Fire423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D62Vmmn9g
and smoke, corpses burned beyond recognition, blood splattered streets. It was423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7tPkR0p3O
all around him, he stood in the middle of a burning village, watching as more423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXVVzJECm9
people were butchered by the horsemen. Arrows plunged into some, while others423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65s0EM8K11
were struck down with swords. The boy did nothing, only staring in horror at423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFiE9C4tsv
the scene which played before him. A group of horsemen started to approach him,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ7pAVGYiL
he watched as they got closer and closer, the boy thought of running, but his423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0eDpDq2oH
legs wouldn’t move. He was frozen, he was afraid, he would soon be dead as well.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCv7NprLhd
The horsemen stopped, and their leas dismounted and approached him, the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EbVqpxtXa
reflection of the flames danced along the silver longsword in hand. The boy stared423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLQKaHJ7Nm
wide-eyed at him, he was an intimidating figure, larger than any man he had423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1n2Ss2NkX
ever seen, with a long scar running diagonally across his face, stretching from423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYIdciTPYg
his right eye to the side of his mouth. The man grinned as he lifted the longsword423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyLkHpmsLy
with one hand and swung down with it.
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbBH5hwm5T
awoke suddenly, his heart was pounding in his chest and he was drenched with sweat.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHlA49MiFD
He sat up in his bed and put his right hand over his face then screamed loudly423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqAJsgewIo
into it. He stopped and caught his breath for a minute before swinging his legs423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHiTMm4ebr
off the tiny bed, looking around at the wooden room he sighed. It was tiny and423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYtaMhnbJp
the only furniture were the bed crammed up against the wall which he slept in423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr14adV21y
and a small chest tucked away in a corner, above it hung a small cracked mirror.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegBXR1dpTm
Kemari got up and tentatively walked towards the mirror and looked at himself. He423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRVQnjE0w9
stared at his reflection for a while, waiting for his heart rate and breathing423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3oVa0GWqf
to steady. He brushed his locks out of his face and tied it behind his head,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltOIrO2XIa
leaving two strands to remain at the front. His two crimson eyes stared back at423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4yLGGuQyf
him, and as usual he felt like he was sharing his vision with something else,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4GsCCZgzn
as if there was someone else inside him using his eyes. He ran his hand over a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch0r7DKDZz
long scar that stretched from his shoulder to the middle of his chest, images423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0jp1ahWbD
from his nightmare flashed before him making him sigh. He admired his dark423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCYtuuRY2x
brown complexion for a minute before opening423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZqqmOXEnG
the chest and getting dressed in his purple Mage’s robe.
“Time423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6QbXdUMNS
for another day of failures and being dependent on Isadora” he mumbled.
The423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpivUDtZwz4
Dragon’s Tongue was a small run-down Inn and Tavern situated in the slums of Lanatheas'423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GZiJanp4n
royal capital. It was a place only frequented by the poor as well as a variety423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡginqgkPgLX
of unsavory types, it was here Kemari called home. For unlike all the others423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzchg4a7Fei
who were members of the Adventurer’s Guild, he was incapable of earning enough423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubcb4SsbfY
gold to get himself a room in the richer districts, this was something Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKLWVfoeLo
despised and always swore he would have to change. He sat in a corner, alone, with423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5tfmnc6pc
a book laid before him on the table, the common room was lively as server girls423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmC9Ld2aNU
carried meals and ale to various tables of loud customers. A server walked by423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU0Vs4EZ2l
him and the smell coming from the tray made him gag. How do they eat that423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo7OwbW0wP
filth? He thought to himself shaking his head. He was about to start423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QSOssVVmE
reading when a rusty iron sword impaled his book and lodged itself in the table.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V0tBwHhnE
Kemari heard laughter from around the room as he looked at his book in horror, blue423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrreZD8bKOV
mist rose from it in a puff of smoke as the contents spilled out of the book as423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrGtpdXdQI
if it were bleeding.
“What423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVVyhkfaud
the fuck!” he heard a figure beside him exclaim. Kemari looked up to see the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A5cB5KDEF
man who was holding the sword, he was muscular looking fellow who wore a rag tied423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Apx0OMtRF
like a mask around his neck, and was wearing tattered clothing under a rusted423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbQ2QyNV8o
iron chestplate, which had its fair share of dents. “do you have any idea how423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYivSbaghN
much this book cost me?” Kemari said as he clenched his fists. The man looked423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN79M09zux
at him and laughed “would you look at this fool, boys” his laughter was echoed423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7PPuymn1f
by the other people in the room “ha, looks like he wants to fight you” a voice423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZREMFIgpLU
snickered.
