“Keep running, you maggots. Any one of you stop and that’s three more laps, try me.” Captain Rodgers spoke authoritatively while sitting on a chair, enjoying a beverage.Ugh, what the hell is this?How could he subject us to such labor?... This wasn’t exercise, the bastard was being an asshole by punishing everyone for the mistakes of a few.As I dragged my legs across the track, I felt like dying.I was dehydrated, and worst of all… I was freaking tired!Shit, why didn’t I try to get some sleep last night?Hah, you might be wondering what’s going on right now. Well, to understand, I’d have to backtrack to just after we were ushered into the academy grounds by the captain.It was a pretty cool sight with dormitories set on the East side, separated into the male and female quarters and then the lecture halls as well as training ground, meditation center, clinic, cafeteria and weaponry hall on the West side.What divided both sides being the large track field that spanned several meters
“Today being an introductory class, we will be discussing basic information about Explorers, who they are, why they are important to the Tower and what mindset to have as a candidate.”A middle aged man wearing a dirt brown suit with glasses and a weird moustache, stood at the podium, addressing us.He looked familiar with his slightly large build and chubby cheeks, maybe because I had seen him quite a few times in Dad’s lab.He was one of his fellow Explorer buddies that was more inclined to seeking knowledge than fighting monsters.Anyway, his name was Professor Charles Webber and he completely disappeared after my dad’s death.Just like several others that acted friendly when he was alive and left the moment his death was deemed as suicide.What Leila said was right that Dad’s death had something to do with the Twelve since no-one had the guts to step up to refute the claims of Dad committing suicide.The problem though was which of them did it?If I remembered correctly, most were
I wasn’t comfortable eating in a crowded table so I looked around for a place to sit.As my search reached a climax, luck shone upon me as I find an empty table… that is if I don’t count the pale girl currently occupying it.Shit, how come she’s here?Wait, it’s lunchtime, stupid… as I tapped my head, she noticed my presence as she looked up and momentarily, our eyes met.Oh no… I instinctively gulped as I recalled the vomit incident.Sure she said it was okay but it’s not like that makes it okay, right?I mean that’s a terrible first impression.Hah, wait, she doesn’t seem disgusted to see me.I said this because her expression was quite normal. But what if that’s her angry face?Shit, now that eye contact has gone on for so long, do I have to say something?Ugh, I really don’t understand how this works.Don’t judge me for not knowing what to do!...it’s really hard to think right now.“Are you looking for a place to sit?” she suddenly asked.Do I respond with a yes or a no?... Would
Darkness yet again… this should be my second time in this state.I feel the same thing… like I’m an extension of it.It’s weird to experience the same thing since last time was so random.This time, it wasn’t like I intended to come here again but I ended up here regardless.But the instructor said something about feeling peaceful.I followed the meditation technique to the letter so why am I here instead?Not a world of beautiful flowers or a world with a clear blue sky… just darkness.Was it a sign of something to come?... I’d rather not think too deeply about it.I should stay calm…there’s no reason why I should feel scared.The darkness might be suffocating, but that’s only because I’m not used to it.If I accept it as an extension, wouldn’t that mean that the discomfort would disappear as well?Take a deep breath… that’s better.Hmm, this meditation thing isn’t so bad after all.Just then, I felt a light tap on my shoulder, dragging me out from the reverie I felt.As I opened my
Two weeks, ( 18 days ), have passed since the first weapon mastery class and I dare say that it would have been a reason to celebrate if I wasn’t currently standing in front of the Academy library or as some weirdos put it, the Hall of knowledge.Yeah, I know… cringe.Anyway, I would be happy to be here since it meant that I was ready to pick out a meditation technique and martial art to practice with.Unfortunately, the circumstances pertaining to how I ended up here… well, how do I put this?... It’s embarrassing.“So are you ready?” Leah asked while standing right next to me.In case you are wondering, yeah, the circumstances have to do with Leah.“Do we really have to do this?”“Of course. That was the bet.”“…”“Come along.” She said while walking up the stairs.I have half a mind to run but I am a man of my word… I can’t run away from my responsibilities.Now that I think back, what the hell was i thinking accepting the bet?Ugh, all because of Roberts, not only do I have to list
To understand the dilemma I’m currently in, here is a quick rundown of meditation techniques ranks.Platinum, Bronze, Silver and Gold.Platinum is the lowest rank which could substitute for beginners tier while Gold rank is the highest, substitute for expert tier.According to Robert, there are two methods to practicing meditation techniques.The easy route and the hard route.The easy route involves starting from the beginners tier and progressively making your way up the ladder the better you get at meditation.Now this part is considered easy because starting from the basics is the best way to build up a good foundation and then it becomes easier to build a defined structure.Of course, most people that follow this route end up spending the entire 3 year allowed period in the Academy.In case you’re wondering, yeah, each candidate is allowed only 3 years to graduate within the academy.Now I don’t really know what is the criteria for graduation but it’s possible to graduate within
