Fire361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ7NTUosip
and smoke, corpses burned beyond recognition, blood splattered streets. It was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPktdD4zg93
all around him, he stood in the middle of a burning village, watching as more361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd4Reedk5q
people were butchered by the horsemen. Arrows plunged into some, while others361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fJsvZ2juZ
were struck down with swords. The boy did nothing, only staring in horror at361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FF6vrdvc9
the scene which played before him. A group of horsemen started to approach him,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLutF6wVvL
he watched as they got closer and closer, the boy thought of running, but his361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ4KtSUIjU
legs wouldn’t move. He was frozen, he was afraid, he would soon be dead as well.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQekaDoXTE
The horsemen stopped, and their leas dismounted and approached him, the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqeSs8Vxp3
reflection of the flames danced along the silver longsword in hand. The boy stared361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyOSzDzLKa
wide-eyed at him, he was an intimidating figure, larger than any man he had361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UVmEhRWUN
ever seen, with a long scar running diagonally across his face, stretching from361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeWzIczb94
his right eye to the side of his mouth. The man grinned as he lifted the longsword361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40MUj3mXYj
with one hand and swung down with it.
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqoHRVDRRl
awoke suddenly, his heart was pounding in his chest and he was drenched with sweat.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjujiqaydG
He sat up in his bed and put his right hand over his face then screamed loudly361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEcKH5XLYb
into it. He stopped and caught his breath for a minute before swinging his legs361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkG0PnteDy
off the tiny bed, looking around at the wooden room he sighed. It was tiny and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk14qWQtIFq
the only furniture were the bed crammed up against the wall which he slept in361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2m0V6bZ2m
and a small chest tucked away in a corner, above it hung a small cracked mirror.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq8jFI9Pmr
Kemari got up and tentatively walked towards the mirror and looked at himself. He361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6iWsADkqq
stared at his reflection for a while, waiting for his heart rate and breathing361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA4Cn6cMA9
to steady. He brushed his locks out of his face and tied it behind his head,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ0BYHzaEx
leaving two strands to remain at the front. His two crimson eyes stared back at361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLl3dkK4z2
him, and as usual he felt like he was sharing his vision with something else,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKPO6bZJuw
as if there was someone else inside him using his eyes. He ran his hand over a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxvesujSBb
long scar that stretched from his shoulder to the middle of his chest, images361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW4Co4U6my
from his nightmare flashed before him making him sigh. He admired his dark361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7eEvyLDLX
brown complexion for a minute before opening361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBXIjosoLu
the chest and getting dressed in his purple Mage’s robe.
“Time361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF1HjqeVG8
for another day of failures and being dependent on Isadora” he mumbled.
The361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrzZA2BDSk
Dragon’s Tongue was a small run-down Inn and Tavern situated in the slums of Lanatheas'361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqEjWO5wT4
royal capital. It was a place only frequented by the poor as well as a variety361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqDs2b6YCH
of unsavory types, it was here Kemari called home. For unlike all the others361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1TnI8BaZs
who were members of the Adventurer’s Guild, he was incapable of earning enough361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1n9P05byr
gold to get himself a room in the richer districts, this was something Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80yCV93FY1
despised and always swore he would have to change. He sat in a corner, alone, with361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtGleTTBmP
a book laid before him on the table, the common room was lively as server girls361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVsWo2YYox
carried meals and ale to various tables of loud customers. A server walked by361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHVFIW2Qcm
him and the smell coming from the tray made him gag. How do they eat that361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWVEKn69eg
filth? He thought to himself shaking his head. He was about to start361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUPTIERWqQ
reading when a rusty iron sword impaled his book and lodged itself in the table.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTuLj58XtF
Kemari heard laughter from around the room as he looked at his book in horror, blue361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLaPHsFiI8
mist rose from it in a puff of smoke as the contents spilled out of the book as361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLO0JaxtFH
if it were bleeding.
“What361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDn6Uq5Jwl
the fuck!” he heard a figure beside him exclaim. Kemari looked up to see the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo8Vyb9HJd
man who was holding the sword, he was muscular looking fellow who wore a rag tied361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPB7qVfIx7
like a mask around his neck, and was wearing tattered clothing under a rusted361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE91EOLYLpG
iron chestplate, which had its fair share of dents. “do you have any idea how361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEUTrZWonQ
much this book cost me?” Kemari said as he clenched his fists. The man looked361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5FCAlH6JJ
at him and laughed “would you look at this fool, boys” his laughter was echoed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizw8EYesF5
by the other people in the room “ha, looks like he wants to fight you” a voice361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrluPcEEaK9
snickered.