“yea?423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwRz0V1R2r
Is that true, brat?” he lowered his body into a crouch and stared into Kemari's423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtLTTAKLn4
eyes “you want to fight, you little weakling?”
“Go423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWmvi8iVSk
fuck yourself” Kemari spat in his face.
“Aargh!”423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK3rkX5J2V
the brute grabbed him by his temples and yanked him from his chair then threw423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDXLcKheXh
him across the room in one fluid motion. Kemari crashed into chairs and tables423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GYDXtOe49
as he flew through the room, and coming to a stop as he slammed against the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwOZ3W2y4E
wall with a thud. His assailant pulled his sword out of the table and pointed423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLniiFMoej
it at him “I think it’s time you learned your fucking place, trash.” He walked423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAsIxLjwCd
forward slashing his sword through the air as he moved. “You might not have423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvBZklNej9
realised it as you were coasting through life in your peaceful little village,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l8a8UM7Lo
but we live in a world where the strong eat the weak” he paused slightly then423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84uSDyC7ea
continued “There’s no place in it for pitiful, weaklings……... except for food423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOqPXedezd
that is. So do tell me mage” he was grinning madly by this point “WHAT.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjgTWqvuMy
PURPOSE. DO. YOU. SERVE?” he punctuated each pause with a slash of his sword as423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx7gJMDgQl
he stopped over Kemari, who was now propped up against the wall holding a hand423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UvTncoqq3
to his side while his other began to move in motion weaving a spell.
Despite423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSYCJ2uHM6
all that had happened, Kemari was not afraid, for he had faced down bigger and423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ995RoY7wqa
more dangerous enemies and lived……never mind it being because he was saved by a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIJ4ykOj8G
certain someone most of those times. He held his hand before him and smirked as423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfbpkPkNng
the spell was completed, he was shocked however, when the brute grabbed his arm423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YGP4yz357
and forced it downward right as an ethereal arrow shot out from his palm. He423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zXVrwWNY1
grimaced as he suddenly felt a kick to the gut, Kemari doubled over in pain and423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkHKW3dxJ3
coughed up blood. His assailant released his arm and placed the sword against his423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RxoFkZNd7
neck. Kemari glanced around the room, hoping someone would come to his rescue, he423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9wWDZKQSK
soon realized that would not happen as he saw the twisted smiles on everyone’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakmlTkPUXA
face.
“That’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5hjoJuZ05
enough Ivan” Kemari’s head snapped in shock towards the rotund bartender who423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNMFfwnoWI
had spoken. Unlike the others his face was written with concern. “.......I423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvXifK3riI
think the child has had enough of your lesson” he hesitated
“Is423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwMAXyuWTi
that so?” Ivan punctuated his question with a severe kick to Kemari’s side,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadtD3Hkwyk
causing him to hit the floor. “Well what do you all say?” his question was423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hqsq9UJW5
directed at the other occupants of the room and Kemari cringed as he heard423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nVOVPZgLD
their replies: “kill him”, “rip his guts out”, “show him who’s boss”, “Finish him off” they cried.
“As423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGE7HIbZVo
you command” Ivan sneered as he raised his sword. Just then a figure wearing a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDzENnmDM8
black hooded cloak broke from the crowd and walked towards them, Kemari laughed423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZZ2m6AcO4
as he noticed it.
“What’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZfl8z6HLq
so funny?” Ivan said, his sword still held high.
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwhweewFzh
heard the bartender sigh “You done fucked up now Ivan”
“Huh?”423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn3FIviqwH
that was all he managed before the figure slammed a powerful kick into his neck423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMgYpVYYLV
causing him to drop the sword as he skidded sideward before falling. “You ok423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeNhetsYYD
Kemari?” it's feminine voice asked without looking away from Ivan who was423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mXDSQIbn0
already back on his feet and holding his neck.
