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2024-10-29 19:42:56"I can already feel it. It's here."
"Mizik!" A familiar voice shouted from behind.I turned to see one of my comrades. One of the protectors of this world that I've come to know as home."What is it, Carlos? Can you feel its presence?" I asked.He nodded with a grim expression."Tell me, Mizik. Can we win this battle?" Carlos asked.I gave him a weak smile."Leiso, Michael, and Dante are all dead. That just leaves me, you, and-""Can you kill the one controlling it? That's what I want to know," Carlos said."What do you think? That plague destroyed my home. It killed my fiance, my family, and all my friends. It devoured everyone I knew. I was powerless to stop it. I might be stronger now, but look at what he did to our world. We've lost, Carlos. Torantis is the last stronghold we have.""At least promise that you'll give it everything you have. For her..." Carlos said."Which one? My dead fiance or Leiso? You know I loved them both.""It doesn't matter, does it? Whatever motivates you. If you can't find a reason to fight...""I have plenty of reasons, Carlos. I just don't have the desire... I lost everything in the past and now I've lost everything again. I'll fight as hard as I can, but I might be looking forward to my own demise," I said."If only Leiso hadn't tried to protect Iris, maybe you wouldn't be so bitter and hateful. I'll take your word for it, Mizik. Let's get to the front lines. The end awaits."* * *I fought as hard as I could against that plague, but we were overwhelmed. In the end, I had to fight the Source all by myself.I wasn't upset about this. No one would see me give up and simply stop fighting once I had the chance to see his true power.It was truly bottomless. I never stood a chance.And as I fell to the ground, amidst the ruined cityscape, I couldn't help but feel intense pain and regret at my life so far...I fought as hard as I could.But my strength wasn't enough to overcome such a strong enemy."Just like that, Mizik. Once again, you die here without accomplishing anything. You are truly pathetic. I wonder how things will be next time? But then again, you've yet to make a single scratch on me in any of your lives," he said.{PlEaSe...No MoRe...}A strange message flashed before my eyes.Just shut up... Let me die in peace. My life is finally over. I hope I can see my loved ones again...I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.My vision went dark as I felt my life force fading..."Ugh...here we go again. Well, let's see if I can change something... Where did I put that list...?" The man said.{I dOn'T wAnT tO DiE aGaIn...}Another message...in the darkness...I wonder...I hope I get to see them both. I don't even care if they're angry. Or if they fight over me... Yes...I welcome the release from my hellish life.I felt a falling sensation and heard a voice.{MAKE IT STOP!!!!}I heard myself scream...* * *I suddenly found myself standing in a strange place...It was a white temple with pillars surrounding everything in an open circular room.I saw a single throne sitting near the back and on it, sat a famliar old woman."Another failure...how unfortunate. Even after all of the help I gave you. This is what you get for refusing to let go of your fallen loved ones," she said.Suddenly, I felt a rising anger in my chest."What...!? What the hell is that supposed to mean!?" I said."I have worked so hard to ensure their deaths to make you a perfect weapon. Why do you refuse to follow orders? Why can you not just be compliant?"I gritted my teeth as I glared at her."You... IT WAS YOU!!! YOU PUT ME THROUGH THAT HELL!!!! DAMN YOU, YOU OLD BITCH!!!""SILENCE! I WILL HEAR NONE OF THIS! YOU ARE A FAILURE AND BECAUSE OF YOUR ERRORS, WE HAVE TO START OVER!""GO TO HELL!!! I'M ALREADY DEAD! I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ANYMORE!" I yelled.She smiled."It is no matter. I decided to speak to you this time because I was curious...but it appears that there is nothing for me to learn. Begone with you."Before I could protest, everything went dark.And I heard her voice.[Since you have failed, you will go back to the place where it begins. You will forget what you have seen and what you have heard. Be like new...awaken, Mizik Iratus.] She said.As I felt myself truly fading, I smiled.I'll kill you all. I'll burn everything to the ground. I'LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!!!! I'LL DESTROY EVERYTHING!!! I'LL BURN EVERYTHING TO THE GROUND!!!!
