Chapter 7 - Rover's Rampage

I slowly open my eyes......As I feel the light between my eyes and i then glee i happiness. Now who am i? I am Rover, i don't really know what was my name before i hit my head like a dummy but moving on.

It seems that i manage to take over the body of ''Noah'' for now. Though it may seem that i won't be only a day. In other words if i don't lose consciousness or fall asleep i would able to take control of this body.

i stretch my body and then with a surge of mana energy to bond together the piece of string from my a tunic then using the tree barks from earlier fused them and transform them into a rope. The long sword i use when taking out of the gnolls was already compressed back and turn into a bracelet. And seeing that the day seems over and soon it will be night time.

I channeled the energy mana and manipulated the rope and use it as a kind of swing to move faster. The idea was from a jungle boy who live in a jungle with some gorillas by the way. So right now im using it in the same way.

And i have no fear of falling since i already attached a mana thread on the rope so i can accurately grasp within time.

Then using the enhance strength of this body. I then climb unto a big tree and look at the world before me. The Scribe and those observers want this body to carve this world. So now that i have temporarily taken over, shouldn't i do what i want to now? The only thing stopping me is unconsciousness and lack of sleep.

But isn't this wonderful? This world that is. Those scribe did said that most of the if not all of the authors who originally wrote the concepts of myths and fantastical series might have observe this world. Though personally i have my doubts towards it but lets just roll with those gods.

Seeing the sun as it slowly falls into its own slumber. I decided to hurry up and go to the adventurer guild and report my success.

Passing within the gate without the hassle since my payment was still valid. I stride my way into the adventurers guild and leisurely walk. As i walk i can see the mana stones being lit up and the dark castle town slowly being basked in light.

The Mana lamps powered by the mana stones were quite have the same radiance as a florescent lamp. Walking slowly, there were some stalls busy selling stuff while some of the merchants were beginning to close for the day.

Continuing my leisure walk i took a glance and saw the entrance of the adventurer guild and then calmly entering the establishment and headed straight to the receptionist.

Showing the proof of my success the receptionist quickly processed the documents and rewards and handed it with finesse.

"Here are the rewards, please take it'' the receptionist said.

''Thank you'' as i took the reward gently and put on a small grin.

As i was about to turn back, a voice called me.

''By the way, do you happen to see some of them gnolls having a symbol in their back?'' the receptionist asked in a serious stare.

''No i didn't '' i lied with a straight face.

''I see, very well sorry for the halting you.'' as the receptionist nodded.

I lied simply because it is probably trouble. Why? Intuition that's why. My head was ringing bells and told me to lie.

Then feeling that my throat is parse. I headed to one of the lone chairs and table and ordered out some food and drinks to keep my throat filed. Looking at the roasted meat in front of me i took a bite of the tender meat and savor the oily food. The roasted meat was salty and the flavors were mixed, then using wine to add more spice towards it as i continue devouring till i fill my stomach.

Paying the bills i stood up and walked out of the guild. Trying to use the power of [paulum] i frowned. ''The world paused but somehow i cannot make use of the voided room?'' Rover stared at his and activated [qsave] and [qload] and seeing that he can't mess with the save points made by 'noah'. Rover then uncompressed the bracelet on his hand as it turn into a rope then using the mana threads to pull him up the rooftop of the guild.

Having an eagle eye view of the castle town. Rover then sat at the moon lighted rooftop and sighed. ''Hey isn't this the same shit i did back then'' as Rover remembered that dim rooftop. When he took over this body from 'noah' the only thing that he can get from his memory where the parts of him walking down the memory lane and then ending up into this world.

Now that he shared with a body with a new self, things were complicated. The moment he falls asleep or lose consciousness . He would undoubtedly fall into slumber in the void again. So what would he do now? So Rover [qload] into the place where he stand before and walk into the information broker.

Why would he go to the information broker? Simple, so he can know everything and use the power to load and save to ask everything that was needed to do. As Rover saw the place he [qsave] and then started a conversation with the broker. Then and then he asked everything in succession. Repeating the same scene and savescumming until Rover have learn all the information he needed.

