace left [Flare] near lava where it wasn't going to be noticed and rose to the top where dead people were standing. Five of his guild mates were left after which it was going to be Par's turn and Monthu's. Right behind them stood Rowena with L. 'Hm? What is he doing here? Wasn't he too busy to leave his castle and that's why he hired me?'

They were whispering something and Ace just couldn't not sneak closer and listen in. He heard L from mid-sentence but it was clear what he was talking about.

"... him. If he was that stupid, I would have not needed his help and that village would still be rebelling against my rule. Something is happening here."

"Besides that we're going to burn to death? And then killed repeatedly till level one?"

"Calm down. It's not that bad. They're just making a show. And I'll think of something against being spawn camped. Don't worry."

"Yeah, like you'll be able to change anything. All your contacts lie in npcs. You have no guild or any group. No one is going to come to your aid. Mine either."

"It's not..." L tried to refute but couldn't think of a way. He quickly rose through the ranks becoming a lord but because of that he earned a lot of hate from other players. Noticing that, he had abandoned the idea of joining or creating a guild and focused on befriending as many npcs as possible. He gained many things for that but now it was coming to bite him in his behind.

'So if you're in such a pinch why did you come here? A good place won't stay free for a long time and friendship status decays quickly if it isn't marked by deep emotions of any kind.'

"I'll think of something. It's not going to be the end of me" said L in a strong voice and Rowena smiled. "I know you will. We wouldn't have joined you if we didn't believe you could reach the top."

L chuckled and turned his attention to the quickly approaching cliff. There were only three people left before him.

One of them was a small kid that was only now waking up. His eyes opened up slowly and he looked around still a bit dazed. "Where are we?" he asked yawning.

"A dungeon. We're thinking about jumping into lava."

"Won't that be hot?" The kid asked and L rolled his eyes. There was a reason he hated dealing with children but the guy who was carrying the kid didn't seem to have the same problem. "It might be. But do you remember why you were allowed to play this game?"

A wide smile brightened the kid's face. "To see the world! It's colours!"

"Exactly. This is a part of it. And we want to see all colours, not only the light ones. I hope you're not afraid?"

Kid's face became a bit paler and he gripped the man's neck tighter but nodded none the less. "I want to be here."

Ace listened to that conversation with a sickening feeling in his stomach. 'Do I want him around? How much was faked and how much real? Even if I do, what of it? It's not like I can just waltz in and save them. Hell, I haven't found a way to save myself yet!'

Just as he thought that an idea flashed in his mind. Not thinking it through at all, he called on [Flare] and while the last of his guild mates was in the spotlight with his amazing falling abilities (trying to somehow get away, he tripped over his own legs and face first dived down), he concentrated and used his strongest burst yet.

It blinded Perin's whole group and even set a few of them on fire. "What the hell?" one hissed trying to put off the fire. His hands got burned but it didn't go off. "GlassSteam some water!" "I'm trying, but it's not working! What's up with this flame!"

Flames danced on people's clothes, eating them away and taking small bits of heath. They weren't very dangerous but fear soon gripped those who were burning. How were they to put them out? Normal means weren't working at all.

While they were preoccupied with that, two fireballs, an elemental and scythe came towards Owen taking all his remaining health points away. The man wasn't even able to understand what happened before he was forcibly logged out.

Perin's group had two mages and Owen as their cleric, together these three were keeping everyone chained by magic but because of fire they got distracted. Further problems added to it and they lost the concentration required to keep the binds up which in turn allowed Monthu with Par and L with Rowena escape. And they weren't going down without a fight.

Rowena had turned into a panther and jumped on a closest person to her, clawing at him with all her might. Right beside her L had taken out a staff and was one on one fighting against a swordsman. And doing pretty good in Ace's opinion. He watched everyone fight and from time to time blinded opponents.

At first it looked pretty good but their momentum was soon gone and even if they had taken the single healer out of the picture, there were over ten enemies and some of them at least twice the level. Ace just knew it from the way generals and Perin were fighting.

Their skill combinations and moves were clearly over two hundred and Monthu with Par hadn't yet reached a level of hundred. The trio was just playing around before finishing their prey. 'I need to get that guy out! And quickly. Just how? Think, Kirin, think!'

He walked in circles blinding some assassin which saved Par's life and wrecking his brain for some way. He wasn't sure what was happening but his power was weakening. [Flare] was becoming fainter each time it reassembled itself and its [Burst] radius was getting smaller. 'Something has to be done quickly.'

