Esterbraun’s journey home took less than a day to return from what was Intergis to Nycon, this was due to his newfound ability. He gained the power to open up his own gates and leave them when and where ever he wanted a “pocket dimension”.

  Esterbraun’s arrival into Nycon was met with an audience like no other, but not one of enthusiasm one of apathy. He witnessed a crowd filled with people of all races and ages looking up at him from a platform raised above the ground, Esterbraun was on trial for the atrocity that was Intergis, what he was in was a hanging.

  A message had been sent to the Capital “Nycon” from a group of merchants who were on their way to Intergis for business only to come and see that it had been reduced to nothing but rubble. Esterbraun’s body lay on the ground stillalive showing the mark of greed as well as a family crest for the 1st class of the church around his neck. The merchants alerted officials in Nycon telling them what they saw and how Esterbraun seemed to be the only one left having a face of dread all over himself as if he was regretting.

  King Jerous stood beside Esterbraun and began to speak “For your crimes in aiding the Devil known as Greed, as well as your involvement in the Intergis Calamity I hear by sentence you to death by hang, Esterbraun Filtelo what do you have to say?”

  Before Esterbraun could speak the crowd emerged a noise that could only be described as a war cry after hearing what King Jerous had to say.

  Esterbraun refused to speak for he believed that this was the best course of action he thought why should he live even though in his heart Esterbraun had the urge to live?

  Jerous: No words fine then executioner pull the lever.

  The false bottom underneath Esterbraun opened with Esterbraun’s neck wrapped in a rope forming a noose, as he began to fall he witnessed his life flash before his eyes causing him to cry out for help, a greedy cry to live.

  Esterbraun: I don’t want to die, I want to repent, let me atone for my sins but not like this it's unfair, please.

  As Esterbraun’s neck was being choked by the rope he slowly felt a step forming right underneath his feet, making slack on the rope helping him free himself from the noose. The crowd could not see the step and simply saw Esterbraun walk on thin air and free himself, to them it was a feat that only “One of the chosen” could do. He then looked at the crowd with a blank face and lost consciousness, but he didn’t collapse Greed had taken over.

  Greed as Esterbraun: HEAR ME CITIZENS OF NYCON I ESTERBRAUN FILTELO AM THE MAN WHO OVERCAME GREED.

  He then lifted his shirt to expose the marking on his chest that had scarred over it showing the face of Greed and it seeming miserable.

  “I WILL NOT DIE HERE TODAY, HEAR ME I WILL LEAD THE CHARGE IN THE WAR AGAINST THESE DEVILS, WHAT HAPPENED IN INTERGIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.”

  Greed had been successful causing an uproar of support within the crowd, bringing him down off the Gallows and being escorted into the palace following behind the king.

  King Jerous: Greed long time no see, how have you been?

  Greed in Esterbraun’s body: Jerous you’re looking…..well, I’m doing wonderful I’ve found myself a new host, and let me tell you he is quite ambitious.

  King Jerous: Wonderful to hear, Greed what do you want? Why have you chosen to sink your dirty ambitious claws into this 1st class officer, he is a man of great respect. Why let your wilds take control?

  Greed: Listen to me Jerous, enough of this bickering you WILL tell the people that Esterbraun was a hero who valiantly fought against Greed managing to overcome my wilds, but in the battle, the empire of Intergis was destroyed due to Mikalo’s men and how they used an unsanctioned spell that obliterated the whole empire.

  Jerous this isn’t an ask it's an order, if you want your precious empire to keep on thriving as it is right now you will tell the people what I have just told you and leave this host and me alone.

  King Jerous: Fine.

  Reluctantly the king's arms had been tied since at this point no warlords had been in the area capable of combating Greed.

  With that Greed had gone back into Esterbraun’s body, pulling Esterbraun’s consciousness back to earth. Then King Jerous proceeded to do as Greed had told and the Mosscrest family were the scapegoat.

  In a last-ditch attempt to save their name as well as lives the Mosscrests excommunicated the rankings that Mikalo had served among which would include Garius down the road.

