Universal War E-Book

LaDae Roberson

• Herausgeber: BooxAi
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

In a world of new changes The land of Kirkoff divided by two nations The City and The Kingdom are at constant odds with each other. Nearly 400 years have passed since The Human-dragon War, or The Second Great War, The Zamprican Empire amassed an army to take over and conquer the world. One man who lost his family to this empire forges an army and goes to war with them.

"You're either go'in to hate me or you're go'in to like me." - Tony Montana

Leseprobe

LaDae Roberson

Universal War

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2023 by LaDae Roberson

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance t actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published by BooxAI

ISBN: 978-965-578-651-4

UNIVERSAL WAR

LADAE ROBERSON

CONTENTS

Prologue: Beginning Destruction

1. Chapter 1: Love and Revenge

2. Chapter 2: Ninja Training

3. Chapter 3: Imperial Business

4. Chapter 4: A Dark Heart

5. Chapter 5: The Way of the Assassin

6. Chapter 6: Echo Base

7. Chapter 7: Eon’s Childhood

8. Chapter 8: Family Ties

9. Chapter 9: The Young Assassin

10. Chapter 10: Unexpected Allies

11. Chapter 11: The Eastern Bandits

12. Chapter 12: The Defense of Bricksburg

13. Chapter 13: Naval Preparation

14. Chapter 14: Battle of Xing Cao

15. Chapter 15: Benevolence or family

16. Chapter 16: Revenge over Benevolence

17. Chapter 17: Fated Sorrow

18. Chapter 18: The Tiger Army Rises

19. Chapter 19: The Prodigy

20. Chapter 20: A Pause of Battle

21. Chapter 21: The Prodigy’s Legacy

22. Chapter 22: Assault on the North (part 1)

23. Chapter 23: Assault on the North (part 2)

24. Chapter 24: The Imperial Code

25. Chapter 25: Battling the Concord

26. Chapter 26: Despair in Every Corner

27. Chapter 27: Soul Mates

28. Chapter 28: Science and Strategy

29. Chapter 29: Family Issues

30. Chapter 30: United Cause

31. Chapter 31: Deadly Ties

32. Chapter 32: The Red Dawn

33. Chapter 33: Pain and Suffering

34. Chapter 34: Fall of The Empire

35. Chapter 35: Ghoul Sensations

36. Chapter 36: A Royal Entry

37. Chapter 37: Secrets

38. Chapter 38: The Black Shadow

39. Chapter 39: Balancing Nature

40. Chapter 40: The Mighty Force Cause

41. Chapter 41: Revolution

42. Chapter 42: Montana Strength

43. Chapter 43: The Search for Thomas

44. Chapter 44: A New Threat

45. Chapter 45: Don’s Return

46. Chapter 46: A Born Demi-god

47. Chapter 47: A New Path to Peace

48. Chapter 48: Agony

49. Chapter 49: A Surprise

50. Chapter 50: The One-Eyed Ghoul

51. Chapter 51: Operation Ghoul Extermination

52. Chapter 52: Facing The New Empire

53. Chapter 53: The Two Suns

54. Chapter 54: The Universal War

55. Chapter 55: The Ghoul Child

56. Chapter 56: The Warriors of The Underworld

57. Chapter 57: Final Confrontation

58. Chapter 58: The Black Mountain Bandits

59. Chapter 59: The Final Step

60. Chapter 60: The Prodigy’s Destiny

61. Chapter 61: Kabuta’s Lair

62. Chapter 62: A New Generation

63. Chapter 63: Rookie to Hero

64. Chapter 64: The First Mission

65. Chapter 65: Into the Oven

66. Chapter 66: Ambitions and Conquer

67. Chapter 67: Awaiting Arrival

Epilogue: A Bright Future

PROLOGUE: BEGINNING DESTRUCTION

Don Montana is a man with brown combed hair and blue eyes. He has large muscles and a very calm personality. He lives his life in a city called Sombrea in a country called Kirkoff. The country is split off from people who live in the city with cars, advanced medicine, and other modern-day tech. They are often called city people by those who live outside the city, called kingdom folks. The people of the Kingdom live with medieval tech, using swords, bows, and magic. In the Kingdom, several kingdoms exist with their borders, rules, and lifestyle. Mythical creatures traverse the kingdom side, never venturing near the city. Kirkoff is surrounded by a few islands, most of which have hosts which are Hakusho, Hakusha, Luca, Baka, Lappland, and Acahaedra. Don graduated from high school two years earlier and attended college, going into the same school as his five brothers and sister. When he graduated college, he worked at a physical training program. One day, Don enters a library and reads a book. “Hmm, interesting,” a woman spoke. “So, you must be the muscle head everyone was talking about in the gym.” “Muscle head used to be an insult, but yes, I have muscles.” He lowers his book and sees a woman with blond hair, green eyes, and a black suit as she leans over his table. “Are you in one of my classes? I don't recognize you.” “No, but my class is in the same building next door, I believe.” “Well, what brings a government official to a public gym? Don't you have your own?” “True, but I desire other interactions with other people than criminals and agents.” “I see.” “I'm Silque Zareni.” “Don Montana.” “Montana? As in Tony Montana?” “Sure, he's a cousin.” “You know the government tries so hard to get him to join us, but he's such a hard man to convince.” “That's Tony for you.” “A man of your intelligence would be helpful for us too, you know. Why waste it in a gym?” “I like it.” “Seeing how you are, I suppose I won't change your mind.” “You should come to my class. I can teach you things your other class doesn't.” “Heh, are you wooing a government official?” “Only if you choose to hear it that way.” “I might actually consider it.” She stands up straight and adds, “Before I go; What's your favorite part?” “Favorite part? Oh, of the book... I like the part where the antagonist realizes his wrongdoing and tries to make up for it. If you ask me, I'd say I like him.” “So, do I...” She pulls out a card and writes on it, adding, “If you need any assistance with the government or change your mind, you know who to call.” She hands him the card and left. As he looks at it, he sees the office number and her number written on the back of it. “Hm, still got it.” After a few months of dating Silque, they later got married and had two kids. Twelve years have passed, and the family is asleep. Suddenly, the family wakes up from an explosion, and they hear screaming and gunfire. Don gets out of bed and puts on his clothes and heads to his living room, grabbing a sword from his case. Silque spoke, “Don, we have to go!” “Whoever these people are, they will regret coming here. Remember, I'm a Montana. Stay close to the kids and keep them safe.” Don heads out, closing the door. He unsheathed his sword and saw a few troops in armor with blasters and orcs with crude swords and shields butchering people as they ran. Don then charges the orcs and quickly cuts down a few. Then they turn their attention to him, rushing him, but he easily kills the orcs before they can attack him. The troops with blasters run to the area and shoot at him. “We need backup, we have a fighter!” Another adds, “Coordinates sent!” Don stabs an orc and uses him as a shield as he closes in on the troops. “The hell, who is this guy?” Don threw the dead orc at a troop, knocking him down, then beheads the troop next to the downed soldier and stabs the other. Then three more troops rushed the area and started shooting