“yea”423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NU016Tth8
Kemari wheezed “Nothing a little healing magic can’t fix……and thanks by the way,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsyhhBm9ux
Isadora”
“good423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vF2c7RAmh
and don’t mention it, just stay right there and watch as the greatest monk in423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFdiwN3L82
all of Lanatheas kick ass” the figure giggled.
“Didn’t423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiDKxHf0Ed
you drop out of your training?” Kemari smiled.
“SHUT423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jI7kSP2s2
UP!” she took a fighting stance “it was a mutual agreement”
The423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jKdfEcvdD
two laughed as everyone stared at them in bewilderment. Ivan, who had finally423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuicHW2UaU
recovered from the blow looked at the figure as they sized up each other. “who423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiQwVJm7Eh
the fuck are you?” he finally asked the figure.
“irrelevant”
“you423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXmbXYlXFJ
sound like a woman”
“I423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD5YuIR8UX
should hope”
“that423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiMtxitR3a
was a magnificent kick, for a lady of course” he rubbed his neck and grinned at423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5ouWNExHX
her
“Wow,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh1YWPSBih
that was a bit sexist don’t you think?”
“Sex423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ9GsL0zuk
what?” He shot a glare at Kemari who had laughed a little at his question.
“are423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJSUdcMjvc
we going to fight or not?” she asked sounding irritated.
“heh,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXouZ1BmndH
I wouldn’t want to break your fragile little bones miss” Ivan smiled and the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVkMyqVq0o
crowd chuckled, the bartender only shook his head. Kemari sighed to himself as423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN7wXfiQC5
he saw her dash toward Ivan with uncanny speed, he was barely fast enough to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbimat14uF
block the kick that was aimed at his face. Isadora spun and delivered a kick to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunsF4ka3ZB
Ivan’s abdomen which forced him back a few steps, before he knew it she was on423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBVEQRgwEb
him again, firing a quick jab to his nose followed by a myriad of blows to his423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBRhjGRk1Y
face and upper body. Ivan wobbled as the hits connected, he was unable to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17UWytv3rM
block, dodge or even see them. The onlookers watched in awe as Ivan was beaten,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oZth9vj6O
unable to defend himself against the sheer powers of his enemy’s blows. Kemari,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pnb2AFWHk
who was now back on his feet fully healed looked on smiling as his friend423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZAu8EASNj
finished the fight by palming Ivan square in the chest then walking away423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wgxPLdXLk
towards Kemari. As he looked he noticed the man’s chestplate was even more423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03hmYdAaRS
dented than it was before and there was a hole in it where he had gotten the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUbSQh9rp6
last hit, his face was twisted and bloody. As she walked by him, he turned to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnAZz6wWoY
follow her and heard a metallic clank as if Ivan’s body had finally registered423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLDpxUUnSj
that it was no longer living. The people moved to the side as Isadora walked past423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxb3g7Ui2c
with Kemari in tow, they stopped by the counter where she fished a coin purse423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w5tay3RmN
from somewhere in her cloak an handed it to the barkeep.
“Sorry423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUYTDMliDJ
for the disturbance big guy.”
“No423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUa0Em7v14
worries little one” the bartender replied.
The423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uLgh00y5x
two walked down the streets of the slum districts. People in tattered clothes423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDNa3GEaDk
walked along as if they had no purpose, while others looked out from alleyways423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRILi6gZS7x
and the insides of broken down houses looking for unsuspecting prey to rob,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrAQ6YRwir
abduct or kill. They walked in silence as they passed by buildings clumped together,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlkAAjS8Ph
some even looked as if they were about to topple. They stopped as a group of boys423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyxfgu1NWM
ran out In front of them chasing after a smaller one who was running with a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI7a0Lr1qV
huge rat in his hands. Isadora started walking again as Kemari stared after the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP1hB9DeYZ
children as they caught up to the boy and took they rat from him then proceeded423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYzrfWNJXl
to beat him.
“Same423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc419AwbLwC
age” he said before following after her
His423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1aunGbG5c
friend looked at him as he caught up with her “said something?” she asked
“I was423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouf0uLK1ac
just thinking….” He paused “those children just now, they don’t look that much older423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbpP62uVlU
than we were at that time…”
“What423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RRaxIqSsY
does that have to do with anything?” she was curious, Kemari rarely mentioned423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GMQTwk7Z9
anything about their past. He tried not to show it, but she could tell that it423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4T03MDKF
still haunted him.
