Chapter 1- Damnation
Boom! Two figures fight in a shoreline in Largo City.
"I will not go back. I'm tired of living in that camp."
A topless boy with tattered shorts sighed.
He was held captive by Ensemble Slave Traders and forced to work day and night.
Seeing an opportunity after a change of guard, he made a run for his life while being chased by an executor.
"You are not going anywhere, boy! Your life belongs to the Ensemble Slave Traders now. If you go back with me, I will spare your life," the executor was indignant.
"Over my dead body! "
"You can never own me, I am nobody's property."
The boy was certain to duke it out with the executor.
The boy was stubborn and cunning. He had been running for a day without rest.
He had used all sound utilities he stole at the camp to make his great escape.
"That leaves me no choice then, I will take you back today DEAD or ALIVE!"
The executor shouted.
Grabbing his death flute with his right hand from his waist, the executor used his Deathly Hollows skill.
Dong!
Woo!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Kreeeeeck!
A screeching sound rang out as the executor played his death flute, a Cinco grade arsenal.
Squinting his eyes, the boy looked at the death flute with fear.
He knew this Cinco grade arsenal was exuding an eerie aura. Mumbling slowly the boy summoned his status window, "Status."
***
JACK BACH MOZART
Job: Flutist
Health: 30/100
Experience: 0/100
Status: Bleeding, wounded, and exhausted
Level: Noob
Potential: Mediocre
Core: Unique
Arsenal: Fleeting Flute
Skills: Last Lullaby (Passive), Speedy Gonzales
Inventory: Mozart's Heirloom Stash
***
'I can activate Speedy Gonzales for 4 seconds. This should be enough to gain some distance to escape from him'
Jack thought.
After grabbing his Fleeting flute from his Mozart's Heirloom Stash, he channeled his power and used Speedy Gonzales, losing 20 health points in the process.
[Used 20 Health Points to activate Speedy Gonzales]
Vroooommmmm!
The boy ran at Mach 1 speed. Dust and sand fluttered around as he bolted out.
When the boy ran, the executor also followed suit.
Floating hollows with white gowns and bony figures then flew near Jack and tried to grab the boy.
The executor was enraged; his attack barely made it but some damage was dealt to the other party.
The boy coughed out some blood as he lost 5 HP.
*HP 5/100*
Jack did not dare look back. Running as fast as he could he said to himself
'2 seconds left, I can make it.'
Half a mile after, he saw two arc-shaped stones forming an oval roundish entrance to a cave.
'He is trying to enter the Sleeper's cave. Hmmph... Trying to escape, eh?'
the executor thought and waved his hand commanding his Death Hollows to attack Jack.
Death Hollows' attack landed on the ground causing the ground to vibrate then collapsed revealing a circular manhole while Jack hopped swiftly avoiding the attack.
He then rotated his body mid-air then landing near the arc-shaped stone entrance and fell into the hole.
Triggered by vibrations, the stones caved in sealing the entrance of the cave.
*HP 4/100*
Falling down, Jack hit the rainbow-colored fluorite stone walls and bounced off a few times before landing in the eroded soil of the cave.
Seeing the boy disappear, the executor was furious.
He had to bring the boy back per leader's instruction.
'I cannot retrieve his body anymore, I might as well tell the leader that he's already dead.'
The executor thought.
Turning about to leave, he saw pieces of the tattered shorts lying on the cave entrance.
He retrieved it to show as evidence of his pursuit to retrieve the boy.
The executor thought of a reason to present returning to the camp.
'The boy and I fought. After casting my skill, the boy died and his body disintegrated leaving only pieces of his tattered shorts behind.'
.
*HP 2/100*
Jack lost consciousness after hitting the soft ground and fell into a deep slumber.
A few days passed, a heavy downpour of rain came and water gushed into the cave; filling the empty halls of the cave. Water droplets fell on Jack's face causing him to wake up.
"How long was I out?" Jack mumbled.
He lost the sense of time inside the cave.
Surveying his surroundings, a faint mysterious aura was emitted from a nearby source.
Jack focused his gaze and saw a mysterious floating key.
Below it stood a podium surrounded by a knee level of water.
Jack grew curious, approached the podium, and touched the key.
Jack's core vibrated then showed signs of breaking.
Loud sounds poured in Jack's ears and brain.
It was harmonious and chorused together.
At the highlight of the glorious sounds, the sounds stopped and bright blinding rainbow-colors flashed from Jack's body.
His body rose a few inches from the ground then fell after.
On his knees, Jack called out, "Status."
***
JACK BACH MOZART
Job: Flutist
Health: 100/100
Experience: 0/100
Status: Healthy, Enlightened, and Strong as a Bull
Level: Noob
Potential: Savant (Sealed)
Core: Arcanum (Sealed)
Arsenal: Fleeting Flute
Skills: Last Lullaby (Passive), Speedy Gonzales
Inventory: Mozart's Heirloom Stash, Unidentified Sound Sheet
***
Jack gasped while analyzing his status window.
A loud swishing sound followed after as a vortex started to form a few meters from where he stood.
The vortex was rainbow-colored and grew larger as moments passed.
When the vortex stopped expanding, the ground shook a little and hush distorted voices echoed from the vortex.
Jack walked slowly towards the vortex and cautiously reached out.
Touching the vortex, a notification rang out.
[Discovered a Sound Barrier. Do you want to enter? Yes or No]
Jack was hesitant for a moment then decided, "Yes."
Jack was pulled in by the vortex and disappeared from sight.
The vortex fiercely rotated then faded into oblivion as its lights dozed off before disappearing.
.
Opening his eyes, Jack saw a vast desert with faint aurora lights in the sky.
Looking at the dark sky, these aurora lights showed sky blue and green hue extending into the distance.
'Where is this place?'
Jack thought.
He had since known of Sound Barriers, hidden dungeons of many possibilities, as a place of fortune or demise.
If one were to conquer a sound barrier or find a hidden shortcut out, many benefits can be reaped and can help level up one's capabilities.
Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat.
