A world beyond.

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Chapter 1: Rebirth

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Fire.It was enclosing,all consuming.It didn't make sense,one moment he had been there,in the classroom yet now he was here.Had he died?Was this hell?There was no time for any of that,they were coming.Slender black monsters,they lumbered across on all fours but their frame suggested they could stand if need be.They looked like some fusion of a bear and a xenomorph if that could even be imagined.

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They hadn't seen him yet,it seemed that they lacked a sense of sight and instead relied upon their hearing and smell to hunt.That being said as long as Haruki stood still he was in effect immortal.Although he wanted to run with every fibre of his being,he couldn't do it.His body twitched and urged but his mind continued to suppress the thought.However contradictory it seemed he was safest remaining in his spot.He had to put his trust in the message.When he had first spawned into this world,he spawned on this sigil;it formed a diamond shape and supposedly worked to give him “spawn invulnerability”.Though he was sceptic there was no other choice but to believe the message.Yuki's strewn carcass was a constant reminder as to why he couldn't leave.She had tried to run when they had been transported but once she left her sigil…

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Slowly though Haruki felt his body's fatigue compact upon itself. His stomach growled voraciously and the fire’s constant stream of smoke had turned to face Haruki with the turning wind. He felt his head dizzying,he knew he should sit down but he couldn't bring himself to do it. What if one of those monsters decided to attack him as he rested? The message had not given a clear warning as to whether or not this invulnerability had a time limit before the player would be forced out of the sigil. There was an irony to the situation. Haruki would die in his sigil,his safe place. He could either rot out from his core or slowly wither away. Perhaps he would just die from the poisonous fumes. In a way he envied Yuki,at least she didn't have to suffer this mental torment. She got the easy way out.

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He should have cherished his life more than he did.That was Harukis thought laying down upon the cold hard floor.He was stingy,bratty and probably obnoxious too.He wished he could apologise to his parents.His last conversation would forever be that stupid argument.He didn't want to do the dishes even though it was his night so his parents had grounded him.After that he had called his mom a bitch.It was stupid,in the heat of the moment he had said it, it was one of those things he had promised to himself he would apologise for when he came back from school. Now he would never get the chance. He only could wish she would remember him as more than that petty argument,but I suppose Haruki could never know.

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Maybe would be a word that he would grow accustomed to. So many paths,choices Haruki would never make. Well there was only one left. He wouldn't go down as this pathetic snivelling mess. His honour would be the last thing left. If he would die then he owed it to himself to die fighting. It didn't matter if he killed one of those bastards or none of them. He could run up the hill to his left and die halfway up or all the way at the top. This would be his final stand. Anything would be better than waiting another damn second,grovelling to the inevitable death he saw before him. Haruki waited,the black creatures had circled around Yuki's corpse,desecrating what was left over the past week. He waited until they turned away looking out at some bugs scuttling across the ground.

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And then he ran,the moment he stepped outside the sigil,raw determination and anger surging through him it popped up again.

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New ability acquired:Master of the inferno Lvl 1 ability:Fire manipulation

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What did that even mean?Through the holographic screen he caught sight of the monsters and they could sense him. Ravenous and wretched,they charged, pouncing forward in an attempt to end Haruki. Their claws were razorous and long,if they were to even scathe him,the wound could be fatal. No thought went into his next attack and so Haruki acted upon complete instinct. He knew he could not be hit so he ran forward into the beast. With as strong a grip he could muster Haruki pushed against the monster,latching to its torso. The moment he made contact he knew there was no hope. Strength emanated off the black creature and even channelling his entire body weight his tackle was failing to make the beast move a singular inch. Just as he was ready to give in,to simply let go-there was a spark. Fire within an instant had swarmed the beast and now it roared out in agony.

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Haruki jumped back from the circling inferno out of fear as he quickly tried to pat down his body when finally he realised he was unscathed. The spark that had caught his eye moments beforehand was there upon his hand slowly dwindling. He barely could pay heed to the monsters' writhing screams of agony as it experienced its first notion of pain,nor did he catch wind of the creature's comrades slowly retreating. Overwhelming,a sense of euphoria washed over Haruki. Life,he was going to live. For all that he had thought,theorised and calculated he never would have come to guess this possibility. The pieces of the puzzle suddenly seemed to fit in place. This was a game,just as the message had warned. He was a player and more importantly,he had power. Those bastards who had slaughtered Yuki,they were nothing,simple NPC’s. If considering purpose,they lacked every aspect of the word,they were only meant to die and benefit the player.

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If that was the game's intention then who was he to deny it?Haruki would make this world bleed and he would enjoy every painful second of it.

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Chapter 2:Analysis

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So far they had only discovered half of the remaining total. So far Mares hypothesis had proven correct,the entire class had been abducted. It had been in between 3-4 days since they had been transported. From Akahiko's scouting missions there was near to several or more regions that made up the immediate area. Along with this Akihiko had managed to rescue eleven of his classmates along with confirming 4 casualties. What Mare and Akihiko came to realise was they had spawned in what would be considered the peaceful region. Due to this fact they had progressed further than their classmates meaning they could save those from the more dangerous regions. For some reason it seemed that only half of the class had been afflicted with what Mare had named Levels. Within these levels seemed to be different abilities gifted to specific individuals. Levels could not be transferred or copied and was unique to each person. These abilities could have relation to what region the specific players had spawned but the correlation was still unclear.

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These Levels as the word suggests could be levelled up through defeating harmful entities. Whilst Mare had no power,Akihiko had managed to raise his ability to a level 2,the levelling process again,may vary depending on the strength and usage of the ability during combat. These were all things Mare wished to investigate.

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So far the list of people found included:

Hiroshi Tanaka-Alive. Level 1:Strength multiplier

Daiki Yamamoto-Alive. Level:N/A

Kenji Sato:Alive. Level 1:Electrical manipulation

Takeshi Kobayashi:Deceased

Ryuichi Nakamura:Alive. Level 1:Water manipulation

Shota Watanabe:Alive. Level:N/A

Yuji Takahashi:Alive. Level:N/A

Kenta Ito:Deceased

Satoshi Yamazaki:Deceased

Aiko Fujita:Alive. Level 1:Psychokinesis

Hina Takeda:Alive. Level 1:Under testing.

Rina Okada:Alive. Level:N/A

Hina Shibata:Deceased

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However there remained a large portion of the class which had not been found.

Naomi Hayashi

Kanae Nakajima

Emi Maeda

Misaki Ando

Nana/Reina Fujimoto

Tomomi Hasegawa

Mika Kimura

Hana Matsuda

Erika Otsuka

Megumi Ono

Yuki Suzuki

Haruki Fujita

Kazuki Morita

Masato Shimizu

Yuto Inoue

Kaito Hashimoto

Akira Yamada

They could all be dead,or thousands of kilometres away in this distant land. Or they could be on the other side of the valley forming a group similar to them. One thing they could never do though was give up. Not as long as they both breathed,together they would fight for a chance,a chance in this strange foreign world.

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At the current moment Akihiko was returning back with Hiroshi and Kenji from their hunting. To the east of their base was an elder forest of which there was many weak creatures to hunt. Many of these had a strong resemblance toward the farm animals of the real world and so Mare had concluded they were safe to eat. Akihiko had also figured this would be the safest place to level up and therefore make themselves more prepared for any unpredicted circumstance. When they returned they were greeted promptly by their classmates. What had once been a feeling of despair had quickly transformed into that of hope. Akihiko and Mare had saved them and more importantly reunited them with one another. The development process was going far quicker than anything they could have ever expected. Where once stood nothing,the group had managed to reach the halfway point in the completion of a cabin built to facilitate the entire class(all in only four days).

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Mare had also predicted this efficiency would double or perhaps triple with each level that Hiroshi’s strength multiplier or Aiko's psychokinesis would progress. If they followed the predicted schedule then it would also be true that agriculture would be deemed possible within a month thanks to Ryuchi’s water manipulation. This all was excluding their other classmates and the countless abilities they may gain and form.

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Everyone now had a feeling of hope and perseverance that pushed them forward. Somehow it seemed that they had completely adapted to this world and had done so happily. This led Mare to her final hypothesis,one that she did not share even to Akihiko. Many of their classmates gifted with Levels had undergone a transformation. These abilities held a connection to their emotions and had made them different to as they had been. Akihiko was the shining example that had brought this to her attention. Before quiet and seemingly docile,this new power had made him more gallant and outspoken. This world seemed to have remoulded Akihiko to its own personal agenda,he had been formed into a leader of the people. In this particular instance,although it pained her to admit,had formed a more efficient and hard working person than the one she had once known. The problem of this hypothesis would be that under the wrong circumstances the antithesis of Akahiko's nature may form in opposition.

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If that were to happen and this opposition had further developed their level or had allies with similar natures,they could in theory,annihilate their fellow players. Whilst Akihiko did this out of the good of his heart,it was a different reason in entirety for Mare. These rescue missions were more than saving their classmates,it was a matter of self preservation.

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Chapter 3:Dinner time

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It didn't make sense. She didn't understand what the answer was. If only she had taken a damn second to read the message. Hina Takeda had a level,she just didn't know what it was. She wasn't given a reason,but Mare was certain she had an unknown gift. For a week they had undergone testing for this power but nothing of interest had been highlighted. As for the rest of her hours,Hina spent with the others in simple household chores. Today she had been tasked with caring for Ryuichi,he had been injured gravely when they had first found him and Rina. They had spawned in the midst of a goblin camp upon a hill far north of the camp. It had been Ryuichi who had made the first move,grabbing Rina and protecting her body with his own as they rolled down the hill and toward the river. Once they had reached the river Ryuichi killed 2 goblins before they retreated back. From Rina's own personal account,the goblins tried to starve out the pair. They waited just out of reach of Ryuichi's attacks and laughed as they threw stones down at them. Finally Ryuchi made a run for it charging the smallest goblin.He may have got stabbed in the process but he created the escape route that him and Rina needed.It was lucky enough Akihiko found them before Ryuchi bled himself out.

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Rina and Ryuichi never really liked each other,but he had protected her all the same.He might have done it for his love of Yuki Suzuki but it was an honourable and courageous act all the same,an act powers or not Hina may have failed to do.He was recovering,Daiki had reported that he temporarily had gained conscious once on his watch.Mare predicted he would be healed within a months time and that was discluding the idea that they might find a classmate with a healer ability.

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After she had fed and cleaned Ryuichi, Hina went out leaving him to rest. Of course when stepped outside she could see the others all around. Mare had managed to assign a role to everyone and so they were all always busy. It was lucky everyone else decided upon mandatory lunch and dinner breaks otherwise she would have tried to work them to the bone.Speaking of bone, Hina was needed to be in the kitchen along with other non levellers which could cook.

“Oi i'm stuck with little miss ability queer?”Grunted Rina as she looked up from the cutting board,catching sight of Hina entering the kitchen.

“You can stop with the tough girl act. It's not like you've got a reputation to uphold anymore.”She sighed back in response.Rina was very much a tough girl.Back in the real world she had been a prom queen, takes no shit, kickass-esque student. Her and Hina never had a pleasant conversation of which she could recall,now in this new world though they would have to get along.

“Since when did I listen to…sorry you're right.”She responded.With some surprise Hina swivelled to face Rina,It was not just her ears deceiving her,she really was apologising.”Just old habits die hard I guess.”Rina mumbled out as she tossed the pork into the pot,boiling over the fire.”It's a bit hard getting used to all of…this.I don't know how the others are dealing with it so well.”

“I know what you mean. A whole new unexplained world and everyone's acting like it's all sunshine and rainbows. I mean that's good for them but…”

“Fuck them.”Rina spat.The berries juices splattered as the blade clattered down upon them.

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“They can just act like nothing happened and everything's okay when it's not, how is that okay? Do they even care? I know I don't talk to a lot of you but I know the reason behind it all. Every one of those pricks that got a power thinks everything is great. Now that they can summon a dragon or whatever they are just peachy about leaving behind their families.”She snapped.Never had Rina got this heated in front of Hina. Somehow it felt good,this conversation felt real and unfiltered to Hina. For the first time it felt like she knew who the real Rina Okada was. Quickly she was forced to turn away so as to hide her smile.She realised how it looked, like she had turned away from Rina in disgust but by now was it too late to turn back?Would that just make things more weird and awkward: speaking of the unspoken?

