Chapter 1: Fulfilling a Legend

After the long gruesome war between the Gods, Humans and Demons... Scarred in the dangerous moments of battle, and avoiding total destruction altogether, the Humans, Gods and Demons entered a long truce.

The 1000 years of fragile forged peace...

In the land of Rune Midgard, the existence of peace eventually led the humans to erase their memories of the scars and the hardships of the war in the past. Not remembering the faults of the past, a culture was spreading throughout the land - selfishness, corruption and arrogance.


Then one day, strange events started happening, breaking the balance that once existed in Rune Midgard. There came a strange howl from the boundaries that divided the Humans, Gods and Demons; creatures begin attacking; increasing earthquakes and hail and...

The mysterious legend of demons...

As the fragile peace begin to fall apart, stories about the parts of Ymir, protecting the peace, begin to spread among the adventurers. Forgetting the true nature of it, people set out to seek each of the pieces for their own selfishness, and the wealth that would come with it...

Years had past. Still, no one had ever sought Ymir, nor enter the Demons' lair, to bring the Human's world back.

The July sun was shinning brightly down the streets of Prontera on a beautiful afternoon. At the doors of the Spencer's residence, a boy armed with a wooden sword stepped into the silent street. The boy had a thick amount of neat, blonde hair which created ripples as the strong afternoon wind blew his way. His azure blue eyes were sparkling with determination. This young man went by the name of Cedric Spencer.

Cedric grew up learning about the legend which was supposed to be fulfilled by those who trained under the guilds of the Rune Midgard Kingdom. The Novice class is the start of every warrior's journey. It is the most basic job which offers its members skills needed to survive in the dangerous parts of the world. After one had trained long enough, they will branch into the six main guilds – the Swordsman Guild, the Acolyte Order, the Thief Society, the Merchant Union, the Mage Academy, and the Archer Clan. From there, their professions would branch out to two or three advanced jobs.

Many know of the legend and join one of these six guilds, but few had the thoughts of doing what the legend asked for. Many ignore it, but not Cedric. He always believed in this tale since he was a young boy. He believed in the existence of Ymir which was supposed to bring peace to the world and also of the Demons which has to be sealed away.

Cedric had planned it since the beginning. He wanted to be a Knight, just like his brother, Caleb. Although he just turned fifteen last May, he was still inexperienced and had a lot to learn. Cedric was not only taking lessons from his brother, he also attends a special academy for pre-Novices which guides them to choose their profession in the future and the skill of using the weapons. Cedric had learnt a lot from this place. And it was important to gain as much experience as he can before becoming a fully qualified Swordsman, the step to become a Knight.

Cedric and Caleb live together in the quaint little house down the streets of Prontera. Their parents had separated because of their clashing personalities and aspirations. To solve all problems, they left the house to the Spencer brothers before leaving them to fend for themselves. Caleb who was the elder brought up the family with the help of their close neighbours. Cedric idolizes his brother; he was his role-model.

Cedric was an adventurous boy since he was a little kid. He would follow his brother every where he went in hopes of using his wooden sword. Most of the times, he and his brother would take a visit to the nearby forest to hunt for Lunatics. Cedric wasn't much of a hand. Caleb would finish off the fluffy, white rabbits with a slash of his sword while Cedric would wave his sword and point it to the Lunatics, hardly doing any damage to them. It couldn't be helped, and both of them would return home with a handful of rabbits for dinner.

It was impossible for little Cedric to stay still at home. At seven, he sneaked out of town just because he wanted to visit Izlude, the Satellite city of Prontera which was home to the Swordsman Guild. He heard that it was a great building with many tough people coming out as a Swordsman after enduring a series of tests. On the way there, he met a Poring, a jelly-like basic monster. Filled with curiosity, Cedric bent down and poke the Poring as though it was a cuddly toy. This act made the Poring furious, squirting some unknown substance on Cedric, nearly making him pass out. Luckily someone came to the rescue, but to his dismay it was his own brother, Caleb. When Cedric returned home, he was given a good lesson by his brother.

