"I...wi..will....not...Lose"
Everyday ever since Seth was 5 years old, he kept dreaming about the same dream ever since. It kept him awake-scared to fall asleep and dream the same dream. His family had tried different methods, consultant famous Doctors, Bishop and Spiritual Doctors. It was all futile.
Seth's father a farmer living in backwater village located in an outskirts of Sapien Empire. Runs a wheat based farm and sell milk for a living. He found Seth Near Verlmon River abounded and raised him as his son. The Farmer's wife passed away while pregnant due to bandits that targeted their stock on their way to City to sell Wheat and Milk. Finding Seth made filled the void he had in his heart. He has tried different medicines and consulted Jurassapien for help - he went as far as looking into the Black Market. The fear of losing another precious person to him was something he didn't want to experience again. The dream haunted Seth - affecting his mental health and was paralyzed. He became bedridden at the age of 7 where the Nightmare became more and more intense. At that time he had other younger siblings that the farmer adopted.
Hours, days and even years passed. The Nightmare didn't disappear. This time Seth is at the age of 10 and already had 4 adopted siblings- who took turns taking care of him while his father was away. His father once hired a helper for his son but it turns out the helper had alter motives. She siphoned the Stocks to the Bandits. The village was lawless - The farmer decided to never hire an outsider and will raise his kids himself. The duty of raising and keeping the field was tiresome - bit by bit he lose his stock. After an adoption of the 4 children - it became easier to maintain the field. Seth had a weak physique and couldn't feed, pee, poop without being aided by his siblings. It was a traumatic life - Nonetheless his younger siblings loved him even though they never heard his voice, only his tears.
At the Age of 10 his father came home with a Spiritual Doctor To check his son mental state. The ritual preparation took 2 days to prepare and was concluded on the 5th day. For the first time they had results regarding the Nightmare - the Spirit Doctor reveal that he has awakened his Adam Gene. But unlike other normal people who awakened - his Adam Gene awakened inside his brain. The spirit Doctor hypothesis that the Nightmare he sees might not be a Dream But a Reality. These Words left the Farmer puzzled. He asked the Spirit Doctor
"Is there anything I can do to fix this?"
The Spirit Doctor Gave him a talisman with a writing in it - He then left without saying any words. The actions of the spirit Doctor made the Farmer read the talisman only to find that it's written "Death". This caused the father to collapse quickly as soon as he read the text. The kids Haste with water in an attempt to wake their father - Seth laying in bed helplessly as tears fall seeing his father collapsing Infront of him. Rez eldest of the kids took the talisman and hides it without reading it. He instructed their youngest sister Salina to wipe the tears of Seth.
Few hours passed the Farmer wakes up and greeted by his kids sleeping next to him and the youngest laying next to asleep Seth. He stood up and walk to take blankets and covers the children and himself as he fall asleep.The sound of a rooster's crow is heard throughout the farm. Gin the Farmer wakes to prepare food for the kids. He Slowly gets outs of the house in order to not wake the kids up and closes the door gently. He walks to a nearby well he created to wash his face then proceeded his way to garden to harvest potatoes. After harvesting he went to the kitchen to light up the fire then puts potatoes in a pot, adds water in. While potatoes were boiling he went to the shed to release livestock then went inside the house to wake the kids up
"Wakey wakey, sleepyheads"