Just as he thought that Rowena shouted something out and both guys jumped back to Par. She took the whole front line herself and started to shape shift so fast that eyes could barely follow. Each form made a single swift attack and was gone. Perin's group tried to catch her but all of her creatures were of different sizes and there was no way to tell who she'll turn into next so most attacks didn't come even close. When one warrior was worn down Rowena turned into a bear and threw him over her shoulder to Monthu and L who made short work of him. Then the dance began again.

'But it's not enough... She won't last forever' Ace thought flying up to where Nein was. ‘How do I get him out?'

"So you're back here again? What are you trying to achieve now? Have you finally come to laugh at me?"

Ace rolled his eyes and ignored the guy's words. 'Even if he doesn't want to help me, he'll help himself and that's all I need. Some time until the nobles come.' He tried to pass through the glass wall and easily did it. 'So it's nothing to stop me?' He tried leaving and felt a huge force preventing him from doing that. It was like trying to get upstream through a river in spring. Pretty darn impossible.

Nein said something but Ace kept his ignoring act on and changed his strategy. [Flare] was still close by right outside so he told it to bring Monthu here. If his idea was right, maybe there was a way out.

Only five or so minutes later Monthu showed up all bloody and ragged. 'It doesn't look like it’s going well any longer.' "What do you want of me?" the guy asked and the little flame pointed towards the glass wall. Monthu came closer to step in just as Nein screamed "Don't!" Monthu raised his head surprised when [Flare] burst blinding him for a second and making him take a step back. "Bash it! Destroy it! Just don't go in!" Nein shouted out, waving his hands wildly. "You'll be stuck with us inside then!"

Monthu nodded and hit the glass with his scythe. A small, hardly visible crack appeared and both Nein and Ace looked at it with love in their eyes. That was the best thing they had ever seen. Monthu hit it again and again, the crack growing bigger each time. When it seemed to cover the whole side, he kicked it with all force and a loud shattering sound stopped everything that was happening. All fighters turned to look at the glass that for some reason instead of dangerous shards turned into dust and released Nein unscathed.

There was a dangerous smile on his face as he threw thanks towards Monthu. "I think I have some debts to repay here."

"Man careful! Take those two out first!" Perin shouted out, jumping first.

"You were too late the moment I got free" laughed Nein. "Speed of light! Shadow control! Bull's strength! Sea of troubles!" All those spells were directed at the puppet that started to darken until he was nothing but a moving shadow. Sadly without glowing red eyes, noted Ace. "Kill them all!"

Without any more encouragement the puppet sprung to action. He dashed to intercept Perin and locked weapons with him. Then evading two sonic waves, he positioned himself so the upcoming fireball would hit Perin in the back. "You good for nothings! Do you even know how to aim?" he screamed without even glancing back. "Robert! Orlon! Assist me!"

The two big guys finally reached their boss and together the three of them focused the puppet. There was no hesitation in their movements as they attacked simultaneously. They were no longer playing around like previously.

Ace looked at his own body with sadness. No matter how many buffs Nein would give to it, it was still only a little over a hundredth level while his opponents were twice that and were veterans of overpowering their opponents by their numbers and brute strength. The fight wasn't going to last long if nothing changed. Ace told [Flare] to assist but nothing happened. He looked around surprised and couldn't see his little flame anywhere. 'What?' he asked surprised. 'Where could it have gone to?'

"We're going to lose" muttered L coming closer. "This is not enough." He was limping and had an open wound on his head. Blood was running from everywhere.

"I can see it" Nein nodded with annoyed expression. "If we would have fought together than maybe, but now they've exhausted us one by one and I don't have much power besides my puppets."

"Any explanation as to what you have done to Ace?" Monthu asked, watching Par and Rowena from the corner of his eye. He would have loved to go and fight again but his health was just over ten percent. He would be dead the moment he joined back in.

"He's flying around the cavern. Seems to be searching for something."

"I'd like to hear more but I think we' don’t have time for that. The kid’s are almost done for."

Nein glanced that way and saw his puppet barely able to stand while his opponents were just scratched. "Dark sphere!" he said throwing the spell at the kid which healed some of its wounds.

"Caro! Finish it off! We can't play with them for too long!" Perin shouted out and Caro left Rowena's side. He had been defending against her mostly and from time to time pretending to attack. Unsuccessfully, of course. As long as no one ordered him to kill, he wasn't going to do that. "Fine!"