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The two girls stood there in silence, the tension felt as palpable as the stew's pungent aroma.Hina wasn't sure what to do. How was she supposed to fix this mistake when she had already dug herself such a deep hole. A change in focus,that would have to be it. She’d ask about something else and get Rina talking about a completely different topic.Hina took a deep breath,gathering her voice before she spoke.

“So…”

“How is Ryuchi doing?”Rina inquired without skipping a beat.The sudden outburst of speech was a surprise Hina had not prepared herself for but she knew she couldn't mess it up,she had to capitalise on it.

“Uh yeah…pretty good,His wounds are healing nicely. I'm guessing it'd be only a week before he starts whatever physio Mare has prepared for him.”Hina managed to stutter out. Hina was already cringing at her own words,wincing as she looked away,awaiting for the impending onslaught of jokes that Rina had undoubtedly pre-prepared ready for when she made a slip up. However this time, it never came.When she finally opened her eyes,she looked at Rina and realised she wasn't scheming anything.Instead she had been staring outward in the direction of Ryuchi's tent.In her eyes was an emptiness.

“Oh…I see,”RIna responded.

“Rina, do you actually like Ryuchi?”Hina questioned.This was enough to snap her out of her intrinsic state,her head came springing back to look at Hina,meeting her gaze with a fiery stare.

“No.Get this right Hina.I do not like Ryuichi.I don’t…I hate him.”She growled.

“Sorry.”

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Once again the silence dawned upon them.

“Do you know what I told Yuki when she first started dating Ryuchi?”

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“I told her that she should break up with him,I was convinced he was a classic playboy just looking to break her sweet innocent heart .God I was stupid.”She scoffed.”I made sure that Ryuchi knew I hated him, hell I told him that on a daily basis. But now…he's nearly dead.He was prepared to die…just because I was Yuki's best friend.”The last of her words were stifled,choked out amongst her tears. Rina had suffered far more than Hina had thought.

“It's not your fault Rina.What happened to Ryuichi was a tragedy and not one you could have tried to stop.”

“How can you be so sure?!”She shrieked.The noise was loud enough that now everyone outside began to turn towards the kitchen where they had been working.As she sniffled and

wiped away the tears Rina turned to walk away.”You can finish it off.Just don't overcook the meat, idiot.”

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Chapter 4:The mission

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Hero's heart.The ability to enhance strength,speed and agility within battle.Level 2 had granted Akihiko the mind of the warrior,allowing him to necessitate his opponents abilities and fighting prowess. In this new world, at least in comparison to his classmates,was a godsend of an ability. This was what set him apart,and what had led him to his role as a leader in this new world. Today Mare had sent him into the forest, to expand upon what they had already discovered, going into a depth that for any other person would be too dangerous.She had done this all in their lunch break. Mare had always been the brightest of the bunch,she had dreamt of being a doctor when they had finished high school. She had been made to shoot for the stars, it was one of the many things Akihiko loved about her.In this new world she seemed right at home, she was always busy working and concocting a plan for them to progress further. The thing was now she seemed more and more obsessed, her ambition driving her to impossible heights. Now their idle moonlit chats felt anything but, it was almost like every conversation had a motive behind it. Akihiko hated the thought yet it was almost like he was more a tool than a person to Mare.

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Eventually something caught his eye in the distance between the trees.Upon closer inspection it was a settlement,more specifically a goblin settlement. Of the 20 newfound species Akihiko had managed to document,goblins were the most common and 2nd most hostile. It was annoying but someone had to do it. Slowly he circled through the trees,using the shadows as his shelter. One good thing about goblins is that they carried gear-some simple stone and metal weapons but they were good enough to be used. Even the sword of which Akihiko wielded was once under the ownership of a goblin. He sought out the strongest warrior unaware of his presence to strike down first. That would make the rest of this an easier task. He neared his unsuspecting victim,drawing and steadying his blade.Thanks to the mind of the warrior Akihiko knew with a well placed blow he could kill the creature with a single strike.

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Suddenly another goblin let out a cry and the whole camp was focused. He was sure he had been spotted,no matter he would still have to follow through with the plan. The largest goblin stood up but before he had even turned,an arrow had whistled through the air planting itself inbetweenst the creatures eyes.He jumped back in shock and quickly barrelled into the nearest bush to conceal himself.From the branches came a barrage of cloaked forces jumping down, swiftly dismembering the goblin forces and all resistance. It was done within less than a minute and now the creatures began to rifle through the goods. They were humanoid, that was the most striking fact he first spotted. The second came when they dropped their hoods and revealed human faces with pointed ears. Elves. In that moment, mixed emotions flooded through Akihiko,a combination of excitement, fear and joy culminating into one. Mare once had briefly explained what were to happen if elves,dwarves or other subhuman intelligent species were to be spotted. It seemed Akihiko had not explored far enough,for this was proof of elves and in return an elven civilisation.It would similarly not be foolish to think that other sub human species existed and formed their own civilisations. Suddenly, they were no longer alone in this world.

“Galanestra look!A human is here!”An elf cried.Before he could even turn to run,the creaking of their bow strings ran out like a symphony amongst the forest. Looking up he realised they numbered far greater than he had predicted,amongst the branches was elf after elf,all with their bows readied with great enough power and precision to make a large goblin fall within a single shot.The best case scenario that the mind of the warrior could foresee in a fight would be that Akihiko could take 20 of their lives before he would be shot down. The best thing he could do now was play this smart. From the corner of his eye he could see an elf stepping forward, circling him.The elf was female and stood about 5’4 with most of her figure obscured in a cloak.From a distance her only features that could be used to tell her from the others was her black hair and her fair pale skin.

“State your business and master human. Do that and depending on your answer we may make your death quick and painless.”She commanded but strangely enough there was an undeniable quiver in her voice. The words sounded foreign to her, as if she was speaking not saying them. Why was she nervous?For now at least it would be advantageous to play along with her game, even if he had no master or specific business this could be a key point for him to extract information.

“I came here to explore and I have no master so as to speak. I have come here simply of my own accord.”

“Blasphemy.Do not think you can lie your way out of this human,we know of your kind and their dishonourable ways but to think you would resort to this.You are simply a spy of the kingdom of Thalindor are you not? I assure you,such blatant treachery will not stand, we are not naive.”She spat. Thalindor? Never mind that, she was definitely nervous. In an attempt to make her seem more imposing she stepped forward whilst stamping her foot, closing the distance.

“I have told you I am of no kingdom.I serve no man and live of my own will.Please may I ask you to let me go?”He queried. There was no time for this,he needed to report back to Mare, figure out what their next plan of action would be. The elf started to speak again.

“We would never let go of such a low and scummy creature! Why would we ever show mercy to your people after what you had done to us?”With her final bark she closed the last of the distance. He could see the glint in her eyes, and he saw the dagger laying dormant in her left hand. Before she ever made her move he grabbed her hand and twisted it causing the blade to drop to the ground. Grabbing a hold of her uniform with the other,he quickly positioned himself behind the elf. This time he retrieved his own blade and pressed it against the elfs throat

“Let me go you…”

“I'll ask you once more, elf. You let me go first and perhaps I will consider returning the favour. Do that and I swear upon my life you will live.Those are the only terms I will agree to.”Coldly,Akihiko stated.There was no room for error in this exchange,he couldn't show weakness. In these hostage situations,the people being held hostage needed to be unable to question their captor's power, in cases in which this was not true the hostages would band against their captor and kill him. At least that's what one of the episodes on his mothers favourite crime show taught him.

“Who do you think you are to make demands?Do you know what you're doing?!We…”

“I do not care.Please let me escape and you will never see me again.If not then unfortunately we have no other option to choose beside our conjoined untimely demise.”He warned. It looked like it was working,he could see the elves within the trees faltering,looking between themselves with disconcerting glances.Those in the ground remained ready for combat though none dared to approach. It seemed that Akihiko had chosen a good target to take.

“What stops you from killing me still and then running afterward?”She challenged.It looked like she had given into negotiation.The hard part was done,now they only need compromise upon common ground.

“I see your point.It would not be much of a deal if you didn't have a failsafe if things went south.”He concurred.”Very well.I say for a fair and equal trade,you make all your comrades disperse exempt for 10. These will be your failsafe,as if I do kill you then they will have the chance to hunt me down. However to compensate for my lack of men I must suggest you place them in an easterly direction. I have come from the west and will return in that direction, in the spirit of being fair I believe I should not be encircled when I release you.This should guarantee both our safeties in the most equal capacity,do you agree to these terms?”He coaxed.In this moment Akihiko felt proud of himself,his logic was sound and throughout he seemed professional and calm.Somehow he was pulling all of this off without messing it up,just like Sherlock Holmes or one of the other greats before him.He was 10X more badass than he had been before all of this or atleast he hoped he seemed like it.The elf let out a long and foreboding sigh,accepting her defeat.Slowly she raised her hand above her head and made a signal.The hidden brigade began its parade back to wherever they came,in a somewhat north easterly direction.Hopping from tree to tree soon they were completely out of sight.There was only 10 elves left,7 men and 3 women,presumably the strongest and most loyal to the leading female elf. Now that he got a better look at them at a closer distance they seemed young, maybe even younger than he was. Albeit they may have been 50 in human years, their faces were a tongue juvenile. Perhaps this was why this elf had been worried, maybe these were her students of some sort. It was scary to think that even at their relative age they could have killed him. Just as they had agreed upon,they formed a semi circle to Akihiko's easterly side, leaving the west completely open for him to run. He was going to hand her back when a final thought struck his head.

“There is one more thing I need to add to our deal.”

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“I understand and I apologise for that but I feel I have no choice in this matter.It is a simple request, I only ask you do not harm any humans you may find in this forest that say they have no connection to a kingdom.There is a high probability they will be disoriented and confused but they do not mean harm.I understand you do not have to comply with this final rule,nor will I know if you do or do not. I only beg of you that you show mercy.”He plead.There was no real substance to his claim and he realised a threat would no longer necessary work under these terms.He pushed the commanding elf to her subordinates before bounding back to the cabin as quickly and effectively as he considered possible.All he could do was pray that his words fell upon their hearts and that his classmates be found in a peaceful and forgiving plain.

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It did not take long before he had managed to return back and immediately he called a meeting. Akihiko went on to disclose the information that he had found to a mixed crowd. Some found joy and revelation in the idea of civilisation,others found fear of what they would do and how the elves may react to their unexplained existence.Mare had thought it to be excellent news, sub human species only pointed to there being other intelligent species as well as their being human civilisation. Of all the reactions there were two missing,Kenji and Shota’s. Under Mares' command,they had been sent out two hours prior,to further explore the region whilst Akihiko was busy.

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Chapter 5-Kanae Nakijima

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“God can we just go back yet? Look,we can just lie to Mare and say we explored the full 10k and she will never know.”Kenji whined,dragging his feet across the ground in a slow begrudging manner.He had never been a fan of the outdoors. Now Kenji only could scold his past self for not getting in better shape as now he found himself on his 7th kilometre, faced with a hill worse than mount everest.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLGMlFH25v
“Now is that treason you're speaking of?”Taunted Shota,peering over his shoulder to smirk back at Kenji and his exaggerated exhaustion.

“Don't pull that B.S on me!It ain't like I'm betraying the human race cause I don't feel like doing all this damn cardio.”He retorted.

“Well someones gotta do it and powers or not I can't let Akihiko do all the heavy lifting. Plus if I get attacked I need someone with powers to back me up. That is of course why you're here you know?”He teased back,revelling in the moment before Kenji's explosion of fury.

“Don't you spin this now!Mare gave me this damn mission not you!I ain't your sidekick,she only put you on this because she felt bad for you being a powerless loser!”Kenji fumed,spouting out any nonsense that came to his head as he charged up towards Shota.

“Huh…now you say it like that, aint it a bit funny?I don't have a single power but Mare still considered us as equal in importance.I mean if you think about it like that then…”

“Shut it already!We get it, you were on the track and field team.You think you’re so cool and all but then again…I dont think I’ve seen you be able to control mother fucking lightning!”Kenji shouted,summoning sparks to his fingers in a small display of power,meant to impress Shota as they progressed upward.This squabbling was classic of the duo and they loved doing it. Before it had been arguing over video games and girls but now it was this.This perhaps was the one thing that remained constant in their relationship.

“Of course that's what you fixate on, you absolute…”

As Kenji barked nonsense back at Shota in a classic rebuttal,they brought level with the hill.Shota could suddenly see it,not far from where they stood.A village.

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“Uh huh.”

They stood there,stunned and unable to speak through the shock and surprise.They had done it,found the impossible.