Thud-Thud (continuous)
Jack's core reverberated mysteriously sensing a familiar source of power.
Jack started panicking and took a few steps forward while trying to catch his breath.
Looking up, he noticed the faint aurora lights glowed brightly as he treads along its direction.
'My core is responding to the lights' Jack speculated.
Without delay, Jack walked towards the direction of the extending aurora lights.
After a few miles, Jack was exhausted.
He had walked for a long time now. His vision got a little hazy.
Each time he would reach the endpoint of the lights, it would extend farther, hence, requiring him to walk further than before.
He also felt thirsty as his lips were dry.
After some time, the aurora lights stopped extending and in the distance stood a large mausoleum.
The mausoleum had a hexagonal shape adorned with ancient rune symbols in its walls.
In its front, a staircase is laid out with about 50 steps before reaching the only entrance.
The entrance was 12 feet long and 5 feet wide.
On each side of the entrance, two large starling marble figures stood on each side.
'There is no going back, I can only move forward' Jack thought before entering.
Walking briskly, he entered the mausoleum with curious eyes.
The hallway was draped with worn-out paintings on each side.
On the right side, a painting of a boy playing piano followed by a painting of a young man holding a quill pen, and a series of painting after showing images of the same man in different ages.
On the left, war paintings are displayed with pale colors of red and black depicting a bloodbath on each painting.
One painting looked like a map with several continents then followed by another painting showing only two continents.
At the end of the hallway, faint classical music echoed.
Jack increased his paced and saw a room with many floating music sheets. Each sheet had faint sounds at different frequencies.
'These sheets seem to be skills that I can learn.'
Jack felt happy seeing this development.
After a few seconds, Jack felt his core started shaking.
It was churning furiously as it tried to activate its powers.
The music sheets then glowed golden yellow and loud dull noises erupted one after another.
"ARGGGGG!"
Jack shouted unable to cope with the heavy feeling in his chest.
The sounds began to get louder and higher.
Jack's ears bled and he coughed a mouthful of blood then fell on the ground.
Losing his consciousness, Jack entered a dream-like state.
He gasped for air as he fell and drowned in deep waters then pulled out by a mysterious force while seeing a reel of motion film showing his life from birth till present.
After the last film flashed, Jack arrived in a 4 by 4 square feet room.
In his foot, laid a key which had a faint golden glow.
After touching the key, a series of sounds and lights popped out and bounced around Jack.
Sensing a familiar source of energy, Jack's core absorbed the energy which unsealed his core and a burst of information filled his mind.
[Arcanum core is unsealed!]
[Congratulations on learning the skill, 'Concordia.']
Concordia - 1% Rarity
(Level 0)
1 HP below Level 6
0 HP after Level 6
- Ability to summon multiple harmonies that deal damage depending on the execution.
- Concordia will absorb other skills and incorporate into itself.
- Can be used with or without sound arsenal (Level Restricted)
After learning Concordia, Jack was enlightened, woke up, and felt the happiest in his life.
Feeling glee, he started playing the sounds of the sheets.
Each time a sheet was played, Jack's core gathered the energy around him and gained experience.
Having played all the music sheets, Jack was lifted up while the ground shook and the building started disintegrating particle by particle until nothing was left.
Jack was shocked seeing the mausoleum gone.
He surveyed the area and only saw vast desert lands.
Feeling a surge of energy in his core, he pulled up his status window.
***
JACK BACH MOZART
Job: Flutist
Health: 500/500
Experience: 0/500
Status: Enlightened
Level: Apprentice
Potential: Savant
Core: Arcanum
Arsenal: Fleeting Flute
Skills: Last Lullaby (Passive), Speedy Gonzales, Concordia (Level 1)
Inventory: Mozart's Heirloom Stash, Mozart's inheritance
***
Ecstatic of his new findings, he opened his stash and retrieved Mozart's inheritance.
Upon observation, he noticed some faint sounds in the music sheet he held.
[Learn Mozart's Inheritance?]
"Yes," He answered softly.
[Congratulations on Learning Mozart's Inheritance (Passive Skill, Cooldown 24 hours)]
*Mozart's Inheritance (Passive)
- Allows the user to temporarily (10 seconds) use Concordia without sound arsenals;
[Mozart's Inheritance is absorbed by Concordia! Skill Effect is retained.]
"I will have to use this skill sparingly as it has a long cooldown," Jack muttered.
After sorting his thoughts, he continued walking forward.
Following the guide of the aurora lights, he treads forward.
After these vast deserts, a change of scenery can be observed.
From a distance, Jack saw an oasis with some monsters drinking water.
Seeing these crocodile-like monsters, he felt cautions. This was Jack's first time hunting monsters on his own.
He took his Fleeting Flute and activated Concordia.
Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh!
Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh!
Energy shock waves flew out lacerating the monsters' body.
The monsters noticed the attacker and started running towards the direction.
The large stomps from the monsters' scaled body caused the area to shake.
To create some distance, Jack jumped backward.
The crocodile head of the monster opened attempting to snap Jack's body into two.
Jack rolled over to avoid the incoming jaws of the monster.
After a quick snap of the jaws, the monster swings its claws slightly scratching the back of Jack as he retreated.
Blood gushed out from his back as Jack stumbled twice.
Sands and dust then fluttered as Jack jumped forward after finding footing and made his counterattack.
From his flute, an energy beam burst out hitting one of the arms of the incoming monsters.
He then used Speedy Gonzales to increase his speed.
'I can outrun these monsters and attack them simultaneously. My speed should be enough.'
Jack reasoned.
One after another, the monsters gave chase and swung their arms aimlessly trying to catch Jack.
Jack used Concordia while constantly avoiding the claws of the monsters.
[*HP 400/500*
Status: Bleeding]
Jack was bleeding but far from being fatal.
Jack was resolved to survive and fight his way through.
The monsters were agitated.
They had been running in and about trying to catch the boy.
One monster with a big scar in his right eye signaled the others to spread out and encircle the boy to catch him.