I couldn’t understand it. I know it was indeed good to challenge myself but I was worried. Worried about failure. Would I be able to handle it if I failed? But then again, how could I allow the thought of failure stop me from trying? Hadn’t I come to the Academy to challenge myself? To gain the strength required to finish Dad’s goal? Wasn’t that why I left an easygoing life with Leila? So what was the need to hesitate? Sure it wasn’t my plan to go the hard route but did I have a plan to begin with? Of course not! The only thing I knew as I stepped into the academy was that I had to become an Explorer to fulfill Dad’s wish. I don’t know why Leah picked out Gold rank martial arts but it did nothing to slow down my plans. If anything, it kept me on my toes and that was what I needed. Without knowing it, I had become a bit lax. Now was the time to step up. So as I made my way to the Weapon’s hall, I knew what had to be done. It hadn’t been long since Leah and I parted ways
How long has it been?...Ugh, I can’t remember anymore. After the sixth ‘try again’, honestly I’m better off practicing on my own. Also, why the hell is he doing this? It’s just a vertical slash?... So why do I have to repeat it like it’s some complex technique. I came to understand how to go about practicing the Festival of Blades technique and then this is happening. Why did Roberts have to do this to me? Couldn’t he have rejected? The fucker just had to drop me off with the captain and even had the audacity to leave while saying, “Have a fun time.” Fun time your head! I should use a vertical slash to open up his head and check what the hell he was thinking leaving me here. Fuck, my wrists are sore. I’m starting to regret taking the initiative. Maybe practicing solo won’t be so bad. “Again!” The Captain’s order came once again. The hell is this? I’m done! Clang The sword makes a dull sound as it fell to the ground. I turned to face the captain with the latter putting
The clash was like no other.After learning about the Headmaster coming for them, Jason and Philip prepared an ambush.The Headmaster was right when he said Philip had absorbed the essence of the Dreamer.Due to that absorption, he had shed his mortal coils and embraced his monstrous side without any fear.The Dreamer was a creature capable of pulling humans into dreams but for Philip it was slightly different.He was able to rewrite the fabric of reality, blurring the lines between the dream world and reality.A terrifying power he used to the best of his ability at this point.Using the tunnels as a backdrop, he created a maze with an elaborate structure and advised Jason to have the Vampires hide in wait for their prey.A brilliant plan, considering they had the upper hand.They would be able to spot the humans from a distance considering they’d be moving with torches but the Vampires managed to blend into the darkness.All that was required now was to wait and all would work out w
It was the first time Vampires became a thing.Once Creatures of folklore told around campfires in the old world, these creatures were tame compared to what was before them at this very moment.A few reasons remained as to why the Otherworldly abomination was called Vampire but two stood out.One was because these monster feasted on blood and the second was that they had insane regenerative abilitiesMore than that, the third and last one was their dislike for light.They thrived in dark place as the mines and even the entire tower was meant to be.It’s quite understandable why the higher ups wouldn’t want the Vampires reaching the heart, now, no?Unlike normal Otherworldly that just don’t like light, the light for Vampires was a lethal weapon that could deal incredible damage in proportion to the intensity of the light.Which meant if they got to the Heart and by some stroke of luck, succeed in destroying it, that would mean the entire tower would be destroyed without a chance to sav
There were many things to consider when it came to leadership.Both for those that sought to be leaders or those that searched for a leader.It was no easy task, rather daunting enough for those that dared to take the post of leader to actually do what they were meant to do.For Heralds, their leadership was absolute as long as it with the squadron they commanded.Before any other position, a Herald was considered first when a Squadron was to move out.The squad members of a particular squadron have the right to listen to their Herald over a captain or commander or even General.This was because the Herald was not just a simple position.One wasn’t just a leader, nay, they were also family.Such sense of camaraderie helped squad members look out for one another but also brought fierce competition as there were hardly squadron’s that listened to the Captain’s, commanders or Generals over their Herald.A position where one held the life or death of so many people.There had never been a