He jumped high into the air overlooking the battleground and with a tired sigh called out on his secret ability. Well, it was supposed to be secret but everyone made him use it so often that soon the whole world would know about it. "Dancing flowers in the wind, your petals scattered, broken. Up and up you go, screaming vengeance from afar as the world beneath you crumbles, Sword Lotus!"

Wind started to gather around him carrying a sweat aroma of flowers. It reminded him of how he received this ability and anger ran anew within him. Humans so often were nothing but monsters they wanted to protect this world from and who said these people he was about to kill were any better? And death never meant a thing. They were just going to be reborn and do whatever they were doing again.

Petals started to dance around him and he patiently waited for them to be ready. When they were, a thousand swords surrounded him.

Nein noticed the different atmosphere and turned his gaze upwards where death was waiting to be unleashed. "Kid!" he screamed and Ace surprised flew to him as the swords fell everywhere around, not caring enemy or friend stood in the way. "Stone Coffin! Stone Coffin! Stop the one up there! Stone Coffin! Stone Coffin!" Nein shouted out repeatedly casting that single spell as swords were trying to get through. Ace and the two guys were hidden behind it.

In the meantime, puppet was climbing the wall so he could jump on Caro. The swords passed through him as if he wasn't there. Ace watched that with interest. The only thing his body lacked was a spirit. Did that mean those swords were immaterial? 'What would happen if I got hit when I'm just a spirit without a body?'

He left the shelter for a second before Nein muttered something and dragged him back. "Do you have a death wish? Stone Coffin! Stay here! Stone Coffin!" Monthu and L looked at him strangely but didn't say anything. Their eyes were focused on Par and Rowena who were hiding under a rock structure. For now they seemed to be okay.

"Aargh!" Caro shouted out in surprise as a person jumped on his back and started to stab him repeatedly. Wind had kept him afloat for the duration of the spell but with added weight he started to fall and his health wasn't in great condition either. 'I need to get out'

"Air dash!" he shouted out doing a summersault in the air to throw his assailant off. Then he allowed himself to fall next to lava and decided to stay there faking death. It wasn't even uncomfortable when he had fire resistance that was going to last another two hours.

Puppet landed on his feet next to some soldier and stabbed him in the back, taking his last health points away. Having finished his latest assignment he returned to the previous one and like Ace he preferred killing people instead of fighting them.

"You idiot! You would have died instantly if one of those swords had just touched you! Did you have a death wish?"

Ace had an innocent smile on his face looking sideways. That was why he noticed four swordsmen ganging up on his body. He pointed to it and Nein got him out of the way. "The battle isn't over. You two should return to finish the job" said Nein renewing a few buffs on his puppet.

"That would be certain death! I'm out of health" disagreed L.

Ace jumped in front of Nein and pretended to be taking something from his back and drinking it. "Right. Use health potions!"

"Do you know how much those things cost? I never bought them."

"Have none left" echoed L Monthu. All he had bought from Ace were used reclaiming Vascas castle. He had been forced to always be in the front to gain at least some respect and healers rarely reached there.

"Dammit" murmured Nein angrily. Somehow this time around he needed everything he didn't have and almost nothing he had was useful. Ace waved his hands to grab Nein's attention and once again pointed at his back. Seeing no understanding in the guy's eyes he flew towards the puppet and imagined taking out something from his back and drinking it. "You mean you have some?" A nod. "Guys take up the front. I need to recall the kid for a second. It's our last chance."

The two fighters looked at each other and shrugging ran back to the fight. It's not like they had a better ideas and dying in battle was always better than just dying randomly. Pride was an important aspect of every decision, especially in a game.

"Puppet come back!" Nein ordered and the thing did as told, escaping combat and appearing in front of his master. "Take out health potions. Hurry!"

"Weak, medium or strong?" the puppet asked, using its voice for the first time. It was cold and lifeless, lacking emotions that were always present in Ace. 'I sound dead...'

Nein looked surprised for a moment before putting all thoughts aside. First he had to survive this and then he could wonder about how a puppet could talk when it had never happened before. "The best. Do you have at least ten of them?"

Following those words ten bottles with dark crimson liquid swirling inside them materialised before the puppet who carefully put them all on the ground and before Nein could ask five blue potions sat alongside the red ones. Then he returned to battle leaving Nein wondering whether he really controlled that body or was his puppet just pretending to be one.

He shook his head and used spells to make himself partially incorporeal and swifter on foot. Then he grabbed the potions and carried them to the fighters.

