Chapter 9

Laid on his bed was Vendar, me sitting on the floor, laying my back on the wall with Dein right beside me...we have been talking for long, trying to come up with theories about what exactly happened down there and how we could deal with it but it is a wasted effort, imagination only brings more questions

"It was just a guy that came looking for a beating, if he wants more he can have it" that could be a way to think about it, but it would just be ignorant on my part, I have only been in the capital a couple of times but that was enough to get a glimpse of the power the church holds...it was everywhere, I couldn't understand at first sight but it didn't take me long to realise that this "religion" has embedded itself into the minds of the citizens

In every corner except of the occasional guard you would see them, men wearing full white gear with a red triangle on their back which I later found to be the church's symbol...I can only see one reason for them to have such a huge force scattered around the capital and that would be to assure that everyone is following the religion in the "right way", in other words a religion kept together with fear...it's not something I was shocked about, it is a thing I was expecting from any religion set in a medieval world, for that reason I was sure to not make any contact with them

Am I too fast to come to conclusions? Perhaps the church doesn't have a bad intent?

...

What am I even thinking about, there is no room to make second guesses when my life is threatened! I can only go with worst case scenario

*Vendar, I have decided...I'll leave the orphanage*

Hearing that Vendar became serious

*And go where exactly? You should know that the church is everywhere, no matter where you go they can chase you*

*that is the reason I must go, if I stay here I may endanger everyone else...Nun Marybeth may already be in trouble because of me*

I don't know how well I could handle losing those precious to me another time...I just can't let it happen

After a small moment of silence Dein spoke up, while still remaining curled up in the corner like a dead spider

*it's alright if we come with you right?*

*I'm afraid it's not that easy Dein, you are still too young and your brother probably has plans for you*

Speaking after me was Vendar

*Daniel...you weren't thinking of going alone, were you?*

*of course and I was*

*you are so stupid...*

Hearing that from a musclehead feels kinda funny

*...when we met you didn't even know how guilds work and now you think you can just live by yourself while the church is looking for you? You may reach me in power but that's not nearly enough to stand on your own*

I still haven't told him about me getting to level 22...But I would still be lying if I were to tell him he is wrong

*And what about Dein?*

I say while looking at the troubled little brother who seems to be avoiding eye contact by hiding his face with his messy hair

*what about him? You think he is not strong enough to come?*

*no, of co...*

*then we don't need to say anything else*

Vendar ended the conversation, throwing himself off his bed and doing some stretches before heading to the door

Dein had finally lifted his head and a slight smile was lighting all around him

This kid...

*where are you going Vendar?*

*To make the preparations...the sooner the better* he says during his hectic run downstairs

And before I know it, Dein had also run out of the room following his brother

Getting up myself, I just stand still for a moment, looking outside the window and seeing two boys running around...this moment of silence and peace...I hope it won't be long for me to appreciate it again

...

Time had passed, the sun was setting and we were now waiting in line for the night meal

*so everything is ready?*

*yes, I will come by your room when everyone is asleep, so make sure not to sleep too deeply*

Vendar was fast to answer with a whispering voice...not that it was needed with all this noise, the kids are as energetic as ever

...I'll miss this place

As we get closer to the serving Nun, Ellen, I see both Dein and Vendar sniffing the air and trying to hold back their drool, I myself don't need their nose to understand how good the food is going to be

*Nun Ellen, how come we get tasty food at night?* A boy younger than Dein that was just getting his serve asked the Nun

*Lady Marybeth told me to make it, so you can thank her, Kaner* the nun replied with a smile

...

As soon as we sat on our usual table, the siblings started feasting on their meal but I took some time, trying to think, about why it seems so familiar...and then I remembered

It was monday, just before the summer break, my dad had a promotion in his job, so mom decided to make his favorite meal, rabbit stew, it had the exact same spicy scent that this has...after that day it also became my favorite and I would often ask mom to cook it...

...

... *if ghouyr ngot ghonna eat it, I ghan help*

Hearing Vendar trying to speak with his mouth stuffed, I realise I spaced out for a moment

*Don't worry I'll eat it*

Taking a bite really hits hard on me, even the flavor is the same...I wonder if it's just a coincidence that this food was served in my last day here, it's like someone telling me to sta...

*tank!* a light slap landed on my forehead from Vendar sitting across the table and staring at me with a semi-angry look while still chewing on his food

*I'm reaghly ghoing to eat it, if wghouyr not going to*

...

