"Thank you Lord of Thorns. The judgement that we've passed for Aegis was an execution. Which as we know was release for her. That has solved the problems of the current world. Now about this next world that you wished for. Is there anything in particular that you need?"

"Just a place where I can start over. I'll come back if this world is in danger." Silas said where Etana chuckled.

"The system will remain as it is. I'm sure you can comprehend most of the details. Though, thank you for not forcing Joshua to choose." Such words had Silas feeling indifferent. Was there truly a reason to force Joshua to a battle like the others? Or was it easier because he could see Joshua Gates being tired and weakened by everything. Yet, he knew the answer.

"The Lord of Thorns must always make a decision upon the end of their journey. To live anew or to stay. The duality of man has always been there and for Joshua it was grief. Though the mask of Grief has handled everything, the other emotions reached me. An empty part of him that received all the negative emotions that he had pent up. I do hope that he's with his family."

"Of course, I've made sure that the part of his soul within yours has been brought over to the realm of spirits with his family. Enjoying a well deserved break and recounting his tales as the 13th Lord of Thorns. You and Joshua are one and the same, but Joshua's soul has left your body. This world that you wish to head for... What shall I prepare?" Etana hummed as she showed the list of worlds.

"A world where magic exists with technology."

"There is such a world. They have people who are known as Hunters. It's their word for Venerators. Hunters are ranked by their power levels. They have access to the system like you do but you can put several things into your list of restrictions. Such as stat limiting so you won't be as strong as you are now. You can summon Familiars to aid you as well. Provided that they are not busy with other works. Now they work to protect others along with the Noir Dancer. Now how about your appearance. Do you wish to change anything?"

Silas thought about it for a moment. Whereby a mirror appeared before him, where he could change his hair styles according to the imagination that he had. Choosing to keep the long white hair that Joshua had grown. Even keeping his face. Joshua Gates was the one who did all the heavy lifting while Silas was only left to watch as things unfolded. Perhaps it was because of Joshua's words that Silas chose to keep this appearance.

"I don't think there's a need for that. Though I would like to meet the 5th Bellwitch. I need to make some weapons before I head into this world."

"Of course, Silas."

Silas was transferred to the 5th Bellwitch's workshop. Seeing the Giant who was still smoking his pipe as the workshop was busy with their duties.

"Oh. A Lord of Thorns. Ah... So the soul of that young man has left? Leaving you in control."

"Yes, Bellwitch. I'd like to have a weapon set made. Was hoping for your expertise. I have the materials ready." The 5th Bellwitch continued to smoke his pipe, giving a nod.

"Black Tear Ore, Chimera Crystals, Dragon Scales and Draconis Ingots. That's a lot of things that you're requesting here. Is this to replace the Grief weapon set?"

"That and because I'd like to make weapons that suit my taste. Two sets, one for at Thorn sharpness and the other at any sharpness as long as they don't break easily. For the Thorn sharpness, I've already prepared the materials that you will need. The Lord of Thorn's Blessings and the petals of the Garden." The giant laughed with joy, slapping his thigh at hearing those words.

"Then I can get to work. This is one for assassination and one for normal combat?" Silas pulled out a weapon list.

"So for the Thorn Sharpness of weapons. An interesting list. It will be done." Bellwitch looked at Silas with an approving nod.

"If more of my customers were like you. Life would be much easier. I wouldn't have to worry about a thousand things. You know what you want and you know what you need. What about armor?"

"I was thinking of having a new suit tailored. I don't suppose you can do that can you? I'm planning to leave my Coat of Crimson and the other equipment of the Lord of Thorns aside for now, only when I truly need them will I use it.. I've left most of my other weapons behind and Ice Reaper will be headed back to Kael's side. So I'd like to have my own arsenal."