at him. Don kick-flips a shield, then threw it at them as he rolls, evading their bolts and hitting a troop with the shield. He drops as Don picks up a gun and shoots them down. Then Don got tackled from behind and pinned down by five troops as he continues to struggle. Two generals walk to him, one with black armor and a blaster holstered to his side. The general spoke, “You giving us trouble, how sad...” But in the end, you lost the glory of The Empire. These guys are orcs of Alfheim. I'm sure you city people read up on them. Oh yes, before you die, I'm General Luke Keys, and my friend here is General Lukias.” “You'll pay for this massacre!” “I have orders; I'm just carrying them out.” Don's family was dragged out of the house by the imperials. Don shouts, “Leave them out of this!” Keys spoke, “Sorry, orders are orders: 'Kill everyone'.” Lukias spoke, “Warthog… the blade of sacrifice.” Warthog gave Lukias a dagger as the imperials and orcs forced Don's family on their knees, and Lukias started chanting. Don asks, “W-what is he doing?” “You and your family have been chosen to be sacrificed for a wraith; the orcs seek him and will use him for power.” As the kids cry, Silque spoke, “One day, you kingdom bastards will get what you deserve!” “No one can stop us; we've beaten your government army before, and we can do it again. We are the most advanced army; no one can stop us. And when the orcs get their wraith, our alliance will be ironclad.” Don struggles to break free and spoke, “I'll kill you; I'll kill you all!” Lukias walks to Silque, and Don shouts, “Stop! Stop this!” Silque spoke, “I love you, Don.” “We'll get out of this; we have to.” Lukias slit her throat, and Don shouts as he cries. More troops rush in to hold him down. Then Lukias slit Don's kids' throats, and Lukias walks to Don still chanting and slit his throat.

CHAPTER 1: LOVE AND REVENGE

Five months later, Don wakes up in the process of his funeral. Then he rises up from his casket. The people freaked out as many ran away, but one person says, “I'm alive?! But how, my throat...” He checks his throat and feels no scars. Then he turns to the guy and asks, “Where's my family?” The man shows him to the grave of his family, and Don falls to his knees and lets out a shout. Then he speaks, “This can't be real. Please be a bad dream. Why? Why is this happening? I will avenge you if it's the last thing I do.” The world darkens around him, and he sees a light in the form of a person. “What is this?” he asks. “You are neither dead nor alive but banished from the realm of the living.” “Who are you?” “I was once alive like you, had a family like you, but Alfheim took them away. You and I share a common goal. The Empire allied with my enemy, and the orcs allied with yours.” “Then I can die in peace with my family?” “We have to kill the one who cursed us.” “I thought the orcs were trying to get the wraith for themselves.” “Is that so? They don't know how the power works.” “I'm going to need help, and who better to ask than the man who was in The Empire.” “Who's that?” “My cousin, let's go.” The wraith world vanishes as Don walks off. Three days later, Don arrives in a city named Bricksburg and gets out of the airport. He walks down the streets. After a few blocks, he sees some thieves running away as a cop chases them. Don trips the thieves and asks, “Hey officer, do you know where Tony Monana is?” The cop responds in a suspicious tone, “For what?” “To get help from.” “Why would he want to see you?” “I'm his cousin, Don Montana.” “Really?! Nice to meet you. I'm Rex Maximillius. Follow me.” “But what about these... oh, they're gone... sorry.” “Don't worry about it. They already lost the things they stole. Another squad is waiting for them. Come.” Rex leads Don to a mansion down the incline from the city. “He's normally there. If not, just wait. He's probably solving crimes.” “Thanks.” “Of course, take care.” Don walks to the mansion and rings the doorbell. Then a guy opens the door and asks, “Who are you?” “I'm Don... Montana.” “Hey Tony, it's for you, a relative of yours!” Soon a guy with dirty blond hair, big muscles, and hazel eyes steps out and says, “I'm Tony, and you are?” “Don.” “Ah, so you're his cousin. Tony, he's your cousin?” Then the henchman gets shot in the head. Tony and Don turn toward the hill, seeing assassins in the distance. One of the assassins shouts, “You missed, you fool!!” “No, I got him.” “That's not Tony; this is!” He shows a picture of Tony. Then Tony says, “Oh no, I got this.” Tony jumps high into the air and vanishes, then comes down smashing one of the assassins with his war hammer and whacks the other toward a building. Tony runs back to the mansion from three miles in 20 seconds. “Wow! You're impressive!” “Don, I know, but the sad thing is this city has more criminals than others. That's why Mayor Ryan made me the protector of it! Do you want to help me with something?” “What is it?” “Come.” Tony leads Don to the basement and says, “I have a portal built. Ten years ago, I had a time machine, but now it's gone, and I plan to make another. But there's not enough materials to do so, so I'll wait till later. I want you to test my portal!” “O-ok, I'll see if it works.” Then Tony turns it on, and Don walks through it and appears in a new place in a village that's in the forest. Don walks to a man and asks, “Where am I?” “You're in the Ninja Village in the Kingdom.” “So, it worked. Well, I need to get going.” He turns and sees the portal is gone. “Great, now I'm trapped here. How does this place work?” “Are you lost?” “Yes.” “Well, then, follow me.” They walk to an open field, and the man says as he picks up a leaf, “I'm Kimshiko Yaku. What's your name, and where are you from?” “I'm Don Montana, and I'm from the City.” “So, you're not a ninja at all.” “Yep.” “Hmm… how about I teach you some ninjutsu?” “Really, but I'm a city person.” “Anyone can learn spells and ninjutsu as long as they're willing to learn it.” “Ok, I'll kill some time with it.” “Alright. From this point on, you will call me Sensei, ok?” “Alright.” “First, we must see if you fall under a category of jutsu.” “Wait, jutsu?” “Yeah, jutsu. It's what we ninja have: an element chart, Fire, Lightning, Water, Earth, and Wind. Each person has a chakra type born in us, here.” He hands Don a paper. “A paper?” “It's a chakra-infused paper. How it works is it picks up your chakra nature and responds to it. If it burns, you have fire type; if it splits, you have wind; if it wrinkles, you have lightning; if it turns to dirt and crumbles away, you have earth; and if it becomes wet, you have water style. Try to focus all your chakra onto it.” “So, what exactly is chakra?” “That will be taught later; for now, focus your energy on the paper.” Don puts his energy onto the paper, but nothing happens. “(sigh) It's pointless. I'm not a kingdom person; it won't happen.” “Are you sure? take a look.” Don looks at the paper and sees it has burned in half, soon being engulfed in flames. Don exclaims, “I-I-I have fire!” “Lucky for you, that's also my style, but I must ask permission to properly train you and get a team formed.” “From whom?” “From our 27th Hokage.”