Monthu and L drank the lifesaving liquids in large gulps and allowed themselves to be amazed for a moment. Potions weren't cheap and a lot of players never felt the feeling of warmth spreading through one’s body and healing all wounds. It wasn't the same as being healed by a cleric where white light just appeared and you were fine once again.

"Did they heal enough?" Nein asked already scurrying away. He had chosen to be a mage for a specific reason not to be in close combat and was going to stay there.

"More than enough." The two guys said jumping back in action with full energy. L took out another staff from his bag and started to hammer people's sides who dared to get close to him. He was usually sitting in his castle having to write countless papers and deal with nobles so he was hungry for some real fighting. Now that they actually had some chances of winning he was ready to show all he was worth.

Nein in that time rushed to give Par and Rowena some assistance. He ordered puppet to relieve them so they could take a breath and drink some potions. Par had no mana while Rowena was barely alive; both her bars were close to disappearing. "These things amazing" she murmured drinking to the last drop. "I hope so" muttered Nein. "We need a miracle to survive this."

There were still around eight enemies left and they were the elites. Some of them close to his level and he was not too far from the top while his allies were nowhere close enough. 'Miracles don't just happen, I need to make one if I want to survive.'

He looked at his bag and took out a scroll. It was one of his biggest treasures but when else would be the time to use it? Who knew if he would ever need it again and he really needed it now.

Of course, there was one more way out but he didn’t want to use that yet.There were too many people around and he didn’t trust a single one of them. It was better to use a priceless scroll.

Carefully he rolled it out and watched how black symbols assembled themselves into words of power that could be understood only by him. "Everyone protect me at all costs!" he screamed out sitting down with his back to the cavern’s wall and closed his eyes. There was no need to see them as he knew them by heart having read the scroll dozens of times. "Words forgotten in a heat of battle..."

Monthu blocked another sword while hitting some guy with the back end of his scythe in stomach. That left him breathless and he was able to slash him with the outer edge of his weapon. That was when he and everyone else heard the puppeteer start to chant in a loud and clear voice. "Spells that were supposed to save lives..."

Enemies didn't need a command to throw whatever they were doing and rush to the guy. To their surprise they were met by a whole ground covered in ice on which a dark shadow was sliding with two daggers flashing silver. Monthu hurried up to help him as no matter how great the kid was he still wasn't omnipotent. "Par cover us and you two let's go! We have to protect him!"

*Stand United activated!*

Morale is raised by 200%

All fear and confusion effects have been removed

Attack power and defence is increased by 15%

Attack speed is increased by 17%

Range 30m

"Great" Monthu murmured to himself in a slightly tired voice, feeling energy surge within him.

Long time ago when he had defended the caravan and together with other people received a skill instead of the last stand, his was called [Stand United] and gave huge bonuses not only to his fighting power but everyone else’s too. It had activated a few times before and now was level 2 which was a very quick growth.

Others didn't take long to notice a difference. "What happened? Where did these buffs come from?" L asked kicking a guy in the stomach because he had come too close.

"It's a conditional skill which means it activates when it feels like it" Monthu answered decapitating one guy who had come to him being too low. "One down!"

"Seven more to go?" L asked with a laugh as a fireball hit some guy trying to jump on him. "Thanks kid!"

"You're welcome" Par said quietly thinking of a useful spell besides his elemental and balls of fire. Nothing came to mind which wouldn't hurt his brother too. Magic in this world had one big problem that if it hit allies it did all the damage to them. There was no just passing through. "Spirits of the dead come and turn this into your playground, Hell's Inferno!"

Black fire shot out from his hand and rushed to the other end of the place where the doors were. It was far enough not to hurt anyone but close enough to deal some heat damage and destroy any path out for those who might want to do that if their health were about to run out.

"Lives that were meant to be lived..."

Ace watched as his body locked weapons with the trio once again. It was amazing how he repeatedly did that and was still alive. 'Just how great those buffs of Nein are?' The puppet wasn't really fighting in truth. He was evading their attacks by help of Evasion skill and the shadows that surrounded him and made his moves unseen as he looked like a blob of dark matter the size of a kid. When they would get tired hitting air and try to go for Nein, he would slash and stab halting their moves. It was a never-ending circle.

"Feelings that should have been shared..." Nein chanted as the world around him raged. People were fighting; their armour clanking and weapons clashing against each other, screams of anger, hurt and horror escaping people's lips, venomous curses being growled out as crimson liquid gushed out and dark flames hissed in the background. "Laughter that should have brightened the day..."

