Day 7 of the
Standing at the village entrance was a disheveled, dirt-covered figure, cloaked in a tattered shroud. The one-eyed Lycan warrior, Melech, kept his hood drawn low, shrouding his face in shadow, as if wary of attracting unwanted attention. His fur was matted, and his singular eye glowed faintly with a wary alertness. The musky scent of the wilderness clung to him, blending with the earthy aroma of the village, a stark reminder of the rugged journey he had endured.
Beside him, one of the town guards stood at attention, his eyes wide with barely concealed excitement. The guard's uniform was crisp, but his demeanor betrayed his inner turmoil. He shifted from foot to foot, his gaze flicking between Melech and the approaching villagers. The guard, familiar with the legendary tales of The Electric Blade of Velonica, was clearly starstruck.
"Can you believe it? The famous Electric Blade of Velonica is right here! He's actually right in front of me. Would it be weird to ask for an autograph? Should I ask for an autograph?" The guard's thoughts raced, his admiration palpable in the air.
The guard's incessant staring began to gnaw at Melech, making him fidget. His unease was apparent as he turned away from the guard's awestruck gaze and looked toward the approaching figures. The air was tense with anticipation, and the quiet rumbles of the village seemed to hold its breath as the renowned warrior awaited the answer to his request.
Vericka hurried to the village entrance, noticing her mother, Fann Mikazuki, had already arrived. Fann, the village's mayor, was always keen on important events. Before Vericka took over the title, Fann was the former Southern Deva of Arcadia, a Demon Lord True M-Cee. As the barrier caster for Talasi, she often met newcomers at the village border.
"Mom? I should have known the village mayor would be here," Vericka greeted her.
Fann responded with a knowing smile, "There isn't a soul that I don't know about entering the barrier, Vee."
"And here I thought it was the Mythwalker level of power giving it away," Vericka quipped, her gaze shifting to Melech.
At that moment, Melech removed his hood, revealing his grizzled, road-worn face. His fur was streaked with dust and sweat, and his single eye gleamed with a mix of weariness and determination.
"Forgive me for this unexpected calling, Lady Mikazuki," he said, his voice gravelly. "My name is Melech Una. I was the disciple of the late One Pound. I was sent here on his behalf to make a delivery."
Vericka's eyes narrowed in recognition. "I remember your name. One Pound used to talk about a pup with potential, but he never mentioned you having a V-Skill."
Melech nodded solemnly. "I received it this past year during my journey here. Master didn't get to see me achieve this power."
His voice faltered slightly, a shadow of regret crossing his face as memories of his late master surfaced. One Pound had been more than just a teacher to Melech; he had been a guiding light, a beacon of strength and wisdom that Melech had aspired to follow. The bond they shared was one of mutual respect and deep admiration, forged through countless battles and rigorous training sessions. It was a bond that made the loss all the more painful.
Fann interjected, "Shall we continue this conversation in a more private area?"
Vericka agreed, "Yeah, follow me. We'll head back to my house; Glynis was curious about what was going on."
As they turned to leave, the villagers whispered among themselves. The sun cast long shadows, adding to the anticipation and curiosity surrounding the unexpected visitor.
After a brisk walk, they arrived back at our home. Grandma Fann followed closely; as if she had been summoned when Mom was called. A special barrier protected our house, which my mother created and maintained with the skill [Concealing Barrier], suppressed mana signatures, making it blend in with the other homes and masking the powerful energies that often gathered there. Once inside, however, those sensitive to mana pressure would find it overwhelming.
Melech's eyes widened as he stepped through the door. "Gods, such a strong signature," he muttered, visibly taken aback by the dense aura.
Vericka turned towards my bedroom. "Xiro, seal in your mana signature. We have company."
I paused the Art Crafting I was working on in my room, feeling the hum of my Bio Mana resonating around me. Concentrating, I began to circulate all my Bio Mana internally, preventing it from leaking into the room's atmosphere. This was only my third attempt at the technique Mom had taught me to prevent my ever-growing mana pool from harming those around me.