Cedric walked steadily towards a nearby park. He sat down on a bench waiting for a friend. He had promised his friend that he would tell him about his experience of venturing in the Prontera culverts. This rather dangerous sewer was full of Thief Bugs and Familiars, bat-like aggressive monsters. It was an achievement to sneak past the guard who was supposed to be on duty. He even collected some worm peelings and bat teeth to prove that he had been in there. It was a very eventful day and he could not wait to tell his friend about his adventure.

Soon, a girl at the same age of Cedric passed by the bench he was on. She was beautiful, dressed in a lovely turquoise dress, a unique white belt at her waist. The sleeves were of strips which were wrapped around her arm elegantly. Her long, silky hair hung past her chest, the ebony black shade shimmered in the sun. Her fair complexion was augmented by her peach pink cheeks. The most charming thing about this girl was her glowing emerald eyes, shinning and round as a jewel.

The girl took a seat opposite Cedric's, paying a lot of interest to the flower bush next to her bench. Cedric found himself observing at the girl for a long while. His eyes were fixed intently on the girl that he even ignored the familiar calls of his friend.

'Hey Ced, what's the matter with you, can't recognize me?' croaked a boy with his arms crossed. The boy had cinnamon brown eyes and noticeable freckles across his face. He had many features of an ordinary Japanese boy, but all these were overpowered by the fact that he had a head of spiky, sleet white hair. At the same age as Cedric, his name was Hirei Ishiro. This boy's family had supported Cedric and his brother and since then, the two of them were childhood and best friends. Hirei was great at archery and wishes to become a Hunter in the future.

'Ced, Ced!' shouted Hirei while hitting Cedric hard in his ribs. The pain was too hard to bear as Cedric woke up from his deep trance.

'Ouch! Hey, oh… Hello Rei. Sorry, I was… daydreaming,' murmured Cedric as he rose from his seat. Cedric had not put his eyes off the girl.

'Oh,' said Hirei, as he had spotted Cedric's odd behaviour. 'That girl, she just moved here from Geffen with her mum. I can't believe that this was the first time you've seen her. I mean, she just lives right down your street!'

Hirei realized Cedric was not even listening to whatever he said. He became impatient and took Cedric's seat on the bench. He tapped his fingers on the wooden bench while whistling a melody.

Cedric could not put his eyes off the girl. He needed another punch from Hirei to wake up from his slumber. After a long while, his brain finally programmed Hirei's presence. 'Oh um, what were you saying?'

'Oh fine, ignore me all you want,' Hirei shook his head and sighed. He then hesitated for a while before continuing. 'Wanna meet her?'

Cedric raised his eyebrows. 'What do you mean by that?'

'Well, it's really obvious you were staring at the girl,' said Hirei. 'Not those normal stares, if you get what I mean.'

'That… that was just an attraction! I believe every boy would find themselves checking her out too! I mean, which guy wouldn't?' snapped Cedric firmly.

'You got the point there…' said Hirei silently as he tapped his lips. 'But still, you wanna meet her?'

'Well, of course, but it's not like you know-'

'Hey there Penny!' interrupted Hirei without delaying for another second.

'Wait a sec, you do know her?' said Cedric as his mouth was opened in astonishment.

That question was already answered, as the girl was walking towards the boys. To Cedric, it seemed like his world had halted. Someone was giving him an opportunity to think of what he should say to the girl. Cedric thought of a graceful bow, no… that is too formal. Then, he thought of a casual "Wassup?", but that is just too laid back isn't it? While he was thinking deeply, glossy locks of long black hair appeared in front of him. Apparently time did not stop and the girl had already made her way to the boys.

'Hey there Hirei.' she said with a mesmerizing voice.

'Hey Penny! What were you doing?' asked Hirei as he grinned widely.

