In a desolated land of Isea, there's a land where women were being raised for the sole purpose of reproduction.

All of them have good constitutions. Most of them are abducted and some are born from the reproduction site.

And as for the newborn males, they're either being auctioned or sold.

The one who handles this site is a secret organization which only a few groups or organizations have connection with.

And one them is the Zhen clan.

Zhen clan is one of the most secretive Sect like assassin clan in Moa Country or called ‘Virgin Moa’.

A country that has a long rich of history since ancient times. An unconquered country that has stayed strong from the invasions of the ‘3 Great Countries’ since it was stablished. And one of the main reasons is due to the Zhen Clan that stands to be one of the country's strongest pillars.

Their fame for clearing assassination missions despite of its difficulty is well know in the underworld scene. As long as the price is right, anyone can be eliminated. Even outside of Moa country they are feared and not just because of their assassination, but of their secrecy. Even its own country itself can't find one of its own pillars' location, how much more to the outside world.

The said clan only appears mainly on missions or wars. But in recent events, they've been in decline due to the missions they accepted in previous years and now was forced to buy and raise outsiders attempting to rebuild their strength.

For the last 5 years, they taught the the children how read and write and basic martial arts as well. And in year 6, the classes were divided from the kids who has the clan's last name ‘Zhen’ and those who don't.

The ones who don't have last names are compose of the sons and daughters of slaves or workers within the clan.

As for those who have different last names are families who work under the Zhen clan.

And for those who were bought.

They were named depending on the code when they were brought in starting from Z1(Zhen number 001) and so on without last names.

The classes that were separated from the Zhen class were moved to what they called ‘Collbir’.

It is a huge underground cave that can be considered as a city or a metropolis due to its vastness and structures residing in the place. It's like you have entered to a new dimension, a small world to say the least where the clan trains their disciples.

In Collbir

The children arrived in the ‘Main Hall’ of Collbir together with the guards that guided them.

The Main Hall is huge with the 6 massive pillars supporting it. There's also a large stage or platform. And on that, there's an old man in the middle, probably at the age of 70 or more that's seemingly waiting for children's arrival.

He has long white hair and long beard with sharp eyes like he's looking at the children from a really high place as they walk near. He's wearing an all black uniform like some top tier martial killer. All is covered except the head.

Unlike the guys who suddenly show up out of nothing who's all covered. They are all wearing the same uniform like the guards who guided the children, except they wear brown and didn't cover their faces that just vanished as the new guys appeared.

“I'm Elder Go! The Head Elder here in Collbir!”

Upon hearing the old man introduced himself, a heavy pressure came down.

Like the air just stopped flowing. Making the children gasp for breath and instinctively paid attention, stiffly to the Elder speaking.

Head Elder Go neutralized the pressure he released once he saw that he caught the children's attention

“I know you all are wondering why you are brought here! Well, I'll be straight. You brats are all here to train! To be a strong assassin! You are not here to play!" as he gave the children a sharp look which make them stiffly scared and continued to explain.

At the back of the line, there's Z9 (Zhen 009) who already has a grasp of the situation he's in.

Due to the fact that he has retained the memories of his past lives. His mentality was forced to be forged of an adult because of his experiences of dying young multiple times in a brutal and cruel way.

He already has the basic knowledge of this world and how it works. Even when he was born and to the time he was sold and raised in the Zhen clan, he was fully aware.

He also planned to escape many times but every time he's gonna execute it. The fear of dying or how he'll die overwhelms and freezes him like stone, thinking if he fails.

Adding his small and fragile body plus the guards watching them.

His plans... Remain a plan...

"Now! We'll assess your aptitude, body constitution and awake your innate ability"

Everyone followed Head Elder Go as he directed his face to his right side.

In that direction, there are 3 stones with the size of a grown watermelon that is emitting some sort of ‘Aura’ each and some kind of metal with weird symbols supporting them.

Beside that is a grown old man, bald with a long, long beard reaching his waist, wearing the same style of uniform but white, with a rectangular badge and 3 lines in it.

He's probably at the age of 100 plus.

His face is covered with wrinkles in lined to his neck and his eyes can't be seen due to his stretched like skin eye brows covering his eyes.

But even with his appearance, he seems healthy. Seeing his movements and how he introduce himself as our ‘Examiner’.

