“You're the Titans' god of war,” Hela said, shifting away from Drax. “You're Deimos, the terror god.”Drax smiled. Of course, he is the one. The old man Tim is gone, he's now replaced with a middle-aged man, well-built, who had scars from different battle wounds. He had a white body like an albino, and the mark of the ancient Titans is visible on his body. “I know you all had different questions running through your head, but I want you to know that we don't have enough time for that,” he said, frowning his face as if nothing had just occurred. “Every savior in the middle land always had a protector,” he pointed at Kusandra and Garry, “the both of you were chosen for a special reason. I'm alive till now to guide you, it's your duty to protect him.”Garry scoffed, “Protect, you say?” He wonders how they will protect someone that can destroy a whole territory. Someone that had the spirit of an ancient demon beast, and was possessed by a god.If none of them were aware of what Rey could
Drax gasped back to life, his eyes flung open, and he adjusted to the environment almost immediately, and his body became tense. He's back at the place he never thought he'd visit again. The place that harbors his dread memories. A place of great anguish. A tortured place for unlucky beings and a paradise for the devil. A beautiful place for the Titans and a tormented place for both pure-blood gods and demigods. The underworld.Beside him, Garry and Kusandra Dracaena gasped to live, too, and their bodies tensed as the aura of the underworld overwhelmed them."The underworld," Garry commented, his eyes looking around like a robot. "It's the underworld, indeed."Drax ignored him and stood up, his armor making a clang as it met with the scabbard of the blade that was tied to his waist. He stretched a hand out to the two of them, and as they grabbed it, he yanked them up.As they let go of his hand, Drax examined the atmosphere. Nothing had changed. The earth, a dark, gloomy, and scary sk
“No!” Rey hollered. He shrieked with all his might. He tried to focus on everything he had as the atmosphere started to change. Furthermore, he calmed his mind, closed his eyes, and forced himself to think that it was just an illusion, a fragment of memories that had been plucked somewhere to torment him. An illusion that was crafted into images of those he loved.“This is not real,” he assured himself, his eyes still closed, and he hoped with all his might that the memories would vanish once he opened his eyes. “It's just another illusion. I shouldn't allow unreal images to hurt me.”Rey opened his eyes, and he wasn't surprised to see that it was still the same. Nothing changed. Of course, he should have known better. It will never change. He was struck here in the underworld, sentenced to eternal torture because of the souls he had killed.Did I deserve it? Rey asked himself. No, I'm not cruel; they all deserve it. Starting from the military man he killed at the beginning of his qu
Theme: Crisis in another realmThe six pillars of the underworld appeared in front of Rey Reed Smith again, a dirty smile plastered on their faces, and they looked eager to begin another round of torture on Rey.Weakly, he raised his gaze to meet them, and he could feel his brain starting to imagine how excruciating the next round of pain would be. He didn't need to peer into their thoughts before he knew they had a lot of things under their sleeves that they would be unfolding soon.Rey looked deep down for his power, for the strength of his hellhound, for the divine power that was granted to him by Lord Rey, but he was empty. He's as weak as an ordinary human. He's useless. He couldn't feel his beast power, nor the one that belongs to Lord Rey.Eventually, Rey started blaming himself. He had been so eager to save Arianna that he ignored Lord Rey's warning against the barrier. Only if he had to step back and find another way to break the barrier. He regrets acting in haste. Perhaps,
Theme: Crisis in another realmAfter what seems like an eternity, the scene finally changed, and Rey found himself standing in the fountain again; this time, it's alive again. It's floating, lively, and enticing once more.Rey looked around, and he knew that he was free. He's no longer chained to pillars, and he looked awesome, energized, and robust. It was like they had just finished refreshing his energy. He didn't feel any urge to eat or thirst. He's strong.This isn't real, Rey thought, shaking his head to push away the imaginary images. All this is an illusion. They are playing with my mind. None of this is real."You're still battling with what's real and what's not," came the voice of the pillars. "What you just saw are your memories. They are what happened to you in your previous life, how you were killed, and how you came into existence in this realm."As soon as they finished saying this, the six pillars came together at once and started merging to form a single being. A tal
Drax scanned as men stood on sentry at the wall of Tartarus, guiding it and trying to stop him from penetrating. At least, that's what they thought they were doing. Those that eluded earlier had given them warning about the incoming intruders, and they took formation instantly. From Drax's philosophy, he knew this wasn't a formation that was formed in a rush; they were prepared already.When he saw them increasing in number, he started questioning why he had to let the three men survive to give a report. Well, the answer is that he wanted to make a graduate entrance, but he wasn't expecting this. Nevertheless, he didn't doubt his skills. In fact, he couldn't wait to shed their blood if they failed to acknowledge him and made an example of them.He led the way, Kusandra, and Garry by his right, while Chiron walked to his left. "Is this how it always goes?" He asked, and they knew he was referring to Chiron."It began after the last war," He said. "But they will bow at your feet, and th
Trusting that Drax can take care of himself, Charon, Garry and Kusandra focus their attention on the incoming armies with Charon leading the way.He stared at Ezra Miller as he led the assault, and wriggled his head to show his frustration; "This isn't going to end well," he said, forcing Garry and Kusandra to give him a weird look."What's that supposed to mean?" Garry asked."I had an encounter with the man leading the assault a few years ago. I fought him with a pack of Minotaur, and we wounded him because he's greatly outnumbered. He thought I was cheating. Since then, he had been looking for a perfect rematch." Charon explained, puffing out a little smoke from his mouth as the wind of the underworld struck his face. "He believes he was touched by the gods, and there's no one like him in this realm."Garry smiled, "With my speed, we had an advantage over him." He raised his hand to display his power, and Garry gasped as nothing occurred. "What's wrong?""Your power isn't working?