'Oh, nothing… I was just walking in the neighbourhood until-'

Somehow, all sound was muffled in Cedric's ears. The girl was standing right before her. At that moment, it was a situation of pride and situation. What sort of first impression should he make?

'Penny, I would like you to meet my best buddy, Cedric Spencer. Ced, this is Penelope Summers.' introduced Hirei in a matchmaker fashion.

'Hello Cedric, nice to meet you,' said Penelope as she reached out her hand to shake Cedric's hand, a smile forming on her lips.

No bows, no "Wassups", just the real you Cedric. 'Hey there Penelope,' said Cedric trying to be himself while talking to the lady. 'The… the sorrow, no, I mean the pleasure is mine.' Of all the time to make a joke, especially from the book you just read! But to his surprise, Penelope laughed, even her laughter was as pleasant as an angel's voice.

'You're really funny,' said Penelope after laughing. 'You have a really nice friend, Hirei. He's kind of cute.' Cedric, at the moment, was confused. Did Penelope just say that his childish attitude was funny… and cute?

Penelope then spotted Cedric's wooden sword and smiled. 'You're going to be a Swordsman, I assume,' said Penelope as she pointed at Cedric's wooden sword.

'Err… oh, yeah! I wanna follow in my brother's footstep, he's a Knight. I think a Knight is amazing! How about you Penelope?' asked Cedric, getting the conversation going.

'Me? I am learning to be a Priest, like my mother. I want to help the people in need,' said Penelope in a very hopeful voice.

'So… Do you believe in the legend?' asked Cedric.

'Of course,' nodded Penelope, her fist tightened firmly. 'The world is plagued and it must be rescued. I'll do whatever I can to return this world to normal.'

Cedric was pleasantly surprised. Someone actually shared his thoughts. Cedric's inner light bulb glowed as he thought of an idea.

'I just thought of something… Why don't we take apply for the Novice test when all of us are qualified?' Cedric started, excitement building in his face. 'We can go together, we make a great team don't you think? I'll be a Knight, and Rei will be Hunter, and Penelope will be a Priest! What a good combination!'

'Oh, that again, Ced?' Hirei shrugged. 'You never give up hope, huh? But hey, you've got a point. Now that there's Penelope, this can actually work out! I'm in. What do you say, Penny?'

'Me?' said Penelope. She then looked down at the ground, seemingly interested at her shoes at the moment.

'Come on, Penny, I'm sure you won't be able to do this by yourself,' Hirei continued. 'With us, we can make history!'

Penelope raised her head and nodded slowly. '…I agree then.'

'Great! Let's meet here once week and we will have a team meeting. Let's say, come here every Wednesday alright?' cheered Cedric immediately.

'Sure!' said Hirei.

'Why not?' Penelope agreed as she smiled widely.

And so they did. They came to the park weekly for their team meeting as promised. They planned their destination and people they should ask to join. They trained together every week and shared their thoughts together. And they did this for weeks and months.

'So you are ready, huh?' the man with hair in the same blonde shade as his brother Cedric, asked him as he was taking a bite from his toast.

'It'll be today or never, they gave me permission already!' replied Cedric, smiling happily at his elder brother as he proudly showed his results letter from the pre-Novice test. 'All I have to do now is take the real test.'

Caleb nodded slowly and said. 'I guess you are then. I shall help get you there.'

'Thanks bro!' smiled Cedric happily. 'If you are, then finish up your breakfast quickly! Hirei and Penelope are waiting for me at the park!'

Cedric was finally given the permission from the academy to take the Novice test. Hirei and Penelope had got theirs too. They were going to start their journey full of obstacles. After Caleb finished his last toast, he walked into his room and took a long item wrapped in a thick brown cloth. Cedric pointed at it and asked. 'What's that for?'

'You will find out later,' answered Caleb shortly as he hid the item away from Cedric's plain sight. As they were walking out of their house, Cedric saw his brother starring back at their house for a moment.