  The Mosscrest’s name had been run through the mud smearing it in a layer of corruption for the rest of time. As Garius had said, “Growing up I was forced to live a life of theft and crime”. He had to do what he needed to do, even if it caused him to break his morals. Until very recently, before Aoto entered into this world Garius had been called up from the head of the family “Sir Paul Mosscrest.”

  Paul had called Garius to meet in his chambers.

  Paul: Garius is it?

  Garius: Yes Sir Paul.

  Paul: How would you like to be let back into our ranks? How would you like to be a Mosscrest?

  Garius: Sir I would love nothing more than to be able to re-join your prestigious ranks. We no longer identify ourselves with that traitor Mikalo.

  Paul: That’s great to hear Garius it is, I have signed the papers to allow you entry into the family but I can also sign up more for each member of your family how does that sound?

  Garius: I am not worthy to be showered in this much luck, please if there is ever a moment that you need assistance, feel free to call upon me.

  Paul: Good very good because I do have something that I’d like you to do. There is a boy who was found within a gate, before you ask the gate was from the town square, and the boy was found within the void.

  He seems to be around your age Garius, so I’ve chosen to give you and your family another chance. Your job from here on out will be to find the boy and gain custody of him ensuring that BOTH of you become bounders. During this time I will give you and you alone the permission to enter our ranks and use our name to help yourself along this mission. Spread the name that both of you are Mosscrest’s once you become bounders and do good work too, If you fail I will make sure your bloodline ends with you.

  Garius: I can not say that I am not confused about this whole situation, but I will follow your will Sir Paul I will make sure that we will both become bounders the next time the test rolls around. I will do my best to watch over the boy, but if I may ask what makes him so special?

  Paul: He is a vessel for sound.

  Garius’ body visibly tensed the moment those words were uttered out of his mouth, though he kept calm and did not turn away at the sound of a devil.

  Paul: Is there something wrong Garius?

  Garius: No sir not at all I apologize for my body’s movement it was just a mere twitch.

  Paul: Very well the boy was found by the Curator’s party during an expedition into the void in hopes of items for his upcoming Auction, I’m sure you’re aware. He is planning on selling the boy to a high-ranking member of the 1st class in Zesa, he is special for the fact that he seemingly has control over the sound, I have a theory he may be like the great Esterbraun. Our family needs this ever since your grandfather's calamity occurred we’ve been outcasted to this nation only being among the 12 due to our longevity. I trust that you can handle this task Garius, take this bag.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Inside the bag was a large sum of money for the purchasing of the boy “Aoto” as well as enough money to live off of for some time.

  Paul: Go now Garius do well bring pride to the Mosscrest name and make sure that he becomes a hero, if you do that you’re family will survive and I will see to it that you and your family will join our ranks.

  In the present Garius, had made his way into the holy district of Nycon where he had already arranged plans with the priest who runs the church Hogard of the 3rd class.

  Garius had arranged to be let into Arcad to meet with the Curator to retrieve 2 chutes that were found on Aoto’s body, or so the Curator said. Hogard welcomed Garius into the church guiding him into the back and leading him to a wall that didn’t seem special.

  Garius confused questioned Hogard if he had an anterior motive, Hogard snickered to himself and cast a spell on the wall revealing a staircase that seemed to go downwards for more than the eye could see.

  Hogard: Best of luck Garius, may God’s light shine down upon you in the place which the light never dares to touch.

  Garius nodded back at Hogard and placed his left foot forward beginning to walk down the staircase. As he continued to walk down he could catch glimpses of the even deeper city Arcad through the old stone brick walls that seemed to have chipped off holes to see through over time.

  Before he knew it Garius had, reached the bottom of the stairwell and was met face to face with the Curator.

  Arcad didn't always exist beneath the streets of Nycon, there was a point in time when everyone no matter class lived on the same level, while more dangerous the city was more intact. Due to the ever-growing population of Nycon, excavations had become more regular throughout the city as a way to combat the growing size. One day a group of workers stumbled upon a massive sinkhole that seemed to go even deeper than what was thought to be possible.