The air around me seemed to thicken as I focused, drawing the mana inward. The room, once buzzing with the vibrant energy of my mana, now felt calm and controlled. I could feel the weight of my power compacted within me, a reassuring warmth in my core. The faint glow of mana particles that had been dancing in the air dissipated, leaving the room in a serene, almost tranquil state.
As I stepped out to join the others, the atmosphere within the house had noticeably shifted. The once-dominant mana signature was now subdued, replaced by a more inviting ambiance. The refreshing scent of lemon intertwined with the faint aroma of herbs from the garden, creating a homely touch that softened the mana-rich environment.
Melech's eyes widened as he processed the energy shift. "All of that power... was coming from a toddler?" His voice was laced with disbelief.
Glynis, sharp and unwavering, met his gaze with a hint of sarcasm. "It's amazing what a good meal and better sleep can do for the soul and body. You should try it," she remarked, her eyes scanning him critically.
Vericka, sensing the tension, softened her tone as she addressed me. "Thank you, Xiro. Can you go to your room for a moment? Mommy needs to talk to the guest."
"Sure thing, Ma Dukes," I replied with a casual wave, flashing a devilish-like grin as I turned towards my room.
Melech's thoughts churned as he watched me leave. "To think, a Majin child with that much power already... He could easily be a high C-Class battle power," he mused, the confusion and concern etched clearly on his face.
Once the door closed behind me, I focused on activating my Skill [Super Hearing], tuning into the conversation as though I were standing right beside them.
Melech's voice took on a somber tone as he began. "I'll never forget it. It was just over three years ago, during the 6th night of the Third Air Cycle. We encountered a former war comrade who was relocating some family members who had recently been rescued from slavery."
I stiffened at his words. "Wasn't that the night I was born?"
[Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] confirmed my suspicion with a simple, Correct.
Melech continued, "Our journey was interrupted when a Watcher ambushed us, just after we had defeated an Orc."
Glynis nodded, her expression darkening. "They've become more aggressive in recent years."
"The Watcher alone wasn't the real threat," Melech added grimly. "What changed everything was the presence of another creature, one with a terrifyingly holy mana pressure. He wore black and gold armor, had the face of a bull, and bore wings identical to the Watcher's."
Glynis frowned, her mind racing. "Why does that sound so familiar?"
Fann's reaction was immediate, her hand covering her mouth in shock. "Wings like a Watcher... Oh no, it can't be..." Her voice trembled with the weight of her realization.
Vericka, sensing the gravity of her mother's reaction, pressed gently. "What's wrong, Mom? Do you know who it was?"
Fann hesitated, her thoughts heavy with the implications. After a long pause, she finally spoke. "I hope I'm wrong. But based on his description, it matches those bastards from the Trap War." She took a deep breath, steadying herself before continuing. "It sounds as if the Trappers have returned to Gaia," Fann said, her voice heavy with the implications.
"Returned?" Melech echoed, his confusion deepening. "Who or... what exactly are the Trappers?"
The room fell into a tense silence. Glynis and Vericka exchanged troubled glances, the weight of Fann's words sinking in. Melech, however, looked on with a mixture of confusion and apprehension, the gravity of the situation dawning on him.
Fann's voice carried the weight of history as she began, "In the year 1475, Gaia experienced a cataclysmic event that shook the very foundation of our world. Astronomers and astrologists detected a surge of powerful mana signatures emanating from our sister planet, Trappist. This energy was unlike anything seen before—a force so intense it reverberated through the cosmos, sending shockwaves through Gaia and striking fear into its people. In hindsight, this was the first harbinger of the dark era that would soon engulf our world."
She paused, her gaze distant as if she could still see the devastation. "Three months after these signatures were first detected, the Watchers descended upon Gaia. Like a plague, they swept across the lands, leaving nothing but death and despair in their wake. These creatures were more than mere killers; they were soul harvesters, ripping the essence from their victims and preventing them from ascending to the Heavens. Our once peaceful lands were thrown into chaos as the Watchers multiplied, their numbers growing with each passing day."
