CHAP35: The pain of the past

''Ethan now I'm going to teach you something'' while walking down the hall master Haze led me to a huge training hall.

''Now I'm going to teach you what's the difference between rune formation and sphere formation'' he told me which greatly elevated my mood.

''Okay first what do you know about the two kinds of formation''

''Well...the rune formation is made using refined essence qi which is being performed by using hand seals while array sphere formation is a set of magic sphere aline in a beautiful formation which is being supply either by used of blood or spiritual consciousness'' I said feeling curious to what teacher gonna say next.

''What you say is indeed right but let me take you deeper of their origin and main use''

Then master formed a hand seal from the ground a rune character appeared, it was very shiny the rune then turned into a ball of flame which ignited with vigor.

''Rune formation can harness the strength of different elements depending on what kind of rune you make with an excellent skill to refine your essence qi you be able to do it as well'' master then continues he flicked his finger and the flame rune dispersed on the ground.

''Master is it possible to use different elements at the same time?'' I asked feeling that it was possible with a proper way of formulation combining two elements will be achievable.

''It is indeed possible to create multiple elements with the right combination of runes but combining different kinds of runes might be tough since it will need another level of refining'' master smiled at me it seemed like he was expecting my questions then I felt that the essence qi swift towards a certain place I look at the ground again and there a magical sphere beautifully layer together it was an array sphere formation.

''Sphere formation can also handle elements but it depends on how it was created by the user the only difference it has to rune formation is that it can change the law of energies in a certain amount of area it can also create phenomena based on how it was created by the user''

''Master does that mean that there is no limitation in terms of usage of sphere formation'' I asked master then nodded his head in agreement.

''The limitations of any kind of formation depend on the creator who creates them.

Now then why don't you take a closer look at the formation you might noticed something'' hearing what he says I bend down to look and what I saw surprised me.

The magical sphere that is layered together has small runes that combine to form every part of the sphere formation this discovery sparked my curiosity.

''Master this is....'' I shutter my excitement was so intense that I couldn't finish my words.

''It is what you think.... sphere formation is based on rune formation to put it simply it was the second version of it.

Past alchemists put forth great research on upgrading the power of rune formation and what you see now is the fruit of it.

After hundreds of years, the third upgrade happened the use of scrolls and blood for activation was no longer needed they soon discovered that it could be activated by the use of spiritual consciousness''

I was amazed that it took that long for this formation to evolve into what I know now it makes me want to know them better.

''Now then it's your turn to learn them'' master was about to go when I asked him another question.

''Master do all formation Master learn rune formation before they learn to make sphere formation?''

''Not all of them know how to make rune formation since sphere formation doesn't need the essence qi refinement and also the use of rune to assemble a magical sphere has long been forgotten since a much convenient way has been made''

''Which one should I use the old or the new one?''

''I recommend using the old method because it has a more stable foundation than the new convenient one'' Seeing I don't have any more questions master takes his out of the training hall.

First I tried refining my essence qi and slowly putting them on my hand.

''It's harder than I thought'' Feeling like my fingers breaking apart I tried to concentrate even more soon I was able to complete one rune.

Hum!

The concentrated qi on my fingers was slowly released and a rune character appeared on the ground soon it turned into a small ball of flame.

''Whoa!'' I felt amazed and a sense of achievement filled me.

Next, I tried repeating it until I completely exhausted myself it was so tiring but when I thought I had finally regained my strength I went back on my training.

Boom!

The sky darkened from the storm I looked at it with great exhaustion I was so tired but I forced myself to stand up and slowly return towards the grand hall.

''Huh?!'' looking at the list of pills that I had to make I suddenly realized that I didn't have enough ingredients for it.

''What the heck is this I'm too tired to gather herbs''

Master had taught me not to rely on my background and only rely solely on my abilities but sometimes it felt like he just wanted to punish me everything except the inscription scrolls and knowledgeable books had to be gathered by me it was so tiring.

