Xeke felt inside himself the ability Phase and used it. He was standing there feeling for his power and in the next second he was standing somewhere else. He felt a buzzing all over his skin as he turned around to see how far he traveled. It looked to be about 20ft. He couldn't stop himself, he used Phase again and teleported back to the exact same spot. A broad grin placed itself on his face. This ability would be terrible for travel, however in combat this could be a great asset. He didn't even feel much exhaustion on his energy reserves. He looked to the sky and noticed he still had time to train, and he would not stop till he mastered this.

  The next day Xeke found himself lying in bed thinking of the training he did the previous day. After an hour of teleporting back and forth he ran out of energy and almost collapsed where he stood. He was surprised he could use the ability so often without exhausting himself. But all that training was not for nothing. He discovered he could teleport at different distances but the max was about 30ft. Which is a huge distance to instantly travel. He almost injured himself when he tried to Phase into the air, he went too high. With quick thinking he used the ability again before he hit the ground. It still hurt, but not as much as it could have.

  He got dressed and made his way to the dining room to eat breakfast with the other orphans. They heard he reached Level five and a round of congratulations was given to him.

  “Congrats giant!” one boy said

  “Yeah good luck with your year of slavery mr.Behemoth.” another girl said

  He gave them thanks with a big smile ignoring the comments on his size. He would not let small insults ruin his mood. Excluding yesterday Xeke liked to find a positive to life, always trying to look on the brightside. And the brightside today was instead of mediocre weapons training he would train against the various monsters outside the city. He figured with his stats and ability there was not much risk in getting injured by a couple Greks or goblins. His only issue currently was his STR. The only way to overcome his low stat was with weaponry as he had no offensive abilities.

  So after eating he thanked the sisters for the food and made his way to the shopping district. Over the years Xeke had saved up some coppers doing menial work for various bakeries and smithies. One particular blacksmith had treated him very well so he decided to buy a sword from her. He found Aster’s smithy and entered the building, immediately feeling the intense heat of the forge. Seeing Aster’s muscly form over the anvil whacking away at molten metal, he decided to wait until she was finished. Ten minutes later she was dousing the metal in water.

  “Hey Aster, how's work?” she looked up, a little startled.

  “OH! Xeke what are you doing here? I don't have much work for you today, sorry. Maybe try Oscar's bakery. I heard they were in need of a little help.”

  “Nah Aster I'm not here for that, actually I hit level Five and am in need of a sword.” she gave him a smile before a look of confusion washed over her face.

  “What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be doing your Repayment stint for the Empire?”

  “No, there seemed to be a little trouble placing me so they said to wait.” noticing her frown he continued, “Nothing bad Aster, they are just a little busy and need time. No need to worry. So how about that sword you have anything cheap you could sell to an aspiring Warrior?” He gave her his best smile.

  “I have a few swords that aren't too bad that you could actually afford,” she laughed “follow me”. She led him to a metal bin full of swords. After testing some of the swords weight he found one that was light enough for him to swing but heavy enough to do some damage..

  “How much for this one?”

  “For such an amazing lad like you? 5 copper.” she replied with a grin. Happy with that amount he handed over his life savings. With a nod and words of thanks he went to leave the smithy.

  “Hey don't forget about the old hag that you love so much ok?!” she called out.

  “Wouldn't dream of it” he said over his shoulder with a smile. A smile that didn't leave his face until he reached the city gate. He didn't even hear what the guards said to him as he left, too excited for his first real fight with monsters. The feeling of exhilaration kept building as he walked the road passing adventurers left and right. After walking for an hour he turned and made his way into the line of trees.

  The forest was booming with life, birds chirping and rodents running around. However a little while later there was not a sound to hear nor a rodent to see. It was time for the hunt. He went into alert mode looking for signs of movement. Sneaking through shrubbery he finally found his target. There was a Grek all on his own. The creatures are small furry gray things with lines of yellow sharp teeth and deadly claws. Finally something to fight. Using the element of surprise he Phased right behind the creature. As he swung his sword toward its head it turned around. Its beady black eyes noticed him all too late, the sword was already at its neck. Xeke cut into his head with a wet ripping sound. Its head flying off. He felt triumphant, like a true warrior. Until he heard sounds from behind him.