CHAPTER 2: NINJA TRAINING

As Don and Kimshiko walk through the village with their buildings made from stone, some people occupy food stalls as people get food from them. They stop by a ramen shop, and Kimshiko spoke to a ninja with a green vest and brown hair, “Hey Iruka.” “Hey Kimshiko, who is he?” “This is Don.” Don responds, “Hi.” “Your clothes, no doubt you’re from the City, how’d you like it here in the Kingdom?” “I can’t really say much. I just got here, and my cousin’s portal closed on me. I’ve only seen your village so far.” “I see. Well, I’m sure you’ll love it here, despite us being called the Kingdom, we still have the basic necessities you city folks have.” “How so? I heard you Kingdom people are barbaric.” “Well, I can’t blame the City for their stories. However, we are just as barbaric as they are. One kingdom cannot define the whole Kingdom. So, if you don’t mind me asking, what chakra nature are you?” “Fire.” “Ah, fire, Kimshiko; you may actually have a student.” Kimshiko responds, “Indeed, actually right now we’re about to head to the Hokage’s mansion.” “Don’t let me hold you up then. Take care, guys.” “You too.” They head off as Iruka goes back to eating his ramen. “Don, when we get to the mansion, let me do the talking.” “Alright, I’m not really quite sure how I would speak to your leader anyhow.” They hear a man speak, “Who’s that with you Kimshiko?” “It’s Don, Haruki.” Haruki jumps down from the roof of a building, landing in front of them. “So, Don, huh, I’m Haruki Makoto...” Haruki has white hair that spikes up and has his headband covering his left eye with a book in his hand as he continues, “He doesn’t look like he’s from here.” Don responds, “Well… I’m not, because of my cousin’s portal I’m here.” “Well, then, that would explain a lot. See ya.” He vanished. “What was that?!” Kimshiko answers, “That was a clone.” “A clone?” “Yes, with another name; substitution jutsu. We use them to trick enemies. If it’s properly used, they can also help out in fights as an extra man. Come, we must see the Hokage soon.” The two continue to the mansion, walking up the steps. After fifty steps, they arrive at the mansion and enter the building, then walk up its steps to the third floor. Kimshiko leads him to a room, opening it. Don sees two women in the office; one of them has blond hair, green eyes, and is sitting at her desk, while the other has black hair and is holding papers. The woman with the papers speaks, “So, you’re Don.” “How do you know me?” The other woman answers, “Haruki told us you were coming.” Haruki’s voice speaks, “I hope I made a good introduction for you.” Don turns and sees Haruki sitting on the roof by the window reading his book. The woman sitting at her desk speaks, “I’m Yukira; this is Momoko.” Kimshiko asks, “Lady Yukira, can I have Don as my student?” “He looks like he could be of use. Sure, but you’ll need two more students to attend missions.” “I’ll find more students; for now, let’s train Don.” They leave the mansion, and Kimshiko speaks, “I know where to get two more students.” “Where?” “At the Ninja Academy, where you need to go.” Don has gone to the academy to get training in the use of ninjutsu. After a year of training and education, the Genin exams were open, and Don made some friends with some kids, one of them being Yamasu, a boy with black hair, and another one, Kinata, a girl with pink hair. As the three wait in the locker room, Yamasu exclaims, “I hope we win and become Genin!” Kinata responds, “Me too, but I have a feeling we will.” “If that’s the case, I’ll never doubt you if we all win.” Don speaks, “So, the ranking of Ninjas is Genin, Chunin, and Jonin.” Sedona responds, “Yes, but there are others but uncommon. My dad told me the other ranks are Onmitsu, Tokujonin, Saijonin, Tenjonin, and Gokujonin.” Yamasu speaks, “That’s a lot.” “Yes, but technically speaking, we still use Onmitsu and Tenjonin.” Don adds, “So, they took off some of them.” “Tenjonin had a name change to Kage, and it’s been many centuries since we even had a Gokujonin, so they took that off and made all the Jonins as one class.” Yamasu puts his hands on his head, adding, “Ugh, my head hurts.” They hear Yamasu’s name called, and Don speaks, “Good luck Yamasu.” “Thanks!” He steps out as Don and Sesona wait to get called up. “So, Don; how are you adjusting to our home?” “To be honest, I’m quite surprised with how the living is. Growing up, I was taught you kingdom people are savages, no clean water, bloodshed all the time, lack of basic needs really.” “Well, we have all that, unfortunately, the bloodshed thing is true. Some kingdoms like to war and expand their territory. Have you ever heard of The Empire?” “Heard of them, they ruined my life.” “Then you know how it is like for the others,” Zamprican decided to control every country from city to city, from island to island, and kingdom to kingdom. “Zamprican?” “It’s the kingdom The Empire comes from far to the North.” “Do they even have the numbers to do that?” “They have taken some of them; others are fighting but… are struggling… these kingdoms don’t have guns, tanks, or bombs, so they lose, and whenever The Empire wins, they either force people into the army or they join them to help provide for their families.” “How do you even know all this?” “I hear the Jonin talk about it. They don’t wish to be found by them, so we remain hidden.” “But you have ninjutsu…” “But they have numbers, even if all the ninjas join against them, they still will have numbers against us, not to mention a handful of their generals are inhumanly powerful.” “The Empire must be stopped at all costs.” “If you plan on fighting them, you’ll need an army of superhumans; not even the city government could beat them when they first rose to power, and that was… a different time.” Sesona was called up, then she spoke, “Well, it’s my turn. See you on the other side.” She walks off, and Don’s wraith appears, “It seems our little kunoichi