“Mum....” said Risene emotionally looking at Eden.

Seeing Risene, his daughter Risene who processed similar looks to that 'Risene' and practically the same 'soul' as her, Eden made a pain expression. She would be around the same age as 'her' when 'she' died.

Eden sighed and said, “Told you not to call me that” before trying to leave through the door. However Risene moved in the way blocking his path out.

“....”

“....”

As the two looked at each other for a moment, Risene quickly panicked to her earlier words and in a quick fashion said, “Sorry, got used to calling you that in public that it kinda stuck. I get strange looks when I call you Dad....though still strange looks when I call you Mum since you look so young.”

“....”

“Dad it has been three years since I've seen you” she said softy before trying to hug him.

However Eden stopped her with a hand and said in a slightly emotionless tone, “The report on the investigation of the Serbian Valleys in Kallamore...I will read it later.”

With a stunned Risene and no one in his way, Eden almost ran out of the room in extreme speeds.

“What....just happened?” asked the man who was Alena's husband and went by the name of Daten who looked at all of this confused.

From what he remembered, those two had a good relationship at least for as long as he knew them. They were a perfectly good father and daughter pair...who at the same time looked at similar ages that they could be called sisters instead.

“It's a long story” said Alena.

She continued saying, “Relationship between the two have been very rough for a long time now. Dad is ignoring her while Sis is trying to get his attention no matter what. We have no idea why, mum knows of course.”

Daten nodded and understood that this was a complicated matter that he should not get into. But for now he took Ares, his son into his arms and lifted him up in the air. He was just happy to see his family again.

“Well I will leave it to you since I don't want to die a painful death for sticking my nose in too much on this” said Daten with Alena nodding, understanding.

But at the same time, he knew not to interfere with family issues especially when he had to do with one overprotective parent named Eden.

Even more so since that same Eden was more secretive than anyone else he knew. Even as a Captain Commander for the guards of this city, it knew next to nothing of his work or movements.

“Sigh...”

Moving along Alena patted Risene on the shoulder and said in encouragement, “At least this this time he looked and talked to you instead of completely ignoring your existence.”

“Sis....” said Risene and asked, “How do I fix this?” in a pleading tone. Her current appearance was one that made anyone heart's ache to see how much in pain she was.

“You simply can't since it is not your fault” said Alexandra coming up on them, “Its that idiot's own fault.”

“Mum....” said Risene seeing Alexandra again in years too like Eden.

“And I thought you would call me Dad since 'Mum' seems to have been taken. That way I can, at least tell that damn idiot that he has that feminine glow” Alexandra replied with a grin. Risene managed a small laugh thanks to that.

However Alexandra looked serious as she looked at the opened door.

“All the hugs and sweet talks can come later Risene, I have to find Eden before he completely disappears again. When he wants to, literally no one can find him” said Alexandra before rushing out to find Eden as well.

“See you later!” Alexandra shouted as she left in a sprint as well.

“Hmm?”

It was then when Alena was still comforting Risene, Daten went over to introduce himself to the group.

“Hello I am the Captain Commander of this city, Daten” he said with a smile, “I don't recall Alena telling me anything about you all...though I was gone for several years so...haha.”

He made that laugh while scratching his head. He really did not know what to do here. His wife seemed to know them, but he didn't so he didn't know what to say.

“Now you are...?” he asked since that was the first thing that popped in his mind.

The child named Ares interrupted and pointed at group one by one and introduced them in a cute voice.

“Lyndis! Raven! Serena! Sain! Miriel! Shadow!”

He then turned around and pointed to Alena and said, “Mama!” then to Risene, “Aunty!” which was surprising and then to Daten who was in anticipation but paused and tilted his head confused and asked, “Who?”

“Who?!”

Daten had several black lines drop down his head and then dropped to his knees muttering something about how it has been so long and how it was understandable that this would happen.

“Hahaha, looks like little Ares doesn't remember you then~ That's for not being here for the last 2 years!” Alena said in a triumphant voice over Daten which caused him to only be more depressed. It seemed that Alena was the more dominant one in this relationship.

Though the group did not know that it was polar opposite years ago...

'This family seems to be very lively...' thought Sain seeing them though at the same time had a strange ache in him.

A family. Certain he thought he had one but seeing the actual real thing in front of him again...made him feel like he was missing something.

Certainly the others felt the same way as well. Abandoned, lost, they all desired one thing which was why they all accepted to be adopted when the time came though it was unexpected at the very least.

However now was not the time to play on these kinds of emotions. There was a time and place for everything and doing so not was certainly not the time or place at all.

“Daten” said Viv walking up to them, “It has been a while.”

Daten moved his head to look at Viv and said a slightly more cheerful and respectful tone, “Yes it has been a while. Two or three years in fact since Ares was born.”

“Yes” Viv nodded and looked at the group and then said, “I need to talk to these guys for a bit concerning their 2nd Class Advancement since they are part of the guild.”

“Part of the guild?” Daten looked at them shocked, “Didn't father in law say that...”

“There was no chance of finding anyone else good enough in time?” Viv finished the sentence with a smile and further said, “But he couldn't refuse the request of Gen and the others back at Witchelm City.”

It was then that Lyndis interrupted then blurting out, “Wait, our masters requested for Eden to let us in the guild?!”

