Chapter 1: Shifting Rift

In one of the darkest corners of the galaxy, there was a sphere. One could see countless sandstorms, rains, hurricanes and even vortexes of fire. The places they intersected created volcanos, ice zones and mists.

The planet ,that could only be described as chaotic, housed a castle. A castle that stood tall among all the disasters going around it.

It was the headquarters of the mysterious organisation named Shifting Rift. The organisation known as one of the few neutral forces in the galaxy. It didn't bow to any empire, and meddle any of their business most of the time. And when they meddled, it was only for benefits. Even if they didn't join most of the wars, in people's eyes the organisation was one of the strongest mercanaries that could still stay relevant till this time.

Because of their neutral stand they were looked after by a number of empires. They tried to persuade them to join their causes. But every coin has a flipside, they were also hunted by numerious empires too. Nevertheless, they managed to survive even when they were surrounded by hyenas and wolves.

And the reason for their survival only lied on one man. The chief of the organisation, The Legendary Tier 8 Mage of All Elements, Mage Rhiharis.

...

In a hall lit by torches, many tables and chairs were placed facing a counter. On one side of a counter was a young looking man, sticking out his tongue to let all the taste fade away. A shade of green could be seen on his face. He was clearly disgusted by whatever he tasted.

On the other side of the counter was a middle aged man standing still with black lines on his forehead. His gaze was on a mug of mead, deep in his thoughts.

"Master, why are you still brewing those type of things. All these beer and mead, don't they just distract you?" said Evior.

"Distract... Sorry, Evior. I can't agree with you this time. When you climb the mountain, that is called power, you only see a higher peak. You continue to climb higher and higher but with every new achievement you leave something behind you. It may be your friends and family, even your youth. But does seeing or thinking help when something is lost? We chase power for reasons but forget them along the way." said the middle aged man.

Evior's eyes lost their focus for a moment. In his mind scenes of fire and agony were playing. He remembered his journey that led him to this place. He became a mage to make his family strong. His only wish at that time was to see his father's proud face in the tavern they operated. His father was a bartender who was serving people, and bowing when powerful people came his humble tavern. Evior loved his family and job, they knew their place and spread joy to people. But even then he just wanted to see his father stand tall and puff his chest bragging about his family. Thus he desired something more than inheriting their family business.

A few months later with a lucky encounter with a mage, he indeed took his first steps towards being a mage. At that moment he looked at his father and saw the wide grin on his face. He knew at that moment, his wish came true. But he didn't want to see that moment to pass. He wanted his family to be an honorable one which housed a powerful mage. Therefore he continued his journey, even became a Tier 3 Fire Mage at the age of twenty. But this journey was not without obstacles. He overcame them one by one by dealing with more powerful people. In the end he encountered the biggest obstacle to that day, a whole kingdom. Even the strongest person he knew couldn't pull him out of that predicament.

In the end he could run with his life, but his family paid the price of his actions. The city his family lived in razed to the ground.

Only thing he could do was becoming stronger, enough to take his revenge. And the revenge he got. After countless hardships he became a Tier 4 Fire Mage.

But power and revenge didn't bring any peace to him, he became a wonderer at the age of twenty five. This way another lucky encounter came to him, he met his master.

His master was powerful but more important than that, kind. He brought peace and warmth to his life. He may be treated as a wanted man since he was in Shifting Rift, but he became a part of a bigger family. A family that could rise strong together, stand and laugh together.

He released a sigh and a glimpse of a smile could be seen on his face. He said "You're right master. I am also living my life, you know?".

"Hahaha, damn right you are. When is your wedding with Ulore?" said Rhiharis with a grin on his face.

"How about three months later, master?" said Evior. He knew his master was onto something lately, he could be brewing new mead but only because he came to a dead end at whatever he was occupied with. And he couldn't imagine his happiest day without him.

Rhiharis rubbed his chin. He was trying to crack a formation he found in an ancient ruin for a year now. He knew another three months wouldn't change much but he still decided to try a little bit more. If he couldn't achieve it then, he would just let it go. "Sure, let's have a great wedding for you two." said Rhiharis with a nod.

Evior beamed when he heard that. With a light laugh he also nodded. "Master, it's time for your lesson to the newcomers."

"So it's time, let's get it over with. I still have a lesson to give in alchemy, wouldn't want to drag things on." said Rhiharis.

The second he finished his words, he gently tapped to the ground with his feet. The space around them rippled and they disappeared from the hall. Only a pair of mugs stayed on the counter.