Chapter 3

"What? Didn't you say that you were gonna take a break?"

"I did." 'I rested for a few minutes didn't I?'

"What do you mean you did? it has been just 2 days since we last talked!" "What? it's been so long already?" I wonder. "Yes! And why do you sound so dead?"

"I haven't left the lab since we last talked…."

"Don't tell you that you've spent 2 days inside the sewer doing nothing but stabbing yourself with needles."

Smiling widely I say."Then I have nothing to say."

"Don't joke about that! You haven't eaten and drank since then, did ya?"

"I did not but you can trust me on this one I will do it all now so just send a drone to me so I can give ya the container that got around 120ml and a normal Person needs to take a dose of 9ml for it to have the desired effect."

Waiting for the response I don't hear anything. only a long sigh pierces the silence. "...okay I will send a drone to take the box from behind the dumpster okay?."

"Thanks, I will get it there now."

"Oka-" Cutting the line puts a small set of test tubes into a box.

Leaving the water treatment through a gap in the fence I take in a deep breath "Ah fresh air." putting a small cardboard box behind a dumpster I head home.

"WAIT! What do we have here?" A giant-like man takes the cardboard box. "Boss It looks like he's a new cook in this area." Looking around I count the number of people here. 1..4..9? '9 People and out of that 8 look weak compared to this giant.

"Tell me squeak What's your name?" "Raven and who are you?

"Gunter, Gunter von Tenfold, remember this name, as you're inside my territory." Saying that he walks away laughing with my box.

*Ring Ring* Pulling out my phone I see that Niab is calling me.

"Yes?" "Don't worry I saw it all through the cameras. I will get it back from Gunter. He and I work together sometimes so yeah."

"I'm sorry I will make sure it doesn't happen again." cutting the line I leave. 'I don't want to think about it now.

Entering my apartment I sit down and wonder. "Now what."

I don't want to sleep, as every time I close my eyes. I still can see, Millie.

*Tick*

I should drink something but I'm not thirsty

*Tick*

Just sitting in the chair I…. Do nothing

*Tick*

I just sit and wait for something

*Tick*

Minutes go by and I do nothing

*Tick*

Finally standing up I grab the clock on the wall and throw them against the wall.

"SHUT UP!" Stomping on the clock with all my force I completely destroy it.

looking at the broken clock I do nothing. The shards of sharp glass lay on the floor yet I don't clean them.

Sitting back down I look at the now slightly blue veins. "It does go away!" moving my fingers over them I feel the slight bumps that are on my arm. I smile.

Deciding to leave the house I head out. I don't have a destination in mind or anything. I'm just going out. Could it be that I'm running from the loneliness of my home? Maybe, I didn't care.

Walking the empty streets I hear something interesting.

"You Little S*** Why does the boss have such a useless brother?!" Peeking into an alley I see 3 full-grown men beating a guy my age. "************* I would kill if I could but my boss wants you to suffer!" one yells. "You're lucky that the boss's orders are obsolete!" Kicking him for a good measure they leave.

Entering the alley I crouch in front of the guy. "You need help man." Coughing up some blood he speaks. "I'm fine! You should leave if you like your life!" Sitting up He coughs up some more blood. "Look you man, you need to go to the hospital."

Extending my hand he slaps it away. Trying to stand up I catch him before he falls. "Jesus, at least tell me your name."

Clearly seeing that I won't be going anywhere he says.

"Edward, Edward von Tenfold." Stopping, I look at him.

"You're a Tenfold?" I just now remember what the name means.

remembering my encounter with Gunter von Tenfold I smile.

The tenfold family was once a powerful aristocratic family that created a technique that allowed them to increase their already inhumane strength 10 times as the name implies.

they also lost their status during the Aristocratic-socialistic war.

"So you're the younger brother of Gunter." Clearly stiffening his muscles brings me to a halt. Jesus and I worried about him. He's already stronger than most people I know! no way in hell those kicks hurt him this badly'

"How did you -" "Let me go." Cutting me off. He Pushes me away. Almost falling I catch him. "No need to worry I know you're a criminal and so am I so how about you drop that rock?" Clearly shocked that I knew he picked up a rock. He asks "You're a criminal? You don't look like one."

Smiling I say. "Then what is your definition of a criminal, your muscle head of a brother? And please drop that rock, if you hit me with that over the head I won't leave with a simple concussion. with your Tenfold strength, my brain will paint these walls." Dropping the rock I helped him walk to a nearby bench outside the alley.

