To all my readers on the subreddit, I'll be typing this fanfiction here and therefore adding the chapters. If you enjoyed Chapter 1 and would like to see more, please feel free to "follow" me or comment/review! You guys give me the motivation to write more, so please show it :)

Chapter 1

"Are you sure you want to be a member of the King's troops?" Baj asked the young boy in front of him.

"Yeah." The boy eagerly nodded. "It's all I've dreamed of since the day I was born."

"It's not an easy life. All the citizens you see protecting the kingdom went through years of training and - "

"I know! "the impatient boy interrupted. "But I'm not scared... I swear I'll train my butt off to become the best bowman in the world!"

Baj sighed. It was what every 12 year old boy said when they came to enlist in the King's army. As soon as the small children in Mindcrack could hold a wooden sword they began envisioning themselves as guardians of the King. He would leave his small cottage every day and see these kids scramble around whacking each others' butts, exclaiming "Hi !" and only receiving a grunt from the rather quiet man.

"Alright." he said, while scribbling something quickly onto a sheet.

"This is your instructor," pointing to the name he had just written down. Report to him immediately tomorrow at the break of dawn."

"Yes sir.." The boy answered, unable to hide his excitement. He looked at the sheet of paper once more, smiled, and turned to leave.

As soon as he left Baj looked down at his desk.

Pause was circled. So that was the kids name, eh?

2 Years Later

The sounds of the burning zombies prompted the people of Ferdor to wake up and begin another day. Most citizens, the farmers, would work throughout the day to supply the town with sufficient food for the upcoming winter. Others would go to service-related industries, such as the instructors and professors. And finally, a select few, the warriors, bowmen, or magicians would make their way to the Kingdom and await any new missions the King had for them. When assigned one, they often wouldn't return for home for several weeks or months. But they received the greatest amount of respect - without them, the Kingdom Mindcrack would not be as glorious and powerful as it was.

For young Etho today marked his 12th birthday. In the kingdom, hen one turned 12, he or she chose a occupation that essentially laid out their future. Many opted out of the dangerous, rigorous lifestory of the guardians and instead hoped to contribute to the kingdom in other ways. Etho had never been interested in the life of growing wheat and maintaining herds of cattle. Between the guardians, one could become a warrior, bowmen, or magician. The decision of the lifetime often was tough for most, but Etho had already decided. He quickly put on his leather shoes and cap and said his goodbyes to his dad and younger brother. He was going to see the King's Advisor today.

As he entered the gates of the Kingdom, Etho could not help but gaze in awe at everything. He saw hundreds and hundreds of people. He saw countless numbers of goods and stores. But most importantly, he could not help but notice the cloaked rangers with their elegant bows. They were so mysterious and yet so cool! Etho smiled himself. One day, he hoped to achieve the title as of Ranger.

After getting lost numerous times Etho finally arrived at the King's palace, which once again didn't fail to impress him. The palace was surrounded by 4 thick, shiny walls made out of the best iron in the land. Where the walls intersected lied a tall guard tower, 4 in total, each with an excellent view of the land. He asked for the advisor, and after a long wait (the advisor had been taking a nap), Etho finally stood in front of him.

Advisor Baj was one of the most respected men in the Kingdom and its' towns. When he was young, Baj was the King's best warrior. It was said that he could slay a hundred of zombies and skeletons in a night without any trouble. Many also believed he was next in line to be King when the present one passed away. Etho gulped. He was already naturally shy and reticent toward people, and now he was supposed to ask this man to enlist him?

"Well? Are you just going to stand there?" Baj asked, barely glancing the short, scrawny boy in front of him.

"Uh.. N- N- No... I j- just turned T- Twel've." Etho nervously spat out.

"And? Are you here to receive a cake or something? Oh. I get it. Your body is changing. Well its a great thing lad, your pe-"

"Ew no!" Etho exclaimed. "I mean... I would like to enlist in the King's army, Mr. Baj. I want to become a bowmen."

"Ah. That's what I thought." Baj chuckled to himself. This kid won't make it anywhere. He was shy, short, and weak - there was no way he could become a full-fledged archer.

"You do know it will be tough. The training is gruesome, and you'll go through a lot of pain. Most don't make it past their first year. And still, the ones that do often get eaten alive by outside monsters.

"Yes. I know... But, I promise I'll work hard! To protect Kingdom Mindcrack! Someday I want to become the best archer in the world."

Etho confidently answered back.

Baj looked at the kid. At least he's got the determination for it... Sigh.

He scribbled down the same words he had hundreds of times before to other eager 12 year olds, and gave it to Etho.

"Meet your instructor tomorrow. 6 'o clock sharp." Baj muttered.

Etho stared at the paper. He was officially a bowmen. "T- Thank you Mr. Baj!" He turned to leave, but suddenly, another boy came bursting through the door.

"Oh. Sorry, didn't know see you there." the other boy said to Etho, while directing his attention to Baj. Etho left the room.

"Sir Baj, I have a signature and permission from the instructor to advance my studies in the realm of archery. He believes I am ready to become a Hunter. " Pause gave the letter to Baj.

Baj glanced at the recent intruder but recognized him. Unable to pinpoint who it was, he studied the letter. It was from JSano... A hunter?! At age 14? Why, no one's ever even come close to that feat... Baj thought, shocked. He looked at the letter again. It was genuine. Reaching the 2nd advancement in two years was unthinkable! The normal kid took 4 years, and even then, it was a mighty accomplishment.

"Alright. Give me your hand." Baj gripped the older boy's hand and chanted a few sacred words. An inscription of a bow now lay on his hand.

The boy gazed at his hand, obviously proud and excited at his accomplishment. "Thank you Sir Baj. If you don't mind, I was wondering if you could give me suggestions on where I should train?"

Baj raised his eyebrows. The boy possessed a certain aura to him... He was confident and looked mature, and although he was still young, there was something to him that signified a future leader in the making.

"In the forests to the far east lies an archery camp. There other Hunters train together. I suggest you do the same."

The boy nodded. "Of course. I'll leave immediately." He turned to leave.

When he left, Baj pondered over the fact that he somehow recognized the young boy. He was getting old, and didn't even recognize some of his own superiors. He sighed again. *Should have just asked for his name...*

If you enjoyed this chapter please feel free to follow/comment/review/whatever your heart desire to inspire me. Reviews, follows, and favorites keep me going... Thank you guys!