《Soldiers of Mana》Chapter 17 - Hidden Within the Shadows Pt.2
Advertisement
Once the figure came into my sight I saw a blonde haired middle aged man wearing green cargo pants, with a white tank top. He began to walk towards the table where there was an empty seat, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Erica fly out of her seat slamming her hands on the table.
“Harvey!, how could you be late to an important meeting? This has to do with the possible security of our village!”
Harvey looked over with a face that spelled out annoyed before rolling his eyes grabbing his seat than sitting himself down.
“Better hold your tongue little girl!”
Erica was seething with anger it was obvious her and Harvey did not get along, actually, it was already passed the point of not getting along they were like oil and water.
“I demand that you explain to the rest of us the reason for your tardiness!”
Harvey was going to retort but, could see some of the other members of the council nod their heads in agreement with eagerness to hear an explanation.
“Hmm… Fine then!”
Harvey takes a moment to glance at my direction before continuing with his explanation.
“ I was over at Bellmane Village due to a dealing in some of our village specialty trade goods”
Hearing the explanation seems to have calmed some of the members seated but, Erica still looked as if she had more to say.
“Oh, what's wrong Erica something else you would like to bring up?”
Harvey slightly taunted Erica with a slight smirk.
“I do! Last night Niko here was attacked by someone within the village. He was a farmer who dealt in specialty trade goods for our village who I happen to know is one of your direct subordinates!”
Immediately upon hearing subordinates, I could tell that specialty trade goods was lingo, I had a feeling from the moment I noticed Harvey's caution while explaining his tardiness. He seemed hesitant and wary of what he was saying, at the same time the idea seemed rehearsed, and everyone understood the meaning, not even bothering to question it. Normally that would be tolerable but, now add into the mix the slip up from Erica about subordinates and immediately my intuition is telling me that there is more to this village than one would think.
Advertisement
I tried delving deeper into the thought process abruptly drowning out the surrounding until they were inaudible. Drifting off into my own world I started processing all the information I already knew, this village was known as Lunaris they focused on monster subjugations, and farm goods like potatoes. Or so I was told by Erica, and Katie, thinking deeper I remember overhearing the General talking to one of his subordinates about hiring the mercenaries within some of the border villages for an espionage mission.
I mix the idea of a trained monster subjugation force with an assassin attempt in a village on the border that I overheard had trained mercenaries. I begin to believe this village’s look is just a cover-up. Timber framed houses on the outside made to look plain and simple, the insides still held not only the technology but, also the comfortability of houses found in bigger cities. I am beginning to believe this village was one of the small independent mercenary villages the general had mentioned.
Harvey's dealings and work he dealt with in Bellmane must involve the mercenary business, everyone in this village must be involved taking on other jobs around the city as a sort of guise but also a way to self-sustain. It would make sense why they haven't been taken over by some of the bigger nations, by being strong enough to cause threat they would lose too many resources taking over these neutral territories while also fighting their true enemies. So instead they give them work using their powers for gain. Wait, but, then for what purpose does Harvey have to go to Bellmane? He did not take a large group of people so it could not have been anything related to subjugation…. It must have been some type of dealing, if the others were not made aware of it, then the possibility of it being a deal related to personal profit is definitely possible, also gives him a cover for being out of the city allowing him to blame the assassination on lack of loyalty or personal ideals of the individual.
Advertisement
I was right this man must die! But, how? The warm sensation from earlier came back, this time was even more fierce as I stared daggers into the side of Harvey's cheeks as my body boiled with excitement from the thought of fighting, the feeling of soft flesh ripping underneath my fist, the sounds of bones breaking accompanied by the smell of fresh blood. I envisioned myself on the fallen body of Harvey and those of his followers…. My own melancholy hill. Slowly I began to resubmerge from my own thoughts only to realize my whole body had moved in front of Harvey's seat crouched on the table staring into his face with a wide smile while leaking bloodlust from my entire person. Everyone had stood from their chairs with a sense of alert and weapons were drawn, Erica who was also on alert had not pulled any weapon, instead, she was calling out my name asking me what was wrong. But, my focused attention derailed any idea of unfocusing the target in front of my eyes. It seems like my body has realized its true purpose for creation knowing by itself what the threat is and what it needs to do.
Harvey on the other hand still sat in his seat with a serious look, sensing my hostility during my movements he had activated his mana cloak preparing for any confrontation. Without any dialogue, I immediately launch a meia lua de compasso from my crouching position striking nothing but air due to Harvey jumping back out from his chair. Following my missed kick one of Harvey's peers on my left side ran at me slicing at me with his dagger, I dodge by using the momentum of my missed kick to lead into a spinning handstand where I gain more momentum before dropping onto my back continuing my spinning, rolling my torso in a circular motion with my legs twirling through the air in a V-shape. While spinning I roll onto my shoulders popping myself high into the air landing feet first onto the back part of the dagger-wielding man's neck with a loud “SNAP” killing him. Mana rushed into my body violently rejuvenating my deprived body, apparently the man I just killed was pretty strong managing to restore my mana reserves just enough above the line of safety that was needed to begin using my mana once again.