Viv looked puzzled and said, “You did not know?”

Lyndis shook her head and the rest of the group did as well. They did not know this was a good thing or a bad thing at all to join this guild. But from the benefits they got for the last two years, Sain determined it was a good thing.

In three years, all of them reached level 200, had most of their skills in the intermediate level with Shadow reaching the Advanced Level for his 'stealth' skill which was more than surprising.

In all, it took them a quarter of a year in real life, 9 months to do all of this. Usually it takes the average player a full year in real life or 4 years in game to do the same.

However Sain knew that there were players that took only 6 months, or 2 years in game to do the same as well and some even lower.

“Well now you know. Let us get something to eat at a restaurant then. This place isn't exactly a good place to discuss with right now” said Viv taking a glance at Risene.

The group nodded and followed Viv as they left. There were no introductions from Risene to them as they left.

xXx

Walking along, none of them spoke a word at all. Viv seemed to be in a bad mood but they did not know the reason for this. However what they did know was that Viv was letting off a terrifying aura around him.

As such, even the people on the street stopped all chatter as they passed.

However when they did, whispers came about from behind. Such comments on how menacing the aura Viv gave off, comments on the equipment he wore which were clearly all first class and comments on them as well.

In the two years they had been here, they had been known for several things. Competent in what they do, Friend of the Smiling Devil and the New Golden Nests. They had gather much respect as they were known to dive into dungeons up to 50 levels above them and also gathered much envy as well.

The fact that they knew Alena was enough to deter anyone.

If it was known they knew Eden as well, as infamous he was in some circles, people would run away from them which would be a troublesome things at the very least. At least Sain thought so, he had no idea what the others thought at all.

Soon enough they entered this half run down building which was otherwise known as a Ramen Store. All of them sat on the counter at the same time and ordered something to eat.

As they waited for the meal, Viv as expected said, “From the facts, it remains that you are now level 200. Congratulations and welcome to the mid game though it's too bad Eden and Al can't do the same right now due to...family issues.”

“We noticed” said Shadow bluntly. He had four people, namely Sain, Miriel, Serena and Lyndis in that order to shield him from Viv's wrath if it comes to that.

However that didn't seem to affect anything since Viv let out a tiny bit of murderous intentions to Shadow which almost caused him to leap away, out of the Ramen store.

“Anyway I wish to see your status windows if you please” he ordered with the group agreeing unconditionally.

Normally this act was only done for those you trust especially well, even members in guild may not give each other their status windows if they do not want to. However the group fully trust Viv and the other two guildmasters as they invested too much in them to throw them away.

Status WindowSainShadow[quart=Race: Human,Race: Human]Type: Neutral,Type: Neutral[/quart][quart=Level: 200,Level: 200]Class: Shaman,Class: Rogue[/quart][quart=Title: Unexpected Leader,Title: Silent Stalker]Fame: 985,Fame: 870[/quart][quart=Health: 7655,Health: 7505]Mana: 3271,Mana: 1239[/quart][quart=Strength: 255 +30,Strength: 271 +46]Agility: 280 +60,Agility: 723 +70[/quart][quart=Intelligence: 249 +24,Intelligence: 15 +13]Wisdom: 289 +48,Wisdom: 15 +13[/quart][quart=Vitality: 254 +13,Vitality: 244 +13]Stamina: 113 +16,Stamina: 155 +16[/quart][quart=Fighting Spirit: 78 +21,Fighting Spirit: 89 +21]Endurance: 47 +13,Endurance: 53 +13[/quart][quart=Leadership: 34 +33,Leadership: 5 +13]Luck: 9 +13,Luck: 35+23[/quart][quart=Offense: 300,Offense: 320]Defence: 81,Defence: 50[/quart]

Status WindowRavenLyndis[quart=Race: Human,Race: Elf]Type: Neutral,Type: Neutral[/quart][quart=Level: 200,Level: 200]Class: Shield Footman,Class: Sword Priest[/quart][quart=Title: Unmoving Tower,Title: Bomb Maniac]Fame: 860,Fame: 860[/quart][quart=Health: 13223,Health: 7708]Mana: 1294,Mana: 2614[/quart][quart=Strength: 480 +59,Strength: 467 +45]Agility: 300 +25,Agility: 325 +20[/quart][quart=Intelligence: 15 +18,Intelligence: 205 +41]Wisdom: 20 +18,Wisdom: 47 +16[/quart][quart=Vitality: 471 +58,Vitality: 245 +13]Stamina: 165 +21,Stamina: 120 +16[/quart][quart=Fighting Spirit: 105 +26,Fighting Spirit: 95 +19]Endurance: 80 +38,Endurance: 50 +12[/quart][quart=Leadership: 5+18,Leadership: 5 +13]Luck: 5 +18,Luck: 7 +13[/quart][quart=Offense: 520,Offense: 495]Defence: 430,Defence: 86[/quart]

