Rin laid in a bed looking up at an unfamiliar ceiling the opulence of the room he was in was almost nauseating, he was laid in a bed so large he could of fit another 5 people and still slept comfortably the farm was made of a hard wood that looked like oak but Rin was unsure on what kind of would oak was but oak felt right, the beds head board and footers wear masterfully carved with intricate detail Rin having spent hours staring at them, post on the four corners were carved with the same level of detail but were covered with a cloth drape that could be pulled back to close the bed off from the rest of the room. Flashes of memories played inside Rin's mind like a movie. He held up both his hands or hand he could still feel his left arm but it wasn't there anymore torn off at the shoulder, he had spent a week in some hospital bed as doctors and priest worked together to heal him, the damage done to his body has healed well enough leaving only a spiderweb of scars barely visible unless you knew to look. The attempt to grow his arm back with magic had almost killed him his soul rejecting it as he had gone into a seizure. Then stem cell research was used to grow him a perfect replica but his body had rejected that leaving him with a withered stump that had to be amputated. It was determined that his soul no longer saw that arm as a part of his body and would reject anything they put there. He felt that they were right but the phantom pains, itching and muscle soreness felt so real, he refused to see a psychologist. The memories of Paul beating him with his own arm, Liliandra's cold and lifeless body all played on repeat inside his mind. With a shout of frustration Rin jumped up out of the bed pulling malice from his inventory he summoned a blade of fire controlling it into a fine pointed beam. His interface was a comfort to him after losing it he had made a small folder in the left of his vision placing every single notification he had gotten during events past into it. Most he hadn't read and now refused to. With a calming breath he dropped into a wind stance, his body flowing through the katas, in the weeks since his imprisonment here in this luxurious room one that was too big to fill with all he had ever owned, a room that had a single window larger than his old apartment the shades shut tight. The walls were a plain white letting the silver lines of conduit decorate them. Each line was a mana vain that supplied mana to the lights, t.v, heater, air conditioner, the lamps mounted to the wall looked like old time gas lamps the glass was clear however and the top and bottom caps were made out of what appeared to be gold with no soot in site the whole construction made to enhance the beauty of the carved fire crystals inside.

  Wind stance had calmed his mind as he felt connected in a way he couldn't describe, Even though he thought of himself as a prisoner here, he was not. Yes he could not leave as the two guards out front would not let him but they have been kind. Hired adventurers never astute in their duties. One of them at Rin's request had taught him the other two stances Fire and water, Dreven was a kind and easy going teacher, Rin saw no pity in the man's eyes As he spent time with him, Rin learned each stance quickly as he practiced the katas for hours on end he felt there was a connection between each one like a dance meant to be played out. And so he had begun experiment. Eventually he was able to flow from one stance to another. Each one had their own rhythm, but there were certain forms in katas that allowed for transfer to another stance. When he asked Dreven about this all he did was smile and put his finger to his lips with a wink. He had all but told him in words that this was a secret that most successful. Adventurers learned and those stuck in mediocrity were unable to think outside the box. Rin flowed from one stance to another, his mind becoming a blank slate, the memories going away. There was a sharp knock at the door before it opened. Rin stopped dismissing his blade of fire, sweat dripping off his body as he looked at the door. Valder walked in and Rin considered embarrassment for a moment but why should he be embarrassed? He was naked as he was used to people waiting for him to reply before they came in typically giving him the time to equip some clothing from his interface but he reconsidered the embarrassment as it was only flesh. Rin rapidly went through his interface and equipped a white shirt made of cotton and long jeans made of a denim fabric, his interface typically shrouded him in some sort of mist or smoke while he changed clothes. However, that had changed again. As in now, simply distorted his form like static from an old TV.

  “ Good morning Rin. I see you're being as diligent as ever with your training despite these circumstances.” Valder walked in dressed in his typical garb a black dovetail suit with white gloves. He had an Ascot today and a purple square inside the pocket on the front of his jacket.

  “ Why are you here?” There was anger to his words but nothing malicious and no real hate behind it.

  “ It's been a month since Liliandra died. I have worked closely with her family and brought her remains back to the mountains. They'll be holding a memorial service and burial service there. I wish to let you know.” Valder said.

  “ Thank you. But I can't leave this place even if I wanted to break out. The only exit I could take isn't really an exit.” Rin walked over to the window pressing a button on a console opening up the curtains. A black void with stars dotted the landscape faint blues and greens in the flashing. Lights of spaceships could be seen all around.

  “ Yes the Vlounderparts have created a very secure space for you, their son, and my granddaughter but they understand that they can't keep you here forever.” Valder sighed and looked out over the planet. “ The tournament was postponed due to the terrorist attack. I still believe it's the best course of action for you to participate. When and get your city rank adventurers license?.”