The tension in the room grew as Fann's story continued, each word heavy with the memory of those dark times. "For years, the people of Gaia fought valiantly against the Watchers, but their efforts were in vain. The Watchers were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. It was then that the Trappers, mysterious and powerful beings from Trappist, intervened. Two of these enigmatic figures appeared in the continent of The Hels—a land renowned for its powerful adventurers, known then as Rappers. These warriors were part of the Reverent Alliance of Powers, or RAP, a guild system that sponsored anyone with the desire and skill to fight against the alien forces of darkness."
She sighed deeply, the memory of that battle weighing on her. "The RAP M-Cees of The Hels sent their best warriors to confront the Trappers, but despite their bravery and strength, the Rappers were no match for these otherworldly beings. One by one, they fell, their souls stolen by the Trappers. The situation grew so dire that even Gaia's most powerful entities, the Demon Lords, and most notably The Four Devas, were forced to take action. These Demon Lords, who had once remained in the shadows, now faced a battle for Gaia's very survival."
I couldn't help but think to myself, "So the rappers got beat by the trap boys? Different world, same story, huh?"
[Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi]'s voice echoed in my mind, "I can only refer to the memories of your original planet."
[Midnight Star: Belial]'s response was darker, filled with anticipation, "I can't wait to take their heads off if they challenge us."
Fann continued, her voice trembling with the intensity of the memory. "Even with the combined might of the Four Devas, the battle against the two Trappers from Trappist was a devastating struggle. These beings wielded a level of power and destruction that Gaia had never witnessed. The Devas, each a god-like figure in their own right, fought valiantly, but the cost was immense."
"The battle raged across The Hels, tearing apart the land and sky with raw, unbridled power. Despite their formidable strength, two of the Devas fell, their souls torn from their bodies by the relentless Trappers. Garland Braye, a True M-Cee and the bearer of the [The Fated Hero] Skill, played a pivotal role in this cataclysmic confrontation. With the power granted by his unique ultra skill, Garland managed to defeat one of the Trappers—an achievement that would go down in history as a monumental victory. But the victory was bittersweet."
Fann's voice grew softer, tinged with sorrow. "The second Trapper, though wounded, survived. In its dying moments, the defeated Trapper unleashed a cataclysmic wave of energy that obliterated The Hels. What was once a thriving continent, home to millions, was reduced to a barren wasteland, scarred by the horrors of the battle. The Hels, now a desolate and twisted landscape, stands as a grim reminder of the cost of the battle against the Trappers—a testament to the devastation that even Gaia's greatest warriors could not fully prevent."
Melech's eyes widened in disbelief. "The aliens of legends? "We were told that the people from Trappist were just an old Elven Tale," he said, still clinging to doubt. But as he saw the grim looks on the others' faces, the weight of Fann's words began to settle in. His voice softened. "You mean... it's all true?"
Vericka nodded solemnly. "Sadly, yes. You see my mother here fought them 500 years ago."
Melech looked at Fann, his shock was evident, but so was the newfound respect that shone in his eyes. "Forgive me, my lady, I meant no disrespect."
Fann's smile was gentle, her voice warm and understanding as she said, "Think nothing of it, sweetheart."
Glynis, her tone edged with barely restrained frustration, pressed on. "One Pound was a former Deva. Hell, even without his Lord Seed, he was still a powerful M-Cee. And you're telling me that a Trapper showed up and killed him—with a Watcher's help? What did you do?" The realization of losing an old friend was starting to unravel her usual calm, her emotions fraying as the truth hit her harder with each word.
Glynis's frustration boiled over, but underneath, a deep sadness churned. Memories of One Pound—his laughter, his strength—warred with the reality of his death, leaving her torn between grief and anger.