“yea?361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4qe6UpNTa
Is that true, brat?” he lowered his body into a crouch and stared into Kemari's361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX40CLcBXw
eyes “you want to fight, you little weakling?”
“Go361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RVWO5lBtl
fuck yourself” Kemari spat in his face.
“Aargh!”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEn9rbcPNr
the brute grabbed him by his temples and yanked him from his chair then threw361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsV7sPbnEo
him across the room in one fluid motion. Kemari crashed into chairs and tables361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4BYj3OzG1
as he flew through the room, and coming to a stop as he slammed against the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ANKs4q2EX
wall with a thud. His assailant pulled his sword out of the table and pointed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTJkQcgrry
it at him “I think it’s time you learned your fucking place, trash.” He walked361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgI2j7Tyav
forward slashing his sword through the air as he moved. “You might not have361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqKNk1vZ7j
realised it as you were coasting through life in your peaceful little village,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFdSYSRCgy
but we live in a world where the strong eat the weak” he paused slightly then361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ9qMMxcC3
continued “There’s no place in it for pitiful, weaklings……... except for food361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmulCDewreg
that is. So do tell me mage” he was grinning madly by this point “WHAT.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9RmNlFtRG
PURPOSE. DO. YOU. SERVE?” he punctuated each pause with a slash of his sword as361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQZqJ8h4pJ
he stopped over Kemari, who was now propped up against the wall holding a hand361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGLlIqTa5a
to his side while his other began to move in motion weaving a spell.
Despite361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ6fTMsybS
all that had happened, Kemari was not afraid, for he had faced down bigger and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpbEzsmGDd
more dangerous enemies and lived……never mind it being because he was saved by a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5DjgSFCcs
certain someone most of those times. He held his hand before him and smirked as361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVETwbjp5N
the spell was completed, he was shocked however, when the brute grabbed his arm361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwzQvoe3r0
and forced it downward right as an ethereal arrow shot out from his palm. He361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8U4ml3fIJ
grimaced as he suddenly felt a kick to the gut, Kemari doubled over in pain and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Su2g8OWj
coughed up blood. His assailant released his arm and placed the sword against his361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa53iDUepi
neck. Kemari glanced around the room, hoping someone would come to his rescue, he361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhXFWqHMgf
soon realized that would not happen as he saw the twisted smiles on everyone’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjC7cWYiqR
face.
“That’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tz6YuHhYj
enough Ivan” Kemari’s head snapped in shock towards the rotund bartender who361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMivtz95UtB
had spoken. Unlike the others his face was written with concern. “.......I361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIWeZu4Clt
think the child has had enough of your lesson” he hesitated
“Is361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9rLtdFxUt
that so?” Ivan punctuated his question with a severe kick to Kemari’s side,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIppOmmDabx
causing him to hit the floor. “Well what do you all say?” his question was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9znVJgMzx
directed at the other occupants of the room and Kemari cringed as he heard361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs9KqLppSe
their replies: “kill him”, “rip his guts out”, “show him who’s boss”, “Finish him off” they cried.
“As361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKolVX6Iut
you command” Ivan sneered as he raised his sword. Just then a figure wearing a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlVZrqL055
black hooded cloak broke from the crowd and walked towards them, Kemari laughed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWo05auPxc
as he noticed it.
“What’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN1zf5Qkz0
so funny?” Ivan said, his sword still held high.
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhLWvSazaq
heard the bartender sigh “You done fucked up now Ivan”
“Huh?”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMWmHP7BsJ
that was all he managed before the figure slammed a powerful kick into his neck361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7p8kTofXw
causing him to drop the sword as he skidded sideward before falling. “You ok361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HSo1mME9r
Kemari?” it's feminine voice asked without looking away from Ivan who was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm27UKsN3P4
already back on his feet and holding his neck.
“yea”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEkoKyYVVQ
Kemari wheezed “Nothing a little healing magic can’t fix……and thanks by the way,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhY9tOpllT
Isadora”
“good361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjQ9sFLpX1
and don’t mention it, just stay right there and watch as the greatest monk in361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKtiKtJtVq
all of Lanatheas kick ass” the figure giggled.
