Neo POV

After 2 whole months of nothing but torturous hell that my parents call “training”, I’m ecstatic to be back home. I didn’t even have time to change, as I already missed my first day of school and I’m sure Big Brother misses me. Through the training, I’ve become stronger, strong enough to protect Big Brother. I understand why Father and Mother chose me over him and I fully intend to protect Big Brother from the Underworld.

Xavior has always been too nice, he’s always been too respectful, he’s always been too...great of a guy to continue the legacy of the Family ‘Business’. I’ve trained as hard as I could to make sure that Big Brother wouldn’t become tainted in this life. That he wouldn’t become corrupted and that he’ll always be his generous self.

As the car pulls up, I’m the first out the door and up the manor stairs that reaches down to the parking lot. Before I can open the door to though, Rose opens the door the moment my hand reaches the knob. I smile while appreciating the gesture. Yes it was only two months but I’ve never been away from home that long before and although it’s kind of silly, her usual respectfulness brought upon a wave of nostalgia. I down at Rose, she’s only an inch shorter but I love to tease her over it anyway. The face she was making caused my smile to fall. She looks grim, like she has bad news. I’ve hardly ever seen Rose without a smile and the only time I did is when she and my parents told me about the Family ‘Business’. She was sad that she had to drag me into the Abyss.

“Young Master Neo, I have...news to inform you before you go in.” her voice sounds forced, like she’s trying to keep it steady but failing. Worry crawls through me like a storm. Did something happen to Big Brother? Is he hurt, sick, dying?!

“What’s going on Rose? Don’t hold your words, please say the quickly. I want to see Big Brother as soon as possible.” I say in a rush. Her frown deepens, which does no good for my psych. My parents finally catch up from behind me, also curious about what’s going on.

“Young Master Xavior has...changed since starting high school. Yesternight he came home really late. While not dark out, he’s never done so before. Today, earlier this morning, instead of the usual smile and thanks for preparing the food, he practically ordered me to tell him what was on the table right in front of him even though it was his usual breakfast. I didn’t even have to wake him up today like usual.” she says with a worried expression. Dad puts an arm on her shoulder and smile at Rose, she’s like a daughter to him after all.

“That just seems like he’s in is teenage rebellious stage. He IS in high school after all Rosey. I’m sure-” he was cut off.

“No! T-That’s not all.” Father looks surprise. Rose has never done that before. “Today he came back late as well. Although he didn’t have any bruises, his clothes were messed up and wrinkled everywhere. When he came in I practically had to force him to let me check if he was alright. While checking on her...I noticed what seemed like a faint burnt mark going around his suit sleeve, where his wrist is.” Father’s smile fell.

“Does this mean someone has told him and he got into a fight as result? We gave an order to all units, whoever has done this…” Father left the rest unsaid for interpretation. This time Mother spoke.

“Calm down dear, Rose has said that he’s fine. Let her continue the story. It looks like she has more to say.” Mother always seems to be able to keep her calm, even in the worst situations.

“L-Later this night, he came to me and asked when you all were coming back. I told him that it should tonight and that he’ll see you soon. He then told me to go get him a bottle of wine.” Wine? “I of coarse wanted to argue at first...but his eyes just told me that if I didn’t get it then he’d get it himself. So I grabbed him a bottle and put some sleeping pills in to knock him out. I didn’t want him drinking, he’s underage after all. When I came to bring him to his bed he was still drinking like nothing was wrong and asked me to bring him another bottle. His was even halfway down the bottle and didn’t even seem tipsy.” I sigh in relief.

“I appreciate the concern Rose but Father seems to be right. He might just be in a rebellious phase. I’m just glad it’s not anything to worry abo-”

“I came back later in the night to check up on him...and saw him doing magic.”.....What? “When I asked him what he was doing, all he said was that he was preparing. He was...making weapons, and a lot of them. I asked what he was doing but he didn’t answer, so I sat and watched. He just, pretended I wasn’t there and kept creating more weapons. Shields, swords, and guns it seems like, though he could have been creating different things before I arrived. At times he would take a break and just drink some more. Right now, I believe he’s on his 3rd or 4th bottle.” she finishes. Before Father and Mother could ask any more question though, I walk past Rose. Opening the door, I walk in to see Brother indeed drinking wine like Rose said. There’s no weapons like Rose were talking about though I hope she was just overexerting. We all sit.

