The Next Morning

Dark Guild sent an assassin after my head due to a request, it was influenced by the Blue Waters' fame. Looks like someone actually wanted to kill me just because I had contact with Blue Waters and had the privilege of joining their guild, you can see how famous Blue Waters was for people to want to attack a kid and his companion just for interacting with them, they maybe a rival guild. I've heard that the top three guilds in this city are fighting each other, Blue Waters, Blood Wolves, and the Fire Hawks. Blood Wolves are the most ruthless of the bunch, they are second only to Blue Waters because Blood Wolves focus on physical attacks, Fire Hawks have alot of mages but still lose to Blue Waters because of the casting time and skill over all. Blue Waters is a mixed guild, they have an abundance of [Magicians] and [Knights]. The [Knights] are more dominant since there are few mages in the city.

That is also one of the reasons that the young master of Blue Waters sought me out personally to join them, a young [Magician] whose power surpasses that of many and with an age not even of double-digits, that's a tempting offer, once trained a [Magician] of that age would become the most powerful in the future. If someone saves you, you give them gratitude but you don't let them join the guild instantly and not even care about their background, he invited me because he knew that I was strong. The interview he held inside the guild was actually to assess my situation, after finding out I'm travelling with only one companion his doubts have been settled.

And so, right now me and Aine-san are heading towards the guild.

"Kai, are you sure there isn't anything suspicious about that man?"

"Nn."

I nodded my approval. She hasn't let down her guard because she doesn't know if I can judge people properly just by their facial expressions or acting. Normally when a friend tells you that another person is trustworthy you'd believe them immediately, but a ten year old kid telling you that and the person he was talking about is actually a very important person with a terrifying background, you'd have doubts. She believed my story wholeheartedly but it looks like she needs time to trust the Blue Waters. I also have a hint of doubt as to whether they will really provide us with what we need.

We walked down the side of the street while heading towards the direction of Blue Waters, I still remember the route I took going there and back. We stopped in front of a huge building that shone with blue colors. Aine-san indifferently looked at the guild and wasn't surprised in the slightest.

'She must be used to it', I thought to myself.

The door to the guild quickly opened as a man dressed in blue stepped out.

"Welcome back, Kai."

The man who wore blue was once again Ryo. He looks like he really wants me to join. He even personally welcomed me.

"Have you told your mentor about my offer?"

"Nn."

I gesture towards Aine-san and she nodded.

"I am his mentor, Raikiri Aine, I've told Kai that I'd check it out before allowing him."

"By all means."

He doesn't look angry or annoyed, in fact he looks desperate to get me to join. Could it be that a [Mage] has that much value in this guild, or is there some other reason? I think to myself but shook my head slightly when I couldn't figure it out.

Aine-san walked towards the guild with me following two paces behind her. Ryo was walking alongside her and seemingly looking at his surroundings like a bodyguard.

His attitude is even more cautious than yesterday, is there some internal conflict or someone plotting to disrupt my initiation? I can't tell. I have too many questions which will be answered in time. I release some of my mana to survey the surroundings and check for any hostility.

Surprisingly I sensed some hostility, dark red with a hint of black as the color of an aura means they harbor ill intentions. What was even more surprising is, they aren't directed towards me and Aine-san, they're directed towards Ryo! At least every person within sight harbor killing intent! This is probably why he's observing the surroundings to the best of his ability, it's because he thinks that his enemies will strike his companions before him and would in turn lose his benefactor. By my speculations, Ryo is a very loyal man.

The people who harbor ill intentions towards him maybe because of his lack of initiative and leadership, with his position anyone'd be angry if they had a gutless leader like this.

"Kai, I'll tell you right now since I don't want you to harbor danger because of me."

"?"

Aine-san shot him a questioning look while I feigned ignorance and listened attentively.

"Most people in this guild hold a grudge against my position and my skill, I've only been satisfactory and most of the combatants at my age can beat me with no effort. Because of this, practitioners started to hate me because they all worked harder and harder while I had a leisurely life being the son of the guild master. It turned from simple hate to an out of control grudge, a few years back some people impersonated me and my party and killed some of our members, only the high-ranking guild officials know of the truth but can't convince the masses because they will think they're just defending me."

Aine-san nodded and gestured for him to continue.

"So now most people who work under me or work with me are being pressured by others and become ridiculed. I am known as the 'Ingrate Ryo'."