had a great deal of knowledge on our enemy.” “The Empire is a lot worse than I had imagined.” “She provides a point; normal people won’t beat The Empire. When we get back to the City, you need to find a way to get people; we need to win this war.” “It’s not a war, it's just absolute domination.” “It’s a war. People are too afraid to call it as such, but once you get your army, it will be a war.” “What exactly is your story, why do you hate The Empire as much as me?” “I don’t hate The Empire as much as you, but the orcs, a select few really, they butchered my family as I watched, gutted my son, hung my wife. The Dark Lord kept me alive and enslaved me, I escaped but beyond that I don’t remember, not even my name.” “You must have been dead for a while then.” “That is not important, what is important is the fall of those two empires.” “What benefits do I get with you as my wraith?” “I’m to be your wraith…? Regardless, with me, you have super strength, super speed, a second opinion in battle plans, and immortality.” “Really?!” “You’re already dead and yet alive. Without me, you’ll die.” “I see.” “Until Tony finds you, try to play nice with these ninjas, it’s time to go out.” Don's name gets called up, then the wraith vanishes. As Don stands up and heads to the door, when he opens it, he sees an arena field big as a football field with walls reaching 30 feet, then runs to the center where a man and a boy are waiting. The boy has black long hair and wears a green jumpsuit. The Jonin spoke, “I’ll be your coach of this match. Ok, Don Montana, you’re versus Amurochimaru Kinski. Ready?” “Yeah.” Amurochimaru adds, “Let’s get this over with!” “Fight!” The Jonin vanishes, then Don uses quick hand signs and shouts, “Fireball jutsu!” Amurochimaru evades, then counters, “Water style: Water dragon jutsu!” Then Don dodged it and thought to himself, “With water style, he has an advantage against me.” After paying close attention to Amurochimaru’s signs, he did the same and spoke, “Water style: Water dragon jutsu.” A water dragon came out, then Amurochimaru counters with a water wall canceling the jutsus. As they explode, Amurochimaru ran at Don with incredible speed and stabbed him with his kunai and cheered, “Hah, I win!” “No, you’re wrong.” Then Don vanished as water falls to the ground, “What?! No!!” Then a paper kunai bomb explodes, blasting Amurochimaru onto the wall, and he passes out. Don lands to the ground, “Well, that took a lot out of me.” He dusts himself off, then heads to the exit. As he gets outside, he hears a voice cheering, “Way to go Don! We saw the fight!” He turns and sees Kinata and Yamasu running to him with Kimshiko talking as he’s walking to him, “Oh, you were very impressive Don, copying his jutsu.” “Really?” “Of course, one at your level wouldn’t be able to do it; it takes time to learn and practice new jutsus, especially one not in your chakra nature.” “So, how do they determine who becomes Genin?” “They vote… though winning does help, I’m certain all three of you have made Genin. Now go to your homes and get some rest; we’ll have training in the morning.” The three of them respond, “Yes Sensei.” They leave the area and head to their homes. Don enters a small apartment-like building, he closes the door and makes himself food, then sits on the floor at the small table and starts eating. “Tony, what’s taking you so long to find me?” The next day Don wakes up and heads outside seeing a letter under his mat, he takes it and reads it, “From here on, we promote you, Don Montana as a Chunin.” “What?!”He ran down the stairs and through the streets and out to the training field, seeing Kimshiko, Yamasu, and Kinata, and exclaims, “I’m a Chunin!” Yamasu and Kinata exclaim, “What, really?!” “Yeah, but Kimshiko Sensei, you know why?” “Yes… It’s because of you using Amurochimaru’s jutsu and learned to use a water clone to your advantage, both complex things to do the average Genin wouldn’t know how to use a clone, let alone summon one, but never mind that; we have training to do for our missions to come. Ok; for starters, we will start with chakra nature, energy, and forms.” Don adds, “Despite being in the Academy, I still don’t get it.” “Chakra is our energy that allows us to move and use ninjutsu. It’s all around us in living things and once living things. If you use all your chakra, you won’t be able to move and will take extreme damage from the enemy you’re fully received; think of it as the blood flowing in your body. Moving on to chakra nature; chakra nature is what you’re born with. For example, Don, you’re born with fire nature, you can use other jutsu as you’ve seen; you just have to learn them. Being born with one doesn’t mean you can’t use others, Yamasu…” “Yes, Sensei!” “What’s your first jutsu you used?” “It was Chidori, Sensei.” “Hm, your chakra nature is lightning. Kinata, what’s yours?” “It’s earth style.” Yamasu spoke, “So, you’re saying our chakra nature is from our parents?” “Yes, if your parents had different chakra natures, you would have the ability to easily learn those natures.” “What chakra nature are you, Kimshiko Sensei?” “Fire. For the final lesson is form; you can change the form of your ninjutsu. For example…” Kimshiko turns around and begins his signs, “Fireball jutsu!” A fireball emerges and strikes, then he shouts, “Fire dragon jutsu!” The dragon charges the burning tree causing the tree to burn more. “Doing that takes more chakra than normal. That will conclude today’s training; tomorrow meet me at the gates. We will start our practice outside.” Everyone responds, “Right!” Don and the kids left the field and explored the village looking around in the shops, and at a bookstore, Don sees a book titled ‘Makeout Tactics’. “Hm, this book…” The shop owner spoke, “Ah, that series sold millions even in the city.” “I see, I’ve never seen one in the library.” “I can’t answer why but it’s popular; I’m certain you’ll like it.” “Do you have all the