  “ Why?”

  “ Even though the church has stopped hunting you for heresy as they have no longer half proof of you being connected to the cult of the Void with your arm missing There's still the fact that the cult has wormed their way into the city and is no longer safe here for you or anybody that shares a similar destiny.”

  “ Like Douge and Sophia?” Rin said

  “ Yes, even Kenji and Travis.” Valder said

  “ Kenji?” Rin asked

  “ Yes we've kept it a secret but he's being held here as well. He developed the mark of the fox, Travis Is someone that you've never met. He attends a different School one his father owns. He has the mark of the bear and is being held in the space station as well. The five of you may be targeted at any moment. The cult wants to get rid of any opposition before it becomes a problem”

  “ How can someone like you not have the ability to route out and destroy the cult! Make it safe for us. If you send us out, we'll be targeted without anyone to protect us.”

  “ I do have the strength but not the means. There's too much interference inside the city for me to properly track an entire organization. If you leave and strikeout as a normal adventurer you'll have a better chance to blend in and just be another face in the crowd there'll be cult a presence any where you go however, if you manage to stay away from the highly populated cities, the individual strength shouldn't be anything you can't handle. Take the time to train and become stronger.”

  Rin sat on the large bed and sighed.

  “ Okay, I do like the idea of having a chance to be a normal adventurer. I haven't even been in this life for a whole year and I feel like I've dealt with more bull.”

  Valder cut Rin off.

  “ You have dealt with situations that those of your standing should have never been involved with as an adventurer starting out you should only be killing slimes low-level creatures like beaded biter, crimson sparrows monsters of that level yet you've had to deal with being trapped inside a rift, being kidnapped, killing. I believe some of that is partially my fault and I do apologize I pushed you into my granddaughter's team and situations you are most likely not prepared for because I believed you were one of the four heroes and I was pushing to turn that team into a reality. There was no coincidence that Dougelee and Liliandra were on that team.”

  “ Why tho?”

  “ That story is a long one that we don't have time for.”

  “ Make the time.”Valder sighed and then nodded

  “ Okay you deserve that much but so does Sophia, Dougelee, Kenji, and Travis the five of you have your fates intertwined more than you'll ever know. After the funeral procession, I'll gather you all and I will tell you.” Valder turned around and walked to the door, his hand reaching out for the ornate handle shaped like a fiddle head sprig before it sprouted.” Rin I feel you should also know that man— Paul, the morgue reported his corpse missing today. I've seen a power like his and I believe he is not dead. Simply escaped and assumed a new form.” Valder walked out and Rin's face turned to a snarl. He turned and headed towards the attached bathroom. He stood over the sink splashing water over his face to clean the sweat off. He leaned one hand on the sink looking into the mirror. His once blonde hair was now speckled with purple thin strands standing out vibrantly; his once childlike face had hardened, the scars barely visible added a gruffness. The young fat had shut away leaving sharp features with a soft chiseled tone. His eyes were foreign to him. The look they held looked like they belonged to someone else.

  “ Paul “ Rin paused, his breathing heavy. “ I will find you and on that day I'll become your arbiter as your life will be in my hands.”

  The white tiger beastkin tribe of the Xulun mountains did not believe in using technology in their daily lives. They allowed certain technologies in magitech for their mining operations as to do so without would be nearly impossible. The heart of the white tigers tribe was high up in the snowy caps where despite the seasons of the valley below the mountains would remain white. The tribe was a highly religious group or dating to the goddess of light ordaining to the goddess of light Lumia the chieftain in all of his, officiaries would need to be ordained priest in the eyes of the they would often send out young scions to go learn the ways of modern society and allow them to make their own decisions of whether to stay or to leave. Most of those that came back came with an understanding and acceptance by the church. Though mining was one of their largest operations, their primary income came from the taxation of trade routes through the mountains. Magical density at the peaks made it nearly impossible for merchant ships to fly over, requiring an obscene amount of money. The taxes merchants would pay were often put back into maintaining the trade routes and donations to the church, but a good portion of it helps sustain life in the village. As long as the taxes were cheaper than the cost of operating a ship in the low mana density, they would continue to make money.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Rin was sat next to Sophia in Valder's car as he drove them across the valley Douge had protested when his parents demanded that he come with them saying he wanted to be with his teammates. But they held fast and he eventually gave in, Rin could see their vehicle it was large four-door limousine that stretched out a faint blue pulse from underneath as a propulsion system pushed it forward the glossy black was flaked with bits of silver that shined against the sun both Sophia and Rin sat in Sophia rested her head against Rins shoulder their presence calming to one another. They didn't need to say it but they both wished Douge was there as well. There were many things left unsaid and that was perhaps for the best they had been separated for the entire month. It irritated Rin that they were separated without Douge and Sophia there it felt as if a piece of himself was missing without Liliandra here he knew there was a piece gone. The vehicle transitioned from air travel to all-terrain tires driving up the mountain unable to sustain its flight in the low mana density. Rocky terrain covered in grass and trees gave way to snow-covered lands. This was the first time Rin had seen snow up close. Sophia must have noticed his interest as she looked up.