“Didn’t361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo4zAxqx1m
you drop out of your training?” Kemari smiled.
“SHUT361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK2UC5ifvR
UP!” she took a fighting stance “it was a mutual agreement”
The361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClSPU08dxg
two laughed as everyone stared at them in bewilderment. Ivan, who had finally361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0xH2X5yCC
recovered from the blow looked at the figure as they sized up each other. “who361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zz8z4Fpak
the fuck are you?” he finally asked the figure.
“irrelevant”
“you361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSIiUMJIcK
sound like a woman”
“I361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbdwAKK1pW
should hope”
“that361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3rMS1fF93
was a magnificent kick, for a lady of course” he rubbed his neck and grinned at361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wd43Ac8Ct
her
“Wow,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawP41BZSfQ
that was a bit sexist don’t you think?”
“Sex361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8zYrodyOL
what?” He shot a glare at Kemari who had laughed a little at his question.
“are361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO98dRxLKh
we going to fight or not?” she asked sounding irritated.
“heh,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgutFVjSXP2
I wouldn’t want to break your fragile little bones miss” Ivan smiled and the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM2YPJtMaf
crowd chuckled, the bartender only shook his head. Kemari sighed to himself as361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFp2MyNFXb
he saw her dash toward Ivan with uncanny speed, he was barely fast enough to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEZpSp2PgA
block the kick that was aimed at his face. Isadora spun and delivered a kick to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGFhN1niXi
Ivan’s abdomen which forced him back a few steps, before he knew it she was on361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcktfm2e5rB
him again, firing a quick jab to his nose followed by a myriad of blows to his361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmYXysianb
face and upper body. Ivan wobbled as the hits connected, he was unable to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp4o7oVyDg
block, dodge or even see them. The onlookers watched in awe as Ivan was beaten,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsZWNxjeRY
unable to defend himself against the sheer powers of his enemy’s blows. Kemari,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOGLS92Azg
who was now back on his feet fully healed looked on smiling as his friend361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6ZvSAAxNr
finished the fight by palming Ivan square in the chest then walking away361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkmqx19dvt
towards Kemari. As he looked he noticed the man’s chestplate was even more361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQxDRCGZVP
dented than it was before and there was a hole in it where he had gotten the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhd9XGprxI
last hit, his face was twisted and bloody. As she walked by him, he turned to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DNLvwB9S1
follow her and heard a metallic clank as if Ivan’s body had finally registered361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I8BVErJRx
that it was no longer living. The people moved to the side as Isadora walked past361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf2Pqeaae2
with Kemari in tow, they stopped by the counter where she fished a coin purse361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD7erlGZVl
from somewhere in her cloak an handed it to the barkeep.
“Sorry361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolqJWjVUY5
for the disturbance big guy.”
“No361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3evotVTXE
worries little one” the bartender replied.
The361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIW9GcjBRa
two walked down the streets of the slum districts. People in tattered clothes361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7LCXTXqVp
walked along as if they had no purpose, while others looked out from alleyways361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCSZnujmRj
and the insides of broken down houses looking for unsuspecting prey to rob,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq4oodKFjZ
abduct or kill. They walked in silence as they passed by buildings clumped together,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOjGt6D59B
some even looked as if they were about to topple. They stopped as a group of boys361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqpHK8JAL4
ran out In front of them chasing after a smaller one who was running with a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo8CPEIbg0
huge rat in his hands. Isadora started walking again as Kemari stared after the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XHFmDHrDN
children as they caught up to the boy and took they rat from him then proceeded361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVis7k2cFNI
to beat him.
“Same361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP8ts0c4ZH
age” he said before following after her
His361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyKbTHOYHw
friend looked at him as he caught up with her “said something?” she asked
“I was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeAJTBeZ8F
just thinking….” He paused “those children just now, they don’t look that much older361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDBr1YK0NA
than we were at that time…”
“What361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew9mgUn7bv
does that have to do with anything?” she was curious, Kemari rarely mentioned361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yR34zVZwm
anything about their past. He tried not to show it, but she could tell that it361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1E5032ZBG
still haunted him.
