The sun high in the sky, the rustling of leaves, and the smell of nature woke Edward up. Three days have passed since he broke out of the city. What after his escape happened, he did not know. But he also wasn't interested in that, because he knew that Pace safe was.
Edward was laying under the crown of a large tree. He stood up, patted the dust off his clothes, and packed his bag. He took a large backpack with him in which several survival kits were. Knives, pans, spices, pure alcohol, medicine, flint, a tent, and all things one needed to survive in the wilderness.
His next goal was to wander to the capital city of the Kingdom, Mountainberry City. He would wander along the mountain range to the east of the Kingdom, allowing him to survive off the nutritious mountain berries that grew in the wild.
Because the mountains were an important part of the Kingdom's economy, the area would often be cleared of monsters. Therefore, Edward didn't have to worry about being attacked.
Edward looked at his missing pinkie finger and then began to wander.
After he entered the forest three days ago, he ran with superhuman speed. After 20 minutes though, his power began to swindle. Then, his ability to create shockwaves vanished and so did his superhuman powers. Next, he took several detours and ran for several hours until he was sure that no one followed him.
Hardly had Edward began walking when he suddenly felt a touch on his shoulder. Edward immediately drew his sword and turned around, only to see two figures. One man and one female.
The male was in his forties and had several scars on his face. His figure was broad and muscular, even though it was concealed under a cape. Edward knew that he was dangerous.
The female was more approachable, with a friendly smile on her face. However, below her cape, a sword was sticking out.
The male saw Edward's defensive posture and smiled.
"Don't worry, lad. If we wanted to harm you, you would be dead already."
"Who are you?"
Edward didn't drop his sword.
"We are the same as you, we are Chosen. We have been observing you for several days now. We also saw you breaking out of Gold City"
"What?!"
"Yes, it's just like I said. Here's my mark"
The man raised his sleeves and showed his forearm. A thin line made of weird characters on the exterior part of his right forearm. He was undoubtedly a Chosen. Edward still didn't drop his guard though.
"Why should I trust you? You could also be from the King's Army!"
"If we were from the King's Army, we would have attacked you from behind and not raised your guard.", replied the male.
"Hmm, that's true."
The female stepped forward and said,
"We, in fact, come from an organization of Chosen. Most of its members are Chosen and we even have the support of normal humans. We can bring you there. You wouldn't have to worry about survival."
Edward then remembered Pace's words.
"Are you the organization from the capital?"
"No, they are our enemies. We are a different organization and strive towards a goal.", answered the female.
"Enemy?"
"Yes. In the vast world, there are many Chosen organizations, each having separate goals. That's usually the sole reason why fights between Chosen break out."
"I see. But why did you find me, and how did you do it?"
The female smiled and said,
"Our Lady told us where we could find you."
"Your Lady?"
"You will find out if you follow us. You can also find out all the knowledge about Chosen and learn to control your powers if you follow us. You will have enough food, housing, and won't have to fear being killed at any moment. Therefore, do you want to join us?"
Edward didn't have to think long about it. He didn't have a reason to refuse. His goal was to join the Chosen organization in the capital city anyway. Since that wasn't guaranteed, and the opportunity to join an organization appeared, he couldn't decline.
"Alright, I will follow you."
Both the male and female smiled and started to relax. The man held his hand towards Edward and said,
"Good. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jack, and this is my colleague Janna. I hope we can work together in the future."
Edward smiled. He took his hand and shook it firmly.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Edward."
…
Year 91 of the New Calendar, August the 3rd
It was midsummer. The hot sun shone upon the lands and graced everything within its reach with light. Animals hid lazily under the trees' shadow, plants spread out their leaves and absorbed all the light.
Near a certain mountain in the Great Mountains, the rustling of leaves was heard. Three figures with swords in their hands cut through bushes and emerged out of a forest, entering the empty mountain slope. Their moves were swift, and their slashes were precise. Even though the young male was lacking compared to the two other figures, he wasn't lousy. One could see that he was experienced with his sword.
"Not bad, kid. You learned fast."
"Well, I had nothing to do in the past two months, it's no wonder. But my superior talent is certainly part of the reason, heh."
"You are getting cocky, haha. Just wait until your training begins. You won't be as naughty then. I can already imagine your begging. 'Please Jack, just one short break. I can't endure it anymore.'"
