Story Knights of Lore (The novel)

[DarknessSama17]

Hey guys! I'm an aspiring writer! I'm currently working on a novel called Knights of Lore (which I'm rping on this site.) It's only the first draft so bare with me. There will be a lot of misspelling and bad grammer/punctuation. I'm looking to know if the story is interesting so far. (If I'm being honest, to get more players for the rp too XD) lete know what you think!

 

[DarknessSama17]

Prologue

It was as if time was coming to a stand still as the two young men drifted in the icy cold vacuum of space.


The planet that was Lore was massive as the floated through space. It was beautiful. Blue, green, white, beige all coming together giving the image of a painted canvas. The blackness surrounding the planet just added to the magnificent sight.


Kaden really wished he wasn't coming to a painful death so he could enjoy the scenery.


They were not only suffocating but it felt as if they're bodies would implode. Both Kaden and Rygilya felt as if they're brains were trying to smash through their skulls. If he was going to die, Kaden wished he'd die already. Every nanosecond felt like torture.


He watched Rygilya float next to him. The young Darkness Tamer looked as if he was in just as much pain as Kaden. Still, Kaden could see his will not to die in his eyes. The same look Kaden had seen back when they had fought side by side together in a war against the rebel faction Rogue. The same look he'd given Kaden when he and Aya cornered him in the icy lands of Myrist.


Even when it looked as though he would be defeated, Rygilya always refused to go down without a fight. Even though he was a traitor like his master, Kaden still admired his will.


Sudden darkness started to show on the edges of their vision. Slowly trying to grab hold and consume them.


Darkness soon found them. Both of them closed their eyes as their bodies went limp.


This is it. Kaden thought. I'm sorry Master. Aya... Kariah-Belle.


Not yet boy. Darqus said from inside his head. You know I can't let you die here.


Suddenly Kaden could breath. He took a big gulp of air. He started to inhale and exhaled heavily. It was as if oxygen had found its way into his lungs...


Air? Kaden thought. But we're in outer space?! What the hell?


Unconsciously, the boy looked at his hands. Dragon scales covered them. The same as when he used his Mana to transform...


As he looked at the rest of his body. He was clad in dragons scales. He even saw his tail. Kaden wasn't able to preform a full transformation yet so he was doubly confused.


The young man laughed hysterically as he flipped once through the vacuum of space. This was incredible. Unable to fully grasp what was happening. However, he did understand one thing. With Mana, one could breathe in outer space as if their was oxygen.


"No fucking way." He said both in disbelief and wonder.

 

[DarknessSama17]

Chapter 1: The start

"Mana." Kariah-Belle stated from her desk, floating upside down not far from Professor Mar-gin. The classroom was huge enough for there to be 40 students inside and still fit one hundred more. The spherical classrooms gave students the freedom to float and maneuver as they pleased. With desks that defied gravity and white walls that helped a voice travel throughout the room, the young adults had much freedom in one of the best schools; and one that only those with the ability to manipulate Mana could get into.


"The ability to manipulate one's Lifeforce in one form or another...", the carmel skinned girl continued, "The increase in one's attributes, the manifestation of powerful weapons with mystical properties, transformations and wielding the elements are all just a few forms of manipulating Mana."


Mar-gin spoke. "Very good, Ms. Nadirè. Tell us how Mana can be formed."


"By using the Lifeforce of the living organisms around us", Kariah-Belle continued. "Doing so drains one's own Lifeforce. One's Lifeforce can be trained and increased. Some are naturally born with a large amount of Lifeforce. If one's Lifeforce falls bellow a certain percentage, then that person runs the risk of combusyt into flames and die".


"Excellent, Ms Nadirè. Very well done. Mr. Col, finish for your fellow student would you?" The dark haired man said, turning on his podium to face the red haired boy. His hair matched his fire red eyes.


The red haired boy thought for a moment, while Kariah-Belle watched him. The girl could she her friend was having difficulty gauging where the professor wanted him to continue. It was a method of teaching their professor used for the members of the advanced course. He'd often say "To be able to peer into your opponent's mind even for a second, could be the difference between life and death". The girl knew her teacher wasn't just talking out of his ass. She'd experienced first had what bit of insight could do. Kariah mentally gave her friend support, 'Come on, Lax-rim. You got this'.


Before long the young man answered which earned a nod of approval from Professor Mar-gin, "Lifeforce was given to us by Kul, the Goddess of Life. With Lifeforce there comes positive energy and negative energy. It is the combination of this two energies that gives mankind life". Lax-rim paused for a moment to gather his thoughts, then continued, "Before then the human race had no emotions and only knew survival. When Kul gave us emotions, she gave us Lifeforce. Negative emotions or negative energy are things such as hate, envy, despair, et cetera. Positive emotions or positive energy use love, joy, excitement, hope, etc."


"Good, Mr. Col", the professor said. "Good to see you've been keeping up with your studies. Now who can tell me where Kul has gone?"


Another young woman spoke up saying, "They say she has went into hiding after saving mankind from going extinct at the hands of Darkness all those years ago. As of now, no one knows where she has gone."


"To this day even her origin has remained a mystery", the professor continued in place of the young woman. "In mystery she came. In mystery she has left."


The class couldn't help but groan in unison. Professor Mar-gin would always repeat that old saying at one point or another when talking about the goddess. It was a saying Kariah-Belle and her generation had never used often. Just then the bell rang, signaling the end of class.


