"You imbeciles!" all men were startled with the goddess' loud and clear shout. "Why did you let a small pesky rodent roam around inside my fortress?! Didn't I tell you to inspect and watch all the maids that has been retained?!"

"Yes, we deeply apologize, my lady," mabilis na saad ng mga ito at kaagad na lumuhod. They gulped as they stare at the carpeted floor. Cold sweats are running down their faces and necks. The goddess' immense pressure was too much for them to handle.

Shaera slammed her balled hand into the wall and their throats ran dry when they felt the entire palace shake with her simple action. The wall began to have cracks, starting from the spot where her tightly closed hand is. Fissures continued appearing, connecting from one to another as if it's just a mirror that is cracking slowly but effectively.

Nanatili sa ganoong posisyon ang babae. She clenched her teeth. She expected that the girl has some plan in mind but she didn't expect that she'll actually send someone in the opponent's territory. She's underestimating her.

She clenched her teeth but she reasoned out that her anger won't help her right now to try to subside her anger. Shaera's expression slowly eased up and relaxed. Bahagya nitong hiniwalay ang mga labi at marahan na bumuga ng hangin. Umayos ito ng tayo at tinanggal ang kamay mula sa dingding.

Walang nagtangkang kumilos mula sa kanilang pwesto. Nanatiling nakayuko ang mga ulo ng mga kawal at ng mga katulong na nasa gilid. Lahat ay pinagpapawisan ng malamig dahil sa biglaang pagtahimik ng babae. Bigla ring nagbago ang atmosperang pumapalibot sa kanila at mas lalo lamang lumamig ang paligid.

The side of Shaera's lips raised as she let out a chuckle, "It doesn't matter," the place began to quake once more as they hear the sounds of unstable rocks. The wall that she punched started to crumble down, showing the cloudy ambience that is covering the large capital. Shaera smirked, "We should just have some fun, right?"

She suddenly faced the whole capital, making her gown produce some ruffling sounds because of her sudden movement. Her eyes are wide with excitement as a grin appear along with her excited expression.

She raised both of her hands and she challengingly shout, "Come, you little brat!" her eyes got wider as her grin as well, "I'll show you what a God is!"

Nagsimula ng tumayo ang mga kawal na nagtatrabaho para sa babae ngunit muntikan na silang mawalan ng balanse noong muling yumanig ang buong paligid. But they noticed that it wasn't just the palace. It's the whole capital..!

Shaera laughed and her excited eyes stare down at the whole town, "You will all know my name!" the maids and men dropped on the floor when the quake got stronger causing for them to completely lose their balance. The grumbling sound only got louder. Shaera's excited grin didn't fade, "I am Shaera! You all shall fear me for I am your one and only God! That.. is your purpose!"

Fear. Desperation. Hopelessness. All intensified when they witnessed with their very eyes what a God can do. They were reminded that they are the beings who is higher than any one of them. A being that they have no rights to defy. A superior existence that can bring them death any second.

With just one simple sway of her hand, the whole capital sank.

Approximately ten minutes before the incident

"Oi kid--!" the man's eyes widen when the black haired boy jumped and turned his body midair. His eyes got wider and he let out a choking sound when the boy's foot hit the corner of his neck heavily. Claysen put all his weight on it and made it heavier. The man's head slammed on the ground in great speed.

Claysen's feet landed on the ground and he put his hand inside the pocket of his shorts. He clicked his tongue when he saw a dust on his black long sleeved shirt. Gamit ang kabilang kamay ay pinagpagan niya ito. Ang mag-ina na inaabuso kanina lamang ng lalaki ay hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kaniya.

Claysen's eyes squinted with irritation and stepped on the unconscious man's head, "You bastard.. Zai bought this for me. Do you--"

"U-Uhm.." Claysen stopped when he heard the voice of the woman behind him. He looked over his shoulder and his sharp red eyes darted to the middle aged woman. Yumuko naman ang babae habang ang anak nito ay nagtatago sa kaniyang likod, "M-Maraming salamat.."

Tinitigan ito ni Claysen bago niya tinanggal ang kaniyang paa sa ulo ng walang malay na lalaki. "He was just in the way. I don't deserve that gratitude nor want it. Nakaharang din kayo sa daan."

