Realization

John found a place to rest. He sat down and decided to go through the space ring that Eric had given him. The problem is that he doesn't know how to use it. This is his first time receiving one. So, he started to think about how it works.

First, he tried saying something like ``come out`` or ``I command you to bring everything out`` but it didn't work.

Next, he started to shake it, but it was no use.

Then, he had a thought. Instead of saying it, what if he thought about it. In order to test his theory, he needed an object. So, he decided to use the elven necklace but then realized that he had put it in his pockets in his old clothes. He felt dumb not realizing it sooner. He needed it since that was a gift from his brother. He had to get it no matter what, but the problem was how? He knew that the necklace was in the village but how could he get it if he's not welcome there anymore. He could break in but then where could he find it if he doesn't know where it is? He could go back and ask for it but then again, he was afraid of getting killed so that idea was out. Frustrated, he decided to worry about it later.

For now, all his attention was on how the space ring works. He looked around and found a rock laying on the floor. He picked it up and began his experiment. He put it close to the ring and thought, ``I want to put this away`` then out of nowhere, the rock began to go inside the ring. Surprised that his experiment worked, he wanted to try again just to confirm that he was right. So, he got a tree branch off the floor and did the same thing again. It worked. The tree branch began to go inside the ring and John was happy to discover how to put things inside the ring.

``Now the only thing left is to figure out how to take things out of the ring. ``

So, he gave it a bit of thought until he finally had one.

``What if I do the same thing but instead of putting stuff in, I want to take the stuff out. ``

And so, he did. He wanted to take out the rock first and what he did was think about taking it out. And when he did, the rock came out and dropped on the floor in front of him. He did it again and the tree branch came out. He thought about putting away the tree branch and the rock at the same time and it went inside the ring. John wanted to know more so he spent an hour doing different things. After an hour, he knew how the ring works. After experimenting with the ring, he remembered that Eric said that he had put some stuff inside the ring for him. So, he went into thinking and thought,

``I want everything in this ring to come out. ``

And it did, everything that was inside the ring came out. He could see the rock and branch he had put inside, and he could also see the stuff that Eric had put inside. After going through the stuff, he now knows what they are. There were 6 pouches containing 50 royal coins each, a mask, a spear which seems to look normal, extra clothing, some boots and shoes, some healing potions, a dagger, 2 books, and 2 letters. John was curious about what the letters might be, so he put everything away but the letters. He opened the letter and John was surprised on who it was from.

``This, this is from Eric`` he said to himself.

He opened it up and started to read.

``Dear John,

I know you might be confused as to why I'm writing this letter to you. I know you have many questions as to how I know about your powers and why I don't speak about our mother. Well, I did it to protect you from the truth. I know you may be mad at me for that, and I don't blame you. I'd be mad too if I was in your shoes. I couldn't tell you because I was afraid that your magic would start to awaken again once you knew the truth. And if that happens, father will come after you and use you to power up his magic. So instead, I made a plan for your escape in case your magic did awaken. It didn't take long to plan. I was just waiting for the day your magic awakened. And about our mother, the reason I don't mention her or dodge your questions every time you ask about her is because I didn't want you to find out what happened to her. I knew you were always upset about me not talking about her, but I rather have you be mad at me than you figuring out the truth. But now, I guess it's time to tell you what happened to her since you read this. Our mother died trying to protect you. She used a spell to seal your magic away in order for you to live. If she didn't, father would've got you and you would be dead as a baby. I know because my mother told me before she did it. Of course, I was against it, but she wanted me to know in order not to be deceived by my father. She told me everything about what father was doing and what type of person he is. I wanted to go with her, but she said no since she didn't want me to get involved. She told me to pretend not to know anything if our father asks, that way, he won't be suspicious of me. She told me that when she dies, to take good care of you. And I did what she told me. After our mother died, I was sad since I knew the truth. I was angry and wanted to kill our father, but I was too weak. He was more powerful and not only that, but he also has a demon by his side at all times. So, me taking revenge on him wasn't an option. The only thing that I could do is take care of you like my mother said. And I'm happy to say that I did a good job. You grew up to be a good person, John. I knew that you looked up to me and I was happy that I was able to influence you in a positive way. There are a lot of bad people in this world, and I want you to promise me that you won't become like them. Promise me that you will stay you and not become someone who is evil. I won't be able to watch over you forever so that's why I'm saying this. I hope the stuff I prepared for you helps you in the future since I didn't know what you needed. Take care of yourself John. Make sure to become strong and powerful so that no one could hurt you. And if we ever meet again, I hope I'm able to see how much you improved.

From,

Eric.

(By the way, make sure you read the 2 books that i left you, they will help you understand your magic better.) ``

Tears began to roll down his cheeks.

``Idiot. Why didn't you just tell me? We could've worked together. We could have escaped together earlier if you just told me`` John said to himself.

