Quietly, they moved toward the place where the dagger had come from. Jack’s mind raced as he tried to figure out who the attacker was and why they were targeting them. He didn’t know the answers, but he knew they had to face the danger. This wasn’t a practice run, and it wasn’t a test. If he didn’t fight back, they could die. He needed to understand what they were up against before moving forward.
As they got closer, the figure seemed more aware. Jack could feel the tension in the air, and the stranger’s eyes looked full of anger and hatred. The stranger turned to face them, ready for a fight. When they reached the edge of the clearing, they stopped, letting their eyes and ears adjust to the dark forest.
“Orion Vesperis,” Amelia whispered his name.
[System Level: 7/12]
[Power level: 87,000/100,000]
[Beast type: Kun Peng]
[Name: Orion Vesperis]
[Age: 35]
[Clan: Stormwatch Clan]
[Race: Kaelith]
[Blood-type: Verdant]
[Blood Color: Green]
[HP: 90/100]
[EP: 40/50]
[AP: 55 units]
[Mana: 90/100]
[Beast Energy: 80/100]
[Beast Race Type: Zephyrbeasts and Lunafins]
[Beast Ability: Flight]
[Energy Manipulation]
[Skills: 68/70]
[Action Speed: 1-2 seconds per action]
[Skill Cooldowns: 6-15 seconds]
[Movement Speed: 10-15 units per second]
[Base Strength: 14]
[Damage Output: 19+ damage per hit]
[Carrying Capacity: 200+ units]
[State Points: 180/200]
Without saying a word, Orion charged forward, pulling another dagger from their cloak. Jack quickly drew his own weapon, and the two began a fierce battle with their blades.
They moved in a circle, each strike meeting a block or a counterattack. It was a constant back-and-forth, with each of them trying to land a blow but never quite getting close enough. It seemed like neither of them planned to attack until the perfect moment. For now, Jack was in control, as Orion was focused on blocking his attacks. But Jack knew this wouldn’t last long. They’d been circling each other for so long, it seemed unlikely they would land a killing blow. Jack noticed a small smile on Orion’s face. It was clear that Orion knew exactly what was happening and wanted Jack to react. But Jack didn’t know how to stop Orion from tricking him into letting his guard down.
There was no time to think. Jack decided to take a direct approach. It was like a game of cat and mouse, a constant battle between swordsman and archer, one waiting for the other to make the first move. Jack felt like he was playing a high-stakes game of chess against Orion. He fought with everything he had learned over the past year, his instincts telling him that this man was a serious threat. But Amelia didn’t understand one thing: if Orion was part of the Stormwatch Clan, why was he attacking them instead of protecting the baby?
The sound of clashing steel echoed through the forest as the three of them fought with unmatched skill. Jack’s determination kept him going, pushing every strike forward. He could tell this wasn’t just an ordinary fight; something much bigger was at play. As the battle raged on, Amelia chased after Isaac. Jack finally knocked the dagger from Orion’s hand, sending it flying into the bushes. With a quick kick, he brought Orion down to the ground and pinned him there. The hood fell back, revealing a masked face, with only one eye visible.
Breathing heavily, Jack demanded answers. "Why are you attacking us? We’re not part of the Stormwatch Clan."
Orion’s eyes showed a mix of defiance and desperation. "You don’t understand," he whispered. "You can't let that child live."
Jack let out a small laugh. "We should settle our fight before worrying about the child."
Orion’s gaze shifted to Isaac, who had finally managed to run far enough away, looking relieved. "He is not who you think he is," Orion said cryptically. "Ten years have passed, and the Seven Dark Forces are in motion, far beyond what you can imagine."
Meanwhile, Amelia chased after Isaac, her hands glowing with dark, radiant light. A burst of energy shot from her fingers, forming a smoky nail aimed straight at Isaac. "Stop!" she yelled, sending the magical light toward him. But Isaac vanished into the shadows of the forest. Amelia didn't slow down. She pushed through the brush and branches, determined to catch him, now that he was hidden, knowing she could track him down.
Orion threw a punch, knocking Jack to the ground. He quickly got back up, trying to grab Orion, but stopped when he looked up. Above him, a massive Kun Peng was soaring through the sky. The mythical creature descended gracefully, its huge wings casting a dark shadow over the land. As it flew down, Orion quickly jumped over the creature and headed toward the eastern sea.
The Vesperis family from the Stormwatch Clan had the ability to tame the Kun Peng, a colossal beast that was part bird, part fish. It could live both underwater and in the sky. The creature had a fish-like body with wings and a bird-like tail, and it had four eyes—two on each side—allowing it to see perfectly in complete darkness.
Jack ran toward Amelia to help her. "He was just here, Jack. I chased him, but now he’s gone?" Amelia said, frustrated.
"We need to leave quickly," Jack said, grabbing her and pulling her along.
