Kyros frantically turned around and started sprinting in the direction he came from. The sound of his footsteps and ragged breathing couldn’t be heard over the high pitched screeching coming from behind him. Kyros started to prepare a fireball spell, because he suspected cave goblins may be in some of the caves up ahead of him.

The screeching was getting louder and closer. Kyros had been sprinting for a few minutes now and was dripping with sweat, yet the adrenaline and knowledge of what awaits him if he were to stop was keeping him going. He looked over his shoulder for the first time since sprinting, however the lighting in the cave was poor and he could only see a few dozen metres into the distance.

He knew though, that currently there were a number of ferocious cave goblins chasing after the cause of the disturbance they just felt. Suddenly a deep growl reverberated throughout the entirety of the cave tunnels, silencing the screeching of the cave goblins. Kyros had instinctively stopped running when he heard the growl, it filled the air of danger. The worst part though, was the source of the sound came from the direction he was running in.

Kyros had a rough idea of where he was and figured it was about halfway to his tunnel, so the source of the sound must be in one of the split off tunnels along the way. The screeching of the cave goblins returned, breaking Kyros out of his reverie. The screeching from behind him was louder, due to him stopping from the growl. Thinking logically, Kyros had no choice but to continue going forward, so he started to sprint.

A few more minutes of running and Kyros figured he was fairly close to his tunnel and exit. Luckily he hadn’t seen met the source of the growl nor had he heard it again, he hoped that he already passed whatever tunnel it was in. Kyros hadn’t noticed the heavy booming sound that gradually grew louder, he was too focused on escaping this mess. The sound of the booms were now loud enough for Kyros to register it over the screeching, and he started to feel vibrations in the cave. He had a bad feeling about it the vibrations, because whatever was causing it was bound to be big.

The further he ran, the louder the booms and the stronger the vibrations that accompanied the booming sound. The booming eventually built up until it was nearly deafening and the vibrations were strong enough to see the tremor in the cave walls. He also heard a low deep growl accompanying the booms and tremors.

Kyros knew that whatever it was, it’s close. He believed he knew which cave it was in, he could see it in the distance. It was obviously close to the exit of the tunnel, which would then block Kyros’s path. He knew it was going to be a close call, who would get there first? Kyros put his head down and mustered everything from his agility stat and Shadow Step skill. What made things worse was that he could see the silhouettes of numerous cave goblins in the darkness behind him. He could not afford to be delayed by whatever it was in the tunnel.

Kyros was nearing the tunnel, however the tremors were so strong now that he wouldn’t be surprised if the cave collapsed.

He was only a few metres away now. Suddenly a giant arm made of rock started to exit the cave, threatening to catch Kyros. Some of the creatures head was now outside the tunnel mouth but Kyros didn’t have the time to register it, as he used all the strength in his legs to leap. He closed his eyes, as this was all he could do now. Either he makes it past or gets squashed by the giant arm of rock.

Kyros felt the wind rustle his hair as it whistled by his ear. He felt as if time had stopped or that this was one really big jump. Suddenly he felt a heavy blow on his side, and then felt himself crash into the hard surface of the wall.

Kyros instinctively gasped for a deep breath after being winded when he collided with the wall of the cave. He felt a sharp, jarring pain in his left arm that was on the receiving end of the blow. Kyros opened his eyes.

-134hp

Status Effect: Due to a fracture in the left arm, you won’t be able to use your left arm for anything strenuous.

Kyros ignored the status tabs that lingered in his eye sight though, because he felt nauseous and dizzy. Kyros tried to get up however crumbled when he subconsciously used his left arm to help himself up.

-18hp

With a grunt due to the pain, Kyros picked himself up, avoiding using his left arm this time. He heard a deep growl.

Turning around Kyros nearly jumped back in surprise. Standing there was a 8-9 foot tall humanoid creature, what shocked him wasn’t its size but the fact that it was made of pure rock. Also its eyes… were just empty pits of black.

Title

Rock Golem

Name

???

Description

A giant rock creature, lives under the earth and in caves.

Level

51

Health

2000/2000

Kyros was astonished. He could handle cave goblins and elves, however this golem was made of rock. How did it function? Maybe the inside of it was flesh and had blood flowing through its veins, then Kyros could understand it. He was a logical thinker, and this didn’t adhere to any logic he knew.