  From that point, all construction and excavation had moved to this newer much deeper level of Nycon being dubbed Arcad. As the construction of the new level began it was to be that the impoverished would be moved down to the lower level turning it into a slum. The reason being that no matter what time of day the level would always be covered in black, so if you could not afford to live on the top of Nycon then you don't have the right to see the holy sun.

  The Curator was surrounded by 4 large men 3 of them seeming to be beast men, all slaves of course.

  Curator: Garius it's been a little while hasn't it I have what you've asked for prepared at my abode.

  Garius: Thank you, I appreciate it as you know it's very important that I have this within my possession in the wrong hands we both know what could happen.

  Curator: Of course Garius I would hate to see another calamity such as the one that happened in Intergis all those years ago especially here in Nycon.

  The curator's tone had switched from playful to a more serious note.

  Although I do have one gripe with you Garius.

  Garius: And what might that be Sir?

  The Curator snapped his fingers causing the 4 slaves to circle Garius slowly closing in on him until Garius was pinned in his spot.

  Garius: CURATOR WHAT IS THIS!

  Curator: It's simply business Garius, There is no need for shouting just let this happen. Then I'll buy you a coffee how does that sound?

  Garius clenched his fist and attempted to jump at the Curator but he was caught by a beast man, being slammed to the ground knocking him out.

  The Curator had been visited shortly after handing Aoto off to Garius, by a warlord from Zesa who had come for Aoto but was a day late due to a sand storm that had wrecked through the surface. He met with the Curator expecting to be handed Aoto and go on his way but was met with a rude surprise, since he hadn't shown up to the auction the Curator was under the notion that the dealer was off so he was willing to have him over to Garius. This did not sit well with Thadius Siprel the Warlord of the Empire, who was on direct orders from the king to bring Aoto to Zesa to be a hopeful dog of the military as a way to recoup the loss that was Esterbraun.

  He made it clear to the Curator that the only way the Curator would continue to live on was if the boy was back in the Curator's possession the next time he was in the City.

  Thadius Siprel is an incredibly busy person who goes out on solo adventures through gates and the world. Even though he isn't a certified bounder he is still viewed as strong or even more than the highest of high bounders. Due to this level of fame and trust, he is forced to be constantly moving helping out around the Empire, so he leaves the Curator with that knowledge stating "I'll back in around one week have the boy and whoever bought him ready for me I want to see who caused a smudge on my reputation".

  Garius waking came to see that he was caged in a container very similar to the one that he had first seen Aoto in. His vision was obscured by his blindfold being taken off. Garius’ blindfold is a blessed item that helps with his vision since he was born nearly blind, without it he is no better in combat than a dog.

  Unable to see he called out “Hellooo is anyone there?”

  Curator: Oh sweet Garius, Sweet Sweet Garius no one is coming you are in my place beneath the main streets in Arcad no one is coming for you and I’ve sent my slaves after your companion Aoto.

  Garius: WHY CURATOR WHY!

  Curator: I’m sorry Garius I truly am but my arm is twisted, you see you’ve gotten me in hot water with a certain Warlord who is very interested in Aoto and you so I can’t let you go. Again many apologies I just hate to see people suffer it’s not good for the soul you know?

  Garius remains speechless seemingly giving up all hope of ever returning to his ranks among the Mosscrests.

  On the main level of Nycon, the sun was still down and Aoto was still alone, he continued walking toward the center of Nycon now since there wasn’t any gate to fear due to the sun being down, While walking Aoto sensed the vibrations of bodies behind him, closing in on him as he walks.

  Aoto starting to become wary picked up his pace, going from a walk to a jog to an all-out run, but it was to no use. The beast men were faster than Aoto could run, jumping right in front of him grabbing his arms and putting them behind his back.

  With a struggle, Aoto attempted to break free and run towards an alleyway too small for the beast men but just big enough that Aoto’s slender frame could fit through, but as he made his break one of the slaves reached their arm out catching Aoto’s neck. Aoto’s body jolted back slamming his head on the hard stone ground, making him “see stars” Aoto groaning was picked up by the men leading him towards the town center but not to wait for Garius to throw him into the Gate.

