Rako slept all through the night and woke up for the first in a long time conflicted on what he would do that day. Normally he would get up, start exercising, then eat. Today on the other hand was different, he’d never been shot with an arrow before so he was ordered to relax. He was feeling stiff from all the sleep and being cooped up in bed all day. He ended up going outside to the training hall and he saw something he wasn’t expecting. The boy he protected was at a straw dummy slashing and bashing it was a training sword.

The form was horrible but he could tell those weren’t practice strikes but a way of venting. The strikes were in one word, useless. There was no form, no power, or speed, just anger. Rako was curious what was in going through his mind.

“Hey! You alright?” He asked.

“NO!” the kid replied.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Six people are dead, others are injured, including you, after that I just heard a very close friend of mine was just killed while traveling. So I think I have the right to bash the hell out of this practice dummy!” the kid replied in emotion.

“Damn. Sorry kid. I know your family is having it rough now but if you don’t get stronger how does that help anyone?” Rako asked.

“I KNOW! You think I don’t know? My parents hide it from me but I know! I know I’m stronger than other kids but it doesn’t mean anything. I know it doesn’t. If I can’t beat the people who try to kill my friends, my family then what’s the point?!” Kaiden fumed.

“Well its simple kid. If you know your weak then you have to get stronger. Strength does not come from your sword, magic or your physical ability. It comes from an incredible will to never give up. So what if you lose today, just swear you’ll won’t lost next time. I thought that as the son of the commander you’d know that already.” RAko told him as he walked out.

“Just so you know, six people didn’t die because of you. They died for your future. All your dad does is tell us how amazing his kid is. We all know who you are Kaiden, all the things you’ve done, and all the good you want to accomplish.” He said as he walked away.

“WAIT!” Kaiden yelled.

“What now?”

“What’s your name?” Kaiden asked.

“Rako Tisdale” He said.

“Im Kaiden, thanks.” He replied.

“No worries. See you around.”

Rako left the training hall in embarrassment, he’d just quoted the kid’s father as if it was his own words. He hoped the commander would let him off without too much of a punishment.

`Kaiden sat on the floor. Never had he felt so helpless, as he sat there in silence. Emotions ran through him as he held on to the letter in his hand. On it, it said that Eldys was murdered while visiting the other town, then the orphanage was set on fire and the orphans slaughtered. All of this was done while he was in hiding with his parents. The lives of six men, fifty children, and one dear friend weighed on his shoulders. Kaiden was in tears now, unsure of what to do with his future. Kaiden remembered the words of his father’s creed.

‘Whenever you are in pain think of it as fire, like steel you’re a blade being tempered. So endure the pain and you’ll be stronger than before.’

Pain. Anger. Despair. Worry. Kaiden wasn’t ready for these emotions of this level. At such an age he was still naïve, he was hoping that the problems of the assassins, rival merchants, and other things would sort themselves out. Ever since he threatened the craftsmen guild he’d been a target. Now everything was in danger and there was no hope in sight.

“Kaiden come here.” A voice said.

Kaiden looked up and saw his father there. Slowly he got up and walked with him back into the room they were staying in. inside his mother was waiting at a table with Lina.

“Kaiden we have something to tell you.” Maria started while fidgeting.

“Please sit Kaiden” Lina said.

“What is it?” As he sat down on the bed.

“Well Kaiden we’ve decided to run. Your father and I have decided to return to the Empire of Kedaesa. My brother is there and its time we continued the war from Kimala.” She said to him.

“Continue the war? What do you mean?” Kaiden asked.

“I am royalty, and my brother is Ruler of the House Kimala, our family has no lands but is still of noble birth. For the last ten years my brother has been building forces and we have been sending money to help him. The attack on us was a way to stop his funding. I’m sorry Kaiden but we have to leave you. You can’t come with us.” She said

“WHAT!? Why can’t I go?” Kaiden asked.

“Because if you go you will die, and it will distract us.” Christian said.

“Then what am I supposed to do? I can’t stay here! Nobody here will help me here, your enemies will target me so I have to go with you!” Kaiden pleaded, deep inside him he didn’t want to be alone. After losing Eldys he didn’t want to meet the family, he felt too guilty. Inside his heart was the wrenching pain of loss, he wanted to be with his parents more than ever.

“Kaiden we can protect you but we WILL die trying. I know that you need us but you must be strong. If you stay with us we will die, then you will die. We can’t put you in harm’s way like that. The only thing we can do is send you to some people we trust. Also we’ve made arrangements for Zigg to be with you.” Christian said coldly.