series?” “I have all the current series.” “There’s still going to be more?” “As far as I heard.” “I see, well, let’s see if this is good; I’ll take the series you got.” “Great! That will be 847 yen.” “Here you go.” “Thank you, and remember, take care of these books. With a series this popular, they’re worth a lot more than you think.” “I will treasure it, thanks.” Don left the store and arrived at his home, moving on with his day. A week later, Don is walking in the village as he thinks to himself, “Now that I’ve been in the village for a while, I kinda like it here.” He arrives at the training field, meeting up with his team, and Kimshiko spoke, “Today you will be sparing each other, learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, for when we do get a mission, that information will be crucial to help you survive and improve as a team. Don, you’re up first against Yamasu, don’t hold anything back, fight as if your life depends on it.” They both spoke, “Right!” The two faced each other on opposite sides of the field as they got in their battle stance, then Kimshiko spoke, “Begin.” The two charged each other; they clashed kunais then Don swings his leg, but Yamasu jumps as he throws three kunais, but Don shouts, “Water style: Water wall jutsu!” He blocks the kunais then leaps at Yamasu, and he spoke, “Lightning dragon justu!” The dragon strikes Don but he vanishes. “What?!” Don appears behind him and speaks, “I’m a master of trickery.” He kicks him flying back then adds, “Lightning dragon jutsu.” A lightning dragon charges Yamasu. As he hits the ground, he gets up quickly and speaks, “Lightning flash jutsu!” He throws a lightning shuriken tearing through the dragon. As Don narrowly evades, the jutsu Yamasu shouts, “Chidori!” He rushed him then Don spoke, “Water prison jutsu.” He traps Yamasu in a water orb. Yamasu gets electrocuted from his jutsu, screaming in pain, then Don releases the jutsu, “I win.” “You have really quick eyes if you can catch me like that.” “Something of the like.” Kimshiko responds, “Regardless, that was impressive, and you copied his lightning style, interesting. You can control water, fire, and now lightning. How are you able to do such things?” “A gift, I suppose.” “Hmm… let's proceed with training. Don, you will go up against Kinata.” “Right.” Kinata asks, “Um, Sensei, if this training is supposed to teach us to capitalize on each other's weaknesses, how do we do that with Don? He… doesn’t seem to have one.” “Everyone has a weakness no matter how tough they are or how skilled; no one is unbeatable.” “Yes, Sensei.” “Rest up, Yamasu, you'll be going up against Kinata. Kinata, Don, you ready?” Don answers, “Yeah.” “Yes, Sensei,” Kimshiko spoke. “Ok, begin!” Don rushes her, then Kinata shouts, “Earth style: Earth shore jutsu!” A wall rises in front of her. Don runs up the wall, getting to the top. Kinata kicks him back and adds, “Earth flow river!” Don starts to sink in the mud. Kinata spoke, “Earth dragon bullet!” The dragon head fires mud balls at Don, but he spoke, “Water style: wild water wave.” He blasts the mud balls, slowing them down, then adds, “Earth style: Earth dragon bullet.” “What now, you're copying my jutsu?!” He blasts the mud balls heading toward him and breaks the wall she's standing on. As she falls, Don charges her, but she lands on her feet and evades Don's fist. She then swings her fist, punching him in the gut, making him stumble back. Then Kinata threw down smoke bombs, and as they go off, Don gets surrounded by a cloud of smoke. He places his hands on the ground. “Earth style: Earth wall jutsu.” Several walls rise around him. He adds, “Try and find me.” He sinks to the ground, then rises out of the smoke, pulling out his book and starts reading. An explosion goes off in the smoke cloud. As the smoke clears, Kinata exclaims, “What?! But how...?!” “I learn fast and adapt to a situation. Are you sure you want to continue this?” He turns the page in his book. “Don't lose to you that easily.” “I'll take that as a no, and I won.” He closes his book, and Kinata asks, “How so?” “Allow me to show you.” Water clones appear around her in the puddles of water. They rush her, and she holds them back as they vanish with every strike. She lands on one, and then Don sinks to the ground. He reappears, grabbing her legs as two clones kick her in the back and the chest. Then she kneels down as Don rises up. “Told you.” Kimshiko spoke, “Very impressive.” Don adds, “I'm not a big fan of beating up kids.” “It's just training, Don. This will actually help them grow stronger. Rest up, Don. Yamasu, ready?” “Yeah.” “Kinata, are you ready?” “Let's do this.” “Alright... beg-” Suddenly, a ninja jumps in and speaks, “Kimshiko, we have an intruder at the gates. His power level is off the charts. All skilled shinobi are needed.” “Right, we'll be there. Let's go, Don.” “Ok.” The ninja jumps off out of sight, then Yamasu asks, “What about Kinata and me?” “Stay here. If we were to be killed, it's best you were left out of it,” he responds disappointedly. “Yes, Sensei.” Don and Kimshiko left the field and headed toward the gate, and they see a man with dirty blond hair with a lab coat. Don exclaims, “Tony?!” “Hi, Don.” Then a ninja spoke, “Y-you know him?” “Yeah, he's my cousin.” Tony spoke, “We gotta go, Don.” “But how?” “With this!” He holds up a white gun. “What is that?” “It's a portal gun. I had help with it. Now come, we got to go.” “Fine, but give me a minute...” He turns toward the ninjas as Tony walks through the portal and continues, “Well, bye everyone.” Then Kinata emerges from the crowd and spoke, “But you can't leave us, we're a team.” Yamasu adds, “Yeah, without you, we're not the same.” “But I must go back; I have business to finish. I'll miss you all. Besides, you can always get another team member.” “Yeah, but it won't be the same.” “I'll always be with you in heart and spirit, farewell, everyone.” Then he went through the portal.