''Let's see I need to make an elevation pill...wait it should be level 7 and the due date is a week from now!'' I felt like all the energy in my body left I had to hurry and gather the materials I needed.

''Master I asked for your permission to let me venture the Aisle mountain I'll be needing them for the task you given to me'' I humbly asked my Master although I had to provide some materials for myself my master still had the right to know every action I do, after all, I might get caught in some dangerous task and I might not be able to return.

After my Master's approval, I went out on my journey to tell you the truth it was quite boring thankfully everything went well and I reached my destination.

Countless mountains appeared in my view in the middle of it stood a mountain even taller and bigger than any other you couldn't even see the top of it which was covered with thick clouds that mountain was called Aisle.

''Ugh....it looks like it'll be harder than I thought'' Just before I enter the mountain ranges I spray myself a tiny bit of crystal liquid just to take extra precautions.

''Now shall we enter'' As soon I set foot inside the mountain ranges I heard a handful of roars from different directions because of that I took even my robe to make sure I wouldn't be in trouble. My journey was fairly safe until I met her or better to say when she fell into my world.

Boom!

Thunder hit the Aisle mountain lightning up the thick clouds around it. From the tall mountain, a beautiful young girl who was brought by the thunder appears.

The young girl looks tired but you can see a trace of determination in her eyes as she looks around.

''I have to warn them'' she spoke with clarity she took one step and that's what took her determination away.

''Ahh!'' she couldn't help but react like that as she ended up tripping on the rock and rolling down the mountain.

Her voice attracted the attention of many beasts but none of them tried to chase or kill her they only observed the little girl who ended up falling down the mountain.

''Ow!'' suddenly while I was picking the herbs I needed something hit me and so I woke up rolling on the ground.

''What the heck is that'' Still spinning I tried to stabilize myself and there I saw a young girl who was the same as me trying her best from the dizziness we were feeling.

''You...where.....who are you?'' I don't know which one to ask so I just want to know where on earth did she came from. After she fixed herself up I was able to see her delicate features and how every part of her made you wonder if someone deliberately made her. Well, that's because she's too beautiful even the dirt on her face makes it even better, just when did dirty people became pretty.

Before I could even ask her again the sky trembled thunder hit Aisle Mountain and I'm sure of it danger was coming.

''No, he's here...I need to run!'' she immediately said running much faster than what you expect from her looks.

''Yeah maybe you should run but.....why am I being dragged by you!'' and now that I noticed it I was being dragged by this girl who sped even faster than I thought. Just who on earth is she?

''He will never let anyone live especially after you saw me here he'll definitely kill you''

What!.... What are you cursed? but of course, I didn't say that to her I'm afraid she might drop me on the ground. Until something happens well how can I say it she end up tripping and rolling with me down until we arrive at the foot of the mountain, seriously how many times does it have to happen I'm getting even more dizzy.

''Ugh!... unexpectedly that was even faster than your speed...by the way are you okay?'' but my questions had already been answered when I saw her while holding her waist.

''She's injured no wonder she can't keep her balance'' Blood began to drench her clothes I suddenly felt a growing fear within me.

''Don't worry everything will be fine'' I begin to examine her wounds when a very strong presence begins to close in.

''Sh*t!...I forgot about that jerk'' I lifted her while taking her to a much better place.

''He's coming'' she Weakly whispered to me of course damn! I know I can feel him but more importantly, I want to have a place for you.

''There..'' when I finally found a place good enough for me I carefully put her down her wounds were still bleeding so I took something from my ring to help.

Hum!

It was a healing orb an item that could create a field of healing zone everyone inside it would be healed.

''Stay here'' Then I went far from there and planted several formation scrolls on the waiting for my enemy to come.

''You seem to want to fight me'' A voice out of nowhere came to me which made me jump from where I was standing.

''How long have you been here? could it be he knows my plans'' those were the thoughts that circulating inside my head but I didn't let it show instead I summoned my golden danger ready for a fight.

''You are strange.....you are willing to help someone you didn't even know and you might even die after this'' that mysterious man said. Cold run to my spine he's too powerful to fight but I still firmly grip my dagger.

