Chapter 1

Flames of fire are spreading destructively in all directions. The Sirn family's hundred-generation-old manor is on fire. I who is the tenth son in line, is always held responsible. Witnessing the inferno of the manor,

"Wren, what did you do to the manor!" Yelled Cret. 

"Yes brother, what is it? You called me?" I asked.

 "Do not give me a response. There's no doubt you burned the manor down." Yelled Cret looking at his brother.

"Stop, we understand he couldn't help it," Lauren stated. The oldest daughter in this family is Lauren. 

 "Yes, it is not his fault, the fire salamanders came to him when he was born. One of the fire salamanders even attached itself to his left arm," said Jace.

 "Enough, the house of Azure will do something about him," said Wick.

 "As you wish, father," said Cret. 

"Step forward, young man," Wick ordered in a deep voice.

"Yes, father," I said head down in sadness. 

"This is the only time I will talk to you. Mainly, because you are a pain in the house's side," said Wick. 

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked. 

"Someone is born of Blue, but is not of Blue," said Wick.

"I am listening, father," I said. One look at me and went silent. 

"As I was saying, choose whether to save this world or destroy it," said Wick.

 "Do you think I will have the ability to choose to save or destroy?" I asked. 

"Is there is another person who I am talking about?" asked Wick.

 "A boy with a familiar fire will set out and lead a group to where and to do what I do not know," said Wick

 "OK, I will go then," I said. I headed out to where only time will tell. 

This world is overseen by ten deities. Starting with Warren, God of Harvest, and safe passage. The farmers and merchants follow this god. The merchants also follow the goddess Sho, who we will explain at a later time. Moving on to the next goddess, we have Zana she is the divine figure who is venerated for her shrewdness and deceptive nature, and is generally called the Goddess of Trickery. The Thieves Guild and Assassins Guilds follow her. Then we have twins Aros and Bren. They are the god and goddess of hunting and taming animals. Aros is also the messenger god. The next god we have in our pantheon is Wrize. Blacksmiths generally follow Wrize, god of blacksmiths who blesses and oversees their craft. Legend has it he forged the big three weapons out of a red stone known as Sapphire. 

After him, we have the Goddess of War Grud. Legend has she started the 100 Years war. She started this war because she was bored. 

After her, we have the god of music and theater, Ser. This god is known for his carefree nature and free spirit, he writes music and plays all day. Next is the big three deities. Starting with the third God Drycor. God of death and the underworld. The Assassin Guild also follows him. Next, we have the goddess, Sho Goddess of the Seas and Oceans. The Merchant Guild also follows her. 

Finally, the last god is Zep, the chief of all the gods, he is the god of the sky. Thunder and lightning go hand in hand, creating a dramatic display of nature's power. Though no gods or goddesses have heard from Zep in a while, he has left a gap that needs to be filled. Oh, and one more thing, gods, and goddesses should not have children with humans because of the strange side effects these children might have on the ecosystem. Children of a god and a human are demigods, while the children of two gods is a godling. However, a child of two gods does exist. Godlings can find refuge and training in Adventures school. of a god and a human is a demigod, an Adventures school and guild also exist. I am heading to the Aler Kingdom and their Adventures school. 

At the gates to the Adventures school

"I am here at the adventures school. How to get into this school?" I asked. 

"Get in line and wait your turn," said one of the Guards. I go to the end of the line. How can people measure their skill with a weapon? What do you do if you are in a forest? What do you do if one of your party members is injured? An alternative exists, albeit uncommon. Like, 1 in a million have this. Do you think you can summon a familiar? Graded as well. Slimes are 1, the undead are 2-5 depending on what the undead is, third are fairies to dryads which are 6-9. Finally, we have salamanders of 10 -100. Fire Salamanders are 10 and dragons are 100.

 "Finally, it is my turn," I said. 

"If you will come with me," said a voice. Looking around the assessment area for a place to do the test.