“…It423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgsOMw68XS
isn’t right” his voice quivered and was almost a whisper “children are supposed423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDgAL73mre
to be safe, they shouldn’t be exposed to these harsh realities at such a young423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl5TLF8mis
age”
“Better423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzTl1ZWpbT
now than when they’re older and are incapable of dealing with the shit the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyxa1GKSt9
world throws at them, because of the sheltered pampered life they lived” Her423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilwjs1YHMn
reply was blunt and harsh, yet He knew she had a point. He had lived a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59MNADxpXz
sheltered life while she was always fighting for what she wanted, and now years423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB0gVmaffb
later she was an accomplished Monk despite being a 'failure' to her mentors as423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZnkWHI9sR
well as a 'B' ranked adventurer while he was stuck at 'F' the weakest rank423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3zkuphci8
there was.
“I423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzSPkv1gEG
wish it didn’t have to be that way” she suddenly continued “But this is the way423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHSOirq335
of life. With death lurking around every corner, we can’t afford to be weak” she423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KLmrX2ett
looked to the sky as she spoke.
“Like423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwdPQZH12O
me Huh?” Kemari chuckled lightly
“Pretty423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfYppsvpVq
much” she laughed and punched Kemari in the shoulder, he flinched as she hit423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVAAK48nQP
him and that only made her laugh harder. He rubbed his shoulder as they423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCL8URnhvN
continued their walk in mostly silence.
It423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmGTfF2Ra2
was almost noon by the time they reached their destination; the Adventurer’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYvzrk2A3n
Guild. It was a large imposing structure which stood at the top of a grand marble423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmBiR8OgO7
staircase, Kemari stopped and stared in awe at the high walls that shined in423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0KHJSP0hK
the midday sun. No matter how many times he visited, the sheer beauty of it423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJozxkOAVa
always caught his eyes . He smiled and walked up the steps where Isadora waited.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8XvGAOLJl
They approached the large Oak double doors together which swung open as they423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn9s2GDLLT
got close, stepping inside Kemari looked around the huge open area they now423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv9l9wyyLO
stood in. The floors were made of a dark reflective surface that absorbed mana423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzTHg1eY6r
from it’s occupants, making them weaker the longer they stayed, which Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci2M0mP55h
believed to be weird, but apparently the GuildMaster had done this to prevent423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfflNJPQMfz
fighting in his hall “can’t fight if you can't freely manipulate your body’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlmdyc1Hst
ambient mana” the receptionists would repeat. The room was filled with a variety423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme3wjzKGTd
of adventuring folk; some wore bulky, heavy armor and carrying massive swords423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H00PslX5m
while others dressed lighter, wielding bows, staves, or much smaller swords.423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlvFcFr8aM
Two adventurers caught his eye, as they seemed to be out of place, one of them423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76oE3b23aS
was a green slightly muscular being Kemari assumed to be a Half-Orc who leaned423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY0GFSv8hJ
against the wall with a heavy looking broadsword leaned up next to him, and was423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlLo8DKOR5
wearing a brown tunic over black leather pants and boots, on top of that he423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLioHzJURD9
also wore a pair of silver pauldrons and and a half chestplate, His hair was a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPR7DX0wUN
greenish untamed mess from what Kemari could see. The other person was the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9DxQqccqg
second most beautiful girl he had ever seen, an Elf with long silver hair tied423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQyCzp0t43
up in a ponytail.
“So423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ9Qgdn2II
that’s your type hmm?” His attention was drawn from her before he had a chance423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXteLyanjS
to observe her fully. He turned to see Isadora staring at him intensely with a huge423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ394tW8Trir
grin on her face.
“No,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvfnu7VZVR
that wasn’t…….that’s not…” Kemari stumbled to find words.
“Don’t423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcDc8fuH8n
worry my dear sweet companion.” Isadora laughed as she leaned in close and423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7dBF104dA
covered her mouth as if to whisper to him “I SHIP!” She bellowed, attracting423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bhx5bFDKC
the attention of the entire room.
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMvc6cbLaj
looked around nervously and hissed “what are you doing, you idiot?”