The young men and women formed their desks in a half circle around the lower part of the classroom. They then started to file out as classes were over for the day. As with the end of every week this year Kariah and Lax-rim. Two other student, Mae Lu and Jet also stayed at their desks. Professor Mar-gin looked them over. Kariah-Belle looked around at the remaining students, four of them in total. They all stayed behind for one reason. They were closest in their class to becoming Knights. Protectors of their kingdoms. This meant that each of them could create Mana and use it in combat very effectively. Each of them had a chance to become Master Knights and earn a spot on a squad without having to complete the customary three years at the academy. You're squad was usually one of great recognition. Some of them have been working hard. Most of them had natural talent received from a family bloodline. If not for her two friends Lax-rim and Akiio, Kariah was sure she'd never have made it this far. The brown skinned girl would be sure to thank her two friends for the hundredth time.


Normally only students from well-known families get into this class. Money doesn't help much as one has to have potential to become a Master Knight to join. Of course those who put forth an effort to better themselves can enter this course. It wasn't just Lax-rim's and Akiio's training in hand to hand combat that got her in this class, it was her extremely high amounts of Lifeforce, her superb ability to retain knowledge, as well as her rapid rate of growth the more she practiced that got her a spot on the advance course. Traits that the Nadirè branch had been gifted with since long ago. Her family had once been known for their combat prowess. Her talents lie in swordplay so that's what she took hold of.


It was then that Akiio Stoneheart walked in. The green haired girl greeted the small group, flashing a smile to Lax-rim before taking a seat in an empty desk next to her. Akiio was the one in her class to be placed in an advanced class. So instead of using one teacher for one student, she would be taking her advanced course in the same class as Kariah. The girls had met last year during the school's entrance exams and grew close soon after. Kariah-Belle and her friend had been excited to be placed in an advanced class together. The two girls exchanged another greeting before turning their attention to their professor.


"As you've no doubt heard, the recruitment team will be at the academy by next week to pick out potential candidates to fight for the nation", Professor Mar-gin said, causing the students to exchange looks. Kariah-Belle had heard rumors, but she thought that they were just that. Rumors! "They will be personally taking you out on much more difficult missions than what this school assigns to the Advanced students. Which means you can showcase your talents and abilities for a chance to graduate early".


Kariah-Belle raised her hand slightly as she spoke. A habit from secondary school. "Why are they coming so soon? I thought it was tradition for the Four Nations not to recruit until the end of the year. We still have a whole seven months left".


"That is a matter that even I do not have much information on", the middle aged man answered, an apologetic look on his face. Again, the students exchanged glances. Kariah-Belle shrugged when Lax-rim gave her a questioning look, almost as if asking, ' [any idea what gives?'


If someone as high ranking as professor Mar-gin didn't have the details, then something was definitely up. Even though retired to teach, the middle aged man ranked Divine Knight, which was pretty high on the hierarchy.


"Now with that in mind, I want you all to put a little more effort into the missions to come. I have something special planned for you". The man tapped his foot on the tall white cylinder platform and it started to sink. The students all began exiting the room. "This time we're meeting at the rear entrance of the school! We'll be going outside the Capital.", he yelled after them.


********


"Finally we get to rock outside the Capital." Lax-rim said as the group of five exited the classroom. Kariah-Belle was sure anyone could see excitement in his firery red eyes. "A chance to show what we're really made of."


"Anyone as nervous as I am?" Ask Mae Lu chuckling nervously from behind him. Her skin was olive brown. Her hair shoulder length and purple with a bang that covered a bit of her left eye. Her almond shaped eyes help purple Irises.


"Not I." Said Kariah-Belle as the group walked down the wide corridor. "We've gotten this far. What's more, we're all single digits among second years course rankings. We've got this. Not to mention we've got Jet and Akiio. Both being among the top three. We've definitely got this in the bag."


"Caaaaaareful Riah." Lax-rim teased. "Don't get big headed you walking bad luck charm. Remember what happened last time."


"Blah." Kariah-Belle said crossing her arms and rolling her eyes. "Not my fault. I didn't notice it coming."


"If you hadn't been boasting then you'd have been on gaurd." Akiio stated. "I J S." She added with a shrug.


"Yeah if professor Mar-gin hadn't been there you'd probably be headless right now." Lax-rim added shaking his head.


"This is true." Added Jet. The tall green haired boy walked beside them. Pale skinned and dark green eyes, Jet was the young man who held the number one spot amount Lyzaria Academies second years and the only biohuman among the group. "Lucky we didn't have to watch that."


They all agreed. The group continued their trek through the school. Simply passing time until it was time to meet for preparations outside the Capital. They joked and teased each other. Stopping at the vending machines that help a variety of snacks and goodies.


"Hey Jet, Lax-rim. Would you mind helping us in the club dojo please? It will only take a minute." Called a blonde young woman from down a corridor. Her skin was a ivory with lights scars on her arms. Ianna was of the biohuman race and ranks second among second years.


"Gotta go guys." Said Lax-rim.


"As co-president I must answer the call." Jet told the girls. Then walked after Lax-rim.


Mae Lu and Akiio told Kariah-Belle they have to check in with their clubs too. They offered Kariah-Belle to accompany them until they began preparations for today's assignment. However the brown skin girl declined. Saying she want to practice her swordplay then take a quick shower.


