Ch.152 Hope & Ashes

Prologue 

Ch.1 End of a New Beginning 

Ch.2 End of a New Beginning Pt. II

Ch.3 End of a New Beginning Pt. III

Ch.4 End of a New Beginning Pt. IV

Ch.5 Return of the Champions 

Ch.6 The Champions History 

Ch.7 Power Orientation 

Ch. 8 Into the Marsh

Ch.9 Fear of Demons

Ch.10 The Underground City of Belrim

Ch.11 Night of the Betrayed 

Ch.12 Unspoken Truth  

Ch.13 The Redbeard Pt. I

Ch.14 The Redbeard Pt. II

Ch.15 Reunion 

Ch.16 Before the Storm

Ch.17 Flashpoint

Ch.18 The Fatal Swordsman

Ch.19 Rebirth

Ch.20 Into the Abyss

Ch.21 Overseer 

Ch.22 Demon General Balor Balor Pt. 1

Ch.23 Demon General Balor Balor Pt.2

Ch.24 Demon General Balor Balor Pt.3 

Ch.25 Demon General Balor Balor Pt. 4

Ch.26 Fallen King

Ch.27 Last Wish

Ch.28 Awakening 

Ch.29 Aftermath

Ch.30 All That Remains 

Ch.31 Chances

Ch.32 Gearing Up for Yalti

Ch.33 The Jungle of Yalti Pt. I

Ch.34 The Jungle of Yalti Pt. II

Ch.35 Armlocke Village 

Ch.36 A Rogue Healer  

Ch.37 Moving Forward 

Ch.38 Invasion

Ch.39 Tempo Blaze

Ch.40 Scream of Liberation

Ch.41 Retaliation 

Ch.42 Green-Band

Ch.43 Green Band Pt. II

Ch.44 Serpent Pool

Ch.45 The Silent Swordsman

Ch.46 The Serpent King Pt. I

Ch.47 The Serpent King Pt. II

Ch.48 The Serpent King Pt. III

Ch.49 The Serpent King Part IV

Ch.50 Prelude to Freedom 

Ch.51 Queen of Elbaronce 

Ch.52 Bounty

Ch.53 New Horizons

Vol.1 Afterword

Ch.54 Tyranny in Darmin

Ch.55 The Pink Sea

Ch.56 Wreckage 

Ch.57 Gathering of the Most Wanted

Ch.58 World of Champions

Ch.59 Womcos Wasteland 

Ch.60 Making of a Marksman 

Ch.61 Outfit Three

Ch.62 Unspoken Truths Guild

Ch.63 Goals & Decisions 

Ch.64 Captain Butch Jones Pt. I

Ch.65 Captain Butch Jones Pt. II

Ch.66 Captain Butch Jones Pt. III

Ch.67 Dragon Foot

Ch.68 The Message Pt. I

Ch.69 The Message Pt. II

Ch.70 The Message Pt. III

Ch.71 Time Will Tell

Ch.72 A New Adventure

Ch.73 A Deserted Island

Ch.74 Chimpa's Animal Kingdom

Ch.75 A Rising Threat 

Ch.76 Devil of the Sky Pt. I

Ch.77 Devil of the Sky Pt. II

Ch.78 Vessel of the First King

Ch.79 Humbled 

Ch.80 Kanon

Ch.81 Becoming a Symbol 

Ch.82 Emergence

Ch.83 True Colors

Ch.84 Phoenix

Ch.85 Our Beginning 

Ch.86 The Sixth Member

Ch.86 The Double Agent

Ch.87 The Astlin Pirates

Ch.88 A Worrisome Threat

Ch.89 Whistling Bounty Hunter

Ch.90 Stone Island Zetra

Ch.91 Havok

Ch.92 Out of the Shadows, Darmin's Rebellion

Ch.93 The Third Brother Pt. I

Ch.94 The Third Brother Pt. II

Ch.95 Locked Away

Ch.96 Prisoners

Ch.97 Examination

&#x3C;p&#x3E;Chapter 152:&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;strong&#x3E;Hope &#x26;amp; Ashes&#x3C;/strong&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;The words of wisdom flew down from the top of Darmin Halls tower. Layek and the rebellion members heard his chatter. A stifling growl from the beast shifted his focus onto the battle in front of him. Many more of Unspoken Truth lackies rallied in front of there leader. Lloyd and Lucy stood in front of the rebellion, coiled with a new spark. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Replacement!&#x201D; Dante imitated the ability of Zeronas, using his copy champion ability. Layek looked down towards the fallen Zeo, who now rested on top of a smaller rooftop. Away from the center of the battle, beside the large warship Moby Dick, Calum sailed with here. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Is sir going to be okay&#x2026;?&#x201D; Sophia asked, worried and biting her nails. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Dante patted her on the back, sending a soft-spoken smile her way. His eyes were wholesome and showed a kindness many never receive in Eukaperok. &#x201C;He will be okay when you use your ability to save him. I have only heard tales. Zeo proved to me though, those tales of his courageous love for others are true. He is no doubt a worthy captain, one who would owe his life to you.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Sophia teared up hearing his emotions towards her former leader. She wiped away whatever fell from her eyes. &#x201C;Thank you.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Anytime. Save your captain. I have known you as Liona. Show me who Sophia is!! The girl, Yuri saved.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Right!