Melech turned to her, his face set with the pride and pain of a warrior who had survived but at a terrible cost. "I followed the orders of my Sensei, knowing it was the only way. But that doesn't absolve me of the guilt that haunts me every night," he admitted, his voice steady but colored with pain.
Glynis paused, her eyes narrowing as she absorbed his words. She knew the kind of man One Pound had been, the choices he would make. Arguing the morality of it all felt pointless.
Vericka paused for a moment, attempting to gather herself before she intervened, her voice measured and calm despite her own turmoil. "My sister is just a bit unraveled at the moment. I think we both are. One Pound was an old friend and someone we will miss. Glynis and I both understood that One Pound lost much of his power when he passed his title on. The same thing happened to our mother when she passed hers to me."
Melech's expression softened with remorse, and he bowed his head slightly. "She has every right to be angry. There isn't a night that goes by without me cursing my weakness. To be so useless that he felt the need to save me instead of us standing together until our last breath."
His voice cracked slightly as he bit down on the painful memory, the weight of his guilt evident in his eyes. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he reached into the satchel at his belt and pulled out a Dawnstone—a semi-transparent azure crystal the size of his hand, with a living flame flickering in its core.
Melech extended the stone toward Vericka, his hand trembling slightly as he spoke. "I saw it only fitting that I fulfill his last wish of ensuring this got to you, Lady Vericka."
Glynis's eyes widened in shock. "A... Dawnstone?"
The Dawnstone—an extremely rare and precious crystal, known for its ability to amplify Fire & Yang Mana while storing vast amounts of spiritual energy—glimmered in Melech's hand. Its core, a living flame, pulsed with the last remnants of One Pound's power, a final gift from a fallen friend.
Vericka's gaze dropped to the stone, a sad smile playing on her lips. "That idiot," she murmured, shaking her head in quiet disbelief.
Glynis turned to her sister, her voice a whisper. "Vericka, why did he send you a Dawnstone?"
Vericka paused, taking a deep breath as she steadied herself. When she looked up at Glynis, her eyes were filled with a mix of sorrow and affection. "He found out that you were searching for one, and the rarity of it made it difficult to find. This came after he confessed to me that he had a crush on you. So I'm guessing this is why he told me he would be visiting soon with a surprise."
Glynis staggered slightly, the revelation hitting her like a punch to the gut. Memories of One Pound, tinged with this new understanding, flooded her mind. The weight of his death became even heavier, and for a moment, the room was silent as everyone reflected on the loss.
Something seemed to tug at Glynis's attention, drawing her to the Dawnstone. She reached out, her hand hovering over the Dawnstone for a moment before she took it, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll keep this, Vee. If... if that's okay."
Vericka nodded, her voice soft and understanding. "No, go ahead. It was meant for you anyway."
Glynis clutched the stone to her chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you. It's like I can feel his mana signature within it."
Melech's expression softened even more as he spoke, his voice filled with quiet admiration. "Sensei used to joke around, saying he would use his Vessel Skill to create a Dawnstone, but it would take a lot of mana to complete. I guess I should have taken those words more seriously."
Glynis smiled faintly, the pain still evident but mixed with a bittersweet pride. "I always told him how amazing [Reality Lord: Ahura Mazda] was. Looks like I was right in the end."
Vericka's brow furrowed as she shifted the conversation back to the pressing matter. "I'm still concerned about the Trapper. I wonder how their strength compares to the stories of old?"
"The Trappers were a force unlike anything Gaia had seen," Fann continued, her voice heavy with the weight of history. "They decimated entire civilizations, their power beyond anything we had faced before. The first Trappers destroyed the Kingdom of Velonica and sank the sky continent back to the planet's surface. They were responsible for countless Sociovore and Human deaths. Do not take them lightly, even if it is just one."
Melech straightened, his decision firm. "Now that I've completed my mission, would you ladies mind if I take my leave? I believe any further involvement with what happens next is beyond a lowly sellsword like me."
Vericka nodded, her voice filled with gratitude. "Yes, Melech. Thank you. I will not forget the great favor you have done me."
