The Everlasting

The Everlasting Volume 1

The Everlasting

Vol. 1: Eye of the Wise

Biako

Published by Vic's Lab, LLC

Copyright © 2016 Biako

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover art by vzilefreak. Cover design by James Ryan.

Editors: Amy Li, Carol Thompson, and Vic Adams.

Copyright © 2016 Biako

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing, 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1-942178-04-0

Vic's Lab, LLC

A community for fans of light novels and superhero stories.

Dedication

For Syngetsu, Nirogen, Koala, 3osfor, Wuuna, and Shan Hyuga. They are the reason I wrote this story, and are my inspiration. Also, for Vic, who made all of this possible.

PROLOGUE

The Everlasting—a title given to those who've reached a state closest to godhood. Be it with sheer strength and power or love and compassion, those beings hold great influence over the realm of mankind, the underworld, and the void. This honor is a dream to all novice mages and warriors but a fearsome and thorny goal to those more knowledgeable in the art of war. For their experience has taught them that it is not something to aim at halfheartedly. They would not dare utter the names of those beings. If sought, such a task will bring misery and sadness to the one attempting to claim it as he or she will have to step on the corpses of their families, friends, and foes. Though a mighty title it may be, it may not be worth seeking.

After the Age of War ended, mankind, the victorious race, secluded themselves in areas where survivors of the demonic forces couldn't penetrate. It had been a glorious victory, but plenty of blood had been shed. Mankind had won, but too many lives had been lost, and a large plot of land was also destroyed with forbidden magic to create a home for the wandering ghosts of fallen warriors. Men were now on the brink of extinction, awaiting their savior. That savior was said to be the guardian of mankind, the champion of the Crucible, the mightiest and the strongest—Alsa, The Everlasting Might. When mankind was on the brink of doom, she led them back on track, giving them the tools and foundation to defend themselves. After she was no longer needed, she disappeared. Some say she died, and others say she sought the realm of the gods to claim her seat beside the deities. With time, stories became legends and legends became myths. The last Great War did indeed happen, and the effects of its destruction remain, but what was it that saved mankind from complete annihilation? Was it really the power of the Everlastings or was it something else? Only time will tell but, until then, let's follow the story of a young man who defied the boundaries of reason and destroyed the concept of logic.

***

The majestic city of Alsa was named after the woman who bore the same name. It was one of the few cities that remained, and she was the strongest person to have walked the land of man. It was beautiful, prosperous, vast, and home to the most powerful mages and warriors. With the best technology in the entire country of Albion, the city sits on top of a cliff, allowing it to be visible throughout the entire continent. At the side of the cliff hangs the sculpture of a maiden with her back pressed against the rock and her right hand reaching for the sun. In her other hand, she clutches a book to her chest. The city is guarded by a deep forest, filled with fearsome monsters and creatures, preventing unwelcomed visitors from entering. Within the clean city streets lie marvelous fountains and spotless buildings—a true utopia where one can hear the laughter of children playing at every corner.