"So what will you do if humanity fails to grasp this chance?" Laying in the legs of heavenly beauty as she braided my hair. Enjoying the breathtaking sight of the Astral Sea where a battle had just taken place.
Broken planets littering the star system as the star was breathing its last breaths. The stellar Gods of this system being unlucky victims to the war between titans.
"Then I'll do this again. This isn't my first time chasing this fleeting opportunity. Whether it's my petty need for revenge or to actually give them a chance at standing on the same level we do now. Even if they wage wars like we do. Let that be the decision of humanity and not the whims of Astral Gods who'll come after us. I've done everything I can to give them a chance." Looking up at her as she offered a warm smile that I wasn't capable of seeing. As the memory slowly faded wit time. Speaking of a different timeline that ultimately failed.
Before casting my gaze back into void as the space and time folded to my eyes. Causing me to lower my eyes as I stared into the void breaking the illusions of this memory. As my hand reflectively grabbed the throat of woman in front of me.
"Your tricks don't work on me." Locking eyes with the woman as I looked around at the scene around us. Soldiers with their rifles pointed at us as I held the woman who walked up Johnathon.
Who is staring in disbelief at the woman with clear frustration at her actions. After turning my attention to my mother who walked out. She used that split second to blitz me with an illusion. Potentially aiming to take me down before anything could escalate.
"Tase, put her down before you make things worse." Whipping my head towards the familiar voice I haven't heard in what felt like eons. But instead of hot I can't even raise my eyes to meet hers.
"That isn't Tas-"
Causing the woman to pause as he looked at me with fear. Johnathon tried to correct her only to shut his mouth while realizing something.
"Ten, please just put her down. We can talk about this in private. She doesn't know anything." Walking up as her tone eased itself into what could be consider a lullaby.
"Quit using that ability."clenching my teeth as I barely held my anger in. Receiving what felt like a double strike to my mind as memories flash past that I've held back.
"Okay but you need to drop her. Killing his wing help your case." Looking back into the eyes of the girl who tried to trap me in an illusion. As she grapes for air as she clawed at my hand.
Dropping her right before she blacked out as I turned to face the younger sister of an old lover.
"Ten, thank you. Now this will be the easy part. We need you to surrender yourself to be turned in." Keeping her eyes steady as she spoke. Ignoring the danger my eyes was giving her.
"Turn myself in? To who and for what?" Smirking as use my mana to create a protective shell around my mother. While willing the surrounding temperature to rise.
"Please don't make this difficult. The entire world is hunting for you. It'll be easier to plead your case if you just come with us." Stepping up closer as I felt her patron God eyes watching us with clear focus. As the they tried to bring the temperature back down.
"Hahaha,the entire world is hunting me and you think that's enough to take me down. If your Gods couldn't bring me down on their turf. What makes you think I'm afraid if cowards who couldn't survive in the Astral Sea without me." Laughing as I tried to find the punchline in her joke. As she maintain a calm face as she watched me.
"Come and find me when humanity is finally at its last limit. Until then anyone who comes to me for such bullshit reasons. Will die that same moment. Until one of you can survive in the Astral Sea by yourself then we can talk. Don't bother looking for me here and if I find out this place has been attacked by anyone. It isn't me who should be worried about what the world will do. You know better then anyone what I can do to the world." Turning around and guiding my mother back inside as used my mana to form a barrier around the entrance.
"Teresa, that's was extremely reckless and dangerous. If he wanted to kill you then there wasn't anything we could do to save you. You'll be placed on the training squad with Johnathon's team." Giving this girl a tongue lashing as I felt my nerves at their wits end.
Being the best recruiter and manager in the guild has dulled her sense of danger. Something I can't allow with how tense things are becoming between guilds.
With everyone focusing on resources and hoarding dungeons that give out good abilities. As everyone started to realize how powerful mana can be.
"Ma'am, I apologize but left in the same situation. I would do the same. We had no information concerning who he was and if he was a threat to the elderly lady." Speaking up as she tried to defend her position. Only for Johnathon to face palm at her choice of words.
