An older rabbit, humanoid in appearance, four feet tall with white fur so pure it made fresh snow jealous, sat on a stone bench, gently tapping it with a hand. “Come! Come, each of you, and sit! Join me, Jazzjak, a friend of the six who have created this world, giving you life and protecting you from everything they can! You are the first! The beginning of all their children of this world and need to know who these gods are, these Champions are, and the power they possess!” A golden egg appeared in the rabbit’s outstretched hand, shimmering before it cracked open and gold dust rose into the air around him, a view of a massive demon, while the scent of carrot-cake muffins filled the air. “Behold! Sog’thollech! The demon who may look like a fearsome god. While his eyes may peer into your very soul, fear not! No, this one is a friend of Max Hoste, an ally, and connected through blood.” The image shifted, four different appearances of a demon presented on each. A twenty-five-foot-tall demon ripped open a portal and with two flaming swords slew an army of werewolves. Each window showed a progression of Sog’thollech as his body and power changed, until the current one first displayed returned on all four. “He was summoned through blood by Max Hoste in a time of need. Desiring power, he came, bound by rules and yet found not some tyrant that would discard him as trash. No, he found kindness, true kindness, something he had never felt before. “When Max shed his blood again, calling out into his world, seeking aid again, Sog was there, ready to come again. The power he had gained from the first time and how he had been treated were too much to pass up. He tore open a space between his world and the others, stepping out to see how he might lend aid. “Each time he was called, no bargain was required that would trap him in slavery. Instead, he found someone who just wanted to be called a friend. It was that bound, that moment that Sog, one of your World Champions, made the choice, tying his very soul to Max’s, creating a doorway for two friends to come together. “Sog fought and almost died, protecting a world he was given dominion over for a while. Yet as he found his way back to his world, a shell of what he had been, Max bid him to come again. “He feasted upon the souls of those who stood in the way of the others, and even brought the World Champion Rakonath for a moment to his world, defying the tower, cheating their rules and allowing them both entrance to the very last tower! “Together as one, they fought the last battle, and now this demon stands with the others, here to create a world that is united by that cord.” The view of Sog’thollech vanished and with it the smell of carrots. Now Jazzjak held a silver egg and cracked it, releasing a red mist as pure as fire, a hint of cinnamon cakes in the air. “And who is this Rakonath? Who is this mighty dragon who soars across the sky on silvery wings or walks the ground in his humanoid shape? Either form is so beautiful that many women have been wooed by it, even capturing the heart and passion of our elven World Champion Cordellia. “Yet where did this majestic and powerful one come from? How did he find a place in this group that defied the gods themselves? It all started with an egg.” Two images of Rakonath had been hovering in the red cloud, and a third one appeared, a silver egg that sparkled as it slowly rotated. “A simple egg. A tiny beginning. Like all of you, so much potential inside. Your World Champion, Max, freed it from another who sought to use it for her own gains. He slayed a world champion, a dragon named Igarra that gained power through the deaths of others. Free from her grasp, Max took the egg to his world, trying to find it a new home. “A kind and mighty dragon was found, scales so red rubies are envious, and as a bargain was struck between Max and Aerthen, the egg cracked, and the god of all dragons did something never done on this world before. “Another thread was tied around Max, this one to a silver dragon that had chosen its name and found a rider. He grew quickly, feasting upon the creatures Aerthen brought him and the bodies of those who dared attack Max and his friends. “His bond made him stronger than most dragons could be for many years and soon he was able to join Max and the others, breaking into the tower and helping to take down a shark so big it could swallow a city in one bite.” Jazzjak chuckled and shook his head. “Or perhaps the shark wasn’t that big, but still it gave Rakonath a taste of power and what he could become. The strength he had gained was put to the test as he helped defend Aerthen from one who sought to use her as nothing but a toy. Killing his kind, Rakonath feasted upon its flesh and grew even stronger. “These moments caused the thread to grow stronger until it too was a cord, crafted from metal and will that cannot be broken. Both man and dragon shared in the power of the other. And one day, Rakonath was granted the power to transform from his majestic dragon state into the breathtaking image that walks among you. “He endured a realm that only knew pain, found an elven archer who desired to know him, and joined his friend and allies to defeat the last boss of the tower, becoming a god like the others, now here to raise his children that may one day allow you to ride them and fight in the dungeon and tower to perhaps