Rey Reed Smith died again and again—at least of illusion and imagination. Even though he can't be killed again, the pain of getting struck, hit, and wounded is real. There's no possibility of him doing this, but the pain is unbearable, excruciating, and unexplainable.The illusion warrior struck again for the tenth time with more speed, strength, and agility. The attack was so blurry that Rey barely evaded it. The warrior raised his blade high above his head and swung it at Rey's head. Instead of meeting the blade midway, he bent low, the force of it whistling past his head. The latter brought his blade back as easily as wielding a chopping knife, swirling it as it came for Rey's neck. He rolled out of the way.The illusion leaped after him, aiming to thrust into his chest. Rey used his blade to parry the attack sideways, followed by a kick at the illusion's chest. The latter easily blocked his kick and swapped Rey's last feet away from the earth. With a loud thud, he collided with th
Rey takes a moment to steady himself; his voice tinged with determination. “And what potential are you talking about?” He feigned ignorance, forcing his mind not to think of any thoughts that might sell him out.“But your mind says otherwise,” The blood lord pressed.Rey decided to tease him, saying, “I am, Master. I am ready to face any trial and overcome any obstacle that might stand in my way of finding my father.”The Blood Lord nods approvingly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Very well, young apprentice. Tonight, under the watchful eye of the full moon, you will begin your adventure. But remember, the path you choose will forever alter your destiny. There is no turning back,” he threatens Rey, and the latter gulps down nothing in particular.Rey takes a deep breath, steeling himself for anything the blood lord might say next. The forest seems to hold its breath, awaiting his response.“I understand your trick,” he said shakily. “I am prepared to walk this path
“King?!” Hela exclaimed, her mouth wide open in agape. “When did he become a King? Of which territory? Who appointed him?” She couldn't hide her shock.A man stepped forward from the crowds, and Garry recognized him as one of the ten nobles who dedicated their lives to Sebastian. He couldn't believe that people changed so quickly. There's only one explanation for the rise against Sebastian: Rey defeated him in a duel. And, of course, it makes sense. Who needs a weak, incapable, and cowardly king? Someone who couldn't even lead his men to war depends on werewolves and chariot riders to do his job.Nevertheless, Garry doubted he would make a better king either. He was still trying to wrap his head around the offer of becoming the leader of his community, filling his brother's shoes, and tending to the affairs of the people; now, they were offering the title of king.I can't do it; Garry thought, shaking his head. It doesn't make sense. He couldn't control a community; how could he contr
Rey Reed Smith, Glen Garry, Kusandra Dracaena, and Hela of Hellene walked inside the ancient hut that was built by Gaius before his demise, surrounded by a rich tapestry of history and culture. The hut, nestled deep within a dense forest, far away from where other beings might have discovered it easily, emanated an air of mystery and intrigue. Its exterior stood weathered by time, a testament to its ancient origins, while the interior revealed secrets of a bygone era.Gaius intentionally built this as a resting place after he had finished his weekly training with Garry, to take rest from the calamity of the outside world and also to rest his head whenever the affairs of the council became too much for him to handle. It's a beautiful place that holds beautiful moments between the two brothers. It's where Garry began his training as a night racer.As they approached the hut, the first thing that caught their eye was its rustic exterior. The walls were constructed from an intricate latti
In the shadowed depths of the night, amidst the eerie ambiance of a forest near Steve's cemetery, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolded. Rey Reed Smith, possessing fierce determination, stood face-to-face with his formidable adversary, King Sebastian. The air crackled with anticipation as their eyes locked in an unwavering gaze. Both warriors prepared to engage in a monumental duel of hand combat.“Rey Reed Smith,” Sebastian called tenderly. “We can still sort this out before it's too late.”Rey scoffed, Sebastian's words sounding like a cowardly tone in his ear, fueling his rage and anger and increasing his urge to tear him apart. He had made a sacred vow to Gaius' grave, and he would not break it. Everyone involved in his death must die, too. They must join him in the land of the dead. No sinner must go unpunished.“Are you scared?” Rey scowled. “You are afraid of me kicking you to the ground, disgracing your honor, and relieving you from your position as the great Alpha King of the Midd