With that Kaiden knew there was no chance of him going with his parents. Tears of anger and loss flowed through him still. He understood that them leaving him behind was best, that it would be safer but he couldn’t help being abandoned.

“Kaiden we’re sorry that we have to send you away. Please don’t think it’s because we don’t want you to be with us. (sigh) Where we are going, is a place we will be recruiting and training soldiers, mercenaries, and even some bandits. This is so your mother and I can reclaim our home, the home that was taken from us, and the home you deserve to be in. we love you deeply Kaiden, but until you can protect yourself you shouldn’t come with us to the Kedaesa. I promise you once you’re able to become a skilled warrior or mage you can come to us.” Christian said sadly. Inside his heart he hated leaving his son, hated that he didn’t have the strength to protect his own family and friends.

The days they were in hiding there were attacks on the Eldys’s company. All the properties that Eldys and them owned were attacked and in ruin. Over the last few weeks while they were in hiding and were disconnected from everyone many of the friends his family had made were targeted financially, politically, and some were even killed. Only people in the military were safe from the targeting. The news of the unfortunate events happening to their friends and that there wasn’t anything they could do for them was aggravating to say the least.

Kaiden’s friends at school were safe of course but they had all stopped contacting Kaiden. Pressure from an unknown number of directions was forcing them to abandon Kaiden. On top of their friends abandoning them there was the issue of the orphanages he’d built up. The orphanages were destroyed by fire, the report said the causes were ‘accidental’ but it didn’t matter, the cost to rebuild, staff, and maintain them weren’t an issue but now none of the suppliers were willing to sell them materials and nobody wanted to take the job to rebuild. Thus over seven hundred children were out of a home and meals to eat.

Back in the moment Kaiden asked, “What would be considered strong enough to rejoin you?”

The three of them looked at each other not sure of what to say until Lina said, “Well you’d have to be at least as strong as a master swordsman of one style. That’d be the minimum before you’re even allowed to leave where you’re going. All of us here are masters of at least one style. As for you dad he’s the only one to reach intermediate on a second style. Christian why don’t you show him your stats so he knows what to strive for”

Christian pondered for a moment and finally agreed. As he showed him his ring and summoned the info he said, “Kaiden, stats are people can do without a sword, armor, or skills. These stats are all a guess that the stat ring formulates to give us an idea of what our abilities are.” Kaiden nodded as he saw his father’s stats for the first time.

Status InfoNAMEChristian GreywolfLVL202Strength280Intelligence136Agility200Charisma200Vitality302Wisdom110Dexterity192Leadership203

Kaiden saw this and wasn’t sure how to feel. The numbers meant something to everyone else but Kaiden was never shown other stats before so had no idea what to say. Lina on the other hand figured it out and started explaining.

“Kaiden the thing is that a level isn’t what gives you your strength in life, not your abilities or talents. Someone can be level 200 and be slow as a rock or quick as an arrow. The thing is though the skills you have are definitely more important than just your stats. Don’t misinterpret these stats, there are no ways to put into numbers or definitions.”

“What about blessings or enchantments?” Kaiden asked.

“The enchantments are different and as for blessings are normally not a very big difference. The different enchants are shown differently. Kaiden don’t worry but this is just so you know how strong Christian is. When you’re strong enough you’ll know. Now you should go and prepare for the trip.” Lina said.

“But..” Kaiden started.

“No buts Kaiden. We’re leaving tomorrow so you will go and prepare for our journey get everything ready on this list.” Christian said. He took out the paper and passed it to Kaiden. Kaiden grudgingly took the slip and left the room and began gathering supplies.

South-east of the West Storm Kingdom, fifty thousand leagues away was the center of the Continent. The forest of forgotten souls, an ancient place where only the strong could survive. In the last three ages never has it ever been conquered, settled, or even claimed. The legends of the forest were widely known throughout the land. It was here there was a place known as the ‘Temple of Dragons’ was located. Here nine followers of Krieg stood in a circle discussing what to do about the ‘Mark of Krieg’, all nine of them were [Dragon-Rank] Style swordsmen.

Here they discussed what to do, here they discussed the future of all lives of Zerte.

“WE MUST BEGIN PREPARATIONS!” roared a man in a red cloak.

“NO! We must begin with spreading word! If the people see our marks then they will become conscious to the events that will be unfolding!” yelled in return while wearing a green cloak.

“We can’t! If people knew the mark was here then the panic would not do us any good!” a man in blue cautioned.