"You mean marinate?" Mae Lu ask giggling at her friend's tendency to take longer showers than necessary. This earn a chuckle from Akiio.


Kariah-Belle crossed her arms. Rolling her eyes, she couldn't help but smile. "Ooo blah, whatever. Later ladies." See said giggling herself.


The girls hugged and went their separate ways.


Once Kariah-Belle made it to the Gym Simulator and found others there as well.


"Hey Kariah-Belle." Monty said once he noticed her arrival. "Gonna how about a three way brawl?"


"Yeah!" Said Manty. Monty's twin sisters. The two where placed in the advance class of another professor. "We were thinking a three way brawl in a forest area?"


They both were of the Drakon race. A race of dragon/human hybrids that heavily leaned towards dragon. Monty had black scales that looked to be made of rock covering his brown skin.


Manty had dark blue scales that resembled her brothers. Her skin was pale. Both of the had stormy grey eye's.


Kariah-Belle would often spare with them as they were both single digits in ranking among the second years. Manty ranking at 4th and Monty and 5th. Even though they were of higher rank, Kariah-Belle would always give them a run for their money.


"Now how do you expect me to say no to a three way brawl?" Kariah-Belle said taking her bag over to a long white wall. Numbers appeared and the girl punched in a bunch of numbers and a locker flung open. She grabbed her sword before placed her bag inside.


"We didn't." Manty said laughing. "I'll set up the simulation."


It took Manty a matter minute to find the right settings. After she did, the three entered on of the five large spheres form a different sides. It was one of many throughout the room. It looked as though they'd interested a rain forest. Trees everywhere. It must have been set for night because Kariah-Belle could see a large moon. In here, everything felt real. From the trees to dirt. This was thanks to a technology that turns the user into ones and zeros. It has become the norm for games and now is used as training methods.


Kariah-Belle readied herself. Then suddenly there was a loud bang. She ran into the forest. Laughing with joy as she looked for her two opponents. She'd have a one last good warm up before leaving the capital.


She eventually conjured her Mana exoskeleton. This was the very first skill a knight must aquire. Those that have understood how to call on their Lifeforce and turn it into Mana using the Lifeforce of the many orgasms. Those with low Lifeforce would have difficulty managing. Those with the norm amount of Lifeforce could have difficulty mastering this. Those who had mastered this and the art of teamwork would be placed into the advance course at one of the four great Universities of Lore.


With this ability one could boost their attributes. The average Officer Knight could hit harder than a forty ton iron slab. A Master Knights could hit five times as hard. It also increased speed and reflexes. This all depends on how the Lifeforce is used and the users Mana control. This was important for not running out of Mana and run the risk of dying. Thanks to the simulator it would just result in tossing out someone who's Lifeforce had reached the critical limits out onto the mats around the spherical doom.


Kariah-Belle had abnormally high amounts of Lifeforce since she was young. It only grew more abundantly since being orphaned from training with Lax-rim. He was one of the only two children at the orphanage that could use Mana at an early age.


Now with her speed increasedfaster she was running through the forest at a hundred mph. Moving with precision as she occasionally took to the trees.


"I see you!" Monty's voice shouted from below. "Wind Scythe!" He yelled as he used his scythe to send a wave of wind at Kariah-Belle. The wind formed an arc that cut down trees on its way to Kariah-Belle.


Kariah-Belle tsk. He'd gotten the jump on her. However the wind didn't travel fast enough. Kariah-Belle encreased her speed speed, reflexes and agility times two. Dodging the blast mid-air before landing sideways on a tree trunk. She pushed off, denting the wood. As she propelled herself at the Drakon.


She flew at the him and drew he sword. Blue and white aura emitted from the white white and red sword. Monty threw another Arc of wind at Kariah-Belle but she evaded she used a tree to hurdle over it. They clashed. Sword against scythe.


"Eat this!" Said Manty from above them. She was standing upside down on a tree branch. Her state of the art bow in hand. She had been lying in wait the whole time. "Scattering Mana arrows!"


A arrow made of dark blue Mana formed in her hand. She pulled back and Mana could be seen acting as the string for the bow. She fire then a second later, one arrow turned into a cluster that rained down on Monty and Kariah-Belle.


The two stopped their battle with each other to try to deflect the barrage of arrows. The two of them worked together to defend. Using sword and scythe to cut down most of the arrows. Still a few got through and it felt as though they were getting pelted with one ton slabs of metal.


"Why you!" Monty shouted. He swung his scythe at his twin twice in rapid succession. Two arcs of wind went hurtling at Manty.


"That was a mistake yknow." Said Kariah-Belle as she delivered a kick to his exposed side. "Left yourself wiiiiiiide open."


The kick sent Monty smashing through two trees before he recovered. Sliding to a stop on the soft gravel. "And you shouldn't let your guard down." He retorted.


It was then that Kariah-Belle noticed the shadow looming over her seemed to grow larger. She looked up to find the trees Monty's winds cut through moments ago falling towards her. She tried to move out of the way but she was stuck. She looked down to see quicksand had her by her ankles. This was a skill that Monty possessed. To use his Mana to turn the earth into quicksand. He can ask use the sand in other ways too.


Damn. She thought as she tried to pull free. Monty has been practicing this technique often. It's tougher then last time.


The trees crashed on top of her. It wouldn't kill her but man did it hurt. She was not prepared for that in the least. She managed to push the trees off her and heard sounds of combat.