Feeling the cold flow of mana rushing through my body I slowly materialize my mana cloak along with my scythe as I turn around in my place once again staring back at Harvey. Using my mana always causes a sense of melancholy due to the attribute of my mana being darkness but, while still standing on the body of one of my fallen foes caused an increase in the urge for my very own melancholy hill.
Advertisement
- In Serial18 Chapters
The Mighty Mustangs: A Basketball Story
The Montville Mustangs are a school basketball team on its last legs. With Montville being a school focused on academics, and with the previous coach leading the team to no wins in the previous season, Coach Mitchell Riley, the new coach of the Mustangs, must fulfill the requirements set up to him by the school board. The team must win one of the 3 pre-season invitational tournament to keep the team alive for the season, and then proceed to make it to the playoffs in his first season as coach. Unfortunately for Coach Riley, 14 recently discovered basketball experts have spread out amongst some schools in the province, with him being unsuccessful in recruiting any that he talked to... That is until the #1 shooter from the 14 experts happens to walk into the gym at the first Mustang practice. Please join us as we go through the trials and successes of the Mighty Mustangs!
8 102 - In Serial10 Chapters
Nimrien
Nimrien is a beautiful land of peace and harmony. Queen Edea rules with a fair hand and people are generally happy. Since the grimoire was hidden away, things have been pretty idyllic. In the wrong hands, the grimoire could spell the end of the world as they know it. Bartok’s hands are definitely the wrong hands. Denied the throne for being neither elven nor female, he turns to drastic measures for power. Bartok knows where the grimoire is, knows what it is, and knows exactly what he can do with it. And he wants it. Enter Bill. Bill needs to find the grimoire, and he needs to find it before Bartok does. Trouble is, Bill’s the last person anyone would pick to go on a quest and potentially save the day, but Bill’s who Nimrien’s got. Luckily for Nimrien, Bill’s got five companions along for the ride, to help save the world from Bartok… and to help save Bill from himself.
8 207 - In Serial13 Chapters
Dungeon Misfits
(Warning: The story is still currently in a poor quality state, read on at your own risk.) After the devastating great war, many people were left with poverty, hardship and starvation. Due to this, miscreants and mendicants were a common occurrence here. Thus at such hard times, many different kinds of desperate people would try to delve and discover various dangerous dungeons. And it was at such times, where different people and monsters converge, that various interesting stories and situations could happen. It could be about an aspiring necromancer seeking to find a place in the dungeon in order to seclude himself to his studies and research on necromancy. It could be a story of a struggling group of bandits, deserters and highwaymen using a dungeon cave as a hideout. Even about a bunch of struggling newbies adventurers stumbling in a dungeon. Or perhaps about a certain diabolist, a witch, and a rogue who are ostracised by others due to their professions, being forced to work together as a team in a dungeon. All the while, encountering even more eccentric people on the way. Different people, different situations, but whatever happens inside the dungeon remains to be seen.
8 71 - In Serial28 Chapters
A Glimmer in the Dark
A world begins anew after an eon of recovery and regrowth had passed. The inhabitants of the world simply continue with the lives they lead with little care for the origin of their situations and of their home.Yet they will soon discover that the period of regrowth and renewal does not stop for anyone or anything.
8 126 - In Serial6 Chapters
To live is to Dream (LitRPG; First Draft)
A new Power has come into the World and seeks to change it. Being on the last dregs of sanity and full of alcohol Daniel West receives an opportunity to seek revenge. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To live is to Dream is the second book of the Just a Dream series. You do not have to read the first to enjoy the second, but there will be recurring characters along the line. The first book features Mir, a man that dislikes how his current world appears and hence wants to change it. The second book will feature other people and how the changes implemented by Mir affect their lives. For those interested in my first book, it's easy to find it. Just beware that with the first book, it was my first time writing and there are a lot of grammar errors despite lots of editing, at least at the beginning of the book. The cover was done by Lmarief. I had requested something bizarre and she delivered. I have even used it as part of the story since her interpretation of my imagination was a bit different. Still, I loved it. As a thank you gift, I posted a link to her profile here for others who want a unique cover. https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220043
8 54 - In Serial8 Chapters
The Faen Wrath
Ben is a normal man working at a grocery store, when he meets an abnormal woman who accidentally pulls him into her world. The world of the Fae.
8 136