He woke up the kids and instructed the older ones to open the windows of the house and clean while he wakes up Seth and pick him up - carrying him to bathe him. Whilst bathing Seth - the younger kids went out to pick fruits and harvest vegetables while the older ones prepared the bed where Seth sleeps on. It's was their daily routine - hardship they shared as a family. Even though they live in a lawless village - Gin spent most of his money on hiring Mercenaries to guard his farm from Bandits attacks. Most of his budget is directed to Seth health and security. That why the kids haven't age meat for 3 years straight. The Spirit Doctor scenario kepts bugging Gin's mind. He tried everyday to erase what happened from his mind. Gin had an older sister who married to a merchant in a city - he occasionally send letters to her requesting financial support but never got a feedback. He does extra work to earn more money - like fishing and hunting to have more items to sell. He taught the older kids how to fish and hunt. Every weekend in the mornings he hunts in a nearby forest while the kids fish. They kept this routine as part of their daily lives. Months passed and winter came. Gin and the kids worked hard to prepare for winter - they had food stored and enough wood to last all winter. Things were going well for them - but things took a drastic turn when the securities demanded a raise from Gin. They sent letters telling him to increase their allowances because it's hard to stay outside in winter. Gin harvested enough crops to sell to the and return with hefty income - but he feared going to the city and leave the kids alone at home will be dangerous. He couldn't bring himself to take his family with him to the city because of bandits activeness in the winter. He decided that he'll pay the mercenaries with food instead of money. He brought his proposed to the mercenaries, some agreed to his choice but some disagreed. They complained about medical fees and debts they've to pay - food payment wasn't a bad choice but their problems required money not food. The security system of the farm weakened as many mercenaries left the farm to look for job elsewhere. Some stayed but they were very few - the food payment system continued for weeks. During the day Gin joins the mercenaries to guard the farm with them and comes back at night around 8pm. He continued living like this the whole winter. Winter ended.
The sky was Alive once more. The birds were chirping endlessly, chill breeze flowing around the farm. Gin received a letter from the city - the letter was from his sister notifying him for her visit with her children. Gin was thrilled - his sister he last saw in his wife funeral is visiting him. He told the kids about the news
"Listen Children, your Aunt from the city is visiting next month"
The kids who never seen an elder family member in the house beside their Father were astonished by the news. One of the kids named Ace who's a hyperactive asks
"Dad! Dad!, Will they bring toys as well?"
Gin smiled and answered
"They'll bring something much better than toys, you'll see your cousins and they'll bring sweets too"
Hits by curiousity Salina asks
"Papa~ papa, what are syweets!?"
Her eyes lits up as she wait patiently for her father's replies.
"Something that sweeter than the potato"
He picks her up and places her on his left lap and Aces sats on his right leg. They converse about possible things the Aunt will bring. Seth unable to join the conversation layed as he listens to things his siblings wish to have - it became a wholesome day as he closes his eyes and falls asleep.
Sapien Empire, Royal Capital inside the imperial Palace.
Inside the Imperial Palace, filled with mood that's tense. Nobles and royal family faces written with wary as the news about Ergaster making their moves around the country's eastern Border caused chaos in the capital. The decisive order from the Emperor was yet to be made. One of the Noble Elders raised an inquiry
"Your Majesty, Can you Please lend an ear to your Vassal"
The Emperor (7"11) Buff wearing gold coloured Dragon Robe resting on a gold coated throne positioned at a front-centred higher leveled from where the Nobles Sat. The Emperor's Vassals were sitting on their knees facing the Emperor. Only those permitted by the Emperor to speak can stand and look at the his Highness. Located both sides of the Emperor Were two Guards - One had a Golden Knight Armour Standing Firm With a Sword positioned Infront gripped by both hands. The one stand on the Emperor's left side Hand an Armour resembling That of The Samurai. His Highness hoist his hand up a bit - permitting the Elder to give his thoughts.
"I'd advice to send Commander Plexis to subjugate the enemies. He has shown Results more than capable of solving matters like this. Thank you for an audience"
The Elder Sat Down immediately and waits for his Highness Response. The Room was filled with eager nobles waiting to see what action the Lord will take about the issued advice. However the Emperor did not respond to the advice of the Elder - Intense Silence filled the room for a moment. This Symbolises that his Highness doesn't welcome your advice. Suddenly another Elder decided to Speak out ask to be heard.