"I'll make you a hooded tailcoat, with a vest. Specially made fabric that is stretchable and can be fixed with mana. The other outfit will be something that Hunters in their world would use. It will match with whatever you find and can be upgraded. The hooded tailcoat and vest however cannot be upgraded. I'll make sure to have the weapons stored in your gloves." The 5th Bellwitch's workshop began its work, where the residents began to start humming a tune as they all worked according to the song that they hummed.

The workshop began its duty to craft the weapons at a fine pace. Within seconds the weapons were made. The Thorns weapon set that Silas will need for when he wants to avoid attention and the other weapon set? The Gates set. The elves came to tailor his outfit, fixing the the hooded tailcoat. A nice black with white embroidery by the lapels. The gloves that he had were a jet black that were a good fit. Nice and snug, feels a lot more like a second skin rather than a glove. A black skull face plate appeared before him, a new addition for the new identity.

The next outfit was an ash coloured hooded jacket, with a pair of black pants. The shoes were simple hiking shoes that were meant for high grips on different surfaces. The gray gloves were a fitting addition and this time. Silas was not going to wear a mask. His hair turned black, and his hair was snipped. Leaving it to rest by his shoulders instead of his waist.

"Thank you 5th Bellwitch."

"Think nothing of it Lord of Thorns. It's not everyday that I work with the Blessing from a Lord of Thorns and these petals. Even stronger than various metals. It is unique to the ones of the certain class. I wish you the best of luck." Silas left the workshop, returning back to Etana's domain, where she had shown him the world.

"The World of Milezia. You will live as Jensen Glenn. The eldest of 3 siblings living with their grandfather. Jensen Glenn is currently an F-Ranked Hunter, became a Hunter when he lost his parents but due to not having much abilities in the first place. It meant that Silas does not have a lot of work and spends most of his time in different part time jobs." Silas was given a data on the person he will be taking over.

"The memories of Jensen Glenn will be inside of you Lord of Thorns... Because this is what Jensen's going through" The 13th Lord of Thorns glanced over to a screen, showing Jensen on the ground. Injured as he was bleeding, Jensen was holding his ground, telling a family to leave as he faced a tough enemy ahead of him.

The enemy itself was a lamia that was munching on another Hunter's corpse. Glaring at Jensen as it struck him, Jensen was able to dodge the first attack but the tail attack sent him flying through the walls. Breaking his bones and he fell limp.

"Is there another option?" The question caused Etana to raise an eyebrow.

"What kind of option?"

"I'd like to make sure he lives. Can I use my current body instead of possessing him?

"Of course, and you will be Silas Glenn. Jensen's missing twin brother who died in a fire. I've gotten the agreement of the original twin and the parents for this. I suppose you still have Joshua's kindness." Silas nodded as he put on his hooded sweatshirt and the gloves.

"I'm ready."

"May you enjoy yourself, 13th Lord of Thorns." A bright light flashed in front of Jensen. As the lamia was about to eat Jensen whole, only to be stopped by another figure.

"You okay Jen?" The lamia's jaws were shut by Silas's hands.

"Who... Who are you?" Jensen could barely see because of the damage he had taken, he had a 'Concussion' status looming over his head.

"We'll talk later. Just get to safety, brother." Silas said as he threw the lamia back, a metal bat appeared by Silas's side.

"My weapons can't pierce your hide, but I can break your head." Silas said as the lamia spat its venomous liquid at him. A simple dodge to the right, followed by a dash to close the distance. Silas smiled at the lamia as he swung the bat down. Leaving the lamia's human head in a concussion.

'Lamia : Dazed' a status effect had appeared, that gave Silas another option. Striking the lamia's head repeatedly, watching its health chip away. His body was locked at level 1. Which meant his stats were just 20 across the board, but that didn't matter. He's got the tenacity to back it up. The lamia's 900HP was chipping away by 5 with each strike. A slow process but it was being in a state of stun lock.

The locked status was something that Silas enjoyed, it meant that he would be able to grow as himself instead of relying the accumulated power of the Lord of Thorns but there was a passive that caught his eye. His status window was showing the main passive.