"So why did you choose to tell us?"

Aine-san asked, I stayed silent while listening to the both of them converse.

"Because I do want you two to become involved in danger. If you gladly welcome danger you can join through my influence but if you wanna start from the bottom and work your way up which'll take a few years, take the exams, it is your choice."

Aine-san shot me a look and gestured for me to voice my opinion. It looked like she approved of this man and is okay with me joining.

"I will join you, I do not fear any danger that is within this village."

Ryo's eyes turned wide for an instant then his solemn expression turned joyful and he was grinning from side to side. It looked like a person who had been deprived of happiness smiling for the first time.

"Thank you, Kai. And your mentor?"

"No problems."

"Thank you and welcome to the Blue Waters, Kai and Raikiri-san!"

As those words were dropped, the killing intent on the background directed at Ryo were all of a sudden directed towards me and Aine-san. I expected that, it looked like they were waiting for me and Aine-san to deny him so they'd leave us alone.

"Probably another one of those..traitors."

A person in the background sneered.

"Yeah, I bet Ryo recruited them from the Dark Guild or something."

"I agree."

People shot out insults one after another, low but enough for us to hear it.

"How did the people impersonate you?"

Ryo glanced at me and sighed.

"I guess you still have suspicions about it."

"Not suspicions, rather questions about the people who did it. They must be pretty brave or have some extreme background."

Ryo nodded his approval and looked like he and his supporters thought of the same thing.

"Or.."

Ryo looked at me and furrowed his brows for a second.

"What is it?"

"Or there are people in the guild who are supporting them so they weren't afraid of being caught."

"!"

Ryo stared wide-eyed like he just had heard the most unbelievable thing he has ever heard. Aine-san closed her eyes and nodded slightly.

A bunch of people impersonating someone important, you'd think they were just brave or stupid. But when you analyze it closely, you need to figure out who would benefit from what happened, and of course it would benefi someone from inside the guild, an enemy of the guild master per say. I have a rough idea of the internal struggles of the guild right now, I'll know more in the future, but first I should probably gain favor from one of the two factions inside the guild, I already joined Ryo so I should gain favor from his father and do everything in my power to take care of the other faction.

I read in one of gramps' books that alot of guilds in history have fallen due to internal struggles, it is a common occurence for any guild, one without internal struggles would need a very capable leader; someone who rules with an iron fist. I can't say that I can rule like that, and I doubt people would take me seriously with this body. My power is not to be taken lightly but my age is too low and my body is still too small for people to take me seriously.

In the future when I'm at least fifteen, people'll take me seriously, fifteen is the age where kids are considered as adults. They can take on jobs and can live alone, they do not need any guardian's permission for anything anymore, on Earth, an adult is eighteen but for Gaia it's fifteen. Only five more years. For now I should learn what type of person Ryo's father is.

"Kai, I'll show you to your quarters and I'll be asking you to explain on the way."

"Nn."

He then turned towards Aine-san.

"Likewise."

"Nn."

We headed towards the halls on the left, these were the directions to the quarters for the members. A member can choose to stay here or outside but once a member reaches the rank of 3rd-stage, they are required to stay inside. Because of this, there are quite a bit of people living in the quarters. Ryo told us everything he knew on the way and then I told him what I meant earlier. I also told him that when I know of the reasons behind the power struggle, I will lend a helping hand. He had a really happy expression like he saw a light at the end of an endless tunnel.

Time passed by and it is now nighttime. We have gone to our respective rooms and I am now currently training my [Clairvoyance] and my other support skills. I have a feeling that I'm gonna be needing them soon, very soon. I supressed my power to the best of my ability so nobody should be able to notice it. I don't need an increase in power, and when all else fails, I still have [Black Hole]. It's a double-edged sword but there is more risk for the enemy. I'm thinking of countermeasures to make that double-edged sword, a one-sided attack.

I'm thinking of another [Destruction] magic I have. It's called [Gravity], it's not a double-edged sword but it can crush everything in the area around me. It said I can still change it so that it won't take my allies or anyone I don't want to target. It would take quite a bit of effort for that, maybe I should make something like [Imprint]?

I had my eyes closed as I was training, an uneasy face revealed. I currently have alot of moves for attacking at long range but I don't have too much of an advantage at close range, without [Time Stop], I'd probably have lost my life a few times already.

