Chapter 1

Two years had passed quickly for Ryzer. Ward taught him many things, each more useful than the last. Ryzer was unable to break free of his shackles, only being himself around Ward.

His twentieth birthday had finally arrived, though he was unable to celebrate due to Ward's current situation.

--

"You wanted to see me, Gramps?"

Ryzer closed the door as he entered, his eyes falling on Ward. The old man had quickly become frail over the last two years, now barely able to rise from his bed.

"C'mere, Ryzer. I wanted to talk about your... situation. Do you know what this is?"

A small black cube was sitting in his palm.

"Not a clue."

Ward nodded slowly.

"It is the key. The key to your collar, as well as your freedom. I've looked after you for two years, treating you like my own blood. My family, unlike those ungrateful brats next door."

Ryzer could only nod, scratching his head. According to Ward's desires, he allowed his children to hear his Will early. The three of them were in Ward's house, talking to the proxy about what they'll be getting after his death. Ward had given up on them, choosing to believe in Ryzer.

"Ryzer, take this and place it against your collar. It'll break, removing your status as a slave."

Ryzer's hand twitched as he went to grab the cube.

"What's the catch, Gramps? This is too simple..."

Ward laughed heavily.

"There are... a few things. First off, my name. I want you to adopt it. I also want to give you a couple of things, as well as a promise I want you to hold for me."

Ryzer could only nod. He would do anything for the man that saved his very life.

"First off, the promise. Can you promise, a dying old man, that you'll do everything in your power to treat all before you fairly? Besides those that deserve your wrath?"

A mischievous twinkle in Ward's eyes left Ryzer with a smile as he nodded.

"Good, good. Place this cube against your collar now. I'll formally adopt you afterwards."

Ryzer nodded again, taking the cube and performing his task as instructed. The collar simply vanished, leaving Ryzer with a sudden missing weight.

"How's it feel?"

From behind him, Ryzer could hear Heinz's voice. The second old man came in, silently, unknown to Ryzer. He patted the freed young man on his back, a soft smile on his worn face.

"Good, Mr Heinz, almost weird."

The smile on Ryzer's face left Heinz with a satisfied feeling in his chest.

"Have you explained the rest to him yet, Mr. Vale?"

Ward's eyes narrowed a little as a scowl formed on his face.

"Not yet you bastard! That was my surprise for him..."

He began to pout, leaving Ryzer confused as he watched the too elders goof off. Ward became a little more serious as he held out his hand towards Ryzer. He took it, still confused.

"My true name is Edward Vale, the Hero in the legends. Sixty-five years ago, I fought and won against the kindest man I have ever known. Leo Urd, the Demon King. I wish to pass on, not only my name, but my Class Skill to you. Will you accept the name of Vale, as well as Hero's Warp?"

Ryzer was left stunned, his mouth gaping at the sudden influx of information.

"Y-yes! But, you said fought, not killed? I heard that you killed him, bringing about our prosperity as human's."

Edward grabbed Ryzer's hand, his twinkle gleaming again.

"That old goat wouldn't die from such superficial wounds. You'll meet him, someday. Treat him well, he will do the same to you. Now... there we go."

Edward's hand began to glow, passing from his palm into Ryzer's. The light burned for brief moment before fading into nothing.

"What?"

Edward laughed.

"That was my skill, or I should say your skill. Take it, use it. It'll help you a lot more than my name, but now you're no longer a slave. My name, as well as your bare neck will attest to that."

Ryzer was stuck looking at his hand for a moment.

"H-how do I use it?"

"Simple. Hold your hand out and call the ability. Keep in mind what place you wish to go to, then you will be there the moment you step through the warp gate that forms. There are even keywords you can use to simplify things. Home for one, as well as Dungeon. Dungeon is bound to my personal dungeon, which I also wish to hand over to you. I want you to clear it, someday. It is a tough one, so attempt weaker dungeons first."

Ryzer nodded. He knew the dangers of the dungeons, though they were never quite explained to anyone. They were used to mass resources, as well as to accrue strength. Many, if not all, monsters and beasts were sealed within them.

"Gramps, I've studied dungeons a little in my free time. I know I don't have what it takes, but if I can get some friends..."

His mind went to the lively Oni and kindhearted Elf he had made friends with.

"...could I really clear your dungeon?"

Edward nodded, a warm smile on his face.

"The rewards are all yours, but do make sure to keep yourself safe when you venture inside. However, no one else should he capable of having entered in all this time. It will only be you and your group. I caution you and beg as your Gramps, be careful no matter what dungeon you enter. Be kind to your friends and destroy those that truly wish to wrong you. Survive and prove to those around you that the King... is wrong. Your kind heart will be your greatest weapon against other races."

Edward said his piece, then laid back. His smile stayed strong as he began to fall asleep. Ryzer bowed his head and spoke one last time to his grandfather.

"Thank you, Gramps. I couldn't have asked for a better new beginning."

Rising to his feet, Ryzer followed Heinz out of the room.

"Ryzer, though you do not appear to have changed, your heart is open. Should you need my services, a simple visit will suffice. You can even come in with your unconventional method. Hehe."

Heinz began to walk down the staircase, halting as a voice exploded from Ryzer's room.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT SLAVE ISN'T ON THE WILL?! HE BELONGS TO ONE OF US!"

---

Thank you,

Anna Haig!