"No, Jack, we have to take him today," Amelia shouted, her voice full of urgency. Jack gripped her tightly, and in the blink of an eye, they vanished.
When they reappeared, they were deep inside a hidden cave, far away from the forest. Amelia quickly scanned the surroundings, her eyes determined. She looked up at the ceiling before heading down a narrow path, hoping it was the right one. Jack followed closely behind, staying alert for any signs of danger or strange sounds. After a while, they arrived at a pool of water that glowed with a reddish hue. Amelia dropped her sword onto the ground and sat down next to the pool.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"We can't let him escape with that child," she said, frustration thick in her voice. "We can't afford to miss this chance."
Jack nodded, understanding the urgency in her words. "I get it, Amelia. But we need a plan. We can't just rush in without thinking."
Amelia took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "A plan? Do we really need one to catch Isaac? When did he become so powerful?"
Jack placed a reassuring hand on Amelia’s shoulder. His mind couldn’t help but flash back to the yellow light through which Isaac had disappeared—a power so immense, it was far beyond anything they had ever faced. It was clear the Seven Dark Forces were at play, and they needed to prepare.
"We underestimated him," Jack admitted, regret in his voice. "But we can't focus on that now. We have to find a way to stop him."
━???━???━
Isaac stopped running and looked behind him, realizing he wasn’t being chased. He glanced down at the child in his arms and made his way toward his village. "I can't wait for him to grow up. I have to make my move tonight, no matter what." He entered a small, charming house tucked in the heart of the village. The house, made of weathered wooden planks and a thatched roof showing its age, had a humble, welcoming feel.
Inside, the house had a rustic charm. The walls were decorated with faded paintings and family photographs, telling stories of those who lived before. The air smelled of wood and earth, giving a sense of peace. In one corner of the room, a soft mat made of woven straw lay on the earthen floor. Isaac gently placed the baby on the mat, ensuring they were comfortable and safe.
The well-worn mat provided a simple, comforting space for the baby. The room, with its sparse furnishings, had a few wooden chairs and a low table with a teapot and cups. The simplicity of the house reflected the humble life of the villagers, who found peace in their modest surroundings. Moonlight streamed through the small windows, casting a gentle, warm glow over the baby and the room.
Isaac switched on a light bulb, its yellow glow illuminating the baby. He looked at the child for a moment before turning his attention to the table. From his long sleeve, he pulled out an old book, opening it to check if anything had changed. The pages remained blank. A greedy glint flickered in his eyes as memories flooded back to when he had overheard Quentin talking about the book.
"Whoever possesses it will have the ability to bring their deepest desires to life on its pages," Quentin had said.
"Does anyone else know about this book?" another voice had asked in a hushed tone. Isaac tried to make out the speaker’s face, but he was standing in the shadows of the hall, making it impossible to get a clear view.
"Not yet, but the master said the North East coast is in chaos, and they’ve been searching for it," Quentin had replied. "We must find it before it falls into someone else’s hands."
"Where can we find it?" the other voice had asked.
"When Donovan's family was killed, they buried the book under a sacred tree in the Forbidden Forest," Quentin explained. "Now, there's a strange aura around that tree, as if the book has found its rightful owner and is trying to reach them."
"Don't worry, seniors. I’ll find it soon," Isaac had assured them, bowing respectfully before leaving.
Isaac now muttered to himself, "Is this the fabled book Quentin mentioned? If it really can bring desires to life, I need to be careful."
Suddenly, a noise snapped his attention back to the room. A cup had fallen off the table and shattered on the floor. Frustrated, he quickly closed the book and turned to see what had caused the disturbance. His irritation deepened as his gaze shifted to the child. The Seven Dark Forces were encircling the baby, their dark energy radiating in the room.
Fear coursed through Isaac as he slowly rose from his seat and cautiously approached the room. The Seven Dark Forces swirled around him, their shadows creeping through the air. The child, however, reached out a hand, as if trying to make contact with the dark figures. To Isaac’s surprise, they seemed to respond playfully, the child smiling at the shadowy forms surrounding them.
A wave of responsibility washed over Isaac. He summoned his courage, determined to protect the child from any malicious intent these ominous forces might have. His heart hammered in his chest with each step as he moved closer, his mind racing to come up with a plan to confront this growing threat.
As he approached, the child’s system suddenly activated. A hologram appeared in the air, glowing brightly with intricate patterns and colors. It shimmered with an energy that was both beautiful and unsettling, adding another layer of mystery to the situation.
[Defense Protocol Activated!]
[Your essence is now shielded from the Seven Dark Forces.]
[Welcome, Guardian!]
[Prepare to harness the power of light and defend against the encroaching darkness. Your journey begins now.]