''May I ask first your name I don't want to fight someone I don't know'' I asked trying to buy some time for the scroll to absorb enough essence qi.

''I really want to answer you unfortunately I have no name I am nothing but a doll created to obey orders'' he said without any trace of emotion.

He's too strong everything became a blur before I could even think I was down on the ground already.

''Cough!'' blood drips from my mouth my bones and muscles are all down to bits and what's worst is that he's moving towards me.

''Man..... should've have....brought a much...better treasure'' This guy is no joke so now I'm dead meat should I call for my Master's help now?

''Huh?'' I noticed I couldn't form a connection towards my master it's as if something is hindering it.

''Apologies but I have set a barrier here to block any kind of communication so stop wasting your energy''

He did it he crashed my last trace of hope what should I do now? Man, my eyes are getting heavier I can't lift even my finger.....I'm too tired.

''Ha!'' right when I thought it was over suddenly a warm presence woke my dying body and revived my strength moving up I saw the girl that I helped all healed up she was standing in front of that mysterious man.

''I'll return with you just don't hurt him'' she courageously said but that man didn't want to stop he still wanted to kill me he ignored the girls' pleading and went towards me.

As for me, I felt like I was stronger than before for certain this power wasn't mine that girl mustn't have given it to me.

Thinking that I was still down and unconscious he raised the saber in his hand to finish me and that's where I took my chance.

''Stab!''

I swing the dagger I'm holding and it transforms into a spear closing the distance between us.

''Ugh!'' caught on guard my spear when through his body blood erupted and the ground was dyed red.

I knew it she gave it to me....she gave me her blessings her physique is seriously strong almost close to a Deity, just who on earth is she?

"You..... could it be?'' he must've realized what was happening as he turned his gaze at the girl.

''Mister don't ignore your enemy'' Being distracted I kicked him on his stomach and there you go he's now flying.

Hum!

My weapon glows feeling the blood of my enemy it seems like it's pulsating and reacting to something all of a sudden it wraps itself around me and turns into a golden robe-like armour.

''What the?'' I'm still confused but before I could inspect my weapon's new form I noticed that my enemy came at me like a cannonball.

I raised my arms to guard and unexpectedly the robe I was wearing grew. A huge golden shield to protect me.

''Whoa!'' I was really amazed to hear a metallic sound I confirmed that he already hit me and I guess he was flying again.

I took this chance as I dashed towards my enemy suddenly something triggered which I had forgotten I put in there.

Hum!

The ground glow that's when I remembered I put a sphere formation there it seems like it activated after it acquired its required strength.

The essence qi from the surroundings is concentrated in one direction the formation on the ground glows a burning flame ignites the ground as a huge flame dragon appears and attacks the enemy.

Boom!!

The impact was much more powerful than Ethan expected it plucked a hole in his enemy but he's still alive and prepared for another fight.

''This guy is still alive?'' I don't want to fight I'm only here for herbs yet here I am fighting a Demigod it seems like my luck isn't very good.

I move my hand and from it, a golden sword transforms then he and I clash.

Clang!

Both of our swords create sparks whenever they collide together whenever I gain some distance I transform my sword into a spear and stab him with it. My spear technique requires a certain distance from my enemy to activate its skill.

Soon wounds appear to each one of us I can also feel that the blessings are wearing off I know that I had to finish everything fast.

Hua!

Scarlett flames envelop me an image of a phoenix transforming and descent to my sword it seems like he wants to end it as well.

Ferocious energy came out and transferred to his sword now I know he's stronger than I thought.

We both intercept each other's attacks creating huge shocks on the ground and before I knew it my sword bypassed his defense wounding his injured body.

''Cough!.... You strong...it is best...to end me...'' he mumbled to me I was really planning on killing him but the girl from before stopped me.

''That's enough you already defeated him'' she told me while blocking me using her body.

A gave her a questioning look and tried to tell her to move away.

''Please stop killing..... please'' she told me with those cute eyes how am I supposed to decline her?