“Wooh baby!Take that world!We’ve fucking done it!”Kenji cheered,pumping his fist into the air.Everything in a mile radius would have undoubtedly heard his screams of joy.He thought this was it,they had completed the ultimate goal.

“Calm it for a second dude.We ain't even sure that's a human settlement or whatever the hell else it could be home to.”

“Seriously?You're gonna go there? Dude that village looks like something straight out of our history books!I don't care if they are human or not, if they can make something like that they are close enough.”Without a second thought,Kenji charged forward pushing past his quickly forgotten fatigue.Nothing would stop him at this point so all Shota could afford was an eye roll before he was forced to join Kenji.

“If we die it's your fault dummy.”He sighed.

“Don't worry so much princess.Things go south you've got the great Kenji to save you.That is why I am here isn't it?”

“Let's get to it then.”

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Even though Shota acted otherwise,he was perhaps just as exhilarated to meet the villagers.Under the assumption that they were human,this would be first contact.Like Neil Armstrong and the aliens, him and Kenji with the villagers would be a momentous event. There would be shockwaves sent through this entire world and their classmates would have to praise them for another 10 years to fully make up the importance of their hard work.Plus if they were human then chances are there would be a few babes. There would be better chances with one of them than one of his classmates. As they approached the village,their hopes were confirmed as they caught sight of others. They could see humans.The closer they got the more they saw,the more they understood. Technology and culture seemed to be placed around a mediaeval era. Close to them was a small girl,digging a hole.

“Now see,a perfectly non violent innocent little girl,surely you can't be superstitious about her Shota?”Kenji coaxed.

“Well I suppose she's as good as any to make first contact with.”Shota agreed,moving towards the girl.She was around 13 as an estimate and had long blonde hair.She seemed quite content in that moment,humming some folk tune to herself as she continued her work single mindedly, it seemed she hadn't even noticed them coming. Her blue eyes filled with determination and her clothes suggested she was of a farming family,having been sent out to work the fields or perhaps plant something in the hole of which she had been digging.Shota wondered how they should approach her without scaring her,it was unlikely she had ever seen many if any,from outside her town.It was the classic sense of distrust,especially prominent in isolated towns.Whether it had been gender,sexuality or race it had always been within their society that townsfolk would be the least accepting.More often than not,due to isolation and therefore lack of variety within their populations townsfolk had always been wary of those who did not look like or sound like them.Within these towns,especially religious they clung to old traditions and denied new.So of course if the pair tried to stroll up casually,as if nothing was strange,they could be met by a not so friendly reception. First contact was key.

“Hey little lady!”Suddenly Kenji shouted out. This alerted the girl in an instant as her head flung up to the face of them.As soon as she set eyes upon their faces,her own turned to an expression of fear.Before he had even come up with what to say,Shota began hurriedly walking towards her. There was only so long he had to fix Kenzo's screw up before the girl ran and got the complete village turned against them.

“Hey there miss.Sorry if my friend scared you.My name is Shota Watanabe and this guy over here is Kenji Sato.Whats yours?”He chatted nervously,bending down to be level with the girl. If she had not already freaked out there was no doubt now. Although his intentions were anything but malicious,his sweat covered brow,his creepy forced smile and his intrusion of the girls personal space pinned the final nail in the coffin.She looked as if she feared for her life as she stared back at Shota before abruptly running away.

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“Ha!Bad luck bro,seems like you can't win 'em all.Then again- I can't say I blame the kid,If I saw your ugly face for the first time,I would run the whole 10k back to base.”Kenji ribbed playfully,patting his friend on the shoulder.In a second Shota shot up,facing towards Kenji, as he turning redder than ]the blazing inferno that had stirred within him.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZWVt4hT1o
“You're blaming this shit on me?!You're the one who decided to open the conversation with hey little lady.What the hell were you thinking?!”He blustered.

“I don't know.You were not talking so I thought…”

“You didn't think!God…we’ve fucked this up in the worst way possible.”

“Oh come on, cheer up a bit.We can just leave and let Akihiko try to deal with this instead.”Kenji countered,turning around to leave.”I'm sure no one will care what that little brat thinks anyway.I mean what sort of decent farmer runs away when they haven't even finished filling their hole.”He joked lightheartedly.”I mean I don't think she even planted anything like…”Kenji paused.For no understandable reason his babbling had stopped.Shota figured it to be one of his practical jokes,doing it so that Shota would give him his attention.

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Still…silence.

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He’d stopped moving as well,the swaying of the grass and whistling wind had become the only noises of which Shota could hear. He didn't want to let Kenji win but his curiosity got the better of him as he turned himself round. Surprisingly, there was no jumpscare or shock on the other side awaiting him. Kenji was simply staring into the hole,his back turned against Shota. Warily, he began to approach Kenji from behind, perhaps all the fatigue from walking had finally caught up to him or there was an unknown side effect of his power that now revealed itself.Once he was side by side with Kenji he looked at him,trying to read what was wrong.Upon Kenji's face was an expression of horror.Completely undisputed shock and fear had consumed him.His eyes had dilated to their fullest but the rest of his face seemed to be completely expressionless.Even so within his eyes there was what could only be described as a void of emptiness and sorrow going deeper into a more painful and destroyed truth than Shota could begin to explain.

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Below them,within the hole of dirt was Kanae Nakijima. She was their classmate and best friend,.She was a fiery unbridled spirit that lived for the moment.She had been one of the only people who also liked video games and anime so through that they had found a bond.Throughout high school,the trio had been inseparable but now…now all they could see of her was her face and half rotted skull that had been smashed to pieces. All she had been,all she had strived to become seemed devoid of this empty shell.All that was left was flesh and bone, an object not a person.

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An arrow came burying itself at Shota’s feet. He barely had time to think before diving himself in front of Kenji. Immediately he felt the impact of another arrow,whistling through the air before it found its mark,burying itself within his left shoulder. He pulled Kenji down with him as two more arrows flew over them.The moment Kenji made contact with the ground he was shaken back to reality.Once he had reawakened the first sight of which he saw was Shota. Shota had forced upon himself a smile but the blood already had begun to spill from his wound, spreading through his shirt and turning it a red hue. The arrow had hit an artery, and Shota knew it.

“Hey there dude, finally decided to wake up?”Shota muttered meekly before another arrow planted itself within his back, causing Shota to let out a cry of pain.Kenji tried to stand up but was quickly pulled down by Shota before he could find his grounding.

“Shota what the hell?What's happening?I don't get it.”He blurted out as tears started to form,clouding his vision.

“You know what happened.The villagers are not as friendly as we thought they were.We got overconfident and made a mistake.”Shota responded,gritting his teeth together to help himself remain conscious.There was not much to it but that.It was the truth. The truth stung.

“No…let me get up.I’ll go kill those guys and we can rush you back to base.Its gonna be okay dude.It’s fine.”Kenji assured,his voice now quivering and body shaking.He wanted to get up and to make those fuckers die for what they did to Kanae and Shota but he couldn’t. Why wouldn't Shota let him?

“Stop messing around.You know I’m nearly dead already.Theres no saving me at this point.All you can do now is wait for those fuckers and kill them when they think we are all dead.Do it now and you’ll be the easiest shot of their lives.”Shota coughed out,spewing blood upon the grass.Another arrow dug into Shotas back making him writhe out in pain.

“Shota!”Kenji screamed,louder than he ever had before. He went to try and help him,to save his best friend but with the last of his strength Shota seemed to push his hands away.Shota leaned forward pressing his finger against Kenji's lips before he could speak.His voice came out as a mere whisper, only in this abnormal silence could Kenji listen to these words.

“You better fight Kenji.Fight for your life and win. Forget about saving me and win.”He sputtered out.”Just when you do…could you bury me next to Kanae?”He could see it. The light drained from his eyes. Like the leaves of autumn, Shota's hand fluttered slowly to the floor and stopped, completely. Finally. Kenji could do nothing but watch as his friend drew his last breath and his life ended. His breath hitched as he watched Shota's smile fade and his muscles within his face loosened, turning to an empty emotionless expression. There was no longer Shota, just a corpse.

“Did we get 'em pops?”A young voice shouted from a distance.

“Definitely. Even from back here I can see the big one is prickled with arrows.”A more gruff voice responded.

“I bet half of them are mine.”Another more nasally voice acclaimed proudly,trying to one up the others.Kenji could do nothing but sit there and grit his teeth.Here they were,bickering over who shot them down.It was like they didn't even see them as humans,like this was some sickly sport that spurted a bloodlust within the villagers.

“Calm it down boys!”The gruff voice boomed.”We check their bodies,split any goods found then we can argue about whose hunt it was.”He commanded.Kenji could hear them now trudging forward through the grass,undoubtedly ready to pillage and cut upon their clothes and bodies even for the smallest scraps.Or perhaps they may do it for pure entertainment.

“What if they're like that girl and don't have any loot?They also seemed to come from the holy land.”One of the lackeys questioned.

“Then we burn the bodies, we shouldn’t waste any more time burying demented gypsies like her.”The gruff voice responded.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2r8urYF2q
“Why did we kill the girl?I don't see why we put her to waste before having some fun if you know what I mean.”The nasally voice prattled,with a smug tone.Kenji could hardly stand it,everything in his body was overflowing with anger,rage and sadness.He wished to stand up that moment and strangle the bastard until he took his last breath only to resuscitate him and kill him over and over again.What gave them a right to degrade Kanae in such a way,they were the ones that were not human,it was those bastards that shot them down.Within their group shot out a large chuckle at his crude remark.

“You disgust me,to think you'd drop your standards to such a disgusting nationless beast.”The other voice shunned.

“We killed her because she was a danger, Kento.She had no nation,no place of birth nor a master. You think her kind facade would last long after we had let down our defenses. She was the same as these two pigs. The only difference is at least these two died with honour. The whore tried to plead her innocence to her last breath.”The gruff voice muttered.His eyes were lit with horror moments before he began to convulse upon the floor.Kenji was no longer hiding.Standing up with one hand pointed at the villagers and the other fiercely gripped upon his console his level was activated.

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Kenji still remembered that day. As per usual Shota was there early in the morning to prep the classroom.Kenji and Kanae were walking in with one another.The day before they had been talking about the new hellfist games and how they all were going to buy it so they could play the co-op. Kenji had brought in his nintendo that day to surprise the others since he had used his savings to get the game early.Kanae was really excited and had wanted to play it before they even had got to the school but Kenji insisted otherwise.He wanted the trio to be there in entirety when they would first open the game. Kanae,himself and Shota would all get to see the opening credits together,all before 90% of the world would.Kenji had planned to show them during lunch,he was sure that day was going to be great.

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Lunch never came…

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A fully charged nintendo switch contains 4310 milliamps at 3.7 volts in the standard model. A resuscitator works by using an electrical pulse to restart the heart and get the body functioning.The process of restarting a heart however, is much more strenuous than stopping one.An electrical charge of only 200 milliamps if passing through a person's chest is enough to cause cardiac arrest in most scenarios.

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The group of men that had killed Shota and Kanae were completely relaxed.Not even one of them had their weapons prepared as they had neared Shota's corpse.Even whilst their leader collapsed to the ground their reactions were far too late.One after the other they fell,sprawled and convulsing across the ground.

Level up:Master of the storm. Lvl 2 Ability:Chain lightning

They fell to the floor, ants graced upon the field of gods. One after the another,with each second of their demise a slow and painful end.There were no more warriors in the village.

Some fought to put up a resistance.Others tried to simply flee. None would escape.When they had taken everything,why would he leave anything of theirs left?Their legacy,their homes,their honour would all be remnants of the past.There would be no gravestone for Kenji to spit upon,there would only be rubble.

Level up:Master of the storm.Lvl 3 Ability:Magnetisation

The nintendo had run out.No more volts. Not enough power. Kenji switched to a sword.There was no man left in the village.The women were slow and weak.Chivalry was dead within Kenji, everything seemed so pointless against the burning revenge inside him. One by one they crumpled into the pathetic bloody mess of which they should have always been.The children had been hidden but it was only a matter of time. Underneath the bakery,in the basement they had been locked away. This was wrong.It was horrific,a complete slaughter.Shota nor Kanae would not have wanted this, but it didn't matter..He was the one left,the one who would…no had to fight on.This was his choice. It was not like he had no conscience, as if he didn't know the same truth as any onlooker would. He knew it was wrong, but his anger drowned their screams.There was no empathy for those who had stolen everything. He would purge this world of those men and their actions.This was the only way. He had to…he wanted to.