“…It361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv2yYH1sbf
isn’t right” his voice quivered and was almost a whisper “children are supposed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSiAk4sAa0
to be safe, they shouldn’t be exposed to these harsh realities at such a young361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUO5dZ5SWf
age”
“Better361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJgsrPMxAS
now than when they’re older and are incapable of dealing with the shit the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCV8ghuKQi
world throws at them, because of the sheltered pampered life they lived” Her361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37caeTEDLB
reply was blunt and harsh, yet He knew she had a point. He had lived a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGxhMhUTuN
sheltered life while she was always fighting for what she wanted, and now years361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPILm09CZ1S
later she was an accomplished Monk despite being a 'failure' to her mentors as361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fvR80Wqjj
well as a 'B' ranked adventurer while he was stuck at 'F' the weakest rank361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgLCubK6C6
there was.
“I361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSB3gGWHq0
wish it didn’t have to be that way” she suddenly continued “But this is the way361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6psEfV81d
of life. With death lurking around every corner, we can’t afford to be weak” she361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztlqptlgHT
looked to the sky as she spoke.
“Like361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxOF4vJl4m
me Huh?” Kemari chuckled lightly
“Pretty361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CfcGapNDr
much” she laughed and punched Kemari in the shoulder, he flinched as she hit361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXclGrAzcQF
him and that only made her laugh harder. He rubbed his shoulder as they361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11aDaAKO3Y
continued their walk in mostly silence.
It361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOljWx3NDE
was almost noon by the time they reached their destination; the Adventurer’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MoNvBfqIc
Guild. It was a large imposing structure which stood at the top of a grand marble361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XU1cVuWx3
staircase, Kemari stopped and stared in awe at the high walls that shined in361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAqNtTGR86
the midday sun. No matter how many times he visited, the sheer beauty of it361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dQfWh0Ayx
always caught his eyes . He smiled and walked up the steps where Isadora waited.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDEtrvc9I1
They approached the large Oak double doors together which swung open as they361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUGOVJrVtd
got close, stepping inside Kemari looked around the huge open area they now361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXI0b0WLoy
stood in. The floors were made of a dark reflective surface that absorbed mana361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcvDwp59Vd
from it’s occupants, making them weaker the longer they stayed, which Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeT24SzFQL
believed to be weird, but apparently the GuildMaster had done this to prevent361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6gk0byA5p
fighting in his hall “can’t fight if you can't freely manipulate your body’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGXMaCkGRE
ambient mana” the receptionists would repeat. The room was filled with a variety361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1Y4NyjFfx
of adventuring folk; some wore bulky, heavy armor and carrying massive swords361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtDBmCEyIk
while others dressed lighter, wielding bows, staves, or much smaller swords.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCqLIjC0ga
Two adventurers caught his eye, as they seemed to be out of place, one of them361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO0IX8fszZ
was a green slightly muscular being Kemari assumed to be a Half-Orc who leaned361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZigxOVqAcJ
against the wall with a heavy looking broadsword leaned up next to him, and was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cegbkcfEs
wearing a brown tunic over black leather pants and boots, on top of that he361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh5Z5jozok
also wore a pair of silver pauldrons and and a half chestplate, His hair was a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY4BiKzwxB
greenish untamed mess from what Kemari could see. The other person was the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lMPbU2mdw
second most beautiful girl he had ever seen, an Elf with long silver hair tied361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ba6SfAtia
up in a ponytail.
“So361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4iaMKekht
that’s your type hmm?” His attention was drawn from her before he had a chance361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzr3hHxRHN
to observe her fully. He turned to see Isadora staring at him intensely with a huge361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4UDCjsBNG
grin on her face.
“No,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFUO8zgPw2
that wasn’t…….that’s not…” Kemari stumbled to find words.
“Don’t361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv80UMbFkSx
worry my dear sweet companion.” Isadora laughed as she leaned in close and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrXkIOZax5
covered her mouth as if to whisper to him “I SHIP!” She bellowed, attracting361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMceucGOHsf
the attention of the entire room.
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgxfhO5SIt
looked around nervously and hissed “what are you doing, you idiot?”