As I remembered about [Time Stop], I've realized I haven't checked my status in awhile, ever since I left the house at least.

"Status."

==========================================================================

Name: Kuroshi Kai

Race: Human (?)

Age: 10

Level: 145

Health: 600/600

Magic: 30000/30000

Strength: 2500

Speed: 4000

Stamina: 2000

Will power: 6000

Defense: 1250

Special Skill: [Memory] [Time] [Curse] [Seal][Logical Thinking]

Skills: [Multiplied Experience] [Multiplied Status]

Magic: [Elemental Magic] Level: MAX

[Enchantment] Level: MAX

[Nullification] Level: MAX

[Creation] Level: MAX

[Support] Level: MAX

[Transference] Level: MAX

[Destruction] Level: 4

[Time Stop] Level: 4 {20s}

[] Level: N/A

[Martial Arts] Level: 1

[Mana Surge] Level: MAX {1 mp per 10 seconds}

Titles: [God Of Time] [Prodigy] [Wise] [??][Milestone 1][Grand Magician][Knight Recruit][Blue Waters Member]

============================================================================

"Observe"

[God Of Time]

Granted to the one who governs over time, allows the user to learn [Time Stop], [Return], [Forward], [Stasis]. Lasts for twenty seconds. No backlash.

[Return], [Forward], and [Stasis]. I wonder when I'll be able to learn those. I scanned my status once again and saw something below [Time Stop], it said [], what is it? Could it be a skill in progress? But it isn't in any of the categories, does that mean it's a skill for [God Of Time]!? My hopes are up and there's a very low chance for what I'm hoping for to actually happen but for some reason, I'm okay with it being false. When I finally learn how to use my other [God Of Time] skills, I'd be unstoppable. I'm already unstoppable with [Time Stop] alone so if I gain those three other skills, I'd be a force to reckon with even amongst [Gods]! With my current state that should be enough to hinder a [God] but if I were to become stronger, I doubt any [Gods] would want to fight me. The power to control time, huh.

Although this power is clearly strong, I shouldn't use it too much. If by any chance I encounter someone who knows what type of powers a [God] can have, I'd be exposed! Aine-san has little knowledge about [Gods] apparently, since on this continent there are only five, if you include my pre-mature [God] powers, that counts six.

I found out that I'm actually a [God] from the markings before. It all flashed in front of my eyes but my brain needed time to digest that information. I get bits and pieces of the million words I've seen there from time to time. Often during midnight and three in the morning.

The levels on the skills and magic that are on the status is my mastery over it. It gets stronger each level and I'll be able to cast it better, faster, and stronger. It will also consume less and less mana, once it reaches the level of five, which is also the maximum, it will lessen the mana consumption to the least amount. If a level one casts [Black Hole] and takes tEN thousand mana, a level two could cast it with nine thousand eight-hundred mana. It will keep going lower and lower as the level gets up. Martial arts work differently, if moves consume mana, it'll lower but for most of the time, martial arts leveling up will improve my strength and ability to execute it. It'll give me better understanding of any enemies using martial arts as well. I would be able to tell if it was a strong type of martial art by instinct.

I learned some [Transference] magic back then, I've yet to use it in actual battle. I have skills like [Afterimage], [Blink], and [Teleportation]. Though they may sound really strong, [Teleportation] will only work if I set up a type of spell called [Mark] on an area or person. It can be erased pretty easily so I always use [Fortify] with it. [Fortify] makes a spell stronger slightly or makes a type of spell that is placed somewhere have stronger durability, so I always cast it on my talismans. It can make materials stronger as well. It's a type of [Enchantment] magic.

As I was observing my stats, a knock came came from the door. I open my eyes and close my status.

"It's Ryo."

"Come in."

Ryo opened the door, and his head poked out.

"Kai, I came to inform you that you can meet father tomorrow morning."

"Thanks."

Ryo shook his head slightly.

"There's no need to thank me, this is the least I can do."

"Nn."

I nod my head and Ryo closes the door silently. As I saw the door close, my expression changes from calm to troubled.

Killing intent, it looks like they followed Ryo to my room but he isn't aware of it. It isn't directed at him, rather it is directed at me. I guess many people can't take the fact that I'm staying inside the quarters when I just joined and I'm also teaming up with Ryo. I should teach them a lesson never to provoke me. I got up and walked towards the door.

