Prologue

Lightning crackled like a whip as gray clouds gathered in the lone night sky. A flurry of rain contributed to the ominous weather, while hypersonic jet engines echoed through the atmosphere. A fixed-wing medium transport manifested itself through the many nimbuses around. The structure was made of refined aluminum, its round features allowed for proper aerodynamic flow.

Inside the belly housed three columns of a dozen soldiers each; warriors equipped with advanced armor, hiding all their human features. While the armor looked identical, the weapons and insignia distinguished their role and rank. They remained stoic while waiting for the promise of violence.

Turbulence struck but the troops didn’t flinch. In the rear, a blood-red light was born near a closed ramp. Within the front row, a specific trooper stepped forward. An insignia signified his seniority over this platoon. His name was Rove, a highly decorated soldier of the Terran Federation. He had advanced the ranks to a Field General, the highest rank to still directly fight in battles. He had been hailed as a genius in military tactics and strategy.

Rove commanded a regiment, call-sign Te’Vau. Rove’s legion consisted of elite infantry units. But only a platoon, known as the Hatchets, were present in the transport. They were shock troopers who dropped directly into enemy units for shock and awe.

“Check equipment,” ordered the Field General.

Instead of wristwatches, retracted blades were attached to each soldier’s left forearm. In unison, the Hatchets unsheathed their blades upwards and they retracted after a few seconds. The weapon worked flawlessly to produce a two-foot blade.

In this world, all living beings possess a core in their soul. Essence gathered into these cores over time, amount and density varied. Essence can be used to enhance one’s own strength and speed.

Soldiers can also funnel essence into their armor forming a kinetic barrier. These shields blocked projectiles with great effect but would break easily against melee weapons. Blades were effective against targets with high-density barriers while bullets were effective against targets with low-density barriers.

The enraged storm’s rumbling competed against other sounds, exploding ordnance. A voice erupted through the intercom systems. “Thirty seconds to drop zone.” said the pilot. The red light near the ramp changed to neon green, signifying air transport to lower its rear jaw. The Hatchets and Rove marched towards the metal curtain unveiling the next stage.

A myriad of explosions and fire enveloped an ocean below, a naval battle was well underway. As if a sea god had protested, violent waves crashed against all naval vessels. These ships were armed with screaming anti-aircraft guns and erupting artillery cannons. The hate is aimed at each other.

The Terran Federation fleet outnumbered their enemy four to one and were surrounding the remaining enemy ships. The imminent victory was stalled by fixed-wing jets, who gave air superiority to the enemy. Federation flight squadrons were devoured as quickly as they appeared.

At the epicenter, a gargantuan carrier was responsible for birthing the death swarm. The hawk-like Te’Vau eyed this particular Kraken from above. Esprit de corps and loyalty fueled their resolve as they waited for the signal. Rove’s sounded off from their helmet radios.

“Live forever,” uttered Rove as he dove headfirst over the ramp while the Hatchets followed without question. Te’Vau had dropped into the chaos below. Their descent from heaven was deafeningly swift. God had banished these fallen angels.

End of Prologue

Chapter 1

Warm summer wind flowed into a large room. Open windows allowed the air to invade inside. Soft sunlight revealed several small beds lined along the walls. Nightstands and a storage chest flanked each bed. Dusty wooden floors with white dirtied walls encompassed the entire room. Each bed was missing its sleeping beauty, except for one near the windows. In that very bed, a boy rested. The amber breeze flew through his dark hazel hair, revealing that he was just twelve. Slowly he opened his dark brown eyes to view the room, lifted his small hands, and realized his disbelief.

The white shirt and brown pants that were worn by the boy revealed that the clothes were handmade, similar to those of a past era. He felt weight around his neck. His hands carefully touched the edges of the object dangling on his chest, revealing the shape of a small round pendant. It was a brass compass that was fairly well built. Feeling the compass on his fingertips, the child could make out a delicate engraving. The script was of an unfamiliar language, but surprisingly he was able to read it.

“For our beloved, Arlan.”

Arlan? I’m supposed to be Rove, Field General of the Te’Vau. Maybe this is a dream?

He clutched his chest to channel his essence.

I can feel the same core. Then this is not a dream.

The boy dropped his head into his tiny hands.

The last thing I remember was jumping into that naval battle. How did I get here?

The door on the opposite wall swung open, revealing a woman in her late twenties. Beautiful charcoal hair, soft white skin, and an attractive physique decorated the lady. Her glowing face belied a warm smile, accompanied by piercing blue eyes. She wore a gray tunic with a long crimson skirt. The woman gracefully approached the young boy. The child carefully prepared himself, believing that this was potentially an illusion.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. You were unconscious at the front door last night, so I brought you inside. I’m Miss Petrah. Do you have a name?” asked the lady, exuding a calming presence.

“My name is… Arlan. Where am I?”

It’s best to use Arlan as a name to protect myself.

“We’re at an orphanage outside of Galdo City. How’d you get here?” answered Miss Petrah as she sat down at the bedside.

“I can only remember waking up here. What country is this?”