Status WindowMirielSerena[quart=Race: Night Elf,Race: Half-Elf]Type: Neutral,Type: Neutral[/quart][quart=Level: 200,Level: 200]Class: Magician Bard,Class: Druid[/quart][quart=Title: Tournament Winner,Title: Born of Blood]Fame: 1075,Fame: 880[/quart][quart=Health: 2904,Health: 2690]Mana: 4784,Mana: 4352[/quart][quart=Strength: 30 +30,Strength: 29 +47]Agility: 254 +50,Agility: 261 +30[/quart][quart=Intelligence: 680 +59,Intelligence: 480 +23]Wisdom: 259 +35,Wisdom: 480 +48[/quart][quart=Fighting Spirit: 42 +28,Fighting Spirit: 32 +24]Endurance: 35 +23,Endurance: 35 +13[/quart]Concentration: 40 +22Concentration: 49 +13[quart=Vitality: 35 +23,Vitality: 35 +13]Stamina: 80 +26,Stamina: 75 +28[/quart][quart=Leadership: 5 +23,Leadership: 5 +13]Luck: 5 +23,Luck: 7 +13[/quart][quart=Offense: 56,Offense: 59]Defence: 84,Defence: 59[/quart]

The first thing Viv saw was that every last one of them had the same level which was surprising.

“We didn't really know what to do after we hit level 200 so those who did stopped killing monsters to let the others catch up” explained Sain seeing this question on Viv's face or rather Viv was pointing at it.

Looking through it, Viv was slightly impressed as they didn't do so bad as he thought. Due to the fact that they were at level 200, they had spent almost 1000 points into their characters, or to be precise 995 points exactly.

But adding the points up roughly, you can see that their stats equal to around a level 300 who did not gain any stats at all instead of a level 200. They had an average of 1500~ combined stats due to training and this did not include the bonuses from their titles or otherwise.

Though there were more variation where the two girl as pure magic users had less combined stats as the others and Sain the same by a bit as well.

However to Viv, this was simply 'above average' at best. The Gemchi at similar levels had stats that had a combined total of above 2000 while Weed was an even larger monster with combined stats at the same level of over 3000 and nearing 4000.

(This is true, I calculated off the status windows they gave us in the LN for this. The Gemchis and Weed are monsters compared to my MCs)

This was why Viv only considered them above average at best.

But at the same time they certainly had higher stats than himself and Eden and Alexandra at the same level. Compared to them, the trio had even less stats than them, but at the same time this was due to the fact that it took them half a year in game to get to that point.

While the group was at the same time was at the level 60 range, the trio in the past were in the level 200 range.

The trio's 6 months, no 20 weeks in this world in the past was only worth slightly less than the groups 3 years in terms of stats they gained. Plus the fact remained that the Trio did not know of the benefits of training to gain stats as well and did not spend months at end just to gain more stats.

“Hmm....seeing this, you guys are in the slow and steady group. Your foundations for the rest of the game will be rock solid which is a good thing even if your levelling speed is a bit slow” praised Viv.

“Wait, what do you mean by that?” asked Lyndis, “Out levelling speed is a bit slow?”

Viv nodded and said, “There are many rankers that in the past only took a fraction of the time you did to get to level 200.”

“Then why didn't you let us level up faster like them?! It would be easy to get stronger that way!” she said in a loud voice that almost catch the ears of other people if not for Miriel using 'Muffletone' quickly.

With a sigh of relief her casting was quick enough, Miriel reminded Lyndis with the same words that were said to her...well the same meaning at least.

“Foundations are everything but levels are not. You can lose levels but cannot lose the stats you gained otherwise with hard effort” Miriel said to Lyndis, “Out of those who have levelled up quickly, how many remain to reach the higher levels where things get even more difficult?”

“Miriel is right you know” said Sain agreeing with it, “There was a broadcast before on one of the T.V channels that does Royal Road stuff that said not even 10% of such players manage to break level 600 in the end.”

Next to Lyndis, Shadow also added, “If you wish to out level us, go ahead. Do not expect us to wait when we do later on.”

Lyndis almost hit Shadow but at the last second realised he was making sure she did not screw up. He was caring for her...and the others at least, though in a twisted way.

She let out a sigh and said with her head lowered, “In the end we need to keep on training till the end then....”

Thoughts of her past flashed back to her. It seemed like that kind of repeated effort was required in this game...though Lyndis could only think that the only good point was that she could see her efforts better than others...

And that there were others with her doing the same time time.

As this topic ended and Viv was about to go to the next point, the Ramen store owner brought out seven large bowls were placed in front of them.

Viv thanked the owner and payed him and said, “This place has pretty good food. Besides cooking yourself or letting Alena cook for you all the time, you should explore the city some more and eat at places like this.”

“....”

The group did not comment but spent the next 10 minutes eating. While they struggled to eat one large bowl of Ramen, Viv ordered two more bowls and finished at the same time they them.

The group wondered how and where all of that goes to with Viv eating so much. Seeing this expression, Viv simply said, “Both Eden and Al eat more than me you know. I have been Al eat an entire bull once...and a large one as well.”

“....”

The group did not know how to comment.

“But it was after she starved for a few days fighting and killing a really strong monster for a few days without end.”

“....”

Once again the group could not comment.

“Anyway back to the point I was in” he said seeing the group had nothing to say, “Given your stats and the fact that it is quite high, why not try to go the Beginner Training Centre and clear it when you have the time.”

The Training Centres.

It was a thing that everyone that was into fighting knew or at least heard of. There were four and a rumoured fifth training centre all around the continent.

The first was the Basic Training Centre, focused on training stats alone. This was the most widely known one and most used as well. It is said that around 1% of all players cleared this. For a player base of billions, tens of billions, it means hundreds of millions of players have cleared this.