The golem let out a deep growl and started to move towards where Kyros now lay. In response, Kyros held up his hand and unleashed his strongest and only attack, fireball. Heat filled the cave almost instantly once the fireball fired through the cave and collided into the golem.

-62hp

The golem only hesitated for a second after it had been struck, before it returned to its slow movement towards Kyros.

Title

Rock Golem

Name

???

Description

A giant rock creature, lives under the earth and in caves. Sturdy defence and a strong vitality, also strong against fire.

Level

51

Health

1938/2000

Kyros noticed how the description changed as his knowledge of the creature expanded, which he took note of. However, he didn’t have time to think on it because right now he was in real danger, seeing as though he didn’t have enough mana to combat the golem.

Kyros looked into the distance and saw behind the golem that the cave goblins were getting closer, he could now see their filthy, small bodies. Then it dawned on him, the cave goblins were behind the golem. Which meant he was in front of it, he wasn’t trapped.

Not wasting any time, Kyros started to sprint off, while the golem had no hope of keeping up. After he felt he had acquired a safe distance, he turned to look over his shoulders. He saw the cave goblins about to reach the golem. However, it seemed they ran around it and none wanting to be within its reach. Suddenly a goblin had veered too close to the giant golem, and it was splattered almost instantly. A giant fist of rock slammed down on it, sending blood and guts everywhere. A few of the cave goblins had started to eat the guts that were splattered in the distance, they were cannibalistic.

Kyros resisted the urge to puke while he turned forward again and focused on getting out.

Kyros had just turned into his cave where he picked up his pickaxe and tried to collapse the entrance. However, the goblins were getting closer and the cave wasn’t collapsing. He looked into the distance and knew that he had maybe a 2 minute advantage on them.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Screw it!

Kyros threw down his pickaxe and started to run, no longer following the plan, as the situation didn’t allow for it. The plan was supposed to be to collapse the tunnel and then the enraged mob of cave goblins would collide into the makeshift fort the guards had made up ahead in the tunnel. That way the guards would have to call for reinforcements, thus lowering the security and making an easy getaway.

However, now the goblins could bypass the fort and enter directly into the undefended part of the mine.

Kyros was now running to his room, as that was the planned meeting area for James to pick him up. Right now the screeching was as loud as ever and the goblins were maybe only a hundred metres behind him. Kyros just turned a corner where he ran into a guard.

After picking himself up almost immediately, Kyros started to run again. He didn’t have time for this.

“Oi slave! How dare you just run away! Also what’re you doing in this part of the mine? And what is that screeching sound?” The guard yelled after Kyros.

Kyros stopped, realising the fate of the guard if he were to just idly stand there.

“Sorry, but we don’t have time! Goblins! Quick run!” Kyros shouted out before running, leaving the guard to his own fate.

“What do you mean goblins! There is no way for them to be … My god…” The guards voice faded as Kyros wasn’t slowing down to listen to him.

Kyros turned to see if the guard was chasing after, however he turned just at the moment a tiny sword pierced his neck from a goblin that launched itself at him. He also noticed the three dead goblins that laid lifeless by his feet. The guard had chosen to stay his ground, probably wanting to delay them and expecting Kyros to warn the others.

Kyros felt as if his heart had just been stabbed. He might be able to be cruel to those he wanted to harm, however, this guard was innocent as far as Kyros was aware. He knew he was responsible for this mans death, and most likely many more to come. He knew it had to happen, however, it didn’t make him feel any better.

Kyros had just ran into the mess, the slaves were frantically running around and the guards were drawing their swords. A couple of minutes ago, Kyros had ran past a group of 5 guards that started to shout warnings, alerting everyone. The group of 5 chose to confront the goblins, however, they were most likely dead now. Kyros’s conscious just grew heavier.

He didn’t stop running when he got behind the safety of the guards, and instead kept running until he reached his chamber. He now laid in exhaustion on his bed, rolling over the image of the man being stabbed through the throat in his mind.

It’s my fault. That man most likely had a family, kids even. Now because of one selfish action, those kids will grow up fatherless… No. I can mourn after, I have to focus now.

And so Kyros just laid in his bed, listening to the distant shouts of a battle.

After the better part of a hour, his door flung open.