''I...okay...I won't kill him'' my master would also tell me not to rely on killing which quite reminds me of my old self my child-like quote.

''Killing wound end anything but friendship can always start something'' That was my way back then the kind of thing a kid like me would think a world full of possibilities and happiness but all it took was a war to change my view of pain and sadness would befall those who are weak. The rules have been always like that the weak will be devoured by the strong and the world will be ruled by them. My thoughts back then were nothing but a foolish dream ''Killing would end anything but also be the able to save'' that's what I learned from all the deaths I saw from every person who fell before me. Killing would lessen the deaths that are about to be committed in the future by them that's the solution I came up with.

Friendship is nothing when you can't protect them you'll only lose them and you end up falling into an endless pit of darkness just like me.

''Sigh I thought you would continue....you scared me for a moment'' she said while holding her chest then she turned her attention to the guy who I don't know if he's still breathing.

''You shouldn't have come for me''

''Lady Agatha I was sent here to retrieve you back and kill anyone who knew you were here'' that mysterious man said no wonder he insisted on killing me.

''I will be back when I finish my business here'' this girl... Agatha was it said.

''My lady I'm sorry but I think you can't go anywhere''

''Why then....did you do something?''

''Apologies but I formed a barrier that not only blocked communication but also passages we can't return until the barrier wears off''

''Then how long for it to wear off?'' I asked if I couldn't go back by the schedule my homework would be doom to finish.

''A week''

And there you go he's answered made me lose my hope I'm doomed.

''So we're stuck here for a week'' Agatha said feeling that she really had a very important task to do.

I felt depressed unless I could complete every ingredient I needed then I might be able to make the list I needed for my homework.

''It seems like you two are fine now so I will be going ahead now'' I was about to go when. someone pulled me it was the guy whom I fought with.

''You have witnessed Lady Agatha here you must be eliminated'' Like a puppet he told me disregarding his wounds.

''I just gave you my mercy and here you are seeking your death do you have a death wish'' With those words my golden armor glowed it seemed like it was to have another round with him.

''Uhmm....so you spare me.....then should I do the same?'' he's acting like a little kid now what is he a child then he let me go as if he had decided something.

''Alright then I'm sparing you as well... we're even now'' That's what he said which confused me.

From the corner of my eyes, I think I saw Agatha smiling looking satisfied from what happening to us.

''Now what should we do now it'll take a week for me to return Sigh'' Agatha said while sitting on a rock which is one of the debris of my fight.

''Why don't you guys help me I'm here to gather some herbs....if you are afraid of being bored this entire week helping me would cure it'' I said hoping they said yes I want to pass and right now my homework needs to be completed their help would be accepted.

The two of them look at each other before nodding their heads. Yes! I'll pass now.

That's when our journey together started we had to travel the entire Aisle mountain which had been covered with a barrier.

''Careful!'' I said holding Agatha's delicate hand for a strong girl like her she's pretty careless. How many times have I seen her tripping over a stone.

''Sorry.... thank you'' she said while I noticed how close are faces had become.

''Umm... Ethan, can I ask you something?'' Agatha asked me while we were picking herbs at a nearby lake so I replied.

''What is it?''

''...have you ever...hear of Pandora's box?'' I felt like she wanted to ask something else but refrained from doing it so I answered back.

''Well Pandora's box or the cured cube of evil is an item handed over to Pandora by the gods to make sure that the evil inside it won't be released''

She just nodded to my answer then after that we ate together just three of us.

''Huh?'' while looking at the sky I noticed Agatha sleeping on my shoulder which for some sort of reason I felt really happy with.

The stars lit the sky and I felt a peaceful night which reminded me of the past.

Everything we do day by day reminds me of my childhood the fun, adventure and comedy even the ideas I had in the past resurfaced again and just like that I became me again all because of a girl Agatha.

She became my redemption those smiles that told me there was still hope I could still see another light for humanity in this world and so I fell for her.

''Hey, don't you really have a name?''