Then he grabs his list and explained what the children needs to do to the assessment. And after explaining, he begun to the call names on his lists and everyone followed.

In this world, there's only a small number of people who can manipulate the flow of spiritual energy. And mainly, they are the ones who rule the lands.

The ability they possess, has their own respective types, uses and masteries.

But majority of these people are the ones who can use nature elements like fire, earth, water and wind. They are known as ‘Elementals’.

The rare ones are those people who can summon creatures as ‘Summoners’, and people who can enhance their body, weapons and armors are called ‘Enhancers’.

And aside from the last 2, there's still a much fewer number of ‘Other Non Elemental Ability User’ that roams in the world to even been categorized.

Regardless, they are all ‘Ability Users’

Back to the Main Hall of Collbir

As the assessment continued, Elder Go seems fairly happy of the results he's getting.

There are many kids who has good aptitude, body constitutions and those that have innate abilities as well.

Mostly from the Z's(Zhen people that were bought and raised by the clan) and was considering on buying again.

So far, amongst to those that participated in the assessment, only 2 names flew who can be called ‘Rare Geniuses’, such as Red Chu and Kohan.

Even though their innate abilities hasn't been disclosed, everyone knew how powerful it is. Base only on the examiner's face that he showed.

But of course, if there's a good catch. There will be some defects as well.

Kids who didn't pass not even to one of the three tests were all taken and executed on the other side like nobody's business.

Even though the children were raised in a strict and harsh way.

They have never seen someone gets killed, specially in front of them. So after seeing an unsightly and gruesome sight for the first time. Almost all of the children felt shocked, nausea, but all of them absolutely felt fear.

The sight of taking away of ones life, even for someone who was raised hellishly would be horrific.

Because a 6 or 7 year old kid will still be a child in the end.

Some unconsciously cried and vomited. Some froze, frozen as an ice and a few ran to get out of this hellhole.

The guards attending were quick to move. They killed the few children who ran towards the exit for god knows how.

They just dropped dead, face down without any blood spilled.

Then slapping those that cry and whispered to their ears “You will be next if you don't stop”.

Children who've heard those words. Their pupils shrunk in terror and unable to move.

During the disturbance, a heavy pressure appeared once again and Head Elder Go's voice echoed to the whole Main Hall

“Let me just remind you brats! We are not here to babysit you. We don't need trashes and specially cowards. It'll only be a waste of our resources!”

He added “You're now here to be trained, to be a top notch assassin, an expert in killing as perfect as possible! Crying and once again COWARDICE!!!!! Are just the few things we hate the most!!! Didn't you brats hear me earlier?!!”.

“Remove that! So even if you are a girl nor boy. You will be executed if you show that kind of traits again! No exceptions! Understood?!!...” As he looks into the children's eyes.

“…..” No one answered

Head Elder Go released his pressure once more and asked “I said UNDERSTOOD?!!!”

The children stutteringly replied “U-uund-ders-tood”

“Good!!! Continue!...” As the heavy pressure dissipates, Head Elder Go heads back to his seat.

A sigh of relief were released to those who've passed. And the assessment continued no matter what.

Some passed and a few were taken to the other side.

Time begun to move slowly and slower as they wait their names to be called out. The atmosphere is getting heavier each second passed.

They remained still, afraid to move even an inch of their body, fearing they may displease the others while some still tries to comprehend what's happening.

As the assessment is nearing its end. The death of the kid who was just before Z9 cause his heart to stir, afraid and having thoughts to bail out even though he knew that it'll never gonna work.

At least to die trying... In his mind.

Because he knows it's a sure death once his name has been called. He knows he's not that talented and perfectly knows that he has a very bad body constitution.

Much less... To have an innate ability.

The word death looms in his mind…

“Uhmmm... Next is Z9! You're up”. As the Examiner called his name

"......" Z9 Froze....

Z9 froze silently, unable to move upon hearing his name been called out. His mind begun to think on how he'll die, and memories start to pour on how he died miserably several times in his past lives.

I'm scared! Why does shit keeps happening to me? I didn't offend anyone! I didn't even try to offend anyone in my past lives. In fact! I've been a good son! I always try my hardest to keep out of trouble because that's what my parents taught me.