Melech bowed slightly, his voice soft with sincerity. "Think nothing of it, Lady Vericka. Completing this mission meant more to me than words could express."
Glynis managed a small smile, her earlier anger now replaced with a deep respect. "Thank you, Melech. And... sorry about earlier."
Melech gave a reassuring smile, the burden on his shoulders feeling just a little lighter.
Fann stood, her tone brisk and determined. "I think I shall take my leave as well. I need to send word to the RIAA about the sighting of a Watcher and send a message to the Kingdom of Braye. Queen Braye needs to be alerted as well."
Vericka nodded. "I'll be coming by later tonight, Mom."
Fann smiled warmly. "See you then, Vee. Now, Melech, come with me. I shall see to your lodging while you remain in town."
Melech dipped his head in gratitude. "Thank you, milady. I truly appreciate your hospitality."
Glynis sighed softly. "I'll head home myself. I need a little time to think."
Vericka reached out, her voice filled with concern. "Call me if you need anything, Glynis."
The three Mikazuki women shared a tender moment, hugging and kissing each other on the cheeks before Vericka watched her sister, mother, and their visitor leave the house. Once the door was locked behind them, Vericka stood in the silent living room, the weight of everything that had transpired pressing down on her. After a moment of contemplation, she called out to me from where she stood, her voice carrying a note of worry.
Vericka's voice was soft yet firm, cutting through the silence like a blade. "Xiro," she called, her voice betraying the worry that now settled over her like a shroud. "I know you were listening, we need to talk."
For a split second, my heart skipped a beat, but then the realization hit me—of course, she knew. My mom had always been perceptive, almost unnervingly so, when she chose to be.
I stepped out of the shadows, trying to hide the mix of guilt and curiosity swirling inside me. "So... it's bad guy aliens out there stealing souls? Guess I better start practicing harder with my Arts, huh?"
Vericka's gaze remained steady, the weight of her past experiences evident in her eyes. "We used to call them Heaven's Lost Property. It's hard to grasp what the Creator intended when he made them."
Her words hung in the air, thick with history and unspoken pain. After a moment, she looked at me, her expression softening. "But after hearing all that, do you still want to become an Artist?"
"Yes, ma'am." My voice was steady, but the truth in it rang clear. I couldn't see myself doing anything else, not when the world was so much bigger—and more dangerous—than I'd imagined.
She studied me for a moment as if committing this decision of mine to memory. Then, a small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Fine. I will train you. But be warned—I'll be tougher on you."
Her words confused me for a moment. Vericka had always been protective, hovering over me like a vigilant hawk. But after the twins were born, she'd eased up a bit, giving me room to explore my interests. Now, she was talking about honing my power, refining my control. The gravity of the situation must be far greater than I'd realized for her to abandon her hopes of a peaceful retirement.
"Mom, are you sure?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern. "I thought you wanted me to be something safe."
She sighed, the weight of a mother's love and fear behind her eyes. "This is the only way I can ensure your safety—by helping you reach your potential. So… do you want to be my student or not?"
A thrill of excitement shot through me. "A nigga would be honored," I replied, my heart racing with the anticipation of what lay ahead. For the first time, Mom wasn't just treating me like her child—she was acknowledging me as someone capable, someone she could train and mold. I couldn't wait to grow closer to her through this new bond of master and student.
She nodded, a mixture of pride and determination settling over her features. "Then it's settled."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the town in a restful, twilight glow, I felt a shift in the air—a sense that things were about to change. Not just between us, but for the entire world we knew.
With that unspoken understanding, the scene faded into the quiet of the night.
The weeks that followed were a crucible of relentless training, sleepless nights, and a growing bond between my mother and me. Vericka's approach to my training was intense, yet nurturing—she pushed me to my limits but always knew when to pull me back before I reached the breaking point. Every morning, I would awaken to the crisp air of Gaia, the scent of dew on the strange, otherworldly flora filling my lungs as the sun's light bled into the sky. I'd find her waiting for me outside, her presence as steady and comforting as the earth beneath my feet.