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The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 1: Quiet Before the Storm
I felt like I was falling as I slept.Many images and feelings swirled around within my dreams.Finally...I hit something soft. I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling in my toom.It seems like I overslept again. I could swear I had the strangest dream...Usually, my father would wake me up in time for morning exercises.It had become a routine to train for the two of us ever since I was young.My father was actually a Duke.However...that was his official title and status in another country.Here in Albatross, I was just another commoner...Well, worse than that, actually.I was part of a noble family called the 'Iratus' family.We were supposedly a clan of warriors blessed with martial superiority. Our trademark was in our eyes.They were the color of emeralds. Different from green, as well. They gleamed like gemstones and radiated a very faint light. Even in the darkness, one could usually see the fierce gaze of an Iratus......as I was told, anyway. I never met any of my other f
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 2: The Mines
I followed my father to the edge of town towards the entrance to the mines. He was wearing his full arcane silver plate armor with the family crest emblazoned on the front. Two crossed swords with an emerald flame in the center. He had his longsword sheathed at his side with a kite shield hooked on his left arm. I was wearing light chainmail with a steel plate over my chest. I had a pair of plated leather chaps and steel boots. On my head was a helmet that covered all but my face. I had a small buckler shield on my arm and a shortsword at my side. My father had taught me enough about combat to where I could fight fairly well with a sword and shield. I was barely strong enough to kill a goblin, however. I was only thirteen, after all, and level 10.He had also taught me a few basic spells I could learn at my level. Many years ago, the concept of converting strength into a numerical system would have seemed completely insane, but some crazy court wizard in the north made it happen. H
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 3: Legacy
As we moved further and further into the mines, I felt pleasantly surprised at the lack of living things down here. My father seemed to be somewhat on edge, however. I wasn't sure how to feel. Should I have been happy that nothing was jumping out at us? Or should I have been worried about that, instead?The mine was in a state of eerie silence. I couldn't hear anything besides the sound of our footsteps and the low clanking of our armor.Suddenly, my father stopped dead in his tracks and stared further on. There had been torches lighting the way on the walls so far, but up ahead there weren't any at all. "These tunnels have been explored extensively. What happened to the lights?" My father said.I couldn't speak. I honestly didn't know what to think. I began to feel that same sinister feeling of being watched creep up on me once more. It felt like we were in danger..."Does it feel like we're being watched?" I asked."Yeah. I thought I was going nuts, but it's not just me it seems,"
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 4: Survival
I burst through the open entrance to the mines and collapsed on the ground.Some of the guards and miners were looking at me. There was a half-circle of magicians wearing long armored robes standing in front and chanting. The magicians stopped chanting as I fell and stared at me. I slowly stood up while panting harder than ever. My tears wouldn't stop flowing. "Well look at that. You saw something horrible, didn't you, kid? I told you that he-""SHUT UP, YOU ROTTEN BASTARD!" I screamed at the knight captain. "He was still alive! The dragon had retreated temporarily but my father lost one of his legs! He would have lived if you had just helped!!"The knight captain looked genuinely surprised to hear this. But not enough to show that he cared about my father's fate.He sighed. "Just get out of here. Go home. We have work to do," he spoke casually.The mages had resumed chanting and I was definitely standing in their line of fire. I walked between them to the lift that had originally
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 5: Insult to Injury
I got out of bed this morning and did a few stretches.I kept my important possessions in bed with me at all times and checked them to make sure nothing was missing.Good, nobody broke in.I hadn't taken the time to examine the sword, yet, but I figured now was the time.I held the sword in my hand and pulled up my status menu. {Add item to inventory?}A message suddenly appeared in front of my vision.For a moment I felt like the dumbest guy in the world. I had spent an entire week and a half holding onto my items by hand and protecting them without remembering that I had an inventory function!I was terrified that someone planned to steal from me at any moment! Almost reflexively, I grabbed all of my valuables and placed them in my inventory. The satchel in its entirety, my coin pouch, even my armor and weapons.I made a mental note to store various things around the house before going out today. Anything valuable. Anything that could be useful in any way! Items stay frozen in s
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 6: Birth of a Warrior
While I slept, I dreamt of that same scenario in the mines again. Fighting as hard as I could only to be eaten or stomped on as if I were little more than an insect.Other times, I saw myself being killed by the knight captain, too.Both he and that dragon were far stronger than I was.I slowly opened my eyes and rolled out of bed. Today, I decided not to bother with a morning workout or stretches. I have something important to take care of.After getting my armor on, strapping my sword to my side, and fastening my shield to my arm, I was ready to make my way to the adventurers guild.I made sure to lock the door behind me on my way out and walked through the main cafeteria of the inn.Before I even made it halfway to the door, I heard a cheerful voice behind me."Mizik! Good morning! Did you sleep well?"It was my newly discovered Aunt Aria. When I thought about it, my mother was named Karia. It seemed like grandpa Maul didn't have a very creative naming sense."Hey Aunt Aria, I sl