Then Rover [qload] and stop himself and turn around straight towards the alchemy hall where the meister of the castle town of willow resides in. One of the information release by the broker was where the Alchemy meister reside. Thought the meister was hidden and only nobles and the ones who pay coin towards the broker can now his location.

Arriving at the mansion Rover [qsave] and asked the guards if the alchemy meister is in there. The guards only shook their heads and said that there were no master alchemist here. Feeling that they were lying, Rover rushed through them and binded them with chains and flew straight into the walls of the mansion and cut through the brick walls of the mansion and entered ,then what greeted Rover was a white robed man who have long hair and a mustache. Thought Rover was quiet disappointed that he have a mustache instead of a beard. He glared at the old man and arrogantly said.

''Can you disintegrate me?''

The Robed Meister only took a glance and casually said ''What if i can?''.

''Then teach me''

''I refuse'' the meister said straightly without hesitation.

''Then please demonstrate it into me'' Rover knew how atoms and molecules work but the chant and the energy needed was something that he never knew. So what could be a better way to learn it than by the direct and practical way?

The Robed Meister stared as if he was misunderstanding and casted [disintegration] towards Rover and said ''Farewell foolish one ''

Rover only smiled and then paused the world and look at the residual energy flow of mana that the robed meister casted! Then qloading he did the same thing over and over again and repeated his actions till he was manage to remember the chant and the energy needed to to cast [disintegration].

It only took 14,310 times of repetition till Rover finally was able to comprehend the spell. Rover would like to learn some magic spells like flight and the likes but since the body of 'noah' was formed to be a combat alchemist. He can't do something that is incompatible with his body.

Rover look gleefully towards the tower near the center of the town and then swing his way agilely towards the top and qsave. Then pointing at the mansion of the meister, he then gathered the energy needed for [disintegration] and hit the mansion and then as if there was an atomic bomb dropped. The surrounding are became a crater and disintegrated into ashes!

Feeling the joy of such power, Rover laughed at the power he possess and then turn his back towards the strongest protectors that appeared to confront him. Rover then laugh and sit cross legged before qloading and return to the scene before he chanted or channeled anything.

The castletown of Willows is now Rover's experimental area. Today until he grows bored, he will play the threads of this town till his liking. ''It seems this gonna be a long day Noah hahahahahahahahaha'' as the sound of a psychopathic laugh resounded in the air.......

****

Right now the town of willows was now in a dire straight. In an endless loop of death and repeat. Though there despair may only last a second. It still is unending right now. At the top of a tower lies a crazed maniac known as Rover stands as he continuously experimented all the possibilities a combat alchemist can do. From [creation] to [disintegration] there no limits to what he doesn't test on the poor fellows of the willow town.

During the repeated events, there were adventurers who fought in battle towards the monster that have appeared suddenly in the peaceful town. But no matter what they do their attacks and plan ambushes were all easily spotted as if the monster have already predicted their every move. The once happy and beautiful town was now part ashes.

Even the protectors the strongest guardians of the castle town were disintegrated without mercy. Even the messengers and the birds they sent were struck down as if nothing! With their utmost discretion they were still found out and hunted. Right now the only place that is safe is the Adventurer's Guild. The Guild is unharmed due to the protection of the barrier that the companion of the hero Goldall's mage comrade that it withstood disintegration and all the combat spells that the monster outside casted!

But even so, it has been half a month since the incident started and help was none in sight. No one interfered due to the might of the monster that has taken the castletown as its playground, afraid that they would be taken sighted by the monster and be targeted. All of the fellows in the guild and some of the residents who have taken shelter has now a look of despair. Despite the offers of wealth and even sacrificing the beautiful ladies of the town to appease the monster's anger, yet their heed were gone unnoticed and was all in vain.

They knew that the monster can do anything he wants towards them. But yet the monster only craved slaughter and using the residents and people to do his sickening plays of tragedy. But what can they do with such foe? Even the strongest adventurers of the town perished the moment they pointed their weapons at the combat alchemist.

But they knew that if the situation continues the provisions of the adventurers guild would soon dwindle and then soon will be empty. Either die in starvation or die by a quick death was the choices the people in the adventurer guild have now. And in one particular room there were five people discussing the situation.

Among them was Leone Swordreached the guild protector and the acting guildmaster of the adventurers guild branch of the castle town of Willow.