Sitting down he asks. "how do you know about the Tenfolds? we're a forgotten family that went almost extinct 10 years back."

'Can't tell him that I was forced to learn all the high-ranking and ruling families. that would sound too weird "I'm a fan of history, anyways these wounds weren't caused by them. If I had to guess anyone it would be your brother, he's the only one that's strong enough to do this type of damage to someone as strong as you." Clearly blushing I ask. "Why are you blushing? cut that out. It's weird."

"Sorry, this was the first time I was ever praised since my parents died" Patting him on the back I apologize "I'm sorry I forgot that they were killed, but why would your brother do this?"

"Well, Gunter Blames the death of our parents on me as mother died trying to shield me from one of the attacks. and father lost focus when he saw her die-" seeing him start to tear up I say.

"Okay, that's enough, no need to cry. but you should seek out some real help." Looking at me as if I was dumb he speaks.

"And where would I find that? The whole southern part of Aquaria is secretly ruled by criminals as the Council doesn't spend too much attention to the south instead they focus on expanding north! all the hospitals here are under some crime bosses' thumb and report to my brother for favors about my whereabouts!" Clearly hitting a nerve, I think. 'Well, should I ask him for help in getting back my things?' Looking at him I see that he's in an insatiable state of mind so instead, I get up.

"Don't worry, not every criminal is trying to suck up to your brother. For example, he stole from me and I won't forget that so when the time comes to get the things back I will help you."

I try to sound cool and reassuring so that he wouldn't worry too much, but that would be too easy instead He looks like I'm doing something stupid and says.

"You, someone who couldn't handle my non-enhanced strength, will try to go against my brother, who is able to quadruple his strength? Please don't get yourself killed, I will escape one day. change the entire southern district. I will make sure that criminals will no longer roam free, but I will remember this favor and let you go."

Trying not to laugh. I understand how I must have looked.

Shaking my head to forget about it, I leave Edward to his things.

Pulling out my phone I called Niba to share the news.

Answering I hear. "Yes? Need something?"

"No, but guess who I met" Not getting a response I continue "Right you can't know. I met Gunter's younger brother Edward."

"So? What am I supposed to do with the information?" Confused by me, I reply. "Simple, let's get him on our side. He doesn't like his brother so it would help us to have an information guy. don't you think?" Proposing them the Idea I await their response.

"I mean If you want to you can give it a shot. Anyways I got some of the drugs from Gunter back and I must say. Good job

I will contact you when something is up for now. I guess you can wait for me to deliver new ingredients." Cutting the line I wonder.

"Where is this going to lead me in life?" I'm starting to second-guess myself, as to If I made the correct decision to walk down this path. I'm nothing but a teenager that just made a few mistakes in life yet now. "I feel like I'm in some deep sh***."

….

Sitting behind a table in an old water treatment facility, It's been a week since school began. sadly I didn't get to school so now I'm focusing on expanding my drug business.

Talking with Niab they say."I found a few cooks that are willing to cook for us, they should arrive any minute." "YOU DID WHAT?!" Jumping up from my seat I look around.

"I don't want people to know how I look! I don't have anything to cover my face."

"Eh... Not my problem. Suck it up, you're gonna be fine." Casually brushing my worries off. I yell "NEAB!" "It's NIAB YOU DUMB FUCK! learn my name!" *BEEP BEEP* as the line cuts, I throw the phone on the ground "FUCKING B****!"

'I need a mask and I need it now! There's gotta be something to cover my face!' Looking around I spot a dead raven beast "How Ironic"

I take my knife and start cutting off the large beak

After Magic mutated into all living things many normal animals grew 3 almost 6 times their normal size. Take this raven for example. Its head is the same size as mine.

But the fact that they mutated is rare, about 35%of animals mutated. Others just accepted magic and stayed the same, so normal-sized ravens still exist.

*Crack* Ripping off the beak bone from the dead raven's body I quickly threw it into a chlorine barrel. Pulling the Raven beak out I stab 2 holes in the side pulling through a string I created a makeshift mask. *CREAK CREAK* Hearing the gate open I look down and see 3 people enter "HELLO anyone here? We are the cooks that you hired" hearing the voice of a few men downstairs I put on the mask and head down.

"I'm here." walking down the stair

s, I see 3 middle-aged men. "You can call me Raven, I'm your new boss and I will teach you the wonders of chemistry."