"A threat to Mrs.John. Let's ignore that for not and focus on why you taught it was a great idea to use illusions on someone you don't know. I warned you before about your over reliance on it. Some people don't see a roses and sunshine." Nodding my head to Johnathon for him to speak up.
"That was Tenebris. Mrs.John's eldest child. The leader of the criminal group who broke the law to enter the Astral Sea. The world might call us heroes for being the official pioneers of the Astral Sea. But like he said, without him then we would've died a hundred times over.
Everyone talks about his younger brother. The leader of my group who was chasing after his brother. Even Tasey isn't one to be messed with." Seeing her confused expression as he rubbed his head.
"Tasey, current leader of Dark Guild Cani-B and the current most wanted figure. If it was him then you'd be dead already. Ten is ruthless but only when pushed. Compared Tasey or even the hero. Ten is the bigger monster out of all of them."
"The hero Bori, was reported to be dead and Tenebris was reported as missing in action. Why is he here now."
"That's the issue. We don't know how he's back. Last time we saw him was right before the portal closed. The biggest issue is how long was he in there. Time moves faster in some places and slower in a different place." Rubbing his temples as he tried to figure this out as well. Although the isn't the smartest. Even he could see how bad this can go.
"For now we need to find Tasey. If we can find him then we can find Ten." Speaking up as give Johnathon his next target. Being one of the few who had a neutral relationship with Ten. Being the boys former mentor before he was deemed a target by governments.
"What about the last two? Should we send people to cover them?" Asking a good question as I looked back at the house and shook my head no.
"Those two haven't been found by the governments yet so I doubt he'll go mess up their lives. Tasey is a concern because those two couldn't sit in a room together without trying to kill each other." Although they might be brothers. They've never been above fighting one another.
Among the eldest three, the first two could be consider as relationship built by fighting as kids. While the third is the troublemaker out of the three who is always at odd with Ten the eldest.
"Come on that can't still be like that. Ten is fourty years old now and Tasey is in his earlier thirties. They can't always act like kids." Looking towards Teresa who is quietly absorbing this information with hint of excitement in her eyes.
"They won't kill each other but Ten breaking certain figures in Cani-B isn't out the question. Go by Franks and see if Ten has been by there. If he wants information then he'll go to his best friend." Stepping back into my car as I gave the last orders.
"Within the dungeons, you'll mostly deal with monsters that act in a set pattern. Whether it's Goblins sticking to mob rules or hive type bugs to defend the queen as the highest priority. As students these are the main dungeons you'll be dealing with.
In the rare case that you'll deal with Astral residents. This class is aimed to focus on fighting these types verses the former. To start off the year, we'll focusing on the lowest levels that can be seen in outer regions of the Astral seas. Yes, Thomas you had a question?" Going over a hologram of various Astral Residents at the front of the classroom. Ms.Alice paused as she pointed to an excited Thomas.
"Umm, how strong are Astral residents compared to travelers?" Holding the bridge of my nose as held my head down. Feeling ashamed that he's on my team.
"That's a...good question. Well to start the ranking system we use for Travelers is based upon merit and individual assessments. While a F rank is generally strong enough to handle the weakest residents. A SSS tier can't compare to an Emperor ranked monster.
While it's usually a misconception that travelers rankings are comparable to monster rankings we've created. That generic ranking is out of date. When it was first created, humanity hadn't dealt with Emperors or above ranked monsters. A mature King class is capable of holding down five man squad of SS ranked Travelers being led by a SSS tier.
So while it's safe to assume a team of SSS tier travelers could fight an emperor class. They'll usually team up to close a portal that contains an Emperor." Nodding her head as she finished explaining. Only to pause as she saw Thomas spaced out expression. As if she just cause the boy to short circuit.
"I'll explain it to him later Ms.Alice. Could you explain more about Emperors?" Attempting to redirect her so she doesn't waste time reexplaining the difference.
