The Dark King – Chapter 21
Night attack
Happy new year to all of you!
Tobu's pupils shrank. He slapped the counter and said: "Are you the one behind the idea of using my students as bait?
Kris shrugged and replied, "I'm not so bold to do that, as I'm aware of your temper as we are old acquaintances. This arrangement was planned and decided by above, all we can do is to obey."
Tobu's angry voice echoed: " Using a group of children as bait, ah! Is this how the Holy Church planned to lure the alchemists?"
Kris face slightly changed and she spoke in a low tone: " Criticism of Holy Church, even in private, is a big crime. Stop spouting nonsense. In case, they are able to capture an alchemist, it will be a great feat for them. So in the future, if they are eliminated to join the guard or qualified to become part of the scavengers, this experience will be a valuable asset for them. You know that building a meritorious service is not an easy job!
"Well, do I have to thank them for this opportunity?". Tobu sneered.
Kris said in helpless manner. "Whether you are pleased or ungrateful, it does not change the fact that situation is as is. Besides, if the assessment site changes at the last moment, suspicions would arise. These alchemists have a broad network. Moreover, after graduation, either as a guard or as a scavenger they will be fighting on the front lines. They will face alchemists one way or the other, and nobody would be able to shelter them at that point. It's a valuable experience for them!
Tobu frowned but didn't continue to argue. Instead he turned over to the old man behind the counter: "Old Luo, another cup!"
"So much anger! Maybe I should give you more ice? ". The old man behind the counter laughed.
Tobu stifled but did not say anything.
…
…
The night came.
As the sun went down, the temperature on the desert immediately decreased. Sands insulation effect is very poor so the heat was quickly distributed out. Dudian and Sham set up a fire covered by several stones to keep the flame in control. They used old dry plants to start the fire.
They had managed to find enough firewood to keep the fire burning for the entire night.
"I'm hungry … …" Zach touched his stomach.
Dudian lied down near the edge of fire. He closed his eyes and said "Ten days will soon be over!"
Zach smiled and soon closed his eyes.
Mason sat next to the fire and laughed, "Get a good sleep."
"It's too hard. There was hunger only,now in addition we have cold weather too." Sham was clutching his clothes lying closer to the fire.
Mason smiled. From time to time he picked up firewood and there into the fire pit. According to Dudian's instructions, the person keeping the night watch, had to always keep the fire so that beasts didn't come close.
Late at night, the temperature got much lower. From time to time a gust of wind blew. Even sitting next to the fire, Mason also felt cold shiver. His legs were slightly shaking. Because of frequent jitter and restlessness he suddenly had an urge to pee.
He looked at the sleeping children. He stood up and walked away. He untied his pants to pee. In the darkness a dry palm suddenly stretched out and grabbed his throat.
Mason's pupils contracted. His heart began to beat violently and the fear almost dented out of his eyes. He saw a wrinkled face in the darkness. It looked at him and spoke in a slight husky voice: "Good. Do not scream!"
All the hair's on Mason's body were erect. He wanted to call for help but nothing came out of his mouth as his throat was almost broken from the force of the palm. Nevertheless, because of moving his body few sounds echoed out in the darkness. Sand splashed from under his feet. Dudian's eyes suddenly opened. He slowly stood up trying not to disturb the silence.
He grabbed a stone that was close by to fire.
Not enough!
Distance was far! .
Mason was desperate.
At this time, the owner of the hand also noted Mason's action. Coldness swept through his eyes. He raised his other hand. Through the illumination of the weak fire, Mason saw the shape of dagger.
Sou!
Bang, a sound resonated. Mason's mind was completely blank. Dudian has used the stone to hit the dagger. Dudian began to loudly shout as soon as he saw the dagger drop down: "There are enemies, wake up!"
Zach and Sham immediately woke up as they heard Dudian's voice. The grabbed a stone and nervously watched their surroundings.
Dudian was staring at the stature of the slim figure in the darkness. He was always a shallow sleeper, especially in a dangerous environment such as this one. He immediately woke up and opened his eyes, a sand grains splashed onto his face. He didn't see Mason so he grabbed a stone in case of an emergency. But when he turned to look around he saw the breathtaking scene. He threw the stone at a whim and didn't expect it to hit the wrist of the figure.
"Damn!" The old man screamed who was dressed in black robes. The dagger which he was holden fall to the ground. His wrist was slightly trembling because of the sever pain. In an angry state he pushed the struggling Mason. He took out a small green bottle from his chest. He opened the bottle and curling green smoke began to float out of it. Without losing an extra second he threw the bottle in Dudian's direction.
Green smoke immediately floated.
Dudian face changed, hastily covered his nose. He wanted to remind Zach, Sham, and Mason to be aware of the green mist but he was unable to speak as smoke was drifting close to him at fast speed.
Plop, sound echoed as Mason was envoloped by the green mist and fall down.
Dudian's pupils shrank. He fall down and played dead.
He did not see but heard two bodies fall down. He assumed that Zach and Sham also inhaled the green mist. He was just curious about, was the green mist a poison or just to make them fall unconscious.
His heart was thumping fast, It full of tension and doubts. Is this one of the assessment? If so, he believes that, in exception to those large groups, other small groups will be eliminated!
Is the purpose of this assessment to let everyone unite?
Many thoughts passed in Dudian's mind. He could not help but regret. Perhaps the meaning behind the assessment was not about surviving for ten days but to see whether they unite together.
"Damned little devil!" At this point, Dudian heard the footsteps of the old man.
"They made me to waste a bottle lost souls elixir." The old man spoke to himself. Dudian did not know what to make out of his words. He grabbed sand in his hand, ready to move at any time.
At this time, Dudian felt a dry palm seize his foot. It felt as if there was no meat but bones grabbing his foot. He secretly thought about attacking the old man in case the other side wants to kill him. However, the old man seems not interested in killing him, as he pulled his ankle and drag him forward.
Dudian heart sank. He couldn't bring himself to decide.
Attack?
Or continue to wait for the opportunity?
The Dark King – Chapter 22
The Creator
I would like to thank CursedReader for doing an awesome job by editing the chapter!
Dudian slowly opened his eyes. By the shimmer of fire he saw the old man dragging him toward the darkness.
His eyes flashed but he gave up on the idea of attacking. As throwing the sand at old man's back would not achieve any effect. Instead he would lose the chance of surprise attack. Moreover he had been dragged out for three or four meters. The best he could do right now was to grab a stone that was nearby the fire pit. But the stones near the fire were burning hot. Even if he grabbed the stone, he would have to casually throw it without aiming properly.
"I can't step into his lair." Dudian knew he was in great danger right now. Many ideas spun up in his brain. He had to do something before entering the lair. After all, he was not aware if there was someone else in old man's lair. He didn't want to be left in old man's mercy!
The old man went back to the place where Mason wants to urinate. He bent down to pick up the dagger.