“Enough! This is getting us nowhere. Valso, Kalyim and Retak, you will begin recruitment and training for us. Eldim, Winsor, Palema, and Takan, go to the heads of the Kingdoms and empires and tell them the situation. Leave out the West Storm Kingdom, a fellow brother is already preparing there. Wraithas and I will search for artifacts, and other things. If any of you find those worthy of talent then recruit them if you can, if not give them our seals, we will need them later. Now do this as is my order!” he commanded.

“Yes! Elder Dragon!” they all replied and within minutes they all dispersed to their appointed tasks.”

Wriaithas and the Elder Dragon took to the west, as they traveled various beasts and monsters cleared a path, instinctively they knew not to get in their way.

“My lord, Elder. I must ask your forgiveness but I will need a few days to attend to some personal matters.” He said.

“Oh? What matters would that be if I may ask?”

“One of a teacher’s matter, a pupil of mine requires some attention. His family was recently attacked by the [Fangs of Nazol]. I will rejoin you in a few weeks elder.” He explained.

“Very well, we shall meet in Setat.” The elder replied and like that Wraithas departed.

Rako was eating lunch alone by the southern watchtower. Ever since he entered the army he was happy to take guard duty on the southern wall. The view was one of his favorite, it showed the southern plains along with the southern road. He would see people every day and see the starts at night. Eating his lunch wasn’t so bad with a arrow injury, except for the pain of course.

“I hear this is your favorite view.”

Rako turned to his back and saw his commander there. Christian stood there with a smile, as he walked over and stood next to Rako. Together they stood there in silence, watching the people pass through the gates. To Rako it was a most peaceful scene, he could see the travelers, merchants, and adventurers come through here. Somewhere deep inside him he always wanted to become an adventurer but he never had the chance.

“So have you made a decision?” Christian asked while still looking at the scenery. Rako thought for a moment but still deep inside he still had no idea what to do. The decision to leave his life was hard, he had friends and even some people he called brothers here.

“No sir, I haven’t. At least not yet, it’s not an easy decision to leave your friends behind.” Rako confessed.

“Which is why I said to bring someone along. But I can understand how it’s hard, but now that were alone you can ask me anything you want. You deserve a choice, more than what we had.” Christian said with a resounding sadness in his voice.

“Where are we going first off, why do people want you dead, and what do I get if I go with you?” Rako asked.

“Heh, well first you’re going to a village in the south. Then you’ll be meeting an old friend of mine and if you’re lucky my master. As for who want us dead you’re better off not knowing, at least until you’re stronger. Lastly as for what you’ll gain for coming with me? I don’t know, but if you need money I can get you a hundred gold now. You may die, you may be cursed, crippled, skewered, or even tortured. That’s all possible. But what I guarantee is that on the other side of the pain is fame, glory, strength, and possibly a chance to change history and even a chance to be part of history. What we are planning is beyond what you can comprehend right now but I can say that once you take the first step there is no turning back.”

The young soldier stood there, absorbing every word his commander said. The fear of all those things were high, but what rose even higher was the hope to become strong, gain renown, and to change history was all too appealing. Rako had made his decision, even if he was to die he wanted to try and be a part of history or die trying. The orphaned soldier who became a legend, the temptation was too much.

“Who is your old friend commander?” Rako wondered.

“You ever heard of [Arthur the Weapon Master]?

“Of course, he’s a legend! Don’t tell me he’s your friend?! Then who’s your master?” Rako asked with astonishment.

“Haha well if he’s there then you’ll get to meet my master, but if he’s not I’ll tell you then. How’s that sound?”

“OK sir, you got a deal.” Rako said as he shook Christian’s hand.

“Ok then. Pack your things I’ll talk to the HQ and get you released. Go get packing we leave tomorrow at dawn. Also if you do get a chance to bring someone bring them to me so I can explain it to them.” Christian said.

“Yes sir,” Rako said as he saluted as they parted ways and walked off to his barracks.

Rako sat at his bunk, gathering his things, he’d made his decision to leave the army and go with Christian. As for who he would bring along he had no idea, and decided not to bring anyone but himself. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around.

“Hey there Rako, what you doing?” his friend asked.

“Hey there, Kalto. Im packing my stuff and im leaving tomorrow.” He told him honestly.

“Leaving? Why man?” Kalto surprised. Ever since Kalto was in the army Rako was there, working hard to advance in rank. Kalto knew it was weird and that something was off, yet Rako said it seriously.