I need to know where I’m at and how long I’ve been unconscious.

“The Midland Kingdom,” revealed Miss Petrah, puzzled. “I’m surprised that you’re not more scared.”

“Acting on fear can only make things worse. What’s the date?”

“For a young boy, you don’t talk like a child.” She smiled. “It’s the 12th Day, 5th Month of 1240 Mundeas.”

What the hell kind of date is that? Last I remember it was 2140 After Cometes.

“Miss Petrah, may I ask a favor? Do you happen to have a map?” inquired Arlan.

Miss Petrah glided to a bookshelf in the room. Her dainty fingers gingerly pulled out a red book titled History of Althea. She walked back to Arlan as he sat up.

“Here, this is the only book with a map,” answered Petrah as she opened the cover. “Midland Kingdom is on the eastern central plains. Here’s Galdo City, Northeastern Region of Midland, bordering the Swora Oligarchy.”

Althea? Is that what they call Terra? I need to read that book later, it may prove useful.

“Arlan, can you remember your family?” Miss Petrah asked, attempting to gauge Arlan’s story.

“I can’t remember anyone from my family.”

In fact, I’m completely clueless on any memories from whoever this Arlan kid was.

“Poor child, how unfortunate,” said Miss Petrah. She warmly embraced Arlan before he could stop her. Just the action alone pierced Arlan’s cold exterior. “We can figure something out for you.”

“Thank you, Miss Petrah,” said Arlan as his stomach growled fiercely. Miss Petrah let go of Arlan and smiled.

“There’s a monster in your stomach!” Miss Petrah joked, “I know just the remedy to calm it. After I get you fed, we can figure out what to do.”

I didn’t notice I was starving till now. It feels like I haven’t eaten in a week.

Miss Petrah had invited Arlan to join the others for breakfast. But as Arlan attempted to stand, he tripped forward. Looking up, he saw the towering adult before him.

I’m now barely four feet, so I have to compensate for it.

“Oh my, are you hurt?” said Miss Petrah as she leaned over to pick him up.

“I’m okay, just not expecting the bed’s height,” replied Arlan. Finally, on his two feet, the two exited the room into a hallway. It was constructed with old dusty wooden floors and dirtied white walls, just like the bedroom before. Children’s voices echoed from the other side, and a familiar savory scent enveloped the air.

Is that apple pie?

The pair advanced further down the hall. They walked past empty rooms but only one room had seen use. “Miss Petrah, are you the only adult here?” asked Arlan.

“Yes, Arlan. But there was one other adult here.”

“Where’d that adult go?”

“Left to go on an important trip, adultsie things.” Miss Petrah winked at Arlan.

Arlan noticed the wall Miss Petrah put up and chose not to pursue it. Upon reaching the end, Arlan realized that this had to be a miniature manor from its size and number of rooms.

Arriving at a quaint cafeteria, four long tables were positioned in the center. Wooden benches flanked the tables on both sides. Arlan counted thirty kids; twenty of which were around four to eight years old. They were smiling, gathered around three tables, and patiently waiting for their food. The ten older kids seem to be preparing breakfast in a makeshift kitchen.

Arlan appeared worried after entering the cafeteria. It wasn’t the kids that bothered him. It was the lack of electricity in the house and no technology present. The kitchen was powered by a wood stove which was flanked by cabinets. Not a refrigerator in sight.

The atmosphere of the cafeteria was bright and innocent. Every kid before Arlan wore a smile. Miss Petrah picked up a nearby toddler with one arm and pointed to the leftmost empty table with the other. “You can have a seat at that table. We can finish talking after you eat something.”

Arlan replied with a smile and sat at the corresponding seat and table. He examined his surroundings and noticed four young kids staring at him with fear. Blinking, he realized that he was unknowingly releasing his killing intent. Sighing at his blunder, he relaxed his aura. He looked back at the kids to see they had turned back to each other smiling.

Miss Petrah picked up on my killing intent earlier. She deals with kids of differing temperaments, so she handled it. She’s brave.

Arlan turned his attention to the older kids who were finishing breakfast. The menu consisted of wheat biscuits, gravy, and a small serving of eggs. Apple pie to follow suit. Together, the older kids served the tables and scooped out portions for every child.

The young children received their meals quite fast, but none touched their food yet. To Arlan’s surprise, each child waited for some kind of permission.

The first older kid reached Arlan’s table. He was taller than Arlan by about four inches and was thirteen. The boy had a mahogany comb-over to accompany his white complexion. “Miss Petrah said you’re new here. I’m Jan Derva, or JD is fine.” JD sat across from Arlan.

“I’m Arlan, dunno my last name.” Arlan glances at Miss Petrah, ”I can tell she genuinely loves kids.”

Another big kid, the same age as JD, held a pot of gravy and approached Arlan. This one was slightly chubby with blonde hair and green eyes. “Ello friend, the name’s Noah Oskah. Here’s some gravy for yo biscuit.” slurred Noah.

“I’m Arlan, nice to meet you,” replied Arlan as he studied him.