Noticing the monster's plan, Jack bolted out using Speedy Gonzales.
[*HP 380/500*
Status: Bleeding]
Realizing that the monsters were relentless, Jack channeled his core putting out more power as he wanted to burst these crocodile monsters.
Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh!
Loud vibrations plus thick energy shock waves burst out from Jack causing the arms of the monsters to rip apart as they tried to shield their heads from the attack.
"ARGGGGG!"
"Puny Human, you are too cunning to be left alive. Today is the day you meet your maker!"
The monster with a scar in his right eye shouted.
Using his Concordia again, Jack jumped a short distance as he tried to create a gap between him and the monsters.
After a few seconds of attacking, the heads of the monsters exploded causing blood to splatter and drop dead after.
Green beads fell as the bodies of the monsters disintegrated and bubble-like notes flowed before totally disappearing.
Jack walked a few steps and retrieve the beads.
[Discovered Noise Beads x5. Absorb?]
"Yes," Jack grinned as he gained experience.
He drank water from the oasis and filled his stash for the journey.
"Status," he muttered after drinking his fill.
***
JACK BACH MOZART
Job: Flutist
Health: 250/500
Experience: 50/500
Status: Enlightened, Bleeding
Level: Apprentice
Potential: Savant
Core: Arcanum
Arsenal: Fleeting Flute
Skills: Last Lullaby (Passive), Speedy Gonzales, Concordia (Level 1)+Mozart's Inheritance (Passive)
Inventory: Mozart's Heirloom Stash,
***
"Wow! To think I could grind experience this way," Jack smiled feeling joyful.
Looking up, the aurora lights still continued extending forward and leading him to the unknown.
Jack found new hope as he starts his adventure.
It did not matter how long or where he was heading as long as he can level up on the process.
Following the aurora lights, Jack was led to a pond where he found three human-size rabbits with red eyes and two large teeth.
Its whiskers glowed crimson red while bubbles of water dropped from its whiskers after drinking water.
From afar, Jack was hiding in an inclined sand dune while thinking of a plan to attack these red-eyed rabbits.
[*HP 250/500*]
Jack had to take precautionary measures given 250 HP remaining.
'I can attack from a distance and jump on either flank then use Speedy Gonzales should these rabbits get close.'
Jack strategized his attack.
Channeling his core then used Concordia, large energy gathered and compressed into a small energy ball then a laser beam burst out targeting the head of the rabbits.
The energy beam flowed freely piercing the head of the first red-eyed rabbit then dropping dead after.
The other two rabbits hopped trying to close the distance and reach Jack.
Jack slid downwards from the peak of the sand dune causing a trail of sand to flutter.
Jack's figure was barely visible from the trail of sands fluttering.
The red-eyed rabbits roared loudly while hopping towards Jack.
Activating Speedy Gonzales, Jack bolted towards the pond in a zigzag pattern.
Each time the red-eyed rabbit hopped, they would try biting Jack while closing in.
Jack would jump side to side to dodge the attacks of the rabbits.
While running, Jack initiated his attacks.
An energy ball formed in front of Jack and a laser beam burst out cutting the two large teeth in half of the red-eyed rabbit in front.
The monster roared fiercely as its teeth was cut in half.
"Grrrrrrrrrrr! You wretched human!"
The rabbit's leg tightened, its muscles bulging from exerting force, and pounced forward catching up to Jack.
Jack leaped forward trying to make some distance but the red-eyed rabbit grab Jack's leg and bit his left thigh.
"ARGGGGG!"
Jack stopped playing his flute and poked the rabbit's eye using his flute.
The red-eyed rabbit stumbled once and laid flat on the sand while pressing his eye as blood squirted out from its eye.
Similarly, blood flowed out in Jack's left thigh.
Unable to run further, Jack dedicated his time attacking.
Churning his core, his flute glowed then loud and sharp vibrations erupted from Jack while a pair of white heavenly wings appeared in his back.
The vibrations caused the ears of the two red-eyed rabbits to bleed and become disoriented.
After flapping a few times, the pair of wings threw hundreds of energy feathers which produced a loud resonance as it pierced the body of the two red-eyed rabbits.
The red-eyed rabbit's body bled from Jack's attack and disintegrated after leaving some beads behind.
Jack retrieved the beads while limping slightly as he walked.
[*HP 100/500*
Discovered Noise Beads x3, absorb?]
"Yes" Jack muttered.
[*Experience: 80/500*]
Jack was exhausted from fighting the red-eyed rabbits.
He drank his fill in the pond and grab some leaves of a nearby Aloe Vera and applied it to his wounded left thigh.
"Ooowwww, man this sucks."
Jack cursed out feeling the pain in his leg thigh.
After refilling his stash with water, Jack took off and followed the direction of the aurora lights in the sky.
He was out of the desert and entered a forest.
The forest was covered in mist and had a stench of death.
"Are the lights drawing me in to die?"
"Am I a fattened livestock that is slaughtered for some good meat?"
Jack was hesitant to enter the mysterious forest.
After thinking for a while, he decided to enter the forest.
His core started glowing upon entering the forest and faint lights in the ground started showing a trail of light.
Following the faint lights, Jack arrived in a cave with a similar appearance of the Sleeper's Cave.
Jack surveyed the cave's interior which was filled with fluorescent rocks and minerals.
"I should be safe inside the cave. It's getting dark anyway. I can spend the night in here," Jack commented.
Looking outside, he saw some fruits and nuts. Jack took out his stash and started gathering the fruits and nuts then placing them in his stash.
Night came and Jack laid down looking at the cave with a reminiscence of his family.
"Father...Mother... I am sorry for being a bad son."
"Brothers, I'll make all of you pay for what you did."
"I did not do anything wrong but you had betrayed me and sold me off to those B*STARDS!"
Jack pounded the rock releasing his pent up anger.
Falling asleep, Jack dreamed of his awful experience in the camp.
**
I woke up feeling sore in my entire body.
I was inside a prison cell and my hands were chained.
The cell was filled with bones of dead prisoners.