Kyros jumped up from his bed, frightened by the sudden sound. James stood in his doorway, sword in hand and green blood stains on his leather armour. However, James had an expression of relief on face.

“Thank god. I was afraid something had happened to you when I heard about the commotion.” James said with relief.

“Yeah, sorry James. It got… complicated.” Kyros said dejectedly.

“Don’t worry about it lad. You can’t expect everything to go your way, be happy you’re alive.” James said.

“Yeah, I know. But James, because of my mess up, innocent people are dying right now.” Kyros replied with guilt thick in his voice. James stared at Kyros before he smiled reassuringly at Kyros.

“Kyros, it’s good that you hold yourself accountable for your own actions. I would be worried if you didn’t feel anything because of this. However, you did what you had to. Remember Kyros, your sole priority is your own wellbeing. Now are you alright to do this?” James said gently. Kyros just listened quietly and let the words sink in.

“You’re right. Don’t worry, I’m focused.” Kyros replied. Although he felt tense about escaping, what if he were to be caught?

“…”

James just kept staring at Kyros, slowly he cracked a smile.

“What?” Kyros was curious and annoyed at the same time.

“You’re quite the flashy guy. The plan was only to give the guards some trouble but you decided to start a war instead hahahaha” James said with a laugh.

“Jeez, you know it wasn’t on purpose.” Kyros said. James walked over and gave him a slap on the back.

“Do I?” James said with a stupid grin on his face.

This guy! I swear even in the most serious of situations, he still finds the time to crack a joke. How can he be a spy?

“Hahaha alright, let’s ditch this dump for good.” James walked out, indicating for Kyros to follow.

This is it. Finally. Goodbye to being a slave. Huh? I don’t feel tense anymore after James told his stupid joke. I wonder, did he do it on purpose? Surely not, no way he’s that competent.

Kyros followed James, without turning back to look once to his room.

“Alright, what’s the plan?” Kyros asked.

“Well I had a plan. It was a good one to, but your decision to create chaos has thrown it out of the window hahaha” James said.

“Wait. So you don’t have a plan?” Kyros asked seriously.

“Nope. Don’t need one. I daresay nearly every guard in the mine is either fighting the goblins or guarding the slaves. We can practically walk out hahaha” James said jovially.

Kyros was walking behind James for a while now, however James had suddenly raised his arm to block Kyros, indicating him to stop. Kyros followed the order and looked to James to see what the issue was.

“There is a guard just up ahead.” James whispered.

“Alright, is there a way around?” Kyros asked in a whisper as well.

“No. Don’t worry, if I couldn’t handle this, then I wouldn’t be a very good spy hah.” James whispered and tried to hold back his laugh.

“You’re going to take him out?” Kyros whispered.

However, James didn’t respond but walked around the corner and insight of the guard.

“Hey brother, how’s the situation with the goblins?” The guard asked once he saw James walking to him.

“It’s pretty messed up at the moment. I actually have a report for the captain.” James said seriously.

“Shame. Real Shame. Those fuckers just came out of nowhere. If only I could fight as well rather than guard this shitty spot.” The guard said with anger flaring on his dirty face.

“I know. I wanted to stay down there too but the boss is making me take the fucking report. Otherwise I’d be down there slaughtering those bastards.” James said out of character to his usual jovial self.

“We share the same pain brother. Alright, you’re good to go.” The guard said.

However, by now James was right by the guard. Suddenly James hand flashed and then the guard collapsed, unconscious.

What! I could barely see his hand move! That’s way to fast. I wouldn’t even last 10 seconds against him with that speed.

“Alright, come on out!” James called out to Kyros, acting as if he hadn’t done anything amazing. Kyros walked out and started to follow James.

“Hahaha only a short distance until we’re gone now.” James said.

“James… that strike just now was… way to fast.” Kyros said still amazed.

“Ah that’s nothing. Wait until you see what some of the old timers in the family can do, I wouldn’t last a round with some of those freaks haha.” James said with his usual laugh.

“Old timer? Surely you wouldn’t lose to someone old.” Kyros stated.

“No, I would. Don’t judge by age or appearance. They have been training for many years more than you or me, and their skill is at a terrifying level. Also even just their strength and speed would beat me.” James revealed.