Dudian decided the moment had come. His eyes fell on the side the fire pit where stones laid. He grabbed one. At the moment it was hot but he could still bear the pain. He stood up and using the strength of the momentum threw the stone the best he could.
Bang!. The stone did not hit old man's head but hit his back.
The old man cried in pain, stumbled but didn't fall. He turned to see Dudian running away. Never he would think that he will be played out by a kid not once but twice. Anger burst out of him: "I'll kill you!". He tossed his right hand forward. Something flew out of his gown's large sleeve.
It hit Dudian.
Dudian was thrown to the ground. His back was in pain. A pain so bitter that he almost fainted. His heart was in a loss: "The old man should not be so fast to catch up, was it a stone?"
He reluctantly looked back, his pupils suddenly tightening.
He saw the scene completely beyond his imagination. A snake like being which was attached to old man's sleeve was flickering in the light of the fire. It was as thick as baby's wrist and more than 3 meters long. Cuff was completely torn. Impressively, the external body part was attached to old man's shoulder and was rooted there.
The most terrible though were the blood veins that were bulging on his arm's surface. It was looking strange, hideous and disgusting.
Two words emerged out in Dudian's mind: "biochemical transformation!"
Born in the family of scientists, Dudian knew that biochemical transformation is real. Only in the old days, experiments such as this were taboo. Any biochemical human experiments were illegal. In World War II was the only occasion where they were publicly used as weapons of war.
He had heard his father and sister chat about experiments of this kind. But he would never expected to see this incredible scene in a world which haven't had an industrial revolution.
Dudian was shocked. The contact point of old man's shoulder and the transmutation grew for a few centimeters. The new section was stained with large number of silky tissue fluids.
Old man stared at Dudian: "The little devil, I will not kill you so easily. I will cut you into tiny bits. Actually you shall become part of my experiments!" Finished, he took big steps toward Dudian.
Dudian's face was pale. At this moment he finally understood that it was not part of the assessment but a real danger. He wanted to get up but back pain was so bad that he couldn't move. Moreover, the previous time when the old man had used the green fog, although he tried his best to hold his breath, but it [had] still affected him. He felt weakness in his limbs.
"Want to run?" old man looked at him ferociously. He used his big hands to grab Dudian's hair and dragged him away.
Dudian grasped onto old man's wrist in pain. It felt almost his scalp would be torn out. The man stopped dragging him. They were in front of a pit which Dudian had seen before.
"Roll in!" Old man kicked Dudian's body into the pit.
Dudian rolled down. Along the way his body hit quite a few stairs. His arms and back were in extreme pain. After a few breaths his body hit the ground. He saw the place illuminated by the dim light. He was in an underground chamber.
At the same time, an old man climbed down the ladder.
Dudian looked up and notice that the entrance to the chamber was covered in wood. Most probably one of them passed through the top of the shelter and alerted old man.
He smiled wryly. Wherever the plants were dense would also be abundant with the water. Logically that would be the best suitable place for a shelter location. He should have thought about it.
Old man didn't even care to look at Dudian but quickly came to a table not far from the entrance. There were lots of pills and vials on the table. He mixed and poured few of them in glass of water and drank it.
Dudian looked around. He saw few cupboards standing next to each other. There were large glass of bottles on cupboards. Some of them had human hands, while one had a woman's head inside it. The rest of the bottles contained hearts, lobes and other organs.
Old man noticed Dudian's eyes: "Don't be in haste. I'll find a big container for you too."
Dudian face became ugly, said: "Holy Church said that people like you have sold their souls to the devil, right? "
Ricky old man scoffed and said: "The devil? The Holy Church would use the creator and the devil argument to fool the world. When I finish with my experiment, I will be the Creator!"
"What experiment?" Asked Dudian. Naturally he was not interested about the experiments. He wanted to use the conversation to buy some time to restore his physical strength. Even to think of a way to get out.
Old man sneered: "Don't even try to attempt to run. Do you know what this is?" He opened a drawer and took out a small crossbow.
Dudian's face changed, the situation was already against him. However he didn't give up. Biting his teeth he continued: " Why would the creator use the murder as a tool?
"Well, Its the wisdom of the Creator, its not possible for you to understand," said the old man and sneered, "great alchemy will cast immortality and you should feel` honored to be the material to my experiment."
"Alchemy?" Dudian hesitated.
He had some knowledge about the introduction to the Alchemy. It could be said that it was the foundation to chemistry which originated in Egypt. Conversion of a base metal into gold was one of the aims of alchemy tales.
However, the ultimate goal of alchemy was to create 'Philosopher's stone' or 'Sage's stone'. According to the legend it could turn a person into an immortal!
In history, there have been many great people who were exposed because of their practice of alchemy. Even the famous physicist Newton was an alchemy enthusiast.
"Are you an alchemist?" Dudian looked at the old man with alarm. "Isn't alchemy is about turning metal into gold?"
Old man squinted his eyes and said: "I did not think you knew so much. But there are two alchemist faction. One school studies the basic materials to manufacture the 'Philosopher's stone' to gain the eternal life. The other group, including me, study the living things to create 'life', to become the Creator!"
The Dark King – Chapter 23
Retaliate
Dudian understood how the old man's arm had become like that. Most of the experiments done by the alchemists were carried out on their own bodies. Though from the results it was clear that the experiment had failed. The additional limb seemed to follow the nerve system signals for taking action. But each action taken has to paid by a corresponding price. Otherwise such a body mutation in an era such as this was definitely an unstoppable war weapon.
Old man seemed to want to rest, so he spoke to Dudian in a cold voice: "Go there". Old man's palm touched the small crossbow. He wanted to give the impression that if Dudian refused to move, he would immediately shoot.
Dudian stoop up. In this life and death moment he was anxious and his mind was in mess. He took deep breaths so that his mind would calm down. His body trembling, Dudian began to move towards the table that old man was pointing to. It was a large table. On it edge there were number of tools used for cutting. Some of them were stained with blood which had not been washed clean.
Dudian heard sounds coming from his left side. He turned to see a large cage. There were more than a dozen snakes twisting inside the cage. Obviously these were the other captured materials for the experiments.
Old man did not urge Dudian, but quietly watched him. As if the hunter was watch the prey attempting its final struggle. When he saw Dudian's expression change, his mouth slightly curved into a cruel smile.
At this time, Dudian has come to the table.
"Do you see that chain? Tie your arm." Old man ordered Dudian.
Dudian looked at few chains fixed on the workbench. Most of these chains and tools were used beforehand in experiments. His eyes flashed but still grabbed the chain and wrapped around his wrist.
Old man's face reflected trace of disdain and sneer. As Dudian would chain himself up, he would go to cut him alive to death.
Bang!
Dudian squatted down. At the same time he shook the chain and hit the cage. The snakes began to twist and struggle in an attempt to escape.
