AN:Well happy people, this brings us to the end of volume IV of the journeys through ARS. I should have the official release out on Amazon this weekend. There won't be that many changes this time, though there will be a bit more in the way of description in some areas of the story, and the wording in some sections will have improved. I've tried to see where I could add in more scenes, but they don't really seem necessary and might convolute things more than my story concepts already do.

Anyway, As I have said, there will be a two week hiatus before I post the first chapter of Volume 5, as I want to work on other projects as well. Expect one chapter a week after that for another two weeks, and then we'll get back to normal updating. This is necessary as I balance out the changes in the story and mechanics that come with going to a different world-setting.

I will update here in a few days when the official version of this volume is released, and share a teaser for the first chapter along with his basic stats in the new server. So, at least there will be something to read along with me providing links.

Chapter 20: Balance - End Volume IV

Fingers flexed mechanically for a moment before they curled into a powerful fist. That fist shot forward and was then drawn back once more before being slammed forward again. The action was repeated a few times and then repeated again with his other fist.

Scott, the owner of those fist, lept up and performed an expert spinning crescent kick then immediately moved forward into a series of rapid punches that were a blur of motion. He moved swiftly into a flying knee-strike and performed a flip in the air before landing lightly on his feet.

“This… This is great.” He said with a sense of wonder. Since his class upgrade he had felt a sense of connection with his body that he had not sensed before. It was like he truly understood himself for the first time.

He had been good at fighting unarmed before. But who he was before, and who he was now, were two different people.

Scott thought of the parting words of the sorcerers at the Dawn Citadel. He had been told that the greatest strength of a sorcerer was not his magic or his physical ability. The greatest strength was his understanding.

At the time that had seemed like random mysticism for the sake of being mystical, but after experiencing how well he moved now he had to admit that there was a certain truth to what they said.

“Go upon the dawn so that you may return a master of the twilight.” Said Scott before he nodded his head. That was what Rhea had said to him cryptically before he had left on his journey of a thousand miles. It was no longer a cryptic statement. He had become a Twilight Master, a sorcerer who had developed a level of mastery of both mind and body far beyond what a normal sorcerer might achieve.

His every movement was infused with his life force and mana. Yet, not enough of either was taken to lose a single point unless a spell was cast. Scott thought for a moment then performed a rapid series of punches and kicks. As his did so, his body glowed a soft blue-white light and the air around him dropped by several degrees. He drew elemental water energy from the world around him and converted it to an aura of ice that would give his attacks elemental status. He could see how such a thing would be amazingly useful in this world as it did not take any of his mana to use it!

The Twilight Master was a being capable of drawing on the energies of the world around him and making it his own. At Scott’s current level of understanding he could only infuse his body with elemental force to bolster attack and defense.

In this world that understanding would have grown as he gained actual levels. However, he would grow into his class on the classic server, a place where skill was earned through hard work instead of merely murdering the occasional dancing rat.

Scott closed his eyes and listened to the world around him. He truly listened to it for the first time. The sound of the wind as it gentle flowed past the leaves, the birds singing their sweet songs of morning. The beauty and tranquility of the world were a wonder to him now.

He opened his eyes slowly and saw a squirrel idly cross the road giving neither care nor concern for his presence. Before his class upgrade, the animals often went silent when he came near. Now, he made no movements. He simply watched them go about their lives.

“It is a wonder is it not?” asked a gentle masculine voice.

Scott did not turn quickly to see the newcomer as he would normally do. Instead he smiled and answered the voice without looking back. He knew who it was, he could sense his unique energy signature. “Brother Desmende, it truly is.”

“You learn quickly brother. That is to be expected, but it is still wonderful to see.” said the older man softly before walking to Scott’s side.

“I saw you gazing upon your fist earlier. What did you see?” asked the man.

Scott smiled. “The road ahead, brother.”

The old master, a different one than the grand master who had tested him, Brother Desmende was the day to day leader of the Dawn Citadel. He no longer journeyed across the land. Instead he administered to the needs of his brethren, and taught the basic lessons necessary for a new master to grow into his role.

“The week is almost over, brother. Are you ready to travel that road?” asked Desmende.

After his awakening, Scott had needed to learn the basics of being a Twilight Master. He had spent a week at the citadel living and working with the acolytes and his three brothers. He had not seen the grand master again, but he suspected that the man was around somewhere watching his progress.

“Yes, brother Desmende. I am.” Scott looked to the older man and said. “I now know that I have wanted to travel that road for the whole of my life.”

“Walk it well, brother, wherever it may lead.” The older man clapped his hands together once and inclined his head.

Scott repeated the action, a sign of respect from one master to another, though Brother Desmende was much farther along his personal road. “I have mastered the twilight that I may become the path of dawn.”

“May the light that illuminates your path bring peace to those who witness it.”

“Farewell, brother.” said Scott.

“Farewell.” said Desmende before he waved his hand and slowly disappeared.

Scott watched the space where the man had stood before then chuckled. “I have got to learn how they do that.”

A calmer, more focused, Scott stepped forward on the long road before him. His week had been spent mostly in contemplation of his reason, his path to true balance. While he had learned the basics of activating his new aura abilities and how to move his body, the real training had been in stillness.