"But still.. salamat." the woman noticed that there's no explosive devices on the boy's wrists but she didn't ask even though she's itching to. Napansin iyon ng batang lalaki ngunit hinayaan na lamang niya ito. He's not interested in explaining things to people. He put his hand on his head to check his hair.

He then glanced at the academy and his eyes squinted. They're late. Tch. How tardy.

He walked passed them, "Evacuate. Soon enough, the students from the academy will assist all the citizens out of this town."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ng babae, "Y-You mean.."

Muling lumingon si Claysen at halata naman sa mukha nito ang iritasyon, "Just do what I say. Magiging sagabal lang kayo dito."

Magtatanong pa sana ang babae ngunit natigil ito noong bigla na lamang nawala ang batang lalaki. Only leaving a gust of wind.

Claysen jumped from one branch to another. He looked up and saw the claw-like structure from afar as he is approaching it. Natapos ang proyekto na ito noong isang araw lamang. After it was finished, they loaded it with the substances that can erase and recreate the genes in the human's body.

Hindi nila ito magawang mapigilan noon because all structures are heavily guarded as they load those substances. They can't reveal themselves. Their plan would have been ruined if the enemy knew their exact location before the battle even begins.

Claysen squinted his eyes at the tall structure. All he have to do is destroy it. Gano'n rin ang kailangang gawin ng iba. There are five structures and each of them was assigned to destroy one. Except for Ero and Zai. Ero has to deal with the scientists in the research lab while Zai is heading straight to where Shaera is.

They were all against it. On Zai going alone. Ilang beses nilang kinumbinsi ang dalaga ngunit nairita lamang ito at binigyan sila ng masamang tingin. She told them to 'shut up' and let her do what she wants. Nairita sina Asta at Ero sa desisyon ng dalaga at ilang beses rin nagkaroon ng argumento sa pagitan ng tatlo. If Sinbad was there, he'll surely be part of the arguments as well.

Asta and Ero were just worried since they are the oldest in the team pero lalo lamang tumodo ang iritasyon ng babae. She was clenching her teeth and she was glaring. She rarely glares at them but at that moment she did. She was scarier than usual and they couldn't handle the fear that's crawling in their system but the two still stood in front of her and continued lecturing her. As if her huge presence is nothing. Ngunit sa huli ay wala rin' nangyari.

Lumapag ang mga paa ni Claysen sa lupa na kinatitirikan ng mataas na istraktura. Tumingala siya at pinagmasdan ito. Dahan-dahan na bumaba ang kaniyang tingin hanggang sa dumako ang kaniyang paningin sa lalaking nakasandal sa malaking bagay na iyon habang nakaupo sa lupa. Nakapikit ang mga mata nito habang magkakrus ang mga binting nakaupo.

He raised his one knee and put his hand on that knee to get some support as he stands up. He slowly opened his eyes and he gazed at the young boy, "You're slow."

Tinitigan itong mabuti ni Claysen. Sumasangayon ang itsura nito sa deskripsyon na ibinigay sa kaniya ni Asta. He's certain that the man in front of him is none other than Xhen. Nabasa na rin niya ang pangalan nito sa isang libro noong siya'y nakatira pa sa mansyon ng kaniyang mga magulang at nag-aaral. It said there that he is the best general that Northernium ever had. Ngunit mukhang sa ngayon ay kusa itong sumusunod sa mga utos ng diyosa. He doesn't have any bit of curiosity on why is the former general on her side this time around though.

Tumaas ang gilid ng labi ni Xhen noong makita ang nakaipit na buhok ng batang lalaki. Seryoso lamang ang ekspresyon ni Claysen habang nakatitig siya sa nakakatandang lalaki, "Have any issues with my hair?"

Xhen chuckled as he shake his head, "Nothing in particular."

His current hairstyle doesn't fit him at all. Nakaipit ang mga buhok na humaharang sa kaniyang noo pataas gamit ang isang kulay pulang hairpin. Hindi bumabagay ang ayos ng kaniyang buhok sa kaniyang natural na seryosong ekspresyon. But Zai liked it so he didn't complain.

The girl loves touching his hair, playing with its strands from time to time. She's fond of its softness although her fondness doesn't show on her cold expression but that's okay. She's also fond of his face and eyes, she even complimented him for it. It was already perfect pero gano'n rin ito kay Rui kaya madalas ay iritado sila sa isa't isa.