  [Is this your first time seeing snow? The surface gets covered in it every winter but I'm guessing you never get to see it down in the blocks.] Sophia texted Rin as she looked through the same window as him.

  [ Yeah, and I think I might love it as much as you. Love, oatmeal.]Rin laughed and so did Sophia, their laughs were empty-hearted however, and they both fell silent again quickly

  [When did you get your phone back? Does Douge have his?] Rin asked using his interface to message her adding Douge to the group chat.

  [I don't think so. His parents are being fairly strict after everything that's happened. I can understand why.] Sophia replied. Rin simply nodded. He watched as snow fell against the glass of the window slowly melting, turning into small beads of water that raced down hitting the other beads and being absorbed into one another.

  Rin, Sophia, and Douge all stood near a burning pyre located in the center of the village. Rin felt a chill. The suit Douge had given him wasn't warm enough however Douge who wore the same suit, it was of standard cut with black pants. A white button-down shirt that tucked easily into the pants and a black jacket that tied the outfit together. Douge did not shiver or even appear cold . Sophia had been smart, bringing a thick fur coat. The pyre was part of the funeral rites an ancient tradition as they could not bury their dead in the hard rock of the mountain any and all fertile soil was used for farm land and in keeping in tradition The adults all wore a more traditional garb The men wore loincloths decorated with colorful beads and feathers that accented their striped patterns on their fur. They wore a necklace of beads made from small gemstones and similar feathers to what they wore around their waist. The women's guards were much the same but with more fabric for propriety sake. Small children not used to the cold climates. We're the only ones wrapped in warm clothing. Valder and Alverez stood with a woman he had never seen before She seemed energetic and bubbly as they talked with Douge's parents, Douges father looked much like him The resemblance was uncanny. His mother was a petite woman. Barely coming up to her husband's chest She had glossy black hair that was braided and laid over her shoulder. The five of them talked amongst themselves occasionally glancing over at them. They're talking about us. Rin thought as he clinched his fist slowly opening and closing it. Douge nudged Rin bringing his attention to a man that walked up to the pyre. He was a large beast-kin his clothing was more innate with intricate designs carved into the gems the feathers had a glossier sheen to them his loincloth also appeared to have a tapestry woven into it. The man cleared his throat as he stopped addressing the crowd.

  “Welcome all. Today is the day.” The man struggled as he tried holding back his tears. “Today is the day of my Daughter's funeral.” He had to pause again and someone in the crowd took the opportunity to speak.

  “ Lord Zalindra, please don't strain yourself.” Words of affirmation arose from the crowd of people. The man Zalindra nodded and Steeled himself.

  “ We stand here to honor her in death as we honored her in life burning her flesh and her bones so she may not rise again, our traditions have changed as time passes as we no longer burn the bodies of our loved ones in the funeral pyre, to do so has led to the spread of disease and death. We now spread the ashes into the flames. Some of you may be wondering why I'm explaining this today. We have guests that are not used to our traditions but we're close to my daughter, our princess. I wish to give them context and to give them assurance that her body lay not in the fire.” Zalindra kneeled down in silent prayer for a moment before rising another man bringing him an urn.

  “ As Lumia gives us life and light , Void her once lover ordains to take it, on days such as this as her light is high in the sky, we take solace in knowing that he is not around and The souls of our departed will be protected as they ascend to heaven.” He turned to Rin and the others his gaze lingered on Rin's missing arm. “ As my daughter's only blood kin I announce that I shall share the honor of spreading her ashes with those she was closest with. I have yet to meet them but I feel like I know them from her constant stream of messages telling me about her life in the city. It has detailed to me a great friendship. Please come up and share this moment with me.”

  Sophia and Douge startled as the crowd turned their gaze on them Rin placed a reassuring hand on their shoulders before walking forward. He did not feel sad at that moment. He had cried for her and mourned her already. This was not a moment of sadness for him. But one of alacrity this was a moment to honor someone who had helped him grow so much. He still battled with his own emotions and was unsure if this was the right way to feel yet he was determined to make a promise.