She looked for Monty and Manty. She found them fighting it out moving further away from her. Monty attacking with his scythe and trying to to trap his twin in quicksand. Manty would dodge. Taking to the trees to fire arrows from different angles before moving in close to attack with her bow.


"Wait for me!" Kariah-Belle said as she chased them gleefully.

 

[DarknessSama17]

Chapter 2 - Kariah-Belle Nadirè


Kariah-Belle turned off the shower in one of the only two girls locker room of Lyzaria Academy. This school had ranked Second in the annual festivals that took place every year. Only those with the potential to serve in their nations Army could be accepted into the top school in each kingdom and compete in the entrance exams. Like first, third, and fourth, these schools had become known by outstanding feats.

During last year's annual graduation ceremony Lyzaria graduates produced two hundred Officer Knights, five master knights, and three divine knights. It had been two years since the nation of Vyrmm had produced a holy knight. They were the highest ranking warriors in the ranks of all four nations. They were few and are rarely seen.

Kariah-Belle wanted to become a Holy Knight. She wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves. That wasn't her only reason for her to train her butt off and study hard...

Punching some numbers in a holographic keypad that projected on the wall just under the shower head, the shower head retracted and Kariah's locker door came swinging open. Even the locker rooms were decked out. An all-white room. The room was like a lab. Simply by punching in numbers, one could switch from locker to shower. Each locker had its own two-yard space.

Along with rectangular mirror that hung on the locker door which was what the young woman was using to admire body for a moment. Her curvy body worked and trained to a toned figure. She stared at the two large scars that ran over the caramel skin of her belly button that formed an X. She had multiple bruises and scars from the intense missions and training sessions with her squad mates. It was these two scars that seemed as though they'd never heal. One of the scars she had no idea how she'd gotten but the other she remembered how she'd got it, if only vaguely.

The girl tried to pry her mind away from that day by digging in her locker for a towel. The lockers locker's were whatever color the user wanted. They only had to be decorated. Kariah had simply painted the outside of her locker bright red. On The inside, a rectangular mirror hung from the door. The girl looked at the picture that hung in top right corner of the mirror. It was a picture of her, her mother, and father at their comfy little home. Her parents were killed due to an a attack by The Darkness back when they lived in a small little town out in the further away from the capital.

That day the girl had been too terrified to will her body to move. TheseThe creatures had that pushed humankind to the brink of extinction. They were are beings of evil and darkness that resemble dinosaurs fused with odd animal modifications and only knew how to destroy. They were said to be made of pure darkness and as a result they wereare as black as night.

Kariah remembered the one that killed her mother. She knew now it was a Darkness Tamer. A human being that willing gave into their dark emotions in exchange for power and still stays in control. The Darkness Tamer whom had slain Kariah-Belle's parents was still on the loose and the light caramelCarmel skinned girl was determined to kill the bastard who stole her parents’ lives and orphaned her. The girl could never forget the three stars that seemed to sparkle and dance on this Darkness Tamer’s midnight body. His face bearing through a helmet that resembled the head of a triceratops as he laughed.

That laugh echoed in the young woman head. The picture of his jagged teeth and human face invaded the young woman's mind. She could feel her body start to tremble as her heart rate sped up. The girl could feel the fear that gripped her as a kid start to consume her now as she started to panic.

"Riah?" The lime green haired girl said as she placed a hand on Kariah-Belle's shoulder and pulledpulling the girl from her trip down memory lane.

Kariah-Belle turned her attention to the girl. The scales that specked the lower left side of her pale face sparkledsparkles like tiny emeralds and matched her bright green eyes. Kariah thought the girl was very beautiful. She couldn't help but smile at her rival, Akiio Stoneheart. The two girls had been pushing each other to become stronger. Both were helping each other where areas wereare lacking while constantly edging each other to their limits during training. The two young women had built a rivalry that drives on love for one another as well as respect for each other's goals.

"Are you okay?" The girl asked, concern written in her sparkling eyes. Often times Kariah's mind would flashback to that day but it was only when her mind remembered her parents’ murderer did that overwhelming fear grip her. Having no secrets between them, Akiio knew this andan would often keep an eye on her friend whenever she had the chance.

"I'm fine." Kariah-Belle said to her friend to which the other girl raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"I'm fine,." The girl repeated with a reassuring smile. Kariah knew her friend had a tendency to worry excessively over what she cared about. Kariah-Belle was one of those people that would cause her to worry so much. The caramel skinned girl refused to be a distraction on the day they finally got to go on a mission outside the capital. Plus Kariah hated being the cause of worry.

Brightening her smile, Kariah-Bell gave the other girl a once over.

Akiio was small but lean as most advance course students were. Standing at five feet five inches Akiio was a force to be reckoned with. The young woman was already dressed in her combat uniform. Black leggings that stopped mid-calf. Silver metallic greaves that began at the knee providing protection from the shin on down as well as the lower calf. She wore a leather jacket over her silver and green breast plate. Both top wears fitting her petite figure snugly. It also sported her family's emblem, a bouquet of emerald daisies in the upper center. The girl had the sleeves to her leather jacket rolled up to her elbows, exposing the emerald scales that covered her left arm in large patches until it reaches her fist. While the palm resembled human skin, the skin on the outside of the fist was completely covered on emerald plating that formed scales, almost as if forming a gauntlet.