Claysen squinted his eyes at Xhen. A small ring of blue fire appeared around the young boy, "Sorry but you have to move, old man." he said with a monotonous voice.

Tumaas ang gilid ng mga labi ni Xhen habang lumalabas sa katawan nito ang malamig na usok na nanggagaling sa paunti-unting pagyeyelo ng kaniyang balat. Ice came out from his hand and a sword formed out of it. He smirked, "I won't," he then wiped away the smirk off his face. "I'm gonna need that book."

Claysen took his stance while his one hand is on the book that's in a small book holder that's wrapped around his waist. "As if I'll give it to you," he then smirked, "Guess that means that we're not getting what we want in an easy way."

The small ring of fire turned bigger and wilder. Pressure also came out from his place, making his hair dance in a random way because of how strong the wind has become.

Xhen tilted the sword he's holding then he immediately attacked. Claysen also ran towards him with his fire coming out from his body. Claysen spread fire in front of him but Xhen swung his sword at the young boy. He cut through the fire but his sword didn't touch any flesh.

He squinted his eyes then he ducked, dumaan naman ang binti ng bata sa kaniyang itaas. Claysen clicked his tongue. He rotated his body again and was about to hit the man's head directly from above but Xhen blocked his heel with his sword.

Idiniin ni Claysen ang bigat niya rito ngunit walang nagawa iyon. He decided to use his sword as his foothold then he backflipped. Pagkalapag ng kaniyang paa sa lupa ay nanlaki ang kaniyang mga mata noong makita na ang lalaki sa kaniyang harapan. Xhen was lower than him because of his bent knees. He's also ready to swing his sword to slice him up in half.

Xhen saw how the boy's mind panicked with the situation. His widened eyes are showing his fear. Xhen smirked and changed his grip on the sword. He's now holding it as if its an ice pick. Using the sword's hilt, he hit the boy's side with full force.

Claysen groaned when he felt some of his ribs cracked. His body flew to the side, hitting the ground then bouncing before his back hit the tree. He fell on his chest. He groaned as he finds difficulties in breathing.

His hand clenched in frustration. What was I standing in daze for..?! Damn it!

Xhen appeared beside him and lifted him up by grabbing the back of his shirt. Xhen slammed his front on the tree three times before he threw him away. His body once bounced because of how strong his throw was. Gumulong ang kaniyang katawan sa lupa bago ito tumigil.

Claysen stood on his fours but before he could even stand up, he coughed. Blood came along with it. Pinagmasdan ni Claysen ang dugong nasa lupa bago niya pinunasan ang kaniyang bibig. He then stood up, knees weakening and his breathing is already deep and unsteady.

Ngunit nanlaki na lamang ang kaniyang mga mata noong maramdaman ang pagbaon ng espada ni Xhen sa kaniyang tagiliran. He puked some blood when the tip of the sword came out from the other side. Ngunit hindi tumigil roon ang lalaki. Xhen grabbed his face and slammed his head on the ground, creating a very loud thud.

Claysen opened his eyes and saw Xhen's smirk through the gap of his fingers. Ang isang kamay nito ay hawak ang hawakan ng kaniyang espada na hindi pa rin niya tinatanggal mula sa kaniyang tagiliran. Xhen's grip on his face is also tight and he can feel the pain of his grip on his cheekbones.

Xhen chuckled with his cold and deep voice, "It's too early for you to stand against me," Claysen gritted his teeth and he activated his fire again but he screamed out of pain when Xhen twisted his sword, causing for the activation of his power to come to a halt. The side of Xhen's lips raised, "A magnificent power like yours is useless if the vessel is weak. Shouldn't you have learned that from your journey with those people?"

He knows that. Alam ni Claysen ang ganoong bagay. Zai and the others are always teaching them that same thing with their actions. Whenever they engage themselves in a fight, they rarely use their exceliums and they always win with just mere physical abilities alone. They have no interests in relying on their magical capabilities. And that's what makes them worthy of his respect.

Claysen yelled again when Xhen twisted his sword once more. He gritted his teeth and bent his knees on his chest. He then kicked Xhen away with his both feet. Mabilis siyang tumayo at binunot ang espada mula sa kaniyang tagiliran, he groaned as he pull it out.

