Fire350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5sjclr3ST
and smoke, corpses burned beyond recognition, blood splattered streets. It was350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2piyppqoA
all around him, he stood in the middle of a burning village, watching as more350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoFdanXG4U
people were butchered by the horsemen. Arrows plunged into some, while others350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu3BExzSR1
were struck down with swords. The boy did nothing, only staring in horror at350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kG2fAXWAI
the scene which played before him. A group of horsemen started to approach him,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYVReHAuAF
he watched as they got closer and closer, the boy thought of running, but his350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwp1TMWGny
legs wouldn’t move. He was frozen, he was afraid, he would soon be dead as well.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT4haeVvav
The horsemen stopped, and their leas dismounted and approached him, the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5KoenMh1j
reflection of the flames danced along the silver longsword in hand. The boy stared350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusgD5zaAxH
wide-eyed at him, he was an intimidating figure, larger than any man he had350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb84IAegJfk
ever seen, with a long scar running diagonally across his face, stretching from350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikqAoTTsgQ
his right eye to the side of his mouth. The man grinned as he lifted the longsword350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAStTGBBVxj
with one hand and swung down with it.
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKT4rsOtX2
awoke suddenly, his heart was pounding in his chest and he was drenched with sweat.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5QMWI7HPV
He sat up in his bed and put his right hand over his face then screamed loudly350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3fKZUMaej
into it. He stopped and caught his breath for a minute before swinging his legs350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOK1ADuarj
off the tiny bed, looking around at the wooden room he sighed. It was tiny and350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dHjjWRpSu
the only furniture were the bed crammed up against the wall which he slept in350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDYRqzxYIz
and a small chest tucked away in a corner, above it hung a small cracked mirror.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAe6ZyKihS
Kemari got up and tentatively walked towards the mirror and looked at himself. He350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDyENgReEn
stared at his reflection for a while, waiting for his heart rate and breathing350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6CCXrB3gN
to steady. He brushed his locks out of his face and tied it behind his head,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEXqbHoyyE
leaving two strands to remain at the front. His two crimson eyes stared back at350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWvRfU5mXI
him, and as usual he felt like he was sharing his vision with something else,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYBkB48hBX
as if there was someone else inside him using his eyes. He ran his hand over a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgk5yL3bm9
long scar that stretched from his shoulder to the middle of his chest, images350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi2bZMiVMV
from his nightmare flashed before him making him sigh. He admired his dark350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8qxDqHe0G
brown complexion for a minute before opening350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlzh0a5Tn9
the chest and getting dressed in his purple Mage’s robe.
“Time350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEtPW3LtQN
for another day of failures and being dependent on Isadora” he mumbled.
The350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NRxKjhZX9
Dragon’s Tongue was a small run-down Inn and Tavern situated in the slums of Lanatheas'350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13GMY6UqB8
royal capital. It was a place only frequented by the poor as well as a variety350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFVWFRyHEv
of unsavory types, it was here Kemari called home. For unlike all the others350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVKSsmKwmR
who were members of the Adventurer’s Guild, he was incapable of earning enough350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmQ5kz6mx6
gold to get himself a room in the richer districts, this was something Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwcX1uTdit
despised and always swore he would have to change. He sat in a corner, alone, with350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uPQxleYPY
a book laid before him on the table, the common room was lively as server girls350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4MgFQfw1O
carried meals and ale to various tables of loud customers. A server walked by350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7kKKtWpCQ
him and the smell coming from the tray made him gag. How do they eat that350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItaNDgPv0T
filth? He thought to himself shaking his head. He was about to start350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibQFq18g2o
reading when a rusty iron sword impaled his book and lodged itself in the table.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn679sfYDI
Kemari heard laughter from around the room as he looked at his book in horror, blue350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2ufVa3Eug
mist rose from it in a puff of smoke as the contents spilled out of the book as350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtbr8cyL2c
if it were bleeding.
“What350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk2cdOf1O5
the fuck!” he heard a figure beside him exclaim. Kemari looked up to see the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARhIsdOpGL
man who was holding the sword, he was muscular looking fellow who wore a rag tied350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhZVrGHPNp
like a mask around his neck, and was wearing tattered clothing under a rusted350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo8B0YeQfS
iron chestplate, which had its fair share of dents. “do you have any idea how350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TrxkdJ4o8
much this book cost me?” Kemari said as he clenched his fists. The man looked350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDhAViKc6h
at him and laughed “would you look at this fool, boys” his laughter was echoed350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sVhBQzTWP
by the other people in the room “ha, looks like he wants to fight you” a voice350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs9VXO6LRr
snickered.