"Brother!" Par screamed as someone hit Monthu in the back. He had come from nowhere and disappeared right back as if not even having been there. Only Monthu lying bleeding out on the ground showed that it had been no imagination.

"Smiles that were lost and never seen again..."

"Brother!" Par screamed again jumping to run to him. "Stay there kid and cover me! I can't hold them alone!" L screamed right back at him, somehow evading two swords, blocking another one and kicking the fourth guy in the shin. "If you don't do that, I'll fall and everything will be lost! Rowena assist me!"

"Yes!" she said bringing her guy to the group and backing L up. Now they were two against five, not the best match up no matter how you looked at it.

"Screams that were silenced..."

Droplets of salty water ran down Par's face as he murmured "Fireball!"

"Be angry! Don't you want to win this? The moment they're all dead we can take care of your brother!" L hissed as he got hit in the shoulder. It decreased his movement and he felt like crying too. There was not a chance they would be able to hold much longer after he got slowed.

"Tears that weren't supposed to be shed..."

"Hurry up you bastard!" L screamed, desperately trying to defend himself and not let anyone pass him. It was a giant's work and his energy was waning.

"Dreams missed in a sea of troubles..."

He missed one hit and lost the use of his right hand. His staff fell lifeless to the ground as Rowena turned into a bear in a vain attempt to protect him. 'How did I mess up so badly?'

"Voices shouting in the dark let them hear your screams of sadness and frustration, of that which was lost to never be regained again. You who have lost everything under the rightful rule of kings and lords show yourselves and let them see it all. It is your time to set it right, Lordlings of Despair!"

White lit creatures started to rise from the ground in a form of skeletons, ghosts and other kinds of undead. There were horrible suffering etched on their faces as they started to climb onto each other and scream in shrill, nightmare inducing voices. Everyone had to cover their ears if they didn't want to go mad.

The creatures rose and rose combining into other ones and those into even different ones until five god like people shining brilliant white stood looking high and mighty. Their faces were empty of any expression.

Everyone in the cavern looked at them with eyes open wide but none managed to notice as they moved from their place and killed the five guys who were about to remove L from the living world. In another instant they stood right before Perin and his generals. The trio didn't look happy at all.

Nein came up to them as if he was in a film; heavy steps, relaxed pose and glaring eyes. "I told you it was too late for you when you allowed me to escape, I wasn't kidding." He stopped right before them at the side of the puppet who fell on one knee and bowed his head. Ace started to plan how to kill the guy right that instance. Nobody ever made fun of him that much, 'I'm no slave!'

"Who are you?" Perin asked in a grave voice. "Why are you interfering with my revenge?"

"Oh, I don't know... Maybe because you tried to frame me for murder? Or just kill if that showed up to be a better choice?" Nein asked in a deadpan voice, questioning the guy’s sanity.

"It has nothing to do with you. Get out and leave me the kid."

"Seriously... I think neither I nor everyone else gathered here has anything to do with it but we've all been forcefully brought none the less. Do you really think I'd trust your word to just let me out? Fat chance, my friend."

"So kill me and feel the wrath of The Witch. She doesn't take easily on someone killing off her subordinates!"

"I know it and that's why I want you to send her a message. If I'll see you ever again in my path or following my puppet, she can say goodbye to you and your friends. That is all."

"Who ar-"

"There's two more hiding in the shadows" said puppet without raising his head. 'So it can understand the information brought by [Instincts of a Predator] and act upon it? That's scary.'

"Show yourselves!" Nein said loudly and Caro jumped out from near the river of lava or so it looked. Assassin didn't feel like following that and Nein ordered one of the creatures to get him. In two seconds he was gone. Only a cloud of greyish mist revealed where he had been. "Do as I say or that will be your fate too. Now why were you hiding?"

"Didn't feel like fighting." Caro answered shrugging. "And The Witch will take care of this guy here. I'll tell her your words."

"Has she started listening to every lowly soldier? Her standards must have went down."

"Don't you dare say anything about her highness!" generals screamed in anger and jumped on him which resulted in their deaths. The creatures stood like stone guardians. No one had even noticed them move while the duo fell lifeless.

"She's a friend of mine in real life. Simple as that." "She has friends?" Nein asked with a raised eyebrow.

"As surprising as that sounds the answer is yes. Maybe you want to tell her something else? She has been dying to meet you again."

