Road to Mastery: A LitRPG Apocalypse

Chapter 325: The Calm Before the Storm

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If someone claimed that the Animal Kingdom was upset about everything that transpired, it would be a gross understatement.

The Kingdoms upper echelon hadnt been busier in millennia. Every capable cultivator was recalled, every deacon was summoned. Hell was emptied. The Kingdoms capital was weakened. It was all hands on deck, because Jack Rust had raised a storm that could give even the Faction Master nightmares.

I dont care what you have to do, project an image of power! were his orders, and the Grand Elder did his utmost to obey.

Overnight, shipments of strong cultivators were distributed across the Animal Kingdom constellation. The Kingdoms various strongholds were reinforced, and their experts picked fights against smaller factions over any excuse, stomping them into the ground to prove their superiority.

This was the only way the Kingdom knew to project their power. And every other time, it had worked. But not this time. Jack had set fire to the hearts of the oppressed cultivators. What the hell! He was just a single man! If he had the guts to defy the Animal Kingdom, so did they!

The Kingdoms forceful reminder had the opposite effect of what they expected. If they beat down one group, another rose to take its place. For every fire they put out, three new ones were lit! Rebellious undercurrents flowed all across the constellation, and though nothing big had happened yet, it was only a matter of time.

For now, the disgruntled cultivators resisted the only way they could. They took on the mantle of pirates, hiding in the vastness of space and striking from the shadows. Thousands of starships dyed themselves black and flew into the deep reaches of space, boarded by rebels with burning hearts.

From now on, this period of time would be known as the Great Pirate Era.

Running a constellation of thousands of planets was a tremendous undertaking. It didnt matter that the Kingdom was stronger than the entire rest of the constellation put together. A single wrong variable, a single misjudgement, and everything would come crashing down on their heads. Every dissatisfied force on the inside and every rival faction on the outside would pounce like starving beasts at the first sign of weakness, and Jack had given them exactly thatmultiple times.

The Animal Kingdom constellation was crumbling, and the Kingdoms higher-ups knew it. They couldnt step down or take soft measures. Their only option was to double down on their tyranny and push even harder, hoping for the best.

Capture Jack Rust! another order came down from above. Find him, no matter what you have to do. We must use him to extinguish the flames of revolution. For our pride and survivalwe must kill him!

***

Jack himself was oblivious to the effects his actions had on the entire galaxythough he did hold some suspicions.

For now, he remained isolated and peaceful on Earth, in a place of the galaxy far away from System space. Due to their location, certain System functions didnt work, rendering them unable to communicate with the wider galaxy.

Most people didnt mind. The only ones who did were ArTazul and ArKarvahul, the two djinn merchants who wanted to become rich by broadcasting Jacks battle against the planetary overseer across the galaxy. Though they had succeeded, they had forgotten about this tiny detail. Now, their wealth had accumulated to tens of millions of credits, but they were completely unable to spend it.

Damn it! Tazul exclaimed, fuming from the ears. This is unfair!

It was all for nothing, all of that for nothing! Karvahul shouted back. I wanted to buy a brothel!

But, cant you do that on Earth, cousin?

Oh, right.

A merchants appetite for gold knew no limits!

As for Jack himself, he was untouched by anything. On top of a mountain near the Forest of the Strong, there was a small but comfortable mansion, enjoying both privacy and a great view. The living room was framed by a glass wall that overlooked the forest underneath, while a lit fireplace dominated the other side of the room. The flames danced gracefully, shedding a flickering light on the small couch before them, where a man and a woman sat together.

Jack passed his arm around Vivis shoulders, holding both her and their two children. They were tiny; two little humans, barely a few months old, with wide eyes and tiny hands that liked to hug Vivis fingers.

The boy was named Eric Eragorn Rust, after Jacks adopted father. The girl was named Ebele Eragorn Rust, honoring Vivis African roots. Ebele meant kindness and mercy; the qualities that Jack and Vivi wished both their children would inherit.

Isnt it weird that theyre so small? Jack asked in a soft voice, his attention lost in the flames.

There is nothing weird about our children. Theyre lovely.

They can be both, Jack replied. Vivi laughed, but she had to stop when Jack planted a kiss on her lips.

I dont want them to be weird, she added in a hesitant voice. I want them to be strong and unique. To be accepted.

Hmm. I guess youre right. Their tiny size is so exceptional, so extraordinary. They are like little marbles.

She laughed again, and Jack joined her this time. It was already March; another three months had passed since the childrens birth, and Jack with Vivi had grown even more used to each others presence. They enjoyed it deeply. Both bore their own sets of scars, but especially because of that, they could understand each other.

Jack adored Vivis love for her people, her wild side that led the battle from the front, her fiery speeches and caring actions. Vivi admired his strength and resolve, his unyielding attitude, his bravery and wisdom.

They were two peas in a pod.

But, as it always happened, life was more complicated than that.

I would love to watch them grow, Jack said, looking at the twin babies.

You will, Vivi reassured him. Justwith breaks.

Its not the same Jack sighed, his words holding sadness.

I know you have to go, Vivi comforted him, grabbing his hands in hers. She did not mind the scars they bore or the blood that had once adorned them. I understand. They will, too. I will tell them tales of their father, of your bravery and achievements. Even if you cannot be here in person, I will make sure they think about you.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it.