“No… way.” Kyros said in astonishment. The exit of the mine was now in sight, Kyros could see the daylight permeating into the cave. There were no guards in sight though so Kyros and James just took it easy.

“Don’t worry about it though. You have some serious talent, when we get home I’ll train you up properly and with the food my wife cooks… well you’ll overtake me in no time hahaha.” James said with a laugh.

Kyros shuddered at the thought of more training.

Suddenly a silhouette of a body appeared in the cave exit, casting a shadow into the cave.

“Get behind me.” James said seriously, no longer jovial. Kyros didn’t hesitate to follow the order.

“Hmm well this was certainly unexpected.” A familiar voice rang out.

Where have I heard this voice before.

The silhouette walked into the cave, no longer having the sunlight blinding him, Kyros could now study the silhouette.

The man wore a fitted black suit and moved with grace yet purpose as well. He had combed white hair and a thick white moustache on his upper lip. He looked identical to a butler.

Title

Mavis Family Servant

Name

???

Description

Personal servant to a Mavis family member.

Level

68

Health

2120/2120

No.

James facial expression went grave.

“What are you doing here?” James asked.

“Hmm I really hate this place, she’s always watching everything you do in here.” The old servant said while arrogantly ignoring James’s question.

“You’re supposed to be with your master.” James still wore his grave expression.

“I was. However, we received a report about a slave mining a separate tunnel from another slave. He was an interesting slave actually. Way to smart for mining, even if he is a gold class miner, so I took him as my personal slave. What was his name… ah Charles. Not bad for a slave.” The old servant said with arrogance.

Charles! But when? Kyros scanned his memories for anytime Charles could have followed him. That’s right! Back when I first discovered that the monster in the hole was watching me. I had actually heard him kick a rock but forgot about it because of the monster. Fuck. This is my fault.

“James, I’m..” Kyros tried to apologise but was cut off by James.

“Don’t worry about it lad, I like a challenge haha” James said with his stupid laugh but Kyros could see that James was putting on a facade.

“Hmm I warned master that you were trouble… Guess he’ll want to deal with you.” The old servant spoke to Kyros, however turned to James afterwards. “You won’t be necessary to make an appearance.” The old servant started to approach James.

James however turned to give Kyros an uplifting smile before dashing at the old servant, so fast that Kyros couldn’t follow with his eyes.

The old servant lifted an eyebrow when he noticed how fast James was before he dashed forward as well, also too fast for Kyros to follow. Kyros could only see after images of the two fighting but he felt every clash they made. The wind pressure alone nearly threatened to knock him over.

Fuck, this is my fault and I can’t even do anything! Kyros started to prepare his fireball spell, waiting for the perfect moment. He hadn’t wanted to use it because it could get his master in trouble but if necessary he would.

Suddenly a body was sent flying into a wall, so hard that the Kyros thought the cave would collapse. It was James. He was in a sorry state, his leg was twisted in a horrible way and he had spat blood out.

“Haha interesting, interesting. You’re a spy, from one of the other houses I’d imagine. With your skill you could possibly even be better than the captain here.” The old servant said. He hadn’t looked any different apart from a dirt patch on his left leg, indicating James got a hit in.

James however just got to his knees and coughed up more blood, he couldn’t even talk.

“Stay away!” Kyros threatened as he put himself in-between the two.

“Oh the cub thinks it can play with the adults.” The old servant said with sheer arrogance as he continued to walk forward. Kyros didn’t wait give a second warning, he immediately unleashed his fireball. The fireball slammed into the wall, hitting nothing.

Where? Kyros lost sight of him.

“Magic huh? I wonder… did you always know it or is the magician here doing unnecessary things? I’ll have to investigate that.” The old servants voice rang out from behind Kyros. Turning around Kyros saw the old servant standing behind James’s kneeling body.

“No.. Get away from him!” Kyros screamed, completely losing control of his indifferent self.

“Kyros… run…” James voice was so weak.

Kyros ran towards the two, charging his spell.

Please! Let me make it! Please!!!

The old servants hands flashed.

No!

James dropped to the ground, his neck twisted to the side, broken. Kyros stopped running, disbelief that he didn’t make it. Kyros just stared into James’s lifeless eyes, waiting for him to crack a joke and hear his trademark laugh. Kyros waited. Wasn’t he the main character in the game like world, shouldn’t he be able to save someone right at the last minute?