The 13th's Combat Knowledge

Accumulated combat experience and strategies.

All weapons that require knowledge has retained the techniques needed for it.

Weapon reloads are also retained.

Magic spells has been retained.

Grants 5% experience gain, 20% combat potential increase.

Enemies can debuff but their debuff's effects have a chance of being nullified at a 2% chance.

Able to chain multiple attacks.

Corresponding attacks with the right weapon type, (Puncture, Slash, Impact)

Able to unlock this when needed. The Lord of Thorns may decide to unlock it if needed, which will revert all stats to the original strength when facing Aegis.

"That's convenient." Silas said as he continued beating the lamia until its HP fell to zero. Silas then looked at Jensen who was knocked out, still breathing and alive. Carrying Jensen on his back, Silas was running away as more Hunters made their appearance.

"Hey you! Where are you going?!" A hunter raised his voice while readying his blade.

"I'm going to bring my brother to safety! Where's the healer?"

"Just run straight where we came from! The healer's will be there." Silas thanked them as he carried Jensen on his back, he wasn't going to let Jensen die. Seeing the Hunters who were healing people, trying to make sure that nobody dies. Doctors and nurses were present to provide first aid.

"I need help!" Silas shouted as a doctor called for Silas, where he placed Jensen down on the stretcher.

"We'll take care of him. Are you a Hunter?"

"Not yet. My brother protected me and then he got hurt." The doctor did not ask any other questions, this time making sure that Jensen was okay.

"He's alive, just unconscious. He'll be alright." Silas headed away first, taking a look around the perimeter. There were normal humans with guns and then there was the Hunters who were going to be defending this place. Melee weapons, some of them held staves and tomes of magic. Archers with bows, rangers with their rifles.

A balanced line up, with the melee Hunters taking the attacks while the magic Hunters provide different types of supporting spells or even engage enemies that ignored physical attacks. Archers enchant their bows with magic, firing strong powerful arrows that act like artillery. Rangers would focus on crowd control and whittling enemies out.

Silas could feel the power difference immediately, there was a lot that he needed to do to get to the top. Looking over at his status window.

Silas Glenn

Class : Unknown ( Actual Class : Lord Of Thorns can only be seen by those who can negate Etana's rules.)

Age : 19.

Level : 1

Occupation: Student at Richmond University. First Year.

STATS

HP 200 MP 50 STRength 20 VITality 20 AGIlity 20

(Replaces SPEED and the higher agility means more nimble and flexible your body is.) DEXterity 20

(Weapon reload speed is set to when you were a Thorn but slower because of low Dex stat. Reload speed is cut down by a quarter.) INTelligence 20 WILLpower 20

(Willpower handles primarily psyche and mental attacks.)

Everyone has a start, at the very least. This start wasn't all that bad.

I wonder how those weapons would work in this environment. Silas had thought to himself as a siren was blaring.

"Warning! Warning! Attention all Hunters! We've got a horde inbound. Enemy is led by a Lamia and a few lizardmen! Attacks inbound from land and air.All Hunters brace for battle."

Silas was looking at his Familiar list, to see if he can summon a few of them to help out. To dispel a large horde such as this, what will do best?

Coffin Dancer with his superior firepower? Or would it be the Blue Pythons with their artillery strikes from a distance? But where's the fun in that? Silas was looking for an opportunity to use the newly acquired Thorn weapon set from the 5th Bellwitch. This may a be a good time to do so, heading over to a corner while everyone else was in a hurry to prepare their defenses and barriers. Silas put on his black hooded tailcoat and the all black skull mask that covered his face. His hair grew white and he readied himself for battle. Nobody could see him thanks to the benefit of the distorted pressence ability that the 5th Bellwitch had placed over him.

Now to test the new weapons out. The lamia's gaze shattered the barrier.

"Stay away from the petrification!" Silas leaped to the front.

