Anna's POV “Very well. When you are ready, step through the door. Your time begins the moment you enter.”Instructor Elda's words made the Adventurers perk up as they realised that they had to compete with and surpass their comrade.Without realising it, they slowly edged away from each other as their sights were fixed on the dungeon and they flexed their muscles in anticipation ready to get into action.Neron was only one person who appeared unbothered by what he heard.He stood at the edge of the group and his eyes narrowed as he took in the details of the mock dungeon. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension, and he could feel the murmurs of the other hopefuls.As they waited for their turn to enter, a young boy that appeared no older than Neron got close to him. Neron was surprised by the boy's boldness as he wondered what quality in his person gave off the impression that he was approachable.His bright eyes and eager smile contrasted sharply with Neron's g
Anna's POV “Nero...” The receptionist repeated after him, the name lingering on her lips as she gave him a cursory look.After a while she nodded and scribbled something onto a piece of parchment.Neron heaved a sigh of relief as she did so.For a moment, he thought that she had seen through his facade and knew who he was.He chided himself for overthinking it. After all, the chances of him being recognized was improbable.“Very well, Nero. The Adventurers Test is not to be taken lightly. Prepare yourself and return in three days. Only then will you face the challenges we’ve set for new recruits.”Her smile was toothy and for some reason, he found her tone mildly patronizing.He didn't mind it as there were more pressing issues for him to worry about.He inclined his head once more in a brief acknowledgment before turning and heading back through the bustling hall. The eyes of the guild members followed him as he left, curiosity and skepticism lingering in their gazes.Naturally, he
Dorian's POV Finally, the day of the Adventurers Test arrived. Neron woke up early, the first light of dawn creeping through his small window and reflecting on his face.He had had problems sleeping the night before as he had been up overthinking his predicament which was very much unlike him.His eyes were bloodshot from being sleep deprived and there was a wild gleam in his eyes as he looked around the room.He stretched his limbs and threw the windows open for ventilation. From the high level of the room, he looked over the city and took the time to watch the people in the street starting their day.It was his favorite pastime during the past couple days but he knew that he couldn't spend the morning doing that even though he found it therapeutic.The streets were generally quieter at this hour and the city not yet fully awake.He enjoyed it though as it gave him clarity about life though he would be the last person to admit it.The three days had passed in a blur and it had all
Anna's POV The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted from the nearby kitchen, where the guild’s cook, a burly man with a perpetual scowl, worked tirelessly to feed the hungry masses.Larion, they called him—Haunted Face Larion.In the center of the hall stood a massive bulletin board, covered in parchments of varying sizes and conditions.Each parchment represented a quest or a bounty, offering rewards for those brave enough to take them on.A group of younger adventurers, likely on their first forays into the world, crowded around the board, their eyes wide with excitement and trepidation.To the right, a small bar was tended by a sprightly lady with silver hair and a mischievous grin.She moved with a grace that belied her quickness, effortlessly managing the constant flow of patrons seeking a drink or a friendly conversation.Above the bar, a shelf lined with bottles of various shapes and colors caught the light, creating a dazzling display that drew the eye.The wa
Anna's POV Instructor Elda called the group to gather once more as she began her address. She stood on the observation platform, her stern gaze sweeping over the recruits.“Well done, all of you,” she said. “You have all shown courage and skill today as expected of future Adventurers.”Neron leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he listened to her halfheartedly. He couldn't shake the thought that had been nagging at him since he exited the dungeon. “I could have done more,” he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing as he replayed the scenes in his mind. He had chosen to rely solely on his swordsmanship, intentionally avoiding the use of magic.While he had done well enough in the exams, he knew that he might get flaked for it since he didn't use magic.While Martial arts was efficient in its own right, it didn't command the same respect as magic in the world.“...I am pleased to announce that two of you have earned a Three Star License.”Neron's ears
Anna's POV “… Original Magic.”~BOOMMMM~As the world was bathed in light, Neron suddenly realized what had felt missing in his life all this while.There was a new sense of excitement he was feeling and he knew that it was as a result of the mana particles he now felt from his fingertips to the rest of his body.He had missed the feeling and now felt complete as it washed over him and the surrounding.Added to the fact that he was now floating in the air, he felt unstoppable as he gazed down on the area.The monster that had seemed fierce before now looked small and weak from where he was.As he hovered in the air, his senses heightened as he felt the raw energy coursing through him and he wondered how to go about eliminating the creature.There were different ways to go about it, naturally he had to go for the most efficient one.He felt connected to everything as he saw the mana particles all around him. The sensation wasn’t just exhilarating; it was empowering and he embraced it