“I am leaving with Commander Christian and his family.” Rako said in a slightly sad tone.

“I would stay but he is offering me something that isn’t offered in the military. Freedom. I’ve talked about it with him and he guaranteed me that no matter what we do, it will change the future of all of Zerte. How can I say no to that? Me. A common orphan to try to be part of history. Between a stable life of the army or some adventure for once, all those stories that the commander would tell us. Didn’t you ever feel like there was more to life?” Rako asked his friend.

Kalto was his junior back when they were younger, back then the orphanages were just as bad as the street they slept in. They were always together, even when Rako joined the army first Kalto was just behind him. The two of them always looked out for each other, through thick and thin.

“Actually, why don’t you come with?” Rako asked as he finished packing.

“What? Are you joking?” Kalto asked.

“No, I’m not. There are going to be things that we can do to change the world, so just like before. We will always be brothers, since we were young and always stealing food. Come with me.” Rako offered with his hand out. Rako stood there with his hand out stretched waiting for him to take it, except in the end the handshake never came.

“I’m sorry Rako, I can’t me being here gave me a purpose, something I didn’t have before. Plus without me the small orphans have nothing. Since the kids are counting on me to feed them. You remember what it was like out there… I can’t just abandon them.” He replied.

“I understand Kalto. Thanks and look after the kids, I’ll send some money if I can.” Rako said as he turned to leave the barracks.

“Wait… I can’t go with you but maybe you can take Athola? She’s still a recruit but she’s got talent as an archer. Plus she grew up like us in the back alley except in the darker side of town.” Kalto said.

“Ok I’ll ask her, good luck bro. stay sharp out here.” Rako said as he walked towards the training area.

At the training area there were a group of recruits training with the bow. One particular recruit was shooting bulls-eye after bulls-eye. Athola, the most talented scout of the new recruits, she was quiet to say the least, she was eleven years old with an uncanny aim. She always had this no nonsense attitude when training. She stood there knocking her arrows with her slender arms as she let loose her arrow to the targets.

“Trainer Zosa! May I have a moment of your time?”

“Second Rank Rako. How are you?” He asked.

“I’m doing well sir, may I borrow a recruit sir?”

“Sure, anyone or did you have someone in mind?”

“Trainee Athola sir, Commander Christian’s orders.” He told him.

“Sure, wait a moment. TRAINEE ATHOLA GET OVER HERE NOW!” Trainer Zosa roared.

Startled she missed her target but hurriedly rushed over. She stood at attention with her bow at her side. She looked scared, since she’d never been called out of training before.

“Trainee Athola you will follow Second rank Rako. Understood?”

“Understood!” she shouted.

“This way trainee” Rako said.

They left the training area and walked towards the main headquarters. They were stopped at the door, when Rako said.

“Here to see Commander Christian” Rako told them

“Sign here both of you” the guards told them.

As they signed their names and went inside Athola asked him, “What’d I do?”

“Do? You didn’t do anything this is a job offer.” He said.

“Job offer? What do you mean big bro?” she said, she hadn’t called him big bro since they were young, since he was ten. Once he’d joined the army she started calling him by his name, since she didn’t want people to know he was an orphan as well since it could affect his status.

“Look Athola, what the commander is going to offer is a really big offer, I recommend you take it and follow me there.” He said to her. Rako knew girls who joined the military were safer than being in the street but in reality it was just as bad with superior officers. He’d heard of stories where high ranking soldiers would pick or rape lower ranking female soldiers. He could never bare to listen to those stories.

They reached the commanders room and knocked.

“Come in!”

As they went inside they were greeted by Commander Christian but also General Ivan, and Vice-General Raz.

“Ah Rako, I see you brought a friend. Ivan… Raz... this is the one I was talking about. I was hoping you could do the [Sword of Qualification] for him. Since he’s an orphan he probably for access to a [Qualification Orb] at best. Am I right?”

“Ah yes sir.” Rako said shyly. Normally orphans other low ranking people when going through Recruitment day only had access to the Qualification orb. It was a simple orb that flashed three colors. Red for warrior, blue for mage, and green for healer. The accuracy was not so bad but in details it was quite bad. More detailed tests were done once you went to try and learn something.

Recruitment day was more like ‘this is what you can do day’ for the poor. For most of the poor they tried to join the army, or mercenaries but some would be turned into bandits. General Ivan took out the sword and held the hilt out to Rako.

“Just grab the hilt and watch the emblem.” He said.

