Somewhere in Autumnland.
There was an area that was forbidden to enter no matter what status one had. It was near the boundaries of the Continent, within a large mountainside.
The mountainside had enormous mountains that cut the clouds in half.
At first glance, the mountainside would look inhabited. However, that wasn't exactly the case.
In the deepest part of the mountainside, there was a village built in those mountains with clear streets and paths. The scene was fascinating because the ''village'' could be mistaken for a miniature City!
The mountains were connected with a stone road, and hundreds of cabin-like buildings and a few modern buildings were built right on the hills.
While the mountains looked quite unstable and sharp from far away. That wasn't the case. Instead, there were many large platforms, enough to fit dozens of buildings.
Then, at the bottom of the mountain, there were open valleys with rocky terrain. Still, flower patches were growing from the ground!
There were farmers taking care of the flower patches, and in the nearby area, dirtied-looking men left a cavern with bags full of different materials and large rocks.
They took a simple path that circled around the mountain and took them to their village.
Currently, at the bottom of the mountain, a temple was built on top of a small mountain with a stone staircase leading down. It was presently surrounded by energetic-looking young men and women who wielded swords and shields.
The weapons clashing was the most common sound on the mountainside.
This was the birthplace of the Brotherhood of Knights and the reason why the mountainside was forbidden. They were the oldest and most respected Brotherhood in Autumnland, and the Grandmaster of this place had perhaps more influence than the wealthiest families combined!
The antique-looking temple was built mostly with bricks, stones, and black tiles that covered the roof.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtInside the temple, the Grandmaster of this enormous Brotherhood was seated on top of a soft-looking cushion. There was a small box in front of him and scissors.
Facing him were the six best students of his. They were named Kin, Nilo, Ino, Gabriella, Helena, and Tauri.
Four men and two women.
They all had robes over their athletic figures as they silently and politely continued to kowtow toward the Grandmaster.
Then, the Grandmaster opened his mouth, ''White Online… May you six… Tell me your current levels?''
Kin stopped kowtowing and straightened his back with his eyes locked with the Grandmaster's aged yet, wise eyes.
''121!'' Kin shouted.
''120!'' Nilo shouted.
''120!'' I shouted.
''119!'' Gabriella shouted.
''119,'' Helena shouted.
Then, the Grandmaster turned to look at the youngest person present, Tauri. His attention wasn't on him. Instead, he looked like his soul had left his body.
''Tauri,'' Grandmaster spoke gently, and finally, Tauri had a reaction as he slowly opened his mouth.
''127.'' He spoke calmly.
Kin, Nilo, Ino, Gabriella, and Helena looked utterly shocked.
''Lies!'' Kin shouted and sprung to his two feet, ''Even Lord Kalzer is only 125 level. How can you be two levels above?!''
Grandmaster looked at Tauri with a calm gaze. He didn't see even a speck of lying, and no one could fool his old eyes.
His lips slightly curved upward, ''Alright…''
He grabbed the scissors and slowly opened the box. In there, another black box came to view. He took it out and gave it to Tauri.
Tauri took it with no change in expression.
''Tauri, remember the Brotherhood of Knight's purpose.''
''Yes, grandmaster.''
…
Somewhere in Winterland, a cold forest covered in harsh snow.
A man, covered in animal fur, trekked through the solid stone piles. There was a leather bag strapped on his back with a few knifes hanging from his hips.
Soon, he reached his home, a wooden cabin with a triangular-shaped roof and a chimney poking through from the middle.
There were several square-shaped windows next to the front door that showed the dark interior of his home.
The yard had several wooden logs piled on top with an axe stuck deep in the wooden trunk.
The man pulled out his bag and took several dead animals that had already been skinned and was wrapped around a plastic bag. He took them out and hanged them up from several metal hooks.
The bag rested on his shoulder as he pulled out the axe from the wooden trunk. Then, he opened the front door and entered the cabin with his shoes, leaving a trail of footprints.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm''Haah…'' He took off his winter beanie and threw the bag to the side. Then, he stopped moving as his ears perked up.
The grip on the axe's wooden handle tightened, and his gaze went over the soft-looking couch and fireplace. It landed in the dark corner of the room.
He moved his arm and threw the axe toward the dark corner.
Thud!
Suddenly, an arm appeared from the darkness and grabbed the axe. Then, a figure appeared with thick winter clothing draped over him, and the lower half of his face was covered with a dark mouth mask.
''Who are you?'' The man spoke with a chilly tone.
''Hehe… Huntley, calm down…'' The figure's voice was cold and amused at the same time.
The man named Huntley was shocked that someone knew his name. A terrible feeling began sprouting inside his heart, and his hand slowly moved closer to his knives.
''Don't even think about taking out the knives.'' The dark-clothed figure showed the blade of the axe and began walking forward.
Huntley gritted his teeth, and his feet slowly took him closer to the door.
Then, the figure moved his hand across his face and took off the mask.
Huntley's face widened in shock, ''Y-Y-Y-You… N-No.''
''Yes!'' The figure laughed after seeing Huntley's shocked face. The dark-clothed figure's face was relatively handsome but also pale, like a ghost.
This man's name was Lone Souldeath. He was part of the infamous Souldeath Family.
''W-W-What do you want?''
''What do I want?'' Lone grinned and pulled up his sleeve. A tattoo of chains circled around his muscles.
''I am here to tell you that… It's time for you to fulfill your foolish ancestor's debt!''