&#x201D;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Sophia began to cast a small healing spell around the center of Zeo&#x2019;s abdomen. A spot he heavily is injured. The number of wholes and blood from his body stunned Sophia. She closed her eyes and focused only on the healing spell. Dante held his sword close to him, in case any stranglers attempted to attack. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;He looked towards Layek, though away from him, towards Natasha&#x2019;s location. &#x3C;em&#x3E;&#x201C;They can neutralize Layek&#x2026; can&#x2019;t they?&#x201D;&#x3C;/em&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x2026;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Dante&#x2019;s eyes tracked to the point where Natasha remained with her brother. Top of a large stack of debris. Natasha without her jacket exposed to the public, only with her top covering herself up, she stared towards the back of the beast. Natasha&#x2019;s staff emulated a spell pointed towards Layek. The beast noticed this, looking out the corner of his eye, paying her no mind. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;You wish for the same fate&#x2026;?&#x201D; Layek muttered. &#x201C;Do you all?&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Lloyd and the others gripped their weapons even tighter, sending back harsher glares. Wind began to carry Natasha&#x2019;s hair and a fire brewed from it. Her eyes glued to the beast, sharper than any blade. &#x201C;You are going to pay for what you have done Layek. Thinking power makes you untouchable, well, think again.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Natasha began to spin her staff in a circle, screaming out. &#x201C;Fire whip!&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Lloyd tuned his blades up, charged and ready to strike. He instantly marched towards Layek in an instant, along with Lucy gripping her fist. The two were followed by Leif and Calum next. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;String prison!&#x201D; Calum shouted out, firing ten green strings that held the beasts legs in check. Leif hurried over top of him, swinging his sword vertically. His body spun in circles midair, like a windmill. Leif aimed for Layeks head shouting out. &#x201C;Camaya sea stroke five! Water Wheel!&#x201D;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Longshot!&#x201D; Yucci echoed from a distance firing towards the side of Layek. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;One after another, more of the rebellion, outside Dante and Sophia attacked Layek. Everyone attacked all at once. They coordinated the attacks perfectly, to the point they would not contact one another. Layek growled deeply, with his eyes widened, eager for this moment.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Then it is settled. Come at me!&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x2026;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;The chaos in Darmin continued. Inside the sunken city, where Jai fought against the creation Demon, Malakai, their battle just intensified greatly. Jai swung his black blade horizontally, stopped by Malakai&#x2019;s from a vertical block. The blades sparked off from the two trying to gain the upper hand against one another. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Jai&#x2019;s eyes glowed with a golden light. Malakai&#x2019;s eyes were puzzled by this form, backing up into a large building. He became unable to catch his breath, with jai charging towards him in midair. The two swung their blades in a crumbling force around them. A battle of power commenced. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;The reaping sorrows of Jai&#x2019;s past mistakes were blinded by a new foundation to change for the better. Malakai&#x2019;s training paid dividends finally. He smiled towards the boy chanting his thoughts. &#x201C;You have come far. They were right to call you the prodigy to this prophecy.&#x201D;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Malakai kicked Jai into the stomach and threw his own blade to the side. Jai caught his breath, before yelling out in anger. &#x201C;What kind of cheap move is that? I am disappointed in you.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Disappointed in me!? You could have blocked it human boy! Idiot.