Old man spoke: "Little devil. You just have to act like a smart ass, don't you? Do you think you can escape form here? Now, you obediently come out and I will forgive you for once!"
Dudian naturally refused to believe old man's words. He began to kick the iron cage. He was using the table as a cover from the crossbow that old man held. His aim was to get close to old man so that he will have the opportunity to wrestle him.
Although the old man had an external amputation to his body, it took a lot of willpower and mental exhaustion to command it. Fatal point of using something like that was that it would terribly weaken him.
After a few kicks, the iron cage fall down onto the table. Fortunately one of the doors were opened and a dozen snakes side-wind out of it. Some of them moved towards the darkness, few towards the old man and the most towards the Dudian.
Old man smiles, "There is no difference of life and death to me!"
The next moment, his smile suddenly paused. He saw the serpents that were moving toward Dudian changed their direction. Few of them bent around to move other places but four or five of them moved towards him.
"How … …" Old man's eyes went wide. He suddenly looked to the table. His face was gloomy: "No wonder he had the courage to shake the snake cage"
Dudian clutched his hand. There is a small bottle of powder. He was spilling it all over his body. He had previously bet on this bottle of powder. It must be something that old man had used while capturing the snakes. Even though the old man refers to himself as 'alchemist' but in essence he uses chemical elixirs.
So the old man couldn't have seized all these serpents unarmed. He had to rely on other things.
The results of his logical deduction was as he had expected. As he was moving towards the table he had seen the bottle of the powder on it. Perhaps it had been to long since someone except the old man had been here. So he had placed many things on casual manner on top of the table. Dudian had secretly grabbed the bottle while moving.
"Humph!". Old man grabbed a brown robe that was hung on the wall. He quickly draped it over his body. As a result, the serpents who were moving toward him immediately stopped, twisted their bodies and swam to the surrounding darkness.
Dudian understood that the dress was gown in the same powder and most probably was used in catching the serpents.
"Kid, you better be obedient." Old man was staring at the table. The crossbow was in his hand. As long as Dudian showed his head, he would immediately shot! Although Dudian was a child, but one after another time had created misfortunes. Dudian had made old man feel threatened so he was not going to give any chance to him.
Dudian looked around the chamber. The only way to survive was to subdue the alchemist. He had a dagger but it was far from enough.
He had taken the opportunity to grab the cutting tool from the table which was similar to a dagger.
At this time Dudian saw large number of accumulated bottles and jars on a board near the fallen cage. There were labels stuck over them. Impressively two of them were sulfur and charcoal!
This was one of the main raw materials of the gunpowder!
Dudian eyes light up. Heart ecstasy suddenly, quickly looked around, but did not see the nitric acid. He was disappointed as sulfur and charcoal was not enough to create gunpowder.
He clenched his fist. He felt as if he acquired a chance to survive but to be slapped back at the same moment.
"I know, you have a dagger in your hand. Ready to fight with me, don't you?" Old man's voice sounded again. Dudian's mind sank. It seemed old man has noticed him taking the tagger. "Are you hungry?", old man continued.
As he heard him talk, Dudian felt the hunger of the day. His stomach juice was burning up.
However, his heart is a little relieved, at least he has time to continue to think of a way.
At this time, the green mist floated.
Dudian pupils shrank, and quickly covered his mouth and nose. He did not expect the other party would even release this thing in the narrow chamber. Apparently old man had antidote or other kind of measure to respond.
Dudian pinched his nose. His heart was beating fast, knowing that his time is running out. He didn't stand up in desperation as the other side may have aimed the crossbow at his position. As long as he stood up he would be shot.
He slightly gritted his teeth, clenched the dagger. Looked at powder on his other hand. He was ready to throw it out. An idea flashed in his mind.
The Dark King – Chapter 24
Desolate.
"Little devil, let's see how long can you hold!" Old man was wearing a dark green mask, only to reveal a pair of cold eyes. He was staring at the table. His fingers were on crossbow, ready to shoot at Dudian at anytime.
Sou!
A shadow suddenly flew out from the table.
Old man's finger instinctively clicked the trigger of the crossbow. It ejected out a short arrow which flashed quickly but didn't shoot the shadow. It was nailed at the rear of the wooden cabinet.
At this time, a bottle of powder fall in front of old man's foot.
His face a changed and quickly looked up to see Dudian jumping up from the ground. He didn't bypass the work table towards him but to the cupboard. Dudian casually grabbed the bottles and jars and threw them at old man.
Old man's anger burst to sky. It was very hard to collect all these of experimental material. To see them casually knocked on the ground was making him crazy. He filled another short bow onto crossbow and aimed at Dudian.
However, in his short time to re-fill the crossbow, Dudian had already once again retracted back to the table.
"Damned little devil !" Old man's angry eyes almost spit fire. He had missed shooting Dudian the second time. If he heard it before that he would feel threatened by a small child, he would laughed at the idea.
"I'd like to see how long you can hold!" Old man's checked the green fog that was diffusing into the chamber.
"Got it!" Dudian was holding a large glass bottle. It was the bottle filled with sulfur which he had seen before. At this moment he felt suffocated as there was less oxygen as a result of green fog. Unfortunately there was nothing to fire it.
"Damn it! No fire, no fire!"
Dudian mind was in despair. As he was desperately thinking about a way out, his eyes concentrated on the wooden wall where shadows were reflected. "The oil lamp", he whispered to himself.
"How I haven't thought about the oil lamp?", Dudian was in joy.
The despair in his heart vanished. He quickly used fabric torn from his shirt to cover the sulfur bottle. He clenched his teeth. His life and death would be result of the success or failure of this move.
Sou!
Old man saw large group of flying shadows. By nature of self-preservation he shot the crossbow. The short arrow penetrated one of the bottles. But another one which was aimed at him was not affected. In hurry he raised his left arm to block the oncoming shadow.
Unfortunately for him, he blocked the bottle covered with fabric. It cracked and some of the sulfur fall onto his arm and clothes. He sway his arm which hit the table when another bottle hit the oil lamp and overturned it.
Dudian saw the fabric burning up so he quickly lied down.
Bang! . .
Suddenly sound of thunder-like explosion resounded in the chamber. Few pieces of the wood on top of the chamber cracked and fall down. Dust filled the room.
Dudian felt a massive destructive force hit the table and which was reflected on his body. He felt as if his ribs were going to break. Tears flowed out of his eyes because of the pain.
At this time he couldn't control his slow and restrained breath. As a result he inhaled large amounts of air. There was flavor of burned sulfur. Moreover he inhaled remnant of the previous green fog. His limbs felt soft.
Top of the chamber collapsed at some parts. The cold wind circulated inside the chamber which rolled out the air filled with smell of sulfur and green mist. He slowly began to inhale the fresh air.