Anna's POV The ground beneath Neron trembled as the shockwave from his mana expansion rocked the place.The monster was completely vapourized, making the dungeon that was once noisy with growls and battle cries now silent. ~FWOOSHHHHHHH~Neron floated down gently, his feet touching the stone floor as he surveyed the scene. His Original Magic had worked—perhaps even more effectively than he had anticipated.But there was no time to relish the victory as his thoughts went to his comrades.He went over to Serah and Legris who were both unconscious from their earlier battle. He could still feel the mana coursing through his veins which made him feel invincible, but the sight of their battered bodies brought him back to the reality of the situation. They were both alive, but barely. He could see their chests heaving slightly as he studied it.Guilt gnawed at him. He really hadn’t meant for it to go this far. Even though they hadn't trusted him with their lives, he felt somewhat responsi
Anna's POV “Neron!”Lily shouted out as he got to his feet and fell down again.She rushed quickly to his side and held him while he coughed out blood.It was clear that she was distressed over his condition as she threw caution to the wind not caring that she was in the midst of a battle.“Are you okay? How's your breathing? How many fingers am I holding up,” She inquired as she looked him over.Neron didn't know which of the questions to reply to as he found her reaction to be over the top.Even though he was hurt, he wasn't at the point of death or anything to warrant the care she was showing.He appreciated her concern but he wanted to tell her to concentrate on fighting but he couldn't bring himself to form the words.As she busied herself with inspecting him, the scarf on her head came undone and her red hair flowed freely.Below her, Neron gasped in surprise as he saw her face clearly for the first time.She quickly grabbed the scarf back and put it on but the secret was alrea
Dorian's POV “Step out of the car,” a voice called, echoing across the dock. It was gruff, low, exactly what I’d imagined hearing on the phone. The amateur beside me looked like he’d rather crawl under the seats than face whatever lay outside, but there was no other option now.I shot a glance at Ben, giving him a quick nod, then turned to the amateur. “Remember, one wrong move, and this dock will be the last place you see.”He nodded, looking as if he might faint, but he managed to open his door and step out. I followed him placing him in front of me as a shield. Ben came to my side too and stood in front of me protectively The underlings motioned us with their rifles to come closer so we walked forward, stopping a few feet from the man who had to be the “boss.” He looked at the amateur with disgust, then impassively at me and I couldn't tell what he was thinking till he suddenly smirked and tilted his head. “Bold move, showing up here like this.”“I don’t scare easily,” I replied
Beth's POV “Neron!”Lily shouted out as he got to his feet and fell down again.She rushed quickly to his side and held him while he coughed out blood.It was clear that she was distressed over his condition as she threw caution to the wind not caring that she was in the midst of a battle.“Are you okay? How's your breathing? How many fingers am I holding up,” She inquired as she looked him over.Neron didn't know which of the questions to reply to as he found her reaction to be over the top.Even though he was hurt, he wasn't at the point of death or anything to warrant the care she was showing.He appreciated her concern but he wanted to tell her to concentrate on fighting but he couldn't bring himself to form the words.As she busied herself with inspecting him, the scarf on her head came undone and her red hair flowed freely.Below her, Neron gasped in surprise as he saw her face clearly for the first time.She quickly grabbed the scarf back and put it on but the secret was alrea
Beth's POVMy eyelids fluttered open as I looked in astonishment at my surroundings. It was the early hours of the morning and I tried to place where I was as I was in an unfamiliar place but I couldn't do so.The pressing thing on my mind was how badly my head was throbbing and the fact that I was in a strange bed that wasn't mine.I tried to get up which I immediately regretted as it only got worse and I collapsed back on the bed quickly.I had to be content with inspecting my surroundings from the bed and the first impression I got was favourable. Scary in a way but favourable.I was in a grand king sized bed which was just as spacious and majestic as the room. It was just as I imagined a British princess room would be. Everything from the wardrobe to the oval mirror screamed wealth and grandeur.Suddenly the events of the previous night flooded my mind and I gasped as I remembered all that happened.My hand instinctively went to my pocket to see if my phone was on me but it gra