I never hated anyone, they told me it's not good! I'm not a saint but I always try to help everyone before me!

Tt-the o-oonly time I…..

“Where is Z9?” As the examiner called out his name again causing everyone to search by gaze to know who this Z9 might be.

Z9's pupils' shrunk a little with a distorted expression on his face upon hearing his name again, and tried to carefully steal a glance at the Examiner. Then his mind starts to go blank and his vision seems to be getting blurry every second he wastes while shifting his head downward and blinked slowly.

He saw his feet, his dirty ugly feet, barefooted, with small wounds and calluses. Then he looked at the floor.

Clean, seemingly strong and hard to break. But unexpectedly, he felt like his head has been refreshed, like some cold air helped him to clear his mind. And his gut, he's having a feeling, a feeling that everything will go fine despite of the odds before him.

He clenched his teeth and forcibly moves his frozen body with a determined look.

Blood drips from the side of his lips as he make his way forward and placed his hands to the Stone Meter to test his Talent score first as the Examiner instructed.

The Head Elder noticed Z9's unique or distinguishable appearance as Z9 continues to do what was ordered. And unconsciously said “Is this kid sick?!”

He looks so malnourished.

His cheek bones are like widely carved to his face's skin. You can even see his body is so thin at first glance! His rugged brown cloak already formed to the shape of his skeletal structure.

He's like a walking skeleton with some cloth, no meat, just skin and that's it!

Are they even feeding him???… And what is with his hair?  His short hair is a mixed of gray and white. He looks like a small peasant old man with a one foot to his grave.

Hmm... The only thing that is still seems to have life about him is his peculiar black eyes, seems darker than others too. I don't know!

Hmm.… If it's brimming with life or malice?….

“Just what the heck are they thinking when they buy this???” He muttered

(NOTE: Yes you guess it! Mc is fucking U-G-L-Y... Well maybe not that ugly but boooneey! Lol)

Z9 stood still after finishing his assessment with a little relief upon his face. Thinking that he may actually get through this predicament he's in right now! Because somehow, he manage to awaken his Innate Ability. And just waiting to announce the results.

A few seconds later

“Z9! Talent score 4 out of 10, Constitution 2 out of 10 and for Innate Ability... Uhm... None!” As the examiners declare the results

Elder Go stands up and shouted “Ahhhh!!!... I knew it! Get him out” Then look at guard near him and added

“Just what the hell are they thinking raising this brat! He is even weaker than an average mortal!...”

The guard immediately appeared next to Z9 and dragged him out of the field of Assessment Area while he struggles to get out of the guard's arms.

Z9 struggled to persuade Head Elder Go “N-nooo, nooo, n-n-oooo! I've awaken my Innate Ability! Please! Lo-ll-looook!!!”

Saying that, the guard stops.

As everyone caught his attention, they're trying to look on what's on Z9's forehead where he keeps pointing his index finger is. Thinking what of ability he awakened.

"I-it's little b-bbuut, it's awake now r-right? I'm an A-a-ability User, right!?" As he plead with a sincere look on his face

Head Elder Go, released his awareness that engulfed the whole Main Hall. And started to have a doubts after discerning him as he watches him plead to be checked again.

This kid..... Might actually be telling the truth...

Head Elder Go ordered the guard to take him back to the Assessment Area. Pointing its way, telling the guard to be quick about it.

The Examiner and guard assisted Z9 to do a retest but sadly! The Stone of Awakening didn't do any reaction. No glows or vibration, no nothing...

Disappointment shows all over on Z9's face while he forcedly not let a single tear be shown. Because he knows to himself that he has awaken something.

The one thing that might save his life, it seems that he is the only one who can see the smoke like thing sitting on his forehead.

And his last hope to live, the Stone of Awakening, seems not to be on his side.

He kneels down slowly, speechless and devastated, facing the Stone, thinking of any possibility on how he can convince them, that he is telling the truth.

Seeing what happened, Head Elder Go thought that maybe the kid is just lying. Or maybe he just made an error judging him.

But, that is impossible! I, Elder Go, The Head Elder of Collbir, have been doing this countless of times now! I can't be deceived by a mere child! A mere child?!!

Then Head Elder Go noticed Elder Huwa, one of his trusted friends, the Elder responsible for purchasing and raising the Z's, approaching him.

