Standing in the valley of the five mountain peaks, Arthur, Aegon, and Excalibur took a moment to gather their bearings. After turning in a full circle, they soon understood that they were no longer in the world of the Old Man, but the Realm he often mentioned to be Arthur's original home – The Realm of Pandora.
Pandora, a realm of sword fo magic. From its deepest trench to its highest peak, various races and mystical creatures roam its ever-growing lands and oceans. For heavens know how long, it has continuously added new continents and inhabitants, unceasingly diversifying itself. Divided into central, inner, and outer regions, it has watched countless people and states rise and fall. It is a realm where the strong dominate the weak and the strongest stand at the top.
Inhabitants of the realm can be divided into two – those with abilities and those without. Those born with abilities are typically given a choice between the Path of Sovereignty or the Path of Heroes, as for those born without abilities – tuff. Well, it's actually not all that bad; typically, those without abilities end up as commoners or soldiers. However, there is a balance, while those with abilities grow with the Celestial Way – lunar, terra, and solar stages - those without go the Terrestrial Way. Whereas the Celestial Way focuses on energy growth through the comprehension of natural laws, the Terrestrial Way focuses on physical growth through grueling training and is broken into tiers –tier 0 to 9. In theory, a tier 9 Terrestial Path can rival a solar stage Celestial Path, again 'in theory.'
Nevertheless, the Realm of Pandora holds many secrets and treasures, thus regardless of path, what matters is a person's strength – might is right.
Back in the Five Mountain Valley of a newly generated continent in the outer region of Pandora, Arthur, Aegon, and Excalibur were all fixedly staring at a floating crystal – the legacy crystal. Perplexed as to why it suddenly began to float, they couldn't help but stare at it in curiosity.
Suddenly a soft light burst forth from it. Condensing, a gentle stream of the light flowed into the middle of Arthur's brows. As the light made contact, a monotonous feminine voice sounded in Arthur's head.
[ - Soul Link Established - ]
[- Welcome New Lord On The Path Of Sovereignty - ]
[ - As Someone Who Has Chosen This Path, Qualifications To Pursue This Path Must Be Tested - ]
[ - Hold On For a Moment, Good Luck -]
Within a moment, the trio abruptly disappeared from the valley as they were suddenly enveloped in darkness.
After a flash of light, they found themselves standing in a dark forest filled with towering trees.
"AWOOO!"
Snapping out of their stupor, they realized that they were standing in front of a pack of white wolves, and behind them were a group of refugees. Surveying the group of refugees, they realized that their numbers exceeded fifty, while only eleven fo them were armed. Judging by the tears in the armed men's clothing, it would seem that they have been struggling against the pack of wolves.
Slightly confused by the sudden appearance of a golden-haired youth and a silver tiger, a white wolf who was right in front of Arthur shook for a bit before launching itself at him.
Reacting immediately, Excalibur appeared in Arthur's hand, and with a swift slash, the wolf was split into two as its body sailed past.
After a moment, a voice yelled out. "Watch out, young man!"
Arthur then turned around to see the white wolf refusing with its split half.
A black-haired man who seemed to be in charge of the armed men stepped forward and stabbed his sword into the wolf. The wolf, in turn, burst into a puff of white smoke.
"There is a crystal in each wolf that constantly moves around if it isn't destroyed, they won't die."
Nodding in understanding, a white halo appeared around Arthur's sapphire irises – omniscient eyes. Judging by the popping veins at the corner of the man's eyes, he was most likely also using an eye technique.
"Thank you, I am Arthur. What is your name, sir?"
With a slight chuckle, the man responded," a lad with manners I see, you can call me Siegfried."
"Acknowledged."
As Arthur's words fell, a surge of golden aura began to dance around him. Gently, it began to wash Siegfried, his men, and the rest of the refugees. To their surprise, their wounds began to slowly heal, and their depleted stamina began to replenish. As they were returned to their peak form, so did their confidence in making it out of this situation.
Due to the sudden appearance of Arthur, the white wolves retreated further into the woods. But, upon realizing that it was just another prey, they began to charge at the group. With omniscient eyes activated, Arthur noticed what Siegfried was talking about, withing each wolf was a small crystal that continuously moved around. Without an ability to see those crystals, these white wolves were practically invincible. Nevertheless, Arthur and the rest braced themselves as around forty wolves charged at them.
Step.
Cut.
As the wolves got closer, Arthur began to move around the dark forest like a wraith, with each swing of Excalibur, a pitiful yelp ensued. Aegon, due to being twice the size of the wolves simply pounced on them, thoroughly crushing their bodies with little care about the location of their crystals. A wolf among sheep, huh? Oh, how the tables have turned.
Surprised by Arthur' and Aegon's performance Siegfried and his men also charged at the wolves. Though Siegfried's men couldn't see where the crystals are, after a few slashed, they were able to get lucky and destroy a wolf's crystal. Occasionally Siegfried himself would inform them of the location.