On her right arm, she wore a metal gauntlet that fit like a glove. The gauntlet had emerald designs engraved on it. Her clothes made to be durable for battle. Of course, it's the best money can by. In these times money could buy a lot. If your family contributed to the nation in a major way, the more money you can posses.

After taking a second to admire her friend’s wardrobe, Kariah-Belle grinned then nodded. She always got excited when seeing her friend in her combat gear. Akiio looked fierce and determined despite her small frame. It would give the brown haired girl the confidence to go out and do her best. Now Kariah couldn't wait to start today's training mission.

"Looking good," Kariah-Belle told her friend with a mischievous grin. "How has Lax not fallen head over heels for you yet?"

Akiio laughed. "That boy is only interested in being a knight. He's so dense I'm surprised he doesn't have his own gravitational pull."

Kariah burst out laughing. Lax-rim did seem to be very oblivious to Akiio's advancements. Both girls knew that Lax-rim had a one track mind. Placing training, over everything else. In fact, it was his incredible skill in combat that got him into Lyzaria. The young man passed nearly off the combat assessment alone and was considered a genius among second years. However, being a warrior at heart, he would always slack on his studies. If not for the two girls, he most likely wouldn't have made it past the first year.

"Okay." The curly haired girl said, noticing she was still naked. "Give me a moment and we can kick butt."

It took Kariah-Belle little time get get dressed in her mother's old combat gear. One of the few things the girl could salvage from that day. Thanks to Akiio, Kariah was able to get her mother's gear upgraded and customized to her liking. The girl wore a slender breastplate that extended stops just past the top part of her rib cage. The armor didn't look fancy but it was very sturdy and durable. The material used to make it was a rare metal known as Althro-kul,. aA nearlynear indestructible metal that was used for many things during the Old Times. The same material was used for her greaves that had small heals but still provided great maneuverability, as well as a gauntlet for each arm.

Both had three bright roses etched into the wrist, as well as. So did the center of the breastplate. She tied up her long curly, blackish brown hair in a bun.

Finally, she grabbed her mother's sheathed sword from her locker. The scrapboard was white with three bright red roses etched into it. Strapping the sheathe to her hip to let it hang behind her, she was ready to head out. Kariah-Belle looked back at her friend and said, "Okay, let's see what we'll get today."

The other young woman smiled and nodded. With that, the two women left the changing room.

Before long, Kariah-Belle and Akiio were at the rear of the school. If they they were being taken this way out of the Academy then without a doubt it meant the advance class were going to be traveling outside of the capital. Kariah could tell she wasn't the only one excited to be leaving the capital. She could see Lax-rim lightly bouncing on the balls of his feet.

The two girls grinned at the red haired boy. His armor was red, like his hair and eyes. He only wore a breastplate, and one gauntlet. The boy had spent much time training his body as he was toned. He waved a hello to them as they joined the group.

"Nice of the both of you to join us." Professor Mar-gin said. The middle- aged man, wore simple workout clothing:, he wore combat boots and a long dark grey cloak with the Divine knight insignia on the front. The man was tall and lean from years of fight against the Darkness. The retired knight was known by many throughout the kingdom Natheral, Vyrmm's capital as Divine knight: Iron Fist Mar-gin. Kariah knew she was lucky to have a professor with such renown. Kariah-Belle knew only at Lyzria Academy could you find Divine knights as teachers.

"Hope we didn't keep you waiting for too long,." Akiio said.

"Actually you're right on time," Lax said, looking up towards the sky to gauge the time. "Professor. How about telling us but today's assignment. I'm itching to get going."

"Well Mr. Col," The professor began, addressing the five of them. "Today we head out to the village of Canma to deliver goods. The village is fairly small with a lot of land between them and the trading post to the capital. Canma's residents are in dire need of rations. Because of the increase in Darkness that suddenly appeared four weeks ago, the routes are too dangerous for civilians to travel."

"So we are to pick up and escort these supplies right?" Another boy in the advance class replied.

"As well as clearing a path for those without the ability to combat the Darkness to travel. Our adversaries will be darklings. Our advance class will be able to exterminate them as long as we all work as one. This mission could take up to three days. Everyone ready?"

The class cheered their readiness. All excited to be leaving the capital for the first time since coming to this school. All excited to show they belong here in the advance course.

The team trekked through the trail that led away from the school. Professor Mar-gin walked some ways ahead of them, talking with a hologram on his holopad. Meanwhile, the group of young adults held a conversation of their own.

"I'm telling you." Said Lax-rim shaking his head. "If Kariah-Belle's head was any bigger, it would need it's own gravitational pull."

"Screw you." Kariah-Belle said crossing her arm. "Ya walking tomato."

"So unlady like." Lax-rim said shaking his head.

"He says when he can't think of a comeback." Mae Lu giggled.

The group laughed. Bickering was something Lax-rim and Kariah-Belle did often. Ever since their days at the orphanage. They loved calling each other names. It was a game they named Rank Sess. Most people wouldn't understand it but for these two it was a show of love and closeness.

As Lax-rim struggled to come up with a decent comeback, Kariah-Belle noticed Akiio and Jet walking some ways ahead. Most likely coming up with a formation for today's mission. Those two were the strategist of the group and often work together on formations. Even with the little information they had, the two wasted no time.

The girl also noticed Mae Lu was watching the two of them while Lax-rim still tried in vain to redeem himself.