I was laying down on my bed, resting my head where my legs would normally be and looking at the stars beyond the window...without a single cloud and without the moons casting their bright light across the night sky I can see...a universe richer than the one I was accustomed to, the extraordinary number of stars and the formation of the galaxy I'm currently in paint the darkness above in their own ways, light patches of red and purple, other galaxies that are either too big or too close appearing in weird shapes, like a hat or a swirling hole... it is all visible if I just let my eyes focus

A sight that is yet again beautiful like the moons but scary at the same time, it invokes a feeling of uneasiness and unfamiliarity...as if the land that I'm standing in is not real...as if it could crumble in a moment's notice

Even if there is this doubt, that this is just a dream, I will still treat it like reality, cause I really can't tell the difference

...

Being absorbed by the wonders of the night sky I let time slip fast...but Vendar has still to show up...what is he waiting for? Everyone should be asleep by now, we still have time till they wake up but I don't think there is a need to wait this lon...

*tok* suddenly a soft sound of something falling came from the hallway

...that idiot! Did he slip up?

Wanting to check I slowly open the door to make sure I make no noise

My room is the last in the hallway so just by taking a small look to the right I can see everything

!!

What I saw was Dein running hastily but silently towards me, his face was filled with fear, and that was what surprised me

I quickly opened the door half the way and closed it as soon as he got in

Dein was down on his knees, breathing hard and too shocked to speak

*Dein! What is up? Did something happen?*

I said resting my right arm on his shoulder, trying to relax him

*Daniel! They have come!*

*wh...*

*and!...I think they saw Vendar! When he was taking the keys...and he is still downstairs!*

Fuck...I didn't think they would appear so soon!

*Don't worry Dein! I won't let anything happen to your brother! You just stay here, okay?*

*Okay...*

I'm not sure about which course of action is the best but for now lets try to see how many enemies there are without getting noticed

After getting into the hallway and closing the door behind me, I slowly walk towards the opening before the stairs where I can see the whole cafeteria downstairs...as I get closer, I notice that I can indeed hear some noise which I recognize as footsteps but I don't hear anything indicating that Vendar might be fighting...that could be either good or really bad

Getting a sneak peek through the corner I see what I expected...pure black figures, I can hardly tell their silhouette but they are definitely not kids...around 4 of them I think

I can't see Vendar anywhere which can only be good, I bring my head back so they won't notice me and while I do so, I get a sense of something being behind me...

Did he get out?...

*Dei...*

When I tried to call his name and turn my head around to see him, something appears in front of my vision...a gloved hand

I wasn't able to react fast enough

Reminiscent to the time I met the man who tried to rape me, his gloved hand covered my mouth while he held me with his other arm

How?!

Without wasting any of his time, he started murmuring a bunch of words and his hand started emitting a bluish light

...I won't let you!

Trying to avoid whatever magic he is trying to inflict on me I use power burst

He has my hands secured with his own, so I can only do one thing...and that is a jump

Using about 50% of its power on my legs, I push the floor *crrk* a big cracking noise comes from the wooden tiles beneath me as I'm launched into the air

*wha!...* the man trying to hold me down lets a sign of surprise escape his mouth

Probably realising that he would be in trouble if he were to keep on holding me, the man takes a few steps back near the stairs

...my jump was thankfully not enough for me to hit the ceiling and I ended up falling on my four

Raising my head and now standing on my feet, I take a look at the man that I couldn't previously see

____

Human level -----

Health -----

Distance: 1> meters

____

If only appraisal could tell me his level even if it was higher!

He is wearing the same black light armor as the man from the morning but I can tell he is not the same guy, as this one seems younger and has long hair...he has taken a stance where his torso is close to the ground and he also have equipped two daggers on both his hands

I really couldn't ask for a situation worse than this, I don't have my sword and even if I had it, it still wouldn't be the best option in such a narrow space...all the while my opponent is using two short daggers and probably has a lot of experience with them

...worst case scenario they are poisoned, so I better not let them touch me

*duun!* something heavy hitting against the floor from downstairs sounded

Being distracted by that I took a quick look down my feet, worrying for Vendar...that instant move of my eyes was enough for the assassin to take advantage of it

He has bolted his entire body forward, with just a single step and the stretch of his arm, one of the daggers he is holding is but a couple of centimetres away from my neck

...you are fast

But not fast enough... just looking at him it seems as if he is intentionally not moving as fast as he could...of course that's is just the effect of quick mind

Using extreme body control and a slight bit of power burst in the necessary muscles of my back, my body snaps like a laptop folding closed, his blade slashes to where my neck would previously be, currently above my head