My vision was hazy but a figure holding a flashlight walked closer then arrived in the cell.
Entering, he released me from my chains.
"Wake up!"
He growled pulling me by my shirt's collar
"aahhhh... It hurts. Please, stop."
I complained but he continued dragging me.
He then pulled me up and forcefully sat me in a nearby chair.
A commanding voice then rang out.
"Stop squirming, you little sh*t."
The commanding voice said and a hand appeard from the shadows slapping my face hard.
I coughed out some blood and a cut showed on my lower lip.
"This is all a mistake. I need to go home please."
I exclaimed while giving an innocent look.
I looked up but could not clearly see the man's face.
A flashlight, pointed at my face, held by the other guy was the only light in the room.
"Really? You were sold off to us for quite a bargain."
"I bet your brothers are having a good time now at a pub."
"Hand me the flashlight."
The voice commanded, received the flashlight with his right hand, and used his other hand to pinch my cheeks.
"Let's take a closer look at your sh*t face."
He pointed it towards my face then slapped me again using the flashlight.
I spouted more blood and felt the hit cut my cheeks.
"Kill me instead."
"I don't have any value to you,"
I exclaimed after spitting some blood.
The door behind the men then swung wide open and a female voice rang out.
"Sir Bren, Sir Don is waiting on the phone."
The man handed the flashlight to the other guy and walked towards the door.
Before exiting the room, the other guys whispered to him.
"Okay. Your lucky you get to live another day."
"Take him to the infirmary and fix him up a bit."
"He still have some use as a slave."
The commanding voice echoed in the room and the door slammed close.
"Shall we have some fun?"
The other guy gave an evil smile and kicked me in the stomach.
"ARGGGGGHHH"
I shouted in pain and fell from the chair.
He then grabbed my hand and dragged out of the room towards the infirmary.
Although my vision was hazy, I could see my own blood form a trail in the granite floor tiles.
Arriving in the infirmary, I was tossed in the bed.
"Give him a little pain killer, some anti-biotic, and put him to sleep after."
"He'll start working as a slave tomorrow."
The man commanded facing the male doctor.
The male doctor stood up, fixed his glasses, and injected the serum to my lifeless arm.
I stared blankly at him then he forcefully put a tablet in my mouth.
I gulped down the medicine and lost my consciousness after.
Waking up, I found myself on the same prison cell with both hands chained.
The guard, same man the night before, came to fetch me and gave a set of clothes.
I undressed my blood-stained shirt and jeans.
I could still feel stinging pain as I wore the orange shirt and black pajama looking pants.
Unhooking my chains from the wall, he grabbed my chain and dragged me outside.
Across the cell, a woman in her late 20s also was dragged outside by his colleague.
Seeing her, I felt sad for her but I could tell we were in the same boat.
We were forced to do manual labor.
Before going to work, they would add an extra chain in our legs.
There were many prison cells spread around the camp.
Each building had a minimum of two and a maximum of four prisoners.
The woman and I are were the only prisoners in our building.
Daily, I toiled at the field, cleaned the bathroom, and mined a nearby cave.
At all times, both hands and feet were bound by chains.
I was able to maneuver around and work but with limited flexibility.
Every night, I would stare at the woman across my cell.
She would be raped and ravished every night but did not even dare to fight back.
Naked, she would lay down and weep silently.
Some nights, she would occasionally gasp and cry louder than usual.
Most of the time, she would just lay down like a lump of flesh trying to live another day.
One night, when the guard was asleep, I tried communicating with her.
"Hey, I'm Jack."
I said in a hushed tone and whispering manner.
"...."
She blankly stared at me.
Two weeks had passed, I started familiarizing myself with the camp's geography.
Since day one, I counted the number of guards coming in and out of our building.
In day time, I would check how many times the guards change their post.
Before lights out after eating dinner at the main building in camp's center , I would check the outpost guard and inner guard while walking back to our building.
Some days in the week, the guard will rotate to the same post.
Some other days, a new face would show up.
Another two weeks came, I already familiarized myself about half of the camp's setup.
I saw a trend on the guards taking their posts.
Notably, the guard that guards our building sleeps around midnight and wakes up around 2 to 4 in the morning when a guard rotation checks around the camp.
It only means one thing.
'Escape is possible. I just need to have the right utilities and make my move at the right time.'
I thought to myself.
Around the camp, there were some sound utilities placed that neutralizes the use of cores.
It purges the capacity of the core to release power, hence, most guards handle the prisoners physically.
It also follows that the guards have a well and muscular build to handle the job.
Sometimes a riot breaks out, the guards use an electric stun baton to diffuse fights.
I made a rough mental sketch of the camp and thought of sound utilities I can use to make my escape.
Since day one, I would scratch the wall with ticks and marks indicating the number of days I stayed in the camp.
Today, it was already 90 ticks.
'Damn. Three months already had passed since I got here.'
There has to be a faster way of escaping.
I also had tried conversing with the other prisoners but they either have their own circle or refuse to talk to one another lest they get lashed with a whip or electric stun baton.
The daily labor and toils continued.
Another night came.
The guard had fallen asleep.
I spoke in a whispering manner and tried communicating with the woman across.
"Wanna escape from here?"
"I can help you. We can help each other."
I spoke and gave a quick smile.
"Give up. Been there, done that."
"You are wasting your time."
The woman suddenly spoke denying my attempt to escape.
Before I could even rebut, the guard woke up from his lovely dream and abruptly stood up.
Noticing this, I shut my mouth and faced down while scratching the granite tiles set.
Morning came again, another day of work.
However, things got harder as time progressed.
We were asked to double time and restlessly worked on mining the cave day and night.
The woman had a weak constitution and would faint sometimes.
The first night, she stood up and leaned against the wall every time she felt weak.
The second night, she fell on her knees and the guard slapped her face.
The third night, she could barely stand up and fell facedown.
The guard was about to hit her back with his baton but I stepped in and received the blow for her.
"She's just tired. Please, I can do the work for her."