He whispered “Head Elder Go, this kid is a very peculiar one, he may have a weak body. But his actual combat prowess is actually above average. Perhaps just 1 level below to our geniuses of our Outer Disciples. And in my personal opinion, he has highest comprehension level in this batch”.

And added “If everything goes well, he can perhaps be put to our Intel Unit”.

“You really think so?” As the 2 Elders gaze to Z9's direction

Elder Huwa replied “Of course! You can try it Head Elder Go if you want”

“And don't get me wrong, we feed him just the same as the other kids. It is just... He looks like that!” he added

Head Elder Go thought about it and concluded

“Hmmm... Why not?” he replied

He looks at the Examiner and said “Give me a 7.6AU3F”. (he's referring to 7 Talent, 6 Body Constitution and AU stands for Ability User, 3 for Enhancer, and F Masteries)

NOTE: for AU, 1 is for Elemental User, 2 is for Summoner, 3 is for Enhancer and 4 is Other Non Elemental Ability User... And for Masteries F is the lowest while S is the highest and NAU means Non Ability User

The examiner looked at the lists in his hands and replied “So far, we don't have that Head Elder Go. The closest are 7.6.AU3E aaand 7.7NAU”. then looked back to Head Elder Go

The Head Elder laughs and said "Alright! Let's do the first one".

Then the Examiner looks to the group of children and calls out Z107 and Z9 to come on front.

Upon hearing the Examiner, Z9's earlier dead like eyes turn to an eyes that burns from his soul, unyielding and desperate!

The feeling of a threat! A battle nor war is approaching. The feeling that's everything is on the line. A do or die situation that can't be ignored. Only to be faced!

Tension aroused as the 2 kids, Z107 and Z9 met each others eyes.

They already have a vague feeling on what's going to happen as they follow the Examiner's instruction.

While everyone seems to be serious. Head Elder Go laughs due to the event that is happening before him!

Between the 2 brats, only at the age of 6 or 7 are already capable of releasing such a wonderful aura to his eyes.

‘Killing Intent’ an aura that's some of the Outer Disciples still can't released has been shown to everyone that is watching, not just one but two! They both released their Killing Intent unconsciously as it grew stronger.

Head Elder Go walks near the 2 and contain himself for being delighted!

He grabs the 2 kids' heads and said “Listen well, you 2 brats are gonna fight. Not a spar, but a fight! Use everything you have learned so far. I don't care if one of you die or you both die. It doesn't matter! Only I, the Head Elder can say when you 2 can stop! So do aaaanything in order to win! Understood???" As he gave the 2 parties a menacing smile

The 2 kids never lost their eyes to each other and both nod and replied in unison “Understood!..”

“Goooood! So are you 2 ready?” He asked

Head Elder Go showed a huge devilish smile openly after seeing the 2 nod in agreement then releases the two.

“Now!...... Fight!!!”.

After hearing the signal. No words were spilled as the 2 charged locked on to each other.

Z9 immediately gave Z107 some fast kicks and punches for appetizers, but even though they all hit. Everything seems to be ineffective due to his weak constitution.

It lacks the power to damage his opponent.

Still, Z107 didn't get any advantage, even though he is not taking damage from Z9's attacks.

His attacks never landed, not even a single hit which makes him to lose more energy!

Though he has a great advantage of his body constitution and speed. His attacks are too big, predictable and inexperienced.

Easy enough in Z9's eyes to do a counter attack. But unlike from the beginning, since his attacks are not doing any good!

Z9 changed his ways of attacking and from the normal hand to hand combat style of punches and kicks only that the Zhen Clan taught them. He added Muay Thai moves as well which he learned from one of his past lives in the modern world before he was framed and tortured to death.

Using every part of his body as a weapon, he attacked more viciously this time with his instincts!

Either fists, elbows, knees, shins and kicks, it sent Z107 offguard due to this unfamiliar and random movements. But surprisingly very effective as he received more damage and hits than before and thought.

I can't go on like this!

Z107 was forced to be on defense like a punching bag. The hits he took previously stacks up and are now exploding with pain. Even his vital organs are now acting up too thanks to the continued attacks with precised accuracy that Z9 made.

Z107 choose to back off not just because of the pain he is suffering right now but also to figure out something in his body that feels like wanting to come out while Z9 tries to close the distance.