Taking a look at his face I see the stages of his confidence turning into confusion, then his eyes looking down and surprise Starts to form

Without wasting any more time, I grab his arm and with all the natural strength that I can muster and by using his forward momentum I throw him down in the ground

...even without power burst my strength is more than enough to lift a human

he makes an attempt to get a cut on me with his other blade but just by swiftly twisting my body i evade it

___

74 damage

___

*traan!* *gheeah!* the man screams as the floor cracks

...I can no longer hope for a "silent escape"

Seeing the man strangling to get back up, I kick him in the back of his head *kha!*

____

Critical hit 96

____

...*I'm sorry friend, I don't have the luxury to take you on a fair fight* I say as I watch his eyes slowly close...he should be unconscious now

*You bastards! You Dare to touch the kids of my orphanage?!*

A voice of anger came from below

...shit, she woke up

*Don't think that we'll go easy on you because of your age, old hag! Your days have well passed! Just sleep!!!* another man's voice was heard and suddenly

I gotta hurry!

Being afraid of what may happen to the Nun, I rush to the opening of the stairs

Looking down I see the nun standing on the platform that connects the entrance with the cafeteria, and in front of her, the four figures I saw earlier and one of them slowly walking towards her

Looking a bit more and letting my eyes adapt I see a smaller figure laying in a corner...

Vendar!!!

Without second thoughts I jump from a three meters height

No one would notice me till I landed, the moment I touch the ground I rush to Vendar's side

! Thank god he isn't too badly hurt !

His eyes are still active and I can see no blood

*Vendar, can you stand up?*

While I was talking to Vendar I could also hear some whispers from behind *that's him isn't he?* *what is terag even doing?*

*that's not of importance...the target has come to us all by himself*

*don't worry Daniel, I was just prete...*

*where are you shitheads even looking at? You forgot who is here to beat you?*

*oaah!* *what the! She is a magic user!*

Nun Marybeth taking advantage of their arrogance used what seemed to be wind magic, launching all four of them against the wall

She really isn't to be underestimated

*Daniel, Vendar, get to somewhere safe*

The nun said while taking a quick look on us

*bitch! You think this is enough hold me?!*

Unfortunately her power doesn't seem enough to hold them all

As a man breaks through the current of wind he dashes forward in a similar fashion to the way the other assassin that tried to get me off guard

Before I could take action, someone else did

A small figure moving too fast for any of the others to notice had just appeared close to the man that is heading for nun's head

The wolf like figure bit hard on his left leg and as if that thing was suddenly locked on to the ground, it was able to instantly diminish the rushing man's speed, in result of him falling with his face on the ground

*ghh*

A total of 79 damage...good job Vendar

*THIS IS AS FAR AS IT GETS*

A loud voice just came from a completely unexpected direction...from behind the serving table, the other side of the room i was in, stood a man, too big to even be considered a human, by first glance I could've mistaken him for a monster as his head is nearly touching the ceiling...over 2,5 meters high and his silhouette like one of a body builder's, with oversized muscles...he isn't even wearing any gear, just a plain black mask, boots and short pants

A true monster of a man...

seeing him the nun stoped presuring the others with the wind magic...she started sweating...

but for some reason no one would move, even the assasin's feared this man, even though he is on their side

...he really just seems like he doesn't belong here

How did I not see him in the first place?

*Just How Hard Is It To Get Rid Of An Old Hag And Capture A Kid? HUH?!*

The bulk of muscle furiously asked the other men and they lowered their head

His eyes landing on me and then on the nun

...I just froze...Trying to estimate his level would be a waste of time, I can't describe it in detail but there is some kind of fearsome aura emitting from him

No one in their right mind would go against him...

Shit!...except of an animal

*Vendar no!...*

The wolf like figure once again using its extraordinary speed dashed off in the direction of a colossal mountain of muscle

*druuush!*

*noooo!*

...

the beastkin flew leaving a trail of blood behind

A tear dropped from a kid's face when he saw his friend getting embedded into the wooden wall by a single effortless slap of the devilish man that had just brought a completely different atmosphere upon the ones currently in the cafeteria

...oi,oioioi you're kidding me right?! This is too unreal to be true right?!

Fallen on his knees the kid could only let the stream of tears go down his emotionally confused face

*HaHaHaHa!!!! How can you even strangle against those pathetic bastards?*

The Devil said while laughing, mocking the unsuccessful try of the beastkin

I wanna kill him...right now!!! ...but I can't, my body won't move!