''So are the documents been gathered?'' as Leone question the guild staff and as if urging to be faster

''Yes, we have gathered all the information about the one causing havoc'' as a guild staff moved over towards Leone and handed 5 pages of documents.

Leone then read the pages silently and maintained his focus for a good 10 minutes and muttered, ''Noah Brendell a combat alchemist that wanders around the continent, he registered into one of the many branch of the adventurers guild three years ago at the age of 18. It has also been gathered that he studied as a combat alchemist as an orphan after a unknown meister took him in. The Last activities recorded of the person, were him collecting information on how to remove a curse that devours the soul...''

''Devouring Soul Curse huh...'' as one of the staff muttered loudly.

''So this person can be assume to have his soul consume and a evil spirit possessed him?''

''Possibly, but the information left behind told that before he have gone into rampage ,he have accomplished a mission to eliminate a group of gnolls on the willow forest waterfalls. After that he have eaten food and suddenly fling away at the top of the tower near the center of the town and started his blood rampage..'' as Leone flips the pages while frowning.

Leone have been collecting data on what have happen so far. During this time he was able to finally gather the information he need. But yet what he got what something he was dishearten. It seems that in order to survive they need to take down the monster called Noah and release him from the evil spirit that have possessed him. The main problem was that the enemy alchemist was too strong and have mastered energy control and disintegration.

Leone solemnly close his eyes and said. "Gentlemen, i have decided.....that i shall bring down this pitiful soul and use the guardian spirits of our branch, in order to save this town and its people from the despair that this monster has cause us! I the Guildmaster of the Castle town of Willows shall step out and fight till death! My only wish is for all you to understand my conviction towards this matter..'' as Leone open his arms wide with a resolute face.

The Guild staff only look and understand. The Guildmaster was willing to die for them, no matter what they will do it will all be in vain to convince the stubborn person in front of them and together they said. ''We accept the Guildmaster's Proposition.''

'' I thank you for the understanding'' as Leone slightly nod his head down in thanks.

After the meeting, the staff then made their way out one by one till the only person left in the room was Leone. Leone slovenly sat down and thought of his conviction. ''Will i win?'' as he think of the scenes of power that combat alchemist called Noah has shown them.

It was an overwhelming power, the power to take life with one spell and turn anyone into ashes by seconds is frightening. Many of the adventurers that have step out didn't even have the chance to fight back. As if there actions were predicted and calculated.

Many of the adventurers and staff have speculated that the only possible answer is that the 'monster' outside has the power of clairvoyance and was able to gouge anyone. The overwhelming power and the insight to see towards the future is a scary thing. Leone thought for a while and concluded that if he step outside the possibility of him dying is fifty percent, after all if the enemy knows that he will take action then there is no meaning to fighting right? But no Leone won't back down, he still have the guardian spirit and the anti magical equipment to prevent and null disintegration.

Leone then took a walk towards the halls and glanced at the statues and their equipment's. Today he would use them to protect the lives of the town. Today he would have to risk destroying a thousand years of age equipment in order for peace and justice.

Leone took them gently out of the statues. Then calling the staff servants he brought them into his room and laid them across his bed. After laying them, he ordered all the servant staff to go into standby and wait for further commands and have them leave the room.

Alone in his room...Leone took out a small box and started at it intensely. Inside it is a ring that he intended to give to someone special to him. The lover of his life, the reason for why his soul still burns brightly in front of despair. Though it may be harsh.....He must fight here and prevail over the enemy so that he can go to her and propose her hand in marriage.

Serena, she was someone that has lighten up Leone's life. During the time where hopelessness and angst filled his life. She was there to give her the slap and push in the back when he needed it. Serena was a woman that was tough and elegant. A Noble Magic Swordswoman who have fought for her city and have earn her fortunes and retired at an early age and have become a noble.

During the time she retired, Leone and her have become even closer and eventually became lovers. Though there were troubled times and misunderstanding there relationship never faltered. That's why in order to prove himself and ascend into a grand noble. Leone took the job of handling the guild affairs as a Guildmaster and have work for 5 years. And even if they were separated for 5 years, Serena knew that it was for her. They wrote letters and send gifts during those 4 years of loneliness.