  He had made a mistake. Forgetting that Greks, like most small creatures, did not travel alone. Quickly turning, he saw two more Greks running at him, claws raised. In a panic he teleported backwards 20ft. A moment later they were upon him again. Xeke Phased again using the same tactic as before, appearing right behind one of them. Swinging his sword towards its head, he missed its neck and his sword lodged itself into its shoulder. The other Grek seeing his injured friend came at him in a fury, swiping at him. Not being able to pull the sword out fast enough he took the slash on his arm. Seemingly ignoring the pain, he managed to pull his sword out and attack. The creature blocked his swing with its claw and attacked with the other one. Not wanting to get hit again, Xeke used his best asset. Appearing behind it and attacking its neck. Cleanly decapitating it, then finishing off the last one before it could recover. He was shaking with fear and giddiness. I did it. I truly am a warrior now.

  After looking around to make sure there weren't any more, he checked on his arm. Three claw marks have ruined his sleeve, however on closer inspection the wound was merely three scratch marks. Puncturing the skin only a little. It made him wonder even more. This ability made fighting like an assassin/skirmisher highly advantageous. Why did he have such low offensive stats and high defensive stats? He continued to wonder as he travelled back to the city.2

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Over the next five days he continued to do the same thing. Hunting Greks and goblins. Until finally he Leveled up.

  Level Up

  Abilities:

  Phase: Teleport a short distance instantaneously, Low mana cost (Void Affinity)

  Already his defensive stats towered over his offensive ones. This could turn into a problem later, how would he fight alone? Outlast his opponents? That cant possibly work against anything with some true power behind it.

  He kept pondering on how to fix this problem when a messenger knocked on his door. It was time to find out what kind of adventure his next year would bring.

  Before he knew it he entered the town hall eager to finally find out his fate. The woman behind the desk informed him that he would be having a meeting in the same room as before. With quick footsteps he arrived at the room. Opening the door to find not the Mayor's assistant, but the Mayor himself. The man gestured “Take a seat”

  “Today is your lucky day my friend. Your placement is going to be serving under the royal family Zak’vusan.” This came as a surprise to Xeke. The royal family couldn't possibly have a use for a commoner, at least not an appealing one. The royal family was known for their ruthlessness. The whole reason they rule over the Zakarian Empire is because they killed everyone in the realm that opposed them.

  “The royal family? What would I be doing for them?” Xeke asked.

  “They will let you know once you arrive, you’re to leave immediately. It shouldn't take you more than a couple days to reach the capital. Gather your things and make haste.”

  “You truly have no idea what kind of work I'll be doing?”

  The man, annoyed, replied “Yes it is quite unorthodox, but I have better things to be doing than reassuring a common brat. I suggest you gather your things and board the carriage just outside.” The look on his face made it clear this was anything but a suggestion.

  “Thank you for your help, oh benevolent mayor.” Xeke grumbled as he left. He clenched his fists to stomp any further feelings of annoyance. He wouldn't let the mayor's attitude sour on his own. This could mean great things for him. Maybe they need more guards for their house, or another servant. He realised he only had to hold out for a year before he could leave and go his own way. No matter what he would hold hope for the future.

  He gathered his things from the orphanage and said his thanks to the clergyman and sisters before leaving. Saying hello to the guards of the carriage, then hopping in signaling the driver to whip the horses into a start.

  The last two days of travel were the most boring of his life, watching the guardsman walk beside the carriage. Nothing fun happening, no monsters jumping out or ambushes from bandits. Just a bumpy road. That is until the massive walls of the capital, Zukan, came into view. They were made entirely of stone and seemed endlessly tall. The most ugly work of art Xeke had ever seen. Bland as oatmeal but as magnificent as a mountain. The sound of the horses' hooves clacking against wood let him know they had begun to cross the bridge over the moat surrounding the walls. Xeke looked over the edge of the bridge to marvel at the size of the moat and noticed that the moat had running water as if it was a river.