Dudian immediately began to crawl because there was a big blast in the chamber and nobody knew when it will completely collapse. He did not want to be buried alive.
As a result of the previous explosion, the oil lamp had blown out. At the moment the chamber was immersed in darkness.
Dudian began to move towards the old man's direction even though he couldn't see what was in front of him. He relied on his previous vision to remember the distance between him and the old man. It didn't take long before his hand touched a wet, sticky but hard objects. His face became ugly.
It was the bones of old man.
Although in the dark, Dudian knew that all that he touched were the part of the body that had remained after the explosion. He didn't expect the power of this sulfur explosion to be so terrible. It was not made into gun powder so the reason for it to be so effective should be because of 'dust explosion' principle.
"I killed a human … …". Dudian mind trembled. A living human was killed. He had seen the situation of poor in this world and at some point faced the distortion of the law. But to personally kill someone. He did not dare to think about it previously.
He was slightly shaking, he secretly whispered in his heart: "It was just self-protection. I wanted to protect myself, so it's not a crime… not a crime…" His heart was filled with sadness. The proper laws has long since disappeared from the world so even if it was a crime who can give him a conviction?
In this dark pit which was illuminated by the starlight, he suddenly felt so lonely and desolate. Gradually he let his body relax. The fear in his heart disappeared. Instead a kind of faint indifference was born. He silently looked at the derelict part of the old man's body. His body slowly moved, not to leave but to explore.
He checked the crossbow.
The Dark King – Chapter 25
Alchemy Notes
Hopefully in few hours we will have another 2 chapters… Hopefully!
Faintly, Dudian once again touched old man's body. Even though there was a fear in his heart, he was not as nervous as he had been previously. He touched down the robe. He found two object wrinkled in robe.
He moved the first object towards the sky to identify it in the star light.
It was a small sickle used to ignite fire.
His heart was pleasantly surprised. He tried hard to use the friction from fire sickle to ignite a small torch. Soon a small fire was used to light the darkness. He clearly saw old man's fractured arm from the elbow. Ribs of his chest were blown and the rest was charred.
Dudian's heart beat fast. He confirmed that old man's chest didn't undulate so he felt more relieved. There were papers scattered on the ground while pieces of the cloth worn by old man's were missing because of the explosion.
As the fire got bigger, Dudian's could see the appearance of the chamber after the explosion. All kinds of equipment were thrown to ground and damaged. Some of the things were buried under the sand which had flowed from outside. He looked at the crossbow which had its strings broken. Obviously it could not be used.
Dudian's mind was distressed. He was preparing to fire the chamber to completely burn it. Suddenly he saw quite a few books on the other side of the chamber. He got close to the book shelf and the first book to catch his eyes was named 'Alchemy of Life'.
In addition to 'Alchemy of Life', there were several alchemy books. There was a small manual with no name imprinted on it. He took it up and opened it.
"Alchemy Notes?" Dudian was surprised. He checked the content of the manual. It was actually the old man's alchemy diary.
"Giant wall calendar. Year 287. The Black Snow Season."
"Today's experiment is progressing smoothly. Sure enough to create life I have to use humans as experimental materials. The problem is how to find the perfect material…"
Dudian rolled the pages, there were some records of the experimental process and other events. He didn't look into details, instead hid it inside his cloth. As for the 'Alchemy of Life' and the other books, he simply skimmed through. Although the naming of the books were pretty impressive but they all give the feeling of primary biology books.
He did not take these books as they were too thick. It would be hard to hide and they will be easily exposed. From old man's actions he knew that alchemy in this world didn't have a good reputation. Or else he would not hide in this desert to secretly do experiments.
Dudian ripped the books, threw them on the flames, and burned the fire. He threw the rest of the books on the body of the old man. Later on he found the oiler, which had fallen to the ground, and poured the oil into the old man. The first thought was to destroy everything.
As the fire spread, Dudian ascended the wooden staircase he had rolled down. He climbed out and looked back. From the gap he could vaguely see the reflection of the fire. He had a hint of melancholy for a moment. He sighed, turned and ran along the route towards their camp.
He came back to see the fire pit burning but couldn't find Mason and the other two.
Dudian refused to sit down and rest, dragged his exhausted body around the ground looking up. Soon he saw traces of traction, immediately followed the sand marks. In a distant he saw a shadow moving.
As he got the closer he saw Zach dragging Mason and Sham.
"Wasn't he affected?" Dudian was confused. Then he thought back. Zach had always been a cautious character. Most probably he had played dead the same way as Dudian had done.
Dudian's heart warmed as he saw Zach struggling to drag Sham and Mason. He tied Alchemy Notes onto his leg with a belt and went after the Zach.
"Who!" Zach jumped in fear as heard the sounds. He released Sham and Mason and nervously bent over to grab sand.
"It's me," said Dudian.
Zach heard Dudian's voice. He was surprised: "You come back? Are you alright? What happened to that monster? "
Hearing this, Dudian understood that Zach had secretly watch him and the old man while they fought. Moreover he had seen the mutation: "I'm lucky to run away. We should leave quickly." He grabbed Mason's arm and saw him still breathing. He was relieved to know that the green fog was not a lethal toxin.
Zach face a white because of fear. He could not help but look behind Dudian as if the monster was gazing at them from the darkness. He shivered and grabbed the Sham and said in hurry: "Run… Let's not get caught again"
Dudian dragged Sham following in the back. The water was sufficient in that place. Although the old man was dead, but there was no guarantee that there won't be other alchemists who would come to visit. When they find the next water source, at least he would be more experienced.
…
…
Half an hour later.
Above the old man's secret chamber, few shadows appeared. The shorter one pulled out a small oil lamp and lit the fire. He looked through the gap down to the chamber. He saw burning fire inside the messy room.
"Has been killed." One of the shadows, a graceful figure seemed to see what had happened. Her voice was full of chill as she continued: "The corpse it ruined. The den is burnt. It seem they didn't want use to trace any clues."
"These beasts and their vicious methods. They are really the apostles of the devil." Another burly figure gloomily said.
"The alchemists have long sold their souls to the devil," he said, "to get the power of the devil at all costs. Killing each other is nothing for them. But they should not fight with each other for no reason. I think there is something very important that made them fight each other. It would be very good if we had come earlier. "
"Look at there! What kind of force was released in here to instantly destroy it? " The previous graceful figure was pointing inside the burnt chamber, and the collapse of the gap, said: "It seems these alchemists had terrible devil power. "
The Dark King – Chapter 26
Ten days
Fellow Alchemists and Knights of Light! I would like to remind you that we have ads to support our hosting needs. Please disable your adblocks! Kthx
"You see, there are footprints." burly figure suddenly said.
Three immediately look to the side of the sand marks and footprints. The graceful woman's face changed, said: "It is the footprints of children. Damn, this alchemist was involved in human experiments. I've looked down on him." Then, from the gap created by the collapse, she jumped down.