"Yes Alexis. A emperor ranked monster are usually identified by a couple traits. The easiest being the sub servant nature of fellow monsters around them. Even a different species doesn't have any choice but to bend the knee for an emperor if they aren't following one. The second method is same as king class. If it's capable of taking elemental attacks then its threat level is already an issue, but compared to Kings who can only use elemental attacks.
Emperors are monsters who've stepped past just using elemental mana. They are capable of studying the laws that govern their elements. If you're using a similar element to the emperor then the surrounding mana will feel like you e lost any ability to use it. A misconception by a lot of us but one that isn't a death sentence. With experience you'll be able to tell it's emperor way before you meet it.
The last method is the rarest and also the worst case scenario. If you see a humanoid form then go ahead and say your prayers. Being bless by Asttal Gods as divine beast for their pantheons. These emperor ranked monsters are an issue we've yet to be capable of handling." Finishing her monologue as the class was shocked to find out about a rank most would never see.
"Has there been anyone to defeat any!" Replacing Thomas for the dumbest questions. The boy next to him who sticks to Thomas like a leech.
"Officially? No, all the strongest Travelers have an agreement to hyper focus on portals that have a potentail to snowball. Unofficially, there has to be someone who brought this information back.
Crystal Helstrong the head of American Travelers society was the creator of the ranking system. If you haven't seen her presentation to the government leaders across the world. Then it's worth the time you'll be using. I'll even sweeten the pot. A extra credit quiz on Friday for anyone who watched her presentation over this week." Smiling softly as she decided to move on with class by redirecting them.
"So Crow, have you thought about joining the battle royale?" Steeping in my path towards the training building. A blue haired girl dressed in what could only be called new age hipster clothes that made her look like a fool.
Flanked by two more students wearing similar styles instead of the school uniform. A boy and another girl were watching me with excitement.
"If I was going to join the royale. You and your group of weaklings aren't worth paying attention to." Answering her question without filtering anything back. Knowing her type are the ones to overestimate themselves to be comparable to the best students. While being an utter failure as a traveler.
With the mindset normal students are being taught in non travelers schools. It's always a recipe for disaster when they meet the students who come from traveler backgrounds. Whether it's through a parent or siblings. Once one of them awakens the government automatically sends the family to be fin traveler training in hopes of awakening another traveler.
Compared to these students who came from the civilian side of reality. We've been taught the grim reality of being a traveler from a young age.
"Crow your being rude. As fellow students you should want to team up with us. With you on our team, we'll definitely make it to the finals." Barely holding her anger in as she held her hand up to her two friends who begin to take a step in my direction.
"You mean I will drag you pathetic bugs across the royale while you guys ride my back. No, I have my own team and we aren't so weak that we'd go around attempting to strong arm 'fellow' students into helping a group of weaklings. If I find out you went and asked my goldfish of a teammate. I'll make sure to break each of you during the Royale." Lacing my words with mana as begin to crumble to the pressure from my mana.
Being a useless trick for anyone on my level. But these pampered rats they couldn't handle a fraction of my mana pressure. Taking only a glance at them before I continued towards my destination.
"Hello Mr Simon." Walking into the large training field after changing into a basic t shirt and jogging pants. As I carried my spear.
"Crow, so you finally decided to use that spear. I told you that you can only run from yourself for so long." Nodding his head as he looked at spear with extra focus. Observing every minor detail this spear carries.
"Unless I want to continue throwing a childish tantrum over my family history. Then it's pointless to let my personal feelings get my team killed. It's too late to say I wished I had this spear when we were being held back by the Death Knight." Staring down at this spear as its golden shaft was the exact length of my staff. As the blade of the spear is black as night.
"Rick said that spear had seen more Astral blood then any other weapon. I'm surprised it's still usable auger all these years."
"I keep it cleaned and maintenance done weekly. Just because I hate my uncle doesn't mean the story of this spear isn't worthy of respect. Two sinners being hunted down by the world." Rubbing my hand along the blade as I remember bedtime stories from my childhood. Stories that my uncle would create for this spear. Showing how much he loved it as well.