“Hello Father, Mother, Little Neo. How are you guys? Would you mind telling me where you were, Neo even missed his first day of school.” he mockingly pouts. He’s playing his games, the games he plays when he knows something you do not. “How come he’s able to skip without getting in trouble but I do it one time in 8th grade and you act like the world is ending. This is unjust I say! Completely unfair!”

Father decides to say something“...Jr, we’ve heard some strange things about you from Rose. How you were acting strange and...doing things that shouldn’t be possible.” Father says with a grim face, ignoring Brother’s comments. He shrugs in that arrogant sort of way. What is he doing? We’re clearly worried and confused, why is he playing these games? Was Rose telling the truth? If so, my Brother can’t do magic. No one taught or trained him. Magic isn’t something you can just know most of the time. It takes actual time and practice. Does that mean that this...whoever this bastard is...isn’t my brother?

“What do you mean dear Father? Mother, the old man is being weird again. Did something happen on your little trip? Where was this little trip again? Sorry for asking about it so much, I’m just so curious about it.” he pours another glass of wine. Like he was reading my thoughts and doubt, he glances at me. I can feel the rage begin to boil from this imposter. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he smirks. That smirk...like he’s playing with us and although we know it, can’t do anything about it. Does this bastard thinks he’s untouchable?! Does he think that just wearing my brother’s face will keep him alive after tonight?!

I take my rings off my fingers in rage as they transform into my gauntlets. I lunge at the bastard, swinging my fist as fast but as weak as I can incase I’m wrong. Brother would never be able to dodge this, this will decide who he is. Please hit, please hit, please be my brother. He dodges by a hair's length and summon a gun and a sword out of nowhere and aims at my head…..So Rose was telling the truth. The imposter smiles. Bastard!

“Now now, what was that about little bro. That could have been dangerous if I didn’t dodge. I feel you guys are overreacting about something. I’m sure if we sit back down and talk about thi-”

“Shut the fuck up you piece of shit!!!” I shout. I just couldn’t hold it in anymore. I hardly ever curse but the words just flew out my mouth in rage. “My brother…my brother doesn’t have the power to do things like us. The fact that you were able to dodge my punch in the first place proves that you can’t be my big brother.” my teeth clench as head tilts down. “And you dare appear in our home...wearing his face...speaking in his voice…” my eyes flash up at him, a flame bursts from my forehead, gauntlets catching aflame, and I look at him with a calm expression. I entered Hyper Dying Will Mode. He may have been faster than me before but this time, I’ll make sure I wipe the floor with him.

He starts to laugh. What is this bastard thinking? Now that I think about, why hasn’t Mother and Father stepped in yet. They should be just as furious as me right? Power starts to circle around him. His purple eyes flashing, having a white ring around them at one point and gone the next. I see his suit bulge as his muscles grow then compact. Suddenly, white Flames burst from his forehead and weapons as his eyes narrow on me, no longer flashing but keeping the white ring around his purple eyes. Suddenly, without warning my Hyper Intuition kicks in like a truck. I spin around block purely on instinct.

It was the right call as his leg crushed into my arms. He’s so...Light? “You should calm down little brother. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but someone might get hurt if you keep playing rough like that.” he says and before I can respond he flames flash down his leg and onto my arm. Intuition slams into me even harder before as once his flames reach I feel myself getting weaker. I back off as fast as possible. I look to Mother and Father to ask about those Flames but I stop myself when I see Mother’s smirk. Why isn’t she doing or saying anything. In fact, she seems...proud. I face my opponent again. Although he’s faster than me, I should be still stronger than him physically. Although it will be more of an haggle, I can still crush this guy. “White flames? I’ve never heard of such a thing before. Who are you, and what are these flames? Why are you even here?” I asks with suspicion unhidden.

Well I’m your older brother Neo. Is this so world shocking? Does any life with me as powerful be a false one?” What no- “Are you saying that I’m meant to be weakling for the rest of my years little brother while you reach for the Sky?” That’s not what I meant I just- “My flames are different than yours brother. While your flames Harmonize the Sky so that the Sun, Lightning, Mist, Rain, Storm, and Cloud can coexist peacefully, mine Conquer. I will not allow myself to be weak just because you feel that’s how things are supposed to be.” Brother…. “I am Xavior motherfucking Dark! I will have the world kneel if I feel like it.” he says with a serious expression. I...don’t know what to say...could this actually be Big Brother?

“...I’m not saying that my brother is meant to be forever weak, but there’s no way he would be able to get so strong in a short amount of time. Not to mention Rose has said you’ve been acting weird. You just...can’t be Xavior.” I say with hesitance. He shakes his head in what seems like disappointment and turns off Hyper Dying Will Mode.