"Please, feel free to lead the way, and I will follow you." I said, following the woman, I wondered if I knew her. 

"Here is a sword you can use. I am sure you know how to use it," said the woman.

 'Yes, I know how to," said Wern, collecting the sword.

"Before we start the duel, is there anything you want to say?" With curiosity, the woman asked a question.

 "Yes, one question, is it safe to summon a familiar here?" I asked.

 "Depending on the type of summon," said the woman. 

"Well, my summon is a salamander," I said. 

"This is not a place to summon your familiar," said the woman. 

"Yes, I would have to agree," I said. I was looking around at the woods engulfed by the duel grounds.

 "We have a duel arena in the mountains north of here," said the woman. 

"So, a two-day trek from here," I said. 

"Yes, we will form a temporary party of four people. We could have five, but since I am the only adventurer's guild member in the group, so four will do," said the woman.

"When do we head out?" I asked. "At daybreak," said the woman. 

"OK. Oh, I did not catch your name," I said.

 "I only give my name to guild members," said the woman.

"OK, see you in the morning then," I said.

"See you later, then," said the woman. 

The next morning:

"So, you are here," said the woman.

"Yes, I am," I replied in a confident tone as I was looking at the other two. "And you are OK?"

 "All you need to know right now is we are brother and sister," said the two. I was looking at them two. 

"Looks like, one of you is a thief, and the other is unsure," I said.

 "Yes, how did you know I was a thief?" asked the sister.

 "Your clothes give your job class away," I said. 

 "Enough of the small talk for now. Let us go," said the woman. So, we set off to the mountains where the test will continue. 

"Do we have a map to see where we need to go?" I asked.

 "Yes, we do," said the woman. Could I see?" I asked. 

"No, you may not," said the woman. 

"There is a faster way to get there," said the sister.

 "Cipher, we are not taking shortcuts," said her brother.

Crash Cipher goes down landing in a Casim.

 "Aw, what did I fall on? I'm experiencing a great deal of pain from the fall. What happened to me?" asked Cipher.

 "Are you OK down there, Cipher? May I ask?" I inquired with a curious tone. "May I ask."

"No, I cannot get up," said Cipher. 

"Luckily, I packed a rope," said the woman. Throwing one end down to Cipher. 

"Hold on to the rope," said the woman. Cipher grabbed onto the rope and pulled herself up and out.

"I have a med kit," I said. Reaching out and snatching it with my hand from my backpack.

 "No, there is no need," said Cipher. Standing up, and falling right back down. 

"Thing I did not listen to." I said, as I was currently examining the left leg and carefully assessing its condition. "Based on my evaluation, I can confirm your injury is a sprain. I am going to put a turn-i-kit where the sprain is,"

"Do you want me to hold her leg as you bandage it up?" asked the woman.

"Sure, I think it's great," I said. As the woman held the leg in place, I wrapped the leg up.

 "There we go all done," I said.

 "It is time to set up camp," I said. 

"Then let us find some shade to set up the camp," said the woman. 

"I have a question?" I asked with a curious look on my face.

 "Yes, what is this question?" said Cipher.

"Are there any objects or structures looking weird?" My eyes fixed on Cipher, as I asked the question. 

"Objects or structures that are weird. Let me think yes there are. Ten structures line the door looks like a vault to me," said the brother. 

"Does the vault have this insignia on it?" I asked. The other three looked at the ring on my hand.

"Yes, all of them do," said Cipher.

 "OK, good to hear," I said. 

"Could you tell me why do you want to know?" asked the woman. 

"I am unsure, but I will help with what is going on," I said.

 "Enough talking for the night, I think. It's time for sleep soon," said the woman. The group was exhausted and in dire need of rest, so they took a break and got some sleep.

 "Hey Wren, can I ask you something?" said the woman.

"Hmm, what is it?" I asked.

 "Before the other two wake up, I want to walk and talk with you," said the woman.

"OK, what do you want to talk to me about?" I asked. 