'Bro, what are you waiting for? Left something behind?' Cedric asked. Caleb shook his head and followed Cedric hurriedly. As they approached the park, they could see an excited boy waving towards their direction.

'Hey Ced! Over here!' cried Hirei happily. Sitting on the bench next to him was Penelope waving at Cedric too. Cedric waved back and ran towards both of them.

'Hey there guys, my brother is gonna guide us there,' said Cedric as he pushed his brother in front of his friends.

Caleb shook his head at Cedric's statement. 'I'm just bringing you there. You will have to go through the test by yourself.'

'Gee! I know that bro!' said Cedric with annoyance. Slowly, he bared a smile, knowing that his brother was just caring for him. 'Thanks… So shall we be leaving?'

'Of course! Let's go!' said Hirei.

'Certainly,' smiled Penelope as she stood up from the bench. A bright light caught Cedric's eyes. He spotted a pendent hanging from Penelope's neck. The stone was shinning brightly in a deep shade of blue with a little ocean glitter.

'What's that?' asked Cedric, pointing at the pendent. 'I've never seen that on you before.'

'This?' said Penelope as she scooped up her pendent and raised it in front of her. 'It's a gift from my mother for this journey. She said that it belonged to my father.'

'That's beautiful…' Cedric said. Penelope simply smiled.

'If you are all ready, then follow my lead,' said Caleb as he was walking away from the park, Cedric and the others followed closely.

Caleb led the group into the heart of the city. As they entered, voices of merchants and blacksmiths could be heard throughout the place, calling out for possible customers to buy their goods.

'G'day, m'lad! Will ye be interested ter sum o' tis armour?' came an eager man's voice and they walked past the merchant's stall. He tried to get Caleb to buy his ware. 'Real fine ones I 'ave 'ere. It'll protect ye greatly. Never seen these failed. It's just 20,000 zeny!'

'I'm sorry sir, but I will have to pass. This chain mail has been my partner and has protected me ever since I was a Knight. I trust it with my life,' replied Caleb, placing a hand on his chain mail which he proudly wore on top of his Knight outfit which came with the Knight's emblem. 'I apologise for not buying your goods. It's a great offer and I thank you for that.'

The merchant was clearly unhappy that Caleb did not even consider looking at his goods. Yet, he did a curtsy, respecting the honest and humble Caleb.

'I'll be seeing ye next time then. Remember ter visit mah shop sometime!' said the merchant waving to Caleb as he walked off. 'I'll be 'ere every day. Tell yer relatives and friends and everyone ye know aite? Just say that you're that Knight an'-' They will never find out what the merchant was offering to them as his voice was drowned by the noise around them.

'That was way cool bro!' said Cedric as he beamed with respect at his brother after they were further away from the stalls. 'You're so great back there!'

Caleb returned his compliment with a smile and continued to walk down the crowded streets of Prontera. It wasn't a rare sight to see Prontera's streets flourished with people, as it was the capital city of the Rune Midgard Kingdom.

'We have arrived at our destination,' said Caleb, stopping as they stood in front a building. He opened the door with his gloved hand and stood aside, waving a hand into the building. 'After you three.'

Cedric and Hirei nodded and entered as Penelope followed, bowing slightly to Caleb. They looked around at the small place; this could not possibly be the Novice Training Grounds, could it?

'Bro, this isn't-' started Cedric.

'This is not the Novice Training Grounds,' nodded Caleb, knowing exactly what Cedric's question was going to be.

'Then what are we-' said Hirei, turning to Caleb.

'Doing here?' interrupted Caleb. 'You can't get to the Novice Training Grounds through feet. And it would take long for us to reach the island. We are here to-'

'-Do you need teleportation services to the Novice Training Grounds, sir?' smiled the girl behind the counter with pale lavender shoulder length hair and a flower hair band. Apparently, she had overheard their conversation.