He had not mastered that simple act, despite his new profession’s name, but he had a lifetime to do so. That was the point. The path of balance was not something that someone took for a single day, it was a journey that lasted throughout an entire lifetime. It continued from the first breath until the last.

Scott had needed that time, that simple stillness. Throughout the entire time that he had been on ARS he had been soaked in the blood of creatures that he did not know. He had done so solely for the desire to become stronger. Now he knew that such a thing might be seen as proper in this world, without a justification.

Everything wanted to live, to grow, to become strong enough to survive anything that might befall it. From the tiny squirrel that he had just seen to the mightiest dragon, this world was one where power came through determination. Surprisingly, he had learned that the natural creatures of the world did not hold grudges when they were killed. They would respawn in time, to live their lives once more. Only people held such grudges, even if they were resurrected somehow.

He had learned many things about life in this world. The reason why the grass rats had become afraid and frustrated long ago, and why the world itself had sought to punish him were much clearer to him now. Scott resolved that he would go to Victory Station, and so he did.

Scott took one step and smiled. Every journey began with a single step. He set out at a steady trot and then increased his running speed to what he could safely maintain.

It took him two days to reach the place where everything had begun. He’d had to stop and ask directions at a few towns along the way as he did not know exactly where Victory Station was in comparison to his previous location.

He walked slowly into the grasslands and stood there for a moment. He said nothing, he merely listened. He listed to the light wind blowing through the grass. Soon he heard a soft rustling noise.

Your presence has been noticed…

Scott did not react. He had already known that he had been spotted by the grass rats. He could feel them coming closer. Their tiny little lights flickered in his newly found awareness. He could sense a disquiet among them, and fearful curiosity tinged with anger. He was not a true empath, but part of his training had been in sensing the nature of a thing by understanding the nature of their spiritual signature. The grassland was filled with anxiety at the moment.

Dozens of eyes gaze at you from within the grass…

Scott was not certain why that sort of messaging rarely appeared in other places. However, he suspected that since this was an area where new players might appear that it was set up as a sort of tutorial section. These grass rats were used to fighting people.

“My name is Scott Jacobs. I have done you wrong.” said Scott gently. He knew that these rats could understand him. They were much more intelligent than someone might think. They had their own form of shamanism and social structure after all.

The rustling in the grass stopped upon hearing his voice. It was as though the Grassrats were surprised to hear such an admission.

“It is normal, understandable, for us to fight each other. Sometimes your people win. Sometimes one such as I might win. Life continues, and things remain in balance. However, I did you wrong and I have come to apologize.” said Scott.

The grass began to rustle a little after a moment. He could feel dozens of Grassrats moving toward him.

“A fight with you is normal. However, I used your own traditions to enrage you, make you angry and afraid. I took something sacred to you and wore it solely to anger you to the point that many of you would attack at once. You did not deserve that.” he said gently, sincerity evident in his tone.

A few soft chittering sounds could be heard after that. The rats drew a little closer.

“I do not expect for forgiveness. I do not even ask it. I only wish you to know that I understand what I have done is wrong. I will not do it again.”

The chittering returned. Soon another message appeared before him.

The Grassrats are uncertain. They do not understand why you would come to them and explain your actions.

Scott smiled without showing his teeth. “Soon, I will leave this land and will not return. Before I left, I wanted to make amends.”

The Grassratss have considered your words, but are uncertain of their sincerity. They wish to test your resolve and desire to make things right for Grassrats, and respect their right to live.

“What can I do to show my sincerity? How can I show you that I respect your right to live?” asked Scott.

The chittering intensified and then slowly subsided after a time. The rats were conferring on the matter.

When the chittering stopped altogether two of the rats moved forward. Scott looked down and saw a Grassrats appear before him. It held something in its paws. The cute little rat stood up on its hind legs and presented that something to Scott. It looked like a little ball of fur, but then it began to wriggle. A tiny little head rose up and beady little eyes blinked.

The Grassrats have decided that the only way to believe your sincerity is to entrust once of their children to you. In that way, you may come to know them better.

Scott blinked. “I’m leaving this land, though. This baby can never return here.”

The grass rat made a chittering sound reminiscent of a sigh then closed its eyes and lifted the baby higher. The decision had been made.

Scott was not sure what to do. He might not be able to take the baby to the classic server. He wanted to make amends, but even if it was the right thing to do, he could not take the baby Grassrats with him knowing that he might have to abandon it.

“Where I go, I might not be able to take that little one. If I can’t, I will bring the baby back here and accept that you will never accept my sincerity.” said Scott. “Is that alright?”

The rats hiding in the grass chittered for a moment then the one holding the baby nodded its head. Scott reached out his hands and the tiny little ball of fur was place in his cupped palms.

The Grassrats have entrusted a precious child to your care. The baby’s name is Herbert. He requires care and feeding daily, and will grow rapidly. Please take good care of this little one.

“I will do my best for this little one. Thank you.” said Scott.

The grass rat looked at him for a moment then slowly crept forward. Scott did not react to its movements. When it was close enough, it reached out and lightly patted Scott on the foot then turned and scurried away into the grass.