Kariah-Belle knew of Mae Lu's interest in Jet as more than just a friend. She wondered if the purple haired girl was jealous of how close Akiio and Jet seemed to be. Not that she could be jealousjelous of Akiio as she knew the green haired girl had a thing for Lax-rim but at how far behind she was behind the two of them. While Jet and Akiio ranked in the top three at Lyzaria academy, Mae Lu ranked eighth. Kariah-Belle hoped the girl didn't feel left out.

"Shush." Kariah-Belle told Lax-rim who mumble how rude she was but stopped talking none the less. Honestly the boy could talk for hours if you'd let him.

"Akiio. Jet." Kariah-Belle called the two. "How about including us in the strategy?"

"Oh sorry guys." Jet said as he came to a stop. Akiio did the same. "We were just coming up with scenarios and working out the kinks for back up plans in case things go left."

Mae Lu tilted her head at Kariah-Belle. As if she was wondering if the girl was reading her mind. The caramel skinned girl simply winked and caught up with her two green haired friends.

 

[DarknessSama17]

Chapter 3 - Lore

Kariah-Belle stood next to her best friend. The two young women began putting on their greaves and gauntlets as they prepared for battle.


The team had been on the military Aircraft for over a day now and were approaching their destination.


In a matter of minutes everyone was ready to head out. The five students formed around their professor who'd taken to the center of the air craft.


"You all know what you have to do." Mar-gin told them. "You will be sky diving out the air craft into the nesting field of the Darklings. You will exterminate them. Leave none alive. Remember to watch each other's backs out there, understand?"


The group nodded. Mar-gin smiled to them. He then pulled a lever that hung down over his head. The doors to the air craft behind the students began to open as each student setup their nurolink link with their professor. This link allows a group of people to communicate without words by linking each other's minds.


Still they had learned enough for them to keep Nurolink with at least three people. Today professor Mar-gin would be taking advantage of this. The class would have a nurolink with the professor. With this, the dark haired man could communicate with his class from here in the air craft. By using the technology of the future, he could track their movements via holofeild. A 3D holographic projection of that captured images in real time.


This is done thanks to a small wrist band that the students were. It captures the wears image as well as everything within the wearer's eyesight or that would be. It was first made for virtual reality gaming, but it soon became a main source of training. It was clear to Kariah-Belle that her professor had no intention of heading out on the field with them and said what the rest of the class was thinking.


"You aren't coming with us?" Normally it would be Mar-gin to lead the group during confrontation with the Enemy.


The professor shook his. "Today Jet will lead you."


Everyone looked at Jet. The dark haired boy with streaks of green had been chosen a few times to lead the squad during a few squabbles with rebels that hide in the capital. Kariah-Belle recalled the time when Jet had been tasked with leading the team against a pack of Virrei. One of Lore's many hostile creatures.


That mission had gone almost without a hitch. That was until was Mae Lu, had lost her cool. She'd panicked at the sight of the monsters eating human corpses that littered their lair. Luckily Jet's quick thinking was able to help them succeed.


This time though, they wouldn't be facing off against rebels and wild animals. They would be facing darklings.


Humans that have fallen to far to their negative emotions. When that happens their Lifeforce becomes only negative energy. When this happens to someone with little Lifeforce, that person becomes a darkling. No body knows what caused this phenomenon. The records of this wasn't dated until ten thousand years ago.


These creatures of darkness look like the Darkness warriors from all those years ago. They are midnight black but have very little resemblance to dinosaurs. They weren't as intelligent as most Darkness troops but they were capable of thought and could smash a one ton Boulder.


The young men and women hadn't faced them but they were in the advance course for a reason. They were already a team and could us a nurolink quite effectively, though not to perfect mastery. Kariah-Belle also felt as though Jet could lead a successful mission if everyone pulled their weight.


The Carmel skinned young woman hmphed, before speaking. "Our first mission outside the capital, and it'll be a cakewalk."


"Careful Riah." Lax-rim said jokingly. While grinning from ear to ear. "You tend to cause bad luck for us when you get big headed."


Kariah-Belle rolled her eyes while trying to hold in a giggle. "Oh shut it." She said. The young girl knew it was true. Often times when the young lady's head got too big for her britches, she would get careless and let her gaurd down or something bad out of the blue would happen. "I'll remember, I'll remember. Let's get this show on the road. I'm itching to get start."


"I second that motion." Akiio said.


"I as well." Said the girl with the bangs. She pulled her trademark goggles from around her neck and put them over her purple eyes while walking over to the opened doors of the air craft. She looked back and asked, "Are you guys coming or not."


Kariah-Belle grinned at the girl. Walking over to her she punched her palm. "Hell yeah. Let's do this."


Chuckling, Akiio followed suit shaking her head. "Do I sense big headedness, Riah?" She said using a long time nickname


"No ma'am." The brown eyed girl said with a wide, playful. "My head is normal sized. Thank you very much. I just know we can handle this. We've handled tougher."


It was true. Virrei were a considered more of a threat than darklings, though not by much. The team had steadily grown in skill since then.


"Nah, I'm pretty sure your head has inflated."


Kariah-Belle aimed an inappropriate gesture at Lax-rim as he approach the exit. "Stuff it talking crayon ." The young woman retorted.


Lax-rim laughed at the joke she'd been using since childhood and so did Kariah-Belle.


"Burn!" Jet called out at Kariah-Belle's comment.