I headed towards the outside of the guild after making sure they'd follow me. I stopped my steps and raised my head a bit.

"Are you guys gonna fight me or not?"

People came out of the sides of the guild and laughed.

"Ha! This kid really thinks he can take us on?"

"This is the funniest thing I've heard in my life!"

Some youths shot out insults.

"Haha, he really brightened up my mood."

"I think Ryo hired this guy for comedy!"

Two more youths followed up. There are currently seven people in my surroundings. I sense another five hiding.

"Those five people hiding, you should get out here too. Not like you'd all be enough to take me on."

Five people walked out from who knows where and laughed sinisterly.

"Hahaha! He can actually sense us!"

"That foolish pride will kill you soon."

"We won't leave a corpse behind."

Five men who wore masks came out.

A thought flashed into my head, 'Dark Guild'. Masks like these.

I squint my eyes and observed the five of them. The masks aren't as well-made as Dark Guild's, it must be an imitation to hide their identities.

I secretly sighed a breath of relief, if the Dark Guild had really found out that I joined this guild then they might be on to me when I eliminate their members. I'm not ready to take on the [God] with them yet. If it was only the guy who was sent to assassinate me, I can manage. People die on the job all the time, they must not care for him anyway.

I raise my hand forward and gesture for them to come.

"You arrogant brat!"

One of the men charged towards me, raising his fist. It doesn't look like he used mana.

I sighed and formed a fist with my hand. I imbued it with a tiny bit of mana. It should be enough to send him flying.

As he neared me I didn't move an inch and aimed my fist towards his abdomen.

"Ha! That kid thinks he can beat him in a punch, he didn't even take a fighting stance!"

"I'm dying of laughter!"

Just before all of them could finish their remarks, Kai's fist hit the man's abdomen and the man instantly shot out with a spray of blood following.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, but the five people who were found out earlier had no reaction like they expected it.

"Stupid, he didn't use even a tiny bit of mana and thinks he can beat the kid? Laughable!"

"Why would Ryo do all he can to recruit him when he can't do anything? Ever think of that?"

"He's a magician! Ryo was bragging about that before."

The looks of the six people changed, one of their companions shot out and even spat out blood. It means this kid wasn't as weak as they thought he was.

"Next."

Kai said in a low voice as he taunted for the next one to come.

"You are too arrogant!"

"Let's go!"

Two people shot out with their weapons, they used mana. It looks like they were cautious because of what happened to their first companion.

"Take my scythe!"

"My longsword will slice that head of yours off!"

Kai still didn't move and just looked at the two as they approached. He could run ten times the distance this fools jumped in five seconds, how could they compare to his speed?

As the scythe and longsword landed, it hit but blood did not come out. Kai's body got slashed through but it had no sound. The two who jumped out had their eyes wide open and clenched their teeth before they landed towards the floor.

"[Afterimage]."

A voice rang from behind them right as they landed. They turned their heads as fast as they could and they saw two Kai's standing there.

"Two of them?!"

"Clones?!"

They both charged out as they said those words. The result was the same as the first one, it passed through!

"Fly."

Before they could react, they suddenly felt a very strong pressure erupt from behind them.

CRACK

"Gah!"

One of them groaned as he flew like the first person.

The other one didn't have time to say anything nor make sounds. His body got hit straight at the center of his back and he looked like he was broken in half before he landed on the wall, face-first.

BOOM

Dust scattered all over as the man left a crater on the wall on the other side of the street. A look of disbelief flashed through everyone's eyes.

Everything was silent for quite awhile and it looked like nobody even thought about speaking.

"Who else?"

Kai's voice rang out in their ears. The remaining two people shivered and one wet his pants. The five people who were acting all arrogant earlier were also surprised and have taken fighting stances with all their weapons out. It looked like they were planning to go all-in.

"He's strong! Do not underestimate him! Attack him with all you have!"

If I sensed it correctly then his power can kill all of us in a single hit!

One of the masked men thought of a possibility as his forehead was covered with sweat.

What he was afraid of was actually true, Kai can kill all of them in a single move, instantly. They aren't even enough to take Kai's five percent let alone one hundred!

"Charge!"