With a ladle, Noah scooped equal portions of gravy onto Arlan and JD’s plate. Arlan noticed JD sighing with relief after Arlan’s response to Noah.

JD seems to be looking out for Noah due to his speech issue.

As soon as Noah sat next to Arlan, a girl with long grey hair arrived with a large bowl of scrambled eggs. She was JD’s age as well and possessed an interesting set of lavender gems for eyes. She walked nervously toward Arlan.

I’ve never seen a person with natural lavender eyes.

“Name’s Chrysta.” She immediately scooped eggs onto the trio’s plates and her plate last. As soon as she introduced herself, she sat down next to JD without letting Arlan respond. The rest of the older kids filed down the table, avoiding Arlan.

He shrugged. The rest of the older kids I’ll have to meet later I guess.

“Chrysta, don’t be afraid. This is Arlan, he’s new,” stated JD.

“A-A-Afraid? Am not!” nervously replied Chrysta.

“Sorry, Arlan. She’ll just have to get to know you better,” said JD.

“Arlan, are you from around here?” asked Noah. Miss Petrah’s voice boomed through the room before Arlan could answer Noah. “Kids, we have a new friend.” Miss Petrah pointed to Arlan, “His name is Arlan so play nice with him.” Other children glanced over and some murmurs could be heard.

“Settle down now,” said Miss Petrah as she silenced the room. “A new friend is exciting but it’s time to recite the ‘Gifts from Numen’ so we may eat!”

This must be the local religion.

Everyone in the room clapped their hands together, closed their eyes, and tilted their heads toward the ceiling. Arlan followed suit.

“Praise Numen...” said everyone but Arlan, “The all being of Althea. For the food we are provided, we give thanks to Numen. May the sacred spirit lead us to harmony.”

All the kids obeyed Miss Petrah. She has no issue handling thirty kids alone. A great feat, even on Terra.

“Children, don’t eat too fast. Remember to take your bowl and wash it for dinner after,” stated Miss Petrah.

Dinner? No lunch? Two meals are two more than anyone could complain about I guess.

As soon as Miss Petrah finished her last word, a feast ensued. Arlan’s table followed suit.

“Hey Arlan, you never answered my question. Where ya from?” asked Noah, still chewing.

“Can’t remember anything from before this morning.” Arlan managed through another bite. “Miss Petrah said I arrived here last night unconscious.”

“Dat is really bad. I feel for you man. My parents left me here cuz… I can't speak well.” stated Noah as he looked solemnly at his plate.

“Don’t be sad, Miss Petrah is our mom now and you got me too,” said JD, patting his friend’s shoulder. Noah smiled and resumed eating.

JD must be looking out for Noah.

“How long have you been here JD?” asked Arlan.

“Since I was… eight? Yeah, it’s been about four to five years since Midland soldiers dropped me off here. I’m from Galdo City, my parents died during the last war.”

“I forgot we’re at an orphanage. I’m sorry, I’m sure everyone here has a story,” said Arlan apologetically.

Unwanted byproducts of war. These kids have it tough.

“It’s alright, I’m fortunate to be here unlike other children who aren’t so lucky. We hear about them when Galdo City soldiers come. Oh yeah, they’re the ones who deliver food for the Orphanage.”

JD was knowledgeable for a kid. I’m going to need to pry as much information as I can.

“Why do the soldiers bring food here?” inquired Arlan.

“Duke Louis Reeve orders the soldiers to bring food here. We’re the lucky kids brought here, others aren’t so lucky.” JD grimaced as Chrysta and Noah stiffened at the topic. JD continued, “They get killed or kidnapped by slavers.”

Slavery...? Slavery laws were gone on by the time I was born on Terra.

“Do kids get to leave this place?” Arlan continued to pry, ignoring the increasingly tense atmosphere.

“When you’re fourteen, adults who work for the Duke come and take you to Galdo City,” JD answered with gleaming eyes. “You can learn trades with the Merchant's Union, enroll in an Academy or even join a guild. A soldier once told me that the Adventurer’s Guild is always recruiting.”

Adventurer’s Guild? Didn’t have that on Terra. I’ve only heard of Adventurer’s guilds in video games. They would issue quests or bounties to kill - wait.

“What's the Adventurer’s Guild?” asked Arlan intently. JD raised his brow, indicating this was common knowledge across Althea.

“They issue quests and bounties to kill monsters,” answered JD.

Arlan wasn’t ready for this revelation. His face was stupefied.

Back on Terra, role-playing games would portray monsters, their anatomy was so unrealistic that monsters couldn't possibly exist. But what was impossible before, was the real deal here? Could Althea be a separate world with its own rules?

“You’re not lying?” demanded Arlan.

“JD wouldn’t lie.” Noah interjected, “I saw one with my own eyes close to Galdo City.”

“Luckily, we don’t have to worry about it here,” JD reassured his new friend.

“Why’s that?” asked Arlan.

“Miss Petrah said the monsters around here were cleared out before they built the manor.”

M...mon...monsters? Real monsters? Where the fuck am I?