The All-seeing Eye would have never believed it would come across the Void Wanderer again, after all, ever since that day, the Void Wanderer was pronounced dead.It should have died but even in death, it seemed as though it wouldn’t rest until it had done what it wanted which was to cause chaos amongst them.You will never get away with this!... Your kind is already doomed!... Do not waste your time fighting against the inevitable. What you should do is swear your allegiance to the one who watches and accept his reign.[Bold of you to assume that I would waste my time having a conversation with you. Please… enough with the noise.]The All-seeing Eye wanted to say but before it had a chance to, space about it began to constrict, growing tightly about it until it could barely move in any direction.No!... You cannot do this!.... You cannot do this!Unfortunately, Lord had no more words to share with him and a moment later, his body exploded like a watermelon that received the full brunt
The Otherworldly were graded according to a system created by mankind after constant bouts with them.From E, it ascended thusly; E, D, C, B, A, S, SS and lastly Godspawn.Two things were used in the grading process.One was the destructive capabilities of said monster while the second was the utility of their ability.Which meant a flame monster could be lesser than a monster that can’t be seen simply because the monster that can’t be seen won’t be easily beat.For the flame monster, there would surely be ways to counter since it’s seen but the other… the first step would be to see it no?Other criteria was put into consideration as well, like how hard was it to kill one or like how fast were their regenerative capabilities.Of course this applied to most Otherworldly.Yes, most.The SS and Godspawn were different.They were a class that defied natural laws and created conundrums that defied everything humanity had come to understand.The difference between an SS and a Godspawn was t
It was a simple plan with a simple purpose in mind.Reginald, Veronica and Jeremy.These three had abandoned the pain and suffering from that time during the newbie massacre to come together for a singular reason.What was the reason you might ask?... It was purely revenge.Revenge for their fallen comrades that had died unjustly at the hands of scheming bastards that hid within the shadows.The fact that they had found out whom the perpetrators were made it all the more better.At least they wouldn’t move like headless flies.Now they could move with the desire to kill the one that caused them the grievance they were still suffering even as they sat in Jeremy’s room, talking with smiled on their faces.Leah hadn’t been fooled when she saw them smile and laugh so energetically.It was most likely because they didn’t want her to worry.Unfortunately, she no longer had eyes that could be deceived.Leah only listened to the hearts of those she communicated with and currently, as she list
Veronica sighed as she rose from her bed and walked over to the door to open it only to find her father standing outside.“Dad, you?” Veronica said.Her father nodded. “Were you sleeping?”“No… not yet.” Veronica shook her head in response.“I thought as much. Alright, let me come in first.” With that said, he casually entered without giving Veronica much of a choice to refuse or anything of that sort.She watched on as he sat on her bed and made himself comfortable before tapping on the bed.“Come sit.”Veronica pursed her lips before letting out a sigh. “still as intrusive as ever.”Sitting beside her father, she waited for him to talk.He pondered for a bit before he spoke. “how are you feeling?”“Fine.” Veronica replied.Her father glanced at her and after a bit of scrutiny, shook his head. “that’s a lie.”“If you already know, then why ask?”“To know if you are willing to tell yourself the truth.”“…The truth is too painful to accept.”Her father stared at her solemn face and aft
It all happened so suddenly.One moment, the thugs were trying to take down Jeremy and Marcus to take away their belongings and the next moment, they were writhing on the floor like worms that had salt poured in them.As they groaned and gasped for air, Jeremy looked on with an expressionless look on his face.Meanwhile, Marcus was somewhat terrified.Just what power had Jeremy used?He couldn’t even begin to fathom it.But then he wondered. If he had such an ability… wouldn’t Ria still be alive now?Wouldn’t he have been able to save Ria and ensure nothing happens to her?As that thought came, Marcus found himself pondering on it more and more until he could hardly think of anything else.Then he heard Jeremy’s voice. “This not power you should hope for.”His voice snapped Marcus out of his reverie, causing him to realize that he had Ben staring off into nothingness for a bit too long.Then he glanced at Jeremy who was staring intently at him.“how did you do that!” Marcus immediatel
“You heard about the fire?” Jeremy inquired with a raised brow.Reginald nodded. “It was a dangerous affair after all. It’s one of the few times when an entire floor was threatened. If anything had gone wrong, we would have seen casualties in the thousands.”“I agree. And that was just a side effect.”“A side effect, you say?” Reginald raised a brow.Jeremy replied. “Yeah. Apparently, Marcus only had to kill some mafia leader that had his hands on the black market on that floor, engaging in unsavory activities including drugs, prostitution and slavery.”“that… wait, you said the orb is a Vestige?” Reginald asked.Jeremy nodded. “it is.”“so how did he use it?... Aren’t Vestiges objects that only react to variance?... So how did he activate it?”“I have no idea.” Replied Jeremy in all honesty.He was also quite curious to figure out how it happened.It was a known fact that even ordinary Explorers could not use Vestiges because of their lack of variance.But Marcus managed to do so des