"Dying? You chose an interesting word there.” Nein laughed. “Not that I disagree. Are you free to tell her that the next time we meet will be exactly as the previous one?"

"As free as a bird. What happens afterwards will be my problem."

"Who is he? How do you know him? Tell me?" Perin said, directing his questions towards Caro this time.

"An acquaintance of The Witch. She had met him when she was travelling and didn't have you guys yet to take care of. I wouldn't say it was a fun meeting. For both sides" Caro explained with a secretive smile.

"Why would you say that?" Nein chuckled not expecting a reply. "So now are you going to leave nicely and never get in my way or should I teach you a lesson first?"

"Let me kill the kid and you can do whatever you want afterwards" hissed Perin, glaring at the bowing kid.

Nein sighed. "Some people just have to learn from their own mistakes if they ever learn." As he said that one of the white glowing creatures raised its hand and red mist started to gather there coming from Perin's body. Surprise showed on his face just before he disappeared in a grey cloud.

"I'll be leaving on my own!" Caro said with his hands raised in a giving up sign and taking careful steps back right into Hell's fire. "Ouch” he murmured running out.

When his steps could no longer be heard, the creatures started to fade away and in moments were gone.

"That was taxing" Nein muttered, sitting down right where he stood. Sweat ran down his back in torrents. "Never in my life am I casting that spell again."

"Why so?" L asked sitting up with Rowena's help. "It worked wonders."

"It did but it also made me the worst enemy that must be destroyed on sight for all churches, gave me two thousand infamy points and I received a title of Demon Summoner. How am I supposed to walk into a city ever again?" Nein asked, shaking his head. He knew a spell that was higher level than any player had yet achieved was going to cost a lot but this was ridiculous!

"Wow, that's..."

"Exactly." Nein muttered turning around to see Par next to his brother, an empty vial beside him. "Hey kid! Can you bring some potions here too?" Par raised his head and after brother's nod did as told. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Ace was happy with the outcome. Now he would be safe from exposure. That brought an unwelcoming thought to him, to check it he flew through the walls and right beside the hidden entrance saw a huge group of soldiers looking around. They were about to find it too.

Hurriedly, he returned to the cavern and got Nein's attention. It was really annoying to be able to be seen by a single person and especially since he couldn't hear you either. He pointed at the side of the cavern.

"What now?" Nein asked tiredly. Ace jumped up and down pointing at the corner. "What is it?" he asked again, noting the frustrated expression.

"What are you talking to repeatedly? Is it Ace?" Monthu asked, breathing a sigh of relief. He had thought that this time he was really going to die.

"The kid? Yeah. I have an ability to see spirits. And he's pointing there for some reason, looking quite desperate."

"Kids!" L shouted out, jumping there to see a bunch of children lying close to each other. Most of them had eyes wide open and faces twisted in fear. There were no wounds on them but it was obvious none were going to wake up. "God, we forgot all about them..."

"Wasn't the guy you've killed talking something about finishing quickly and making their leave?" Monthu asked standing up and drinking one more potion to be at full health just in case.

"That's right! He mentioned an army or something." L echoed him, finally understanding the kid's desperation. "We must get out of here! If we're caught, they'll think we did this! Rowena turn into a bug and be gone! I'll leave with them. I doubt we have much time!"

"Got it!" she said, leaving that moment. "I'll wait in the forest."

"Does anyone know a quick way out?"

"Kid?" Nein asked and Ace nodded. "Everyone pack up your things and let's go."

They ran out more like than went out but, however it was done, they made it out safely and led by Ace went to the city where they found an inn and booked themselves rooms. Nein had hidden under a large cowl so no npc would recognise him and call guards. It was strange and extremely annoying how news about someone’s fame or infamy points spread faster than light.

"I think I'm going to log out now and take a rest" Rowena said after they ate and were free to do anything.

"Good idea" echoed her L standing up.

"Yeah, but I think I should first return the body to the kid. I have a feeling he's tired of flying around like a ghost."

"You think? Maybe he should have a bit more of that." L suggested with a smile.

"Does that mean you have a score with him too?"

"Not exactly but I wasn't there on an accident, that's for sure. On that note I believe I'll have a few words to tell him and should stay. What will it take for you to return him?"

"A cleric and an alchemy lab. I could return him even know but that would be his death."

"Do you know where you can find one?"

"N.." Ace nodded. "Yes. Will you find a cleric in the mean time?"