  “ Lord Zalindra, thank you for this Honor.” Rin stood in front of the Beast-kin, both men similar in height. Sophia had coached him on how to talk in high society weeks ago and he was glad the words felt natural. Zalindra looked him over and nodded, holding out the urn. Rin took the lid off and reached in he could feel the ashes he grabbed a handful and cupped his other head to make a bowl. Rin knelt down; he did not offer a prayer but a vow in whispered breaths.

  “ I will grow into the man you saw me as.” With a gesture of finality Rin tossed the ashes into the flames,the fire sparked blue and green. Zalindra was the only one close enough to hear Rin's words. Standing up Rin looked around and nodded, stepping away but Zalindra stopped him.

  “ Stay here till the end.” Rin simply nodded, moving next to the man. Next was Sophia. She walked up with tears in her eyes, her emotions getting the better of her but there was a look of determination, one that tried to hold the tears back. She did the same as Rin taking and hand full and kneel. She offered a prayer for the crowd to hear tossing the ashes into the flames, she stood and turned towards the crowd. Sophia had a fear of public speaking and Rin knew this. He watches as her body shakes sure she was partially thankful for the cold as people might assume that's why she was shaking.

  “ I have known Liliandra since my childhood. We practically grew up together as two girls on different sides of the same coin. I grew up in the city while she grew up in these mountains, yet we still had chances to meet. Parties and social get-togethers that amounted to nothing more to us than a place to play together. I'm sure for her father it meant much more but to me it was a time to see my friend. When she started attending the academy, I jumped on the opportunity eager for us to be on a team as kids. We would discuss how we would both become adventurers just like our fathers gaining renown and respect in the wider universe so we can come back and take over for our father and grandfather. She had a certain charisma that I think she liked to leverage when she made mistakes and didn't want to get in trouble for them.” The crowd of people laughed a few sobs and sniffles could be heard throughout the crowd. Sophia smiled and stepped aside. As she turned the fire shined off her hair in such a way that Rin felt stunned. The light danced across the snowfall as it drifted slowly down landing on her white fur coat, the tufts of fur peaking out from her hood. Douge walked up behind her taking the ashes from the urn he did not kneel as he clinched his fist.

  “ I will protect them, you understand I failed you but I won't fail again. I'm supposed to be the shield that covers us from danger and I failed.” Douge clenched his teeth as he shoved his hand into the fire and a gasp came from the crowd.

  “ Let me go!—You can let him— That's my child.” Nobody moved, just watching Douge's own father was holding back his mother. “Stop.” She screamed yet Douge held his hand there not flinching as his skin sizzled under the flames. By the time he pulled his hand out, it was red and blistered. The cuffs around his suit jacket were burnt and smoldering. He walked a stand between Sophia and Rin. The three of them glanced at one another giving each other reassuring smiles.

  The funeral proceedings continued late into the night hours Liliandra's father insisted that the three of them stay next to him as he greeted and talked with each and every single person of his tribe. Most gave words of platitude, others heart-filled sobs for the lost princess. Eventually the man led them to a yurt. There was chatter inside already and smoke billowed out of it the yurt what's constructed of one large piece of tan hide. The monster. They must have hunted for this single piece of skin had to be enormous, the hide was dyed a vibrant red and feathers sewn into it accenting the points in which poles had been affixed from the inside. Two younger beast-kin greeted Zalindra and he sent them off to tend to the flames with specific instructions to not let the fire burn out until morning. Upon entering they found Ten people sitting around a fire that was dug into the floor in the center. Rin easily recognized a number of them. Kenji was sat with some kind of red lizard in his lap, next to him was a beast kin more human than beast The most discerning bestial feature was his lion's tail both men wore suits similar to Rin and Douge's with slight collar variations all various shades of black or deep blue, next to him was a female Beast-kin presumably his mother she wore a black dress that fit tightly to her body with a slit in the side to reveal her legs. Besides the woman was Douge's parents, his father seemed content to talk with Kenji's father, both men wearing similar suits to their sons. Douges mother however stood up with anger in her face and the female beast-kin grabbed her by the arm pulling her to the floor shaking her head. Kenji's father, a man who seemed so ordinary that amongst these people he appeared to be the most unordinary. Valder was next talking with that woman he had seen earlier. Valder wore his typical Butler's outfit, the same outfit he seemed to wear everyday. The woman turned briefly to look at them before returning her attention to Valder. She had strawberry blonde hair that was done into a bun and hung up on the top of her head. Her hair seemed to be done in such a way to accentuate her elf ears she wore the simple robes of the church of Lumia. Alverez who sat on the complete other side closer to Kenji then the women has swapped his white lab coat out for a black trench coat though he still wore his scrubs underneath his golden jewelry still on display.

  “ What is this?” Sophia asked and Valder was the one to respond.

  “ This is the talk we should have had a long time ago. One to give context to your sufferings.”