  The void has multiple exits and one just so happens to lead directly into the Curator placate being the fastest and most discrete way into Arcad, as the slaves carry Aoto’s limp body a voice can be heard but not by the slaves, by Aoto.

  Sound: Hey Aoto…. Hey Aoto…. HEY AOTO

  Aoto: what? Oh wise mystical fake voice is that you?

  Sound: Who are you calling fake deaf boy, I am very much real and I am very much a part of you.

  Aoto most definitely concussed, wasn’t paying any mind to Sound and simply played him off as a figment of his imagination.

  Aoto: okay then good you.

  Sound: Aoto are you even paying attention to me? Do you even realize what going on?

  Aoto: what? What are you talking about what’s going on?

  Sound: AOTO open your eyes.

  Aoto’s eyes opened back up opening and closing letting them acclimate to his new surroundings and they became ajared. Aoto was about to be thrown through the Gate.

  Aoto: WAIT WAIT WAIT

  Aoto was thrown in entering into the void that had to spit him into this new world, he was in a free fall feeling weightless not seeing the ground in sight. As Aoto was falling he could see the slaves follow behind falling alongside him.

  As Aoto fell he turned his body around to face the ground and he could see a lake form beneath him, as Aoto got closer he began to panic, flailing his arms all around and screaming until he made contact with the water.

  “BOOM”

  A loud and large splash was made, and Aoto’s body along with the slaves plunged deep into the lake, they continued to sink in the lake seemingly never-ending. As they sank deeper and deeper Aoto opened his eyes noticing that the lake’s water wasn’t water.

  The liquid was black almost like he was swimming in ink Aoto’s pours began to fill up with this liquid and as he tried to hold his breath he could feel something dragging him closer to the bottom of the lake.

  Aoto at his limit could no longer hold his breath and opened his mouth attempting to breathe but it was to no use he was submerged. As he began drowning the liquid filled into his ears, mouth, nose, eyes, and every other place. Right as Aoto was losing consciousness he could feel something now pulling him up instead of down, it was one of the slaves he had grabbed a hold of Aoto swimming him up towards the surface.

  Aoto had lost consciousness.

  The slaves had pulled Aoto out of the lake, laying him down on the ground, they began to perform chest compressions on Aoto in hopes of waking him up.

  Aoto rose and began spitting out the liquid that filled his lungs, violently Aoto groaned it seemed as though whatever had entered him was fighting against Aoto’s system.

  As soon as Aoto had finished a slave picked Aoto up by the waist and draped him over his shoulders and started to follow the others.

  The liquid continued to flow out of Aoto’s pours and orifices, except for his ears the liquid seemed contained not being allowed to leave.

  As Aoto was carried he could see an exit in the distance and could hear a voice similar to Garius’.

  Garius: You son of a b**ch, how could you I didn’t know. YOU DIDN’T TELL ME.

  Curator: I know, I know you're mad but look at it this way you're certainly going to die when Thadius gets here so why hold a grudge? Okay?

  Aoto became visibly confused that he was able to hear Garius’ voice especially since he was still far away, he could feel the liquid in his ears swish back and forth.

  Sound: You can hear them can’t you Aoto?

  You and hear.

  Aoto: What is this, why can I hear Garius?

  Sound: That liquid in your ears is a part of me Aoto, it’s just the same as a liquid that I marked you with.

  Aoto: Liquid? Marking? No that can’t be true Garius said that it’s a tattoo given to slaves, something normal.

  Sound: You believe what you told right off don’t you Aoto?

  How naive.

  The slaves carrying Aoto had finally made it to the exit, passing through the gate, Aoto felt a shift in his body right before being thrown again through the gate and landing into a cage adjacent to Garius.

  Right before Aoto could speak to Garius, sleeping gas started to fill the room knocking Garius out and having Aoto on the verge but before he could he heard the voice again.

  Sound: Do you want this to be your end?

  Aoto: No.