Jet tied his hair in a ponytail as made is way over to the group. The boy kept his emotions hidden during missions but Kariah-Belle could see the excitement in his eyes. This was another mission for them all under their belts which meant a higher chance of them getting into great squadron or even become apprentice to a Divine knight. The more completed missions, the more impressive your resumè looks. It doesn't help if the difficulty is higher.


In the six months they've been in the advance class they had done many missions that most academy students wouldn'tsee until they become knights.


Though, they all knew that the real battle wouldn't start until all the darklings were defeated....


The carmel skinned girl looked at her teammates on either side of her. Lax-rim, Jet, and Mae Lu were staring down at the moving dark figures below. They paid no mind to the object above them.


Akiio was staring at Kariah-Belle with a knowing look, and the black-brown haired girl smiled. Her friend knew what was going through her mind.


' These are the people I must protect today so we can smile again another day.'


A saying Kariah-Belle's mother would often say to the girl when she was alive. Back then the girl had thought it simply meant to be kind to others which impacted her greatly. Now she fully understood what it meant and would often think it before a dangerous mission. Akiio had known her friend so we'll that not even this phrase was kept hidden. The green haired girl knew Kariah would be think it right about now.


Oh how she loved that girl.


It was then that Lax-rim grew impatient. The young man jumped, yelling, "Geronimo!"


"There he goes." Mae Lu said chuckling. "As impatient as always."


Then she too jumped out the air craft. Jet took a simple step and went plummeting towards earth(as in the ground, dirt, ect). The two girls nodded to each other then followed their teammates. Jumping out the air craft to the job bellow.


As a result of this, Kariah-Belle had little memory of the outside world. So the scene before her was breathe taking. Once tall, elegant skyscrapers made of colorful titanium like metal now lay in ruins and covered in vines. It was as if the world was trying to consume what man had once made. Moss and gravel covered the toppled building. The buildings were corroding so large chunks and pieces. Kariah-Belle could tell the buildings were once very beautiful. Some of them still managed to look breathtakingly pretty standing at slopped angles. The sight was spectacular indeed but the young woman knew she had a job to do.


After taking in the scenery, the team looked at Jet. Waiting on the young man to lead. The green haired boy searched the landscape for a place to land. Without a word he switch from spread eagle to dive-bombing for a building with it's top portion missing that was leaning on another.


As they drew closer to their landing spot, the students instinctively used their Lifeforce to create a Mana. The group used the Mana to increase the durability of their body. Each of them landed on the slopped side of the leaning building, and started sprinting downwards.


"Yeee-aaah!" Lax-rim shouted out.


Kariah-Belle glanced behind her as she ran down the skyscraper. She could see the red haired young man had went from running to sliding on his backside down the slope. Grinning, Kariah-Belle decided she'd mimic her friend. She could always count on Lax-rim to bring the fun to a life or death mission.


She crouched low and began sliding down the building, giggling. It had been about three minutes since she'd left the aircraft and already she was having a blast. She looked back at Lax-rim, grinning. "You sure know how to bring the fun, Lax!"


Her childhood friend was grinning as well, from ear to ear. "I try." He said jokingly.


"Hey you two." Akiio called from behind them. "We'll be upon the darkling nest shortly. Be vigilant."


The two fun lovers spoke in unison. Kariah-Belle giving a "Roger!" While Lax-rim answered with "right!"


The two of them continued to slide as the end of the building drew closer.


Lax-rim let out an impressed whistle at the large number of darklings that seemed to mindlessly shuffle on the ground below. "There's got to be at least eighty to one hundred of em down there."


Kariah-Belle noticed Mae Lu taking a deep breath. The brown haired girl knew this was a frightening experience for her. It was a frightening experience for them all.


Sure the team had faced many life threatening dangerous but the darklings were a whole different thing compared to what they had faced before. They could think and act as one. They possess very tough skin and incredible strength. It wasn't any of these features that made them truly dangerous...


Up front jet shouted, "Remember. Stick close. Don't waste too much Mana on them unless truly necessary. We'll need it for what comes after this. Everyone ready?"


"Ready!" Everyone shouted in unison.


Jet leapt high into the air. The others followed him. They propelled themselves over the building. Kariah-Belle knew her squad leader was planning to have them drop in center of the darklings nesting fields. From there the team would break off. Lax-rim and Jet would make a team, while Akiio, Mae Lu and Kariah-Belle would make the other. When the group broke into teams, each person had two jobs.


One: keep up with your teammate/s whereabouts.


Two: watch your teammate/s back.


It was their teamwork that made Kariah and her team one of the best classes in the advance course. With Jet having the number one spot at the school and Akiio ranking in at number three, their little squad had significant balance.


One darkling looked up, spotting the group of young adults. It signalled for those nearest to do the same. A few seconds later blood chilling screams could be heard from the crowd of darklings. The scream had alerted even more darklings to their arrival. It was unlike anything Kariah-Belle had ever heard. She felt fear rise in her. She began second guessing herself as a few of the darklings jumped off the ground to meet them. Her heart rate speed up.


Can I really do this? What if I choke? What if-


Kariah-Belle. Professor Mar-gin spoke gently in the girl's mind via nurolink. Calm yourself. You can do this.


The young woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The picture of her mother and father she had hanging in her locker back at Lyzaria flashed in her mind. She recalled her mother's smiling face as she gripped the white hilt of her sword as her heart rate slowed a bit.


"Thanks professor." She whispered.


She then opened her eyes and with a battle cry that strengthen her resolve, Kariah-Belle unsheathed her sword.