Scott looked out at the grass for a while then he looked down to the furry little rat in his hands. Herbert looked up and blinked at him. His mouth opened wide and he yawned.

The Twilight master shifted his new charge into one hand then plucked a few pieces of grass and held one up for the rodent. Herbert sniffed at it then reached out and gently took it in his tiny little paws.

“You’re a cute one aren’t you?”

Herbert looked at him curiously then nodded. Of course he was cute, this should go without saying. Scott laughed a little and the rat began to chew on his blade of grass again.

**

Two weeks had passed since Scott had left on his profession quest, and Ero had done nothing but fret and worry. It was like she was having withdrawals.

“Have you heard anything?” asked Ero.

Rhea sighed. That was the eighth time that Ero had asked her about Scott that morning. “He should be here soon. He’s using the world traveler system.”

“Scott’s coming! Yay!” Ero fluttered around excitedly then tousled her hair a little. She wanted to look extra cute for when he returned.

Rhea shook her head at the girl. She was hopeless. Though, she was certainly looking forward to seeing Scott once more. The last few weeks had been hard, as she was no longer accustomed to being without him.

A few hours passed and Scott arrived at the small cottage they had used while hunting in the mountains. Ero and Rhea called out to him excitedly and rushed over to see him. However, they were brought up short by the sight of a cute little rat sitting on his shoulder.

“Scott, is that a Grassrats?” asked Rhea in surprise.

“It’s smaller than me!” said Ero also surprised. She was not used to seeing living things smaller than her.

Herbert chittered nervously then drew closer to Scott’s neck. He had been riding on his shoulder, and was as surprised by the girls as they were by him.

“Yeah, now we’re even.” said Scott cheerfully.

“Even?”

“Yep. Two guys and two girls. The voting should be even now. Goddess, I love having a little balance in my life.” Scott reached up and lightly stroked Herbert on the back. The little rat calmed down and made a happy noise.

“The rat gets a vote?” asked Ero cutely. What were they voting on, anyway?

“His name is Herbert. Say hello to the pretty ladies, Herbert.”

The Grassrats rose up on his hind legs, shakily, and waved one paw back and forth at them. He quickly sat down again. He was only a baby, so standing up like that was still hard for him.

“Adorable!” squealed Ero before fluttering over to meet the new addition to the family. She reached out to him and he lifted a paw. She took that paw and then another. Soon they were both swaying back and forth like they were dancing. Herbert made another happy noise and Ero giggled joyfully.

“Cuteness overload.” said Scott with a smile.

Rhea smiled at him in kind and stepped closer. “How was it?”

“Enlightening.” said Scott. He reached up with the hand that wasn’t attached to a shoulder that currently held a fairy-Grassrats dance party and lightly caressed Rhea’s cheek.

“Was it?” she asked tenderly.

“I love you Rhea. You and Ero, and hopefully Herbert, you’re the best family a man could have.” he replied.

“Hopefully Herbert?” asked Ero. She had already began to become attacked to the cute little thing. Cute things often did enjoy each other’s company after all.

“I don’t know if I can take him to the other server. The Grassrats know it is possible that I can’t take him on my journey. I’ve explained it to him the best that I can, and he’s agreed to give it a go with us if he can.” said Scott.

Herbert nodded and made a little fist with his right paw. Herbert was ready for adventure!

“Explain how it happened that he is with you?” asked Rhea.

Scott did just that. He told the girls of his journey to the citadel, and how he had learned what he needed to advance in his profession. He then spoke of his realization that he had done wrong to the Grassrats and had decided that the first step to mastering his life was to clear the air and make amends to those he had harmed unjustly.

“It should be fine then. Pets aren’t normally transferrable, but since he is a baby and Grassrats also exist in the other server there should be no issues. We’ll just add him as guardian beast, though that means that when you go to Earth, he’ll go with you as well.” said Rhea.

“Do you hear that Herbert? You get to stay!” exclaimed Ero happily.

Herbert stood up and clapped his little paws together then made a happy chittering noise. That was fantastic news as far as he was concerned. He’d already started to like Scott, and it seemed like he had made new friends. Adventuring was wonderful.

After that was decided, the little family began to discuss recent days and plans for the future. Scott asked about how Ero was feeling and she assured him that she was fine. Fairy pregnancies were different than with humans. It could take a few days a hundred years. The little light inside of her fed on the energy of love and joy that was shared between her parents. It took a lot of both to bring a new fairy into the world.

Rhea revealed that there would be server updates soon for the classic server. Sadly, some of what she had told Scott about how the world worked would be outdated information, but things had to change a little if the new continent Theta was working on was to be added in a few years.

The group spoke of many things and Scott smiled through it all. The harmony of his little family group was at an all-time high and for once in his life he could properly enjoy his relationships with people. He loved the girls dearly, and would need to make sure they both knew that in word and deed. Herbert, the new addition would be cared for as he was family as well.

At some point in the future Ero would bring their joyful little light into the world, and that too would be a blessing. Scott had never known such contentment. For the first time in his life, he was truly at peace.