"Not here, follow me," said the woman, gesturing towards the direction she wanted us to go.

 "OK. Still feels weird. You will not tell me why, but OK," I said. I followed the woman. Still with the guard up, since she would not tell him her name. "You know it is not an idea to be out here," I said. 

"Could you tell me why do you think we will be attacked?" asked the woman, looking around the forest. 

"You can't be too concerned," I said, laughing.

"I cannot deny the fact what you said is true. From what I understand, for a while till you can go to the Adventures school you were cautious," said the woman.

 "Yes, I am telling you the truth," I said.

 "The question I have is why?" asked that woman. 

"Let me take a moment to consider your question before I provide you with an answer. Is it possible for me to answer the question," I said, looking around.

"Yes, I can agree," said the woman.

 "OK. where to begin," I said. I told the woman what happened to his family's manor, and how his family blamed him for the burning down of the manor.

 Looking at me with a concerned look on her face. "I see, that makes sense to me. It seems that you were forced out by them. If my memory serves me correctly, the Sirn families are primary Earth and Water Spirit users," said the woman. 

"Yes, they are primarily those two types, but there is a catch that has been lost in time," I said. 

Looking at me. "What is that one thing?" asked the woman as she stared. 

"When the world, as we know it, is endangered, someone with a unique ability gets born," I said.

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand what abilities you are referring to? May I know?" asked the woman.

 "Abilities that can shape this world," I said.

"OK, that is all that I need to know. As for my name, it is Scáthach," said the woman. 

I was looking directly at her with my eyes fixed on her face. "Are you sure that is your name?" I asked. 

"Yes, I know my name," said Scáthach. 

"So, that is where you two went. I was worried that we lost you," said Cipher. 

"No, you did not lose us. Could you tell why are you here?" asked Scáthach.

"Let us go back and have breakfast. I am absolutely starving," exclaimed Cipher with a growling stomach.

"She is always starving," said Scáthach. With a disapproving gesture, she shook her head. 

"I understand your point and I can see where you're coming from. Good to know," I replied, feeling relieved by the information. 

"Hey, Wren, do you remember what kingdom and content we are in?" asked Cipher. 

"The Aler Kingdom on the northern continent of Wizer," I said. 

"Wow, you know your stuff," said Scáthach.

"Enough chit chat and look what is ahead of us," said Cipher.

"Are those houses!!!" I exclaimed looking at the houses.

"Yes, they are, and Wren you do not need to yell," said Cipher

 "Oh, sorry about that. I will quiet down," I said. As the group looked around the area. BANG 

"Everyone, get down," said Scáthach.

 "What was that over there?" I asked. 

"I know that there is a war going on between the Aler Kingdom and the Rectreum conglomerate of the nations to the east," said Scáthach.

" What are those nations called?" I asked.

 "Before I answer that question, could you tell me why do you know so little of the world?" asked Cipher.

"Roughly twenty years ago, the Aler Kingdom and the Rectreum conglomerate of the nations were at peace," I said.

 "This is sad to hear," said Scáthach. 

"Then the Rectreum conglomerate of the nations wanted to take over the world. The Rectreum conglomerate of the nations comprises twenty different nations. They are the Iron Siph Theocracy. dwarves make this nation up. The Reacher Kingdom that comprises humans." said Cipher. 

"What about the other eighteen nations?" I asked. 

" This is the thing all we know right now through two," said Cipher.

 "Oh,OK. So, what you are saying is that we need to do some reconnaissance," I said.

 "Oh, you are catching on pretty quickly," said Scáthach. 

"So now, we know where the first Vault is. Now what do we do now?" Asked Cipher.

"I must say, that question you asked is truly brilliant. One that we need to find the answer to," I said. As he looked around the area that the group was in, 

"OK, you figure that out and we will set up the camp," said Cipher's brother.

"Is that not dangerous, though?" We do not know what is out there in the woods," I said. 