I try and try...

Move! Move! Move! ...no matter how much I try to make my body listen, it won't...it's deafened by fear

What is this supposed to be?! I know what it's like to not be able to move but this is obviously not the same!

I am able to move but I won't

*GHaaaAaaaaAaaH!!!*

Trying to make himself forget about the fear, the boy pinches his nail onto his thighs, blood starts to flow and, he pushes harder

*HaHaHaHa, The Kid Has Gon...*

The man's mocking laugh halted the moment the kid's knee appeared in his jaw...Unfortunately that was only enough to interrupt his speech

*you dumb kid!* the nun screamed while making some bizarre hand movements

How is he still standing! At the side of my vision I notice his arm moving...this is bad

Just before his arm could make contact with my head an explosion of wind sprouted between us, sending me flying away from that monster

His hand though, was still able to brush my face, and that was enough to get some of my flesh on my right chick ripped off

____

You took 28 damage

____

*Kid...I Have Orders Not To Kill You...So How About You Not Making It Harder On Me???*

*¡¡Keep him busy¡¡*

Huh?

Completely ignoring the words of the Devil I focus on something that seemed a bit off

Who talked? Was that even a sound? It didn't even feel like a voice, but rather, information...

*¡¡Do it¡¡*

...

*Big guy, you think you can do whatever you want?*

*Kid, Just Give It A Rest*

*How about a challenge? If you win I will give in*

*HaHah, You Think You Can Win In Anything Against Me? What's The Challenge?*

*Rock, paper, scissors*

The Devil's face changed in an instant from the mockingly laughing expression to one that only reads of bloodlust

*Enough Jokes...*

The Giant man took on a running pose, something that just looked unnatural in the middle of a fight...

I know what's coming, so please nun Marybeth, be ready!

Shooting forward like a bullet, knocking whatever was in his way, tables and chairs being thrown around, each of his steps shaking the room and leaving a footprint behind as if walking in mud, this was all happening in an amount of centiseconds, but for the kid it was a different experience...in the boy's eyes, that man may aswell have been the embodiment of fear

But the kid had hope...The man rushing like a bull had just made two mistakes, one is that he left himself open from almost all directions and second he didn't take into account the potential strength of his opponent

*Eternal Despair!*

A woman's voice was heard shouting

The man was but a meter away from his target when he heard those words, suddenly a small yet really bright speck of light formed on his chest, he tried to avoid whatever was coming for him but he was simply too late

The speck of light exploded, his half right body was now on a deep red fire while his other half was instantly covered in ice

...

...what the heck? I was completely dumbfounded by how op magic can be...just a moment ago this monster almost had his hands on me...I thought I was a goner

The room is now rid of it's darkness, as there is a human torch in the middle...I'm not sure if I should be wetting my pants right now from the fact that the "Devil" turned physical into a literal Devil or if I should embrace the opportunity... for the time being, I'm just taking a mental break

*ghaaaaahh!...keaaaauh!*

Screams kept coming and coming, the fire would not extinguish and neither would the ice

The nun wouldn't say anything, she just kept a cold stare upon the ones that tried to harm "her children"

His lackeys wouldn't move a finger...their mind was messed up, "how can the boss lose?has he actually lost? Are we supposed to interfere? Just what is this old hag to use such magic?! Can we even hope to win against her?"... a loop of questions kept rushing through each of them as they were watching their boss constantly scream in agony

...

I'm leaving this to you nun Marybeth

Good thing I let my mind calm down, or else I would've not taken notice of this chance

Since everyone had their eyes locked on the burning man I managed to get away without them noticing, in a quick jump I get to the second floor the same way I got down...the first thing I notice is that the doors are almost all slightly open with eyes sticking out

*Daniel?* a voice which I recognize to be that of Camol came from one of the doors

Good grief...(Yare Yare Daze)

*everyone stay inside your rooms*

Except of the creeping eyes I still felt like something was wrong ...the man I beat isn't here! Worrying for a certain scenario I dash to my room and kick my door open *dun!*

...it would seem like I was worrying for no reason

The assassin was laying down next to Dein, his neck and chest was covered in a severe amount of blood...and so was Dein's mouth

Trying to not waste anymore time I get what I came for, pushing the man aside and reaching below the bed with my hand I pick up a a glass vial filled with a bright red liquid

...thank you for saving my friend yet another time, lady Arlene! I'm really indebted to you!