“why423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTsFQPxH2g
I’m just so proud of you Kemari” she spread her arms wide and squealed “You’re423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc46UUFdAP
finally interested in exploring the lush flesh of a –“ she issued a yelp as Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZLHjM9wen
grabbed her cloak and dragged her away to the reception area. He blushed423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8GMn3r1Ud
slightly as he stormed past snickering adventurers. The reception area was a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO9MXvK0h8
long counter towards the back of the room, behind it stood the guild’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm8vWC1E3l
receptionists, all of which were identical women. The two approached the one423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fay5sDx1z
closest and exchanged greetings, it wasn’t until then that Isadora removed her423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8HmyfOoOl
hood, revealing her face. Her skin was a smooth almond complexion and her light423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuJ92qzxVC
brown hair was cut short in a close cropped style with the sides faded, her423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELAye7Z0vD
eyes always took Kemari’s breath away, they were also a light brown with423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzostJm9T6q
matched her skin tone and hair color and always seemed to sparkle. “keep423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA6LbrayTs
staring at me like that and I’ll steal your heart” he was so engrossed in423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3gpjSnKmh
admiring her that he didn’t notice that she had stopped talking to the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKCO7wF0I0
receptionist and was now starting at him smirking. “And I meant that literally”423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnbnK71twP
she said teasingly before returning to her conversation.
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WsvuBBq4y
gulped and then sighed as he went about observing the room once more. He looked423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe7ABu7SzJ
around at the occupants who were all embroiled423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkhXBk66b5
in conversation amongst their companions, the elf he had seen was no longer423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiHueiIzAY
there, but the Half-Orc stood the same place leaning against the wall; this423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq6TEhRPKw
time he was staring right back at Kemari who quickly turned away. In the centre423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nEe7BQHxE
of the hall was a giant golden statue of the legendary GuildMaster himself: Gaelin423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUdF2XWt7w
Branandor, who had faced down the Black Dragon in the Arena pits, gaining his423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8SpWN0I5g
freedom from slavery in the process. The statue featured Gaelin in nothing but423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8HAyWjkH7
a loin cloth, with a broken sword in his left hand and the dragon’s head in the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02TlFtDZTv
other. The statue was of a powerfully built man, with long golden hair hung low423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFMwOFrBPF
behind his back. That looks nothing like the old fool Kemari thought to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCO5hTEng
himself as he shifted his attention in scorn. The walls were a chalk white, and423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU2jcV6XcP
were decorated with long portraits of the Twelve Knights of Lanatheas; the only423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNBWdQZc0k
'S' ranked heroes Lanatheas had to offer. They were the strongest and their423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg2PXEynvf
names carried a lot of weight. Kemari only knew three of them: Markus The Bear,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yznRAfyJR
who was a savage Hulk of a man who never wore anything apart from his brown fur423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCfenuRCXS
loincloth and the pelt of some unknown beast around his shoulders. He was known423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCv34Ev89y
to tear his foes to pieces with nothing but his bare hands. Next was Lucien Arengar,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSSqHtXUAZ
leader of the kingdom’s Dragon Knights which was an elite unit tasked with high423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa7m1DlxNr
priority quests from the Crown itself, he wore his signature red and gold423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSilCEbPZFj
armour with his sword held high and his shield to his side. The last was the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9b1Seiowv
rogue, the assassin, and the fastest of all the 12………fuck, what was his name423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HcsI2rRdG
again?. Kemari stared at the portrait of the man who stood completely clad423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgwkSkxV8M
in black and covered completely, hiding his features.
“Brinn,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuCEk2HQx6
I think” Isadora said from beside him. She had turned towards him and noticed423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbxBqMJFPN
him staring with a puzzled look on his face.
“Thanks,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpKZNP8Gtb
don’t know why I keep forgetting his name” Kemari replied “You finished?”
“Yuuup”423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANQUYJt235
she bounced and grinned
“Great,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSvSINzg1E
let’s go then” he stretched and started to walk away when Isadora grabbed his423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ465HV4DH04
robes
“Not423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsZQcAC8XW
so fast, my dashing knight”
“What423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMzZwZlQoG
now?” Kemari sighed
“The423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizeQzNfNuE
GuildMaster has something for us”
Kemari’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD26s7ENfAM
demeanor changed upon hearing that, he spun around and grabbed Isadora’s423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XH8ANQXJ6
shoulders, she shuddered when she saw the cold look on Kemari’s face.