“Short? You’ve been gone for 2 whole months! Spending the whole summer who knows where. Things are going to be different from now on,” he says looking at all of us. “I’m going to be different from now on.” he stares me in the eyes. “I fully intend on inheriting the Crow Famiglia. I have big plans for them, and myself. How could a conquer be satisfied with but everything?” he begin walking away, hands behind his back. My Flames spark out and I sit down in defeat. That really was Big Brother...wasn’t it. I...I attacked him, called him weak...no wonder he must hate me.

I can’t help the tears from falling down my eyes. All I’ve done...all this strength to protect him...and it was all for nothing…

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Xavior POV

Me and 69 men are all in my backyard. Actually, I should say men and women. There a girls here that can kick some of these guys asses 10 out of 10 times. I’ve already explained my ability and people who get it, like Eugene will help out people who don’t I’ve invited everyone and now I have 69 people in my party. Oh yea, PJ was absolutely furious that Eugene was a higher level than him and that I showed Eugene before him, but he’ll get over it. I go to my Don Menu and accept the Dungeon Crawl Quest and without warning we’re all teleported in front of some type of village. This isn’t right...I’m not using my Create ID ability. This is something else.

Without warning some type of green thing jumps out a me. Of course I dodged and shot it on instinct. Whatever it is flops down first face to the ground dead. Looking at it closer, it’s very clear it’s a goblin. I ignore the whispers behind me to study it closer. Carrying a rusty dagger, it was green all over with pointy big ears. It’s nails were more like claws and it had no hair and wore nothing but furs badly stitched together. Observing it allowed me to know that it was only a scout and 3 months old. While it was only about 4’5”, that’s pretty fucking big for only 3 months. I pick up the coins he dropped when he died. It seems to be some type of copper.

I yell to shut everyone up and tell them it was just a goblin scout. Before I could say more about it though, a woman runs up to me from inside the village with a worried look.

“What you guys doin out here?! Don’t you know a Goblin King been born nd has declared war on the village. Anyone out da village can’t be protected from the Barrier.” she says in a rush and drags me into the village, my Family following with confused looks but quiet for now. As soon as I step into the village a screen pops up and the barrier that protects us becomes visible.

Name Village:

A hologram keyboard pops under the first message. Huh? What’s this about? Why do I have to name it? In fact, shouldn’t this dump already have a name? I really should stop trying to figure all this out and just go with the flow. If mental effects affected me I’d have migraine every hour. I type in Valyria and press enter. Huh? Why’d I pick Valyria? Well dear people I talk to in my head, because I’m a unimaginative fuck who picked it at random. You should stop asking questions too and just go with the flow also.

Congratulations! From now on, you are the proud owner of a village now named Valyria! As owner, you have unlocked Village Feature! If determined enough, you can eventually unlock a City Feature, Kingdom Feature, or even Empire Feature. If you have the resources, you will now be able to upgrade your village from this screen!

Ps: This is not a simulation but actually another world. So is your ID skill. These people aren't fake and actually dying...well...not really a problem for me. Not asking you to save them or anything, I don't really care, I just wanted to let you know.

Love Izanami

...Aw, now isn’t she a sweetheart for someone whose husband tried to leave for dead. I chuckle at the thought of my tsundere goddess. After her little message, another screen pops up. This one had quite a bit. Industry, agriculture, education, technology, resources, research, trade, economics, health and military. If I click on an option I can assign some manpower to put effort into something. I’m not going to lie, I’m a perfectionist so just seeing all these options makes me want to stay here long enough for this small village to conquer the world. Not to mention, Izanami said these were real people, that we’re on a different world, that means this is a separate place to recruit men and women to fight by my side. Currently there are 125 people who live inside this village and I have big plans for every single one of them.

“Da gods have spoke of yo arrival my Lord. Dey say you come to lead us into a new age.” ‘Don’t care’ my ass. I nod and ask her about the current situation while the Family talks to some villagers and enjoy themselves. Apparently, a Goblin King has been born and has declared war on these villagers and that he’s going to take over tonight. Our scouts reported for him to have around 100 goblins and although they have more people in the village than the gobs, they don’t have weapon or armor besides farming tools and bows for hunting. Besides, my Village Feature tells me that we are at war with the SkullCrusher tribe, who has 156 goblins in its army. Their information is wrong.