"I've told you before Crow. Just because the world labels someone as something.That Doesn't mean that's who they are to you. Actually go grab a hoodie. Let's go make house visit to an old friend. I might not know anything about your uncle but I know someone who might." Smiling as he came up with a new method. Clearly happy that he is seeing me with this spear.
A spear that's notorious for burning the person alive if the weapon doesn't accept you. After being traded on the black market when it was stolen. Leading to the event that labeled my uncle as a criminal as he burned the city down hunting for his beloved spear.
"Really? The red light district?" Staring out the car window as we drove past crowded streets of people going between bars and brothels. As women who wear barely dressed as they spoke to potential customers.
"Quit being so pure. I heard it about you sneaking off here with your youngest uncle Tali. What are you afraid of running into a woman who remembers the infamous Dark Crow who was showing genius level mana control in displays of magic tricks." Grinning as I felt ashamed of my drunk night. Being the main topic whenever I see uncle Tali as he reminds me of how I turned his bat upside down.
"Are we going to my uncle's bar? Last time I asked questions is how I ended up drunk." Remembering what led up to my drink adventure. When I tried to look into the family's black sheep.
"No, I only go there if I want a strong drink. Plus he's never willing to talk about anything serious unless you're drunk as a skunk. Seriously if only we could find Camryn them he'll be easier to deal with." Rubbing his face as he was most likely remembering his experience with Tali. Choosing to stay out of most of the world affairs as he was content with taking care of his bar.
"So who are we going to see?" Trying run through my head on anyone who'd be connected to my family. As I only received a smirk in response.
"So Johnathon when are you going to quit beating around the bush and ask me the question you came here for?" Seated in a V.I.P room as I sat across from best information broker in the world. Wearing a black suit that went against his pale white skin as his blond hair covered his eyes. Eyes still focused on the book in his hand as he sipped his tea.
Seated next to me was Teresa who had her mouth clenched closed. Already understanding that the man were meeting is someone even our guild master would have to be careful with.
"Come on little brother. Time is ticking and you know best that my time is money." Pushing his hair back as he locked eyes with me. Wearing a smirk that showed he knew my question already.
"Did you know Tenebris is back?" Seeing a hint of confusion behind his wits decor he he came to a realization. As a bigger grin grew on his face.
"No I didn't but thank you for giving me this information for free. Turns out you can profitable with my time." Teasing me as he found a sense of happiness in the information
"Can we request that you keep this on a need to know bases? Our guild master has already given the authorization to pay you any price for keeping this a secret." Speaking as she tried push the conversation along. Causing my brother to lose his smile.
"Who's the pampered princess? Did you really come to make sure I wouldn't sell this information off." Looking at me with a look of false anger as I shook my head at Teresa's choice of words.
"Let's correct something first. Just because I'm an information broker. Doesn't mean I forgot what the word Loyalty means. Second I've know he would be back eventually. As for that stupid brothers of his. I hope he's sleeping with worms by now." Looking to Teresa as this bomb of information could send the world into an uproar.
A non seer making accurate predications isn't anything to laugh at. In today's world where a prophet is consider as a tactical weapon. My brother would be just below them on the scale of value but now it's shooting through the roof.
Compared to prophets who only can see the future of earth if they are following a God with Seer divinity. My brother has predicated something that was happening in the Astral Sea and even hinting at knowing more then anyone has ever been capable of producing.
"That's impossible. For you to know the future you'd would need a patron God to begin with and one that has a divinity in prophecies."speaking before I could Teresa and her obsession for the Astral Sea is showing again.
"Who says I don't have a God. Oh would you look at that it's time for my next appointment. I would love to keep chatting with you little brother and sister in law but business calls." Smirking as he glanced at both of us before standing and leaving out the only entrance. Leaving us with the V.I.P room with a table of food.
"Eat up, he's already paid for everything." Rubbing my temple as I thought about the implications he made.