CHAPTER 3: IMPERIAL BUSINESS

After Don went through the portal, he found himself back at Tony's mansion and spoke, “What took you so long, Tony?” “Oh, I had to make a portal gun to go to whatever place I wanted.” “How'd you know where I was in?” “I saw some warriors just before it closed on me.” “So, who helped you make it?” “It was-” An energetic voice interrupts, “Meeeee!” A man in a construction suit with a name tag that reads 'Emmet' speaks. Tony shouts, “Emmet!! Don't you ever cut me off!” Then he punches him to the ground, and Don exclaims, “Tony!” “Don't worry; he can revive if I kill him.” “How?” “No clue; he just can. He said something about some imperials did it. I think they experimented on him.” Emmet gets up and speaks, “They did experiment on me… trying to make an invincible army.” Don exclaimed, “Damn those imperials!!” “What?” “They're the ones that killed my family!” Tony responds, “Don't worry; we'll help you avenge them. Like I say, 'never mess with a Montana.' First, we're going to need an army.” “Thanks, guys.” Suddenly, troops bust through the windows, shooting. Tony shouts, “Oh no, it's The Empire; everyone prepare for a fight!” Tony's henchmen start firing back. Then Don sees a troop with red armor with a halberd attached to his back as he shoots down the henchmen with his blaster rifle. “Tony, I'll take care of the ones inside; you and Emmet take care of the ones outside.” “Ok.” They leave, and Don jumps down the stairs and speaks, “You find entertainment in killing innocent people?” Don runs at the troop in red armor and tackles him. The troop kicks Don off and rolls to his feet as he responds, “No, but I follow orders, good or bad. Orders are orders.” He removes his helmet and sets it down, revealing he has black, bushy, slicked-back hair and green eyes. “The name's Zant, Zant Yazuba. Not that it matters anyway since you're going to die.” “We'll see about that, Zant.” Don unsheathes his sword and points it at Zant as Zant pulls out his halberd and does the same. Don swings at him, but Zant blocks, then spins around his halberd, kicking Don back. He lands, pulling out his halberd from the ground; he swings at him, but Don evades and counters, but Zant quickly ducks under the blade, binding back, then flips in the air, landing away from Don and adds, “Time to get serious.” A powerful force erupts from his spear, then he charges Don, and Don blocks, then counters, but Zant quickly jumps back, then leaps at him with the same speed, but Don narrowly evades his spear as he jumps over him. Then Don swings at his head, but Zant ducks, then kicks Don back. Zant charges him. Don swings at him, but Zant quickly, in a flash, appears in the air swinging at him, and Don blocks, then Zant pulls Don's sword out of his hand and kicks him back. “What do you know, I was right; you will die anyway.” Then he swings at Don as he leaped in the air. Then a flare was shot in the air, and all the imperials cease fire as Zant halts his blade an inch from Don's head. Then Zant turns around from him, and Don backflips away from Zant. A voice shouts, “Everyone fall back to the base!” The imperials start to leave as Zant walks away, picking up his helmet. “You're lucky General Agent Keys showed up.” He puts on his helmet and leaves. Don speaks, “Keys… Keys!!” He runs outside and sees Keys standing on top of an Imperial Armored Assault Truck that is grey and has a ladder to the side. Keys sees Don and exclaims, “Y-you… how are you alive?!” “I will kill you!” “Hmph… good luck with that; frankly, I'm a little bored. We can settle things at the Kiyasi Mountains. I'll give you three years to prepare your army; I'll expect a good challenge.” The trucks drive off, then Keys adds, “Oh, and Don, say hi to my brother for me when I kill you as well!” Don walks away, and Tony asked, “Hey, Don, where're you going?” “To get an army.” “The town's this way.” “I know.” Emmet asks, “Then why are you heading the other direction?” “Because… I'm going to get a book!” “A book…? I like books!” Tony replies, “A book, a book's not going to get us an army!” Don spoke, “See ya!” “Don, you better meet us back here!” “I have revenge to get; I wouldn't dream of leaving you to do it.” A day later, Don arrives at a small library near the border that reads 'Magical books and spells.' Don enters the building, seeing many books and a stairway leading up. “This place itself is magical.” A hooded man in a grey robe rises up from behind the counter and speaks with a hollow voice. “Welcome.” “Do you get many customers, I mean being out in some plains near the border? It's got to be slow.” “I go where I am needed, need you be Kingdom or City, I can provide service to all.” “Are you Kingdom?” “Hahaha, trivial question. I appeared before you simply because of your desire to get a book, yet you appear to be heading to Kingdom territory. What book do you seek?” “Any books of knowledge?” “Third floor.” Don walks up the spiraling steps to the third floor, seeing hundreds of books. He walks around looking at them and spots a book that's black, and the cloaked man made of black mist speaks, “That's the book of creatures, it has knowledge of every creature recorded.” “I'll take it.” “That will be 2000 dollars.” “(scoffs)... Here.” He hands him 2000 dollars, and the man makes it vanish. “Anything else?” “Do you have any books of spells I can work with?” “Second floor.” “Thanks.” He heads down the stairs, soon staring at a book that's brown and reads 'White and Black magic.' “Oh, this is a good one.” “That will be 1500 dollars.” “Gwa! You're really getting on my nerves with that!” He hands the man the money and heads down the stairs, heading to the exit. The man speaks from behind the counter, “See you again.” Don leaves the building and speaks, “What a strange man.” He turns around, seeing the building is gone. “Wh-what the…” Don steps back then walks off. A month later, Don's at the mansion and reading his 'Make Out Tactics.' Tony and Emmet arrive with a large army. “Hey, Don!” Don looks up, closes his book, and stands up. “Tony.” “Yeah!” “You overdid it.” “I know, we have about two hundred thousand men and women! Also, we have some generals of our own! Wait, now I have to pay for two hundred thousand people (sobs).” “Who are the generals?” “(sighs) My generals come forth.” Five people stepped up, and Don spoke, “What are your names?” A guy with long black hair, hazel eyes, and