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Despite the sensation to continue the argument, Malakai looked over it. He smiled, shaking his head in disappointment. He found himself a seat on an abandoned car in the middle of the downtown area. Around the downtown area, even the outskirts of the forgotten city. All that the eye could see were abandoned buildings, shattered with wholes and large dunes. The two destroyed this land never seen by outside forces. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;A whispering wind rattled in the downtown metro area. Jai sheathed the black blade on his back, taking a crouched position on the street, in front of Malakai. &#x201C;Yeah&#x2026; yeah. Anyways why did you stop? It is not like you to stop fighting.&#x201D;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;Malakai held back something he wanted to say towards Jai. His lips wanted to let the words out but were unable to. He looked to the distance, where a white sun began to rise pass a large tower. &#x201C;I stopped because you are ready. My training takes you to the next stage, but you will grow the rest on your own. Our power allows us to use abilities, to create what we see fit. I trained you to be mature about yours and the abilities you learned.&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x201C;Woo-hoo! It is about time! I was wondering when I would get to eat or sleep again.&#x201D; Jai laughed, falling all the way on his back. A big sigh carried with the wind, towards the white sun. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;em&#x3E;&#x201C;Hmph. You are your father&#x2019;s son&#x2026;&#x201D; &#x3C;/em&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;Jai looked at Malakai from the ground. He stared back standing on both feet, offering his hand. &#x201C;Yes, now you must go back and defeat Layek. Show your power to the world!&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Are you not coming with me?&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;It is not my job to be a guide. I am the symbol of creation. One embodied in the spirit of the generations of Berserk Champions. You and I will never speak again unless you die. Kanon will be resurrected by my power at some point. Your guide will return to aid you. So, until that time, go. Keep Black Wish, that blade will serve you well. Better to have a spear and sword now.&#x201D; Malakai advised. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;Jai stood in the middle of the street, pulling out the black blade gifted to him. He smiled at it, before putting it back in his sheathe. His staff sat in a small sheath on his side, about a foot long. Jai pulled out the small spear, looking towards Malakai. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Take this then. I want to practice against the best you when I come back. Hold onto it for now.&#x201D; Jai smiled with his teeth gritted out. &#x201C;Until we meet again. Hehe!&#x201D; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;Malakai did not react to anything. Jai put the spear in his hands and walked towards downtown, where a large sigil gateway opened. Jai began to walk into the direction of the white sun, taken to the light. Malakai continued to observe from his same position. The boy magnified with a great white light surrounding him. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;So&#x2026; Darius. I cannot say anything about before. You were right. These children truly are the light of this world&#x2019;s future.&#x201D; Malakai said, seeing Jai transition into the light gateway. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;A phoenix that had fallen. Because of the hopes of many, those ashes became just that. Hope.&#x201D;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;strong&#x3E;A war that has caused a continuing rift between two worlds!&#x3C;/strong&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Mysterious rifts open around the globe, transporting regular people to another world. On a normal day a teenage boy, Jai Marshall and friends are sucked in. The group is forced to serve as champions of the world. This sequence of events is not at random considering Jai&#x2019;s older brother Omar was formerly a champion of this world. Jai will do anything to ensure the safety of his friends inside a world where the unexpected is constantly broadened. Even though the group is equipped with ancient abilities from past champions, the task they have been given is a great mountain to climb. Can Jai and his friends survive this world?&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

AFK 