All Chapters of Barrier Fall : Chapter 11
- Chapter 18
18 chapters
Road to Eden
The Kurai were an order that had long burdened themselves with the responsibility of shielding humanity from the unknown. What began as a small organization had grown over centuries into a hidden community, veiled from mortal eyes and guarding against Dreknars and demons alike.They resided at the very center of the Fourteen Kingdoms, concealed behind layers of ancient wards, yet even beyond their cloaked sanctuary, whispers of their existence spread. Among nobles and high officials there were those who knew of the Kurai and could reach out when shadows stirred, but in villages severed from civilization, far from the reach of crowns and armies, tragedy was a familiar companion. Just like what happened to your village."That," Raizen said evenly, "is one of the reasons I'm always far from home. I walk close to the forgotten places, bringing relief where no one else can, against human cruelty, Dreknar claws, and above all, the schemes of demons."His gaze fixed on Nox. "Your journey fro
A warrior meets a prince
After six days of stamina draining trekking through the mountain forest, Nox finally reached the peak.The sight that met him struck like a hammer to the chest. His breath caught. He had never seen anything like it.Stretching across the horizon stood a wall forty meters high and almost six feet thick, so pale and white it gleamed even in the dying light of day, like stone begging to be seen. It did not look built. It looked grown from the earth itself.Whoaaa. Nox's lips parted in awe. Raizen had said this was the most advanced kingdom, but even those words had not prepared him. Just the walls alone were a testament.He almost laughed. Honestly, he thought he would have lost his way days ago. But thanks to Juro drilling the map routes into his head, losing his way was impossible. Still, the memory stung, and he let out a half choked, tearful laugh.This was the loneliest he had ever been. And it was only getting heavier.The evening breeze curled around him, swaying the trees, chilli
Collision of light
Nox woke up to a pounding headache."I've been passing out a lot and waking up in strange places, haven't I?" he muttered with a smirk. "So, where am I this time?"A gentle warmth kept him cozy. He shifted, and his head throbbed with every movement. The forest's insects chirped as usual, but the sound seemed distant and muffled.Across the fire, someone was speaking, but Nox couldn't make out the words. His body felt strange, unbalanced, his head spinning.It was the self-proclaimed prince from earlier.A calm wave of Iora radiated from him, pure and nothing like the twisted energy of the Dreknar. Nox recalled Raizen's warning about staying away from Iora wielders, though he still didn't understand it. Instinct told him he was safe.The boy rubbed mud on his hands and pressed them against his ears. Instantly, the ringing and pounding eased."I think the mud helps. When that monster screeches, this calms it," Nox realized.He cleared the mud, focused Iora into his hands, and touched hi
Chorus of death at the demon King's gate
Soren stood almost six feet behind Nox. Rios stood ten feet in front of Nox, sword resting casually at his side.Soren's face wasn't just plastered with fear, there was anger too, but his body refused to move. His eyes locked on Rios, burning with vengeance.Nox didn't understand that look. He hadn't seen Soren like this before, but then again, he'd only known him for a day.He remembered Soren saying every member of Ten Thousand had an ability. The plan wasn't supposed to include meeting one of them, much less fighting, and he cursed himself.He glanced back. Soren was breathing heavily, too consumed with rage to talk.The street stretched wide, paved neatly from end to end, enough for ten carriages to ride through. Houses rose tall and elegant, walls of brick, tiled roofs glinting faintly. The colors matched the massive fortress walls.Cramped buildings lined either side, with narrow walkways between them. If we make it there, maybe we can lose him in the alleys, Nox thought. He did
Sound of defiance
The king walked toward Nox and Soren with an authority so heavy it seemed the very earth bent to his will, a magnitude of evil Nox could not comprehend.Nox lay on the ground paralyzed, Soren shifted back a few feet trembling. He couldn't sense Iora like Nox could, yet even he felt crushed by the aura pressing down on them.Each step the king took made Nox's heart pound harder, he finally understood why Raizen had once told him: if you see one, flee.Moments ago the Iora from the binding ring had made him feel unstoppable, now that strength melted away under the weight of this presence.Ten feet away, Nox's body refused to move, his mind blank. He cursed silently, think damn it think!, but no thoughts came.Then a spear slipped from a soldier's hand and clattered against the stone. The sound shattered the silence, halting even the king's steps.Another breath broke the stillness, from the ranks of the marching army a young soldier ran forward.Blonde hair, soft pink lips, a face delic
Gathering of shadows
The king strolled back into the castle, opening every door himself. All the guards and servants had fled except Ten Thousand, still cradling their bloodied commander.Then came Shuri. Six feet tall, blonde hair catching the fading sunlight, her tight brown top hugged her chest, and a short skirt traced the curve of her hips and thighs. Every step she took radiated power, anger, and a magnetic intensity that drew the eye. Her aura was so heavy even battle hardened soldiers noticed. Her eyes blazed, fists clenched, chest rising and falling with each controlled breath.A tired doctor, packing his heavy bag, glanced at them. "He'll live, but don't expect a quick recovery, not even from someone like him," he muttered, hinting at their abnormal powers.Shuri slammed a fist into the ground. The tremor rattled the castle, sending ornaments clanging. "Who could've done this?" she demanded, her voice echoing, more question than plea.A bulky man stepped forward, shielding Rios from the gold orn
Echoes of the dead, laughters of the living
An old man walked slowly toward the gate, breath rasping, his cane striking the ground in steady rhythm, koink, koink, koink.The terrain was jagged, scarred by the battle between Nox, Soren, and Rios, leader of the Ten Thousand.An aroma thick with Iora pulled him closer, a heartbeat faint and fading. His wrinkled eyelids barely opened, but he followed the dim glow of Iora that pulsed like a dying ember.He stumbled to a gruesome sight. A young man, Portos, the first victim of the king's cruel judgment. Half his face was pulp, golden hair matted with blood. His abdomen torn open, organs spilling out, yet clinging desperately to life.The floor was painted with the blood of young men who had died from the King's merciless slaughter.The old man dropped his cane with a clatter. His hand trembled as he reached for the youth's cheek. A dark light erupted, piercing the night.The old man collapsed, lifeless.Portos's body convulsed violently, flesh knitting, bones realigning, his face reg
Green fields and vengeful shadows
Gelly strapped her two short poles, each sharpened to a drill like point, and wore the face of a fighter."Gelly, stop this nonsense. Do you really think you can just leave like that?" Shuri spoke, half angry, half worried."What's left to fear?" Gelly hissed, her words cutting deep. "Just two hours ago you saw Portos rise from the dead. And whatever was in him was as evil and twisted as what possessed the king." She spoke loudly, not mincing a single word.Shuri, Fabien, and Ulon all shivered at the thought of the king overhearing this, quickly gesturing for her to lower her voice.She walked over to Rios, sliding her hand into his. "I'll get them. They'll both pay." Tears fell from her eyes, dripping onto Rios's body."Okay, even if you were going," Shuri argued, "do you know where they went? Or even how powerful they must be to have beaten Rios?"Gelly slipped her hand from Rios's. "The guards in the watchtower near the gate already pointed out their direction. And the boy with Sor