I put a determined expression while holding my arms up to protect my head from his attacks.
"Oh, how charming. Now, get back to work."
"I'll bring her to the infirmary."
The guard took her, placed her on a wheel burrow, and took her to the infirmary.
When I came back in the morning, I saw her naked again.
'The guard must have taken advantage of her'
I told myself before falling asleep.
On the fourth day, we were not forced to work the full 24 hours as most prisoners lost the capacity to work.
Evening came and I tried communicating with her again.
I had previously grabbed a small piece of stone.
Checking that the guard was asleep, I slightly tapped on the steel bar and spoke.
"I found a way out and know which the path to take."
"We can escape together."
I spoke in a hushed volume while checking the snoring guard.
"I just need your cooperation."
I added while pointing at the sleeping guard.
"I know what you're trying to do."
"The risk outweighs the benefit."
She contested.
"I have a plan. If you come along, we can make it."
I said with serious face.
"I'm listening."
The woman stared at me with a stern expression.
"Tomorrow, we will be asked to mine the cave again."
"You will act a little; maybe try fainting for a second or two."
"The guard will scold you but I will come to the rescure."
"The infirmary has a sound utility that neutralizes use of power."
The utility item was pocket size and can be used anytime.
"I will grab it after you seduce the doctor and I will hit him in the head to immobilize him."
"Come midnight the day after when the guard is asleep, we make our escape"
"If they chase us, we can use the utility to delay their chase and disable their arsenals."
I ended my explanation while taking a peek at the sleeping guard.
"It's possible but we'll have to put the doctor to sleep rather than hitting him in the head."
"That way, he doesn't report our actions and destroys your plot of escape."
The woman suggested to which I concurred with a nod as the guard woke after.
I slept that night with an expectant heart.
Morning came and the daily routine of work commenced.
It was in the afternoon that we were asked to start working on the mine.
I gave a nodding signal to her to enact our plan.
As planned, she fainted.
"Hey you Lazy sh*t! Stop fainting all the time and get back to work."
The guard walked up to her and was about to hit her with his stun club.
'Its my queue.'
I sprinted to reach her, crossed my arms above my head, and blocked the club.
I kowtowed after then said.
"Please have mercy on her!"
"I can bring her to the infirmary and return to continue working."
I suggested while still on my knees kowtowing.
"Okay. Make sure to come back unless you want to know what's real pain."
The guard accepted my suggestion and walked away.
I grabbed the nearby wheel burrow, put her inside, and made our way to the infirmary.
Arriving in the infirmary, the doctor was fortunately asleep.
"Walk slowly and silently. The doctor is asleep."
We tiptoed entering the infirmary room, grabbed the item we needed, and other utilities we can use.
Brushing pass the nearby medicine box, I grabbed a handful of pain killer tablets and placed it in my pocket.
She quitely returned to her cell while I went back to the mine.
I worked at the mine till dawn.
After work, I returned to my prison cell tired and sleepy.
Entering my cell, I checked that she was naked again.
'Seems like the guard had some fun again.'
I ignored the thought of taking action and focused my thoughts on escaping.
Getting only a wink of sleep, I was forcefully woken up by the guard.
I diligently accomplished my daily tasks after.
That night, the guards were celebrating and partying.
The camp warden was promoted and given a high ranking position in Pirate State.
The warden threw a party before leaving the day after.
The guard in our cell also left the building and went to the main building in the camp's center.
"Long live Sir Bren! Long Live Sir Bren!"
I heard loud praises and chants from our cell.
'This is the opportunity of a lifetime.'
I told myself.
"This makes our escape easier."
I commented while retrieving the utilities I stole from the infirmary.
"Yeah, we should act soon."
She said in agreement.
Sensing that the party continued past midnight.
I called out to my partner-in-crime.
"Hey. Its time."
She slowly stood up while giving a nod in agreement.
I picked the lock using a pair of surgical scissors I plundered from the infirmary.
I did the same for hers.
We got out of our cell.
"Let's head south."
We sneakingly walked and ran southward .
We used the walls as cover while we strategically move from one block to another.
"Nearly there. A few blocks from here, we turn left towards the southeast and we make our exit on the east gate."
In agreement, she gave a quick nod.
After making a turn towards east gate, a guard who was taking a pee noticed two shadows passed by.
"Move quickly on my signal. The watchtower is about to change guards."
"Make a run for it and take cover over that corner."
I pointed in the adjacent building and spoke in a hush tone while counting down in my head.
'5'
'4'
'3'
'2'
'1'
The watchtower guard stood up then went down the stairs to move to his next post or probably go to sleep.
I gave a quick nod then sprinted as fast as I can.
Suddenly, a voice rang out.
"Hey, Stop!"
The guard tried catching up but the distance was too far.
Looking back, I was frightened.
We got busted but I know the plan can still work.
"Hurry! We can still make it."
I modulated my voice, grabbed her hand and ran towards the east gate.
The guard reached out for his intercom and alarmed the watchtower guard.
The watchtower guard sounded the camp alarms.
Wang!
Wang!
Wang!
Kriiinnnnnnnnnng!
'This makes our escape harder.'
I was still inside the camp premises where I could not make use of my powers.
'Why is she so slow, dammit'
I complained in my head as I drag her across the open field towards the east gate.
Reaching the gate, it was locked.
I climbed the wall using the wall drainage pipe.
Looking down, I saw her struggling to climb up.
I took a one-step down trying to grab her hand to help her.
She extended her right hand to grab mine.
Bang!
Bang!
I heard two gunshots rang out.
My arm was grazed by the first bullet.
However, checking on her, I saw blood gush out from her head.
"Bullseye! A headshot."
The watchtower guard exclaimed taking his shot and aimed again at the prisoners climbing the wall.
'I need to move now'
I thought while picking up my pace.
I climbed up and reached top of the wall and jumped towards the extending tree branches.
I grabbed one of the branches but snapped as I held it.
I fell then hit my back against the bigger branches and grabbed unto the smaller branches beside it.
I abruptly stood up and felt pain in my back.