I sigh out loud. Without us these people are screwed. They have nothing to protect themselves but a gate that’s barely 3 feet tall the travels around the village. Their guards are all dead, picked off one by one until no one wanted the position anymore. The magic stone that produces the magic to protect this village apparently needs time to recharge and going to run out of juice tonight. These guys really were about to die.

I turn around and yell at all my people, telling them of the situation. Some of them looks excited to be fighting actual goblins. Some look unsure of if they should be scared of the mini green monsters or not. The rest seem to not care and actual just want to fight something. I did tell them that they are all here to get stronger after all and so far, I’m the only one that’s killed anything.

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It’s been 2 hours since we’ve arrived here and I’ve had Eugene teaching as many people as he can mana manipulations. As sons and daughters of mafia members who use flames, none of not most of them, couldn’t do it, but that doesn’t mean that it was a failure. Most of them, instead of using mana, unlocked their flames! The only ones able to use both flames and mana are my Capos and me. At the moment though, 60 of the 69 have unlocked their Flames. The 19 that didn’t I have on roofs with bows in hand. They can’t really use my guns without flames or mana.

I look outside the barrier to see the goblin army amassed. They’ve been here for a while, sitting, waiting for the barrier to go down in the plains in front of the village entrance. These bastards aren’t even hiding it. Every once in awhile they send a scout to see if the barrier is down or not since they can’t see it from the outside. After a bit, the barrier finally comes down.

Already in Hyper Dying Will Mode and Mana Reinforce already on I begin walking forward. All of Family behind me begins walking also with determined expressions as they form the formation we went through. Some of them very well might die today, and a lot of them still don’t know that. My power makes them believe it’s all a game and that everything will be alright….I hope for the same.

At first the goblins seemed confused that we were just walking out into the open. They seemed to get over it pretty fast though. A goblin the size of a human, around 5’5”, was in front of the pack holding a medieval sword that actually looked pretty new. He skin was red instead of green and he had leather armor on while the rest of his troops were basically clothless, wearing nothing but furs. He raised his sword in the air and roared charge in english. While I was surprised at first, I didn’t let that stop me from calling out orders.

“Mist Legion, trick them into Death’s arms!” I yell out. Men and women at the back of our formation all raise their hand in the air and the world goes to hell. Explosions rock the ground around the goblin army and lava spews up out from nowhere as goblins begin to run towards us to get away from the fake fire. While none of my Mist users are particularly great except Ethan, he had 2 whole hours to teach them some cool tricks when we found out people were unlocking their Flames. The Mist Legion falls back into the village after exhausting their mana and given guns to shoot once recovered.

“Sun Legion, light up this night!” All Sun users place their hand on a Lightning user back, strengthening them. The Lightning Users are in the front of the formation that will defend and fight the most. Chris made sure to teach them strengthen and heal, my Gamer ability making things easier.

“Rain Legion, rain down despair upon them!” Rain users raise their hands into the sky, sending their Flames into the air. Next thing I know, rain is pouring down the sky. This will weaken the goblins, robbing them of their strength. While there was no teacher to help them, the Rain users are very optimistic people and tried their best anyway. Many of them figured it out on their own and I can’t help myself from being proud.

“Storm Legion, rip them to shreds!” The Storm Legion were right behind the Lightning Legion and were ready. PJ unlocked his Storm Flame during the 2 hour grace period and absolutely refused to be a novice in anything. The guy basically bullies everyone to learn quicker while learning himself. He roars in response and the rest of the Storms do the same, sending blasts of fire down with their fists while the ones on the roof shot their arrows. This added realism to the Mist Legions illusions, freaking the goblins out even more. By the time they were done, checking the village tab showed that they killed a little over 60 goblins alone bringing them to around 100 in number. Before the battle began, I ordered the Cloud Legion to duplicate enough bow and arrows for any villager willing to step up. 20 did and were moved to the roofs.

“Lightning Legion, let’s give these bastards a shock” In this Legion was Eugene and that bastard took to lightning like fish in water. All the legion strengthen their shields and sharpened their swords. I learned that Eugene is apparently a great teacher because out of all the Legions, lightning progressed the most. I take the time to look at the destruction caused already. The goblins, while nearly here, aren’t in any type of formations and mostly running around like headless chickens trying to escape illusion, not knowing the difference between illusion and reality. I take a deep breath and prepare for the final order. You bastards better not die.