"It is just wolves and bears," said Cipher.

"How are you so sure about that?" I asked with a worried look on his face.

"Because I hunt in these woods. Therefore, she knows," said Cipher's brother. 

"Wait, where did Wren go?" asked Cipher.

"I do not know where he went," said Grey.

"Should we accompany him?" asked Cipher. "Please, go with him then"

"I do not think that will be necessary. I saw Scáthach go with him a little ago," said Grey. As he looked at his sister. 

"Have you told Wren your name yet?" asked Cipher.

"No, not yet. I don't trust him. You and Scáthach will trust him, but I still do not," said Grey. 

"It can be frustrating dealing with boys and their stubbornness at times. That's said. I wonder what they are talking about?" asked Cipher.

"Should we see for ourselves?" said Grey as he got up from the campsite. 

"I am hesitant to bring this up, but there is something that I need to ask. Could you tell me why are you following me?" I asked.

"Two people are better than one is," said Scáthach. 

"I cannot deny that," I said.

"So, what do you want to do?" asked Scáthach.

"I think what you said is a brilliant question. Hmm, what should we do?" I asked as he looked around the wood.

The trees around were blown in the wind. 

 "I wonder what the others are up to now," said Scáthach.

"Do you want to go to find them?" I asked.

"Yes, that would be an idea. Then we see what our plan of attack is," said Scáthach as she walked back to the campsite.

"That makes sense. Then I will follow you," I said. 

"Where were you to eat?" asked Cipher

"What! We did not take too long, did we?" I asked as he looked around the campsite.

 "You and Scáthach, what were you talking about?" asked Cipher.

"We were talking about the vault. That said, we did not want to figure it out with you two," I said.

"Oh, that makes sense to me," said Grey as he looked at the group.

"Well, then what do you have in mind for the vault itself then?" asked Cipher as she looked around at the group.

"What did I say is something weird?" asked Cipher.

"It is what you said caught me off guard that is all," I said looking at Cipher with an intense glare.

"What you're saying makes perfect sense. That said, can you stop glaring at me please," said Cipher.

"Oh, sorry about that, could you share with me what the plan is? What do we do?" I asked as he looked at the group.

"Let us see what is around this first vault. Mainly, to see what is guarding this vault," said Grey. As he whistled, a red-tailed hawk flew down and landed on his right shoulder.

"Is this bird going to help us?" I asked as he looked at Grey.

"Yes, this bird will help us figure out what we will do," said Gery as he lifted his arm towards the sky. When he did that, the hawk flew up into the sky.

"And now we wait to see what we are up against. Well, at this vault," said Grey.

"There is more than one vault?" I asked as he looked at the group. 

"Yes, there are more than one vault. If my memory serves me correctly, there are twelve vaults. Two for each continent," said Scáthach, looking at the group as she said that.

"OK, which one are we the closest country to?" I asked.

"That would be the Aler Kingdom. Just dew south of that," said Cipher. 

"OK, that makes sense. At least it does," I said. 

"OK, good. Then let us see what the hawk is seeing right now," said Grey as he closed his eyes to connect to the bird. 

"We need to watch when he does this since he falls," said Cipher. As she said that, THUD. Grey fell to the ground hard.

"See, I told you so. Jeez, we need to guard his body as he does this," said Cipher. As the rest of the group circled Grey. I looked towards the vault.

"What are you thinking right now?" asked Scáthach, looking at me with a concerned look on her face.

"Oh, not that much, looking at this vault and how the architecture is on it," I said as I turned towards Scáthach .

"Do you like architecture?" asked Cipher.

"Yes, I do like architecture a lot. I aspired to be an architect before they forced me to become an adventurer," I said.

"Ah, I see. It makes sense to me," said Scáthach. 

"What are you three talking about?" asked Grey from the ground. 

"Oh, well, you are up; What did you see?" asked Cipher. As she picks her brother up the ground.