After the process of my mental gratitude I notice Dein staring at me with his worrisome expression

*what's the potion for?*

*an adult got hurt, don't worry and just stay here, Vendar and I will soon come and get you* I say with as much of a truthful smile as I can

Even my lie is pitiful...I'm sorry Dein but I can't afford to have you going mad

*what about your face?*

*Dein, I promise you nothing bad will happen to us okay?*

*bu...*

Realising that I don't have time to spare talking, I open the door and leave before Dein is able to drag this longer

...

In a dark and small bedroom a man's body was laying down on the floor, beside it was a kid, a boy in particular, he had the ears and tail of a dog

He was sitting in the corner of the room, his head settled between his knees...the boy was frustrated, he felt useless and powerless, feeling like he is being a hindrance to his brother and friend

Perhaps I shouldn't go with them, after all I will only drag them down...what good could I do? I am weak and can't even protect myself ...the boy didn't had a single thought about what was going on, even from killing an assassin that attacked him, he was too busy self loathing from the moment that his friend told him to stay shut in this room

He wouldn't doubt the words of his friend, when he said that everything was alright he believed it but Dein couldn't handle being looked down on by his trusted ones...he wanted to be strong, not someone who relies on others but someone who others rely on...dependable

Through the feelings of self loathing, came feelings of desire, desire for a betterment of oneself...they only kept growing...until he raised his head and looked up...realising that he is no longer in Daniel's bedroom

A void of nothingness all around him...

...

*Vendar, you aren't gonna die are you?*

*as if!* Vendar said as he slowly stood up

I already checked his health and from 16 it went up to 116 when I gave him, I could even see his wounds slowly being healed...truly a life saver

Observing the now empty vial I can only wonder how such a thing is made...I have to lea...

*Daniel! wake up, what happened with the guy that b... th...that big guy* strangling to finish his sentence, Vendar tried to pull me out of my spaced out state

*That's right, le...*

*YOU FUCKING SHITS! You Are All Dead!*

The voice of the burning man came from inside together with noise of wood cracking

Both me and Vendar looked inside from the hole Vendar's body left to see the man still burning...but standing?!

In an instance we both started running...we were currently outside the back side of the orphanage, the quickest way in was through the toilets

Getting out of the toilets we take a swift turn left...a few more meters in the hallway and we'll arrive at the cafeteria

Both Vendar and I are on guard for the unexpected...we know first-hand of the power that man holds, but being able to stand under that? Everything is constantly messing with my brain! Whoever made this world needs to do some work with the balance

Taking the final step forward we enter a scene out of a horror movie

Chairs and broken tables all randomly scattered across the room, the floor, walls, ceiling, all damaged...in the middle stood a monster, half its body in flames that slowly devour its flesh and muscles, while the other half frozen, the skin becoming more swollen overtime...on one side of the room was the bodies of 4 men...or at least what is left of them, two ripped in half, one missing his head and another with a broken neck and dislocated shoulders

What the...

Right now the man is facing in the opposite direction...I'm glad I can't see its face but I also can't see nun Marybeth as she's probably in front of that monster

...what can I do?

*WHat's Up Hag??? Are You Out Of ENERgY??*

...I was saving those points for a more considered use... but this i...

*STOP THIS!!!!*

Ow no! Dein! That fucking idiot!

Vendar's face suddenly got sweaty, not from the burning man, but from the anxiety...how can he save his brother?... he is scared for both his brother's life but also his own

*KHE KHE KE...* the monster let out a twisted laugh *YOUR DE...*

"There is no way I'm gonna coward out!" Vendar thought as he desperately rushed to save his brother

...

"All this fucking shit I'm going through, just because of this fucking bitch!...I can't have her die an easy death...I'll break your bones, rip your skin, burn all the kids in this place, forcing you to watch it"

"I'll make hou suffer!"

The man kept thinking of ways to torture the now collapsed old lady that made him suffer this pain...he fantasized about it while staring at her pitiful state...

He unconsciously ignores the pain and everlasting effects of this spell...he is but a step away from completely losing it

And the step was not far to be taken

*STOP THIS!!!!*

"Huh??? A Fucking kid DaRes to....*

*KHE KHE KE...*

The man Clutches his fist and slightly moving back his arm, preparing for a "satisfying" punch

At the same time the kid raised his hand, as if greeting a general...of course the mad man wouldn't even look at this "piece of shit"

*YOU'RE DE...*

And the punch was thrown...

But the man noticed something unnatural...he felt like he missed

"Keke...I can't even feel my punch" he thought

...then taking a look around him he noticed something even weirder

"Where the Fuck is this?"