After over thirty minutes, the clearing in the forest was devoid of wolves. Due to the continuous use of Step, Arthur's current strength had plummeted due to the consumption of his stamina.
Nevertheless, with the threat out of the way, there was nothing to worry about. Breathing a sigh of relief, they all regrouped to tend to any damages. Looking at Aegon hower, his fur seemed to be having a dark tint to it.
Suddenly, in Arthurs's head, the monotonous feminine voice sounded again with a hint of sadism.
[ - Well That Was A Nice Warmup, Wouldn't You Say - ]
[ - Let's Start The Main Course Shall We - ]
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
The trees before the group began to topple as a giant white wolf appeared surrounded by hundreds of white wolves.
Watching the scene, the surrounding men couldn't help but curse. What did they do to deserve this?
Watching the oncoming wolves, a hint of despair appeared in Arthur's sapphire eyes but quickly dissipated as his eyes lit up. With an idea in mind, the strand of white in Arthur's hair turned brown as the ground began to tremble. The group watched as two hollow semi-spheres collided, forming a dome over the huddled up refugees. Without having to worry about making sure the wolves didn't pass by them, the group could now execute their highest level of combat. But, would it be enough against the army of wolves? Ha, they wish.
But fortunately for them, they have Arthur, where there is a will there is away. As his mind began to flash through the countless lessons he's had with the Old Man, he finally found what he needed. The ground began to tremble again as two thick walls appeared, forming an unclosed cone creating a makeshift funnel. When drastically outnumbered, one must limit how many enemies they engage at once.
Seeing that the situation had evolved into this, a burst of power suddenly emerged from Siegfried. Dragon-like scales began to appear all over his body, even his hands had turned into claws, it seemed that this was his ability – Dragonification. Interestingly though, scales also began to appear over his men – Dragonification sub-skill: Dragon Kin.
Seeing his slightly pale complexion, Arthur noted that he wouldn't be able to maintain his ability for too long, hence why he probably hadn't used it in the earlier encounter. Unfortunately, Arthur couldn't replenish his lost energy due to being able to so on a person once a day. It would seem that this will be a bitter fight.
"Though we have only known each other for a short time and I have no idea how you appeared here. Thank you for your aid, Arthur." Siad Siegfried as he watched the oncoming wolves.
Arthur laughed, "why do sound like you have a date with the grim reaper or something?"
Confused by Arthur's response, Siegfried's turned his head only to find his eyes suddenly widened in shock.
Seeing the bemused smile on Arthur's face, he couldn't help but think that the youth had lost his mind in front of the unfavorable odds.
Still smiling, "relax Sieg, I have an idea. But it's gonna require us to hang on for a bit."
Seig? That's a first. Regardless, seeing the confidence in Arthur's eyes, he couldn't help but nod his head.
Looking around at the men with their chest puffed out, ready to engage the wolves. Arthur couldn't help but nod his head in approval. "Alright, guys, spread out a bit. Let send these wolves to meet their maker."
As the wolves cleared the forest and appeared in the clearing, their bloodthirsty gazes immediately fixed unto Arthur and the rest. After a few moments, some had already entered the makeshift funnel.
Seeing that his plan was working, Arthur couldn't help but smile. But suddenly, he frowned. As the numerous wolves charged at them, the large white wolf simply stopped at the edge of the clearing and didn't proceed one step further. It had even decided to lay down as it lazily watched it's pack charge forward. Silently cursing, Arthur gritted his teeth and prepared to engage.
A few moments later, the sound of swords tearing through flesh sounded as the group began to battle the wolves. A sword sliced through the air, perfectly slicing a wolf in half, causing it to burst into a puff of white smoke. Seeing its companion die, a wolf leaped at the dragonkin soldier with its fangs bared but was intercepted by another dragonkin soldier, and in a puff of white smoke, it also disappeared.
Aegon, on the other hand, continued with his strategy of pouncing on the wolves and crushing them. As he went on with his massacre, his fur continuously grew darker while his familiar mark, a circled fang, continuously grew brighter. As his contracted partner, Arthur felt the replica of the mark on his left chest continuously grow warmer.
The greatest performers this round were Arthur and Siegfried. With every swing of their swords, they were able to take out around five wolves. But noticeably, the average amount was gradually decreasing as they depleted their stamina.
Looking ahead, Arthur noticed that there were no more wolves charging from the forest and couldn't help but smirk, finally.
Woosh.
A large pit appeared within the makeshift funnel swallowing all the wolves within. As the wolves plummeted down the twenty-meter pit, the walls of the makeshift funnel inturn rose into the air and fell down the pit finishing the deed.
As everyone watched on the couldn't help but heave deep sighs of relief. But immediately something caught their attention – Aegon. The Familiar Mark on his forehead was glowing intensely, making the dark clearing seem as though it was daytime.