“yea?350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnNOWJUEQH
Is that true, brat?” he lowered his body into a crouch and stared into Kemari's350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYBIAS40IV
eyes “you want to fight, you little weakling?”
“Go350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ710iO3gT
fuck yourself” Kemari spat in his face.
“Aargh!”350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKpV4onIKB
the brute grabbed him by his temples and yanked him from his chair then threw350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysQNIrPkzV
him across the room in one fluid motion. Kemari crashed into chairs and tables350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp9GeskghX
as he flew through the room, and coming to a stop as he slammed against the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbB9GVh3Kq
wall with a thud. His assailant pulled his sword out of the table and pointed350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfUP05uw1H
it at him “I think it’s time you learned your fucking place, trash.” He walked350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IGSQ4cVz2
forward slashing his sword through the air as he moved. “You might not have350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAAWBW79hL
realised it as you were coasting through life in your peaceful little village,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9J4WVf1CB
but we live in a world where the strong eat the weak” he paused slightly then350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSwX9rHdc9
continued “There’s no place in it for pitiful, weaklings……... except for food350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpXtG12rCe
that is. So do tell me mage” he was grinning madly by this point “WHAT.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCzcOYvdhW
PURPOSE. DO. YOU. SERVE?” he punctuated each pause with a slash of his sword as350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzAsQaXnAW
he stopped over Kemari, who was now propped up against the wall holding a hand350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jcbqUd1tn
to his side while his other began to move in motion weaving a spell.
Despite350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU4BodqFFT
all that had happened, Kemari was not afraid, for he had faced down bigger and350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7ldeas7hz
more dangerous enemies and lived……never mind it being because he was saved by a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwBtSCwqFs
certain someone most of those times. He held his hand before him and smirked as350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXPL1p4dbQ
the spell was completed, he was shocked however, when the brute grabbed his arm350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiX3YkONJQ
and forced it downward right as an ethereal arrow shot out from his palm. He350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSPisgjAyg
grimaced as he suddenly felt a kick to the gut, Kemari doubled over in pain and350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J3yYiiIKu
coughed up blood. His assailant released his arm and placed the sword against his350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQBK3P1D9z
neck. Kemari glanced around the room, hoping someone would come to his rescue, he350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEOwj6vAbe
soon realized that would not happen as he saw the twisted smiles on everyone’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJgndy2koh
face.
“That’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76YSRteccm
enough Ivan” Kemari’s head snapped in shock towards the rotund bartender who350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5w1wzv2Ug
had spoken. Unlike the others his face was written with concern. “.......I350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMq4zebulI
think the child has had enough of your lesson” he hesitated
“Is350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nSLAET0yw
that so?” Ivan punctuated his question with a severe kick to Kemari’s side,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbhfTY971O
causing him to hit the floor. “Well what do you all say?” his question was350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub0wUIemm1
directed at the other occupants of the room and Kemari cringed as he heard350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfOeEx3qsd
their replies: “kill him”, “rip his guts out”, “show him who’s boss”, “Finish him off” they cried.
“As350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcmL0dl84T
you command” Ivan sneered as he raised his sword. Just then a figure wearing a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0FqT81yCl
black hooded cloak broke from the crowd and walked towards them, Kemari laughed350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7CvJUFtIJ
as he noticed it.
“What’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcll0QNKyiN
so funny?” Ivan said, his sword still held high.
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij83mZZSL8
heard the bartender sigh “You done fucked up now Ivan”
“Huh?”350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASrVeTI8ks
that was all he managed before the figure slammed a powerful kick into his neck350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡert3s9DchV
causing him to drop the sword as he skidded sideward before falling. “You ok350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm2A04phZ0
Kemari?” it's feminine voice asked without looking away from Ivan who was350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiayXJ9EtYn
already back on his feet and holding his neck.
“yea”350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw8Nl4nETs
Kemari wheezed “Nothing a little healing magic can’t fix……and thanks by the way,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4WkR5FD6K
Isadora”
“good350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gF7MkFfvN
and don’t mention it, just stay right there and watch as the greatest monk in350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkFdwexS4W
all of Lanatheas kick ass” the figure giggled.
