It has been 300 years since the first Avees mine was discovered. At first, they thought it was an ordinary crystal however after checking the spiritual value, the result was too high to be called ordinary. Everyone who found out this information wanted a share of this, it was even more for the 4 fleets who had shown interest causing a fight between the soldiers.
The second army itself reasoned out that they should receive it since it was located in their army and the first to discover it was them. To stop the fighting the late emperor had to intervene and gave the 50% of it to the 2nd army while the rest received 10% of the share. What Marshall Rint didn't know is that the other fleet had secretly tested the crystal and learned that it was impossible to extract. After this they decided to sell off their share at a high price, the Marshall, of course, didn't accept, they discover it in the first place why should they be paying? So they change the price, and 10% of the allocated funds of the 2nd army would be taken and divided by the other fleet.
Marshall Rint was a commoner who with great merit received a noble title, he has a heart of gold and was loyal to the emperor. When the emperor said that the mine was off limits until further instruction and didn't dare check the crystal mine. He was not knowledgeable of the schemes of the noble and so didn't discover what they had planned not to mention that his second in command had also convinced him. So with their unending call, he reluctantly agrees. This agreement would last for 50 years.
The 2nd army becomes a laughing stock when they found out that the crystal could not be used. Others could them greedy and deserve what happened. To redeem his mistakes, he paid the remaining 10% and worked even harder to the point that he had exhausted himself. To make matters worse his wife divorce him and left him and his son taking half of his fortune. When he retired at the age of 230, his only son followed in his footstep but sadly died during one of the missions. Hearing the news of his son's death he died. Cross's father was only 6 at that time and they had to mourn for two people, ever since then their family has started to decline.
The mine that was left unattended has always reminded everyone of the unlucky Cross family and the second army. But that shameful event brought them great luck thanks to Seven. After creating the first successful product, Cross invited them to his house. When they reach the place instead of going to his house they pass the place and climb to a hill. A beautiful pavilion was built on top of it. There rested the Cross family.
Seven could still remember that time as if it was just yesterday. Cross's silhouette as he was standing ahead of them looked so lonely, his back facing them. His shoulders were shaking slowly, and with a trembling voice, he said " You can be assured now that the choice you made before wasn't for naught. Leave the rest to me and rest well"
He watches as Cross cries silently in front of his family's grave unable to do anything. Maddox beside him slowly walks beside Cross and bows his head, showing deep respect.
"Greetings to the late Marshall, Generals, and the Madams. My name is Zalric Maddox and that kid at the back is Seven Arias. I can assure you that what Marshall said is true, me and Seven were able to make use of Avees freely thanks to you. The decision you choose back then has brought great fortune to everyone, especially to the 2nd army. So you do not have to worry because ill stand by Cross's side" after saying those words he held Cross's hands, squeezing them softly. Though he lacks empathy, Maddox for some reason can navigate the complexity of Cross and Seven feelings. This was why the three were able to stay comfortable with each other. If it was only Cross and Seven, things might be different.
Seeing Maddox like this, Seven couldn't help but be amazed. Though he might not look as tall as Cross, at that moment he could see how huge Maddox's presence was.
"Roarrrrr" the cries of the beast awaken Seven from his momentary reminiscence. He immediately forms an arrow and shot the beast. He sat down again after collecting the corps.
The energy in this world was abundant and so he felt, even more, stronger even if it hasn't been that long seen he came. Good thing he has this kind of cheat, if not then it would take even longer for him to get strong if he just rely on the spiritual energy in the kingdom. However, what makes him baffled is why it feels like something was calling him. It was even stronger than when he meet his familiars.
'What could it be' he ponder to himself.
After a minute, he heard a rustling from the trees and a voice.
"Master we led more monsters this way" White Tiger said, beside him was Nine-Tailed fox.
"Same for us," Black Dragon and Phoenix said.
Behind the four were a herd of monster. Looking at it they were probably from the same kind who was forming their own territory. If they continue to grow it might be dangerous and so the four decided to eliminate it, but thinking that their master needed to finish a mission, they opted this way.
"Then I'll finish them" he said and stood up. He decided to investigate others things later.
Seven once again took his sword, this time to save time he decided to cover it with energy, the sword now looks 10 times bigger. With a swift slice, all the monsters were cut in two filling the forest with splashes of blood and the stench of death.
He looks at the status bar for the mission and so far they had defeated 912 monsters which made him happy since it was only a matter of time before he can finish this one.
"This should be more than enough" he said and whisk the sword to remove the blood covering it.
It didn't take long and the system had announce the task as complete.
[Mission complete
Rewards: Unlock 5% of Sealed powers]
Upon reading Seven felt a huge amount of energy coming from his body. He didn't expect that just 5% of his powers would be this much. No wonder the system had to seal him, if he were some kind of psychopathic villain, the world would surely come to be in ruins. So how strong is he really?
Afterward, it issued another task. Seven pressed the holographic button and the 2nd task appear.
[Quest: Crystal miner
Collect various types of crystal
Complete:0/1000
Time limit: 30 days]
He nodded after seeing the mission, though it might be a bit difficult since most crystals are found only in ruins or dungeons. But it wasn't bad since those crystals might be helpful for him. The only problem is, they have limited knowledge about where to find these.
He discussed the content of his mission with his familiar.
"crystals might be difficult to find" Black Dragon commented, even though they had trained here before, he didn't really care about any treasure so he didn't bother looking for them since his master had given him more than enough however that was before. Now even if they handed him crystal, the system wouldn't probably accept it since it didn't come from this place.
Just as they were worrying about it, Phoenix remember something.
"master I think I might be able to guide you on this one" he said but his face showed a bit of reluctance.
"really" they all chimed shocked.
"you see back when I'm still training here I encountered quite a few young sacred beasts and decided to help them find shelter, the place wasn't anything special but it had small crystals and stones. In order for them to grow stronger, I left a wisp of my fire, that way the surroundings would be enriched with energy. Since it has been a long time, the place might have changed into a mine" he explained
"Woah I didn't expect you to be the social type of guy" Nine-tailed Fox said shocked. Phoenix has always been elusive, though they get along with their other companions, he wouldn't really engage in talks with others aside from them.
"as expected of Phoenix who would even sacrifice his life for his soulmate" White Tiger jokingly said this, in turn, earned him a glare from Phoenix. He quietly retracts his smile.
"but the thing is it might take months to reach there considering our powers and making a teleportation array takes days and millions of crystals, if this was before we could just take some from our space but now that everyone is injured and the crystal was used for them to have a faster recovery. I previously made an array but the portable array isn't with me, I gave it to that brat. If we can find a way to contact him then he might be able to help us, it might also take days to contact him" he added feeling kind of disappointed.
"then let us go back to the inn first and look for a carrier to send a letter to the Phoenix Clan, while waiting we can look for maps or ask for them from the guild." Seven suggested and patted Phoenix's shoulders
"don't be disappointed, you guys have helped me more than enough" he said and smiled at the four.
"hehehe, will do our very best to help you master" White Tiger cheekily smile at him and gave Phoenix a tight hug, the other two nodded and smiled.