[System Level: 0/12]
[Power Level: 500/100,000]
[Beast Type: Unknown]
[Name: Unknown]
[Age: New born]
[Clan: Unknown]
[Race: Kaelith]
[Blood Type: Verdant]
[Blood Color: Green]
[HP: 100/100]
[EP: 10/50]
[AP: 10 units]
[Mana: 0/100]
[Beast Energy: Unknown]
[Beast Ability: Unknown]
[Beast Race Type: Unknown]
[Skills: 1/70]
[Action Speed: 0]
[Skill Cooldowns: 0]
[Movement Speed: 0]
[Base Strength: 6]
[Damage Output: 0]
[Carrying Capacity: 0]
[State Points: 0/200]
[Mission Briefing: Stand Against the Dark Forces and Unveil Their Secrets!]
[Each victory will illuminate your path, but beware—the shadows are cunning.]
[Are you ready to embrace your role as the Guardian of Light?]
Isaac cautiously moved closer to the child, studying the small face before him. The child's eyes glowed softly, and a smile spread across his lips. A faint, unique mark appeared on the child's forehead, and Isaac instinctively reached out to touch it. The moment his fingers made contact, a sharp, burning sensation shot through his hand. The baby cried out in pain, and Isaac quickly yanked his hand back, his heart racing in panic. The sound of the child's cries filled the room, and tears streamed down the baby's face, amplifying Isaac's growing fear. He stepped back, still unsure of what had just transpired. The burn on his hand lingered, a painful reminder of the strange, unsettling encounter.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something incredibly special—something beyond his understanding—about this child.
A voice seemed to echo in his mind: Are you ready to embrace your role as the Guardian of Light?
As the baby's cries began to subside, Isaac cautiously approached again, but this time, he kept a safe distance. His gaze remained locked on the mark on the child's forehead, which now glowed faintly. It pulsed with an otherworldly energy, mysterious and captivating. Isaac couldn’t help but feel that he was standing on the edge of something immense, something he wasn’t prepared to face.
Driven by a deep curiosity and a need to understand, Isaac reached out once more, this time hesitating slightly before brushing his fingertips against the mark. The moment he touched it, a surge of warmth flooded through his veins, spreading from his hand all the way through his body. The room seemed to glow, bathed in an ethereal light that felt almost otherworldly.
But as the light intensified, so did the baby's cries. The pain in the child's wails became almost palpable, and Isaac, alarmed, quickly withdrew his hand. His heart weighed heavy with fear and guilt. The glow in the room dimmed, and the mark on the baby’s forehead faded back to its faint, barely noticeable state.
Still shaken, Isaac knelt beside the child, his gaze fixed on the mark. It resembled two parallel lines with slight curves at their ends, glowing red. He recognized it instantly—the "ZHOREL MARK."
Legends whispered that those who bore this mark had the power to shape the world, to bend it to their will, for better or worse. A mixture of excitement and unease washed over Isaac. He had always been fascinated by the stories surrounding this mysterious symbol, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined encountering someone who carried it. The gravity of the moment sank in—this child, this small being before him, was no ordinary person.
Isaac quickly fed the infant a strange red liquid, watching as the mark on the child’s forehead disappeared almost instantly. The baby’s cries began to quiet, and he let out a soft sigh of relief. He then leaned in close, his lips moving as he began chanting in a low, unsettling voice, murmuring mantras softly into the baby’s ear.
"In darkness I thrived, inflicting pain with every stride. Suffering was my art; I tore souls apart. With every act of harm, I strengthened my twisted charm. Pain was my currency; I reveled in others' misery. Innocence I devoured; my cruelty knew no hour. With each cruel deed, I planted a wicked seed. My heart was cold; compassion I withheld. I am the master of torment; my cruelty knows no relent."
The baby’s cries grew louder, more desperate, filling the room with anguish. Isaac’s voice remained steady, even as the child’s suffering intensified. He took twisted pleasure in the echoes of pain, his eyes gleaming with a dark satisfaction as he reveled in the distress.
"I am the darkness that lurks within, the monster they never saw coming. Their nightmares made flesh."
The room felt colder, the shadows deeper, as Isaac continued his chant, completely absorbed in the power of his words and the pain that followed. The baby’s cries seemed to fuel him, and he was no longer just a man—he was something else, something darker.
"Your tears are sweet, like honey, and they make me feel powerful. I always want more. No one can escape me. Your pain is my victory. I can't be stopped."
His voice echoed through the house. He got ready to use the knife, planning to sacrifice the baby for his immortality. With the moon shining brightly in the dark sky, giving the old house a spooky light, he stood by the altar, feeling heavy-hearted.
Zhorel Mark' was a strange and mysterious symbol that appeared on the skin of certain people. It looked like two parallel lines, each with a slight curve at the ends, and it glowed a deep red, as if the mark had its own heartbeat. People who had this mark were said to possess extraordinary powers. They could shape the world around them—whether for good or for bad.
What will you do with the power to reshape the world? It was this question that determined the fate of the world itself. The Zhorel Mark had chosen this child for a reason, but whether this would be a moment of hope or danger was still unknown.