However they were limited to those who wanted a way to get stronger, namely combat based players. Plus a large percentage of the higher levelled players finished this stage since the training centre would give you stats equal to 30 levels if you did.

What was a month of training when it would otherwise take you half a year to do the same?

The next stage was the Beginner Training Centre. More rare, it focuses on testing your skills and scales the enemies to your strength, meaning high levels makes it harder. At best, around a million or so players cleared this stage and gained the extra free skills this place gave you.

It was a popular choice for martial arts frantics as it gave you the class an a unique skill of your choice as well.

Next was the Intermediate Training Centre where there were only 12 of them in the whole continent. Only a small selection of players knew what it was about but it is said you gain several powerful skills and an important role in history if you finish it to the end.

The last recognised and known one was the Advance Training Centre. It is said you need be be recognised by a master to even known the vague location, travel for months to reach that place. The ultimate test in stats, skills and wits which will grant you will gifts and treasures of the rarest kind.

But that was not all. There was a rumoured Master Training Centre only for the strongest, a place where the greatest riches lie whether it be in weapon, armour or skills if you manage to pass it. That is if you can find it and even more challenging, clear it without dying for you only have one chance at it.

The group did not know that the Trio once upon a time when they were bored out of their minds, quickly cleared the first two training centres, destroyed one of the towers for the third, made the master of the fourth cry and challenged and cleared the fifth all in a matter of a single day thanks to Eden teleporting them directly to each place.

And in the end, they called meh to the rarest riches they got where others would have killed to have.

But the group did not need to know that fact.

“Maybe later when we have the chance” said Sain, “With still have to deal with out 2nd class advancement first.”

“You are correct” said Viv nodding in agreement, “Now show me your skills.”

He said that in such a way that one would pause to think of what he just said, but due to the chains of ranks between them plus that either way, he would know, Sain allowed Viv peak into their status windows as well.

Skill Window[third=Serena,Miriel]Lyndis[/third][third=- Magic Mastery Intermediate Level 3 (35/100)

- Nature Mastery Intermediate Level 3 (35/100)

- Natural Ki Circulation Intermediate Level 1 (0/100)

- Mediation Intermediate level 2 (49/100)

- Mana Burst Intermediate level 1 (12/100)

- Minor Health Regeneration Intermediate level 2 (670/2600)

- Moderate Health Regeneration Intermediate level 1 (150/4300)

- Minor Stamina Regeneration Intermediate level 1 (1551/2400)

- Moderate Stamina Regeneration Intermediate level 1 (1650/4300)

- Quicken Death Beginner level 1 (0/100)

- Language Comprehension Beginner level 5 (23/100)

- Blood Burst Intermediate level 1 (877/2500)

- Root Bind Intermediate level 5 (522/3200)

- Heartbeat Healing Intermediate level 2 (11/100)

- Plant Botany Intermediate level 1 (14/100)

- Poison Removal Intermediate Level 1 (8/100)

- Health Restoration Intermediate Level 1 (15/100)

- Poison Coating Intermediate Level 1 (167/900)

- Blessing of Strengthened Night Beginner (10935/100 000)

- Blessing of Invisible Torments Beginner (9234/100 000)

- Blessing of Eternal Suns Beginner (3743/100 000)

- Leaf Slicer Intermediate Level 3 (221/2900)

- Beast Transformation Art (Proficiency: Low),- Magic Mastery Intermediate Level 4 (9/100)

- Whip Mastery Intermediate Level 1 (54/100)

- Illusion Magic Mastery Intermediate 1 (32/100)

- Sound Magic Mastery Intermediate 1 (22/100)

- Barrier Magic Mastery Intermediate 1 (32/100)

- Ice Magic Mastery Intermediate Level 3 (23/100)

- Magic Control Mastery Intermediate 2 (52/100)

- Ice Mana Circulation Intermediate Level 1 (0/100)

- Cooking Beginner Level 6 (70/100)

- Mediation Intermediate level 3 (52/100)

- Identify Intermediate level 1 (62/100)

- Mana Bolt Intermediate level 1 (152/2400)

- Cracked Barrier Intermediate level 1 (1020/2400)

- Fortified Barrier Beginner Level 9 (333/3700)

- Ice Barrier Intermediate Level 1 (191/2500)

- Ice Bolt Intermediate Level 6 (460/3400)

- Ice Burst Intermediate Level 1 (345/2500)

- Glacier Strike Intermediate Level 1 (931/2500)

- Freeze Intermediate Level 1 (111/2500)

- Clairvoyance Intermediate level 1(1056/2500)

- Melody of Sound Intermediate level 2 (730/2700)

- Shriek Intermediate level 1 (299/3000)

- Sound Tunes Variation Intermediate Level 1 (110/2500)

- Muffletone Beginner Level 4 (43/700)

- Barrier Queen Art (Proficiency: Low)]- Sword Mastery Intermediate 3 (22/100)

- Fire Manipulation Mastery Intermediate Level 2 (58/100)

- Fire Blood Circulation Intermediate Level 1 (0/100)

- Cooking Beginner Level 6 (28/100)

- Bandaging Intermediate Level 3 (42/100)

- Sword Dance Intermediate Level 1 (211/3000)