Upset, John decided not to read the other one and put both letters away in his ring. He punched the tree next to him as hard as he could. He could feel the pain, but he didn't react or cared. He kept on punching to the point his knuckles started to bleed. When he couldn't keep going, he sat down and started to cry. He already knew the truth from Angela but what made him upset is the fact that he blamed himself for everything.

``Mom, Eric, they both risked their lives just so I could live. Is that supposed to make me happy?! Knowing 2 of my family members are dead because of me?! It's all my fault! If only I wasn't born, they would still be alive! ``

John sat there crying. He continued to cry until there were no more tears to shed. When he finally calmed down, he started to realize something.

``I see. Everything makes sense now`` he said in a serious tone, `This is all because of him. It's all his fault for everything that happened. If he wasn't here, everyone would be alive right now. How could I have not realized it sooner. `` he said giving out a chuckle. `` I know what to do now. It might not bring them back to life but it sure will make me feel better. And that is to kill him. ``

John got up.

``He needs to die. ``

After his realization, he couldn't help but smile at the idea of getting revenge. But in order to get his revenge, he knew he needed to become stronger and understand the magic he possesses. But the problem was how? How could he defeat him if he doesn't know how to get stronger or know anything about his magic? Then he remembered about the books Eric mentioned. So, he took them out and started to read them. After reading them, he kind of has an understanding about how both of his magic works. The problem was the lack of information when it came to spell casting. There wasn't much to go on. It talks about different magic but doesn't tell how to do it. But there was one magic that both books have, and it was the summoning part. It talks about how to summon a demon and angel to serve the user.

``Why is this magic the only one that tells you how to do it instead of the rest? ``

It started to get late, and John put away the books. He took out a healing potion and poured in on his knuckles since he forgot to do it earlier. After the wound healed, he decided to stay at the spot he was at and make camp. Thanks to him joining the adventure guild, he knew some basic survival skills. All he needed was the material to build a tent and a campfire, so he wandered in the forest to look for them. After some time wondering, he was able to find the materials he needed to build a fire, so he stored them in the ring.

``Now all that's left is the the tent. ``

So, he continued to look until eventually he found what he needed.

``Alright, time to go back. ``

But on his way there, he started to hear people's voices. He didn't know if they were friendly, so he decided to hide behind a bush and observe. John was surprised that they were beast people. Not only that, but both of them were kids. One of them had his arm around the other, helping him move. John noticed that he was injured and could see blood stains on his clothes.

``Iris, just leave me here, I will only slow you down if you keep helping me. ``

``No! We're going to make it to the village. I won't leave you here to die. ``

John wanted to help them, but he couldn't since beast people don't like humans. He didn't want to scare them thinking that he was going to do something to them. But out of nowhere, a wolf appeared and started to chase them. And when the wolf got close to them, he opened his jaw and lunged at them. But before the wolf could kill them, John threw his spear at the wolf piercing his body which ended up killing the wolf. John got out of hiding and approached the kids.

``Are you guys alright? ``

``Yea, thank y-``

Before she could finish, she realized that the person she was thanking was a human.

``Your human! Please don't hurt us! All we want to do is go back to the village. ``

John wasn't surprised by her reaction

``Hey listen, I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanted to help you guys out. ``

``Liar! You humans always lie! ``

John noticed the boy looking at him.

``Look listen, I'm not-``

But before he could finish, more wolves started to show up.

``It's the wolves that we were trying to run away from! `` Iris said.

John grabbed his spear of the dead wolf he killed and stood in front of the kids. He started to think about what he should do. If he fights them head on, the kid will be exposed. So, the only thing he could do is try his best to protect them.

``You guys need to run now! ``

``We can't, my brother injured his leg. ``

``Damn, that makes things more difficult,'' he said, thinking to himself.

Before he knew it, the wolves started to approach them. John got ready but something strange happened. The wolves stopped. John was confused but then saw another wolf come out and was surprised by it. This was no ordinary wolf. This wolf was bigger, and its eyes were red.

``Oh no, it's a demon wolf! `` Iris said.

``Demon wolf? ``

``Those wolves are tougher and more intelligent than your average wolf. That is not something you should take lightly. ``

Hearing this, John was nervous. Not only does he have to worry about the kids and the pack of wolves, but he also has to worry about the demon wolf. The demon wolf started to approach them, and the wolves followed behind it.

``You guys stay behind me. No matter what happens, I will protect you guys. ``

Iris and her brother were surprised at what John was doing. He is not only protecting them, but also willing to put his life on the line for them. Before John knew it, 4 out of the 6 wolves started to approach him. John was ready and remembered all the things Eric had taught him about combat. As soon as one of the wolves lunged at him, John thrust his spear into the wolf killing it. But then 2 more wolves approach him on each side attempting to bite his leg. John managed to stab the wolf on the left but was bitten in his right leg. John grunted due to the pain that was inflicted. He then took the blade out of the wolf and stabbed the other that bit his leg.