At first, the challenges of living on Gaia were overwhelming. The air was different, thicker with magitons, which made breathing hard feel like drawing in liquid fire. The gravity was slightly heavier, making every movement a test of will. The creatures that roamed the land were both majestic and terrifying, each one a potential threat if not handled with caution. But with Vericka by my side, her voice a constant in the whirlwind of new experiences, I found myself adjusting quicker than I ever thought possible.
Our training sessions were brutal, each day a relentless march toward mastery. Vericka's commands cut through the air with the precision of a blade, resonating in the vastness of the open fields where we trained. My muscles screamed under the strain, every swing of the practice weapon a testament to the limits of my young body. The weight of the weapons, almost too much for my small frame, forced me to adapt quickly. Each repetition, each grueling drill, pushed me closer to the edge, yet with every swing, every dodge, I felt myself growing stronger. The soreness in my limbs became a constant companion, a reminder of the progress etched into my muscles.
And then there was [Adaptive Predator], the skill that marked me as something more than just another trainee. When a challenge arose—a beast too strong, a technique too complex—something inside me would snap into place. My vision would sharpen, my senses would heighten, and the world around me would slow to a crawl. It was as if my very being rewired itself to conquer whatever lay before me. My body, mind, and soul aligned in a way that felt almost supernatural, allowing me to overcome obstacles with a speed that left even Vericka in awe. What should have taken years to master, I accomplished in mere days. The once-painful strain of Gaia's harsh environment became nothing more than a minor discomfort, my body evolving to meet the demands of this new world.
But physical training was only part of the journey. Vericka taught me the ways of Gaia—the customs of its people, the unspoken rules of its wilderness, and the intricate balance of power that governed the world. She showed me how to read the winds, how to listen to the earth, and how to sense the flow of mana that connected all living things. Under her guidance, I learned to harness the power within me, to control the surges of mana that threatened to overwhelm my still-developing body.
And don't forget, there was [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi], the Vessel Skill that elevated my training to an entirely different level. With Tsukuyomi, mastery was never out of reach. The moment I encountered a new technique, whether it was a complex spell or a nuanced combat style, I only needed one attempt to grasp it fully. It was as if Tsukuyomi opened my mind, allowing me to absorb knowledge and skill at a rate that bordered on the impossible. Each day, what had been new and challenging in the morning became second nature by nightfall.
Yet, my journey didn't stop with Tsukuyomi. If there was a skill or ability I desired, all I had to do was rely on my other Vessel Skill, [Midnight Star: Belial]. Belial was my secret weapon, a power that allowed me to copy any technique I witnessed. With Belial's assistance, I could mimic the most intricate maneuvers or the most advanced spells with uncanny accuracy. The process was seamless—one look, one observation, and the skill was mine. Belial was like a shadow, silently watching and learning alongside me, ensuring that nothing was beyond my reach. A nigga was on his journey to being a God, as long as my hands could back it up.
The nights were a time of quiet reflection, a stark contrast to the intensity of the days. After training, we would sit together under Gaia's three moons, the cool breeze brushing against our skin. The fatigue from the day would seep into my bones, but it was a good kind of tired—the kind that let me know I was growing, becoming stronger. Vericka would sometimes tell me stories of Gaia, of its history, and of the great warriors who had walked its lands before me. Her voice was soothing, a balm to my weary soul. It was in those moments, with the world at peace around us, that I felt most connected to her.
As the weeks turned into months, and the months into years, I became more than just a child—I became a warrior in training. The once-daunting world of Gaia had become my playground, and under Vericka's watchful eye, I was becoming someone worthy of the name Mikazuki.
And so, two years passed in this relentless rhythm of growth, struggle, and triumph. I was no longer the same being who had looked into the mirror three years ago. I was evolving—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Gaia was no longer just a world; it was my home, a place where I was learning to carve out my destiny.
[End of Chapter]