Chapter 1 - Revenge

Aurelius returned to his house, a shabby hut that he shared with his only friend in the world. She was a maid of the clan called Maisy. She was kind, loving and never hurt anyone. However,on this day, everything changed.

Aurelius greeted Maisy with a smile and she said, " I told you not to dawdle in the wood. It's dangerous and I worried for you."

"I'm fine Maisy, the woods won't harm me"

Maisy looked happy and began to say, " Aurelius, I've been saving up a while and I finally made enough to cook you some steak on your birthday, your favorite food." She was beaming jovially and Aurelius began to smile with equal gusto. He didn't say anything but instead hugged her, showing more than a thousand words. He spent the night happy, happier than he'd ever been before and for the first time in a long time, with a full stomach.

The next day, he woke up to a series of loud, repeated noises outside. Abruptly, he shot up and woke Maisy. Then, a huge crash assaulted their ears as a domineering man who was over 2 meters in height destroyed the door to their hut.

"Maisy!", he shouted, " You've been summoned to serve his highness, young master Maximus as his 24th concubine. You should be honored for your role and serve him well. Follow us now!"

Maisy looked frightened and shocked. Aurelius had never seen her like this and panicked. "No" , he called out in a mouse-like voice compared to the brute and stood in front of his most precious person, Maisy.

In return, the man stepped forward and spiritual power and Qi billowed outwards causing powerful fluctuations. The hut was destroyed and Aurelius was sent flying almost instantly.

The young master saw Maisy's despondent look and called out with unconcealed arrogance and dismissal.

" SUCH A BITCHY GIRL. I DON'T DESIRE HER! MEN, BEHEAD HER AND MAKE HIM WATCH!"

Aurelius was in panic. He'd never experienced such a situation before and he felt two large hands force him before Maisy, who was crying uncontrollably. Memories of the joyful dinner last night flooded past him and the image of her tending to his wounds from bullies of the Maximus family was like adding fuel to a spreading wildfire.

"NOOOO!!"

Before his eyes, the lovely Maisy, who'd never hurt a fly, was murdered on a whim. Once again, he was unable to comprehend why the world was so unfair, why the heavens didn't care for him. He only knew one thing. The Maximus clan would pay for what they did. No matter what, he would have his revenge. The men disdainfully looked upon him then left.

Aurelius sat for a whole night, festering in the hate and drive for revenge that consumed him. Then, he arose and walked slowly but surely to the forest. He was going to get revenge but there was only one way to do so. He needed power, something he'd never cared about before and he needed a lot of it. So, he began on a journey of revenge and slaughter, as well as a journey of cultivation and a roller coaster ride of emotions. This, is Aurelius Maximus' story.