After a short breath of time and distance! He felt power surging out from his body.

His ‘Spiritual Energy’ encircled him and compressed into his entire body. Then his face darkened, and his eyes stared daggers at him.

Z9 stopped for a second of hesitation and felt the threat that Z107 released.

Upon noticing, Z107 took the opportunity to be on attack and closes the distance between him and Z9.

It is very obvious to everyone that Z107 managed to control of his Innate Ability, an Enhancement type.

“Oooh!” Head Elder Go said surprisingly and laughed

Z107's body emits a sudden natural glow and his every attack follows with heavy gusts of air, more fierce and terrifying. His attack power, defence and speed rose up astronomically.

Z9 gritted his teeth and tried his best to dodge and counter in a fast pace manner but this time with an insanely, hellish difficulty knowing he was already at his limit.

As the 2 continued to fight, the children watching were in a complete awe! Amazed and surprised that they didn't expect to see them fight this well.

They are like hungry animals preying to one another.

‘Devour or be devoured!’. That's the animalistic instinct that is surging in their hearts right now!

Including the guards that are simply there to guard, are heavily caught in to what they are seeing and some of them are even placing bets to those 2 kids for entertainment.

Head Elder Go and Elder Huwa on the other hand showed satisfaction in their eyes for this unexpected turn of event.

From the normal assessment.

They found gems on the rough and now grinding to each other to shine before them.

Even the other Elders watching from the shadows feel thrilled.

“Who would have ever known that Z9, a kid who is weaker than a normal mortal can contend face to face with an Innate genius, I bet if I were to give those 2 a weapon, he would have won twice already by now” Head Elder Go said casually while watching the fight

“But, that Z107's talent isn't lacking either, managing to comprehend his Innate Ability during battle! They are brilliant!”. He added

Elder Huwa crossed his arms and smiled “Even I, who raised the two are dumbfounded, maybe it is because of the adrenaline or perhaps it is because of the thoughts you put in them” he laughed and added “By the way, are you planning to only keep one of them?”.

Head Elder Go laughs and replied “You know me Elder Huwa?! Haha! I never cut down a good seed, well, unless if it is necessary. In fact I'm feeling generous today! If there are still some remaining shits in this batch, I will let them fight to see what they are made off”. He looks at Elder Huwa and added

“Is there anymore like Z9 here in the batch that you have not yet mentioned about?”

“Hmmm…I don't know, we can only wait”. He replied

The 2 fought for more than 10 minutes now.

It seems short for others but in the eyes of Z9 and Z107 who have been fighting nonstop! It's already been a full day! And no one is backing, or willing to back out!

As Z107's enhancement wears out, his face covered with bruises, he wiped the blood and sweat off his lips due to Z9's bombardments but Z9 is still the one that looks in the verge of death.

Even though Z9 didn't get hit. His body is already fully exhausted due to his weak constitution.

Z107's pressure from releasing blows after blows managed to damage his fragile and worn-out body. His will is the only thing that is keeping him standing after the ferocious faceoff as his vision is getting distorted.

They took a breath of rest. And right after the short interlude.

Z107 yelled like he and only Z9 were the only ones alone in the room! “Hhuwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!”

His voice engulfed the whole Main Hall.

His strong and deafening battlecry has been heard to everyone's watching and sent chills to the kids as well.

Then a heavy pressure was released. Enough to reach Z9 10 meters far.

While his Spiritual Energy runs wild. His hair swayed to its flow.

Z107's pupils shrunk a little, gritted his teeth as he clenched his fists.

His muscles shown much clearer and charged while Z9 remained still, still grasping for air heavily.

He charged and gave him a huge kick which Z9 barely escaped.

Then a quick punch that Z9 managed to dodge by the hair and a follow-up which hit Z9's left chest slightly. Then grabbed his cloak and tried to pull him.

The damage was serious as it was shown on Z9's expression while struggling to resist.

While Z9 is being pulled, he let loose of his rugged cloak and quickly jumped off to Z107 instead while still holding both ends of the cloak.

He twisted it twice towards Z107's head as it caused Z107's vision to be blocked momentary and finally, succeeded to strangled him using the rope like cloak to his neck. As well as Z107's mouth and nose were also covered.