“Did423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcVCUGza7A
they find him” he tried to ask as calmly as he could, but his voice was instead423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQeJwG4Ipl
cold and tainted with anger. She nodded and turned then waved towards the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfcNtEkcpd
receptionist who was weaving a spell, she smiled and in an instant they were423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KXS97WPQJ
standing in an empty blueish space which only had a small desk and a few chairs423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFdDziP9Ob
in the middle.
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o3UW2JKIu
rushed towards the desk leaving his friend behind, he caught a glimpse of a423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZOLiDKHNm
giant ogre wearing full plate armour as it vanished from the room. Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS0G0w2tTS
stopped at the desk and stared at the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQyBH7iv0g
small sinewy man behind it. The man wore a black vest over a white buttoned423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPQZAgGbnu
down shirt, his head was completely bald and he seemed to be well over 100423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqGJHKtWEg
years old. “You stare too much Kephirian” the man said without looking up from423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsKv84dMBU
a paper he was scribbling on before him.
“Where423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj4303prGQ
is he!” Kemari slammed his hands on the desk
“Have423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3UpjG50FT
a seat first” the man gestured at a chair before the desk “you too monk”
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoqFtauaZo
looked and noticed she was right next to him now, she plopped into the chair423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyNI8kzJr8
and placed her feet on the desk, which evoked a glare from the man who made to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UBo3QO7eH
say something before shaking his head and changing his mind. “please?” He423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR7mD1s2Ed
looked at Kemari this time, who sighed and sat in his chair.
“Who423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDt7kOgKCx
was that just now, GuildMaster?” Isadora spoke first
Gaelin423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyeJ5U9p6O
set down his quill and leaned back in his chair for a few moments before he423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzafnK5CYc
finally responded “Targoth IronHorn…..” he hesitated, pondering how to continue423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SQdVNjEm8
“He looks for the same man as you do”
“Did……..did423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDjtGIrlZv
you tell him what he wanted to know?” 423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TAXujM8xc
Isadora glanced at Kemari as she asked
“I423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPs0lX6BaJ
did”
“YOU423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62hyhSeGfx
HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME” Kemari flared up “WHAT THE FUCK? WE HAD AN AGREEMENT423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87iJEok3at
YOU OLD FART” He reached across the table and grabbed Gaelin by his shirt423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBcEWonMCz
collar.
“THAT’S423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxCV2bv8D0
ENOUGH KEMARI” Isadora shot up and took his arm, he looked at her briefly and423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJSkhILYzH
saw the disappointed way she looked at him. He grunted as he let go and paced423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q5FIwwoup
around the room “Great, so now we competition….”
“Does423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4PLeZkZgf
it matter Kemari?” She paused then continued “We just want him dead, so we…….you423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MhkHKpXbY
can be free from your burden.”
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8idvZjSrA
stood still with his fists clenched “How in the world would that relieve me of423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFwwzMt9rf
my burdens?” he looked at Isadora and said firmly “I have to be the one who kills423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2EyPqNllx
him...…..I won’t be at peace unless I am. Why do you seem to have a problem423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ5entI0Of
with that? You. Kill. All. The. Time…..so what’s the fucking difference here”423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE1SldWNeH
she didn’t answer, and the room stood in silence, waiting, before it was423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkbU0OVWRW
finally broken.
“You’re423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcbKe1cgRh
a fragile one, Kephirian…...” The GuildMaster smiled “Do you honestly believe423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQFFIbbOTp
you have what it takes to kill this monster on your own, or will you need the423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Na9iQPR5L
monk to do it for you?”
“…..” Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUSyESYqCJ
stood there in silence unable to answer.
“Nevertheless,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfHh8PdFiZ
we have a deal. The man you’re looking for is known as 'Vanther The Bold',423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzDtzeB9mJ
everything you need to know is in this” he handed Isadora a small scroll.
She423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KfWF2UEPZ
muttered a 'Thank You' as she turned to leave
“Oh,423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaegbbL4U5
and one more thing” he said stopping the duo in their tracks “There was another423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm58VozbRb
person besides the Orc who came for information on him, so you might want to423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVODQdOx6Cg
hurry”
Kemari423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8grtfZ9we
and Isadora then vanished as they once again teleported elsewhere.
423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdguZN1Knw
423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQakIgAtwdJ
423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnZgkZ3Mg0
423Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHzoFp5OmM
ns216.73.216.6da2