"Raven huh? Because of that raven beak?" "Yes" 'Shit I didn't even realize I told them my real name!' walking through a corridor we enter a large open space.

"This is where you will cook. I will show you how after you're done, put it in small Vials. The Vials go inside the boxes there. Drones will take it from there" ''Understood!"

"Great, now let me show you how to cook"

…..

After showing them how to cook, I called Niab "Yes?"

"They've arrived if things continue to go the way they've gone we will produce about 2,5 Liters per hour"

"That much? I Will inform the dealers, that they can expect a new dose in about an hour"

"Good I already got a few Vials ready" "Understood sending in a drone for a pick-up Mr. R A V E N"

"I told you to stop spying on ME!" My words fell on deaf ears as Niab had already cut the line. *sigh* looking outside the window I see the entire industrial part of the slums

"abandoned factory next to another all run by different crime bosses yet we are hiding here like rats"

'what are the chances of us succeeding in making an actual crime business here'

sitting down on the chair in my office I pull out a syringe containing the drug and stab it in my veins.

...…

Sitting behind an old wooden table I sign documents. Reading out loud the document I sigh "Nordstrom family we are asking for additional financial support of 2 million Yemons for expansion on the magic crystal mine"

*Sigh* 'our family produces 2.6% of all runes within human territory if we increase the....'

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH" throwing the papers on the ground I punched the table. "How was mother able to do this for all her life!"

"Young master Raven please don't throw the papers around you have been assigned to take care of the family affairs"

"Maxwell, why me? Why can't I mourn the death of my own sister!? Why do I have to take care of the family affairs?"

"Young master Raven there's none else but you who can do it. Sadly your father is not smart enough for this job and the elders are far too old"

"I know but I haven't left this room for 3 days straight. I haven't seen Millie's grave since the funeral. I haven't seen anyone else but you! Father is always gone on expeditions and Raids and Lily is a toddler in mom's room and the other maids are forbidden from entering the office"

"Rav- I mean Young master Raven you-"

"NO Maxwell I haven't slept since the funeral. It's been 5 days since I closed my eyes and slept! Every Time I finish the documents and think that I can sleep, you come with new TOWERS of paperwork!"

"I will leave you to your work Young Master Raven" "Don't Leave me here you hear me?!" *Bang* Even though I was yelling at Maxwell to not leave me here alone he closed the door leaving me all alone.

"Why?"

...…..

opening my eyes I see that I'm back in the water treatment facility. "How long did I sleep for?" taking the phone on the table I call Niab. "Niab, how does it look?"

"What does it look like? you just call out of nowhere and ask me how things look."

"I'm sorry I guess I'm still asleep." Yawning, I listen.

"Well anyways Mr. Raven I got an upgraded mask for you, it should arrive shortly I think."

*knock Knock* "Excuse me for a moment" "Enter" Entering is an old man with a lab coat. "I'm sorry to disturb the boss but a package has come and these are our supply reports on things." Taking the things I thank him and sending him off.

"Is this it?" "Yup inside that box should be a better Raven Mask"

Pulling the lit off I see an all-black Raven beak with eye protection. "Wow" "Yeah I took inspiration from the Plague doctors. They wore these types of masks, I think."

Not minding it I switch the masks.

"I like it, it's comfortable, and are these flowers?"

"Yes, they put flowers inside the beaks. I don't know why but they did put some too so change them if you want or remove them."

"I like it." Picking up the piece of paper and looking at it.

"This isn't good." Reading the document I realized something."What's not good?"

"We are running out of the nightmare flowers. I believe we should create a growing zone here, but that will take far too long but better than nothing for now."

"The flowers are running out? hmmm making a farm could work but we humans don't know how to grow them or only a few people do and they're protected, individuals."

"Slave market" "What?" "Listen Nieb look at the black market slave market for elves.""My name is NIAB and What's wrong with you? Now is not the time to look for a beauty toy?!"

*Sigh* "I don't want that. or you know what? forget it. Just find someone who could potentially grow the plants.

"that's a good idea I will take a look now and look for new flower supplies." "Thanks, I will head out" Hanging up. I leave for the Streets of the slums.

Leaving my office I get stopped by one of the new hires.

"Are you going somewhere, Boss?" Looking at him I see that he's a young man in his 20s "What's someone so young doing here?" I ask. 'Well I have no right to question him since I'm even younger, but I feel like neither of us belongs here.

"I'm here with My father! Thank you for hiring us, we will work hard!" Bowing his head I reply. "Ehmm, sure, Keep up the good work." Leaving him to his thing I leave the facility.