  They had been pulled to a stop at the gate by the guardsman.

  “Halt!” They waved their hands above their heads. Xeke could hear the driver and the guards speak a few words before they waved him through. The view inside did not match the walls at all. Bustling streets full of citizens rushing around making deliveries, sellings things around Buildings that seemed almost colour coded. Repeating themselves here and there but never side by side. Little canals on the side of the roads with running water, seemingly clear and clean. And as they went further into the city the building grew in size and had more vibrant colours, some of which were not at the outer edges of the city. He thought this place looked amazing, a stark contrast to the city he grew up in not two days away. It took the carriage another 2 hours just to arrive at its destination. It was a beautiful compound with large gates and various symbols, beyond was large fields of grass with a narrow road leading to a massive Mansion. Not a place Xeke had ever thought he would find himself.

  He got out of the carriage to be greeted by a man with flowing blonde hair and a fine tailored suit.

  “You must be Xeke the new boy.” he said looking up at him. It was always a little funny, people much shorter than him calling him a boy.

  “I sure am, man” He replied with his usual smile.The man looked at him with cold calculating eyes.

  “You may address me as Konrad, gather your things and follow me. Be sure to mind your manners when addressing anyone inside. I will not tolerate any tomfoolery or bad mouthing when it comes to the House Zak’vusan. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Of course, sir.” Xeke was quick to agree. He did not want to make his stay in their employ difficult. The man opened the door and led Xeke inside. The room was immaculate with a winding staircase in the centre. Walking through the halls of the house made Xeke feel smaller and smaller. A new feeling he had never had to deal with. Without Konrad he was sure he would get lost. They entered a study with a large desk and a towering man sitting reading through papers. Konrad stopped me from walking any further than the door.

  “Lord Zak’vusan, The boy from Canton has arrived.” Konrad announced. The man finished what he was reading and looked up. Now that Xeke got a good look at him he could tell this was a man of great power. Square jawed with a bushy moustache, almost too big for the chair he was sitting in. A moustache such as this would never dare to seat itself on a man that was weak.

  “Thank you Konrad, Have a seat boy we have much to discuss.” The man continued before Xeke could make it to the chair, “This is house Zak’vusan second only to the emperor himself, and you will be assigned as a personal servant to my own daughter. Do you understand?”

  Xeke couldn't keep the shock off his face. “Not really sir, why me? I don't have any experience being a servant and I have a combat class.”

  “My daughter Zeraphine is attending the Sutrian Academy in 2 months and they are allowed one servant to attend with them. The academy houses students from all over Zakar and other Realms so to set other nations at ease this servant can't be any stronger than the other students. You have a class and ability that, with some training, will be perfectly suited in this role.”

  This was an opportunity Xeke could never dream of. The Graduates of the Sutrian academy were the best Warriors throughout 3 entire Realms. Then he had a thought. “Doesn't the academy take three years to complete?”

  He gave him a nod “Quite right, The full curriculum lasts 3 years. So your Repayment to the empire will be extended. This would also cover the cost of you attending the academy.”

  Three years. Three years of not adventuring, seeing the world. Xeke could not agree with these conditions. “Surely there is another position I could serve you at. Three years is just too much of my life to babysit some royal bra-” before he could even finish his words there was a sharp crack of a cane against his cheek.

  “You will speak to the lord with respect. Sorry, my Lord.” a cane had appeared in Konrads and as if from thin air. Xeke rubbed at his cheek, the strike hurt more than the claws of a Grek.

  “You will be my daughter's servant.” The lord Zakrian continued, ignoring the attitude that was being displayed, “This is the will of the Empire, and the greatest opportunity a commoner could ever dream of. Three extra measly years is a bargain for the training they provide at the academy. I’m sure you understand refusal of carrying out this task to my standards will mean immediate repercussions. Failure for completing your Repayment, means the death penalty. The empire has no use for citizens who do not follow its laws.”

  Xeke’s face paled, he really would. The Lord would sentence him to death if he tried to escape his servitude. After a minute of silence Xeke finally spoke “My life for the empire, huh”

  “As it should be."