Jack sighed again, but he did not respond. He really would have loved to spend a few decades here, in peace and quiet, but it was impossible. He owed it to the Black Hole Church to join them. And, even if he didnt, his burning heart would never let him rest. Already, these six months were a stretch. His cultivation was mostly stabilized. He felt the itch to fight, to better himself again. To challenge the world. Every day, that itch grew stronger, until he had to go.

I will visit often, he promised.

You should, Vivi replied, planting a kiss on his cheek. Jack smiled.

Suddenly came a knock on the door. Oh! Vivi exclaimed, switching to a slightly more dignified posture. Did they come on time? Thats a first.

Let me check, Jack replied with laughter, heading for the door of the room. Hello?

Who is it? came a voice from the other side.

Jacks brain short-circuited. Uh Its Jack, he replied, then pressed his eyes shut in frustration as muffled laughter came from behind the door. Damn you and your tricks, Salin! he exclaimed.

The door swung open, revealing Gan Salin and Nauja, each of whom were laughing out loud. From behind Jack, so was Vivi. Its Jack, Salin said in a mocking tone, then laughed harder. How did you fall for that, man?

Yeah, yeah, make fun of me all you want. Ill shut the door in your face next time.

Salin laughed again, then replied, Sorry, I couldnt help myself. The mind goblins made me do it.

Mind goblins?

Mind gobblin deez nu

Salin! Nauja cut him off, rolling her eyes in exasperation. Sorry guys, the Earth culture has gotten to him.

Jack laughed again, as did everyone. Hanging out with these two was never boring.

Come in, he said, opening the door wider and stepping aside.

Thanks! We brought wine!

And the days passed like that. For the first time since the System arrived, Jack was not in constant danger. No enemies came to assault his family, no disaster struck the planet, no clock was ticking. They were just floating in a vacuum, isolated in a corner of the galaxy, alone and at peace. Life was good.

But one day arrived, and Jack was outside the front door, dressed in full cultivator attire. Vivi looked at him from inside, various feelings playing in her eyes. Cant you wait a little more?

You know I cant. Its already been too long. The Sage is pressuring me, Brock ran out of dungeons, and my heart He smiled at her, the wild, witty, radiant smile that had first charmed her at the Integration Tournament. My heart calls for me to go.

I understand, she replied. Just be careful, okay?

Ill try my best, he promised. When I get to the Black Hole Church, no going after trouble. I will just mind my own business and get stronger at a comfortable pace.

She nodded, satisfied. Then, she reached out and pecked at his lips. Have fun, she told him.

Thanks.

Their gazes said everything their mouths did not. He was strong, but so was she. This was a family of cultivators. Risking their lives was a normal occurrence.

Grow strong, little ones, Jack said, bowing down to kiss both babies on the forehead. Their eyes, wide with wonder, reached straight into his heart and tried to bind it. Still, he only smiled bittersweetly; if he was a man who stayed here forever, he would not be their father.

See you, Vivi, he said, rising to his full height again. Take care.

You too, she replied.

Jack turned around, walked a few steps, then took to the air. As he did, his entire countenance changed. Things that had long slept awakened. His eyes hardened, his aura deepened, his robes fluttered. A heavy presence blanketed the surrounding lands, making every cultivator and spirit beast raise their heads.

The King had returned. Jack Rust, the Cosmic Fist, had awakened.

Jack did not look back. He flew down the mountain to the Forest of the Strong and landed inside it. The Sage waited there, along with Brock. The professor was also present, though just to say goodbye.

Welcome, my friend, the Sage said cheerfully. Are you ready for exciting new adventures and a little bit of war?

I was born ready, Jack replied, clasping hands with Brock. Sup, brother?

Hello, Big Bro, Brock replied. His hand felt strong to the touch. While Jack relaxed, Brock had never stopped training; hed swept eight D-Grade dungeons clean. His strength had already reached the late D-Grade, and his perfect foundation made him at least as strong as most peak D-Grades.

An odd building stood beside them, smack dub in the center of the forest clearing, right next to the Clear Pond that Jack had wrestled away from the Rock Bear so long ago. It resembled a large purple oven, like most other teleporters, except its aura shimmered with hints of black. It was also much larger than others.

Jack, the professor said, approaching with steady steps. Please be safe, okay? And send word often. Dont make me worry too much again.

I will do my best, Jack replied, wrapping her into a tight hug. I will miss you.

So will I, Jack.

The professor then also bid goodbye to Brock and the Sage. Jack looked to the distance. He had visited Edgar a few days ago, and Gan Salin with Nauja had already left Earth to travel the galaxy. Dordok was cultivating, and Sparman was preparing to teach combat at Edgars academy.

Everything had taken its path. There was nothing left to do. He couldnt leave the planet in a better state.

We can go, he said. Both Brock and the Sage nodded, then moved inside the teleporter and waited. Jack was the last to enter. See you soon, he whispered to the wind, then waved goodbye to the professor, who had tears in her eyes.

Purple light flickered, then erupted as a flood. Space ruptured and sucked them in. The Earth disappeared, replaced by endless stars.

They were headed to the Black Hole Church, one of the strongest forces in the universe. A whole new chapter was beginning.

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