Taking in a deep breath I wonder "Will it turn out good? or will I fail and spend the rest of my life behind bars?" Trying to get these thoughts out of my head I leave for a walk.

Walking the streets of Aquarias slums I see people barely holding onto life from charity soups or eating random herbs that they found.

Taking one bowl of their soups I sit down on the sidewalk.

'not even a spoon?' not minding it I take a sip, its bitter taste almost wants me to spit it out. Using all my willpower I swallow it. It fills my stomach, finishing it I return the empty bowl.

Looking around I wonder. 'How do these people live like this?'

All my life I lived in luxury but now I rely on this charity like others since I spent all my money on the production of those drugs. Laughing to myself I feel my phone vibrate.

"Yes?" I answered.

"It's me Niab I got news about The elf, it seems like Gunter managed to buy an elf from some Aristocratic family that conducted a raid on a bordering elven village. The only problem is that the elf has already been moved to one of his warehouses, so we would need to break in." Nodding slightly, I reply "Send me the address and I will check it out." Receiving a message, I checked it.

Regional Street is pretty well-known industrial street in the slums. Full of warehouses and factories, but all of them are abandoned.

or at least on the paper.

Walking over I see an old run-down warehouse. its old wire fence which barely stands gives me chills. "This is like something out of a horror movie," I say to myself.

But to my other shock, I hear Niabs voice from my coat.

"You're right it's as if someone stole it right out of a horror movie" Almost Jumping Niab continues. "Don't worry, I knew that holding a phone would be troublesome so I installed a communication device inside your raven mask."

Pulling my raven mask out, I noticed that on the inside there was a microphone close to my mouth. "Cool" Putting the mask on I tried something. "AHHH!" Screaming into the microphone I awaited Niab's response. "Why? why? I'm glad that I made a noise filter as I didn't hear the entire thing but why?" scratching the back of my head I reply. "I just always wanted to try that, sorry."

*Creak* Hearing a screeching sound I see one of the warehouse doors open. "Look, we can't ship it today!" a guy talking on the phone, leaves the warehouse. seemingly not paying attention to his surroundings he leaves the door open.

Letting him walk past me I sneak inside through the door.

Closing the door behind me I look around only to freeze in shock. "Raven? What's wrong?" I take a few steps only to stop in front of a wooden crate. Inside are plastic bags filled with organs. Filled with ice I smell the raw meaty fragrance.

"Oh, my god." Feeling like I'm going to puke I try to cover my mouth only to grab my mask's beak. *Gulp* "God."

"Raven!" Pulling me out of my thoughts is Niabs yelling.

Realizing that I'm still in the warehouse I look around to see if anyone noticed me only to see a camera looking at me.

"Calm down! The cameras see recordings of the last minute before you enter. It's fine they don't see you!" Trying to calm myself down I take in long deep breaths. Stumbling backward I bump into something.

"And who are you? Dear W O R K E R?.

I try to jump away only for him to catch me and put his arm around my neck Choking me. "GUYS! We have an intruder!"

Punching his hand with all my force he doesn't even budge.

"Stop struggling, soon you will take a long nap!" Feeling him tighten his grip. Looking around I try to see anything that could help me. 'The shelves!' They're being held up by metallic pipes.

Starting to wiggle myself like crazy. "Stop Fuc**** Wiggling!" trying to tell me off we turn around. 'Now!' Swinging my head I hit his nose causing him to hit his head on the metal pipe with all his force.

Screaming in pain he lets me go. "You little bastard!" Taking advantage of the situation I start running.

Running for a while I enter an alley. Breathing like crazy I hear their footsteps get closer and closer.

Looking around I spot a Manhole cover. Pulling it off I see an old ladder, for a second I try to think it through but the ever-closing steps of my pursers make me go down into the smelling sewers.

Walking through the old sewers I take my mask off. Finally having a moment to think about what happened. I collapsed. I have images of his bloody body flashing through my mind. Breathing like crazy I close my eyes and faint from exhaustion.

…..

Walking the halls of the family estate I meet my mother.

Her long icy hair makes the air around her cold to the touch.

"Hey Raven, do you know where your sister is? she was supposed to wait for me to train her ice Magic." Shaking my head I reply. "I'm sorry but I can't tell you where Millie is even if you want to." Giving my mom my brightest smile I see her eyes twitch.