“Well this has worked out well.” The old servant said however Kyros just continued to stare at James, still waiting.

“Hey James, stop playing around, alright?” Kyros was now talking to James.

“…”

“Please... James. We have to go. Your wife and kids are expecting you…” Kyros said, his voice starting to break.

“Don’t be so dramatic. He’s just trash from another family.” The old servant said, using his shoe to rub James’s face as if he were standing on trash.

“…”

“Get your foot off.” Kyros said in a weak voice. The anger was building up, he usually tried to hold back this anger but he had no desire to do that now. The last time he let this anger out he had mutilated Dwenn.

“Hmm what did you say slave?” The old servant asked while still keeping his foot on James’s face.

“…”

“I SAID TAKE YOUR FUCKING FOOT OFF HIS FACE!!” Kyros roared, louder than his ever been in this life or his last.

Bloodlust Levelled Up Bloodlust Levelled Up Bloodlust Levelled Up Bloodlust Levelled Up Bloodlust Levelled Up

The old servant immediately took his foot off and jumped a dozen metres back. He had a serious expression on as he looked around frantically, trying to find the source of the vile and threatening aura.

Where did this come from? There shouldn’t be anything this threatening around here apart from her. Where is it… No way, it’s coming from the slave boy. That’s not possible… Something isn’t right about this slave. I know master has his plans but this slave is a ticking time bomb… I’ll get rid of him now. Master will be mad, but he won’t be excessive. The old servant thought to himself.

“Sorry slave, but I decided you’re going to have to die as well.” The old servant returned to his arrogance once he realised the dangerous aura was coming from the slave who couldn’t even follow his speed.

“…” Kyros didn’t respond but just stared venomously at the old servant.

The old servant took a step towards Kyros, however Kyros lifted his hand up in response and fired his spell.

However, this wasn’t a normal fireball. It was one that drained all of his mana but the size of the fireball was four times larger and the heat was many times more intense. The old servant lifted an eyebrow, however, he dodged the fireball with his ease. Kyros dropped to his knees, exhausted. The old servant now stood beside Kyros.

“That was a pretty powerful spell. I’m impressed. It’s a shame that you’re fighting me though.” The old servant said to Kyros, however Kyros just continued to stare with hatred at the old servant. Kyros tried to throw a punch but was too exhausted.

“Don’t want to talk, hmm well have it your way. Die.” The old servant kicked Kyros in the ribs, launching across the room.

-210hp

Status Effect: Due to internal bleeding, health regeneration will be ceased until healed.

Kyros didn’t pay any attention to that though, because he had landed right beside James. He could now see his lifeless face up close, the way his eyes were blank. Kyros took notice of the ring on James’s hand, undoubtable his wedding ring. Kyros took the ring off James’s still warm hand.

I’m sorry James… I promise I’ll get this to your wife and kids.

Kyros started to crawl towards the exit, only focused on getting James’s ring to his family. Kyros noticed the old servant standing beside him but payed him no heed.

“This is why slaves disgust me. None of this would ever had happened if you just accepted what you are, a slave. You know, your friend here. He was actually quite strong, probably could have escaped if he wanted to. However, he knew that you had no chance, so he actually tried to fight me. He’s pathetic as well, he should have known he had no chance.” The old servant was cruelly playing with Kyros’s emotions now. Although Kyros no longer had any idea what was going on around him, focused on slowly crawling towards the exit.

“Hmm well, time to…” The old servant was about finish Kyros off but stopped because a violent aura suddenly flared.

Hmm so she wants him… Well as long as he’s dead, I don’t care. The old servant thought as he kicked Kyros in the head, knocking him out. The old servant picked Kyros’s body up and put him over his shoulder as he started to walk into the cave.

The old servant now stood in the mess, right beside the hole.

“Well I have to give it to you slave. You made a pretty big mess around here.” The old man spoke to himself as he looked around at the many bodies that littered the ground. The old servant no longer caring, threw Kyros’s limp body down the hole, where it kept falling until it faded into darkness.

Deep underground, at the bottom of the hole laid a figure, beside that figure was a slightly larger and taller figure.

“You’re finally here… You’ve kept me waiting.” The female voice said.