"I saw orcs and goblins, that is all. Ow, my head is damaged. Could you tell me why is that?" asked Grey as he was rubbing his head.

"OK, then we need to prepare more. Orcs and goblins are well easy to handle, but there could be more dangerous monsters in the vault itself then," said Scáthach. As she thought up a plan of attack. 

"What do you think about, Scáthach?" asked Cipher. 

"Oh, a plan that will help us with this vault, that is all," said Scáthach. 

"May I ask, if you would not need to do this alone at all?" I said as I thought up a plan of attack.

"Does someone have a world map?" asked Cipher as she looked around the group.

"Yes, I have a world map, but we do not need it right now, right?" asked Grey.

"I was asking if we have one. Not that I need it at the moment at all," said Cipher as she looked around at that group.

"Can we get back on track? Do you think we need over four adventures for this vault?" asked Scáthach. We all looked at the group.

"Yes, that would be a radical idea," said Grey. 

"Then will we return to the Aler Kingdom?" asked Cipher.

"It will take one hour to get back walking. Then what do you want to do?" asked Cipher.

"I have a question that how to get back then," said Grey.

Everyone in the group looked at Grey.

"We walk back to the Aler Kingdom," said Scáthach.

"Oh, OK then," said Grey as he looked around the camp.

"OK, now, that is out of the way. How about we head back? Since we packed the camp up," I said.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let us get a move on." said Cipher.

The group departed for the capital of the Aler Kingdom.

"Does someone have a map?" asked Grey.

"Yes, I have one. At least, I packed one up before we left the Adventures School," I said. As I looked through my bag.

"Ah, yes, here we are," I said as I handed the map to Grey.

"Thanks. Let me see where we are in the Aler Kingdom," said Grey. Opening the map,

The Map had the Aler Kingdom on the left of the map. To the right of the Aler Kingdom is the forest of Evergreen. To the right of the Forest of Evergreen is the Rectreum conglomerate of the nations. There are ten nations in the conglomerate. Five of the nations that like the Aler Kingdom. The other five dislike the Aler Kingdom. We are starting with the ten that are like the Aler Kingdom. We have the Merchant nation of Amber. The next is the Mining nation of Delves. Made up of all Dwarves. After the Mining of Delves, we have the Theocracy of Alabaster. They worship Zep. The Kingdom of Almar. The last nation that is friendly to the Aler Kingdom is the Republic of Bret. The following five nations dislike the Aler Kingdom. The first nation is the Dictatorship of Wimes. The next one is the socialist state of Thearp. The third nation is the second Theocracy which is the Theocracy of Graze worships Zana, the goddess of trickery. The fourth nation is the Federation of Tret. The last nation that does not like the Aler Kingdom is the Kingdom of Snara. To the north of the Aler Kingdom, the Forest of Elvergreen, and the Rectreum conglomerate of the nations is the Kingdom of Ash. It is a big nation with a volcano at its center. There are seven Vaults. The first vault is in the Aler Kingdom surrounded by a forest. The second vault is in the Forest of Elvergeen. The third vault is in the Merchant nation of Amber. They scattered the remaining four vaults around the Kingdom of Ash. In the Aler Kingdom, there is Gest, the capital. Surrounding the capital, there are four villages. 

"OK, here is the map," said Grey, handing back the map.

"Thanks. What did you need the map for in the first place?" I asked, confused by what Grey was doing.

"Oh, looking at the map that is all," said Grey as he backed away from the group.

"Brother, that is not convincing at all," said Cipher. Staring daggers into her brother.

"OK. OK. I was checking where the other vaults are," said Grey as he double-checked where the vaults are located.

"So, what are we going to do right now?" asked Cipher. 

"Cipher, that is a brilliant question. Let me see how about going to the nearby village," said Grey as he thought about what his sister asked.

"This is a great idea. Let me see what the villages are, around the area that we are in," I said, looking at Grey.

"Oh, sorry, I thought I gave you the map already," said Grey.