《Faltovia's Faults》Chapter 5: Envoy
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Chris took a break from practice as Haven’s grandpa needed more help around the house for a bit, and because Chris missed working in the fields with his dad. Chris was easily able to handle all the magic feeding, while his dad handled plowing the fields and fertilizing the crops. Over the past year since Chris' accident, and after being healed by that wandering healer, Geralt managed to quit drinking, and smiled a lot more. He was able to get back to work, and finally was proud of himself again, let alone the pride he felt for his son.
He didn’t know how big the world was, but he knew that in comparison to the village, his son was special. He could only hope that with his son’s training that he could make something of himself and get into Academy. Geralt had never seen someone from the village pass the test, so he didn’t know how hard it was, as there was even a boy who could use a firebolt spell that was not allowed in. He gave Chris time off from the field in hopes that it would be enough to become on par with those from the bigger cities and affluent families. ‘If it’s Chris, I know to believe in him.’
And with those thoughts in mind, time passed, Haven came back to training, the field work was done well, Chris turned eleven, and an envoy from the Holy Unity Church arrived. They had an artifact for testing magic potential, as well as being a trusted entity within the Sarkov Kingdom, so they were the natural choice for examination. Adults and children gathered around the envoy as they set up a tent with the proper measurement tools. There was a device to tell how much mana the body contained, as well as a crystal to determine how much mana a person could imbue within a set time limit.
Chris and Haven were running late, so they both used physical enhancement to dash quickly there. “I bet I can beat you there!” Haven was determined to finally beat Chris at something. Haven used a burst of mana from his hands to run even faster, slowly pulling away from Chris. “You are so on!” Chris had a look of determination crawl across his face, and with that he sprung into action.
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He decided instead of running down the hill, avoiding obstacles, and worrying about tripping, he would just sprint overhead. He dashed across the sky as quickly as he could, using the mana from his feet both to create a foothold and to spring off. It took them a single minute to cross a distance that a fit adult would take several. When they arrived, Chris walked down from about twenty feet in the air, slowly descending step by step, and Haven skidded to a stop having to use the mana burst in the other direction.
The young priest in charge of the test took zero notice, as he was half asleep testing people. ‘These plebeians wasting my time, none of them are even worth a glance, but here I am, wasting my precious life to make sure we don’t miss any talent,’ the priest scoffed. It took a little longer to get to the end of the line, because a few teenagers in the village tried showing off their skills to prove themselves, since the measurement tests were not in their favour.
Haven’s turn started and the measurement tool to determine body mana glowed purple, meaning high and dense mana contained in the body, and when Haven focused his energy on the crystal, it glowed a bright, light blue, filling the entire orb with its light. The final test, to prevent people with simple utility magic from getting accepted into the magic academy or the military, depending on age, was to show off a single attack or defense magic. Haven focused all he could, and fired his mana-burst into the forest, creating a shockwave of wind, and destroying several trees in the process.
This was Haven’s best move and even Chris was impressed at what going all out looked like for Haven. The Priest walked up to Haven, “Son, that was incredible, the lord must have blessed you with divine power. You have been accepted, please begin packing your things and return to the cart within the next few hours.” Haven ran up to hug Chris, “Thank you so much master, I did it!” The Priest leered at Chris, “Did you say this young boy is who taught you magic?”
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The look in his eyes scared Chris, it was the look of greed, and he hadn’t seen it in his life that often. It made him uncomfortable. Chris whispered into Haven’s ear, “Play along with what I say, something is weird.” Chris looked to the man, “He only calls me master because even with his magic skills, he can’t beat my swordsmanship, that’s all. He’s the one who taught me the advanced stuff, after helping me read through our family's magic book I had found.” Chris began leaking mana from his body to prepare for the next test.
The Priest’s eyes returned to normal, “You’re right, there’s no way someone your age could be better than what that boy just mustered, but if your sword skills are what you say they are, there’s still a chance for you. Magic swordsmen are very sought after for the Academy as well.”
The Priest scanned Chris, and instead of the deep purple that Haven had, instead it was a lighter purple, meaning the mana in the body was just as dense, but there wasn’t as much. Then the crystal test began. Chris focused on the ball, emitting as little effort as he could while still getting close to Haven, as it was clear this man was impressed, extremely so, and that Haven was far past the standard. Chris made the ball glow a slightly darker hue, but with the same intensity. “It seems you aren’t on par with him, but you aren’t too far off either. Depending on your sword skills, you might also qualify for the Academy.”
Chris called forth a body enchantment spell, rattling off the incantation, to lessen the eyes on him even more, and called a false water spell, pretending he was saying the water whip spell, when in reality he was calling upon his vibro-sword. He cleanly cut through a tree with ease, dispersed his mana, and sheathed his sword. “That was the best I could do, did I pass?!” Chris feigned excitement, and worry. “You two are exemplary, it seems you both will be enrolled into the academy. Please go discuss your departure with your family, and return within the next two hours.
Chris returned home, letting his family know of his and Haven’s accomplishments, and told his parents about hiding his true power for now. “Why would you do that, what would you have done if you weren’t accepted?” Chris looked his mom directly in the eye, “Something was wrong with that Priest, he looked at Haven with greed after seeing how great he did, and said he was blessed with the god, let alone the look when Haven called me master. I made sure I did good enough by comparison, and I am still considered exemplary even after hiding my strength,” Chris sighed, “Besides, I’m not strong enough to protect you guys yet if something goes wrong.”