A moment later, she jumped out from the inside, firmly standing on the stand. If Dudian here, will be stunned. The height of the chamber was at least three meters in height. To jump that high, how strong physically you had to be?
"This one turned out to be a 'life' alchemist!" Graceful woman was holding a dark medal. Above it there were three five-pointed stars ( ) engraved on it. According to alchemist's belief system they refused to believe in the Creator or Father. But in the sky over their heads. Some crazy alchemy warlock's ultimate goal was to refine the stars.
These alchemists diverted into another occupation known as the Star Diviner.
Star Diviners only did divination for person's fate and destiny. They were hunt by Holy Church too. The reason was very simple. The Father's will could only be passed to Holy Church. Only the great Pope could understand any attempt on understanding the will of the Father. Anything else was only a speculation by the evil cults.
"I did not expect him to be a powerful figure." Burly strong man eyes condensed, "A certified 3 star alchemist should have extraordinary power. To kill him there had to be many other alchemists, or maybe even … … a four-star alchemist!"
Graceful woman's face was gloomy at this point, " Order some people to dig this place to get captive children's bodies. At least their parents should be comforted by this, because they had died because of this assessment."
"I hope we can identify their appearance." Short one sighed.
Graceful woman did not say anything.
"You look for clues in the vicinity. I will take the body of the alchemist over to the knights. By the way, check out everything inside the place." Burly brawny finished speaking, jumped down.
Graceful woman and short shadow as one pulled out their weapons. They went around in search of clues.
…
…
In the blind of an eye, ten days passed.
Dudian and the other three were leaning against each other near some desert plants. Limitless sand was covering their vision from all sides. Their bodies were dry because of lack of water, resulting in a sharp increase in their body temperatures.
"Ten days … …" Mason was listlessly chewing grass roots and said: "Do we have to back on our own? I have no strength left. "
"If we haven't relied on Dean we couldn't have hold for these ten days. Imagine what would have happened if we were eliminated. Most probably we would have ruined our family's financial situation. " Sham said.
Mason rolled his eyes and said: "That I always say. Dean you are my savior."
Dudian glanced at him, and said, "You know that I am your savior, but you didn't want to give me a bit of water last night. "
Mason face reddened, said: "I was too tired and a bit dizzy. As we go back, I will pour water to you everyday. I would even ask my grandmother to serve for you."
Dudian shrugged. "I do not want to be your grandpa."
"Do you take me for a cheap person?"
"You have the strength to speak thou" , Zach was sitting on the other side.
"Then you should be the one to go back and tell everyone that we are stuck in here"
"I was wrong. I was wrong. I do not have the strength now. So you should go and inform them! I will owe you!"
"You are nothing but a dirty slut." Zach turned over.
In ten days four of them had experienced lots of adversities together. Throughout this survival, they long had become like real brothers. They no longer take into account what they tell to teach other. And as a result, Sham, Zach and Dudian had become to appreciate the unknown side of Mason. That is playing cheap.
Tink! Tink!
Suddenly burst of bells sounded.
They turned to see a nearly five meter high camel slowly walking on the desert. It was dragging a 10 meter long plank. There were seven or eight children seated on the plank with wheels.
Dudian was stunned. Nuclear radiation had great affects on the world. But he would have never expected camel's genes to be inflated by the radiation to such a degree. In addition to its size which was twice the normal camel's, there were snake like scales covered on its hooves, just like a war monster.
He had previously seen the three-meter-high dark horse. But this camel was immeasurably affected by the radiation in comparison to the horse.
"It is a camel! " Zach actually recognized the animal and spoke in surprised manner: "It is the best animal that could be used in the desert, ha ha … …". He wanted to laugh but the wind blow the sand into his mouth almost choking him.
Dudian saw the children on the back of the board. These ones should have passed the survival assessment.
The trial was successfully concluded. He was also relieved. Finally he would be able to go back to have a good rest. He would have a chance to look at the alchemy notes. He was quite curious about the scientists of this world.
"Come you four," said the woman, sitting on a camel, wearing a veil.
Dudian and others immediately dragged their bodies, moved past the camel and went towards it rear to sit on the board.
"You four survived." At this time, a thin boy sitting on the board talked to them in a surprised manner.
Dudian looked at him. He remembered the boy to be living the bedroom next door to them. He smiled but didn't reply to him.
Mason proudly talked. : "I think you don't know who we are. We are the strongest four man team. A mere ten days to survival in the desert does not even count as anything to us. Maybe twenty five or thirty days would be a bit difficult."
Sham whispered: "Stop bullshitting if you want us to be friends."
Zack shrugged: "His nature has been exposed and he won't turn back from it. "
Mason laughed hard. His laughter turn the atmosphere of silence on the board a bit onto positive side.
The thin boy sighed and said: "Me and other three flatmates did not stick together. You guys are pretty lucky! " There were loneliness and regret reflected on his face. After all his flatmates had separated from him, leaving him with others.
Other children who heard his words, were depressed as most of them had faced this kind of a situation.
Dudian did not say anything. He looked up at this woman on the back of the camel's hump, in his heart thinking about a problem… how did she climbs up?
…
The Dark King – Chapter 27
Rewards
A friendly reminder: Don't forget that the MC is a kid. Literally! You should not have expected him outdo a normal wuxia/xianxia MC…
Dudian and rest were sitting on the board carried by the camel while they were coming close to the gathering place. There were many students standing high and mighty. Although the overall number of students were much smaller than before, but it was still a very impressive result.
"There are so many people who are qualified!" Mason was surprised.
Most of the children came from variety of families, but at the end of the day they were trained by Tobu. It didn't matter whether you were weak or a girl, after the training a transformation had occurred on each of them. They had gone through very harsh endurance training before the assessment.
Moreover in the desert survival assessment endurance was only a supporting role. To survive through you had to rely on luck and brains.
"I did not expect so many powerful people." Mason spoke with some emotion. "I thought we were the only ones to desperately try to survive. Never thought that same conditions applied to everyone."
Everyone was aware of the difficulties of the ten day assessment. The thought that they had survived, was already a miracle. But overall everyone understood that to finish the course, they could not simply continue with their current efforts. They had to push themselves ten times more limits.
At sunset the last desert camel came back. All the students who had passed the assessment were gather in attendance.
At this time, a huge black carriage ride over, stopped in front of everyone. Kris and Tobu jumped out of the carriage. Kris turned towards the carriage and opened the door. Students heard tinkling of chains. The sounds were followed by a distorted figure that was pushed down the carriage. It stumbled on to sand.
Tobu and Kris weren't polite in the slightest. They brutally pulled the man's chains to kneel him in front of the students.
Silence fell. There were no sounds but the wind hitting the sand.