Though Leone was supposed to hand over the title of guildmaster to a new prominent person in the end of the month. This disaster happen and now he is on the moment between life and death. Leone knew that this battle will certainly something not easy. The overpowering abilities and clairvoyance of the enemy has given and rooted deep fears toward Leone's heart. Leone maybe an accomplished magic swordsman but even so with his resistance and defense can't keep up with the unforgiving spell called disintegration.

Hearing the gong of the clock, Leone stood up and started equipping all the equipment taken from the status. Hooking the belts and tightly securing it in his body; Leone chanted an oath passed towards all guildmasters and as if the equipment was alive. They started taking form unto a majestic armor that covers the whole body. Enchanted runes covered the whole equipment as it filled with brimming aura.

Leone then called for an adventurer staff and then asked the staff to point and cast fireball towards him. Nodding by the request without any objections, the staff member quickly pointed and casted fireball. Leone stood there unmoving as the fireball comes in contact with the Majestic armor; the moment the fireball is an inch away towards the armor, the armor then emitted a gray light as the fireball was negated and was reduce to nil.

The staff member widen his eyes in shock ,but then after a moment of having his eyes widen, quickly regain his calm and asked to leave. Leone agreed and then gave thanks towards the assistance given and stood still as he stand in amazement towards the capability of the suit of majestic armor.

Taking out the rune sword that Leone possess. He then strode towards the practice hall and bowed in front of the statue of the founders of the guild....the hero party.

''Dear, founders, though in according to the oath we have have taken, that in the times the town the guild or any branches faces danger of destruction. We would take the copy of the equipment's you have left behind will and stood alone to face the enemy....so please.........guide me..'' as Leone prayed in silence then slowly standing up and turning his back towards the statue and said. ''Please watch over me and give me victory.''

****

As the adventurers stood in the front of the entrance. They saw the Guildmaster, Leone walking towards the center hall and then sheathing his sword the guildmaster said:

''My fellow comrades! I Leone Swordreached shall now face the monster that haunts this town! Though this man was once a comrade of our guild, i shall not show him mercy!''

''A former comrade?'' as the adventurers muttered.

''Yes, the one outside there is named Noah Brendell! Due to misfortune he have his soul curse and devoured! And due to the curse his body has been probably been possessed by a malignant spirit that feeds on chaos and despair! So therefore i as the guildmaster shall free and let him rest in peace! Though he have done such cruelness but it was not something he probably wished! Even if you Hate him or not this is the truth! So my brothers and sisters! Pray for me and my victory! So that we shall be free from this cursed spirit and gain our peace again!''

The Guild members went into silence and then they took action as they sheathe their weapons and raised them high and roared for the guildmaster's victory!

''I thank you my comrades.. .RAISED THE BARRIER!'' as Leone ordered the guild staff to open the door barriers.

Leone then slowly walked outside the door and said in his breath. ''Wait for me Serena, i shall gain victory and return to you!''

*****

Leone step outside and slowly bring over his eyes at the central tower. There he saw the figure of a man covered in hooded tunic. If Leone knew nothing he would have called the man to climb down...but no the man up there was no ordinary man. The man who have turn the peaceful town of Willow into a chaotic place! The Combat Alchemist....Noah Brendell!!

'' It's time to bring you down..........Heed! my call i call thee [Knight's Duel!] upon you!'' as Leone pointed his longsword upon the man once known as Noah and chanted the spell of the knights!.

Bright lights immediately surrounded and form towards the area of the monster known as Noah and as runes appeared out of the air. They then rushed in towards Noah and branded him with the mark of the knights! With this mark, the monster Noah won't be able to taken any more victims and focus towards Leone and fight to the death!

When the mark appeared, the monster turn his sights into Leone and then move with lightning speed towards the prey he have seen! Leone took a stance and decided to counter the incoming attack!

''Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-'' as Leone's longsword collided with the weapon of the enemy but then.. ''What- aarghhhhhhhhhh'''' as Leone shouted in pain when the enemy's weapon grown two sharp whips hit his cheeks! Leone was able to negate the lightning due to the majestic armor but he wasn't able to avoid completely the surprise attack.