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Level up:Master of the storm.Lvl 4 ability:Wrath of zeus.

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Chapter 6-The clean up

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“What the hell happened?!”Mare shouted.

“I told you…that's all I know.” Akihiko murmured weakly. Kenji Sato and Shota Watanabe had been sent out on a scouting mission adjacent to the time of which he had returned from the elven forest. After an entire day, they still had failed to return and so Akihiko had been sent to retrieve them. That’s where he found Kenji:alone. Alone amidst a sight that curdled Akihiko's very being.

“Where is he now?”

“I dropped him off at one of the tents to receive treatment.”

“So he sustained an injury?”

“No, he was fine in that way, at least I couldn't spot any ailment.”

“So he's fine?”

“...”

How could he break the news to Mare?What he saw…the truth was too much.Kenji was quirky but a nice enough guy,maybe a bit competitive at times but that was the extent of it. He couldn't do something like that,not without a good reason.Still the evidence was irrefutable.

“Are you certain that it wasn't him defending himself from the villagers?You said it yourself that they killed Shota and Kanae.Could it have been that the others were just…”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1gUBnbgch
“No!”Akahiko interrupted,screaming louder than even he had meant to. Mare seemed to coil back and her eyes widened as she processed the sudden outburst that had come about.”Mare look…stop…please.I’m begging you. There is no other way of looking at it.He killed them:all of them.”He pleaded,fighting the flashing memories seared into his vision,he wondered if they could ever leave. Mare seemed to flash a look of concern as she calculated the situation before approaching closer. In a low soothing voice she tried to soothe his nerves.

“Baby I dont think youre in the right headspace at the moment. I get that you're emotionally distressed from your traumatic experience but we have to consider…”

“Stop!Stop treating me like I'm psychotic!I know what I saw!Men!Women!Children!He killed them all!He’s…he’s…”Akihiko's voice drowned itself out as he slumped to the floor.His feet no longer able to carry his own weight as the rancid taste of vomit accumulated within the back of his throat. He couldn't take it. His voice writhed in pain from his screaming and what for? The one person that mattered most considered his statement as a psychotic breakdown.The whole group would have undoubtedly been listening to his incessant cries,seeing him as they always had done before. He may have been acting like a leader but now he realised the truth,he was never meant to be one. Now that the pressure came raining down he could do nothing but snivel and cry as he always had.The hero's power couldn't change that part of him no matter how much it tried.

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Along his back came a cold light touch,stroking up and down in a comforting rhythm he didn't resist.Mare rested her head gently against his shoulder and began to whisper quietly,careful not to overwhelm his sensitive state.

“I'm sorry baby.I do trust you.You know that right?”She pondered.

“Yeah…I know.”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mWFj7PSZH
“Good because I love you baby.”Tentatively she placed a kiss against his cheek.”I won't go against what you think is best.All I ask is tell me how you would want to deal with Kenji from now on?”She inquired.She was no longer denying him.She trusted him.She had given him the choice.

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…

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“We need to tell them.”He responded,after a long period of thought.

“Tell them?That Kenji slaughtered a town's worth of people?”She repeated back.Somewhat hesitantly Akihiko nodded his head back in confirmation.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFunjfHI79
“What do you think would happen after that baby?”She challenged him softly,questioning his reasoning.”If you do that then the entire group will turn against Kenji.Distrust and fear will consume them whilst whatever nation that town belongs to prepares forces to investigate the town's unexplained massacre. By that point any hope that we could muster to fight back would only be brought by exterminating the root of the problem.Are you okay with killing Kenji?”She interrogated,looking up at Akihiko expectantly,waiting for his solution.

“No…of course not.We can't kill Kenji but we can’t act like it didn't happen either!”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVX2QPyEkJ
“I'm sorry baby but those are the choices.You're going to have to forget,not for your sake but ours.You’ve already said that Kenji has sustained emotional trauma.I took a look at him myself and I could see the pain and emptiness inside of him. As long as he remains in this state and shows no signs of aggression it is best to keep him on our side.You even told me,when you first saw him you mistook him for a monster. Warriors mind told you he was a level 4. In a fight to the death you at your very best and the entirety of our combined forces would lose 49 times out of 50 if Kenji had a source of power within his vicinity. He is a monster that we must tame.”She reasoned.The realisation hit Akihiko,she never wanted his input, only wanting to criticise his flaws. The truth is she had made her decision the moment she heard of Kenji's power but only hid her intentions in the disguise of empathy. He had been manipulated this entire time.

“It doesn't matter how strong he is!Not when we know exactly how he cultivated this strength.Humans Mare.All dead.”He retaliated,his stance stubborn and steadfast upon the argument. He couldn't do it. No matter how she argued. Not without a dirtied conscience.Mare suddenly pushed something onto his chest before she stood up. Looking down, Akihiko realised it to be her dagger. Not the blade itself, however the hilt, now settled into his palm.

“It's there for you to use Akihiko.Remember what happens if you tell the group.If you have such a strong moral compass then cut down Kenji like he cut down their children.Right or wrong,it doesn't matter to me.Whatever you pick though, do it with your entire being.That is if you're really a good person,but you're not.”She spat,shocking Akahiko.”You're the same useless,weak minded Akahiko I've always known. Sitting idly on the fence doesn't impress anyone. Don’t think we haven't noticed,we all still recognise the friendless,unlovable loser,you've just put on a bit of muscle.”She declared before turning to leave the tent,shoving the hilt further into his grasp before leaving Akihiko in solitude.Before she did though she had one last message.

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“Stop with the goody goody hero bullshit Akihiko.Its fucking pathetic.”

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Chapter 7-The discussion

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“What do you think actually happened to him?”Yuji questioned.It had been something they had all pondered yet did not dare to ask.At long last they were free to question now that the normies had been left alone.Responding to Yuji,Daiki let out an involuntary scoff.

“Which one are you talking about, Kenji or Akihiko?”

“Does it matter either way?Something big happened to the north west of the camp.”Hina interjected within their dispute.”We have to face the facts.Whatever was up there changed the both of them,and if I'm being honest I think it would have taken more than just Shota’s death to put Akihiko into the state he is in. We finally managed to get Ryuichi healthy enough to stand and before we knew it Kenji’s taken his place. Not to mention Ryuichi and the others have disappeared to Mares' training camp.”

“I agree with Hina.Whatever happened completely shattered Kenji's psyche and caused Akihiko to completely disappear into his tent until Mare forced him to leave.” Rina added, nodding her head in agreement.

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Together these 4 made up the group they had affectionately come to know each other as the “normies”.The other side of their group, powerless and to a degree ,pointless.Mare was almost dictator-like and though upon surface level they may be treated as equals,reality was different.Mare seemed to smother them with propaganda and deafened them from the events outside of the camp.They seemed to know nothing that happened big or small whilst those with powers came to know it all.Now they had even left the camp on a restricted mission that only thanks to Aiko did they learn to be a training camp.The reasons were kept unknown even to those with powers but many theories had been created and circulated.

“Has anyone fed Kenji yet?”Daiki asked.

“I tried.Left food in front of his tent yesterday and he still hasn't even touched it.”Rina huffed in response,as if she had taken direct offence to the reminder.All of them had been assigned to look after Kenji whilst the others were away but the task seemed on the brink of impossible. He was no more than a living corpse. A shell of a friend and classmate that they had once known. Sure he had been weird and a bit nerdy and annoying at times but everyone agreed that what had happened was nothing short of tragedy. Most of the day and night he spent sleeping and when he was awake all he would do was stare blankly at the wall. Speaking to him only got the slightest of reactions from him and he hasn't made an attempt for food and drink even whilst he approached the third day since his return.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdswCHezOez
“Don't get in such a huff Rina. Miserable little bastard is ignoring all of us.”Daiki growled,gritting his teeth.Amongst the squadron,Daiki had the worst opinion of Kenji, picturing him as a weak cry baby,he had been the most sceptical to Kenji's condition and its legitimacy, wondering if he had just craved the attention.

“Don't say that stuff dude!”Yuji retorted,giving him a warning shove.”What if he hears us?”

“So what?!Stop being a damn wuss!”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i5OXSzohT
“Yuji’s right.We don't need Kenji in any worse a state than he is already.We need to be there for him,through loss and gain.We are the only thing we all have left in this world.”Hina refuted,supporting Yuji in the battle of reason.They had been entrusted with Kenji,it didn't matter what each of their personal preferences were,Kenji was human.He had not done anything,he lost his best friend Shota and god knows what else up north west.They were powerless and pointless,the “normies”.If there was anything that they could do,it was all the more vital that they should do it. Hina's father had been a doctor and he had always said that there was no greater conviction than saving a life. If she were to…no if any of them were prepared to give up on Kenji just because he had done so for himself what type of person would they be?If Kenji would not fight for himself,then they would for him.Daiki,with his mood sullied from the argument lashed out to change the subject.

“What are you even still doing here Hina?Surely you have figured out whatever the hell your power is by now?”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb10aLlueje
“Hey back off you jerk! You damn well know she's trying so no need to let your own insecurity reflect onto her!”Rina barked,jumping to Hina's side,despite their rough beginning the more they talked they soon found they had more and more in common.Now they were close companions and had naturally conformed to spend longer and more casual periods with each other as fellow normies.Hina had undergone multiple tests to see what her power may be but still no sign of abnormalities had shown.No matter how much Hina insisted,Mare was convinced she was more.Whenever her ability was brought up,Hina couldn't help but feel some guilt.She was convinced it was her fault,that she wasn't trying enough or perhaps her true ability was something she was too stupid to understand. Everyone else could use their abilities so why couldn't she? The only logical answer to Hina was it was her fault.Hina was grateful that Rina was here otherwise she wasn't sure how she would have answered Daiki’s teasing.

“Yeah, lay off a bit dude.”Yuji urged,sensing Hina’s unease.Daiki looked around,scouring the room for a look of approval but found none. His stupid grin seemed to wash away in an instant as he realised the gravity his words had taken upon Hina.

“My bad.”He mumbled apologetically.Despite a rough exterior Daiki cared about what others thought.He knew that these were his people,the group within the group. Comradery came first over his own pride,he wouldn't be able to survive living with all of them otherwise.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqQekqhbxv
“It's fine.”Hina sighed, brushing Rina aside so she could face him properly.”Just don't do it again please.”Despite Hina's forgiving and empathetic nature there was a more fiery blonde beside her not particularly ready to let it go.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPsuEY36gl
“Well if you're not going to hold it against him, at least make the asshole take your shifts with Kenji!”She whined.

“That sounds like a pretty good idea.”Yuji affirmed happily,vigorously nodding his head.Even Hina seemed to have her spirits lifted for a moment,the smallest grin creeping up her face.

“What?!That's so unfair!”Daiki exclaimed.Yuji placed his hand on Daiki’s back,giving him slow comforting pats,teasing him as far as he could go.

“There,there dude.If that's not enough you can always take my shifts as well.”He offered jokingly.

“Oh that's right Yuji.We wouldn't want to deprive our dear Daiki of his beloved shifts with sweet old Kenji!”Taunted Rina in her classic over dramatic and exemplified manner.”You can have all of our shifts if that's what you want.”

“That's not what I said!”He hurriedly shouted,trying to correct the misunderstanding.

“Guess it's decided.”

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“Daiki’s doing the chores.”

The discussion was brought to its conclusion.The pressing matter of chores had been disputed and finally settled.In simple terms:Daiki had been swindled.

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Chapter 8:Camp

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The majority of the group had been left in the dark upon the truth of Mare's training camp and what exactly it would come to entail.Although brutally simple and arguably barbaric the system that had been created by Mare was in theory,at the maximum possible efficiency.She had configured the system through what she had managed to theorise about how Levels worked.

Levels were a system based upon merit.The more Exp. the more abilities/tools given to the subject.
These merits were expressed through a numerically ascending position and mastery of the given level.E.g Level 1,Level 2,Level 3
Exp. is given through eliminating other species.Each species seems to have a designated Exp. drop.There seems to be no other alternative to gain Exp.
Through testing it is suggested Exp drops increase either from larger sized/stronger species
The group needed higher levels for more power.
Optimal solution: Exterminate as many species as possible.

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Seven kilometres off in a south easterly direction to camp,Mare and the powered led an extermination unlike the land had ever seen.Within the first day alone, all goblins and similarly hostile humanoid creatures had been slaughtered.This wasn't enough however.Still nearly half the group was still stuck on level 1.They had turned to fish and smaller wildlife for a few days but now Mare had made a new announcement.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpBIgddf9r
“All things, hostile or not,are to be killed.”