- Power Strike Intermediate level 2 (1440/2600)

- Speed Strike Intermediate level 2 (1470/2600)

- Power Stance Intermediate level 2 (1460/2600)

- Speed Stance Intermediate level 1 (1310/2400)

- Precision Stance Intermediate level 1 (1355/2400)

- Pocket Fireball Beginner level 6 (154/900)

- Flame Strike Intermediate Level 1 (1523/2400)

- Burning Touch Intermediate Level 1 (822/2500)

- Fire Blade Intermediate level 4 (873/3000)

- Life Burn Beginner level 7 (410/1100)

- Fire Bomb Intermediate Level 2 (513/2600)

- Flame Coating Intermediate Level 1 (1238/2500)

- Dragon Dance Art (Proficiency: Low)[/third]

Skill Window[third=Raven,Shadow]Sain[/third][third=- Spear Mastery Intermediate Level 3 (14/100)

- Shield Mastery Intermediate Level 4 (55/100)

- Bright Aura Circulation Intermediate Level 1 (0/100)

- Repair Intermediate level 1 (72/3500)

- Blacksmithing Beginner Level 6 (12/100)

- Shield Bash Intermediate level 2 (121/2400)

- Ram Intermediate level 1 (15/100)

- Double Strike Intermediate level 2 (1353/2600)

- Footwork Intermediate level 2 (1244/2600)

- Shield Parry Intermediate level 1 (61/2400)

- Spear Parry Intermediate level 1 (657/2400)

- Body Reinforcement Intermediate level 4 (15/3100)

- Anchor Howl Intermediate Level 1 (1240/3000)

- Meteor Stream Art (Proficiency: Low),- Dagger Mastery Intermediate 4 (11/100)

- Stealth Advance Level 1 (11/100)

- Dark Mist Circulation Intermediate Level 1 (0/100)

- Hearing Intermediate level 3 (69/100)

- Pin Point Hearing Intermediate Level 1 (36/100)

- Dark Vision Intermediate level 1 (45/100)

- Night Vision Intermediate level 1 (98/100)

- Locate Trap Beginner level 7 (55/100)

- Disarm Trap Beginner level 7 (52/100)

- Backstab Intermediate level 2 (1881/2600)

- Double Strike Intermediate level 1 (1674/2400)

- Climbing Intermediate Level 2 (19/100)

- Become Mist Beginner level 4 (26/100)

- Burst Speed Intermediate level 4 (225/3000)

- Shadow Step Intermediate Level 1 (2127/2400)

- Plant Botany Beginner level 5 (14/100)

- Divine Shadow Art (Proficiency: Low)]- Compressed Magic Mastery Intermediate Level 1 (65/100)

- Mana Control Intermediate Level 3 (15/100)

- Spear Mastery Intermediate Level 1 (52/100)

- Violent Energy Circulation Intermediate Level 1 (0/100)

- Identify Intermediate level 1 (20/100)

- Party Scan Beginner level 7 (50/100)

- Mana Bolt Intermediate level 3 (455/2800)

- Magic Arrow Intermediate level 4 (1923/3000)

- Paralyse Shot Intermediate Level 1 (232/1500)

- Poison Shot Intermediate Level 1 (279/1500)

- Mediation Intermediate level 1 (8/100)

- Summon Familiar Beginner level 5 (104/900)

- Wolf Summoning Beginner level 5 (47/100)

- Minor Heal Intermediate level 4 (1522/3000)

- Moderate Heal Beginner Level 9 (2215/4100)

- Weaken Intermediate level 2 (1046/2600)

- Iron Skin Intermediate Level 1 (15/100)

- Swift Legs Intermediate Level 1 (15/100)

- Berserk Fury Intermediate Level 1 (15/100)

- Bursting Will Intermediate level 1 (50/100)

- Water Fill Intermediate Level 3 (164/3400)

- Poison Removal Intermediate Level 1 (21/100)

- Evil Rule Art (Proficiency: Low)[/third]

“Ho...” Viv let out that sound clearly impressed of what he saw. The majority of their skills were in the intermediate level with only some of them stuck in the beginner level.

Furthermore, Shadow reached the Advance Level for his 'Stealth' skill as well. Only rarely would one find someone who achieved this much in less than a year of work. His talent in this area was even higher than Anna, his master. However it was only a shame that he lacked the killing edge she had.

From what he saw, this group was high keen on training skills. It would only take a few months to train a skill to the intermediate level but they did this with almost all of their skills. What with this, it was quite hard to see what they were specialised in.

But at the same time, the intermediate level was that much harder to level up that even if they wanted to, they cannot conceal with they preferred to use.

“Answer me this, it looks like you all obsessed with getting your skills to the intermediate levels. Why?” Viv asked them.

“It was Sain since all of a sudden he wanted us all to train in that” said Lyndis with a scowl at Sain for all that effort they had to do in those three months.

“Sain...was quite scary seeing us train” said Serena in a small voice adding onto what Sain did.

“Yeah he was almost as bad as Eden making us run those laps with our lives on the line or Alena with her everlasting smile as she tormented us with painful tasks” said Shadow as well taking this as a time to vent.

“Fortunately Alena isn't here since she isn't as kind as me on letting go of criticism on oneself” said Eden behind them.