"I Greets his Majesty. I your servant asks for an audience"
The Emperor hoists His hand again to permit the Elder to Share his Thoughts. The Elder Stood up and utters
"I Propose Commander Kang, not only did he brought victory on the last battle - he claimed the head of the enemy's General. He's more than capable of fending off the Adversaries. I Appreciate the audience".
He then sat back down. Once more they waits in silence for his Highness thought about the proposition that was just laid by the Elder. Meanwhile on the Eastern Boarder - The Ergasters has already breached the boarder and are marching towards the mainland. The Sapiens who came across them were Slaughtered - it did not matter if they Men, Women, Elderly or a Child they annihilate what was on their Path. For the Ergasters to reach the capital by foot is estimated to take about 3 days. Messenger were sents frequently to the capital from the Eastern Cities and villages. The Emperor was Forced to release two Commanders to Aid on the Eastern Boarder. The chosen Commanders were the Brute Commander Kang and the Unorthodox Commander Nzawu. They immediately set off to fight off the Enemies who are wrecking havoc.
Meanwhile in Grantern Village. Gin and Family Doing their daily duties - Gin went out for Fishing and left the kids handling house chores. Seth was moved out of the house and laid on top of a mat underneath a nearby tree shaded - one the kids named Charlie sitting next to him feeding him peeled mangoes. The sky was bright, birds singing, butterflies dancing - indeed its one of those days - ones can consider it as a peaceful day. Charlie thens lays next to his Seth and starts telling him about his dreams for the future. The siblings always talked positive things with their older brother.
"Bro, when I turn tall enough I'll leave the farm to become an adventurer father told us about. I wanna be strong enough to protect our family"
His eyes lits up as he hoist his hand vertical up then grabs upon nothing. These words made Seth thrilled but sadden for his inability to show his excitement. Charlie continued talking about his dreams about being adventurous - seeing his little brother happily expressing his ambitions made Seth feels at ease. Jacobs approaching them as he sat near them with his back mounted on a tree listening to Charlie's Dreams. He slightly Smirk and utters
" Yeah...let's live like this forever"
Charlie replies
"Yeah and I will protect you all as a number 1 Hero!!!, hehehe"
They both laughed and talk about things they want to do once they reach adulthood. Leaving like this was becoming easier and less stressful - Suddenly from afar rumbling occurs. Rez haste and stood on a location where he will be able to see the approaching unknow n. Few minutes passed and he was greeted by chivalry approaching the Farm's main Gate. Sapien imperial Army emerge - the Mercenaries hasten to greets the imperial army
"We greets the imperial army, this is Wiesenthal Farm. What's the reason for your visitation?"
Normally an Imperial Army wandering in an Outskirts was unprecedented. The Mercenaries were wary as they wait for the imperial army's feedback. One of the imperial soldier came forward on horseback and utters
"An emergency evacuation has been issued by the Emperor. The enemy forces are rushing this way - there's no time to waste. Gather everyone you can and March towards the capital, you'll find a temporary base where other citizens took shelter".
The Fear that struck the Mercenaries made them quickly dispersed - rushing to their families to prepare to back and haste towards the assigned temporary shelters. From afar Rez is watching but unable to hear what was disclosed. The imperial army went pass the Farm, some stayed to assist in guiding the village people and one Mercenary was seen Fleeing towards the House - his face was in distress. Rez figured what was about to be disclosed to them wasn't good news at all. The Mercenary arrives and called Gin & the kids to gather. Rez and Ace came forward to hear what the Mercenary was about to say
"Where's your Father?" he asks.
Ace replies "He has not return yet".
"Dammit. Where's Seth? Go grab a wheel barrow Rez, you Ace go and tell the other kids to pack what's important and make way to the Farm's Gate. I'll go look for Mr Wiesenthal".
"What's wrong Sir Barren?" Ace asks
"Just do as you're told and rush to the Gate" he says as he runs to get a horse to seek for Gin.