Panic.

“What?”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hvwX9PJbw
Disbelief.

“She can't be serious right?”

Discontent.

“Has she lost it?”

“Not only that but all that remain as a level 1 beyond the next day,shall no longer receive rations from the group until they meet the expected threshold."Mare's voice boomed once more through the cave they had ransacked from goblins and now used as a temporary base.

“That's bullshit!”Hiroshi argued,throwing himself up and out of his seat. He was never sure why he bothered with this,acting as if she was in charge. Why did they ever entertain her trampling over them?She didn't even have a power.In this world, besides her brains she was as useless as they came.

“Oh you have a problem Hiroshi?”Mare inquired,tilting her head in a both confused yet inquisitive manner at his outburst.

“Damn straight I do!You can't just decide who eats and who doesn't, you sick bitch!”He exclaimed, his teeth gritting together as he continued to watch her pathetic act.

“Well I didn't realise you felt so strongly about this topic Hiroshi.”She apologised,slowly wandering toward him.She wrapped her arm around his back before slowly raising her hand out toward a lone figure.”How about you explain why you are all so lazy to Akihiko over there?”

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She had done it,the thing that everyone had been dreading.Their stares moved from Mare and Hiroshi and now towards the depth of the cave,where Akihiko was planted,staring deeper into the chasm.Everyone seemed too stunned to speak.They all knew what had happened to him.

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In a village north west to camp,Kenji and Shota had stumbled upon a human village.Without them knowing they had stepped foot into the warzone between two human nations established between either side of the village. A powerful warlock, merciless and of the purest evil came down the valley alone.It was an ambush, Kenji and Shota did not expect a singular man to be so powerful.He slaughtered every person in the village including Shota, leaving Kenji spared to be a messenger to the opposing nation, not even realising he was both naive and completely ignorant to either side.By the time Akihiko arrived, the warlock had left.Knowing he failed to save each of those villagers as well as Shota crushed him.All he could manage was carrying Kenji upon his back,into the safety of camp before he collapsed.This same warlock spotted them fleeing and now is most likely sending a smaller force to finish Kenji and Akihiko off.To say to Akihiko,their classmate whose psyche had almost completely crumpled after the traumatic events he faced that they cannot be bothered to fight the men and women who threaten to annihilate what is left of classroom 1-B.

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By the end of the night,no one had registered a complaint with the new rules.

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Mare separated the 4 powered into 2 pairs.Pair A:Akihiko and Ryuichi.Pair B:Aiko and Hiroshi.As both Akihiko and Ryuichi had already managed to reach Level 3 and 2 respectively,they both had been placed on the calmer side of the valley, allowing Pair B to explore the unexplored and hopefully both manage to level up for the first time.

“Hey…I know you don't want to talk a lot and that's fine but I appreciate what you've done for me.I mean you subduing the goblins and then letting me kill them for the Exp.”Ryuichi expressed,trying to convey his thanks to the statuesque Akihiko. He found it hard to keep up with everything that had occurred. He was in class,then he was fighting goblins,then he was asleep and now here. During his time unconscious,according to Hiroshi,Akihiko was completely different. Ryuichi was worried for Akihiko. The way he acted now and the way Hiroshi described him,it wasn't the Akihiko he remembered. Although he used to be nerdy and awkward,Ryuichi always held respect for the guy. He knew that at heart,the guy was kind and just. The way Ryuichi knew?Simple,Yuki had told him.She didn't give out praise when she didn't mean it and her intuition was always right. Although Ryuichi and Akihiko had never spoken,he felt like he knew the guy.

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This wasn't him.It wasn't his fault but the circumstances that befell him. All Ryuichi could do was try to lighten the load,if only by a little.If not for him,then for Yuki. Suddenly, Ryuichi became apparent that he had begun to daydream and that Akihiko's empty blank stare had now befallen him.

“Sorry,we can keep moving.”

A silent,sad,solemn parade of two. They continued to trudge forward without uttering a word. Thoughts raced through Ryuichi's mind, ideas of how to get Akihiko talking.There had to be something,but he didn't know what. An hour passed until whilst on patrol,something twitched inside of the bush adjacent to the pair. In a flash,without warning or reason Akihiko had darted out of sight and into a bush.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0fAO940Oj
“Hey wait up!”Ryuichi cried,quickly setting off into a pursuit after Akihiko,he tore through the bush with his dagger and let out a gasp as the truth was revealed.Behind the bush was the opening to a cave,deeper within the chasm burned a light source of sorts.Akihiko already was storming past,running around the corner in pursuit of whatever he had spotted.Ryuichi did his best to keep up but couldn't with the others inhuman speed.After a few seconds he finally reached the corner and beyond it spotted Akihiko.The cave was an orc campsite…well not exactly.There was only two.A mother and her son.Two dishes served out and the cave paintings that now could be seen to sprawl the walls backed up this alibi.Akihiko had planted his foot firmly upon the mother orc pinning her to the floor,and had his sword unsheathed against the youth who now had backed himself into the corner.

“Please-we, we no fight!We peace!”The mother orc cried,putting up no resistance against her aggressors.

“Mama…”The young one blubbered,hardly able to force out his voice in the moment of pressure.

“Hazuth Amil.”The mother hushed,slowly she began stretching her arm out to her cub. Hoping that she could calm him,that she could have one final touch with her sweet child before the end. Before she could,Akihiko stamped his other foot down upon her arm,the sound of bones breaking before the mothers screams echoed out of the cave.

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Akihiko seemed unfazed by her cries and slowly turned back to look at Ryuichi.It was an offer. With his gaze he beckoned Ryuichi over,allowing him the kill. Ryuichi felt sick,everything about this didn't feel right. The goblins and orcs he killed in his first fight and these days prior,they died fighting. Those ones had been there trying to kill them.

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This was an execution.

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“You can't be serious Akihiko…just let them go.”Ryuichi pled.Even now he was in a state of disbelief,the situation they were in seemed to be progressing a thousand miles a second and everything he thought was only catching up.The same expectant stare persisted,pushing down Ryuichi.

“Akihiko…come on dude.They're harmless…there's no point in killing them.”He reasoned with a nervous chuckle,nearing towards the two he could see it in even finer detail.The pain,the fear,the suffering.Once he was within distance,Akihiko threw his sword to Ryuichi.Upon pure instinct he caught it,but he didn't know what to do with it.

“If we don't take every chance to gain Exp. Ryuichi,you're going to fall behind.Two orcs or twenty they're all as important in levelling up.Do this or you wont reach level three in time.”Akihiko countered,despondent he stared,looking between the orcs and Ryuichi.Slowly the mother seemed to raise her head,tilting to face Ryuichi before she spoke.

“Please- we peace”

“No…Akihiko I can't.”Ryuichi vacillated.

“You can't treat them like humans Ryuichi.They’re not like us.”Akihiko argued back.Ryuichi seemed to have no choice.He grabbed the blades hilt with his hand and steadied it.With a deep breath he turned the blade, facing himself off against Akihiko.

“No! You can't do this. I'm sorry but I won't let you.”Ryuichi warned,taking an offensive stance.He knew he had little chance of beating Akihiko,even when Ryuichi was armed and Akihiko had left himself bare handed. Even so there was no other choice. Not in his mind. If he didn't do this he could never look Yuki in the eyes again.

“Are you actually doing this Ryuichi?”He questioned.For once his expression seemed to change,his eyes flashed with panic. Ryuichi thought it was good,perhaps he truly could scare him out of this. There still could be reason forced into him.

”I'm trying to look after you Ryuichi.I want to be friends.Look i'll forget this ever happened just please…put the sword down.”He pled.The reality dawned upon him.The state of panic inflicted within Akihiko had never been about Akihiko himself.”I refuse to let you throw your life away for two orcs. I promised Mare I would save as many of our classmates as I could. I care about you Ryuichi,I look up to you. Please…please don't make me hurt you.”He beseeched. There was a truth to his words that were unquestionable.Ryuichi could feel the depth in what he had spoken and the admiration in his voice. All this time,he had thought that Akihiko had been dwelling in his own misery unable to move forward from the past when in fact he had been worrying for Ryuichi all this time.Was even this now for Ryuichi's sake?132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEPiGfkwer
“Nothing is like us in this world!This world isn't like us!I understand the importance of Exp. but this takes it too far.If we kill everything and anything for our own gain,hostile or not,how are we any better than that warlock?!”Ryuichi cried out,praying to find reason with Akihiko.

“The warlock was different…he…he…”

“He is what we might become!If we go down such a path,then what's to stop us from killing dwarves if there are any.After that perhaps elves?We might as well keep going until we start killing humans for Exp!”Ryuichi barked,gaining both confidence and anger with each word,wondering how both of them could be brought so close to committing such heinous actions.This gained a reaction from Akihiko,a twitch of pain as if he had remembered something awful.”If you had got there Akihiko. Amidst the rubble and bodies you spotted the warlock.Would you not kill the bastard for what he did to Kenji and Shota?All the women and children mercilessly slaughtered for no purpose.Forced to suffer and watch as they were hunted and killed one by one? Wouldn't you kill him,without even the slightest hesitation?” Yelled Ryuichi. Akihiko seemed to freeze to the spot,unable to make a reply.He was overwhelmed with raw emotion and he couldn't compute it all.Ryuichi decided this was his moment,he pushed Akihiko off the orc woman and into the side of the cave.With one hand he ushered the pair to run away whilst he maintained the majority of his concentration upon Akihiko, making sure he didn't try to capture them once more.This however seemed less of a possibility with every second.Akihiko had succumbed to his defeat,he stared down at his hands as the guilt and shame washed over him. They spent 10 minutes without speaking a word,until finally Akihiko spoke.

“Would you be my friend Ryuichi?”

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Chapter 9:Return

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The group had reunited itself into a whole once more. Those from the camp had managed to return after 2 weeks of time levelling themselves up. With this new power,it brought upon some new changes. Aiko and Hiroshi seemed to have changed fundamentally,now they seemed more steadfast and serious than they had been before they had left-this however wasn't to suggest they had changed completely. They seemed to stride with purpose and emanated the strength and confidence they had harvested. They both had kept their good nature, they simply were now more determined. Ryuichi and Akahiko had remained relatively similar as to how they were when they had left, only now they had seemed to form a bond of sorts. Akihiko now hung around with Ryuichi more often than not, leaving Mare behind.It may have been wishful thinking or just time’s natural remedy but their friendship had begun to breathe life into Akihiko, even by the slightest margin it seemed he had progressed. Contradicting this, was Kenji Sato. His status had remained critical throughout the last two weeks,perhaps even worsening.The effects of malnutrition had become visible,Kenji had thinned out into a stick-like figure. His eyes were circled with the drooping shadows formed from his sleep deprived state. They weren't even completely certain he could achieve speech for his voice had become only a thing of memory. Once Mare had returned and stumbled upon the news she was completely outraged. Now she spent most of her day in attempts to rehabilitate Kenji yet all methods presented so far had brought nothing but failure.

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For now:although momentarily at most,they could rest.Finally the project of the cabin had been finished and could hold the entire 9.For once they were at liberty to lounge and not focus on anything else. Majority had this as their very first moment of leisure in the new world.Finally they had a chance to catch up and to speak to one another.The normies were brought up to speed with the events that had conspired to the northwest and seemed shocked yet understanding.Aiko and Hiroshi after a few hours had finally eased up enough to start complaining.After the lifestyle that they had been imposed to comply with,they planned to scoff down any and all food that they may lay their eyes upon.After dinner,composing of a mixture of meat,vegetables and berries.The mood was relaxed and dare they suggest homely.The mixture of many simple conversations was like a breath of fresh air. It was impossible to understand but simple squabbling,or droning on over a shared interest or even just a joke or two. The pointlessness in these interactions was the point. Not a single word was planned or calculated, they spoke what was on their mind and just thought of whatever came to mind. They were able to let go and be themselves,it had been so long they had nearly forgotten. The cabin was the perfect size,it was cosy. For those that had belonged to larger families it was almost as if they had returned. For those who had smaller families,it gave hope they could start a family anew. Alas, more cramped than their separate tents, when it came midnight many retired.

“Do you remember summer camp a few years back?”Yuji peeped curiously as they settled himself into one of the many boar skin sleeping bags.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiInB4GUejm
“God shut up Yuji, have some class and let some of us sleep in peace.”Rina snapped.