The group paled but Shadow especially as they turned around to see Eden and Alexandra together. It was a strange sight since they should have known they were here at all...unless Viv told them.

But the group did not know that Eden had a special skill to sense all souls in a range. Namely no one can escape from him and he can escape quite well as a result...unless Alexandra chased you in which case you can give up on getting away.

“Well it's not like she will do anything to them since she likes them~” said Alexandra after seeing that the group were frightened of that possibility. She knew her daughter well enough that she was similar to Eden in tormenting people.

She patted Eden's head and said, “Plus we have this enduring loving father that can't help but to never say no~”

“....”

Eden made an irritated look before sitting next and Viv and ordering something to eat as well. After some moments, he asked, “So...? What were you talking about?”

“Just praising them a bit on their skill proficiency” Viv answered, “Unlike someone we needed to be reminded to train his skills in the past, these guys will be fine even if we don't watch them.”

“Oh~? The kids are getting stronger then?” asked Alexandra, “Maybe one day they will be strong to let me play with them seriously.”

The group felt a chill run down their spine hearing this.

“Stat wise alone, hell level wise that will be near impossible for them to do within this decade” said Eden though he paused and said, “You don't mean to...”

Alexandra smiled and said, “They are to take their 2nd class advancement. Why let them take up minor common classes when they can get really strong ones?”

“....That might really break them” said Eden though Viv said in counter, “Not that it stopped you from using that with Gen and those brats.”

“We trained them in mind for that you know” said Eden, “Plus I believe you two were suppose to be the ones to care about their well being not me!”

“Funny how things work out” said Alexandra with a grin, “Well as long as you don't make them do anything too dangerous without me knowing.”

“....”

“Eden~? Are you hiding something from me~?” asked Alexandra in a carefree manner but at the same time, there was this threatening feeling coming from her in all angles.

She leaned in closer and asked in a low tone, “Is it about that sword?”

Eden nodded and said, “Can't believe they made another one of those...considering what happened last time. Well it shouldn't have the same power as the original at least...but still...we may not be able to win this time.”

“....”

“....”

The group listened on as if their lives were on the line! This kind of thing you would rarely get to hear!

An opponent that even Eden was unsure to beat?! He who was toying with an all might Demon King like it wasn't his business?

“Well we can get White to help out again...speaking of him...where did he go?” asked Alexandra remembering that White helped out on reconstructing Witchelm city and disappeared.

“He has his duty as a Dragon King and I have my own. Can't keep it from him for too long” Eden replied. He took a look at the group and peered at their status window and skill window using another unreasonable skill he had...

“Well I can only wish you guys good luck on your 2nd class advancement especially if Alexandra is the one deciding the location for it...” Eden sighed in regret that he may not see them whole again afterwards.

“Location?” asked Sain.

He knew some of the minor details on the 2nd class advancement. Basically there were a bunch of places you could do so but in all, it was simply getting a newer, more powerful class. If the class was a Magician then the next class may be Ice Magician instead. A Soldier could also be upgraded to Knight as well.

It was something that wasn't exactly necessary but the bonuses of a better class was not ignorable.

“Hmm...yeah, Alexandra can take you guys there” said Eden seeing that his bowl of Ramen finally came to him.

Alexandra shook her head saying, “I need to go help Weed later on so I can't.”

“Viv then?” Eden looked to the right this time but Viv too shook his head and said, “Have business, can't do much about it for a while.”

Eden sighed seeing that this may be pushed onto him and said, “Might as well leave it to Gen and the others then, they remember where it was...”

The other two nodded in agreement and the matter was pushed onto Gen and the other masters of the group.

xXx

Some time later...

“Go into the forest where there are blue rabbits...find the hidden cave that looks like a fist and at the side path open up the small hatch....and...”

The group looked down at this magic circle that was engraved into the ground. Now all they had to do was pour their mana in and....

“Do you think this is a good idea?” asked Serena. Miriel shook her head and said, “Our masters said this would be extremely dangerous...”

“When is anything that involves Eden not dangerous?” wondered Lyndis.

“Enough of this already...we have to go sooner or later” said Shadow.

“....” Raven touched the engraved magic circle with his hand...it was designed to be used many times as the magic circle will take a long time to vanish.

“Well then...let us go” said Sain starting to pour his mana into the magic circle with the others.

But at the same time, let us reverse time a bit to what happened before this.

xXx

Upon being teleported by Eden back to Witchelm City without him going there of course, the first thing Sain saw was a middle aged man doing something with small figures, probably something to do with that battle simulation device he had been working on.

“Master!” he called happy, it had been too long since they met. He had a lot to discuss about him and was a bit eager to discuss tactics and strategies in battle.

Gen looked at Sain and said in a blank manner, “Who the hell are you?!”

“Eh?” Sain froze at that point. It had only been 2 years since he had seen him and he was forgotten already?!

Looking stunned, Sain saw that the next thing Gen did was cross his arms and said, “I don't know anyone who doesn't call or even send a message in two damn years! And that goes for the rest of you as well!”

“....So petty....” Sain sighed remembering that Gen wasn't exactly the best role model to have. Now that he thought about it, Gen really only have him the basics and nothing more.

Right now Eden, Viv and Alena have contributed to him more than Gen. Now Sain was wondering if he should call Gen his master now...