“Didn’t350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBh3CHoqVN
you drop out of your training?” Kemari smiled.
“SHUT350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYslZCgX9tr
UP!” she took a fighting stance “it was a mutual agreement”
The350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GC46gsTHq
two laughed as everyone stared at them in bewilderment. Ivan, who had finally350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgAD932PiJ
recovered from the blow looked at the figure as they sized up each other. “who350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgBmfj3jQV
the fuck are you?” he finally asked the figure.
“irrelevant”
“you350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyup5wxARdq
sound like a woman”
“I350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoBqTbwU70
should hope”
“that350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RGv9hF3h4
was a magnificent kick, for a lady of course” he rubbed his neck and grinned at350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyWQ6gICSw
her
“Wow,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMRP7Fv4LZ
that was a bit sexist don’t you think?”
“Sex350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuoOLcqPbe
what?” He shot a glare at Kemari who had laughed a little at his question.
“are350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgbGp0XMjr
we going to fight or not?” she asked sounding irritated.
“heh,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNWBo05p3e
I wouldn’t want to break your fragile little bones miss” Ivan smiled and the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWc6ZNXHMM
crowd chuckled, the bartender only shook his head. Kemari sighed to himself as350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwgGODPYV4
he saw her dash toward Ivan with uncanny speed, he was barely fast enough to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFNyltwZDK
block the kick that was aimed at his face. Isadora spun and delivered a kick to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMHTKgYKU3
Ivan’s abdomen which forced him back a few steps, before he knew it she was on350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdrra1qxJD
him again, firing a quick jab to his nose followed by a myriad of blows to his350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr4JIIqd92
face and upper body. Ivan wobbled as the hits connected, he was unable to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93U41HilDP
block, dodge or even see them. The onlookers watched in awe as Ivan was beaten,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAV5Hy7fU8
unable to defend himself against the sheer powers of his enemy’s blows. Kemari,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQO8NkJB9e
who was now back on his feet fully healed looked on smiling as his friend350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72gSOVTtXk
finished the fight by palming Ivan square in the chest then walking away350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifzkUcRCI0
towards Kemari. As he looked he noticed the man’s chestplate was even more350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39VLEZ3U0N
dented than it was before and there was a hole in it where he had gotten the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOfVtYvjgc
last hit, his face was twisted and bloody. As she walked by him, he turned to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmKZs7CYuk
follow her and heard a metallic clank as if Ivan’s body had finally registered350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnpkgfLPAJ
that it was no longer living. The people moved to the side as Isadora walked past350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5oUFeogIp
with Kemari in tow, they stopped by the counter where she fished a coin purse350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN4a1O2CAD
from somewhere in her cloak an handed it to the barkeep.
“Sorry350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJCUTIiKXh
for the disturbance big guy.”
“No350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufOBP9X6eB
worries little one” the bartender replied.
The350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOddn5S4DSQ
two walked down the streets of the slum districts. People in tattered clothes350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn1GTYEkpp
walked along as if they had no purpose, while others looked out from alleyways350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ELaJSDzVK
and the insides of broken down houses looking for unsuspecting prey to rob,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4gNbmgNbV
abduct or kill. They walked in silence as they passed by buildings clumped together,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GVZSqDPUx
some even looked as if they were about to topple. They stopped as a group of boys350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UXmlV8ArX
ran out In front of them chasing after a smaller one who was running with a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVKxzE2L67
huge rat in his hands. Isadora started walking again as Kemari stared after the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcHIIJFEjZ
children as they caught up to the boy and took they rat from him then proceeded350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIeKUFV7ca
to beat him.
“Same350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIZbV8Otlp
age” he said before following after her
His350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kVtn7Fv2e
friend looked at him as he caught up with her “said something?” she asked
“I was350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI6LoYqc3w
just thinking….” He paused “those children just now, they don’t look that much older350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVmnGkFh3O
than we were at that time…”
“What350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrFvQtUUXB
does that have to do with anything?” she was curious, Kemari rarely mentioned350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7UotXvYum
anything about their past. He tried not to show it, but she could tell that it350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe0ao3togN
still haunted him.