It was Jet who'd earned first blood as he'd punched a darkling hard in face. The young man then spun and twisted horizontally mid air thanks to the Mana that augmented his body. On the first spin he kicked another darklings in the stomach. With the twist, Jet brought his heel down on the skull of another darkling. Send all three darklings hurtling down towards earth. Smashing into their kin before slamming into the ground creating small craters as well as a shockwave that blew a few of the surrounding darklings to the ground.


Mae Lu pulled her two sai from their sheathes that crossed on the small of her back, the chains on the hilt of each weapon wrapping around her forearm. The girl yelled defiantly as she meet two darklings that had jumped at her. No doubt to push back the fears that were trying to consume her. It seemed to do the trick as the girl used her Mana and willed it around her body, creating a Mana exoskeleton. The girl maneuvered in the air. It was as if the girl had landed on something solid, though there was nothing there that Kariah could see. Mae Lu then flipped over the the two darklings. Twirling after behind them, the short haired young woman threw her two sai at both of them with pin-point accuracy. Peirceing both of them in the head. Mae Lu yanked the chains on her Sai causing them to come back to her which allowed the purple haired girl to catch them.


Jet and Mae Lu landed. The two began fighting off the surrounding darklings that had scattered thanks the craters Jet had created.


The white and red blade of Kariah-Belle's sword pierced the face of one darkling as she landed. The girl kicked the monster away as she pulled her sword out of it's face then quickly spun on her heel to kick away a darkling that was rushing to attack her. The thing tumbled backwards from the force of her kick. Kariah-Belle too had augmented her body with Mana. She then leapt on the downed darklings and stabbed it in the face.


Lax-rim landed on a darkling that had managed to sneak up on Kariah, taking the young woman by surprise. The girl was prepared to block and take a bit of damage but the young man slammed into the creature of darkness, tackling it to the ground. His body emmited a soft red hue but his fist were glowing a violent red as he pummeled the darkling a few times rapidly.


Akiio landed beside them. The green haired girl had her curved jade dagger drawn and her eyes scanning the area. There was still a lot of darklings that all had their eyes on them.


With everyone finally on the ground, the group broke into their assigned teams. Akiio, Kariah-Belle and Mae Lu stayed stuck together, forming up with their backs to each other while the darklings rushed them. The girls broke their formation or so it had seemed. Kariah-Belle stabbed a darkling the the stomach before kicking it hard. It tumbled into more darklings, knocking two over while two dodged. They rushed at Kariah-Belle. The young woman leapt while spinning. Her heel slammed into the first one's cheek. The kick had such force that it snapped the monster's neck. The second darklings got Kariah's blade. As she descends she brought her sword straight through the darkling's torso. More of them came at her and the young woman got to work. Dodging, leaping, parrying, slashing and stabbing.


Akiio had flipped over a few darklings and landed a few yards away from the other two women in her team. She turned on her heel then slammed her emerald-scaled elbow into the nearest darkling. Knocking it into the ground. She brought the talons of her emerald hand down, peirceing the monster in the head. Pulling her claws free, she hacked and stabbed the other two darklings.


Mae Lu twirled and threw her sai. The girl would roll and stab. Kick and cut. There was a time when she seemed to land in mid air. After throwing her bladed weapons, she'd leap down while yanking her sai out of their target. She'd then land on the nearest darkling under her and stab them repeatedly with her two sai.


The trio fought well. All that training had paid off and it showed. Kariah-Belle spotted Lax-rim and Jet taking down darkling after darkling in rapid succession. The two young men were exceptional fighters and worked very well together. Feeding off each other's moves and cover each other's blind spots the two looked like veteran knights.


Before long, Lax-rim vanquished the final darkling with a takedown then sent his glowing red fist into its face with frightening force that smashed it's skull. Jet stood beside him and gestured for the group to gather.


Well done team. Professor Mar-gin said in each of their minds as everyone gathered. You all know what comes next. Keep together. Work together. You all can do this.


"Yes sir." Each of them said aloud. They each prepared themselves for what was about to come.


Kariah-Belle looked at each of her team as the bodies of the dead darklings began to evaporate and become mist-like. Kariah-Belle was no fool. She could put two and two together. An advance course wasn't suppose to fight so many darklings until their eleventh month of being in the class. Yet here the five of them were. About to face of against something that even full fledged knights struggled to handle. That could only mean one thing.


This was a test.


A test for what, the young woman couldn't possibly guess. She thought about contacting her professor but he responded in her head saying, You're a very bright girl Ms. Nadirè but for now focus on the task at hand. We'll discuss that matter another time. You're team needs you.


Right professor. The young woman responded in her head. She then turned her attention to the black mist that replaced the darkling corpses. The mist was coming together. It was seconds later that the mist started to take shape.


"So." Lax-rim said. The slightest hint of fear could be heard in hi voice. "Anyone else get the feeling we're screwed?"


"I..." Mae Lu said timidly as the ten feet darkling glared down at them with glowing red eyes.


This was what happened when more then eighty darklings were slain. The body rapidly decays and turns into Lifeforce that looks like black mist. The mist then comes together to form a darkling of higher rank known as Evilbarer.


This creature was a mid-high level threat. Like darklings it was a black as night. Like Darkness Tamers it bared a shining star. It had only one star. Evilbarers can only have one star to mark it's rank. The monster held a black huge sword that it held over it's head.