"Yeah... Let's meet here in a few hours. Will you wait too?" L asked Monthu who nodded. "Okay so be here in time."

Nein left the inn following Ace and found where the alchemy guild was. It was almost empty so he easily found a room with suitable equipment. He took out some still quite fresh herbs and put them in boiling water while squashing five seeds and pouring the juices in. Last thing was a dried piece of meat which Ace didn't try to identify. It could have been human's for all he knew.

"Sorry kid but you'll have to drink it" Nein said turning the fire off and letting it cool down. "It's the best antidote that I can make which works for almost all poisons. I'd love to make what you need specifically but without knowing what you've been poisoned with it's just impossible.” Ace nodded in understanding. He used alchemy himself and knew its basics.

Then Nein filled five bottles up to half and to each one poured some other potion. After shaking them he put all in the bag besides one. "Well, I'm finished. Lead me back."

Ace rolled his eyes but did as told. How could someone not learn his way from having gone there was beyond him. He always made sure to remember many details in case he had to go back by himself. It was a habit learnt from young age when his parents were busy and often called to work at random hours.

In the inn everyone was already waiting inside Nein’s room besides Par. An old man with balding head and white clerical robes was standing with them, talking something with L. Both of them looked very interested in the conversation and had annoyed expressions when Nein interrupted them with his intrusion.

"Have you done the antidote?"

"Yes. Is your healer ready?"

"I am" said the old man raising his staff which started to glow softly.

"Puppet come here" Nein said and Ace's body came from the corner he was standing in. "Now kid enter it. He had around ten health when I saved him and was poisoned so the heal must be instant. I'll give him the antidote after that which will hopefully cure him."

Ace flew towards his body and without any hesitation entered it wondering whether he always could have just done that. He felt his muscles flex, air enter lungs and energy leave his body. It wasn't too awesome of a feeling going from being able to do everything to not being able to keep yourself up. His legs gave under him and Nein had to catch him so he wouldn't lose more health by hitting his head against the floor. "Healing Heart!"

White light surrounded Ace and his health shot up to the maximum. The guy was clearly not a beginner cleric. "Drink this" Nein said and Ace took the bottle with a disgusted expression; he knew how it was made.

Taste was better than he expected before a fire rose in his throat. Literary. He breathed fire right in Nein's face which he didn't look to have appreciated. "What the hell of an antidote was that?" Ace asked in a shout, that being his first words after a long time.

"Not my best test one" Nein muttered putting off the fire on his hair. "I think I shouldn't have added that Mandragore's root in the end..."

"Really?" Ace asked him with a raised eyebrow. "You used me as a test subject? Again?"

"That's for betraying me. I still don't get why you did it and then saved me although I'm thankful for that."

"Accident... I was exploring and didn't think that someone was behind a wall" Ace answered shrugging and jumping to sit on the bed. Everyone was looking his way with different emotions in their faces which gave him a bad feeling that he was going to have a talk with each one. "It showed up that I was mistaken."

Nein looked at him wondering whether to believe it or not. He wanted to but the memory of Ace cold-heartedly stabbing a defenceless man was etched into his mind and no innocent smiles were going to remove it. Now that he thought about it, it didn't seem like the kid was really trying to do that. He was just doing whatever he wanted to, ignoring laws and moral codes. He wasn't cut to be a knight for sure.

While he was keeping quite Ace's eyes went to L and darkened. "What are you still doing here? I don't remember ever inviting you in. It was your luck that you were behind Par and Monthu. Get out now."

"Hey, you've been making too many wrong assumptions lately. Yo-"

"So you're not standing here to have a chat with me?"

"That's not th-"

"So I'm not wrong and you're not welcome to stay a second longer. Get out." Ace hissed. He really didn't want to play with that guy any more.

"Wait! Let me explain myself before leaving! First I still know something which you want kept quiet." Ace stood up, Kris appearing in his right hand. "Hey, calm down! I just wanted to remind you that our deal is still up! No rules have been broken yet. So you should keep the end of your bargain without fail. What you lent me was useful and I suggest you use it too. That is all. Bye" L said and taking cleric by the hand left the room.

"What was that all about?" Monthu asked as Ace fell down with a loud exhale. "You seem to have forgotten to mention how you personally know this guy when you were too busy to even receive a reward."

Ace closed his eyes for a second, debating what to tell and when he opened them saw two pairs of eyes looking at him with curiosity. There was no judgement or distrust in them. Those people just wanted to know what he got himself involved in this time and whether he'll drag them in to help him out or not. He closed his eyes again.