a name tag “William Hughs, prince of the Daedric Empire, Dric. I am ready to fight and die for your cause.” “From the Kingdom, interesting. You?” The guy next to William has brown messy hair and brown eyes. He answers, “I'm Eric Hughs, younger brother of William, also ready to die for you.” Tony adds, “I would have guessed.” The guy next to Eric has pale white skin, is bald, and has grey eyes. He speaks, “I am Nickoli Oil, ex-imperial officer of the imperial army.” Tony spoke, “I would have also guessed that, I mean how many imperial armies are there, please tell me.” Don asks, “What happened to you?” “I was soaked with bleach and lit on fire. After that, I killed the ones who burned me, chopped them to pieces, and fed them to my dogs.” “Ok, that's dark.” “I know. Mwahahaha!” Tony adds, “Yuck, I don't like that laugh.” The next person has brown hair combed back and has three hair strands in front of his green eyes. “I'm Ethan Williams, an assassin AKA the Green Flash, ready anytime!” Tony responds, “Okay, do something cool.” “Uh, I got nothing right now.” “Well, then you're not prepared for everything; you already lost that title before you can gain it.” Finally, the other guy has short orange hair to his neck and has amber eyes. He spoke, “Eon Echunent, I've killed a thousand men in a single night and willing to kill more.” Tony spoke, “I like this guy.” The troops in the back gasp, and Eon replied, “What it's not like you didn't kill anyone.” “We're not gasping for that; it's your last name.” “Oh yeah, forgot to say, I'm a family member of the most famous assassins! Isn't that something!” Tony states, “Ah, I knew that name sounds familiar.” A voice yelled, “Wait, you forgot me!” Emmet spoke, “Yep, that explains the numbers; I counted six but five are here. I thought I was going blind.” A short man showed up, has slick back hair that's both black and white, and holds his axe. Tony exclaims, “Where's the rest of you?!” Don asks, “You're a midget?” “Really, they prefer little people; me, I'm a dwarf! The name's Balin Thondin, prince of Orzammar, nice to meet you!” Tony adds, “That's good then, nice to meet you, I'm Tony.” Eric spoke, “Wait…” William adds, “If you're a dwarf…” Ethan asks, “Then where's the beard, is it invisible?” “I didn't like it, so I cut it off.” Nickoli spoke sarcastically, “Yay, we have a beardless dwarf on our side. Let's get to the fighting already!” Tony asks, “Are you a hobbit; you don't look like a dwarf?!” He pulls out a fake beard and puts it on Balin. “There ye go, that's a dwarf!” Balin rips the beard off, and Tony responds, “Aw, but it looks flattering!” “I don't like it.” “But it makes you look like a real dwarf.” Don spoke, “Hold your horses, Nickoli; we can't charge the enemy without a plan, we-” Nickoli interrupts, “Well, I don't need a plan to kill.” Tony responds, “I will not go unheard!” The air fills with silence as Nickoli and Don glare at each other. Tony spoke, “Now why is it quiet...?! Ok, everyone, go home and meet back here next month!” Don pulls out a kunai and throws it at the top of the mansion, killing an imperial spy still staring at Nickoli. Then William, Eric, Eon, and Ethan vanished as Balin and the other troops leave. Nickoli scoffs as he turns around. “You want to know something, Don?” “What?” “That story I told you, part of it was a lie. I was burned… but died and yet I live.” Emmet asks, “How does that work?” Tony adds, “Yeah, how does that work?” “How it works… is I'm invincible. I'm a god.” Then he walks off, adding, “A god, Don, a god! Mwahahaha!” Tony shouts, “Again, I don't like that laugh!” The three walk to the mansion waiting to begin their battle with Keys. A month has passed, and the mansion is repaired as they assemble outside. Don, Tony, Emmet, and Balin are talking in the mansion lobby. Tony spoke, “Alright, today is the day we see our army attack!” Don adds, “We need a leader, and I have already decided to be the strategist.” Emmet responds, “I could be the leader!” Don and Tony shout, “No!” Balin adds, “We need someone with ruling power and confidence.” Emmet exclaims, “Yeah, me!” “You're not on the list, that's for sure. I mean you have the confidence but not the power.” A young voice spoke, “My brother can be the leader.” The four turn and see three kids about 17, 16, and 15, with red hair and sky-blue eyes. The kid on the right has combed back hair as the other two have choppy hair, but the one on the left has some black in his hair. Don asks, “Who are you?” They answer, left to right, “I'm Adren...”“Aaron...”“Arick...” Then they add together, “We are sons of Aren Sunscar.” Balin mumbles, “Boy, talk about twins.” Aaron responds, “We're not twins.” Adren adds, “We rehearsed it.” “Well, you earned a medal for acting, bravo.” Don asks, “Who's the oldest?” Aaron and Adren answer, “Arick.” Adren adds, “Two years apart.” Don spoke, “Ok, I'll make you the leader then.” Tony exclaims, “But we just met these guys!” “I know, but fighting The Empire, when they see a kid in charge, they will underestimate us, and they will fall.” Don walks outside and shouts, “We have a leader, Arick Sunscar.” The others walk outside, and Nickoli yells, “What?! You chose a new recruit and not Eon! The man is a famous assassin; his name alone will strike fear into the hearts of the enemy!” “And that's why I didn't choose Eon because he's a famous assassin. He would attract unwanted attention from men who want to kill him.” Eon adds, “They can try; they won't lay a finger on me.” Nickoli huffs as Don spoke toward Arick, “Give your first order, Arick.” “Okay… Everyone, let's move out, to the mountains!” The army marches out riding vehicles, and Don asks, “Hey Arick, Aaron, Adren, you have weapons?” Arick answers, “No.” “Here.” Don hands them longswords, and Adren responds, “Longswords?” “Not just any longswords, but enchanted longswords. See the markings on them?” Aaron replied, “Yeah.” “Those are the magic abilities they summon, like fire or earth and other elemental attacks.” “Really?! Thanks!” “No problem; these blades are made in the kingdom by the elves, take care of them.” Arick adds, “We will.” Nickoli spoke, “Not only did you make one of them leader but you give them enchanted blades. Man, the world we live in.” “Don't worry, Nickoli's jealous. Get some sleep; the road is long to our stop.” Arick replies, “Alright.” The brothers try to get their sleep, then Nickoli