Rako grabbed the hilt and saw the emblem change. The emblem glowed and turned into the shape of a single sword. This sword wasn’t your average long sword though. It was a sword with no guard yet still held a double edge.

“Haha well that explains why your shield control is so bad Rako. I know that symbol, that’s the emblem of an attacker. I don’t know which one though.” Christian said.

“That is the emblem on a specific type of sword common in the east land. Not very popular here but many blacksmiths are able to make it, it’s not that different than that of a common sword*.”

“Ah that’s good to know. Now Rako who is this you’ve brought with you?” Christian asked.

“This is Trainee Athola. I was planning on bringing her with us sir.”

“Ah ok, well since she’s here why don’t we give her a go at the sword as well?” Christian offered.

“That’s fine, Trainee grab the hilt and watch the emblem.”

She grabbed the hilt and again the emblem changed again. This tine what turned up wasn’t a sword of any kind but a bow and arrow.

“Oh looks like she’s just like Maria. Kid you have some natural skill obviously.” Raz said.

“That is the mark of the ranger, one of the rarest of archer emblems there are. Out of every million archers, on average only a one ranger is found.” Christian said.

“OK then now to the main reason you’re here. What I am going to tell you is a secret. Nobody is allowed to know, understood?” Christion asked.

“Yes sir.”

As Christian explained what would be happening and what could happen, she stood there listening to it all before she finally agreed.

“Are you sure? There isn’t any going back.” Rako asked.

“Yeah and I get to be with my big bro again so it’s not so bad.” She smiled.

“Very well. Rako take this bag of gold and get her supplied. Also buy this as well” Christian said.

“Yes sir, Come on Athola.” Rako said as he took her out of the headquarters.

Later that night Kaiden sat in his bed room looking over his things, as he heard someone knock on the door. Kaiden stood up and opened it to find Zigg there, smiling he hugged his teacher.

“Hello Kaiden, im glad to see your safe.” Zigg said.

“Thank you master zigg.”

“I’m sorry Kaiden. I’ve heard about what misfortune has befallen your family.” Zigg told him.

“It’s ok Master, it’s not your fault.”

“I know but im still sorry for what has happened to you, but I have something for you.” He said as he pulled out a large and small crystal.

“This here is a [Measuring Crystal], it is used to gauge one’s mana during training. This will help you gauge your mana rank. The other is a small communication crystal, it allows you to speak telepathically to anyone nearby but they can’t respond unless they have one as well.” Zigg said.

“Thank you zigg.” Kaiden responded as he gave Zigg a tight hug.

“Kaiden it was my pleasure. There is another reason I have come tonight.” Zigg said sorrowfully.

“What is it?” Kaiden asked

“I can no longer be your master. Your journey will take you far beyond my grasp and will require you to improve faster than ever before. It is beyond my ability as a master to help you survive your future.” Zigg said in a sorrowful tone.

“I understand.” Kaiden responded.

“I know you do, Kaiden before I leave you I want you to have one last thing. These are the introductory books on magic, they will be useful to you once you begin magic training. These books will guide you Kaiden, they are the best out right now. It can guide you all the way to a mage of rank one. After that you will have to figure out your own way to improve.” Zigg told him with a smile.

‘With these books even without a teacher he should be able to get to the first rank of mage no problem.’ Zigg thought to himself, seeing how Kaiden was also a fan of books.

“Thank you so much Zigg.” Kaiden said sadly.

“It’s ok, I must leave now but good luck and get some sleep” Zigg said as he turned and left.

Kaiden stood in his room with tears leaving him. Today marked the loss of another person he called a friend. Zigg had managed to teach Kaiden the basics of theory but since he’d not been able to use spells yet without a conduit he’d have to wait.

‘I guess I should pack this away and go to sleep’ Kaiden said as he rolled into bed.

‘I wonder what my stats are, I need to figure out how much I need to grow so I can get reunite with my family..’ Kaiden thought as he figured since he saw his father’s stats he wanted to figure out how much training was needed.

“Status Info”

Status InfoNAMEKaiden Tala GreywolfLevel--StrengthPretty weakIntelligenceNot BadAgilityNot that FastCharismaNot MuchVitalityWeakWisdomFoolDexterityFlimsyLeadershipNone

“WHAT THE HELL!?”

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A/N: Thanks again everyone who reads my story sorry i've been bust with school and other RL matters.

Also i will say that this story will have a chapter every 10 -14 days. unless i get a mindblowing amount of free time to write.

PLEASE RATE AND FOLLOW =] Thanks everyone!

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