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 7: Rage Of Iratus
I had begun to get used to the smell down here so far, but I hadn't seen any goblins.My lantern was also fastened to my belt to allow hands-free lighting.I regulated my breathing just like Dad taught me and stood at the ready.Among the sound of running water, I heard the sound of something scampering about nearby.Suddenly, a three-foot-tall green fellow in a loincloth rushed at me with a rock.Immediately I felt a surge of my stored rage burst forth as I blocked the attack and bashed it with my shield.The goblin fell on the ground, then got back up and ran straight at me.I swung my sword in a diagonal crescent and chopped its head off. Blood spewed out from the wound as the goblin fell to the ground.That felt good. Satisfying. {Exp gained: 35}This was easy... All I needed to do was keep going and the numbers would rise.I only walked for a few more steps when three goblins came at me from the side. I jumped back and stabbed one of them through its neck and slammed another wi
The Hero of Vengeance Chapter 8: Guerilla Warfare
A few hours (and a few dozen goblin corpses) after leaving the huge cistern, I managed to find a much smaller cistern tucked away behind several pipes and supporting pillars. I made myself a small base camp here and sorted through my inventory.I had picked up many random items dropped by the dead goblins and decided to make use of them. Many of them were small stone tools such as shivs and axes. There were a few metal daggers, a couple of spears, the crossbow with bolts, and several scraps of armor with leather.Among these things were several sinewy strings used for tying things together.Goblins were dumb. Like really dumb.But even they had craftsmen, I guess.A goblin, as stupid as it may be, was still slightly more intelligent than a dog. As such, they had likely no concept of tactics other than 'rush the enemy and overwhelm them with numbers'.I wanted to put together several tools and traps for executing goblins even when I'm not around.And while my traps are in effect, I
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- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 256: Soul Splitting
The Oracle was quite literally dragged to the Cursebreaker. She had gone completely insane after being killed, tortured, and reset ten thousand times."I have successfully discovered the source of my curse," Vakra said."Is it her?" I said as I looked at the Oracle.She wouldn't move anymore."No. Her power is part of it, but she isn't the one who cursed me. I'm guessing that it was a higher power. But who could be higher than the Oracle? The Creator, of course.""So you were cursed by the architect of all of creation? That makes sense. Why would he want you running wild and defying reality like that?""Ugh...it pains me to admit it, but you are correct, Mizik... My abilities made a mockery of his creation and I was likely cursed as a result. Meaning that I can never erase this curse.""So sad to hear. But that's also a good thing for me. I don't think I would trust you if I couldn't contain you," I said."Right...and you'd be correct to assume such a thing. But I suppose I should get
- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 255: Spectacle Of Revenge
I was led to a large staging area where numerous gods of the realm had gathered. Isabella followed and I instructed Stella to stay back.The three of us, that being the Albatross twins and myself, were the ones most hurt by the Oracle's actions.Today...she would suffer in front of her people. And they would bear witness to the monster she created out of her own stubbornness and stupidity.We currently stood backstage. We were waiting for the Artificer to give the signal. And that's when I heard him speak."Greetings, people of Excelsis. As you well know already, I am the Artificer. The Guardian of Dominus. Today, you have all gathered here without knowing why...and soon you will find out. Good citizens of the realm, some of you are still haunted by the things you saw before the reset was ended. Most of you have no clear idea as to why Excelsis was violently razed to the ground by the man who calls himself: Destroyer. Well...that is the folly of your former leader. The Oracle is the o
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Chapter 254: Festivals And Mind Control
Finally, preparations were complete and the festival began.Currently the three...or four of us? Were walking through the city streets and looking at the different attractions.That is to say, the Albatross twins and Stella.I allowed the others off of the ship so that they could enjoy themselves for a bit. The Artificer assured us that the area was secure. He was sure that the Oracle's Faithful had completely abandoned Excelsis.On every corner, we saw a squad of six drones. Additionally, other groups could be seen flying around above.Still, despite all of this...Isabella remained ever vigilant. Always clinging to my arm and staying right next to me. Despite the Artificer's reassurance, she continued to protect me.Stella followed behind with a content smile on her face.After a short while of looking at the different attractions, I found Iris along with Carlos and Leiso.Carlos looked a bit bored while Leiso seemed out of place.Iris was playing a game at a stall featuring several
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Chapter 253: Missing Faithful
A few days later, things were finally beginning to look different in Excelsis.I could see flying metal constructs buzzing around in the air on insect-like wings, surveying the area. At the same time, many of the people of Excelsis were setting up decorations for a festival.Hilariously, they wouldn't know what they were celebrating until the day arrived.And as I sat on a bench nearby, Isabella sat happily next to me, clinging to my arm.Stella stood at my side surveying the area.There would have been other troops under her, but I chose not to bring them. The soldiers were specifically for the defense of the ship itself."Hmm..." "Is something wrong, Master?" Isabella said."You're having way too much fun calling me that, aren't you?" I said."Ehehe...guilty. I like seeing your reaction. But if I'm going to be a slave, I should play the part, yes?"I suppose so..." I said."I, for one, believe it to be perfectly natural to refer to his Majesty as Master," Stella said."Hm...right..
- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 252: Heart Resonance
As we walked back to the Cursebreaker, I could see Isabella constantly surveying the surrounding area for potential threats.However, many of the gods walking the streets recognized me as the one who razed Excelsis to the ground. The one who brought death and destruction to their realm.The result, was that they were absolutely terrified of me and made no attempts to approach.After all, many of them had actually been killed as a result of my actions.All the while I secretly remained on the lookout for a potential candidate. One goddess from this realm would join us on our ship. They would become mine forever and dedicate their existence to serving me and stopping the Corruption.But unfortunately, none of these would do. They were weak. I decided to ignore them and focus on something else.I had other plans, currently. I would be speaking to Iris and everyone about what she had to show them. They were valuable crew members, so I wanted to see what she had planned.Once we reached t
- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 251: Big Plans
After a month-long journey back to Excelsis...we finally returned.I couldn't believe how long it took to get back.We didn't have access to the divine transit, and as a result, it took much longer to get there.Of course, that gave me an idea. I wondered if I could potentially have a personal god or goddess to join our crew.Then I stopped and though about it more...Definitely a goddess. While more pleasing to look at, I could bring her even closer to me. And if she's completely under my control, she'll follow every order willingly. Best of all, someone like that is highly unlikely to betray me. I wouldn't have to enact vengeance upon her and remain on good terms...I almost smiled.That would be my next goal...find a goddess to join our crew to have permanent access to the divine transit.And maybe...Make new Enforcers...?It was too amazing. Our combat force would grow significantly from such a thing. We would be even stronger than before!I made a mental note to also have Iris t
- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 250: Artificial 'Intelligence'
While waiting on the final shipment of heart stones, I stood outside the Cursebreaker with Cassandra. We were also waiting on...the body for Virtus.The AI for our ship was a shy girl that had trouble talking to people. Unfortunately, I didn't know enough about computer programming to change her behavior. And Vakra refused even under the threat of death. So...we were stuck with her...A hour passed and Cassandra affectionately held onto my arm while humming."Having fun...?" I asked."Of course! I get to be with my darling Mizik!" Cassandra said happily.Then I looked forward and saw an eye staring at me in mid air a few feet away."Oh...damn it all..." I mumbled.It opened wider and Valthiem stood quietly with her mask on."Valthiem!? What are you doing here!?" Cassandra said as she readied herself."..."Then I felt that suffocating impending doom I had grown quite used to...Difar rose out of Valthiem's shadow and glared at me."Dammit...I had a speech prepared and everything. I w
- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 249: Payback
As I reached the bridge, I saw Stella charging straight for me."MASTER MIZIK!!!!" She shouted."Umm..."She nearly tackled me to the ground and began crying on my chest."You're alive!!! My beloved Master Mizik is alive!!! I'm so happy!!!" She cried."Yeah, I'm fine... Can you please calm down?" I said.She slowly pulled back and dried her tears. She smiled joyfully."I'm so glad that everything is back! Even if that horrible curse is still upon you, it means I have the pleasure of serving my beloved Master! This is a joyous day for me!" Stella exclaimed.Before I could respond, I heard the voice of Faith again.[This woman is filled with a great adoration for you! She also holds amazing power! May I petition you to let her hold me, my Lord!?]By the gods...fine...[Aha! But is the Overseer not greater than any mere lesser god!?]Please stop."Stella...I have a request," I said."Ah!? Does Master Mizik find me appealing? I can serve you in all sorts of ways, Master!" She said.Sudden
- The Hero of Vengeance
Chapter 248: Home Visit
The next day, I decided to visit the Cursebreaker before meeting with the Artificer.Cassandra was with me and Isabella stayed back. The two of us boarded the ship and were immediately confronted by Rastair."Good to see you, Ras-""MIZIIIIIIK!!!!!" She shouted as she hugged me."GET OFF ME, YOU DAMN GIANT WOMAN!""I'M NOT A GIANT!!!" She said as she pulled away. "Ugh...what is it!? Did something happen!?" I said."What!? Of course something happened! Iris already told me! You died, didn't you!?" Rastair said."Yeah, but I'm fine now! What about it!?" "Oooh...are you not in a good mood? That's kinda hot... Want me to give you a fun time? I'll make you feel better~!" She said with a sly smile.I could in my current state, but it might kill you. So no."Hard pass. For your own safety. Get stronger and we'll talk.""Ehhh...you're no fun..." Rastair said."You died on Delvandal, didn't you? When Rose destroyed it?" I said.Rastair nodded."I was just relaxing on Ripper Isle, sipping a g