And smiled tiredly.

"He found out that I have forced his quest on you while it was supposed to be fair competition and asked me how I managed to do it. Then I played him for a fool which he caught up on too late and was pretty amazed and angry spending half his resources to find some dirt on me."

"And he found some" Monthu said, not even phrasing it as a question.

"Every person has their own secrets" Ace answered shrugging once again.

"So what of it? What is the deal?"

"I have to do some gathering around. He decided that if I could find a man's lover after over thirty years had passed and they had spent only a moment together with no one to record it, that I would be a useful asset to him on dirt finding."

"Will you?"

"I've had an argument with him and even have deleted him from my contacts but it seems he has eyes only for the end goal so I'm not sure. I might stick around to see how far he can get. What about you? Will you allow Par to stay around me? Or have I become too dangerous?" Ace asked raising his hand and looking at it. Nothing had changed and he knew it wasn't going to, ever.

"I-"

"Wait a moment! Let me ask something here!" Nein said and Ace bore his eyes into him that were cold and lifeless. Exactly like those of the puppet and not the kid's they were just a few minutes ago when L and cleric was around. "Why do you treat him like an adult? And why he suddenly acts like one? Maybe he is-"

*Swooosh*

Dagger passed right by his head, barely missing his eye.

"Another word and next time it won't miss" Ace hissed having sat up and holding another throwing dagger.

"If I were you, I wouldn't accuse him of anything. I can tell it won't end happily even if you were ten times stronger than him" Monthu said sitting down by a window and glancing outside. It was midday and many people were walking around, merchants desperately trying to sell off their goods. No one would hear even if a fight broke out, unless it destroyed the whole building that is. He wasn't sure what to expect from this mage guy.

"An explanation would be great then..." muttered Nein, secretly moving closer to the door. It didn't pass by anyone's eyes.

Monthu looked at Ace but the kid was busy glaring and thinking of ways to kill Nein so he decided to try and stop it. They had all just escaped certain death and there was no reason to kill each other afterwards. "He's not as young as he looks although he's really just a kid. Such people are often called geniuses."

"A child prodigy?" Nein asked surprised. He no longer sneaked towards the door but looked more closely at Ace. "What is he doing here?"

"Who knows? We met him while travelling. He felt like forcing us to be with him and in time we got used to it" answered Monthu. "And questioning him never worked out.”

"And you got used to that too?"

"It makes life a bit more colourful and even though you curse him at a time, you remember those adventures with a smile. That's all there's to it. And to answer your question Ace, Par waited all this time to meet up so I think now you'll have to spend some time with him.

"I think I'll manage" Ace answered with a smile, lowering his weapon. "You can go now Nein and think of a way to explain how you survived to Perry. I believe that'll take some time."

"Don't remind me..." Nein said rolling his eyes. "Wish me luck!"

"Best of ideas then" said Ace as Nein closed doors behind himself. "So I'm a genius now?"

"I doubted you would want me sharing your story to the whole world. Did you?" "No, thanks. Is Par in your room?"

"Yeah, but he's already gone. He needed some rest." "I understand. You'll be going too then?" "Yes."

"Can you tell him then that I'll be waiting?" "Yeah. Try and not get into any trouble until we return, okay?"

"Can't promise anything" Ace said with a laugh. "Still have some business to take of before leaving."

"Good luck then on not getting killed."

"Thanks" Ace said and the moment Monthu was gone left through a window. He climbed around for a bit until he found L's one and entered through it.

"You're faster than I expected. Did you just tell them to leave and didn't even go to see the kid?" L said with a teasing smile.

"That's none of your business. What exactly do you want me to do?"

"You remember the guy Marion?" Ace nodded. "I need you to sniff around him. The guy has been growing too big and he's thinking of taking me over. I can't have that. Anything you can dig up will be great."

"Where does he live?"

"Five cities away but everything around here belongs to him. He has six cities and is about to take over another two after which mine one's time will come. We have to do something before that happens."

"I'll think about it."

"I preferred if you did something instead of thinking. You know that when I fall, I'll take you down with me."

"I have a feeling." Ace said leaving.

He was about to return to his room when a merchant's call took his attention.

"Trained sparrow! Selling a trained sparrow! Only ten gold! Trained sparrow! Just ten gold!"

Ace smiled and climbed down, running to the merchant. "I want it! I want it!"