His mom and dad hugged him tight, fed him dinner, and helped him pack all his things. Chris was desperately worried now, ‘I know that me and Haven were strong, too strong, that creepy priest made that sentiment very clear. The book that healer gave me had so much information that wasn't anywhere else. It made us far stronger than we should be. This book is too important to show off.'
He grabbed his suitcase, and placed the book in the bottom, then placed some wood over the top of it, a false bottom. Then he packed the rest of his things, headed downstairs, hugged his parents one last time, and returned to the carriage. Haven was waiting for him, bouncing up and down. Haven was making progress towards his goals, and him and his best friend were heading to the capital together to learn even more magic. After a three week carriage ride, they arrived at the illustrious capital: Golden Bloom.
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Into the Wilderness- LITRPG Apocalypse
Story now has an improved version with feedback taken into account (this version will continue as normal) : Born for the Apocalypse -A system apocalypse survival LITRPG Novel- Jack Smith, your typical American college graduate with an annual salary half his student debt, was not equipped for the apocalypse. Or first contact, magical powers and Eldritch horrors. Apparantly, deciding to take a 'nature retreat' a day before the apocalypse wasn't his greatest idea- but hey, the aliens didn't send him a memo. In a world where the only law was that of the jungle, where the weak perish and the strong prosper- Jack would come to realize that he would do almost anything to survive.
8 55Windwalker
Having subdued its surrounding enemies, the former Sulic Empire is faced with unrest brewing from within. Society is torn in two. The reigning mentalists constantly persecute the subjugated elementals under the pretence of curbing the explosive potential of their destructive powers. Meanwhile, schemes and political interests clash as different groups within the Governance military elite vie for control. And in the shadows, Sulic’s old enemies have been lying in wait a long time, looking for the first sign of weakness to make their move. Against this backdrop, two ordinary individuals fight to maintain stability from opposing sides: a low ranking telepathic recruit with nothing to his name but good intentions, and an unregistered elemental contractor with a murky past. Can they reconcile their differences and help steer Sulic away from tearing itself apart? Windwalker explores themes of societal struggle and self-discovery. Book One: Rising Wind Kal has trained to be a soldier his entire life. His days are simple, and his duties clear: enforce the rules, upkeep the peace, and most important — police the elementals. If they step out of line, the Governance system corrects it. But when Kal encounters a young boy whom he suspects might be an illegal earthborn, he can’t bring himself to report him. Despite his training and the advice of friends, he decides to help him onto what he believes is the right path. This choice lands him in more trouble than he bargained for, and he soon discovers that the veneer the Governance is built upon an ugly and crumbling foundation.
8 140Anxiety and the Beginning
Poetry not intended for the masses.Coping with anxiety, living with depression, seeing the beauty of life anyway. Being a weird creative type in a world not built for them. An ode to the bizarre internal world of a human being.
8 162The Encrypted Data of Kaiden Cypher [A Cyberpunk Dystopian Thriller]
Book 1: Artificial Death Kaiden Cypher, a recently retired Mercenary finally gains a job as an EXiCON within BLED (Bridge City Law Enforcement Department). Cypher begrudgingly accepts a case despite it not being under his purview as an EXiCON (External Investigative Constable). However, as trouble brews within Industrial District, it forces the Commissioner to enact Protocol B5-10. A protocol that forces all active EXiCONs to take on special duties as the main police force deals with threats within the city. The real challenge comes, when the case cypher accepts turns into a double murder, something he knows the Commissioner would like the keep a lid on before the city erupts with the news of a serial killer. Death usually comes in two, and so does cloning. Book 2: Translucent Requisition After being fired as an EXiCON, Cypher never thought he'd have to return to the life of a mercenary. To ensure his wife and daughter wouldn't want or need anything. He takes on a Body Guard detail for one of Bridge City's Elite, The Romacellin Family. The detail was simple, ensure the Romacellin Family's safety during an Auction. Trouble brews as one of the guests from the auction disappear, forcing Kaiden into action. As Kaiden tries to retrieve the guest he quickly finds out that these kidnappers mean business, and spilling blood is nothing but an afterthought. Sometimes, requisition is the only answer. Book 3: Indignated Efflux Cypher returns from the Waste, battered, bruised and elated as the debt he'd accrued from Mr Black is about to be paid. Cypher checks in with his wife and daughter, only to see his biggest fear become a reality. Akatani has found them, but luckily for Cypher, Akatani needs him to retrieve an item for him. As Akatani uses Cypher's family as leverage, Cypher must first discover who found out about his family and fed their locale to Akatani before he can make a move against him...or be forced to watch them die in front of him. Unresolved conflicts usually end through Indignated Efflux. Updates: Every Monday to Friday!The word count for each split chapter will range between 1400 - 2500 words! Also: Please note, that I'm from Barbados and we use United Kingdom English.They will be more 'S' than they are 'Z' for certain words and vice versa. If you like Ghost in the Shell, Metal Gear Solid and Westworld, this is the series for you!
8 54Cleaning Up After the Heroes
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8 106There's A Boy in my Bed (BoyxBoy)
"We can't do this." I whisper as our lips re-connect, a tingling fire surging through my body as his hands ravage unexplored lands; my innocence dissipating away with every peck he trails down my neck."I know we can't. That's why it's so exciting." He replies through kisses. His effortless charm intoxicates me; drowning me; hunting me; devouring me."What if my brother finds out?" The perpetuated patter of the rain unable to subdue my groan as he digs his nails deeper into my skin."Who cares."**********Welcome to my story, where an innocent boy finds a not so innocent boy in his bed; where they do not so innocent things.- YOP
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