“Oh yeah I remember!”Hiroshi chimed, plunging himself deep into thought as he attempted to remember the exact event. Rina rolled her eyes and turned herself over,realising she no longer had a chance of sleep.

“Yeah,we were living in tiny groups in small cabins just like this.”Hina added cheerfully,a gleam in her eyes flashed as she recollected her memories.

“And don't forget the sleeping bags either.”Yuji chortled,glad to see the others enjoying themselves.

“Ugh…even remembering makes me want to throw up.”Rina gagged.”They were so pink I think it gave me permanent eye damage.”

“I don't know…I thought they were kinda cute.”Shrugged Hina,always having had a preference for “girly” stuff she had learnt to not be as embarrassed about it as she used to be. Their conversations would persist for another hour before Rina would achieve the sleep she yearned for. Meanwhile, upon the roof of the cabin was Ryuichi and Akahiko sharing stories amongst the stars.

“You ran across a landslide to reach Daiki?Holy shit dude! I sure as hell missed out sleeping through the first week here.”Ryuichi hollered.

“It's not that big of a deal.”Akihiko chuckled meekly, scratching the back of his head.”I know you'd have done the same if you were given my powers, maybe you would have saved even more.”He lamented,letting out one long and defeated sigh.This was a problem Ryuichi had noticed as Akahiko's companion,he lacked confidence and strived for nothing but perfection.

“Hey come on dude, you did your best.You got half the…well at least identified half the class completely of your own merit.Instead of comparing yourself to some idealistic flawless version of me that you have conjured, look at the real me and everyone else.You found me and helped nurse me back to health and are the solely responsible for bringing us all together.”Ryuichi reasoned,glancing toward Akihiko.”You're great dude. So stop being a bitch and just look at the stars.”

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And so for some time they did.

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“Can I ask you something Akihiko?”Ryuichi asked,breaking their long silence.

“Sure, go for it.”He responded, remaining laid back, not truly prepared for what Ryuichi was to ask.

“I get that everyone is busy right now and that we have to stick together. Believe me: I do. Just… once this is over whether it be weeks,months and perhaps even a full year,once I'm no longer fully needed, I'm going to search for Yuki. Wanting that doesn't make me a bad person…right?”Ryuichi pondered,hoping that he might find solace in Akihiko's reply,that the guilt might fade.Even with all his flaws,Akihiko was the most devoted to the class,Ryuichi however had done nothing yet.But still he couldn't just stick around,he would search far and wide for Yuki.He would save her from whatever predicament she may had been placed within and they could live on in this world. Was that too much to ask?

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He was snapped out of thought,as he heard a sound.A small chortle.A chuckle.A laugh.“Hahahaha!”Akihiko hollered.”Tell me you're joking, right?”He questioned,turning to face him,Ryuichi was shocked by the joy that he expressed.Tears of humour ran down his face and a grin spreading from cheek to cheek engulfed his expression.”I don't even know a lot of our classmates all that well but I can speak for us all in saying we knew this was coming. I’d smack you if you didn't chase after Yuki soon enough!”He exclaimed into the night air,their conversation was spread across the valleys, alone like a single light amidst the dark. Finally,Akihiko seemed to slow down and regain his own composure.”Look Ryuichi,Yuki’s beyond amazing and we all understand if that's what you wanna do. I’m just sorry I couldn't find her like I did for the others. All I gotta say is that you need to travel safe. If you travel alone,chances are if you want to find Yuki you'll need to go far into lost lands to find her.Plus there's always the possibility…”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtifbhXvcMC
“No.”Ryuichi harshly stopped,cutting Akihiko off before he could finish his thought.”Yuki is fine,I know it.I feel it in my heart that she's out there somewhere. All I have to do is get there.”Brazenly,he stated. Akihiko smirked and let himself fall back against the roofing once more. Even before this all had begun,Akihiko had idealised Ryuichi.He was one of the only guys who had never bullied him,he was a man Yuki deemed worthy of dating,he was one of the smartest in class. Most importantly of all: he was a man of morals.Upon the things he adored or believed in he was prepared to both fight and die for them.No person could simply change his mind and through what some may call stubbornness Ryuichi led himself a life where he did what was right,no matter what.

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Yuki and Ryuichi were the two kindest people he knew and were perfect for each other. Those types of love only found in light novels, Yuki and Ryuichi somehow made love look so easy and simple. There was no point in worrying,if Ryuichi swore he would reach Yuki,nothing including heaven and earth may hold him back.

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Chapter 10:Preparation

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“They've finally rallied a force it seems.From what I could deduce their forces numbered near 400 and march from the north east.”Akihiko stated.He had been sent earlier that day to scout the enemy forces but even before dusk had set,he had made his return.Everyone had their day of rest but today was back into the action.Beforehand it was mere speculation that the enemy would rally their forces to attack but now thanks to Akahiko it was confirmed.

“400 men?!Are we certain we even stand a chance against something like that?”Yuji worriedly questioned.

“I agree.If they don't know our exact location perhaps fleeing is the best option in this scenario.”Ryuichi affirmed.

“What is the composition of their soldiers?Are they all simple foot soldiers or do they have any mages?Do they seem like they have been officially trained or are they peasants put into armour?”Questioned Mare in rapid succession,staring down Akihiko as she awaited an answer. Once again it was as if she stole the centre of attention for her own selfish gain.The masquerade of gratitude that had clouded the group's vision had fully worn away,now they saw Mare for the person she truly was. Most people hated her as her extreme and straining commands used her fellow classmates more similarly to lab rats than actual humans. Even though they did not like her,it was true that her tactics and understanding of this world had long surpassed every one of them. Akihiko looked back at her with a cold stare,wondering where she could find the gall to speak to him in such a way. They hadn't spoken to each other since that night,only hearing Mare use his name to deter their classmates from disobeying. Now she simply acted as if nothing had happened,that everything was normal. She showed no signs of remorse,the only thing that drove her was the same burning curiosity that Akahiko had adored. Back then,before all this her condition was manageable. Perhaps because in the last world,life was more mundane and boring, Mare's passion was dimmed,back then she was happy enough with being smartest in the school and competing on the debate team. She was a winner back then…though winning was easier.This world posed an entire new level of challenge, one Mare had not realised she wanted but now yearned and lived for with every strand of her being.

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“From what I could see,the soldiers seem decently competent however from what I could tell they harbour no spellcasters or other advanced levels of troops besides a commander.Does that answer your question?”Briskly he responded without a pause as he stared daggers at her, daring Mare to give a complaint.

“That's putting it lightly aint it?”Mocked Daiki.”I mean their commander isn't just a normal one. He’s the guy who massacred a whole village on his own,right?”The room fell into silence as Daiki’s somewhat joking tone left the rest of the class into their own anxieties. When they were left waiting for Akahiko to say something of reassurance,their strongest seemed paralysed in both fear and guilt.To the others,it was memories of the past haunting him,maybe PTSD. To Akihiko,it was a reminder of his deception and the monster that he had let live.

“We don't have to worry about the warlock. That much I do feel obligated to let you people know.”Mare briskly stated amidst looks of uncertainty. They didn't trust her word though since Akahiko made no attempt to dispute, they had no choice but to believe her. Even though it made no sense how she could acquire such knowledge,the group had become closely acquainted with such jumps of blind faith.”I can see it in all of your faces. Believe it or not I am working for the good of the class. Like it or not,my methods are more efficient than what many of you are willing to attempt.”She chided,in a lower and agitated tone.She was no longer going to pretend with the nice girl facade. Unlike the others,she was logical,more intelligent and cunning than what they could comprehend. She provided results with her work,she wasn't going to make excuses to those who simply lacked heart to do what was necessary. She was going to win,and carry these losers with her. Even though they held her back,chastised and ridiculed her even,they were all she had left of her previous world. She couldn't put it into words but…it felt like she had too-a common courtesy like opening a door for the person behind you. Plus,there wasn't much point in taking on this world if she were to play it on easy mode. Multiplayer was the harder path to walk:even so,Mare would conquer it all.”I understand you all have your own personal opinions of me; unfortunately the human mind is something that can be altered as easily as I would wish it to be. I may not have the advantage of being liked however I carry more irrefutable facts that you simians could ever dream of. Kenji is in no state to be transported so we have no choice but to fight.Despite your hesitations,I know we can win.”She concluded,her eyes blazing with determination.

“You're crazy,you know that right? Powers or not,it's a battle with 40 soldiers for every one of us.I don't know about the rest of you but I'm not gonna die just cause Kenjis sulking around and I am sure as hell not going into a fight against those sorts of odds!”Daiki argued,standing up to face Mare.

“Good because you were never part of the plan. Only those with powers are needed,the rest of you can cower in the shack until it is over.”Mare spat. Before he could retort,Mare turned away from him,scrounging through the insides of her leather satchel that she had dropped earlier upon the floor.Quickly she recovered a piece of parchment and slowly unravelled it across the table. It was a map,drawn with an inhuman level of expertise and detail.Everything within viewing distance from camp had been perfectly recorded with a functioning scale. This however only entailed the very center of the map,spreading out from it was much larger and rougher sketches of landmarks and kingdoms,waiting to be filled in. One of these landmarks included the human settlement to the north east.Upon the midpoint, Mare slammed down the quill and looked up to face the rest of them.”First we draw out their path.Then we find our battleground. Then we prepare. Any opposing can leave. Those who wish to fight for the fallen,both Shota and the villagers,and help Kenji see another day may stay.You can call me a cruel bitch all you like, but right now I'm giving you all a choice.I hope at least a few of you are smart enough to choose correctly.”

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And so it was decided.

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Three kilometers off base,five Kilometres away from the village. The place where a small tributary,running from the top of the valley,conjoins onto a larger river. For the most part it is an empty field,with a rare piece of shrubbery and tree or rock.Completely unsuspecting and innocent at first glance,it is also on a direct path upon the trajectory of which the army seems to be travelling. It would be completely impossible to mobilise a large force upon the army without being spotted,it would only be possible with a small and well trained unit. The army would condense as they would be forced to pass over the tributary,less than a foot in width they regard it as at best a trickle,only slowing down to make certain they do not slip.Hiroshi and Akihiko on the frontline, Aiko supporting from the back. Ryuichi controls the battlefield with the water left at his disposal and a killer strategy devised through Mare. Nerves were still present though unlike before there was hope. Some strange gut feeling told them it was possible…they just might win.

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Chapter 11-Mika Kimura

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Her name was Mika Kimura. One moment she was in her classroom, next a foreign magical world.Now she was among the ranks of her comrades,marching forward in the name of humanity.

“Are you alright my lady?”Derek,one of Mika’s accompanying knights, questioned,having noticed her expression of dismay.

“The man has a point. What's troubling you? Better get it out before we reach the battlefield. The worst way to die is by having some boring last words. You want to say something cool before you're cut down and die a slow painful death. At least that's my thoughts ”Shion shrugged with indifference,another of the accompanying knights.

“I’m fine…really…it's just I've never done anything like this before.” Mika sighed gently,trying to retain her smile.It still felt weird to be called my lady. All she had done was walk down a street before a mage had spotted her. The power she had was special,though she had not even the chance to use it. Somehow she had been promoted to some royal treatment within this kingdom.It felt silly,resting within a carriage,with two soldiers that's sole mission had been demoted to protecting her. All of this whilst over a hundred of others trudged alongside the carriage with little rest or breaks. The bravery and determination of her comrades was truly astounding,not once did they falter in faith or purpose,they continued to march forward. Compared to them,she was living a complete luxury,even so they did not bear any malice towards Mika. With the few interactions Mika had the opportunity to have,they treated her with dignity and respect,as if she was a true royal. Anxiety gnawed at her from the inside, she didn't feel completely at home in this war but she couldn't show it. The soldiers were the ones at risk but they stood tall and proud,they were owed every ounce of her strength.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQryjC9E3R
“Now look at what you did, Shion! God you and your barbaric speech. You know damn well that we are here to claim back empty territory, chances are the biggest creature we will spot is a deer.” Scowled Derek,annoyed at her complete lack of class,leaving Mika in perhaps even worse of a state before Shion had spoken. However hard Mika would try, she was not exactly a natural born actor.