“…It350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgXGEB0TYH
isn’t right” his voice quivered and was almost a whisper “children are supposed350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu2QFrvfF1
to be safe, they shouldn’t be exposed to these harsh realities at such a young350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJLHfaUKeU
age”
“Better350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSffJye4Bcd
now than when they’re older and are incapable of dealing with the shit the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVD5te33QJ
world throws at them, because of the sheltered pampered life they lived” Her350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1zYB783Jn
reply was blunt and harsh, yet He knew she had a point. He had lived a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaOAoOqGym
sheltered life while she was always fighting for what she wanted, and now years350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPZaTnBnr1
later she was an accomplished Monk despite being a 'failure' to her mentors as350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3FNI9ZQz3
well as a 'B' ranked adventurer while he was stuck at 'F' the weakest rank350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9pJHdNPPd
there was.
“I350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTb0vjTvLK
wish it didn’t have to be that way” she suddenly continued “But this is the way350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRzJsnwQNk
of life. With death lurking around every corner, we can’t afford to be weak” she350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUO4HJPd0M
looked to the sky as she spoke.
“Like350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcD4zVo9XF
me Huh?” Kemari chuckled lightly
“Pretty350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16VWMwp9Zu
much” she laughed and punched Kemari in the shoulder, he flinched as she hit350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiYJ26A0WS
him and that only made her laugh harder. He rubbed his shoulder as they350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfh4GbkpVD
continued their walk in mostly silence.
It350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeXMZ1PUZd
was almost noon by the time they reached their destination; the Adventurer’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCwMpnx1SP
Guild. It was a large imposing structure which stood at the top of a grand marble350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI1qclCkLj
staircase, Kemari stopped and stared in awe at the high walls that shined in350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVmASjOF2N
the midday sun. No matter how many times he visited, the sheer beauty of it350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGUfvfT4TC
always caught his eyes . He smiled and walked up the steps where Isadora waited.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95bZkinhjh
They approached the large Oak double doors together which swung open as they350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLczfUWuQh6
got close, stepping inside Kemari looked around the huge open area they now350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fN9nS4y64
stood in. The floors were made of a dark reflective surface that absorbed mana350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU3Bm4Atld
from it’s occupants, making them weaker the longer they stayed, which Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIU5Tn7kGP
believed to be weird, but apparently the GuildMaster had done this to prevent350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiglMyyVbA
fighting in his hall “can’t fight if you can't freely manipulate your body’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbBytcn77N
ambient mana” the receptionists would repeat. The room was filled with a variety350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzaoeemlv4
of adventuring folk; some wore bulky, heavy armor and carrying massive swords350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8CCRqfCdW
while others dressed lighter, wielding bows, staves, or much smaller swords.350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8ym7ZlqGH
Two adventurers caught his eye, as they seemed to be out of place, one of them350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG8DYh0FOE
was a green slightly muscular being Kemari assumed to be a Half-Orc who leaned350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDG2mPkOd2
against the wall with a heavy looking broadsword leaned up next to him, and was350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vpRhmgTZZ
wearing a brown tunic over black leather pants and boots, on top of that he350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9RIjMHyRV
also wore a pair of silver pauldrons and and a half chestplate, His hair was a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv6wG99xLo
greenish untamed mess from what Kemari could see. The other person was the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAnZqGN0pg
second most beautiful girl he had ever seen, an Elf with long silver hair tied350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoGiQoMloQ
up in a ponytail.
“So350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkN7Jv4YdM
that’s your type hmm?” His attention was drawn from her before he had a chance350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C6KTIrh33
to observe her fully. He turned to see Isadora staring at him intensely with a huge350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ2y5lyd67
grin on her face.
“No,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zP4PIkeR2
that wasn’t…….that’s not…” Kemari stumbled to find words.
“Don’t350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbt4JUc4yS
worry my dear sweet companion.” Isadora laughed as she leaned in close and350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8mYW5xrNH
covered her mouth as if to whisper to him “I SHIP!” She bellowed, attracting350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DgPpJbVIw
the attention of the entire room.
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1TGnkKLC7
looked around nervously and hissed “what are you doing, you idiot?”