"Even if I couldn't endure it, I would never give you the satisfaction of seeing me begging."
Two months have passed since Edward met Jack and Janna. During the time, he got to know their personalities. Jack was outgoing even though his fierce appearance other people deterred. He knew how to joke. He was also the one who taught Edward swordsmanship and survival skills. According to his stories, he was a brilliant fighter. Whether that was true was to be tested.
The time in the wilderness and his daily training gave Edward a more manly appearance. His shoulders became broader, his skin darker and rougher, his muscles toned, and his gaze wasn't childish anymore.
Janna was usually silent. She was apparently the strategist in Jack's group. Edward didn't find out much about her, but she seemed friendly and Jack trusted her judgment.
They were about to enter the lair of the organization of Chosen. There, Edward would learn everything he would need to know to decide on whether to join the organization. 'The Lady' would explain everything to him. Edward once asked why they always called her 'The Lady', to which Janna replied,
"We dare not tell you her name without her permission. You will know why."
Edward, Jack, and Janna soon reached the bare mountain and started climbing it up. It was exhausting, but the past two months gave Edward a better constitution. Halfway up to the mountain, Jack said,
"We have arrived."
Subsequently, he reached out to a large boulder, grabbed it, and pushed it away. The boulder proved to be hollow inside. Underneath, a pathway deep into the mountain revealed itself. The walls were extremely flat, as if they were artificial. Dim torches hang on the walls of the pathway, illuminating the way to a distant light source.
Afterwards, the group entered the pathway and closed the entrance behind them. They walked for a few minutes in silence until Janna the stillness interrupted,
"Soon you will meet our leaders and get to know our cause. Remember to be polite, they don't like to joke around."
"Oh, okay."
The atmosphere was tense. The stuffy air and weird silence made Edward nervous. What was supposed to happen? He would just meet a few Chosen, integrate into the organization, and then live his life in peace. But something told Edward that it wouldn't be so easy. He felt like he was walking into a huge trap, one that would make his life miserable. But he also felt attracted by something, as if it was his destiny.
Then, after a turn to the right, the pathway opened up into a room. Its walls were perfectly flat just like the rest of the pathway. Inside it was a wooden table. The burning candles standing upon the table lightened up the room and filled it with an herbal smell. On the left wall of the room, a wooden door led deeper into the mountain. Distant noises could be heard. Two chairs stood behind the table.
Sitting on the chairs were two figures. One man and one woman.
The man had a tall but strong stature. His nose was straight and his skin clear. His golden irises highlighted his sharp, but relaxed eyes. He wore a loose, black robe, which matched his long black hair. On his back, Edward could see a slim and long single-edged sword. It wasn't imposing because of its fine details or its elegant handle, but because of its golden color and shining light. The man spread out a dangerous, destructive air, even though he smiled at Edward.
Edward knew that this man could kill him anytime if he wanted to do so.
The woman's stature was small and slim. She had a friendly, relaxed face. Her long black hair looked elegant and matched her young look nicely. Her nose was small and fitted her young look too. However, what appeared weird were her grey eyes and her loose grey robe. It was as if the previous colors were washed away by the river of time and thus resulted in the grey that they were today. The lady emitted an archaic aura, and it seemed like time froze around her.
Edward felt like the smile of this woman could watch him for an eternity while he lived, aged, and died. The smiling woman seemed eternal.
Then, the woman spoke.
"Welcome, Edward Harrison. We have expected your arrival"
Edward noticed that Jack and Janna suddenly a few meters behind him were. He replied,
"It's a pleasure. I assume you two are the leaders of this organization?"
"We indeed are. But might you not first introduce yourself?"
The woman smiled.
"Oh, I apologize."
Edward stepped forward, put his right hand on his chest, and held his left hand behind his back. Then he bowed.
"Might I introduce myself. Edward Harrison, twenty-two years old, son of Harry Harrison. Fleeing from my hometown of Gold City as a Chosen to survive and being offered a safe haven in this noble place
"May I know the name of my lords?"
"We're glad to offer you this opportunity. As for our names, we have many. Today, many call us S-Tier Chosen."
The woman stopped, and then continued,
"Back in the Epoch of Change, some even called us Gods or Immortals.
"However... we prefer our real names. You may call me Horatia and the man to my left Olethros."