"Aaaahhh. It freaking hurts."
I stretch my back a little then saw an extending long and thick branch.
I jumped to it and made another jump to the next one until I was on the ground.
The alarms still rang out.
One man was following suit with his sound arsenal.
I made a run for it using my own flute arsenal.
I threw out the sound utility I stole and disabled his attack allowing me to make my escape.
However, I noticed a faint aurora lights extending towards a direction away from the shoreline.
I followed it without knowing where it would take me.
**
It seemed like he reenacted his escape but this time the outcome was different.
In his dream, he saw the same aurora lights he had been following.
The lights led him to a door. The door had no knob.
After a thorough inspection, the door had runic symbols identical to the ones he found at the mausoleum. Slightly pushing the door, the door glowed and vibrated.
The door then opened and showed a pathway leading to a room. Jack tread the pathway cautiously while checking the surroundings.
Finding his way to the room, he heard music being played in the background.
A voice then suddenly asked, "Are you just going to stand there? Here have a sit you came just in time for my last lullaby. "
Jack was silent and did not know how to respond. The gentleman was sporting a classical look with his red coattail.
Showing respect, Jack accepted the gentleman's kind offer and sat in the opposite exquisite couch.
"You do not have to cautious around me" the gentleman assured Jack.
"Sir, I am just passing by. I'm sorry if I have disturbed you" Jack respectfully conversed.
"Good. You got some manners" the gentleman commented.
"Who I am do not matter at this point in time. When the time comes, I will explain everything" the gentleman explained.
The gentleman pulled out an item in his coattail side pocket then said, "I do not have much time left. Let me give this to you for now."
Standing abruptly then leaning forward with both palms open, Jack accepted the gentleman's offer.
"Thank you kind Sir" Jack was happy having seen the item in his hand. It had a golden glow and showing trails of glowing particles each time it moved.
"Bye, for now, see you soon but not too soon, Okay?" the gentleman said with compassionate eyes.
Jack tried to respond back but he suddenly woke up feeling groggy.
Jack was about to leave and walk towards the direction of the aurora lights but stopped his steps upon seeing a familiar stone near his foot.
"Wait. What? This looks like stone that the gentleman gave in my dream" Jack commented.
However, the stone had no glow and did not emit the same glowing particles.
Nonetheless, Jack leaned down and retrieved the stone.
[Discovered Sound Utility 'The Beginning of the End.']
*The Beginning of the End - When HP is lower than 1, skills and items are fused with the user's core.
"Eh? What a letdown. Oh well, I will keep this for now. It may serve a purpose later on."
Jack casually place the stone in his stash and walked out of the cave following the directions of the aurora lights.
Jack continued his fruitful journey led by the aurora lights.
Days passed by, Jack killed monsters and gained experience.
"This is taking too long. At this rate, it might take months or years for me to get out of this sound barrier. "
"I cannot travel fast using Speedy Gonzales. If only I have potions to regenerate my HP faster" Jack sighed.
Jack only regenerates his HP by eating food, drinking potions, and sleeping.
However, food was scarce and sleeping require preparation lest he gets attacked while asleep.
After leaving the forest, Jack fought monsters in a large lake then crossed vast grasslands with no visible valleys or mountains.
Two month came and Jack leveled up.
*Level: Practitioner
HP: 1,000
Experience: 0/1,000
*
Another month came, Jack continued grinding his experience while hunting monster of different shape and size.
*Experience 500/1,000
After walking and hunting for another month, Jack saw a large mountain with densely layered snow.
"There is no other path but forward."
Jack muttered after checking the direction of the aurora lights.
Entering the foot of the mountain, Jack met a pack of winter wolves.
Jack pulled out his Fleeting Flute and used Concordia creating compressed energy waves attacking the pack of wolves.
"Awoooooooo!"
The Alpha winter wolf howled signaling its pack to attack the young man.
Jack's attack hit two wolves ripping their legs apart then stumbling down leaving a trail of blood in the white snow.
"Nice, five more wolves to go."
Jack commented after seeing the damage dealt.
Jack then bolted forward seeing the Alpha wolf pouncing with a ferocious howl.
"Grrrrrrrrr, Awooooooo!"
the Alpha wolf howled signaling the others to encircle the prey.
Jack continued running using Speedy Gonzales to boost his speed while attacking at the same time.
*HP 600/1000
Jack used a combination of energy waves and energy laser beams to attack the wolves.
Defending while attacking at the same had allowed Jack to kill the other six wolves leaving only the Alpha wolf alive.
The Alpha wolf was enraged and could not believe this prey to be capable of killing his pack members.
"Grrrrrrrrrr, Awooooo!"
The Alpha wolf growled like a gladiator screaming his battle cry.
The monster pounced swiftly extending its sharp claws.
Jack was a second late and made a side step while crossing his arms trying to fend off the attack.
Jack's arms were scratched by the sharp claws inflicting considerable damage to Jack.
Blood fell from his arms as he tried to find footing after feeling the pain in his arms.
*HP 500/1000
"You are quite a monster, eh. Alright, have a taste of my attack as well."
Jack initiated his attack using Concordia.
Circular vibrations boomed out from Jack causing the wind to howl.
The Alpha wolf was about to pounce but got lifted off by the force of the wind then Jack's energy laser beam attack connected and hit the neck of the wolf causing blood to splatter out and fall lifeless in the ground.
The Alpha wolf's body disintegrated and dropped a noise bead after.
*Experience 600/1000
Jack then continued his journey trying to find his way out of the mountain.
In a distance, Jack discovered a small shack.
"At last, some human beings. I can finally find some companions," Jack was ecstatic.
He had been alone all this time trying to find his way out of the sound barrier.
He went nearer the shack and tried to look around for people before knocking at the door.
The shack was small but had decent size to fit two people.
Peeking at the window, there were supplies and some water skin hanging on the walls.
After knocking a few times Jack shouted.
"Hello! I'm Jack, I am just passing by and wanting to ask for some help."
No ruckus can be heard inside while Jack leaned against the door to check.