“why361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPYrYgHLBt
I’m just so proud of you Kemari” she spread her arms wide and squealed “You’re361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bbBSdjqj1
finally interested in exploring the lush flesh of a –“ she issued a yelp as Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNx8pMAfIg
grabbed her cloak and dragged her away to the reception area. He blushed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjyUjko0RY
slightly as he stormed past snickering adventurers. The reception area was a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLrH7NeSSm
long counter towards the back of the room, behind it stood the guild’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fkOHi1rRg
receptionists, all of which were identical women. The two approached the one361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7AoorXhX6
closest and exchanged greetings, it wasn’t until then that Isadora removed her361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYLOEExhNz
hood, revealing her face. Her skin was a smooth almond complexion and her light361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8wPtrmIzw
brown hair was cut short in a close cropped style with the sides faded, her361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6nZ7U1ds7
eyes always took Kemari’s breath away, they were also a light brown with361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlW1qWxgbI
matched her skin tone and hair color and always seemed to sparkle. “keep361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSvk6iyFE6
staring at me like that and I’ll steal your heart” he was so engrossed in361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzQu63Pxcb
admiring her that he didn’t notice that she had stopped talking to the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDVMunSeqn
receptionist and was now starting at him smirking. “And I meant that literally”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFAhOTntTV
she said teasingly before returning to her conversation.
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF9av6E4Ng
gulped and then sighed as he went about observing the room once more. He looked361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4NBvnISgi
around at the occupants who were all embroiled361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUYbAtFL9U
in conversation amongst their companions, the elf he had seen was no longer361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoA4E7qksq
there, but the Half-Orc stood the same place leaning against the wall; this361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO2hikOCg0
time he was staring right back at Kemari who quickly turned away. In the centre361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT4FmDF6k5
of the hall was a giant golden statue of the legendary GuildMaster himself: Gaelin361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbEuQlfJMY
Branandor, who had faced down the Black Dragon in the Arena pits, gaining his361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5GXwjVh1a
freedom from slavery in the process. The statue featured Gaelin in nothing but361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupxImWe1PC
a loin cloth, with a broken sword in his left hand and the dragon’s head in the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKknAXSq5A8
other. The statue was of a powerfully built man, with long golden hair hung low361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN3I82RapJ
behind his back. That looks nothing like the old fool Kemari thought to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSk6j6Wmd7
himself as he shifted his attention in scorn. The walls were a chalk white, and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaMRTg09ia
were decorated with long portraits of the Twelve Knights of Lanatheas; the only361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ107molk6Re
'S' ranked heroes Lanatheas had to offer. They were the strongest and their361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVhI6mqzCg
names carried a lot of weight. Kemari only knew three of them: Markus The Bear,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aVrmhfCHx
who was a savage Hulk of a man who never wore anything apart from his brown fur361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeREdjzxots
loincloth and the pelt of some unknown beast around his shoulders. He was known361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofhf4yPuSF
to tear his foes to pieces with nothing but his bare hands. Next was Lucien Arengar,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84gF2zHuEV
leader of the kingdom’s Dragon Knights which was an elite unit tasked with high361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkyeuuwsb0
priority quests from the Crown itself, he wore his signature red and gold361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡratHZAIUuV
armour with his sword held high and his shield to his side. The last was the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYkekweESh
rogue, the assassin, and the fastest of all the 12………fuck, what was his name361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD1DjOBY2G
again?. Kemari stared at the portrait of the man who stood completely clad361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6hh0k8mLl
in black and covered completely, hiding his features.
“Brinn,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlMb5vyvaL
I think” Isadora said from beside him. She had turned towards him and noticed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82SvT0ueZ9
him staring with a puzzled look on his face.
“Thanks,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCH7Kq0lF4
don’t know why I keep forgetting his name” Kemari replied “You finished?”
“Yuuup”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdAoRbn056
she bounced and grinned
“Great,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERcKX5OhVv
let’s go then” he stretched and started to walk away when Isadora grabbed his361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSCL13uYle
robes
“Not361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTS4lXLTTK
so fast, my dashing knight”
“What361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HElqfwMFO
now?” Kemari sighed
“The361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqoYRhAsDt
GuildMaster has something for us”
Kemari’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69stah3lE3
demeanor changed upon hearing that, he spun around and grabbed Isadora’s361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoO7WkHdi2
shoulders, she shuddered when she saw the cold look on Kemari’s face.