“why350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqGHoFDeeR
I’m just so proud of you Kemari” she spread her arms wide and squealed “You’re350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxB6NHkcFR
finally interested in exploring the lush flesh of a –“ she issued a yelp as Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7vubUUeIL
grabbed her cloak and dragged her away to the reception area. He blushed350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru4PhLZvib
slightly as he stormed past snickering adventurers. The reception area was a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvKO8hOMCJ
long counter towards the back of the room, behind it stood the guild’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QHrVRBCMK
receptionists, all of which were identical women. The two approached the one350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe7XHLPtFG
closest and exchanged greetings, it wasn’t until then that Isadora removed her350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtUBoIsGrv
hood, revealing her face. Her skin was a smooth almond complexion and her light350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nYbHwar7Q
brown hair was cut short in a close cropped style with the sides faded, her350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64cIPZZS8G
eyes always took Kemari’s breath away, they were also a light brown with350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuoz0Gb74V
matched her skin tone and hair color and always seemed to sparkle. “keep350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9fnHufja3
staring at me like that and I’ll steal your heart” he was so engrossed in350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOC5URldA4
admiring her that he didn’t notice that she had stopped talking to the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyPWeHLwb5
receptionist and was now starting at him smirking. “And I meant that literally”350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e0nsZWqyT
she said teasingly before returning to her conversation.
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vqJzZuU7g
gulped and then sighed as he went about observing the room once more. He looked350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUjHozyOQt
around at the occupants who were all embroiled350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7NEz9vOgk
in conversation amongst their companions, the elf he had seen was no longer350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDTWHDdOcW
there, but the Half-Orc stood the same place leaning against the wall; this350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzQsPJPsSN
time he was staring right back at Kemari who quickly turned away. In the centre350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0EZJL7ft1
of the hall was a giant golden statue of the legendary GuildMaster himself: Gaelin350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sZIMKdlgH
Branandor, who had faced down the Black Dragon in the Arena pits, gaining his350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoAw60iuq4
freedom from slavery in the process. The statue featured Gaelin in nothing but350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT90v1cVtP
a loin cloth, with a broken sword in his left hand and the dragon’s head in the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOSnieu1vi
other. The statue was of a powerfully built man, with long golden hair hung low350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKJzi4dUqf
behind his back. That looks nothing like the old fool Kemari thought to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofizndROEh
himself as he shifted his attention in scorn. The walls were a chalk white, and350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlubUznz2w
were decorated with long portraits of the Twelve Knights of Lanatheas; the only350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVriZ6k3YM0
'S' ranked heroes Lanatheas had to offer. They were the strongest and their350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHuMJPYF16
names carried a lot of weight. Kemari only knew three of them: Markus The Bear,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrtRT6Bhxb
who was a savage Hulk of a man who never wore anything apart from his brown fur350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTejSQ1wTe
loincloth and the pelt of some unknown beast around his shoulders. He was known350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE2rI1m8Wh
to tear his foes to pieces with nothing but his bare hands. Next was Lucien Arengar,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHqdKLXQla
leader of the kingdom’s Dragon Knights which was an elite unit tasked with high350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIWIF2CnoK
priority quests from the Crown itself, he wore his signature red and gold350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel9SjkKbbI
armour with his sword held high and his shield to his side. The last was the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNclRod4Q6
rogue, the assassin, and the fastest of all the 12………fuck, what was his name350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpphPAcrKD
again?. Kemari stared at the portrait of the man who stood completely clad350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav2udhyeRl
in black and covered completely, hiding his features.
“Brinn,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB1ydDlkXZ
I think” Isadora said from beside him. She had turned towards him and noticed350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iOoaDpYQP
him staring with a puzzled look on his face.
“Thanks,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJe63XVRfY
don’t know why I keep forgetting his name” Kemari replied “You finished?”
“Yuuup”350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q0yO3aSBv
she bounced and grinned
“Great,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8yy2Ng8CW
let’s go then” he stretched and started to walk away when Isadora grabbed his350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumkDUZtWbd
robes
“Not350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3iBKmsb7B
so fast, my dashing knight”
“What350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU9bP824sp
now?” Kemari sighed
“The350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqWfkPaqtK
GuildMaster has something for us”
Kemari’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5VyTWvmJB
demeanor changed upon hearing that, he spun around and grabbed Isadora’s350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe873ETEYM
shoulders, she shuddered when she saw the cold look on Kemari’s face.
