"Who's your friend, Larion?" Lily asked, tending to the roasting meat over the campfire."Oh, um... Alduin? I guess?" Larion mused, setting down the water buckets."My name isn't Alduin. It's Simon. Simon Hiltfiger," Simon corrected, prompting Lily's laughter. "Okay!"As Larion settled beside Lily, sneaking a bite of the meat, Lily protested, "Hey! That's mine!""Nah, this one's yours!" Larion teased, defending his prize."But I just started roasting that!" Lily countered, trying to reclaim her meal."Leave it! Don't you want to enjoy the fresh roast you just made? It'll be even better," Larion reasoned, playfully evading Lily's grasp."But I'm hungry!" Lily whined childishly."So am I! I caught more rabbits than you, remember! Ouch! Stop pulling my hair!" Larion chuckled, holding onto the meat.Witnessing the playful squabble between Lily and Larion, Simon, the newcomer rebel guard, couldn't help but burst into laughter. Their antics paused momentarily, redirecting their attention to
In the lively and bustling market of Causin City, situated in the vibrant Three Springs district, Larion and Lily found themselves immersed in a whirlwind of sights and sounds. The market was a colorful tapestry of bustling tents and bustling vendors, each offering a treasure trove of goods.As they meandered through the maze of stalls, Larion, with his practical mindset, made a beeline for the essential items he needed. He couldn't resist the allure of a local bookstore and alchemy shop, where he picked up some new supplies and a handy book on alchemy.On the other hand, Lily, with her keen eye for all things fashionable, led Larion on a whirlwind tour of boutiques and flower shops. After they had filled their bags with all they desired, they stumbled upon a stable where Lily unexpectedly purchased a bag of hay. Larion couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the curious purchase."What on earth do you need hay for?" Larion inquired, laden with his own haul of goodies."Just wait and se
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Larion charged ahead with a daring move. Zelari found himself caught off guard as Larion's blade deftly encircled his neck, ensnaring him before yanking him forward with surprising strength.Yet, Zelari held his ground, displaying a resilience that caught Larion by surprise. Unbeknownst to Zelari, Larion was merely testing the grip's strength, preparing to use it as leverage to propel himself forward and land a decisive blow.In a moment of need, Zelari tapped into his magical abilities. A vortex of wind enveloped him, forming a protective shield against Larion's impending strike. The force of the wind caused the weapon to release its grip on Zelari's neck, propelling Larion backward with unexpected force."I never imagined there would be someone who could match my combat skills. But now, you've piqued my interest. Prepare yourself, for I shall unleash the full extent of my magic and prowess upon you!" Zelari declared with determination, his voic
Yet, in a masterful stroke of timing and finesse, just as victory seemed assured for Zelari, a sudden rustling of chains heralded a miraculous turn of events. Larion's kusarigama, unfurling like a shadowy wraith, ensnared Zelari in its grip, rendering him immobile.Bound by chains that coiled around his form, Zelari found himself at the mercy of the relentless wind, his wings and body restrained. "No! No! No! Why won't you yield and accept defeat?!" Zelari's cries reverberated through the tumult, drowned out by the howling winds.The arena reverberated with the shrill whistle of the wind, the storm mirroring Zelari's impending fate as he was ensnared within his own magic.Soon, he was lifted aloft, suspended in midair by the cyclone's relentless pull.As Larion, battered and wounded, drew near, his form obscured by debris and injury, the chains holding Zelari taut, it became evident that the tide of battle had shifted.Victory, it seemed, was a capricious mistress, favoring the resili
"I'm a captain now?!" Larion exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock. Simon doubled over with laughter, his whole body shaking with amusement. "Oh, man, you should see yourself! Priceless reaction, my friend!" he managed to say between fits of giggles. Rolling his eyes, Larion retorted, "Oh, ha! ha! very funny." As Simon's laughter subsided, he plopped down beside Larion, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "But I must admit, it would be an honor to serve under your command." "Yeah, dream on. I was hoping for a quick promotion," Larion muttered under his breath, earning a quizzical look from Simon. "What was that?" Simon inquired, leaning in. Larion waved it off casually. "Oh, nothing. Just wishing for a boost up the ranks." Grinning, Simon nudged Larion's shoulder. "But hey, rumor has it the Lieutenant General is preparing a recognition award for you!" "Really?" Larion replied, masking his surprise with a calm demeanor. Beneath the cool shade of a tree, the tw
In the dimly lit ruins of the castle ruins beneath Fist Mountain, Luca, known as Larion, stood alongside his companions, Two, Grand, and Lily.The air was heavy with anticipation as they prepared to face the fearsome mythical creature that lay before them - a two-headed Manticore.The first head possessed the visage of a man, yet its jaw was that of a lion, lined with razor-sharp teeth reminiscent of a shark.The second head, with its long snake-like neck and a faceless man's countenance, boasted wolf-like jaws that gleamed with equally formidable fangs.Its tail, resembling that of a scorpion, thrashed menacingly, its sting ready to strike.With swift precision, Lily notched an arrow and let it fly, aiming to distract the monstrous creature.Meanwhile, Two positioned himself in front, his shield raised as a bulwark against the impending assault.The Manticore lunged forward, its jaws snapping dangerously close to Two's shield.Grand, undeterred, stood firm against the onslaught from t
*One Month Ago*~~~~~~~~~~~Castle walls breached.The air reeks of blood, swords clash and screams fill the air.The enemy's flaming projectiles rain down, shattering homes and castle walls.Agony, pain, and fear echo through the castle.Men, women, and even the elderly and minors scatter, desperately seeking shelter from the invaders.They cling to dear life, hiding in every nook and cranny they can find.Amidst the chaos, a lone figure sits perched atop a towering window.Clad in a black hooded cape with a blood-red outline, his identity concealed by a grimy mask.With one knee raised, he gazes out over the besieged castle.His large brawler gauntlets, crafted from dark green metal, rest firmly on his knees. In one hand, he grips the stone window ledge tightly.Determination emanates from him as he assesses the dire situation.The hooded man, perched confidently on the ledge, summoned his 14 companions with a commanding gesture.As they materialized around him, their hoods concealin
As the virtual world materialized around him, Larion found himself in a floating city, its enchanting architecture and shimmering lights casting an ethereal glow.Suddenly, a colossal eye appeared in the sky, serving as the manifestation of the "Game Master."It stared down at the city, its gaze all-encompassing.The voice that emanated from the eye was both authoritative and mysterious as it welcomed the players, demanding greatness from them.The Game Master then offered the players a chance to choose their starting cities or kingdoms and name five human kingdoms.Aware that fewer players would select the Kingdom of Belaiv due to its declining economy, Larion saw an opportunity and quickly made his choice.In his mind, the lower the economy of a kingdom, means that fewer players would select it if they aim for a good start.But for Larion, it will be a resounding plan to slowly focus on surviving rather than worrying about other players he might encounter.Once the greeting was over,