“Better keep her on her toes than let her get complacent. That's how my mother kept me and my brothers alive in the slums. Constant states of panic and self doubt.”She stated nonchalantly as she picked at her teeth with a dagger, ignoring the look of disapproval by Derek. From the short time they knew one another, Mika had come to understand Shion happened to be incredibly blunt and straightforward. Shion didn't mean to frighten Mika,but she simply spoke what came to mind.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK6wSa3qm4
“Praise the lord she wasn't raised by your mother or she’d be foaming at the mouth by her age.” Derek snapped.

“Hey,please don't fight you two.I’m really not worth the drama.”Mika pleaded softly,her voice barely above a whisper. Somehow this was immediately caught by the pair and so their attention was immediately diverted to their escort.

“What are you talking about?”

“You better be worth it, having a soldier as magnificent as me, means that you have to be pretty damn good. If you question your worth,that's questioning my worth.Do you not think I am strong my lady?” Growled Shion,her eyes squinting into a piercing glare. Mika's voice seemed to disappear and was left with nothing but her dumbfounded stare,not sure what would appease Shion. Without even realising she had messed up, just another to add to the list. Then came Shion's laughter, her sense of bewilderment faded as she finally concluded it was nothing but a joke played upon herself.

“You've got to try to calm down my lady. Think of this as an over the top recon mission. The higher ups probably want you to get some experience on lower risk missions before they offer you a full introduction. After all, most of us are either straight from basic training or patrol duty.” He explained, flashing a warm comforting smile.

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“What is it wussy man? Not gonna tell her about the Honeylight monster?”Tittered Shion.

“Honeylight monster?”Mika repeated,visibly startled by the mention of a monster. Derek turned to Shion who smiled,seemingly proud of herself for stirring up this drama. Not wanting to give her the satisfaction he rolled his eyes at her, averting his gaze with a long winded sigh.

“Yeah…the honeylight monster.”He murmured,a complacent and unwilling tone forcing the words outside his mouth.”It's just some rumour that Shion seems to love. I didn't exactly want to startle you but there is another objective that we had been sent out with. A town named Honeylight, placed on the far border of the country near to Basincliff where we had departed from, was recently destroyed. We didn't get to hear many of the details but from the rumors and let me emphasise that they are rumors, the place was messed up quite horribly. For some reason people have the opinion that it had been caused by some ungodly beast however I haven't been given any proof to suggest it was anything more than a rowdy gang of goblins. Anyhow if there were to be some singular monster causing that sort of destruction, chances would say it would have run away by now or found itself hibernating in some desolate cave. That is of course only if Shion’s stupid fanfiction holds even the slightest shred of truth.”

“Don't listen to him, classic skeptic nobleman.”Bashed Shion.

“For the last time, being born into a rich family isn't criminal. Your family however…don't get me started.They’re an entirely separate matter.”He murmured under his breath.

“Please you two,don't fight in front of me at the very least.All this arguing isn't exactly helping to steel my nerves.” Quietly Mika pleaded,only raising her voice so she could just barely be heard. Thankfully this was enough for Shion and Derek to register her complaints and pause their fighting for the time being. Mika tried to understand that squabbling was normal,especially in the military, it served as a recognition of comradery to be willing to blatantly insult the other. Still…she didn't like it. Mainly due to her past, her father and mother squabbled much the same at the beginning then it grew more intense. Soon it wasn't only their own separate arguments but they would take their anger out on Mika. Before Mika had taken up as many clubs and other afterschool activities to escape her house.When she had been put into this new world it was scary, but it was also a sanctuary. Mika didn't want the same petty details to destroy her new friendships, however little the conflict Mika tried to stick with one rule. No arguing. Shion and Derek had spent over a week guarding Mika,so they knew her personality at its most basic form. For the most part Mika was a timid and shy girl, wishing only to get along with others. Whilst they couldn't help but to mess around from time to time,they tried to respect Mika’s rule whenever she called them out about it.To be honest with themselves,both Derek and Shion had grown a soft spot for Mika. When they had been charged with guarding a person of importance they had expected a snot nosed brat or a cranky old mage they'd have to deal with. Mika was different,a breath of fresh air. They knew she wasn't the same,not born of this world but how could that matter?She didn't treat them as inferior or whispered rumours behind their backs.She didn't think of herself as important,she only wished to co-exist.To have such a humble and adorable escort who wouldn't be jumping for joy?

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During another lengthy conversation they found themselves interrupted as someone knocked against the carriage door. At once,Shion leaned over, swinging the door open. It seemed their messenger was one of the cavalrymen, having circled back from the frontlines he trotted steadily alongside the carriage.

“My lady,we are approaching a small river in our path that cannot be crossed using this carriage. Unfortunately,only if my lady wishes to oblige, the commander hopes that you do not find it egregious to walk this last part of our journey.” The soldier stated,bowing his head toward Mika in respect.

“Are you certain that these are the words of the commander?”Questioned Derek.

“Damn straight. Who the hell said this ground is worthy of being trodden upon by Lady Mika?”Shion scoffed, shooting the man a dirty glance. Mika glanced between Derek and Shion worriedly,before her cheeks turned a red blush out of embarrassment. Quickly she turned toward the messenger sputtering.”Oh thank you very much,that's fine.Please don't worry and send the commander my regards for the warning.”

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As the mobile domicile came to a halt, the cavalrymen rode forward,returning to his post. Through the insides, soldiers around the carriage could overhear the whining and disapproval of Shion as they exited the carriage.

“This is below us I tell you! Especially you, my lady!” Shion complained loudly, slamming her feet into the ground as she jumped down from the carriage. As she boomed out each word she stirred the attention from the very backline of soldiers that began marching past. Many soldiers seemed drawn to her loud and boisterous attitude.

“Please stop making a scene, Shion. Everyone's staring even more than they already were now.” Mika pleaded, trying to calm her friend.”I prefer walking anyhow, it feels better than resting in that carriage whilst everyone else marches. It makes me feel less estranged with the rest of them.”She reasoned, trying to find a reason for Shion to quieten down and stop drawing such gazes.

“I agree with Lady Mika. Whilst I believe you should be given the greatest luxuries, if walking makes you more comfortable then I suppose it is our job to support you and let our Lady see from a first person's perspective what true brotherhood is.” Derek affirmed,last of all hopping down from the carriage and securing his sword against his belt. Mika felt a sense of relief wash over her as she caught sight of the river.It felt silly to even regard the trickle as such, only too big for the carriage to travel across but small enough for even Mika’s small stature to step across. Already half of their forces had crossed the river,now all they had to do was catch up.

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“What is that?”A soldier shouted.Immediately,faces turned to see what the commotion was about. The river which the estuary leaked into had begun to reverse,flowing backwards and filling the estuary to an increasing size. There was no reasonable explanation as the tide had somehow turned backward, the estuary was less and less shallow. The soldiers gathered and chuckled around the once trickle turned into a sizable stream, blocking out Mika's view. Although hesitant she was completely mesmerised as she watched the soldiers jump in one after another,splashing each other with the cool springwater. She decided she shouldn't be so introverted,in a moment of wonder it would be completely normal for a young curious girl to run over. Perhaps she would even make a friend.Her legs had decided before she did,carrying her forward for a better view of the river.She wouldn't be left out of it,even if Derek or Shion found it irresponsible of a lady.

“Hey wait…I can't get out.”A soldier groaned.

“What are you talking…shit.”

Mikas' face turned to a grim expression as a cacophony of groans erupted from the river. A feeling indescribable churned within her as the illusion of joy that stood before her shattered. In between a million broken pieces,she tried to steel herself, peering over the crowd that had gathered around the river,searching for an answer.The last smiles and bits of laughter were dying out and the severity of the situation spread,dawning on another soldier every second. The first of them had begun scrabbling at the roots of plants and trees in hopes to pull themselves out of the bellowing brook but it was to no use. The river had surged from its pathetic size to now encompassing nearly half the height of the soldiers. The water had changed, it was no longer pleasant as it lapped at the soldiers, dragging them down in what could only be described as waves. Seconds later, the water had become water once more.In the span of less than a second phase 1 initiated, depriving the soldiers of even a single moment of celebration, small whirlpools formed amidst the surface of the water.

“Surge!” A voice boomed outward. Somehow it felt familiar to Mika even though it emanated from the other side of the river, opposite to Derek and Shion.In a blur she felt the back of her head thrown backward,the pain was instant and she felt her whole body contort backward with the single action. As she fell, in her final glance her eyes widened in shock as the whirlpools widened at an exponential rate. The water shot upward,a torrential blade of nature rained down blood in a frenzied attack.Those who had been peering over the river were immediately killed,there hadn't even been time to react.Faster than a bullet,red was the only remainder. Shion barely wasted a second, lugging Mika back with a vice grip upon her arm. The pain felt more intense than anything she had ever experienced before,she couldn't understand how Shion had mustered such strength, it felt like she may have had her arm torn with even a slight error. She had been deafened by the immediate impact,everything around her had become muffled noise. Looking back at the pillar of death, it had risen to a momentous level over 15 meters wide and 100 meters across.It seemed completely impractical,whatever god or monster would do this.Was it simply to taunt them?To be a testament to their might?With the realisation,a cold grip encapsulated her heart.When she focused it finally came into better focus,screams of terror and fear.Whatever was there,on that other side had done this on purpose.They wanted to split up their forces.She could hear the commander's voice booming out commands and orders one after the other.They were fighting for their life against a primordial enemy. Through the veil of water,shot a barrage of bloodied stakes that pierced the ground, sending dirt and pebbles outward like shrapnel.

“Focus Mika!” Barked Shion,once more she yanked at Mika's arm, forcing her backward. Mika watched as the disoriented groups of soldiers huddled together forming a circle only for the waves to topple upon them,dragging them to a bloodied demise.

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Shion rushed Mika behind the carriage, before shoving them both to the ground,covering Mika with her own body.

“Hang tight Mika,we wait until further orders and then we act.”

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“What the hell are you doing? We need to get her out of here right now!”Derek demanded,he leant down and grabbed onto Shion pulling her off the top of Mika.Once Shion got to her feet she shoved him backward with intense passion.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PMtJ6QXbm
“We can't leave yet! The commander hasn't given the order.Our comrades might need her power!I won't desert them!”

“Face the facts Shion! The commander and half of our forces are on that side and they're probably gonna die! We were told to protect her as our top priority. Your honour won't do us any good but kill us all! I refuse to let either of you die here!”He retorted,stepping back to face her. Mika watched from below,too stunned to speak as she watched them argue.Two best friends,brought down against each other.They exchanged glances as if they were ready to kill,like all that had ever happened no longer mattered. Her throat was closing up and her breath came out in erratic sequence,her vision began to blur. She tried her best to shuffle along the floor,leaning against the back of the carriage to get herself into a relaxed position. She was doing what she could but it didn't feel like it was gonna be enough. Instinctively she had ruffled through her pockets as she always used to but this time there was no inhaler. She silently cursed at herself for not having brought in her inhaler that day. Recently she had gotten better,the arguments had stopped,she thought one day without it in school wouldn't be enough to kill her. Yet now it was the same. She thought this world would be different but no…different people in the same circumstance. All worlds loved to hate.

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Without warning he appeared. Standing not too far behind Shion and Derek,a man clad in a dark cloak. No one had realised,he didn't even seem to have made a sound in his approach. His speed had to be nothing less than superhuman.Mika tried to croak out a warning to the two as they continued bickering but couldn't,the words didn’t come out.

“The girl behind you both is the one you both had been escorting in the carriage correct?”The hooded figure questioned,once more Mika was shocked at the voice. He had given them warning when he very much could have sneaked upon them but there was more to it.This one was deeper and masculine unlike the other that she had heard but they both somehow boasted an eerie formality. At once,they both turned and in unison drew their blade outward.Finally they had spotted the man but it barely felt like anything had changed. Whilst they were on guard,two highly trained soldiers, the man's stance remained leisurely and relaxed. It was not as if Mika was the only one. Both soldiers had immediately recognised the power of the swordsman before them, with each passing second Derek found it more difficult to uproot the nerves that had shackled him deeper to the spot.

“Who are you and what do you want?”Shion growled, trying to mask her fear with anger.

“I…at the end of the day who I am will not matter, for you will be dead. If it is any condolences I am truly sorry for what I have done this day,it will be yet another sin I will atone for.”The man sounded sincere,shameful in his actions.As he approached them further,there seemed to be no malice emanating from him,with the small glimpses she had caught inbetweenst the human wall Derek and Shion had created,she looked him up and down.In his eyes mirrored a cruel and cold abyss.There was no pleasure in his actions as he walked down his prey,he tried to detach himself as completely as he could but no matter how he tried he still held remorse.