Muli siyang tumingin kay Xhen at nakitang pasugod na ito sa kaniya but before he could get any closer. A high wall of blue fire appeared between them. Claysen jumped away and he sat down under a tree. Sinandal niya ang kaniyang likod sa katawan ng puno habang hawak niya ang kaniyang tagiliran. The whole lot is now covered with fire and he's sure that Xhen won't be able to cross that.

He grabbed the bundle of bandages from his pocket and lifted his shirt. He bit the end of his cloth to keep his wound on his side revealed. Claysen clicked his tongue when he saw how much blood he's losing. Mabilis namang niyang binalutan ng bendahe ang kaniyang tiyan. When he was done covering his wound, he ripped the bandage with his teeth and hand. He made sure that the end of the bandage is carefully secured so that it won't loosen up.

Tumayo siya at muling tumingin sa umaapoy na lote.

Xhen clenched his teeth as he look around. He's completely surrounded by the kid's flames. It is his first time seeing fire of this kind. Hindi siya malapit sa apoy ngunit pakiramdam niya ay natutuplas na ang kaniyang balat. It was too hot and being surrounded by it is only making it worse. His ice will surely melt instantly if he activates it.

Xhen's eyes widen when he sensed something above him. He dodged to the side but he clicked his tongue when his own sword pierced through his arm. He looked above but his face tilted to the side when Claysen kicked his face.

Xhen clenched his teeth then he looked back at the boy. He grabbed his shirt with his uninjured arm but Claysen just wrapped his legs on his arm and broke it with his small body. Xhen clicked his tongue when his arm broke.

Ngunit hindi natapos roon ang pagkilos ng batang lalaki. He wrapped the bandage on his arm then he pulled his arm to his back by pulling the bandage along with his jump after he let go of Xhen's arm. He continued wrapping the bandages on Xhen's body in random ways to secure his hands and feet in place. Xhen cursed under his breath when his arms cannot move because of how tight the bandages are.

When he finished, Claysen pulled the bandage and Xhen fell on the ground. Binigyan siya nito ng masamang tingin, "You damn brat."

Patuloy pa rin ang paghinga ng malalim ni Claysen. He clenched his teeth as he wipe the sweat away from his chin using the back of his hand. Damn it..!

Nanlalabo na ang kaniyang paningin dahil sa kawalan niya ng maraming dugo. He heard from Ero that the wound on his chest before was healed by his own fire but he was unconscious when it happened. Hindi niya alam kung paano 'yon gawin. Nothing can help him with his condition but rest. He needs to rest for a few minutes.

But before that..

His eyes darted to the tall structure behind him. He took a step forward but his eyes winced when he felt the immense pain with just one step. The corners of his eyes are beginning to darken.

The injuries that his body received is normally enough to kill a 9-year old boy like him and yet he is still standing on his feet. Mabagal ang paglakad nito at medyo nanginginig rin ang mga binti dahil sa kahinaan at pagpilit sa mga ito na gumalaw. His eyes are almost lifeless but he refuse to close them without completing his task. Every second seemed like minutes to him. Medyo nawawala na rin ang kaniyang ulirat ngunit gumagalaw ng kusa ang kaniyang katawan.

He cursed mentally when his foot tripped. His weakened body was about to fall but it stopped when his head hit something hard. Malakas ang pagtama ng kaniyang ulo sa metal na istraktura, making a loud sound. He slowly raised his both hands to push himself from leaning on the metal structure.

He panted as his shaking arms lean on it. Kakaunti na lamang ang lakas na meron siya and if he use his excelium again, he'll surely hit the ground this time around. However, his resolve is already firm.

He clenched his teeth and let his flames flow into the machine. His flames burst from the inside. Lahat ng mga sibilyan ay napatingin sa banda na iyon noong marinig nila ang sunod-sunod na pagsabog.

Blue flames are bursting out from the giant machine, from the bottom to the top in a high speed. They all stared in awe at the exploding structure.

Claysen clenched his teeth again as he groan. He let it all out in one push and in an instant, the gigantic metal structure exploded as a whole with one burst.

One citizen's eyes widen when he saw a part of the giant machinery flying to his direction ngunit mabilis namang dumating ang isang lalaki at tinulak siya mula sa pwestong iyon. The citizen looked at the person who saved his life. Isa itong binata at mabilis naman niyang napansin ang unipormeng suot nito, "Ayos lang po ba kayo?!" kinakabahang tanong nito. Gulat pa rin ang lalaki ngunit nagawa niyang tumango rito.