“Did350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIdBSiKmUM
they find him” he tried to ask as calmly as he could, but his voice was instead350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U3LOatPza
cold and tainted with anger. She nodded and turned then waved towards the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppNLwRY5bJ
receptionist who was weaving a spell, she smiled and in an instant they were350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsOZoWZJHI
standing in an empty blueish space which only had a small desk and a few chairs350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7faDGP8xP
in the middle.
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfJjzWXuPi
rushed towards the desk leaving his friend behind, he caught a glimpse of a350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HtcVrtUeJ
giant ogre wearing full plate armour as it vanished from the room. Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqqJ7fzNGS
stopped at the desk and stared at the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCA3IpNw1z
small sinewy man behind it. The man wore a black vest over a white buttoned350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cERkvZwvV
down shirt, his head was completely bald and he seemed to be well over 100350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7av73f0Bs
years old. “You stare too much Kephirian” the man said without looking up from350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2krmpKuZ2
a paper he was scribbling on before him.
“Where350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMefjRB7Gpu
is he!” Kemari slammed his hands on the desk
“Have350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zGdROcJmp
a seat first” the man gestured at a chair before the desk “you too monk”
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70ljPGBW0
looked and noticed she was right next to him now, she plopped into the chair350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8pjZ3EKCD
and placed her feet on the desk, which evoked a glare from the man who made to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV5MLXaHXs
say something before shaking his head and changing his mind. “please?” He350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNdlmn5cQg
looked at Kemari this time, who sighed and sat in his chair.
“Who350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaw3cZr9X9
was that just now, GuildMaster?” Isadora spoke first
Gaelin350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQypGUnBvJ
set down his quill and leaned back in his chair for a few moments before he350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1tiH8nQFA
finally responded “Targoth IronHorn…..” he hesitated, pondering how to continue350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm4rzoXOxl
“He looks for the same man as you do”
“Did……..did350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CeYQBIhK6
you tell him what he wanted to know?” 350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGI7FzSm86
Isadora glanced at Kemari as she asked
“I350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkylaZqkZ3z
did”
“YOU350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFBOqd7HWY
HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME” Kemari flared up “WHAT THE FUCK? WE HAD AN AGREEMENT350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19fVbpRuat
YOU OLD FART” He reached across the table and grabbed Gaelin by his shirt350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAt50ohvZY
collar.
“THAT’S350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfFqgps1RI
ENOUGH KEMARI” Isadora shot up and took his arm, he looked at her briefly and350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4thkEtLeM3
saw the disappointed way she looked at him. He grunted as he let go and paced350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8hym8owlV
around the room “Great, so now we competition….”
“Does350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xdr4nlXrp
it matter Kemari?” She paused then continued “We just want him dead, so we…….you350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZPtK58mzo
can be free from your burden.”
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvWcLxsNwe
stood still with his fists clenched “How in the world would that relieve me of350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1xtZa1iJZ
my burdens?” he looked at Isadora and said firmly “I have to be the one who kills350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgufkuUrmF
him...…..I won’t be at peace unless I am. Why do you seem to have a problem350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ir5drn63B
with that? You. Kill. All. The. Time…..so what’s the fucking difference here”350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4xwBAWlWM
she didn’t answer, and the room stood in silence, waiting, before it was350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6IZmtmYsQ
finally broken.
“You’re350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ERkyvWMr
a fragile one, Kephirian…...” The GuildMaster smiled “Do you honestly believe350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRHTpL3wma
you have what it takes to kill this monster on your own, or will you need the350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1n9hQTkqA
monk to do it for you?”
“…..” Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNrfpFvn0Q
stood there in silence unable to answer.
“Nevertheless,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn4hqSpjCn
we have a deal. The man you’re looking for is known as 'Vanther The Bold',350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemnPusMAvU
everything you need to know is in this” he handed Isadora a small scroll.
She350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjqNravybv
muttered a 'Thank You' as she turned to leave
“Oh,350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIzbdulQ1F
and one more thing” he said stopping the duo in their tracks “There was another350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFdeJb1jUy
person besides the Orc who came for information on him, so you might want to350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ96F6yZpQ0
hurry”
Kemari350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8POVzZqVdF
and Isadora then vanished as they once again teleported elsewhere.
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFrjip4lmc
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDMiPzV0UZ
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7yDD0zCsn
350Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGuwuJZgM9
ns3.138.190.225da2