Knocking again, Jack waited for someone to welcome him in. However, no response came.
"I don't feel good about stealing but there is no other way. Don't mind me 'borrowing' some of your supplies."
Jack slowly opened the door and took a peek before pushing the door wide open.
Surveying the room, it had one bed, one table, and two chairs.
They were some meat hanged on the rack, water skins, and a fur jacket.
Jack took what he can leaving a few meats and one set of clothes behind.
Jack took off right away after storing the items in his stash.
'I'm very sorry. I am just trying to survive.'
Jack reasoned to justify his actions of plundering someone's supplies.
Jack disappeared in the distance while using his Speedy Gonzales to get as far as he can leaving behind him a trail of steps and clutter of snow.
.
Hours passed and two figures were walking under the heavy snow.
A middle-aged man and a young lady in her teens walked side to side bringing their loot from a bountiful hunt.
"Papa those wolves were quite strong but my Papa is stronger."
The young woman praised her father.
"Nah, I just did my best dear. Nothing fancy.
"I will skin these and we can use the fur to make you a good jacket."
The man said cheerfully.
Looking far ahead, the man's smile wore off as he saw the door of the shack open.
"Honey, stay behind me."
"If ever Papa tells you to run, make a run for it," the man instructed cautiously.
"Okay, Papa."
Honey obediently followed along while staying behind his Papa.
"Whoever you are, you better come out!"
"I, Will Vines, have a sharp sword and I ain't afraid to use it," Will declared without fear.
Peeking left and right, Will saw that some supplies were plundered and his extra fur jacket was stolen as well.
"Damn thief took our supplies and my jacket."
"Honey the supplies we gathered for our stay here is no more but a few portions of meat."
Will exclaimed in frustration. Will and Honey grab all their remaining supplies and followed the trail left behind by the perpetrator.
"Papa look at the footprints and snow trail by the thief."
"He must have left in a hurry after stealing our supplies," Honey commented.
By the time Will and Honey found out that they had been plundered, Jack was almost out of the mountain range.
Jack encountered a few packs of winter wolves.
He killed some of the members but was retaliated by more than two packs of wolves.
Without hesitation, Jack ran as fast as he could while following the aurora lights direction.
.
In the meantime, Will and Honey were following the trail of Jack.
They heard some disturbances nearby where many packs of wolves lived.
Thinking that the perpetrator was fighting the pack of wolves, they headed in the direction of the commotion. Will was holding Honey by the hand as they approach.
Suddenly, a pack of wolves had surrounded Will and Honey.
"Grrrrrrr, Awoooooo!"
Five Alpha leaders howled in unison.
A series of howl followed after as they encircle their prey.
These packs of wolves were chasing after Jack while continually howling one after another giving signal to chase further.
Given Jack's speed, the winter wolves lost track of Jack and decided to go back.
On the way back, they saw two human prey walking to their direction.
Frustrated from their unsuccessful chase, the pack will hunt these two lone prey.
"Honey, I will distract these monsters while you make a run for it," Will commanded without hesitation.
"No Papa. I will stay here with you."
"I know how to fight just like how you taught me," Honey answered refusing to leave his Papa.
"Honey, follow Papa's words. You know Papa's strong right?"
"Once I see you escape safely, I will follow along, okay?"
Will assured Honey to make her follow his instructions.
"Okay, Papa."
"Please, Papa, come back. I will wait for you."
Honey obediently answered and was ready to make a run for it.
"When I give the signal, I want you to run."
"Run as fast as you can."
Will commanded while pulling out his sticks.
The sticks were half a size of a drumstick decorated by runic symbols in its handles.
***
WILL VINES
Job: Drummer
Health: 5,000/5,000
Experience: 4500/5,000
Status: Worried
Level: Master
Potential: Mediocre
Core: Legendary
Arsenal: Saber Fangs, Last Will
Skills: Swordsmanship (Passive), Dance of the Sabers, Taunt of the wild
Inventory: Meat x5, Water Skinx2
***
'I have been grinding for experience for the past 3 months.'
'To think a damned thief would destroy our plans and jeopardize our safety.'
'I have been too complacent. I should have made precautionary measures.'
Will was conflicted and could not help but blame himself.
Will channeled his core and focused his energy to his arms then used Dance of the Sabers.
His sticks glowed and from the tip of both sticks surge out thick energy forming an energy saber.
[*Dance of the Sabers - User strikes ferociously while wielding a stick.
Combo: Hit continuously without missing. X2 damage per hit]
[*Swordsmanship - Gives +2 combo for wielding drumsticks]
Will pounced forward slashing his way through.
One after another the wolves died but more kept coming while the Alpha wolves wait for their opportunity to strike.
Will's strike was deadly and swift.
He slashed, hacked, and kicked while bouncing side to side trying to dodge some of the bite attempts of the wolves.
On the back, Honey was waiting for his Papa to signal her to run while also fending off occasional attacks from other wolves.
Will was making progress.
He had killed about 50 winter wolves from the 150 numbers.
The Alpha wolves were starting to get agitated given the tenacity of the prey.
"Awooooooooo!"
The Alpha wolves howled.
More members came as the wolves howled.
While fighting, Will glanced often to see if Honey was safe.
However, Will was caught off guard when Honey shouted frantically after being chased by a pack of wolves with their Alpha.
He then bolted out striking the entourage of the Alpha.
"DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER, YOU FIENDS!" Will shouted.
Will grabbed his other arsenal and tossed it to Honey.
"Honey that arsenal will keep you safe," Will assured Honey.
"Papa. No. I can handle myself," Honey retorted.
"Honey don't be hard-headed. That will keep you safe. You need that more than I do."
"Now RUN!"
"Alright, you FIENDS!"
"Fight me. TAUNT OF THE WILD!"
Will was persistent and did not show any signs of weakness.
[*Taunt of the wild - Taunts the monsters to attack the user.]
[*HP 3000/5000]
Will's muscles started bulging as he fought with the wolves.