“Stay back soldier!I don't know who you are or which nation you belong to but I am a noble born of the Marcaus household!You kill me or any of us and my family shall have you hunted to the ends of the realm!”Derek threatened, focusing his resolve in a desperate attempt to intimidate their opponent.

“I understand that completely but I can not let her live. We think she’s a threat. I get that I'm no hero, that what I do is inexcusable,that I know the truth that you are not some evil force, I keep this information from my allies so that they may kill without it weighing on their conscience. Still I must protect them,they are all I have left.”The lone warrior sighed,begrudgingly his sword came unsheathed and faced towards the helpless trio.”I apologise greatly for giving you such a horrid choice but I can only spare you both,the girl must die.Either of you may leave but if you wish to stay I shall try to give you a painless death befitting of a warrior.”

Derek's eyes widened at the sudden prospect,he couldn't be sure if the man was serious with his offer or if he should be cut down the moment his back is turned.He shook the thought of his head,what sort of man was he if he were to abandon Shion and Mika.

“I'd rather die before letting a dishonourable bastard get any closer to our lady!”Shion barked,taking on a defensive stance as she unsheathed her sword,staring daggers back at the mercenary.

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Derek was sure that this was his end, he wouldn't live past this moment.He wasn't ready to die but it seemed the gods had decided for him. He would fight for Mika and Shion though death felt almost certain,he wouldn’t be like his brother,he wouldn't flee like a coward. From behind him,a hand landed upon his shoulder.With courage he looked backwards,awaiting some form of death or punishment but it didn't come.Mika stood behind Shion and Derek, although her legs trembled and she needed to use them both for support she was determined. With what breath she could muster she spoke out in the loudest volume her chest,heaving with all the effort she could muster.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEPldo0qp5
“Don't fight.Take me.Leave the others.Let me be the only death.”

“Wait my lady…think for a second.”Shion urged,placing her hand tightly on Mika's arm,making sure she remained between the soldier and Lady Mika.Shion expected resistance,some sort of grandeur action to push herself through to save the other two. Shion was ready to do anything necessary to keep her alive. But it never came.

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Mika had stopped dead in her tracks.She stared down their assailant and some newfound horror began to corrode her expression. It was not only her.The man had come to a halt as well. He seemed shook,completely paralysed.

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“Mika?How…where were you?”

“What are you doing Akihiko?Why…why are you helping kill all these people?”

“It's not that simple Mika.You don't know the full story…”

“Bullshit!You know this is wrong!There is no justifying this!”

Akahiko stood there,too stunned to speak.He couldn't understand,why did this happen?There was always a chance,he supposed that the spellcaster would be one of them but the chances of it being true were completely improbable.This was never meant to happen. Now what? What was he supposed to do?

“So what then?Are you going to kill me?”Mika challenged, speaking his thoughts. Looking at him she could tell it was the same Akihiko. She didn't know how a once kind hearted boy could have been transformed into this monster.She thought she would never see another person from her old world ever again, now she wished she never had.In that moment,from over 100 metres away a bow string was drawn.As he made an advance in preparation to speak,Akahiko sensed something in the distance. Mika only heard a whistling noise,and then saw Akahiko’s cheek cut with blood seeping out of it. She let out a silent gasp as she fully took the sight in. She thought it was one of them, a fellow soldier who had tried to shoot down the unknown enemy but it couldn't have been. There was not a single allied soldier in view, all that were in sight were trying to scramble across the river to help their comrades. Not only that but the power and speed of the shot surpassed any sort of human capability.

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Three more. Akihiko drew his sword and with cold precision cut them down.Whilst Akihiko's deflection had managed to spare himself, half of an arrowhead lodged itself within Shion's armour,directly penetrating through the metal armour it had grazed flesh.She collapsed backwards,the forward momentum of the arrow throwing her onto her back defenseless and weak.Immediately Mika and Derek surged to her aid,forgetting the dangers within the dire situation.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJg42oOugm
“Elves…”Akahiko growled,staring down into the forest. Any normal person would have not been able to pinpoint the attacking force,only thanks to his ability was his eyesight able to see clearly from such a distance. They were on the third side of the river,hidden within the trees.From the power in their shots,the elves had made it clear their objective.One shot could easily kill a fully grown man,armour possibly granting them slightly better chances.If Akihiko was the only one,and he could act with the inference that they aimed for any and all available targets,this could easily lead to the plan failing.If they were left alone,they would kill the others.More blood would be on his hands. There was no more time to think over a plan. He pulled the cloak over his head and tossed it to the ground,turning back for one final glance with his lost classmate.

“Use that as a tourniquet for your friend. Run and don't look back,I mean that for all of you. If you stay Mika, you won't be the only one of our classmates you are endangering.”

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Chapter 12:Death

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They were doing it,they might just have a chance.Across the river was the battle,to the left was the elven forest,behind was yet more forest that meant any amount of elves could be travelling through as reinforcements.The only choice was up the mountain valley,Derek had thrown Shion over his back and crawled up the steep mountain surface with intense rigour.Mika could see that it was taking its toll but he continued to power forward,not stopping for any reason.By now he had made up his mind,screw honour or responsibilities,his priority was bringing these two girls back to safety.The nearest human settlement was still a few kilometres out in the distance,so he had set himself another more attainable goal.Across the top of the valley would spell the groups freedom,once they reached the highest point no force supernatural or not would notice them.Even a kilometer further meant they couldn't even be able to hear the sounds.Mika rushed up the mountain alongside Derek,trying her best to help him in what ways possible.

“Derek…Shion’s not looking good.”

She had turned a ghostly pale and without much reasoning most could deduce why.Mika had noticed even earlier than then,though before she thought nothing of Shion going to cover her wounded arm.It had barely scratched her,but that wasn't the problem.An elven poison tipped the arrow that had been ricocheted onto Shion.From the wound,her veins had turned a gruesome black hue and it only seemed to spread further beyond.With each beat of her heart,working harder to keep her alive the poison was circulated deeper through her body,bringing her closer to death.Whilst Mika wasn't exactly a model pupil she was smart enough to understand what was to come next.In less than a few minutes Derek would carry nothing much greater than a corpse.

“Hang in there soldier,hope is on the way.”He grimaced,not sparing time to check on her condition.If Mika wasn't overreacting then it was only more provenant to get Shion somewhere quick as safely and effectively as possible.By the 500 metre marker he was struggling more than ever before.He had to keep pushing.Sweat drenched his body and their combined size felt like it bore the weight of a mountain. His mind remained focused on a single thought,keep moving.His legs threatened to buckle every moment,shaking with unparalleled intensities.With each step forward he slipped in and out of conscience, before his feet landed once more.His breath laboured in and out,forced out of fear that he may forget if expected as an autonomous reaction,the air came in and out like a tidal storm.They had to keep moving.

“Mika…”Shion sputtered followed by a series of coughing,spewing blood onto the ground.She rushed to her friend's side,hearing her call.

“Yes?What is it?”Frantically she pleaded,scouring her up and down for what she had wanted to say.It was something reminiscent of frantic delusion,Mika forced a smile on her face pretending that everything was okay,hoping to comfort her in their final moments.As she did so,Derek trudged forward as if unmoved by the moment,he seemed in his own world.Had he forgotten what was happening?Had he already given up on Shion?Like an undead vine,the poison had spiralled upward to her throat,stopping her from speaking any further.

“Come on Shion!Talk to me!Hang in there,we are nearly safe.”Mika stuttered,grasping Shion’s hand tightly and her breath weakened.She barely noticed in her grievance,tears flooding her vision,she only barely spotted the faint twitching of Shion's left arm.With the final moments of her life,she pointed outward,back at the river.Intrinsically,Mika followed the direction she had pointed at,before this she had purposefully made sure to not look back.Now the atrocities she had been ready to abandon were on full display.It felt like her heart stopped,she didn't want to believe what she saw before her.

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Death.Everywhere she looked.Remorseless,painful,agonising death.More than 75% of their forces were completely decimated.There they were.Those she had called classmates.Those responsible.A girl stood on a large boulder,surrounded by a pile of wooden stakes.The exact same that were now sprouted across the battlefield,stained with blood.She was clapping and jumping cheerfully.A man stood not far from the girl,he seemed to be in control of the river wall.He held the wall up with his hands,raised high like a priest in mass, he was on his knees. His power must have been taking a toll upon him, and yet did his bloodlust refute him from stopping? Was he that desperate to kill these men? There was another,in between the two,surrounded with torn,ripped carcasses he was drenched from head to toe in their blood. The commander stood tall,commanding the final stand of soldiers,trying to salvage what was left. Before they knew it,the stakes came showering down on them once more,they tried to use their shields to block the attacks but it didn't seem to be working.The man came charging toward the army with nothing but his fists,yet the army began to retreat.From all the way up the mountain it made no sense and yet it didn't make sense to the soldiers either.An army over a hundred strong,decimated by only three people.They saw their friends,brothers,sisters torn to pieces by a hulking boy or shot down by stakes that autonomously sought out its targets,shooting faster and further than most arrows could travel.Many had completely broke upon this mental torture and now as the bloodied brute came charging,they didnt see an option but to run.As the commander called out,trying to bring reason to the soldiers his voice was overwhelmed by the ensuing panic.They ran backward without even thinking of what they were running into.Mika felt her insides twist in horror as she realised what was to come.The one who had held the river wall up,hands raised to god brought his wrath crashing down.Lapped up,their screams consumed by the water that snatched them from the land.

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Nearly at the top.

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Only a few more steps. Just a few more steps Derek thought. He thought that he was never going to do it. He had been sure that he would give in before he reached the top,it seemed too vast a challenge,look at him now. Whether he died the moment he stopped moving or he lived on honestly didn't seem too important in that moment.Mission accomplished,the girls would be safe. With the final step,he crawled onto the top of the valley,rolling himself to one side leaving Shion to rest on the grass for a moment.The relief was beyond anything he had felt before,some giddy joy overcame him in that moment,his complete exhaustion overshadowed by euphoria.”We’re alive!!!”He started laughing uncontrollably,staring up at the sky above him.The sky wasn't anything particularly special,he had seen far more beautiful or interesting days and it was quite cloudy on top of that. In spite of all this,it was something. Today they had the privilege of seeing the sky and now they had the chance to see tomorrow’s and the next after that. He was sure Shion would say something soon about how shitty the weather was and then he could scold her for always being so pessimistic and harsh. He wouldn't mean any of it, hell he was just grateful that he could still do this with Shion.In that moment he envisaged their future together staring out at a beautiful sunrise and lamenting that every day couldn’t be the same. She never spoke though.

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“Shion?”She was dead.It was unmistakable,there was no light in her eyes,her facial expression numb and emotionless,her skin pruned and shrivelled,a desecration of her memory. No matter how he shaked her,how desperately he pled with her to come back,nothing worked. How long had she been like this? What the hell happened for him to deserve this?

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“MIKA!”Derek screamed out.Her head shot backward,jumping at the volume of his voice.There he was,having crawled forward with his body that threatened to give in, broken,pathetic and snot nosed looking over the valley below him at Mika.That had to mean…

Boom

By the time the sound had reached Mika she had already watched Derek's head be shattered into pieces as a projectile sped through his skull. His body fell limp,rolling aimlessly down the hill past Mika, and all she could do was watch.

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“Bullseye!”132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPKdRehwG2
“That's how you do it Aiko!Do it again!”

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How could she not have seen it before?These monsters,how could she ever have associated herself with them. Meeting Akihiko had given her a false sense of hope,it rewired her opinion of the enemy. If she didn't think she knew these people she would have used her power earlier. Maybe it was more, her own questions and moral worries about the potential in her ability.It didn't matter. Those who laugh or make sport of this violent murder,hundreds killed in a genocide.Shion had taught her one thing,to fight on.That was the way of the soldier,to fight tooth and nail until your very last breath.This was what they wanted,the soldiers.If she had asked they would have agreed with this.A chance to fight on.To win,she would abandon humanity,all love and empathy squashed like the lives of these innocent.Unlike the others in her class,she had an advantage.Mage Brambleweave had given her a gift,a necklace once possessed by the Royal mages apprentice.This would boost both the AOE of her magic but also boasted incredible magic reserves stored within it.Her eyes turned black,an empty abyss as the magic took control.Those who had lost in battle moved on to a better place upon a higher plane, but their bodies had not.

Puppeteer of the undead:Lvl 1 ability- Necromancy. Activated.

“Capture them.”

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