Leone knew that the enemy probably has clairvoyance...and maybe all his actions right now are in vain......But even so he must fight!

''Here i go monster.....let me see if you can take me down!'' as Leone shouted, he rushes in towards the enemy and said '' [Flash strike]!!!!'' and collided with the enemy!

Leone thought.....''So what if he can see the future? Then i should be faster! Maybe he can predict my actions but that doesn't mean anything if he cant act in time!''

Shock waves resounded through the whole town of Willow's. Up in the rooftops two figures were constantly colliding and hitting each other endlessly and moves faster than the eye can see.

''Damn it....'' as Leone panted and glared towards the enemy who have been constantly regenerating it's wounds.

''Combat Alchemist's are really monster's in a sense....the power to control the world mana and the ability to regenerate their bodies....what a bother.'' Leone so far have no wounds, mainly because of the blessing of the majestic armor that even the hit he got in the cheeks were and have been completely recovered. Though he have no problems with his wounds, he still heavily panted as his stamina drains.

Though the enemy should be tired as well, it doesn't show any of it mainly because it has been using its ability to regain his breathing faster. Leone was annoyed with the status of this fight so far. With clairvoyance and regeneration, not mentioning the other heavy hitting abilities the enemy. He was having hard time fending off the barrage of attacks.

As Leone shrug his thoughts away and was about to move. He was his enemy transforming his weapon into a bow and fired off 3 arrows at the time and headed straight into Leone!

Leone quickly dodge the attacks and bounced off the roof and landed into the ground, but before he even can move he was the roof that he jump glow as the tiles of the roof tiled and turn into metal spears as it rains towards him!

Not waiting for the metal spears to come towards him; Leone channeled energy towards his long sword and fire off a blash of frost towards the barrage of spears as they slowly frost and shattered!

Recalling a bit of his energy, Leone brush of the the fog that his attack conjured when suddenly he felt a force pound on his chest and then like a kite that has lost its string, Leone then crash towards the wall and fall down the alleyway as he spat out a mouthful of blood because of the internal damage.

Before Leone can regain his footing, the enemy then conjured a energy arrow and fired it straight off towards Leone!

Seeing the fired arrow coming straight towards him ,Leone rolled to the sides in order to avoid the arrow but yet even before he can think he have dodge it, a stinging pain was felt on his left arm as the energy arrow hit straight towards the unprotected parts of the armor, which was the joints.

Feeling the pain, Leone then felt the majestic armor negating the energy arrow as it then simultaneously healed the damage done to Leone.

Seeing the foe stand up and regain his footing, the monster Noah frowned as he summoned energy and created chains as he flew off into a high point.

Seeing the weird action of the enemy. Leone took the chance and drank some stamina recovering potion and casted enchantments towards his long sword. Leone then take a quick look and saw that the foe of his is standing and raising one arm and pointed it towards Leone.

Alarms rang inside the head of Leone as he felt the surge of energy rush towards him, due to the enhance senses of Leone, he was able to make out that the enemy is casting disintegration and quickly rush with flash steps away from the are he stand.

The Ground exploded and turn to ashes as the spell hit. Leone didn't take the chance to meet head on the attack. Even he have the armor replicas of the former hero party. He didn't have the guts to test it and face the strongest spell a combat alchemist can master. Leone look at his enemy and pounced forward when seeing that the the monster Noah was having a spell rebound due to using a lot of mana energy.

Focusing a tinge of his power towards his weapon. Leone then stab forward as he arrived in front his enemy with flash strike and stab directly into the enemies abdomen!

''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH''

The enemy shouted as he bleed. Leone then notice that the sword of his was resisting a flow of energy and was vibrating. Seeing the sword shake, leone then pulled the sword out of the enemies stomach and introduce his right foot towards the enemy's face!

''Arhhhhhhhhhhhhagggggggg'' The foe shouted in pain and glared at Leone with bloodshot eyes as he regenerates all the damage made.

Leone back off a fourteen footsteps away from his enemy and thought in his breath ''It seems that as long as i keep watch for any spell rebound and move faster, i can slowly wither this monster.''

Feeling that victory may actually be in hand, Leone regain and rebuild his conviction as he dashed off towards the enemy!