“Who the hell is petty?!” Gen shouted hearing those words. It was at that moment that the door on Gen's house was kicked down with a person in green and a person in violet coming in all of a sudden.

Sain remembered that the one in green was called Mel and the one in violet was called Jenny.

“Serena!” “Miriel!”

Both of them called out the names of their apprentices at once and at the same time Serena and Miriel were embraced by each of them.

“Serena, you grew taller!” said Mel rubbing Serena's head while Jenny simply looked and nodded seeing Miriel's new outfit in improvement.

Soon enough another three people appeared. One of them was donned in silver armour, another in red armour and the last...was somewhere?

“Lyndisssssss! Give me a hug!” Ron shouted leaping at her. This kind of action stunned several people at once.

“Evil Rule Art: Astral Bind!” Sain chanted quicker than he ever expected throwing Ron out the door all wrapped up and unable to move.

“Well that was unexpected” said Park seeing Sain do that to Ron. Even though Ron was drunk, it didn't mean that he let his guard down...that much.

Bang!

“Ow!”

Everyone looked outside to see a petite, short and near child like girl named Anna with long black hair and dressed similarity to Shadow on Ron's face. It appeared that she leaped off the building on him...one would question why she did that and another would question how Ron was still alive.

And at the same time-

“Wow!”

Gen dodged several hidden projectile weapons from hitting his eyes from Anna's position.

“Will you cut it out for once?!” Gen shouted at her with Anna shaking her head with a determined look on her face.

Park only patted Gen on the back and said, “Give it up Gen, she will hate you for the rest of your life.”

“....”

Gen had nothing to say on that matter and simply looked elsewhere like what Jenny was saying now. It looked like to Sain that he was trying to avoid the reality of being stalked and attacked randomly by a child like assassin all the time.

“Miriel seeing you in such...an outfit, does this mean...?” Jenny held out her pinky looking at one of the boys with a strange look.

Miriel made a perplexed stunned look on her face before shouting in panic, “Wait, what?! I did nothing to Sain yet!”

With an evil grin, Jenny's eyes went to Sain and 'observed' him though in reality it was more like stripping him with her eyes. Sain felt another large chill all over his body for the second time today.

“Sain! When did you seduce that girl?” asked Gen in a over familiar manner wrapping his arm over Sain's shoulder.

But Sain in a blank expression said, “I do not recall I had a master here as he did not recognise me”, Sain took a look with eyes that were void of emotion and said 'I don't know you so get away from me'.

“....”

Gen could only stare at Sain who did not even recognise him right now, or rather intentionally did not recognise him.

“Right now Gen in his head is saying 'I so sorry for ignoring you and so on so don't ignore me as well!' and so on right?” said Mel in a cocky tone to both Sain and Gen at the same time.

Gen took a blow to that since his mind was read.

Plus Jenny said, “He reaps what he sows. His fault for not being happy to see his apprentice after so long.”

Gen took another blow thanks to that.

After a few moments of this and that and more chatter between master and apprentice, things finally got back on track on what the group was here for.

As the leader of the group, determined in the first 5 minutes of them actually talking to each other back in reality, Sain said, “Basically we are here for our 2nd Class Advancement.”

Gen and the other masters looked surprised as Gen let out, “Oh! And you came here to get the next stage of the classes you have?”

Gen seemed happy that they had considered them in this decision. There was a large selection of classes that they could chose and to think they would come back here for it.

Sain nodded and said, “Yes. Eden sent us here.”

Upon hearing Eden's name, Gen frowned and asked in a slightly confused tone, “Are you sure Eden sent you here since he isn't the type to do things without a reason.”

“Actually it was Alexandra who proposed us to be here, Eden just cut off the 6 month travelling time to get here from Lily City” said Sain correcting himself a bit.

“Oh” Gen looked more fine since it was Alexandra who cares for the safety of this young group rather than what Eden wants with powerful people and throwing them away when they weren't useful.

“Alexandra said something about taking the same thing as you, our masters when you were getting your 2nd Class Advancement as well” Sain added.

“Pfffffffffffffftttttt!!!” If several of the masters were drinking or eating anything, then they would have spat everything out.

The ones that clearly reacted more than the others were Gen, Mel and Jenny. The other three simply accepted it since you could not oppose any of the Trio either way.

“You got to be kidding me!” Gen swore in a harsh tone while hitting the wall, “Are they planning on breaking you all?!”

With Mel and Jenny with a serious look on their faces nodded in agreement as Lyndis pondering what this was about, asked, “Umm...what do you mean by that? Eden mentioned us breaking as well....”

Mel sigh as she said, “Remember that trial Eden gave you to join the guild? The one you cannot remember about?”

The group sort of nodded since they really did not remember it at all.

“This one is worse than that.”

“....”

Lyndis was silent at that, although she did not remember the specific details of what happened last time, and asked, “How so?”

“....”

The masters were silent again until Park said in a serious tone which alone gave his words even more impact, “You don't want to know.”

xXx

“So when will you make up with Risene?” asked Alexandra after Eden teleported the group. This was not a topic to which they need to hear or even learn about.

“There is nothing to make up” Eden replied in a annoyed tone, “There isn't anything to fix as well.”

Angry now, Alexandra pushed Eden onto the wall and said, “Look, I have a daughter crying her tears out thanks to you and a husband that acts like he doesn't care!”