Dudian's pupils suddenly crunched as he saw the figure. His fingers tightly clenched onto sleeves and cold sweat oozed down his spine. The figure locked in chains was an alchemist. Moreover this alchemist was in the same faction as the one he had killed. A 'life' alchemist who also had experimented on his own body.
Moreover, the results of the experiment were also terrible!
His body was burly. However after his hip a twisted tail was grown which was wrapped around his body. Alchemist's face was full of meat knots. A scimitar like extremely sharp bone dagger was raising out of his left wrist. But the most appalling sight was on his chest. On the center there were sharp fangs extended.
This, simply could not be longer called a "person"!
Everyone stared.
The children who had never seen an alchemist stared at the 'monster' with wide open eyes.
Tobu looked around everyone, indifferent smiled and said: "First of all I have to congratulate you for passing the survival assessment. You can be ravaged by me for the next six months. Secondly, some things should be known to some of you." He used his leg to kick the burly man onto ground: " This is. Your parents should have told you about alchemists, the devil's apostle!"
The children burst into an uproar. No one had expected for an alchemist to appear in front of them. All kinds of evil legends about alchemists emerged in their minds. That kind of a body confirmed the tales – this is the embodiment of the devil!
"This time, in the place where you were assessed 'alchemists' were hidden. Resulting in a lot of people accidentally eliminated." At this time Kris stood out and said "But fortunately there are no casualties. I have to congratulate all of you because most of the students who had encountered the 'alchemists' were not scared but rise up against them!"
She raised her hand and said, "There is a Knight of Light with us today!"
All children were burst into an uproar again, full of excitement, after hearing her words.
Knights of light were not part of military career. But they were exclusive knights under Holy Church. A symbol of noble character and pure will. Even the nobility would wish their children to marry a Knight of Light because of their glory!
"There is a Knight of Light!"
"I would have never expected Knight of Light to help to capture this demon. "
"I'm way too happy! I want to his appearance! I want to meet the Knight of Light! "
Mason, Sham and Zach were filled with emotion.
All of the students were envious as someone had assisted the Knight of Light while capturing the demon. Think about the excitement of the situation. How great a chance it would have been!
Kris smiled and said: "In total 38 students encountered an alchemist attack. But 17 of them not only failed to surrender to the devil but delayed it until the arrival of the Knights of Light! Especially last night. Lorian not only avoided the alchemist but also secretly left a signal which allowed Knights of Light to smoothly pursuit the demon and capture it in one swoop!"
"I declare that all the candidates who assisted the Knights of Light in capturing the alchemists will be rewarded with the second military merit at once. This will be recorded under your household. In the future if you become guards, you will begin with a rank of captain and will have a right to become a 'knight'!"….When she mentioned the 'knight' part it referred to the 'knight' of military.
Hearing her words, students had envy flushed in their eyes.
Knight and the guard are completely two different levels, ah!
Although the knights of the military and knight of light are not comparable in status, but it is still a favorable status. It's only slightly inferior to the noble status. If in the future you can become a Knight commander then your status would be higher than of noble family's. As for the Knight of Light, nobles would kill to have them as guests in their households.
"In addition to what we know ten days ago Knights of Light found several footprints near an alchemist's secret base. According to their speculation someone was caught by the alchemist, but successfully escaped. I don't know who was it so please stand out so that I could appoint your military reward. " Kris suddenly said in sweet tone.
Hearing this everyone was surprised. For a moment they looked at each other.
Dudian's heart was tightened. He saw Zach and Sham look at him, waiting for his actions. Only three of them know the story.
Looking at the eyes of the three, filled with envy and excitement, Dudian's heart sank. After they had ran out, he had cleaned and concealed the footprints in worry that some other alchemist may follow them.
When he had killed the alchemist he wanted to conceal his whereabouts because he did not expect Knights of Light will appear. It was to avoid other alchemists. Thinking about it right now, he had done the right thing by hiding their footprints. He had tied the alchemy notes onto his leg. If it was detected by a Knight of Light, he didn't know what kind of a big crime it was.
The Dark King – Chapter 28
Judgement
The first six chapters have been edited… ?
Although Kris said that the military reward is extremely attractive, but Dudian was sensible enough to dispel the idea of claiming. He was not sure what kind of clues were recovered from the chamber of the alchemist by the Knights of the Light. He had used fire to destroy everything but the traces of the explosion would not disappear. If he was taken into a cross-examination, he would inevitable expose flaws.
Moreover, his trousers had the alchemy notes, once searched out, the consequences could be disastrous. He just wanted to stay away from Knights of Light. The farther the better!
"Knighthood opportunity, ah … …" Dudian heart was in pain but bite his tongue to be a bit more sensible regarding his security.
"Dean, very good … …" Zach's face was full excitement. He was about to go on to talk but saw Dudian's harsh look so he stopped.
Mason, Zach and Sham could not help but be surprised for a moment. After few months of get along and ten days of survival test they have long been in tacit understanding of each others temper. With a simple look they could understand the meaning behind Dudian's eyes. They couldn't help but wonder, this is a golden opportunity. The golden symbol of the highest status that a civilian could reach has been sent to Dudian's feet and he only needs to take a step forward.
This is the dream of countless people, ah!
However, under the vision of Dudian they came to stop. Three as one did not say anything. They respected Dudian's choice as incredible and puzzled they were. They knew that they could not convince Dudian otherwise, so they didn't want to stop him.
Kris looked at the crowd which was in silence. Nobody had responded. She slightly frowned, at this time, suddenly a voice sounded: "I, I." Short boy holding his hands together, who looked a little nervous came out of the crowd.
Kris was relieved, looked at him deeply, smiled and said: "Congratulations, you will be rewarded by the instructor and it will be recorded on to your household. Now let us appreciate how the Knight of Light is going to punish the demon. "
As she finished talking, a person slowly came out from the previous huge black carriage. His body was clad in silver-white armor. He was a young man with a handsome appearance. He was tall. For most of the onlookers he was full of ungodly charm.
All the children's excitement was exposed on their faces. Relative to the proud aristocracy, civilians were in high regards towards just and benevolent Knights of Light.
Dudian looked at the young Knight of Light. What was he going to do? Was he going to award the child who was posing for Dudian's accomplishments? He had a bit of regret in his heart. If he had known that everything would pass by in a simple manner then he would have stepped forward not matter what. He couldn't but blame himself for overthinking everything.
He secretly sighed but knew that has missed chance. He can only put it away onto the deep parts of his mind. In any case, being cautious is always good, as for military reward… … he shook his head, these thought aside. At this time, the young Knight of Light passed by Tobu and stepped in front of the alchemist. There was a touch of smile on his face as he slowly pulled out his sword. The sun was reflected on the blade of the sword.
"I, Melk, in the name of the Father, decides the fate of this devil!"
"Light will eventually expel all the darkness!
He gently talking. In a moment his hands used to momentum to charge sword towards the alchemist's head.