'You know me best, Jenna,' said Caleb, smiling back. He then turned to the others. 'This is Jenna. She works for the Kafra Corporation. I am sure you all know what their job is, you see them everywhere to assist people. Basically, we are here because-'

'This is the only way to get to the Novice Training Grounds,' said Penelope. Everyone looked at her when she spoke. 'Mum told me… Sorry for interrupting.'

She then turned silent again.

'Since we had all known our purposes here-' started Caleb.

'Wait a sec Caleb,' said Jenna, crossing her arms. 'You haven't introduced them to me.

Caleb nodded. 'Very well. This will be my brother, Cedric Spencer,' said Caleb.

'Um, hello there,' Cedric said as he smiled.

'I see that you're a Knight Wannabe too,' smiled Jenna. 'You're pretty cute yourself, blonde hair, blue eyes, just like your brother. Err, carry on,' Jenna quickly said when she saw the stern look on Caleb's face.

'This is Hirei Ishiro,' continued Caleb as Hirei smiled warmly Jenna. Jenna returned the smile with a you-are-kinda-cute-too face. 'And this lady here is Penelope Summers.'

Penelope did a deep bow and Jenna nodded. 'I think that will be it and we will need our transportation now,' said Caleb. He then bent down to Cedric and said. 'Cedric, once you are there, you will be on your own-'

'With Hirei and Penelope,' corrected Cedric.

'With Hirei and Penelope, yes. My meaning is that I will not be there to guide you through. After your training, you will start your journey with your friends to-'

'And you too bro!' corrected Cedric again.

Caleb's smile faded. 'I… guess I will,' answered Caleb, hesitating. 'But promise me that you will take care of you and your friends and don't do anything rash. You are known to act without thinking.'

'You don't have to say that!'

'And you will need to behave yourself and grow up. Heed other people's advice, they will come in handy one day. And-'

'Caleb…' said Jenna softly. 'They really have to get going.'

'Yes, you are right Jenna,' said Caleb slowly. 'But please, I need some more time…'

Now, Caleb took out the long item he had brought with him in the ragged brown cloth. With two hands, he gave it to his brother. Cedric took it with both his hands and asked. 'Bro this is-'

'This will be a gift from me Cedric,' said Caleb, lifting his hand off the item, allowing Cedric to carry all its weight. 'But open this only on the day you turn Knight. Please, promise me only this. Meanwhile, keep it with you wherever you go.'

'Alright… bro,' said Cedric. He started to observe the item, wondering what is hidden behind the cloth. He looked at it as if he had x-ray vision.

'C'mon Ced, let's get going,' said Hirei as he tugged Cedric's sleeves.

'We should, Cedric,' Penelope agreed.

'Very well then,' said Jenna, walking out from the counter. She took a few steps to the left and faced the wall. Tapping the wall softly in some sequence, the wall started shaking and revealing a door.

'This door will take you to the Novice Training Grounds,' said Jenna. 'Our representatives will send you back here after you had finished,' She then opened the door and bowed deeply. 'Thank you for using our service and please come back to Kafra Corporation again. Till then, have a nice day!'

Cedric turned and looked at his brother again as Hirei was pulling him into the door. 'Bye bro! Wait for us!'

'Farewell, my brother,' said Caleb softly.

Author Notes:

Hello! It's SugarGaL here! This is my first fan fiction I've written. I'm not the best at this either. I had this story in my mind for a few years already, and started writing it since then.(with lots of ugly grammar...) I've posted it on deviantART, but I never had the guts to post it here. Finally, after encouragement from my friend, Here. It. Is. braces self for reviews

The first part of the chapter in italic was taken from the so called "introduction" of the original Ragnarok Online game. I thought that it would be good if I included it and start off from there. The first chapter(with a rather bad title ;;) is a little slow paced. But don't worry, I assure you that it would be better! By the way, take note of the length of my fan fiction. It will be quite long. I'm planning on writing character one-shots too. Depending on how this is accepted by the readers, I'll put up the second chapter!

Hope you enjoy it!