Nico's POV In a few strides, I reached the car and forcefully pulled the door open. Beth shrunk back in fear as she saw my face. I wasn't smiling so I understood her reaction and it came as no surprise. From her reaction, she clearly knew that something was wrong. I looked at her hands and saw that she had put away the evidence which pissed me off further. “Where is it?” I asked, stretching a hand in her direction.“What are you talking about? Where is what?” She replied with an innocent face which further drove me over the edge.I heard my men come up behind me and before they spoke, I already knew that they were itching to beat her up.“Boss, should we search her body?”“Don't worry, I'll handle it myself. Clean up so we can go, the damage is already done.”They nodded in unison and left to do what I said. I looked back at Beth who was watching them and I banged my fist on the car door to get her attention.“We all know what you did and I called my men off so I'm going to ask you
SOPHIE POVHe sighed, clearly torn between his protective instincts and my desire for freedom. "Sophie, it's not just about your safety. There are political rivalries, old grudges, and secrets that could put you in danger.""I understand that, but I can't let fear control my life," I replied, my voice steady. "I promise to be careful, I already have a guard with me who communicates back with you in real time about my whereabouts."Magnus regarded me with a conflicted expression. "Alright, but I'll choose the guard who'll accompany you. I don't trust Erik of a person. And you'll report to me about your activities every day. I can't afford to lose you again."I shook my head in disagreement. "That's not fair. I already chose him. There's nothing there to fear about him, Magnus. You should have more trust in me."He shrugged his shoulders, his sign of reluctant consent which gladdened me a bit. It wasn't easy winning a verbal battle against Magnus of all people. I had gained a measure o
Beth's POV“I can imagine. How did you do it?” Nico asked while dusting his blazer.“I tipped him off on your plans for the girl and to push him further, I told him that you tried talking me into usurping him. He acted like we knew he would.” I could see Dante behind them getting worked up by how he was being ignored and his face grew more red by the minute.“Traitor. At least have the decency to look me in the face while you're talking. You're going to help the pup to power, I can only imagine how the rest of the family would react when you do so.”Antonio turned back towards Dante and dismissed him with a wave of his hand. “Please, Dante. You've been out of touch for a long time. Your time is up. The men see it, and even you must know it. I didn’t even have to convince them. The family needs a change. Due to the respect we have, we'll only exile you if you step down willingly but I doubt you will do so.”“Being my confidant and friend from childhood, you must be crazy to think I'll
Marcus waits for me as I rush the toast and coffee. I overslept and when I woke up it was almost 10am.Wesley had left some bread for me. I helped myself with eggs from the kitchen and prepared my breakfast.Marcus came when I was halfway through."I'm done""Okay, let's go"He directs me through a different route, going further into parts of the pack I didn't know existed.Whosoever designed the architect of the pack must be a controversial art lover.I'm distracted by the unusual patterns ,that I forget to ask Marcus where we are going.We pass a few pack members and the wave to their Beta who in turn horns to acknowledge them.The car comes to a stop near the woods. I finally break out of my trance."Where are we going?""You'll see." We continue our short journey through the woods. I can hear the unmistaken music of flowing water.When it finally comes into view I'm awed." Beautiful, I know. Still gets me everytime" Marcus chips in Crystal clear water falls from the fountain, g
Anna's POV He nods . "The training will help you to defend yourself and your pack in case of attacks."Marcus doesn't go easy on me. Each time he wins me in a combat ,he makes me run across the almost shallow spring.I'm beginning to detest the river ,my sole aches and so does everything in me."Let's keep going Suzy. Trust your senses and make good use of your speed"Damn you Marcus. Damn you .We take a break by past mid-day."Let's go grab lunch and we will continue. " "Is there even anything consumable in the cabin" I ask while trying to catch my breath." Yup , there should be."The only thing edible are pack of cereals and canned food." So Wesley own the place"Marcus " He owns a whole pack, what's a cabin house.Offcourse,I didn't think of that."How long have you know him""We grew up together . I was always going to be his Beta"."And Eve? Did she grow up here"He frowns." Going on a questioning spree"The room remains silent with only the music of the waterfall."I'm sor
Anna's POV As the group finalized their plans, Legris introduced his companions more formally. “This is Lira,” he said, nodding toward the tall woman with the scar. “She’s our frontline defender, best at blocking attacks and holding the line.”Lira gave Neron a curt nod, her sharp eyes assessing him with the gaze of a seasoned warrior.“And this is Aldric,” Legris continued, gesturing to the archer. Aldric was a lean man with sharp features, his bow slung casually over his shoulder. He gave Neron a half-smile. “I’m the one who’ll be keeping the monsters at bay from a distance. Good to have you on board.”Neron returned their nods, keeping his expression neutral. He appreciated their skills, but he wasn’t here to make friends. This was a job, nothing more.Legris seemed to pick up on Neron’s cold demeanor but didn’t let it deter him. “Don’t worry,” he said with a grin, “I vouched for you. They trust my judgment.”Neron simply shrugged. “Let’s just get this over with.”Legris chuckle