The student sighed in relief then he stood up. He looked at the huge blue flame that is beginning to die down, "Just what the heck happened?"

"Bilisan mo na! Wala tayong oras para tumayo lang!" sigaw rito ng isang babae na estudyante rin ng E.A. May akay-akay ito na matanda. The girl yelled again, "Hurry up and evacuate the citizens!"

"E-Eto na!"

Claysen stumbled back on his feet and he coughed blood as his back starts to fall. Malakas na bumagsak ang likod nito sa lupa at nagpatuloy ang malalim na paghinga nito habang nakatingin sa langit.

He gritted his teeth noong maramdaman na wala ang libro sa lalagyanan nito na dapat ay nasa kaniyang tagiliran. He already knew who has it.

Someone blocked the view of the cloudy sky, towering over him. Xhen smirked at him as he holds the book. "Not bad, kid," he then chuckled and started to walk away, "Let's meet in the next lifetime, shall we?"

Claysen clenched his teeth when he could no longer feel Xhen's presence. Damn it..! Damn it! Damn it!

Gustuhin man niyang tumayo ay hindi na kaya ng katawan niya. Bumibigat na rin ang talukap ng kaniyang mga mata at ilang segundo na lamang ay mawawalan na siya ng malay.

He refuse to die on that place and time. He doesn't want to waste the 50 years that Zai gave him for a better life. He refuse to go back to the afterlife! I'm not going to die! This is just the starting point of living!

I'm not just going to exist, I'm going to live!

He groaned when his body ached so much when he tried to move. He cursed in his mind when he could no longer fight against the urge to close his eyes. His eyelids are slowly closing but he tried to open them again when he heard some footsteps.

Nakarinig siya ng boses ngunit tila ba ang lalim nito. Tila ba nasa ilalim siya ng tubig. His eyes slightly opened and he gazed on kind-looking eyes that are staring down at him. His cream colored hair is swaying along with the wind. Claysen immediately knew who is the man in front of him.

"Kid! Can you still hear me?! Stay awake!" Yan said as he look at the boy's injuries.

What's with all these injuries?

Yan was about to say something again but the boy moved his lips to say something. "General.. Yan.."

Yan was confused but he just nodded, "Yes, it's me." he stared at the boy. Could he be..?

The boy continued speaking in a very low voice. "Please.. bring me.. to the northern side.. near the plaza.."

Nagtaka naman si Yan sa sinabi nito. Claysen continued, "Northernium will soon.. arrive in that area. They have a healer--" with that statement, Yan already knew who the boy is. He has to save him quick before his condition makes a bad turn.

Bago pa matapos ng bata ang sinasabi nito ay binuhat na siya ng heneral. He smiled with reassurance to lessen the boy's worries, "Don't worry. Claysen, was it? Zai wrote me a letter about the plan," Yan's smile didn't fade, "I'll get you healed. But you have to stay out of the battlefield. You have already done your part. Good work, young man." his smile is so warm and kind. Such a pleasant feeling it brings.

Claysen stared at him with his droopy eyes but he then chuckled, "No wonder.. Zai seems happy.. when mentioning you."

Yan was surprised but his expression then calmed down and a soft smile appeared on his lips. "Is that so?" he chuckled and looked forward, "We shall go."

In an instant, they disappeared from that place as the calm yet cold wind blows.

***
Hello readers! I would like to announce na may Facebook Group na po tayo and I hope you guys will join. It was made by Ate aesheyenn at hindi ko alam kung ilang beses ba ako magpapasalamat sa kaniya dahil sa sobrang tuwa ko😁 Thank you po ulit!❤

Sobra po talaga akong matutuwa kung makakasali po kayo. Although wala pong pilitan 'to ah! I would just like to inform you.

If you're interested, the group's name is StrangePiece Stories.

Every new updates will be announced there and of course, new stories in the near future rin po ay i-a-announce din po roon❤

Also, welcome po kayong magshare ng inyong fanmade covers and arts about the story!❤ I love seeing those kinds of things kasi may hilig rin po ako sa arts and efforts kaya expect po na makikita ko po ang inyong mga gawa😊❤

Your works are welcome and highly appreciated! I hope you can join. Thank you so much❤