"Son" Putting her hand on my shoulder I feel my words freeze solid. Gulping my saliva, I reply "Yes Mother?" "You will tell me where Millie is. Won't you?" Feeling her eyes stare straight into my soul. I say "Yes mother!" Few minutes of walking we arrived in front of a small gardening shack. the entire time my mother didn't lift her hand from my shoulder.

Knocking on the door at a certain interval. Millie opens the door.

"What? I told you I'm trying something!!!" Noticing our mother MIllie stares at me. "Didn't you promise that you wouldn't bring her?!" Seemingly angry by Millie's response My mother finally lifts her hand from my shoulder.

"Listen here young lady, one day you will take my place and lead our family, so you need to work hard to achieve the result of being a leader!"

"But Mom! I'm already the strongest of my generation. I can beat up my brother with my eyes closed!" Looking at Millie with wide eyes I realize something. 'She's trying to get back at me!'

I try to protest only for my mother to speak. "Prove it!"

Knowing what's about to happen I try to chant protective magic on myself. "Let the protection- GAHH" Getting punched in my stomach by Mille I'm sent flying.

Trying to get back up I yell. "Couldn't you at least wait for me to finish chanting?!" Touching my stomach I feel a bruise coming.

"No, Otherwise I couldn't prove my point or get my revenge"

Her little prince's smile makes my blood boil. "Well, I guess Raven is the one that needs to learn"

Learn, one thing that everyone knows is that you never want to learn from the current family head Anna. "Mom Trust I'm good, I just went easy on her. She's my sister after all" not buying my excuse she puts her hand again on my shoulder. "Yes mother, let's train!" not letting her lecture me I replied. Smiling, she leads the way.

Looking back I see Millie sticking her tongue out at me. 'Swear to god I'm gonna get back at her!'

"Don't mind it, Raven. Your sister Millie is a prodigy, one in a million there's nothing you can do about it." looking at my mom I ask. "Are you okay? Did you get sick?" seeing her vein pop on her forehead I know that I'm Fu****. "I'm sorry."

"Too late to apologize I'm gonna train you till you break!"

and she did deliver on her promise.

From making me cast magic using signs, to making me run up the hills surrounding the estate with weight on my back.

Breathing heavily I ask. "Question *GASP* Why? *Gasp* All this?" Looking at me she replies.

"The Aredos family is coming for a visit. Their eldest son Alex is coming with his younger sister Emma for a family generation duel. I'm not afraid of the battle between AMber and Millie as the outcome is expectable.

However, your fight with Alex is going to be troublesome. Alex is their family's prodigy like Millies is for us and you have to fight him, for the sake of your pride as a Nordstorm you must not lose!"

Seeing the determination in my mother's eyes I reply. "You're right, but I Can't win against Alex after a few days of physical workout."

"Then do you have a better idea?" Smiling, I drop the back full of weights and reply.

.....

"Wake up." Getting slapped in my face I see Edward I try to yell at him only for him to cover my mouth. "Yo sh*****ace! You're done peeing?!" Hearing the voices of other people I nod at Edward. Whispering to me he says "You need to get out of here!"

My big brother is here! I noticed you lying here so I used an excuse to piss to get you out! so move" Swinging his hands as if he's trying to scare a wild animal away I quickly pick my mask up and run behind a corner.

Stopping behind the corner I listen. "You done pissing? or what?!"

Hearing the footsteps of a mountain I shove. "I'm sorry brother I-" *Bang!* Seeing Edward fly by me he hits the concrete wall. creating a small crater on it. "Next time don't take so long!"

"Yes, brother" 'Monsters' that's all I could think of. seeing Edward crawl out of the crater like it's nothing I get chills. 'I will need to upgrade my arsenal if I want to fight Gunter.' Thinking along those lines I head for the exit.

Finally crawling out of the sewers I look around. Seeing stands and empty roads I realize that I'm in the middle of the street.

Even though they seem empty there are still some people but none of them pay attention to my actions.

Feeling my tummy rumble, I spot one of the charity stands giving free soup. taking one of their bowls I sit down on the sidewalk. Taking my mask off I drink. The soup's herbal bitter taste fills my mouth. Coughing a little I speak. "Still can't get used to the taste." Looking at my mask I try to find the problem as to why I still haven't heard from Niab.

Taking the mask apart I notice a broken chip. 'Must have broken when I was getting choked. putting the mask back together I put it on and head for the facility.

Returning to the facility I decided to head to my office to call Niab. Opening the door I stop.

"Hello Raven"