''I don't have one since I'm just a puppet created to obey orders''

''Why don't I give you a name then''

I pondered for a bit while he looked at me with expectant eyes then I thought of something.

''How about Jin then?''

He first muttered the name while he seemed to be considering it.

''Jin....from now on my name is Jin''

''Right Jin my name is Ethan it's my pleasure to meet you'' I said while extending my hand I hope we can both forget our unpleasant encounter.

He first stared at my hand before finally shaking it.

''The pleasure is mine, Ethan''

''Aren't you two becoming good friends'' Agatha said looking pretty as usual.

''I just want to give him something so that he can remember when you two have returned to your realm'' They already told me about the place they came from it seems far from here and I won't be able to go there with my current strength.

''Right, I should also give you something'' I said as I walked towards her from my ring a palm-sized orb appeared.

''This is....''

''It's a miniature version of this place trap inside of this globe.....so that you can pay a visit here whenever you are''

She took the orb looking very happy then she shifted his gaze to Jin.

''Jin can you turn around for a moment'' Jin looks confused but since it's a request from Agatha he obeys her.

''Ummm...I want to give this to you...since this...will be the last time I'll be seeing you''

A necklace with a wooden key pendant appears on her hands putting it gently to my neck.

The pendant melted away to my skin completely disappearing from my sight and then I looked at her torn eyes I knew something wasn't right.

''Hey don't say that once I raised my realm I'll be able to break the space and travel to your realm...we can still meet'' I said trying to cheer her up this can attitude is different from her usual self.

She moved forward making our faces close together I could clearly smell her breath her eyes that anyone can be captive and then she inched closer I breathed harder and closer until our lips finally met like magic it made my heart skip a beat. It seems like time stop and all I can see right now is that our hearts seem to be one moving in one direction. I don't want to stop yet we had to come back and then we finally back.

''This is goodbye'' She finally let go of my lips as tears fell from her cheeks.

''Why are you acting like this?'' I asked looking at her worriedly.

But instead of an answer a sword pierced right through her chest blood flowing from it dyeing her clothes in red.

I caught her immediately my arms began to shake I looked at the culprit and my eyes glinted with rage it was Jin. Holding his mighty sword which is now drenched in blood he looks at us emotionlessly.

I don't know what to tell him all I know is that Agatha is dying so I took everything from my storage including formation scrolls that have healing effects but none work none was able to save her.

''Ethan I'm ..... getting sleepy...''

''Agatha don't close your eyes.....do you hear me.....stay awake, okay!... Stay awake Agatha!'' I began to shout in panic, I even began using healing potions none could help out. I can feel her consciousness thinning out of her body becoming cold and vulnerable.

''It's no use my sword is embedded with a curse nothing can be healed after being wounded by it'' I heard some bastard's voice and I trembled with anger.

''Traitor!'' I shouted I was very angry I trusted him yet he stabbed us right when we turned our backs on him.

''Et... Ethan.....'' I could hear Agatha's voice she seemed to be saying something but I was too emotional to hear it until an almost cold hand touched my face.

''..... Ethan...don'.... don't...move....astray....I... really .....hope ...we can.....be ... together..... I.....'' she wanted to say something but her eyes began to close as her hand finally fell I held her cold body with rage which god knows I can't handle.

''How many dead eyes do I have to witness for this unending death to stop'' I mumbled while slowly putting her body down I moved closer to my enemy scarlett flames began to bathe my weapon.

''Stab!''

Without any remorse I stab my enemy I can feel the blood flowing out of his body as it continues to touch my skin.

''Nice....job Ethan....'' I finally returned to my senses when I heard Jin's voice and now I noticed that he didn't even dodge my attack instead he purposely took it.

''Why?'' I could only say I treated him like a friend but he destroyed someone precious to me right in front of my very eyes.

Until I noticed something a crystal-like object inside him I completely understood now.

{''I want to answer you unfortunately I have no name I am nothing but a doll created to obey orders''}

I now understood he was a doll inside his body a pseudo-core created to control whoever has it he didn't betray us he just couldn't fight the control of his creator.