"Hey are you crazy!?" Silas held his hand up as a heavy blade appeared from behind, swinging it down which broke the formation entirely. Leaving large cracks on the ground, the heavy blade faded away as Silas leaped into the air with a spear. Throwing it at the Lamia, piercing through its head. Vanishing as he reappeared by the spear's side, then drawing out the Reaper Rifle that was based on Ace's equipment. Firing off a few shots first, then going into the thick of the horde with its blade mode.

Swinging the blade around, cutting through the lizardmen as if they were just pieces of paper. No drag in the motion, the weight and balance was far more perfect. Even the recoil from the rifle was severely negligible. The 5th Bellwitch was a master of his craft and every weapon had everything that Silas had envisioned. Silas smiling beneath his mask, this was a good warm up. Reaping the lives of the lizardmen horde first. Their full attention was over at Silas's location and not anywhere else. The ones in the air dived down with their spears. An attempt to catch Silas off guard, it was a clever plan but it won't work against someone who's faced multiple enemies before.

They managed to hit Silas, but their spears did not pierce through the suit. Left hand grabbing the pistol, firing off a few shots. The slide was racking faster than Silas could pull the trigger. Surprisingly not even a jam, this pistol was tuned to perfection. Virtually minimal recoil with exception of the occasional wrist twitching. Shifting the aim from target to target was easy.

Switching out to a pair of tomahawks, as Silas hacked away at the lizardmen, throwing one of the tomahawks at a flying lizardman, reappearing behind the lizardman to cut off the head. Then throwing it at a lizardman's shield. Reappearing from the right to swing it down. The new addition of the throwable weapons being able to be used as teleportation was an amazing bonus.

Nothing felt out of place. Only a quarter of such weapons and the damage was easier to see. The lethality of the Thorns set was not to be joked about. It's lethality was true to what the Grieving Thorn was. Matching with the other weapons he had, Silas chuckled as he cleaved through the lizardmen.

The Hunters engaged in close range combat to provide support, the archer's aim was sharp. piercing a lizardman that was behind Silas and the rangers were unleashing a hail of bullets to push the larger groups back, whittling them down as the melee Hunters went in for the kill.

They had strategies, they had plans and they knew how to execute it. This would be a good time for Silas to bow out of the fight. Vanishing away from their senses, reappearing in a bathroom stall where his black clothes changed back to the ash gray hoodie, gloves and the black pants.

The mask vanished, which granted Silas more chance to stay hidden. He was thinking about the weapon types that he had with him. The 5th Bellwitch's weapons were affective and it seemed to be a set of weapons that grow along the wielder. They each had 'Experience' linked to it, and the bat's experience had reached level 5 with an increase of up to 25 blunt damage. Basically the more he used the weapons, the better their damage stats will be, but that did not apply to the Thorns set which was already broken from the start. It would be interesting to find weapons that can match it or enemies that can handle damage from a Thorn's attack.

Silas stepped out to see the Hunters coming back to their defensive positions. Drinking potions to renew their mana, eating food to replenish their health. So food also replenishes health for the Hunters.

"Who was that guy in the black suit? He just made an entire fuss and then he left."

"I'll need to report this back to the Association. They'll want to hear about this."

"No kidding, the association must be losing its touch if they cannot find this guy. There's no way that was an amateur. He was targeting the Lamia first. Breaking their morale then attacking the others brutally. I thought we were goners when the barriers faded."

The chats between the Hunters was something that Silas could hear in an earshot, he headed back to see Jensen who was still unconscious. Now he needed to make up a cover story of sorts. How would he be able to justify saving Jensen like he did? And even if he did come up with a solid story would it be enough to convince Jensen?

Joshua's kindness must have rubbed off a lot more than Silas had originally thought, but perhaps it was because he felt that Jensen had lost a lot of his family when compared to Joshua Gates. Whatever it is, Silas will need to rethink about everything that he's going to do from here on out.