``Good, only 2 more left. ``

The 2 wolves approached John and John threw his spear when they were in range. He threw it as hard and accurately as he could and managed to hit one. Then John took out the dagger that was in the ring and unsheathe it. The wolf lunged at him, and John managed to stab the wolf in the stomach, but it wasn't enough to instantly kill it. The wolf managed to bite John's shoulder that made John fall on the floor. John began to feel the pain, but he endured it and began stabbing the wolf until it was dead. John pushed the dead wolf off of him and began standing up. He was covered in both his blood and the wolves. He began to look at the demon wolf and he could see it smiling like he was enjoying himself seeing that John was suffering. John looked at the kids and was happy that they didn't get injured.

``I need you guys to get out of here. ``

``What about you? ``

``I'll try to buy you guys as much time as I can for you guys to escape. ``

``But you will die if you try to fight him in your state! ``

``Maybe, but someone has to distract that beast. ``

Both Iris and Kevin was surprised. They barely know each other yet he is willing to do this much for them.

``Alright, on go, you guys get out of here got it? ``

Iris nodded but was guilty about it. She knew that if they stayed, they would put John in more danger since he has to worry about protecting them.

``GO NOW! ``

Iris picked up Kevin and started to head towards the direction of the village. The demon wolf started to get ready and so was John. They both charged at each other, and John was ready to stab the wolf with all his force but then suddenly the wolf dodge and began to charge at the kids. John was surprised. He didn't expect the demon wolf to do something like that.

``No. Not like this. Not after everything I did to protect them. ``

He could see the demon wolf getting closer.

``No.``

The wolf got closer.

``No.``

The wolf got close enough that he opened his mouth and lunged at them. John reached out his hand towards their direction and screamed the word no.

``NO! ``

Then suddenly, John cast a shield barrier around them blocking the demon wolf attack. John didn't know what he did but knew that as soon as he loses focus, the shield barrier will disappear. The demon wolf kept attacking but it was no use. Frustrated, the demon wolf looked at John and could tell that he was the one stopping him from attacking them.

``Hey ugly`` John shouted at the demon wolf, `I know you realized it too. If you want to get them, you have to go through me first.

Frustrated, the wolf charged at John. John manages to dodge out of the way, making him lose concentration on the shield barrier that it disappeared. The kids, who were shocked that they almost got killed, saw John distracting the demon wolf.

``Iris, we have to go. If you don't, the wolf might attack us again. ``

``I know, but I feel bad leaving him behind. We have to do something! ``

``Like what? If we decide to interfere, we will only get in his way. Don't you know that? ``

``I know but-``

``Look Iris, the best way to help him is to get help. Once we reach the village, we will be able to get the hunters to help the man out. But if we stay here, his efforts will be for nothing. ``

Even though she felt bad, Kevin managed to convince her.

``Alright then, we have to hurry. The longer we take to get there, the less time the man has to survive. ``

John saw the kids leaving. He was happy that they were able to escape. Now the next obstacle is for him to survive. In his current condition, he can't run away so the only thing he could do is fight. The demon wolf was ready to charge at John and once the demon wolf did, John was ready to stab him but the wolf dodge and instead of biting him, he scratched him on his back. John grunted but had to endure the pain. The wolf charged at him again and John was ready to stab him. John was aiming at his head, but the demon wolf managed to dodge his attack and scratch his shoulder. John looked at the demon wolf and could tell that he was toying with him. He could tell he was enjoying it based on the smile he was giving him. The wolf charged at John and John was waiting until the demon wolf got really close so that he wouldn't be able to miss his attack. As soon as he got close, John Swung the dagger and the demon wolf dodge his attack but John managed to slightly cut him but not without any consequences. The demon wolf managed to give John a deep scratch wound on his leg that wasn't injured. John began to kneel since he could stand with his injured leg. The demon wolf notices that he got cut with John`s dagger.

``Huh, guess you're not tough after all. How does it feel to be injured by a human? `` John said while laughing.

The demon wolf was furious and began to charge at John. John wasn't ready so when he charged at him at full speed, using his head as a weapon, he was pushed back and began to roll on the floor. John got up, not giving up on the fight that the wolf charged at him again knocking him down on the floor. John could feel his whole body was in pain. But even after getting so injured, he endured it all and began to stand up again. The demon wolf began to charge at him but this time, using more force that John was pushed back so far that he hit his back on a tree. John couldn't get up anymore. He had run out of strength. The wolf began to approach John and John was looking at the demon wolf.

``Huh, I guess this is it for me then. ``

The wolf got closer and began to open his mouth. But then, an arrow appeared out of nowhere, hitting one of his eyes. John could see that the demon wolf backing away from him due to the injury he received. And before he knew it, he began to pass out. Ashley`s father saw John and ordered the hunters to take him back to the village.

``I guess you are different after all`` he said, thinking to himself.