''I am very sorry Ethan you have met a friend like me.....but .....I was very happy....for a doll like me....to have a.....name.....and friend.....I couldn't asked for more''

I pulled my hand away from his chest making him fall to the ground but I carefully caught him.

''You.....who .....did this?'' still trembling with rage I asked him.

''My master.....his majesty Janus.....I'm sorry.....I was ordered to kill Agatha.... you are such a pure-hearted...man but I'm afraid what happened.....here will.... greatly change.....you...don't change okay.....my friend.....'' with those last words he finally left the world the mountain shook upon the breakdown of the barrier from the sky two figures descent.

''For someone to mourn over a doll is very laughable'' one of them said and that triggered me inside.

I was full of rage I was blinded with emotion and like a god I gave my verdict to those two.

''ALL OF YOU MUST DIE!''

A sea of white pure flame envelopes the mountain I black out from anger all I can hear is a voice creeping inside me.

''All of them deserve to be killed do not hesitate and use me'' With those words my vision disappears as I lose consciousness.

''Yue?!''

''Yue are you okay?''

''Hey is he awake or still sleeping''

Voices began to wake me as I slowly opened my eyes a girl was sitting beside me she looked extremely worried.

I recognize that face it was Abigail along with her is Ken and the rest of the Nirvanas and Demigods who cooperate with us.

''Yue are you okay?'' she asked me I could only answer with a nod since my throat hurt.

''It seems like you having a nightmare you were mourning in your sleep'' Ken said while walking towards me then he slowly took out a little creature in front of me it was Pyr.

''Aren't you a little dramatic Yue it seems like it's not just a nightmare'' I recognize this voice and shift my head and there right beside my bed Adrian lies comfortably.

''What?'' he asked smugly I turned my head again and saw two more beds one was for Axel while the other one was for Laima.

''So what's with this dream of yours Yue care to share us?'' Axel asked while eating a fruit Laima was the only one who was sleeping she seemed to be tired.

''Axel is right why not tell us we're your friends after all'' Adrian looked curious as he said that but all I could do was point my throat and signal them it was painful.

''Is it painful or are you just making excuses?''

''Well can't be helped right how about I told the story of how Adrian saved us it'll be cool'' Axel cheerfully said while Adrian looked grim he seemed to be angry.

''Adrian save you?'' Abigail seemed to be interested in the topic but before Axel couldn't even speak a flying pillow hit him.

''Adrian you!....''

And the pillow fight began like there was no one between them which was me they continued throwing the pillow suddenly I thought of someone Laima, it would seriously be trouble if she woke up.

''Guys.....wait...'' I tried speaking but it was too late a flying pillow hit the sleeping beast making it rise with anger.

''WHO DARES TO WAKE ME UP!'' Laima shouted with those scary eyes she had, Oh no I thought.

''Laima...wait'' Axel tried to explain nice try bro but it's not helping Adrian seemed to say something as well.

''SILENCE!''

I saw a scarlet gold flame rise from her fist.

''She combined the scared flame and phoenix flame this is no joke'' I thought while trying to move Laima was about to launch her attack.

''Lord Killian, lady Aliyah what brought you here?'' the head of the alchemist said looking respectfully towards the two Deities.

''We just want to check how the kids are'' Killian said while moving with them.

Boom!

The wall blasted apart two figures were sent flying it was Axel and Adrian while on her bed Laima retrieved her fist and returned to sleep.

Ethan on the other hand was pulled by Pyr making sure he wasn't affected by the blast.

''Lord Killian it seems like the kids are quite energetic now'' the head alchemist mischievously said.

''I seriously can't piss Laima again'' Axel said as he stood up.

''Shut up it's your fault!'' Adrian said while grabbing Axel's collar.

And there right in front of three Deities, they argue.

''Sigh it seems like there energetic again'' Aliyah spoke agreeing with the alchemist.

''Man I'm back to reality'' I said to myself feeling exhausted again but seeing Adrian and Axel argue is pretty fun.