“Did361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4JnEZMkZn
they find him” he tried to ask as calmly as he could, but his voice was instead361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzXH2OiwdD
cold and tainted with anger. She nodded and turned then waved towards the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDHryoqHG5
receptionist who was weaving a spell, she smiled and in an instant they were361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCguaZILyS
standing in an empty blueish space which only had a small desk and a few chairs361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeFlIcu8nj
in the middle.
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GK79KeFnH
rushed towards the desk leaving his friend behind, he caught a glimpse of a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ByUgKrHz
giant ogre wearing full plate armour as it vanished from the room. Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD7kX9e46i
stopped at the desk and stared at the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkNr6ngkPW
small sinewy man behind it. The man wore a black vest over a white buttoned361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdtsVULZgG
down shirt, his head was completely bald and he seemed to be well over 100361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0PSjRJIct
years old. “You stare too much Kephirian” the man said without looking up from361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3heQtLTTJ5
a paper he was scribbling on before him.
“Where361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZY9YS9Oj9
is he!” Kemari slammed his hands on the desk
“Have361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJXh4YVnPY
a seat first” the man gestured at a chair before the desk “you too monk”
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrTCX7VwAz
looked and noticed she was right next to him now, she plopped into the chair361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OQ4KD7I2D
and placed her feet on the desk, which evoked a glare from the man who made to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3ZTBr6Hh9
say something before shaking his head and changing his mind. “please?” He361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrGc3ptC2N
looked at Kemari this time, who sighed and sat in his chair.
“Who361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxq00xsXKw
was that just now, GuildMaster?” Isadora spoke first
Gaelin361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8SRpAs7Ft
set down his quill and leaned back in his chair for a few moments before he361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXesmx6mOID
finally responded “Targoth IronHorn…..” he hesitated, pondering how to continue361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAMhP4XYtW
“He looks for the same man as you do”
“Did……..did361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh5F4LUVk8
you tell him what he wanted to know?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NNAjNvWQp
Isadora glanced at Kemari as she asked
“I361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusN8hbL2SN
did”
“YOU361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseqAZJXvBu
HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME” Kemari flared up “WHAT THE FUCK? WE HAD AN AGREEMENT361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVvjGgweNP
YOU OLD FART” He reached across the table and grabbed Gaelin by his shirt361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUNVBkXmL1
collar.
“THAT’S361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ48Zvj6rve
ENOUGH KEMARI” Isadora shot up and took his arm, he looked at her briefly and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmT8LKb3uF
saw the disappointed way she looked at him. He grunted as he let go and paced361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdiJOr9ERg
around the room “Great, so now we competition….”
“Does361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPiM0bJIKS
it matter Kemari?” She paused then continued “We just want him dead, so we…….you361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9JetfnbHv
can be free from your burden.”
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IzInLi74I
stood still with his fists clenched “How in the world would that relieve me of361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDoaogtinh
my burdens?” he looked at Isadora and said firmly “I have to be the one who kills361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUFyo714bx
him...…..I won’t be at peace unless I am. Why do you seem to have a problem361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVTPfwInb2
with that? You. Kill. All. The. Time…..so what’s the fucking difference here”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs93Ja6Luac
she didn’t answer, and the room stood in silence, waiting, before it was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6ZMCBbHbR
finally broken.
“You’re361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG2jSTu8tF
a fragile one, Kephirian…...” The GuildMaster smiled “Do you honestly believe361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE2O7PoHpr
you have what it takes to kill this monster on your own, or will you need the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0wXcC6FxR
monk to do it for you?”
“…..” Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWltBAHgzU
stood there in silence unable to answer.
“Nevertheless,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIuRz2nBj1
we have a deal. The man you’re looking for is known as 'Vanther The Bold',361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89FX9nZMbl
everything you need to know is in this” he handed Isadora a small scroll.
She361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEFConhBqD
muttered a 'Thank You' as she turned to leave
“Oh,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yzEnm1VRo
and one more thing” he said stopping the duo in their tracks “There was another361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tHzeAQ6QF
person besides the Orc who came for information on him, so you might want to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d6HNm9iU7
hurry”
Kemari361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqVV2tPKNR
and Isadora then vanished as they once again teleported elsewhere.
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlZcKss7dd
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmmCyaKwkU
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKAywMU6ES
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGtjdgGl8W
ns3.15.158.138da2