The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden glow across the serene landscape of the middle land. Steves' cemetery, nestled amidst rolling hills and lush meadows, stood as a hallowed ground where the fallen heroes and nobles of the Middle Land found their eternal rest. Today, it bore witness to a poignant gathering of Rey Reed Smith, Garry, Kusandra, King Sebastian, and a host of other nobles, all adorned in regal attire, except for Rey, who was still wearing his armor.As the assembled group stepped into the cemetery, a hush fell over them as if the very air acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. The soft rustling of leaves in the breeze mingled with the distant melody of a river, creating a gentle symphony that whispered through the crowd. The atmosphere was heavy with reverence and sorrow, yet beneath it lay an unyielding sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers.The cemetery, meticulously tended with vibrant flowers and tranquil stone walkways, l
In the heart of the Middle-Land Kingdom, nestled between rolling hills and meandering rivers, stood the magnificent palace of King Sebastian. The palace itself was a sight to behold, with its grand archways, towering spires, and intricate stone carvings that told stories of a bygone era. The era of the gods, But it was the palace backyard that truly captivated all who beheld its beauty.As Rey stepped into the backyard, a sense of tranquility washed over him. The air was filled with the fragrant scent of blooming flowers, carried on a gentle breeze that rustled through the tall, ancient trees. A symphony of birdsong filled the air, their melodic tunes blending harmoniously with the trickling sound of a nearby fountain.He continued the stroll towards the palace wall, taking a sharp bend, and he was welcomed by a well-manicured garden which sprawled before him, a tapestry of vibrant colors and lush greenery. Flowerbeds burst with a riot of blossoms, their petals ranging from fiery reds
Garry found himself walking along the winding path through the dense woods that led to the king's palace, the sunbeams filtering through the treetops and casting playful shadows on the forest floor. It was a serene and peaceful afternoon, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility enveloping him. With each step, his thoughts drifted toward the one person who had been occupying his mind lately: Kusandra.It had been three days since the war at the beach. The death of Dylan, the fleeing of Caliste, and the fame of Rey Reed Smith had spread so far across the three other tribes of the middle land, and they all acknowledged Rey as their commander. Xavier Knoll was nowhere to be found after the war, and no one bothered about him since his curse had been lifted.Kusandra, with her sparkling green eyes and infectious laughter, had become a source of warmth in Garry's life. They had known each other for a few days—approximately two months—their paths crossed occasionally, but it was
Caliste, the dark witch, stood tall on the battlefield, surrounded by a harrowing scene of death and destruction caused by Rey Reed Smith. The air was thick with the scent of blood and the lingering echoes of battle. Dressed in a flowing black robe that seemed to absorb the light around her, she exuded an aura of malevolence and power.Her appearance was striking, with long, flowing, ebony hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of shadows. Her piercing eyes, a deep shade of violet, glowed with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting the fury and wrath burning within her. They seemed to hold the secrets of ancient magic and unfathomable darkness.Caliste's pale skin bore the mark of her mystical journey, adorned with intricate black tattoos that snaked across her arms and neck, resembling arcane symbols and sigils. They seemed to writhe and move as if imbued with a life of their own, resonating with the pulsating energy of the battlefield.In her hand, she wielded a twisted st
As soon as Rey Reed Smith cleared the first wave of soldiers that surrounded him and Kusandra, he stood behind her, his eyes burning with resentment and determination. The crashing waves provided a fitting backdrop to the imminent round that was about to unfold—another round of chaos. His grip tightened around the hilt of his gleaming sword as he scanned the horizon, examining the next round of opponents again.Suddenly, the next group of heavily armored adversaries stepped forward, marching toward him and Kusandra with malicious intent.“Stay here, and help watch out for the witch for me. She might want to try her mental power on me.” He said this to Kusandra, and the latter nodded her head in approval. She knew better than to argue with him.Without hesitation, Reed lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. The clash of steel echoed across the beach as his blade met the first enemy's weapon, sparks flying in a shower of defiance, his mental ability fly