spoke, “Man, Don, you treat those kids like they're yours, why is that?” “I have no time for you, worm, good night.” “You dare lay your hands on me; I would-” “You'll what… kill me? Killing me would do no justice since my family has been killed.” Nickoli growls then vanishes, and Don closes his eyes, drifting to sleep. The next day, Don woke up and sees the troops camped on the mountains with tents set up around the area. Balin spoke as he pops up by the door, “Morning, sleepyhead.” “Why didn't you wake me up?” “I didn't want to disturb you.” “Well, as a strategist, I must prepare strategies early.” Don gets out of the truck and walks to the big tent with the other generals waiting. “Alright, where's the map of the mountains?” A troop spoke, “Here, Prime Minister.” Don takes the map as he adds, “Prime Minister?” “Yeah, you're our strategist.” “Yeah, but Prime Minister…? I just became a strategist.” “I see more to you.” The troop removes his helmet; he has natural brushed hair that's orange, green eyes, and a big smile. “The name's Mac Suenstin, a sergeant of the army and once served The Empire, I'm here to get my brother back.” “Your brother is in this enemy army?” “Yes, he serves under General Drake Siberian.” “I see, well, it's nice to meet you, Mac.” “Likewise.” “Now let's get this battle started; do they know we're here?” “No, sir.” “Good, the element of surprise is in our favor. I want Generals Eon and Ethan to lead the frontal assault to the east and west side, surrounding the enemy's central garrison, while Eric and William attack from the south.” Tony, Nickoli, and Emmet will guard Arick here. Balin, I leave you in charge of the supplies. Everyone else can act as they see fit. I'll prepare my strategy; a fire attack. Try to keep the noise level to a minimum for the surprise attack to work. Let's begin.” The army moved out, and Don overlooked the valley. Eon radioed in, “I got the east side, roger.” Ethan spoke, “Got the west over.” Don adds, “Good, just wait for Eric and William.” Then William spoke, “Got the south, waiting for your signal.” Ethan responds, “You forgot over, over.” “We're in the middle of war, why should that matter?” Don spoke, “Oil style: Oil manipulation jutsu.” The barrels behind him burst open with oil rising in the air, then it forms into a spear and hurls toward the central camp, splashing everywhere. Then Don spoke, “Oil expansion jutsu.” As the oil spreads out, Don jumps in the air. “Water clone jutsu.” Twenty clones appear, and they all speak, “Fireball jutsu.” The camp gets set ablaze as many imperials run screaming as they are burning. Don lands and spoke, “Everyone, charge!” The army charges the burning encampment. After walking through the flames, Don sees Zant waiting for him with his halberd at hand, dripping with blood. “I'll admit that's an impressive strategy, but it won't work on me.” “We'll see about that.” They charge each other, clashing blades. “This time Keys won't save you, he's at Mount Key.” Don kicks Zant in the gut, then punches him down, but he quickly gets up sliding back. Then he adds, “Impressive, I'll withdraw, for now, next time we meet, you're dead.” He ran off. Ethan shouts, “We have the camp!” Eon asks, “Now what?” Don answers, “We attack what's precious to them, their supply lines. Eon, Ethan, I leave that to you; here's the map.” Ethan adds, “Right, you can count on us!” “Take some troops with you.” Eon responds, “We don't need troops; we'll be fine.” They vanish with a blur, and Eric responds, “No wonder, Eon killed a thousand troops in one night.” “Eric, I need you to… where's your quiver?” “What?” “Don't you have arrows for that bow?” “I don't need arrows when I have phantom arrows.” “Phantom arrows?” “Yeah, this bow chose me as its master; it's a legendary weapon, mind you. It allows me to fire my arrows, which are visible to me. When it hits, it's visible to everyone, then it disappears a second faster than you know you've shot.” “I also noticed you have the same vanishing technique as the assassins.” “Yup, so does my brother!” “Speaking of which, what's your ability, William?” “I can freeze time.” “Man, Tony's good at recruiting people.” Eon and Ethan appeared, and Ethan exclaims, “We fought a general there!” Eon adds, “His name is Jacques, and he escaped us.” Don responds, “He must be their strategist, to predict the supply base would be next and to escape you two… I must ask, was there any supplies there?” “None.” “He's good.” Balin and dozens of troops marched to them with food. “Here's some food, guys; you'll need a break before resuming the assault!” The troops put out the fire as everyone starts eating, and Ethan spoke as he's eating, “I know this is bad timing, but… Nickoli is on the front lines.” Don shouts, “What?! Hand me the map!” Eon hands him the map, and Ethan spoke as he points on the map, “He went down this route.” “Oh no, Nickoli is heading for a trap.” Don ran off to save Nickoli. Later, he sees Nickoli killing imperial troops with his enchanted war axe. “Nickoli, fall back; you'll mess up the plan I have set.” “So, what, I'm a liability?” “You're not, but you're putting my plan at risk; please fall back.” “You should see these taunts they threw at me!” He hands Don three pieces of paper. The first reads, “Why are you in the rear guard, are you too chicken to fight?” Then the second reads, “What kind of god sits in the back like a coward in battle?!” Finally, “I thought you're a god, if so, why cower in fear, afraid to break your precious nails.” Don burns the notes and asks, “How do they even know you're in the rear lines let alone know you're in my army?” “Spies, perhaps, or… scouts. That's besides the point; I can't let them harm my good name!” “(sighs) A true warrior doesn't fall for taunts; neither do gods. If you believe you're a god, then fall back.” Nickoli thinks to himself then opens his mouth. “Alright.” Suddenly, a rockslide blocks their path to the central camp, and a voice spoke, “Well, well, well, look what we have here.” Then a troop in black armor jumps down from the cliff, and Don spoke with disdain. “Keys.” “Looks like I have a two for one.” He then pulls two swords; one is enchanted, while the other is poisoned, and adds, “Today isn't your lucky day.” Another general leaps down; he has brown hair, blue armor, and has an electrical staff on one end and a blade on the other. Nickoli exclaims, “Brother?”

CHAPTER 4: A DARK HEART