And from behind, he pulled the rope like cloak with all his might downwards.

Leaning over Z107's back against his back to choked him while Z107 struggled to break free.

Z9 took a deep breath through his mouth, closed his eyes and yelled as loud as he can while continuing to pull harder. “Whoooooooooshpp…..Hyyeaaaaaaah!!!!!”

It sounds like a kid struggling desperately that resonated shortly then quickly dissipated in the platform where they are fighting at.

It is not as grand as what Z107 did. But everyone can see it's a pure battlecry worth honoring.

Then he opened his eyes facing the floor as he lifted Z107 using his back while pulling the rope like cloak unconsciously.

Soon after, his vision turned blurry then collapsed due to over exhaustion.

As for Z107, his status remained unknown.

After seeing the 2 fell. Head Elder Go showed a content expression then lifted his right hand signaling the guard at the back and took the 2 out of the Main Hall

In the Medic Center

Z9 opened his eyes seeing a white ceiling then blinked slowly and tried to get up

“Urghhh…” Z9 immediately felt pain just attempting to get up so tried to move slowly.

He noticed he is half ***** and covered with bandages as he moves his hand. All four limbs are covered including his chest that hurts the most.

What the hell?!!

My whole body hurts… Wait! What happened to our fight?!

Welp… Seeing I'm still alive, I guess must have won.

Remembering what they did

Z9 shown a sad expression and muttered “I never meant to hurt anyone, especially killing… Killing a little kid at that. I must be going crazy”

Z9 sighed “What will happen now?”

A strong scent of herbal medicine flew to his direction so he looked left, looked right, eyeing his surroundings and noticed he must be in a hospital.

A huge clean room that has 8 beds in it, including his. Mostly the patients were kids, age probably is around 9 to 15 years old. He's the youngest no doubt. But the one that caught his attention is the one that is just next right to him.

A little girl sleeping soundly.

She is about at the age of 9 to 10 and quite cute on top of that.

Her black hair seems smooth and even if her face is covered with bruises. Her small gentle face and long eyelashes is still showing its shine.

Then he leans over and was shocked to what he has seen to her arm that's covered with bandages.

What the??? How did this happen? I know they are training us to be an excellent assassin.

B--but this little girl is just still too young!

Z9 showed a concerned face.

Don't tell me she was sent already to an assassination mission? That is why her right hand wa…..

Out of nowhere a soft voice arose.

“Oh? So you are up now huh? You sure took your time little boy”.

He didn't noticed that someone was already near him

“.....”. Z9 remained silent, looked back and then turned red.

He saw a jaw dropping nurse wearing a light green uniform.

Assuming she might be at the age of nearing or early 30's base on the way she spoke. The nurse is all covered except to her head.

Her long black hair is all tied up, beautiful pokerface with blue eyes as the heaven, pinkish rosy lips and her smoking hot body is no doubt, will be hard to be unnoticed.

Z'9s jaws slowly dropped unknowingly while he unconsciously stared at the nurse's big bazookas.

Daaaaamn!….. Such treasures! This is the best thing that I have ever seen for the last 6 years here!

The nurse noticed and smirked “Okaaay! I'll get someone for you now” then left.

Urrrgh! That ass…

…..

Z9 suddenly realized what he did and felt ashamed asking himself, “why did you have to do that?!” while smacking his head lightly.

Damn you!!! Now she may think or already thinks I'm a pervert!

God!... A pervert at the age of 6?!!

Oooh!!!... Can someone call the Guinness World Records? I'm making history here!

Z9 sighed and looked up

Welp... Kind to think of it, she does resembles my wife's sister. Though I only met her a few times but they doesn't look like sisters at all when it comes to appeara.….

W-wa-waaaiit. Wait wait wait wait wait wait!

This is straaange, I don't seem to remember my wife's appearance yet I remember my sister-in-law's???

Z9 put his hand under his chin and solemnly think.

Uhmmm… I remember, I only married 1 woman in my 1… 2….. 5 lives?!! I remember I truly love her but… Why is the woman I care the most, is the person I can't seem remember?

The harder I think. The more hatred I'm having to that fucking  alche…

Ughrrr…

AUTHOR NOTE: Please drop a comment if you have any suggestions for me to improve. Thanks!