“....”

Eden did not reply which only caused Alexandra to get even angrier.

“You-”

“She looks the same as 'her'...” Eden finally said cutting off Alexandra.

“Three years passed and now she looks even closer to 'her' than before...I don't know what to do...”

“....”

Alexandra calmed down and listened to what Eden said and thought about it. Their daughter did look like 'her' and Eden named her that when he first saw her...even Alexandra had to admit that Risene was a lot like that 'Risene' in the past.

And because of that she knew what was getting into Eden.

“It was all my fault...from the beginning if I wasn't near her then...if I just let her die there...if I didn't screwed over her life...in the end I didn't even care when she died!” Eden covered his eyes with his hands and crouched down wrapping himself in his knees.

If anyone else saw him, they would not believe it was Eden.

That Eden who was all knowing and all powerful and could do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. There seemed to be nothing wrong in his life...to those who only know that side of him.

“No one could have predicted what could happen...” said Alexandra, if anyone was to blame, she would need to share it as well. She too could have did things differently, took her away from all that death even convince her...

Else it was at least so Eden wouldn't look so weak now.

To Alexandra, that Risene was a friend, but she hardened her heart at the time to protect and support Eden no matter what. And thus did not realise what pains he would suffer later on.

A Destroyer has no need for emotions, and the more they use their powers this way, the less emotional they will be become, until they will not even care if friends and loved ones died by their hands.'

Only a trail of death and destruction would follow them for the rest of their days.

“Don't worry...I am here at least. Viv too...Alena as well and everyone else can support you now...it will be all right in the end” she said trying to comfort him.

“You know, our Risene isn't exactly the same as 'that' Risene in the past...” said Alexandra pulling his face up to hers.

“How so?” There was still this dejected look on his face.

“She gets really depressed like you right now~ 'That' Risene would rather put a dagger in your chest when she had the chance~” Alexandra decided to tease him a bit and poked his nose.

If it would get him back to normal, then she didn't care what she had to do.

To protect Eden right now, their family was needed...

“Shall we talk to Risene then?” she asked hoping for the right answer this time.

“No...” Eden rejected that offer but now had a slightly more determined look on his face.

“We still have a lot of work to do. The location of the Warrior King, what he intends to do and to reinforce and prepare the Kingdom for the fight.”

Eden got up and put up the usual face of confidence but underneath was still that matter with Risene. Even so, that issue was not the main priority right now.

“Plus I want to know where and how that Warrior King knew of llyfr” he said with a slight shake in his voice.

If it was possible to see him again...

xXx

“God this thing is draining our mana really really fast!” said Lyndis in alarm that already half her mana was depleted to this magic circle that was only starting to shine.

In total they together had around 19 000~ mana and around 42 000~ health in total as well. If this magic circle drained health after mana had been depleted and it was still not enough then...

“Be quiet and focus! Make sure you don't send too much in else will kill you” advised Miriel in a harsh tone.

“Right.”

“....”

“....”

For the next ten minutes the group poured in all of their mana but the magic circle was still only half activated. What kind of design was this to force you to use you mana and then health to get to the location of this 2nd Class Advancement Quest!

Speaking of the quest...

Complete your 2nd Class Advancement!

Your masters have told you of the location of the site where you will take a test to advance to the next class. The class you will get will depend on your own efforts. Details will be given as you get to the location site

Rank: Class Advancement Quest

Reward: Class depending on the results of the Quest

“....”

Finally the magic circle was shining at full force. It's brightness caused those who looked at it to be temporary blinded as it's magic started.

“It's coming!” Sain warned not sure on what to expect.

With a blazing blue light, all of them were teleported.

xXx

Opening his eyes, there was nothing around at all...or rather they were in rather large room...one that was at least 100 by 100 metres large. It was so large that even though at the walls, there were bright torches, you could not see the centre at all.

“Where are we?”

“Somewhere underground at least...there are some small plants growing at the corners and edges..it near the surface though” said Serena looking at the plants life.

However Miriel then asked, “Has this trial that we were told about started?”

“....”

“Hello Hello?” asked someone not from their group...

There, Sain sensed there were three people standing, waiting for them. From their shadows he could tell that two of them were around his height while the third was around Serena's height.

“....”

The group silently waited for something to happen and so did the other side. However in the end, they heard a voice they did not expect here.

“So you lot are the ones who awakened us this time” said one voice that the group knew even if they wanted to forgot. That person seemed bored as he said that.

“Let's go fight and kill them over and over again~” said another voice that they were familiar with. That person seemed more than happy to see them.

“Don't forget why we are here” said the last and final voice that tried to calm the second. That person seemed calculative and were more serious than the other two.

“These voices...they're...!” said Miriel surprised as much as any other person who knew of them.

“Shall we begin then?” asked the first voice in a lazy manner making a wave of his arm. However on the other side of it, namely to the group, they felt that massive pressure go down on them all at once.

Flash!

Rip!

Sain felt that something was separated from...around the neck region. He could not believe it. It was all over in a flash, he could not even react at all.

You have died

Onwards?PreviousExitNext

Author's Notes:

- Word Count: 8500~

- In all I cannot see the group winning at all...therefore it became a discussion topic with Ninnin on how many times they will die.