They roared as all of them besides the three other people who were scared to death attacked. They came from all directions hoping to not give Kai a chance to counter attack at all! What they didn't know was, Kai was not only a [Magician] but also a [Knight]!

Kai put his right hand on his right scabbard. As the five of the masked men neared, he closed his eyes.

"[Gravity]."

All the people charging in mid-air suddenly felt their bodies get heavier, at least ten times!

"Gah!"

One of them spat out blood through their mask on the spot.

Kai turned off the gravity shortly afterwards and they charged once more.

"Die!"

The nearest one was a man with a dagger. He was behind Kai and took the chance to try and stab him in the back.

Sigh, how can they be that naive? Kai thought to himself.

Before the dagger made contact, Kai had already turned around and grabbed the blunt part of the dagger. He pulled on it bringing the man holding the dagger towards him. He positioned his shortsword to slice as the man was being pulled.

RIPPPP

Clothes being torn and wailful screaming could be the only thing heard. Blood spurted out of the man's body as he was being opened while being pulled with a force that seemed to be as strong as a gorilla!

Everyone else turned pale with shock but decided to use that chance to attack.

Kai quickly pulled the man next to him and gave him a huge kick to the chest.

CRACK

Crispy bones cracking. This was the last sound that man would hear for at least two weeks or maybe his life.

CRASH

The man crashed on the wall like the other people but he slid down, blood being splattered.

Before anyone had time to react, Kai had already jumped towards the farthest person. He was the burliest man and used a mace.

"Wha-!?"

Kai punched his stomach and the man spat out blood before falling down on his knees. A look of fear enveloped his eyes.

"P..lease! Spare me!"

Kai's emotion was indifferent as he replied.

"I won't kill any of you. I'll just give you a couple of months of intensive care."

Before the man could scream, Kai had already sliced most of his body with frightening speed. Not even a hint of blood splattered as he was slicing. Wounds appeared all over the man's body in an instant. Kai gave him a knee to the jaw sending him flying into the air.

If one were to look from afar, they'd see a black object going above the buildings and another black object following it.

Kai jumped as high as the man was sent flying and positioned himself above the man.

"[Guillotine]."

Kai kicked the top of the man's head sending him crashing down with a bang towards his teammates.

BOOOMMMMM

That noise would be enough to alarm everyone two kilometers away, let alone the guild in front of them.

Kai shot down so fast that whistling could be heard.

BOOM

He landed on the floor undamaged whilst leaving a crater in his wake.

"M-monster!"

"Run!"

The remaining people shouted out before fleeing for their lives.

Kai sneered and remembered their arrogant attitudes earlier. He'd of course give them a just beating.

Three Kai's suddenly teleported in front of the three of them.

"AHH!"

They all screamed like they saw a ghost and ran back towards the center.

"Please spare us!"

Kai stopped right in front of the three.

"I'll consider it."

A look of hope flashed through the eyes of the youths.

"If you do something for me."

They nodded instantly before hearing the command. It was like a dog bowing to its owner.

"Anything!"

"Anything at all!"

"We'll do it with no hesitation!"

Kai smiled sinisterly which made the three people shiver.

"Go to sleep."

With blinding speed he cast a spell.

"[Explosion]."

Kai's hand glew orange as he jumped backwards and aimed it towards the youths.

"NOO-!"

KABOOOMMMMM

The youths got blasted away, all bleeding heavily, one even lost his arm.

"That should be enough."

I better get out of here, Kai thought to himself.

"[Blink]."

Kai's figure vanished into thin air before the gates of the guild could open.

"What happened here!?"

A man who looked to be in his fourties screamed.

"An assailant!?"

"That couldn't be! We're extremely well-guarded so these youths must've caused trouble and got beaten up!"

A crowd quickly formed. They all asked each other what happened leading to alot of noise.

"No, it's in front of the guild. Which person would dare do this to our members? It has to be one of the two guilds."

"The Blood Wolves and Fire Hawks?"

"Most likely."

The man pondered for a bit.

"Everyone get back, there is nothing to see here!"

His voice rang out and everyone present heard it loud and clear. They all quickly obeyed when they found the owner of the voice.

The crowd quickly dispersed.

"We have to fortify our defenses and our watches. Prepare!"

"Yes!"

The man who was beside him nodded and shouted with loyalty in his voice.

"Blood Wolves and Fire Hawks, let me see if you still want to cause trouble against us!"