After a while, the light receded to reveal a completely new Aegon. After evolving, Aegon's silver fur was now replaced with obsidian like black. Whereas his original sky blue eyes were now a rich violet. Another notable thing was the tendrils of the black mist-like energy that randomly came of his body. It seems that Aegon had activated his bloodline and evolved into a shadow tiger.
Suddenly a deep Russian like voice sounded. "Oi, fleabag, walk your ass over, daddy's got some new tricks to test out."
Everyone was shocked at Aegon's sudden speech. Upon hearing Aegon's words, an infuriated look appeared on the large wolf's face. Immediately it stood up and began to charge over. With a human-like smirk, Aegon charged forward to meet it.
Pfft!
Arthur couldn't help but laugh along with the others. Despite Aegon's big words, upon meeting the large wolf, a simple paw swipe sent him flying. As the wolf watched him fly, it couldn't help but sneer.
Incensed by the turned of events, Aegon suddenly released a burst of power, causing more shadow tendrils to emit from his body. Seemingly teleporting, Aegon immediately appeared beside the large wolf, pouncing atop its white mane.
Unable to handle the sudden impact, its legs buckled as it crashed into the ground. Unrelenting, Aegon's long shadow claws began to cut and dig into the wolf's body. With pitful yelps, the wolf tried to throw Aegon off but to no avail. Its once white fur was now bathed in blood.
After a while, its yelps quieted as stood atop its head like a prideful beast king whose authority shall be undermined by no one.
However, it refused to give up. Struggling under Aegon's claws, it suddenly released a mournful howl.
Suddenly a streak of moonlight broke free from the clouds overhead and shone over its body. Sensing some changes, Aegon immediately leaped off its body.
As the ray of moonlight bathed its body, the wounds over the large wolf's body began to swiftly heal. Along with its wounds closing, its body also began to grow along with its energy.
After its wounds healed, it immediately stood up and hatefully glared at Aegon, who, in turn, returned the glare with a smug look.
However, before the wolf could move, a pit appeared beneath it. With a surprised yelp, it found its body underground with only its head above ground. After struggling for a bit, it found that it couldn't move at all. With ears drooped, it looked down in defeat.
As Arthur appeared before it, it glared at him before looking down again. With a whimper, a symbol made of light appeared above its head – a familiar's contract. Pausing for a moment, Arthur stared at the symbol, which was a wolf howling at the moon in a circle. After thinking for a moment, Arthur decided to accept the contract; after all, with his goals, the more allies you have, the better. As the contract was accepted, it's symbol appeared on the wolf head while a replica appeared beside's Aegon's on Arthur's chest. As the mark appeared, Arthur immediately knew the wolf's name – Luna.
As the ground slightly trembled, Luna was released from her prison.
"Thank you, master, I shall serve you well." When her words ended, she shrunk to the size of a puppy and leaped unto Arthur's head.
Due to the continuous expenditure of energy, Arthur's current countenance was extremely pale. Just as he was about to take a seat and catch his breath, the monotonous feminine voice sounded rang inside his head.
[ - Task: Completed, Well Done- ]
[-I Honestly Didn't Expect You To Survive - ]
[ - As Your Reward, MMM, Oh I Know]
[ - You Have Received 'The Five Pillars of Civilization' -]
[ - Good Luck, I Expect Great Things From You - ]
As the voice ended, Arthur, along with everyone in the clearing, disappeared.
****
In the mystical realm where the Old Man raised Arthur, the Old Man sighed as he waved his hand. The ground trembled for a bit before quitting. In the Old Man's hands now rested a golden apple. As the apple appeared, the surroundings suddenly dimmed, losing most of its color.
With another wave of his hand, the Old Man, along with the golden apple, disappeared. However, as they disappeared, the mystical place suddenly collapsed on itself until soon, there was nothing left.
Appearing in a grand circular hall, the footsteps of the Old Man could be heard as he approached a golden throne situated at the head of the hall.
The hall was quite majestic, with impressive golden pillars holding a massive crystal dome. If one were to look closer to the pillars, each of them was engraved with a unique emblem at their highest point. On one pillar, its symbol was a pyramid with a shining eye atop it, on another pillar its symbol the front view of a Grecian temple, and on another was a floating city connected to a bridge. Amongst them were many other pillars and unique symbol. However, the most eye-catching part of the grand hall was its floor. Etched into the massive white floor was a snake on a green background. It was half black and half white. But, the most interesting thing about it was that it was eating its tail –an Ouroboros.
Upon sitting on the throne, the Old Man rested his head on his left fist while he lightly tapped on the arm of the throne with his right index finger.
Suddenly the atmosphere in the hall changed as one by one people began to appear. One appeared with a burst of wind, another with a bolt of lightning, and another with a ray of light.
As they appeared, they all immediately fell on a knee, and in unison -
"We Greet Father!"
The Old Man nodded, and with a wave of his hand, permitted them to stand.
"So tell me, children, what have you all been up to these years?"