Just as they were instructed Rez came back with the wheel barrow to load Seth on whilst the other kids were packing goods like food, clothes and money from the safe. Unfortunately livestock would become a hindrance to their journey. The haste towards the main gate. Once they arrived they were greeted by one of the Mercenaries and five imperial soldiers. They were tall, big and bulky - the soldiers instructed them to hop inside the carriage where other villagers are inside. The kids had separate carriage where they were grouped. One imperial guard helped in getting Seth on the carriage - the Mercenary after making sure they all boarded he then separate with them. After the carriage was full it's moves. Seth was forced to sits upright to create more space for other kids to sits - Rez tried to voice his concerns to the guards but was not entertained. He had to endure the painful experience for a day journey. Struggling to keep Seth firm made Salina cry as tears were dripping from Seth due to amount of pain he's feeling - other kids inside the carriage were crying for their parents that departed on a separate carriage. The imperial Guards tries to shut them up by yelling at them.
"Stop your whining you bunch of country bumkins!!, you should be joyful for having the luxury to ride on this carriage". one Guard claims
It was no surprise, having no talent in a tyrant empire that values power was befitting for imperial Guards to acts this way against the talentless. The other guards laughs as fear was strike upon the kids. But one kid kept on crying even though the soldier warned them. One soldier laughs at the guard that was yelling at the kids
"You can't even scare the misfits and you think you'll fend off the Ergasters, how pitiful - Hahahaha"
This aggravated the guard and slapped the crying kid to pass out. This action shook the other guards and kids, it was unprecedented for the imperial guard to take actions like this moreover against a child. One kid stood and punch the guard in the nose - the guard reacted with a left hook that took out the kid immediately. The kid that was punched is Ace who tried to revenge Salina who was slapped out. The kids were enraged, Rez tried to contain the situation by apologising to the Guards to minimise further Violence. However one kid had an intense gazed that caught the eyes of the guards. The stare was so sharp that if it was possible the guards would've dropped death in a minute. It was Seth who was giving daggering stare, his eyes were fueled with rage and sadness for his inability to protect his younger siblings. The guards then says
"Oi oi oi, look what we have here - a vegetable kid with attitude. Hey don't give us those stares".
The guards gets closer to Seth's face but his threat were to no avail, he kept gazing on them with death stare, Rez tried to apologise for him but he was elbowed on the stomach as he kneels and cough grasping for air. The guards then turned to Seth once again and instructed to stop giving him that gaze but it didn't help - the stare made him thing he was being watched by an apex predator. The soldiers flinched a bit which made them pissed more - one soldier slapped Seth in an attempt to stop his glaring but it was futile. Slaps were constantly imprinted on Seht - it was a traumatic experience for other kids in a carriage. One soldier use his ability on the kids to avoid further traumatic experience
"Sleep" a unique skill granted by having an Adam Gene is used to make the kids unconscious except for Seth.
"You caused this, now it's time for your punishment".
A right frontward punch landed on Seth head to make him unconscious. The guard then pick him up and gets off the carriage.
"I'll catch up, you can proceed without me" he then walks towards the nearby forest with Seth on his right shoulder.
The other guards knew what was about to befall Seth. They continued with their journey. Moments later Seth awakens laying on pile of rocks - what he was hearing was sound of river stream flowing. He looked around and sees one the guards standing and watching him menaciningly - he fears what was about to befall him, tears rained down as the guard picked him up and utters
"You should've been a good boy"
Those words were cemented on Seth as he was thrown inside the stream slowing sinking underneath with no air to grasp but water invading his respiratory. A thought about his father and reminiscing precious moments he spent with his family. One last thought came to mind as he reach the river floor
"Father, I'm sorry for being a useless Child"
Those were Seth last thoughts as he became unconscious. Even though he was unconscious and supposed to be dead he kept hearing a voice getting nearer and nearer, he tried to listen intensively - What he heard were sounds of an unknown stating
"I...wi..will....not...Lose"