Alchemist's head was immediately cut. The blood was spewing out from the neck, his body fell to the ground. Alchemist's head rolled a few times before coming to a stop. The blood was flowing in to the sand.
In front of the bloody scene most of the children were scared and took a step back. But soon they were excited. Shouting the last words that Melk had spoken: "Light will eventually expel all the darkness!"
One after the another, the words echoed out in the desert.
Dudian did not want to be found strange, so he also followed by gently shouting the words. But in his heart: "Did not any of you saw the blood that flew into the sand, like the rest of us it was colored in red!"
In this world, it is not uncommon to publicly try inmates. Countless people would come as onlookers to the trials of the convicted prisoners who had done great evil. Perhaps in this monotonous world it is kind of an entertainment.
Soon, the man named Melk wiped his sword, turned and left.
Kris and Tobu escorted Dudian and the other children using the black carriages back to scavenger special training ground.
After returning into their bedrooms, everyone felt that this tattered, shabby little room was so valuable and solid.
…
…
"I heard that this time total of eight alchemists were captured." Dasha was sitting on a soft chair, she smiled and continue: "I am even jealous of this feats. You have done a great job. I believe that after the special training of this group ends, you will be promoted to the Hunter School. It's time to go to there to discipline those group of 'monsters', they may need your bitterness more than this group."
Tobu wryly said: "The main credit is not mine. It was the Mel family's young genius who killed a two-star alchemist! "
"Mel house seems to re-emerge, ah … …" Dasha mouth revealed a trace of a smile and said: "I heard that there was another kid who escaped from a three star alchemists clutches and that alchemist was found dead "
Tobu replied: "According to Knight of Light's point of view there had to be a four-star alchemist who had killed him because of the amount of power used in destruction of that place"
Dasha eyes narrowed slightly and said: " It's been a long time that we had detected activities of a four-star alchemist. And even if there was one in the desert, I estimated that including you and those Knights of Lights, no one would come back alive!"
Tobu breathed lightly: "The next time when there is such a thing, I want you to give me a notice in advance. I don't want to be kept in the dark"
"I'm tired," said Dasha and yawned.
Tobu slightly smile. He could only respectfully withdrew.
…
…
"Giant wall calendar. Year 291. The rainy season.
"The experiment is ready. I have thoroughly grasped the the structure of the human body. Today I will experiment with my own body. Soon I, Rosyard's name, will be forever engraved in the alchemist hall as the immortal. I will also become the new creator…"
Dudian was secretly looking at alchemy notes when no one was around. This alchemist who experimented and refined his own body had recorded everything. From the scrawl of goose feathers, Dudian could see the trembling once in a while and feel how excited the alchemist had been.
The Dark King – Chapter 29
The Church of Darkness
The long age question was answered in this chapter. Dudian was 9 years old when he woke from frozen storage! So I went back and read the raws… I have made a mistake because it was not Dudian who was 12 but his sister at that time. It was not little but elder sister… Sorry for that;)
"Failure, what is the reason? Nerves and blood vessels are connected. Everything has been double checked. It should have been a successful experiment. Why can't I get the same strength as Knight of Light? Where was the mistake made? Ah…"
Dudian thought of the mutation on Rosyard's shoulder. It was recorded as a failed experiment in the Alchemist Notes. However the thing that caught Dudian's attention was the phrase 'the same strength as Knight of Light'. So their purpose was the create their own Knights of Light? No, to be precise, attaining the same level of power of the Knights of Light.
Could it be that Knights of Light are genetically modified and held the power beyond the imagination of ordinary person?
This was definitely an explosive news!
The thing is alchemists would use the surgery to genetically modify their bodies. If Knights of Light are somehow or in someway are modified then The Holy Church is an extremely terrible existence. At least behind the scenes some shady deals occur.
Dudian was shocked. He continued to read.
The Alchemist Notes contained 10 years of experimental experience recorded by Rosyard. After the failure of self-modification Rosyard had become cautious according to notes. So he would steal children to experiment on. In case he would be successful, he would kill the child. Then he would share the details and results of the experiment with the 'Church of Darkness'. After his deeds accumulated to a certain extent it would be regarded as a meritorious service. He could certify to a higher level (TL: the number stars if you guys remember) and access to greater rights and resources.
It was noted in Rosyard's notes that this 'Church of Darkness' is made up of alchemists, potion masters, puppeteers and other heterogeneous occupation holders of great forces. They were not just limited to people outside the wall but some members of noble families, some civilians from residential areas and slums and even some people from the military were part of this organization. In simple terms, if the Holy Church was standing proudly in sunlight, then the 'Church of Darkness' was the horrible monster lurking in the darkness of the night!
"Holy Church, Military, Church of Darkness…", Dudian murmured. From his current perspective these three forces were like a tripod which were involved in everything that happened within and outside the giant wall of Silva. As of know he didn't know which force would be the best to join, military of Holy Church. For now at least he wouldn't be leaning towards 'Church of Darkness'
"I know way to less…", Dudian sighed. His heart was at loss as he didn't know where to go in the future.
He couldn't stand the constraints that would be implemented by the military.
Holy Church was more inclined towards beliefs and faith. He couldn't face his own conscience if he seek refuge with the Holy Church.
It can be seen from the Alchemy Notes that the various powers gathered within the Holy Church were in nature scientists of different fields. However the group of scientists without law and moral restraint were no different from the devil.
Dudian felt that for a small person like him to climb the world's top would be very difficult. However, he never thought that ascending to the heavens would be an easy feat. In his mind another idea emerged. How easy would it be to live a normal life?
As the idea appeared, he though of the sharp words said by the aristocratic girl. Jura couple's humble posture in front of the nobles was reflected in front of his eyes. He remembered how he had almost lost his life in 'hunter' castle.
He gently closed his eyes and asked himself. Would you be able to live a normal life? What would be standing and your posture in that case? Would you be able to escape the disaster the next time?
No, no!
When his life will be threatened he wouldn't be able to show resistance!
He slowly opened his eyes. There was an unprecedented firmness in his eyes. Even at the expense of freedom! Even if I have to abandon my faith! Even if I have to abandon the compassion! I should live well. If I'm left in the darkness, I will crawl and dig out my own way into the light!
He grabbed a small iron sheet and cut a finger long wound on his arm. He clenched his teeth to overcome the pain. His eyes were becoming increasingly cold as he whispered: "Dudian, feel the pain. You were the one who came up with such a cowardly idea. Are you worthy of the sacrifices that your parents and sister made to give you the only opportunity to survive?"
He clenched his teeth and looked at the blood flowing from his arm as if to keep in mind the pain that he felt. He was quietly warning himself that in the future no matter how many difficulties or obstacles he would encounter, he would never the his direction. He would never let this world to tame him!
Mason, who came back to the bedroom, saw the blood flowing from Dudian's arm. He sent him off to infirmary.