All of the wolves pounced at Will biting and slashing his body.
Will counterattack each time but was overwhelmed by the numbers.
The Alpha wolves joined the fray after being taunted.
One Alpha wolf bit his shoulders while the other wolves bit his arms and legs.
Blood gushed out from his body but Will stood his ground and fought valiantly.
"Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh! You FIENDS!"
Will shouted as he felt pain all over his body.
Hearing Will's shout, Honey looked back and saw wolves attacking his father.
Honey wanted to go back but she trusts her dad can pull through and get back to her.
She continued running as fast as she could.
[*HP 500/5000]
Thud-Thud (continuous)
Bodies after bodies fell on the ground causing a pool of blood to spread on the white snow.
Will struggled to fend off the attacks.
He slashed the wolves in front, stabbed the Alpha wolf thrice in his shoulder, and hacked the incoming attacks whenever he can move.
[*HP 100/5000]
It did not take long for the winter wolves to overwhelm, overpower, and outnumber their prey.
[*HP 0/5000]
[Status: Dead on the spot]
"Awooooooo!"
The packs of winter wolves howled in their Victory while Will cried in his demise.
In his last moments, tears fell while thinking of Honey.
'I hope she's fine, I did my best Honey. Please be safe.'
'My wife, I will be seeing you soon. I protected my daughter. She grew up to be a fine lady.'
Honey had been running for a while but there was no sign of her father showing up.
Hearing the wolves howled, she had a bad premonition.
Without hesitation, Honey went back with haste.
'Papa I hope you are okay. I am coming to help you.'
Honey thought and was worried for her father.
When she was getting near where the battle happened, her steps became slower and walked cautiously.
Peeking from afar, Honey saw her father's tattered shirt and fur jacket with a pool of blood in the white snow.
Moving closer, tears fell as she saw the remains of her father's corps after the wolves feasted on her father's body.
"Papaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"Papa, please come back to me. Huhuhuh, I still need you. Please Papa."
Honey cried while she knelt beside her father's corpse.
"Awoooooooooo!"
A group of six wolves were on patrol and howled out after hearing a nearby shout.
Hearing the wolves howled, Honey ran in a random direction without looking back.
She was still crying as she ran but she had to live.
'Papa I will avenge you.'
Honey felt anger in her heart and lost her sense of 'Love'.
She lost her mother when she was born.
Now, her father is gone as well.
Honey continued running along never stopping for a moment lest the wolves catch up and kill her.
.
While Honey was running for her life, Jack was walking cheerfully as he saw two arc-shape stones forming the entrance of a cave similar to the Sleeper's cave.
Moving closer, a figure appeared from the background which seems to be a gatekeeper.
"Stop Human!"
"You are not allowed to exit this place without a token."
The gatekeeper commanded while unsheathing his sticks.
'Bloody Hell!'
'When I finally found the exit, this guy shows up. What a bad luck.'
Jack complained while raising both arms up displaying no intent of retaliation.
"Good Sir, I am just passing by and would really appreciate it if you could let me get out of this place peacefully," Jack asked respectfully.
"My, My, that is some wishful thinking you got their kid."
"No one stumbles accidentally in these areas and dared to leave peacefully"
Jolting forward, the gatekeeper started pounding a set of floating notes commencing his attack.
Jack side step and quickly used Speedy Gonzales to create some distance from the man.
The gatekeeper was relentless without rest slashing left, right, and center.
"You got some decent speed kid."
"However, that is not enough to escape me."
"MIDAS TOUCH!"
The gatekeeper exclaimed confidently. A golden hand bolted out from the gatekeeper and grab Jack pulling him in.
Showing signs of resistance, Jack twist and turn trying to break the grip of the golden hand.
However, to no avail, Jack was unsuccessful and landed in the foot of the man.
The gatekeeper grinned and grab Jack in the neck then lifting him up a few inches in the ground.
Glaring at the man, Jack was furious.
'Man, I just barely survived and now I'm going to die a virgin'
Jack thought thinking it might be his last day to live.
The gatekeeper then slammed Jack to the ground pinning him down.
He loosened his grip then stepped on Jack's chest with his right leg.
"Any last words?"
The gatekeeper questioned.
"hmmph"
Jack did not speak then spit on the gate keeper's legs.
"Arrogant, Rude BRAT!"
The gatekeeper felt disrespected then tightened his grip on his stick which was enveloped with energy aimed at Jack's head.
Jack closed his eyes and bit his lip sensing the end of his tragic life.
Just when the stick was about to hit Jack's head, his core glowed and blinding rainbow lights emitted from Jack's body.
The gatekeeper stopped his attack and a foreign consciousness infiltrated his mind showing him a vision of a pathway to a room.
He arrived in the room confused.
"You must be very busy bullying some weak kid"
A voice welcomed him.
He saw a gentleman wearing a coattail.
Looking at the source of the voice, the gatekeeper knelt with reverence.
"Sire, I have been faithful and followed your every instruction."
The gatekeeper assured the gentleman.
"Good. My faithful servant. "
"Release the boy and let him leave. He serves a purpose for my plans," the gentleman commanded.
Sensing there was no movement, Jack opened his eyes and saw the gatekeeper still stepping on his chest but was standing firmly without movements.
The gate keeper's eyes glowed and a trail of blood fell from both eyes.
After a few seconds, the gatekeeper came back to his senses and lifted his leg allowing Jack to roll over then stood up abruptly.
"You sicko! You nearly killed me man," Jack exclaimed.
"I'm sorry for the confusion, kid."
"You are all good. Feel free to leave this place," the gatekeeper assured Jack.
"Really? Are you playing games with me?"
Jack was filled with distrust.
"Yes, I'll even move away a few inches and keep my weapon in my storage."
"Are you convince now?"
The gatekeeper took a few steps backward.
"Okay. I'm going now."
"Bye! Bleeeeeeeee"
Jack bolted out jumping into the vortex while for a moment looked back and stuck his tongue out.
"Ungrateful Brat!"
The gatekeeper commented while stomping his feet.