“Charge!!!” WIth the command finally spoken, 20 lightning users charge with me in front, clashing with the remaining 100 goblins. From there, my mind seems to go blank. All I know is cut, slice, shoot, death. I faintly realize that avoid a dagger to my side and cut the offenders head off with my sword. So much yelling, so much screaming, it’s so...annoying! Die quietly you pieces of shit! I pierce a gob through the heart without a thought and move on to the next. I notice a commotion bigger than usual further down the side. I slice my way to the roaring and see that’s some of my guys are having trouble with the Goblin King. I use my speed to kill as much as I can to make some room for my Family in the thick of it. Without realizing it, we were surrounded by the goblin army. Good things, although some are very injured, all 20 are alive for now. Bad news, there’s still like 80 goblins left.

Explosion come from the outside the goblin wall surrounding us, killing some but not enough. They can’t go all out since we’re in the middle and they are afraid to hit us. Me and my Lightning users stay close together, swords out, ready to fight. I lunge, not going to far away from the group like last time but just to kill some goblins at the edge of the wall. I chop a goblin’s head off while shooting one behind the now dead one. Goblin quickly takes the dead place and swings at me with it’s short sword but before he can reach me Eugene appears on the side of me, stabbing the bastard in the heart. I nod in thanks while checking on the group. I notice the Goblin King raising his sword to strike down one of the injured kids.

“Protect me!” I yell at everyone as I tackle the king, interrupting his swing and saving the boy. The tackle pushes him more into the circle and my men surround me. Now the Goblin King in me are trapped in a circle within a circle. I ignore the mini explosions still happening from my Storm users and focus on the king. They don’t care about casualties considering they are literally turning their back on my Storm men and are focused on killing us. I look above the king, at his nametag to see his level.

Rotag Level 18

Health 500/500 - Mana 500/500

I rush at Rotag and fly past him, cutting an arm off while passing. A mere level 18 wants to kill my men?! I’m not like yesterday, my Flames bring me way past a mere 18. If I would fight Chris and Ethan now, I would crush them. This fucking piece of shit dare raise his sword on my Family?! I’ll fucking track your family down and murder your daughter in front of you!

I sprint back, cutting the other off. This time, a loud scream rings in my ears. A smile forms as I hear his screams. This is what you deserve you bastard. No, you deserve worse! If I had time I would have tortured you slowly! I cut off a leg.

You think this is a joke?! You think this is a game fucker?! You think you can just try to take what’s mine and leave with your god forsaken life?! I cut off the last leg and bask in his screams. I place my hand on top of his head and stare in his terrorfied eyes and laugh. Are you enjoying your punishment fucker!? Your suffering should never end for what you’ve tried to do! In fact…

I open my mouth as wide as I can and call upon a skill I haven’t dared to use yet. I activate Soul Devourer and I hear nothing but the most blood curdling scream I’ve ever heard in my life. It sounded like his soul was literally getting ripped out his bod-...oh. HAHAHA!

His soul seems to have become visible while doing those and seeing that I literally scared the soul out of him brought me too much glee to mention. The scream never ended until his soul was sucked into my mouth completely. My smile never fell while consuming his soul.

The Soul, Rotag, has been Dominated

Soul Devour Level Up!

...Huh, what happened to all the noise? I look around to see human and goblin alike staring at me in terror. It seem the battle stopped to watch me defeat the king. Even the explosions from my Storm Legion have stopped. All of sudden, the goblins all kneeled before me. I don’t even have to ask what’s happening, I’ve read enough novels to know that since I’ve defeated the previous leader they now accept me as their new King. I don’t even pay attention to it even though some of my people are shocked at the sudden change in behavior.

“Goblins of the SkullCrusher clan, you are now people of Valyria, the town you attacked. You will peacefully coexist with the humans there and protect it! Everyone else, take the wounded and give them to the Sun Legion for healing. We have WON!!” Cheers explode from my men and I can’t help the genuine smile that pops onto my face.

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“WHAT?! Why are you forcing us to live wit goblins ma Lord?!” the women who pushed me into the village said. Some villagers behind her yell in agreement.

“HEY! I will not accept racists in my village! If you don’t like it, leave! Otherwise, you will play nice with them!” I yell with Don’s Law on. Yes it’s a bit excessive but it’s better if there isn’t any idiots in the future who think that they can bully the goblins just because I’m also human.

“Now, give them some places to sleep and be nice. I’ll be actually making this dump respectable enough for me to actually claim.” I send my Family back home for some well deserved rest after a while and open up my VIllage Feature.

It’s time to start building my Kingdom!