…
…
Scavengers in training.
Time flew by and in the blink of an eye three years passed.
"Dean the special training is finally over and today is the graduation ceremony. We will finally be able to go home to our parents" Zach smiled. He was the only dutiful son in the bedroom. Every month he would take a day off to see his parents. Dudian, Mason and Sham only occasionally visited their parents. They usually wrote letters to them.
Dudian smiled. In the last three years his appearance had greatly changed. The color of his skin is not as white as before, but a healthy wheat color because of the exposure into the sun. His height was one meters and sixty centimeters which was one of the tallest within the peers. After all, he was only twelve years old this year.
"Hey, this was the most special bedroom in the dorms. All four of us finished the training! " Macon grinned, exposing two rows of white teeth.
Sham said: "I hope in the future when we will be in military, we would be assigned into same unit. However in case we are scattered, don't forget to come my family's pub… I will treat!"
Dudian and the other two have long heard about Sham's tavern, Mason laughed and replied: "Absolutely!"
"Let's go or we will be late. " Dudian said.
All of them went out to huge school field. There were dozens of students chatting with each other.
Mason sadly said: "Three years ago there were more than 300 people. We are really lucky to graduate!"
"There are people who haven't come yet." Sham shrugged: "I had counted before. There are 106 students who would graduate."
Zach looked at the woods outside the school field: "Who are they and why they are coming to our graduation?"
Dudian, Sham and Mason looked towards the place Zach was pointing. They saw Toby, but there were eight individuals besides him. They were talking and laughing. All of them were dressed in an elegant manner.
The Dark King – Chapter 30
God's blessing
Alchemists are angry at fellows who haven't disabled their adblocks, yet!
All the students were standing on a neat row.
Tobu turned towards the 8 and said "You wait". He went to front of everyone. He exposed a rare smile: "First of all, congratulations. Finally you have turned from a garbage to a true warrior. However, the real test begins from this moment. You will leave this warm cradle, face the real-life death situations"
Most of the students were surprised, as not all of them understood the meaning behind Tobu's words.
Dudian eyes flashed. He knew that Tobu was about to announce their identity as scavengers.
Tobu looked at students with the puzzled expression, said: "From the moment of graduation, you will get a new identity. Not of the 'guard', but of the scavengers! "
"Scavengers?" Everyone looked at each other.
"I know, most of you are hearing about this for the first time. " Tobu slowly said: "I will be straightforward. Scavengers from the perspective of the job level are much higher than guards. Actually on the same level with Knights of military. However knights are loyal to the Legion and the noble family they serve. In my opinion, they are a group of weaklings. While scavengers are the last defense line of humankind!"
Everyone was stunned.
Same level with a Knight?
That is such a renowned status!
Even in their dreams they would not expected to get such a huge return after three years of hard work and persistence!
Tobu looked the excited faces of students and continued in calm tone: "However, the difference between scavengers and knights is that one is in the dark while the other one is in the light. In simple terms, scavengers are behind the scenes! You are not allowed to disclose you identity as a scavengers even to your parents, siblings or lovers. It is a military secret!
"You will be provided with a guard identity as a cover."
"When you can accumulate enough merits, you will get permanent residence in commercial district."
After Tobu's last words, all of their eyes began to glow up in hope. Nevertheless, living in commercial district is every civilians desire!
"Instructor, what do scavengers do?" At this time, dark skinned student asked.
"Your job," he said, "is to go to the safe area outside the giant wall. Gather all the information and resources outside the giant wall and bring it back here!"
All the children burst into an uproar. They realized that there is no free lunch. No one had seen the world outside the giant wall. But deep in their hearts they knew that there are great dangers outside the wall.
"Instructor, can quit it?", someone had raised their hand to ask.
Tobu indifferent replied: "Yes, your solatium will be send your house after your 'death'"
Their hearts turned cold. They were not given any choices.
"You do not have to worry. Although its very dangerous outside the giant wall, but we are not wasting three years of time and resources just to cultivate cannon fodder. The places where you will be sent will be cleaned security zones. As long as you are careful nothing will happen. The death rate of scavengers is not high." Tobu looked around the crowd and said," And when you will go out of the giant wall, you will receive the blessing of God. "
"God's blessing?" everyone was confused.
Dudian couldn't help lift his eyebrows.
Tobu lifted his hand and pointed towards the eight people that had come with him: "These eight represent military and seven consortiums from the commercial district. You can choose to join any of them. Afterwards you will work for chosen consortium or military. All the resources that you will collect outside the giant wall can be converted into a great fortune. I remember there was a scavenger who had picked up a strange object outside the giant wall and received hundred thousand gold coins for it!"
Everyone startled, 100,000 gold coins? This is simply the wealth they can not think of!
Dudian did not expect that scavengers could extract commission on the things that they had picked up. It seems it is a good career to get rich. But more easy to get rich, the more risks should be involved.
At this time, the eight people came to the front of the crowd. The youth from the left side was the first to talk: "I'm here on behalf of the military. Anyone who wants to join army, should come over to me to sign the contract. If you join with us you could join the commercial district in the near future"
"I'm from Stirling consortium. We can provide admission to commercial district. Our commission rate is 10%… " Another gracefully dresses woman spoke.
The others began to introduce their affiliated consortiums and information about contracts.
Dudian came to understand that this training center was supported by those seven consortiums and the military. Military couldn't have supported this large of operations under the noses of noble families. So it seems they have chosen to share both expenses and results.
To his surprise, there is no one from the Holy Church.
At this time, other children have come before the representatives of various consortiums and military to make their selections. All of them more or less are giving the same conditions, because they are competing with each other so there is not much of a difference in the welfare offered.
"Dean, we should choose the same consortium," Mason said.
Dudian nodded slightly.
Sham asked: "Which consortium? Or maybe military?
"You go and check the conditions they give." Dudian said and went towards Tobu and said: "Instructor, which one should be the best to choose?"
Tobu looked down at him. He was impressed with Dudian. Whether it was his improvement by leaps and bounds in the tenacious endurance training at the beginning, his impressive results at examinations or his performance for the last three years. He winked and said: "You have excellent chances with any of the choices as they will offer you a personal proposal. But in between us, Mellon consortium has a great potential!"
Dudian was surprise as he did not expect that Tobu's recommendation is not the military but the consortium.
Tobu turned away to leave when Sham, Mason and Zach came up to catch him. Sham said: "We checked all of them. Most of the conditions are similar. Military has the best treatment while their commissions are low. All these consortium have varying conditions but their commissions are higher than military. For example, Lorian just joined Stirling Foundation. They will give him 15% from everything that he will extract plus God's blessing every month."
"What!"
At this moment, excited sounds echoed all around the field.
Everyone could not help but look. Dudian saw the gentleman who represented the Stirling Foundation.