one day be like him.” Jazzjak took a deep breath, blowing away the red smoke, revealing a pink egg in his soft hands. Check latest chapters at NovєlFіre.net It cracked like all the others and a shimmering sheet of pink dust fell toward the ground, revealing the image of Cordellia, standing tall, bow in hand, a purple wolf by her side, skin sparkling in the light. Even better was the hint of strawberry cake that carried across the gentle breeze. “Cordellia, World Champion of the elves, a woman of character and heart! May you know of her and her deeds and how she joined this group that protects you!” “She was chosen by two men to join a party that needed her, just as much as she needed them. Tempted with loot and gear if she would report what she saw and learned of the other four in her party, Cordellia learned something that she wouldn’t trade away. “To belong. Her knowledge of the tower included pain and failure. Fear had gripped her heart and soul, yet the others didn’t look down upon it. They embraced her, helped her overcome it and showed her the potential of being part of their party, no, their family would mean. “She faced down bosses and hordes of enemies, helped with puzzles and other obstacles the tower threw at them! Yet even greater was overcoming the constant noises your World Champions Batrire and Fowl often make. She found a family, opened her heart, and finally began believing she could be loved for who she was. “And one day when she opened herself to another, she found herself a pawn in a plan of an evil princess who stole her away from her family. Beaten and abused, she endured the torture, never knowing what would become of her, a single thread pulsed, a hope that they would save her. Fear returned, threatening to cut that thread, but fear did not know her family's power. “They saved her, kicking down the doors of the place she was held, mending her physical wounds and helping to heal the ones on her heart. Even as powerful as she was, like many of you, doubt can overwhelm. She learned that she could be more than just an archer. She could be a friend to those who needed more and help. “Healed and ready she fought in the tower, sending arrows that could carve mountains in half, standing tall and fighting side by side with her friends. Together they defeated the tower and she gave birth to the elves of this world, ready to teach them that one's race doesn’t matter. It is the heart inside each of us that determines our worth.” The pink shimmer vanished and two eggs, both bronze colored but with a hammer and a healer's staff crossed on each. “One cannot tell this story of these two, World Champions Batrire and Fowl, individually.” He cracked them together and an explosion of gold dust filled the air, an image of both gods standing side by side, a slightly taller Batrire beside her man. Each was garbed for battle, armor and weapons shimmering in the light. Yet none of that could match how healthy their beards looked and the healthy sheen that could match a ray of sunshine. Only one thing outdid that image, the scent of beer cupcakes, two layers of smells, a light and a dark ale, when combined it became a heavenly scent. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. “Healer and warrior, these two were bound together at an early age. Fowl rejected the calling to be a weapon or armor crafter. He instead chose a path, a class that would allow him to walk beside and defend Batrire, gifted with the art of healing. “They forsook their family and friends, becoming adventurers and stumbling into World Champion Tanila one day and tied each other to one another. Those three each knew the pain of walking away from family. As one they tore through dungeons, defeating the early enemies that came at them, and soon found themselves in a city, needing to find another to join their party if they wished to continue to grow stronger. “A bald warrior with a fashion sense that rivaled all others appeared. He was dashing, charming and above all, fearless. Early moments came where they felt each other out, learning to trust one another. Fowl watched a man who cared just as much about Batrire as he did, carry Batrire off as the healer he loved was dying. With tears in his eyes, he found the portal that Max had raced toward, wondering what had become of the woman he loved. It was at that moment that Fowl Hammerfall knew that Max Hoste would be kin to him. At the edge of death, with but a single heartbeat between this life and nothing, Max had made it to a healer who saved her. “Batrire Hammerfall likewise knew that Max was unlike the other humans they had met. She overcame fears, entering the dungeon that had almost claimed her life and did what any healer must do. Keep everyone around her alive. “Fowl and Batrire made passionate love everywhere, even at the expense of their friends. Neither held back from expressing their feelings for the other. And then the day came, having defeated half the tower that Fowl and Batrire returned home. They proved their decision was the right one, coming to stand before the King of the dwarves of their world! They were married before their kind and returned to the tower, climbing higher and higher. Fowl’s power lay in his ability to stand firm, taking hits that would kill many others. Each floor tested them, not just their strength but their heart. “Fowl made an oath, and did a ceremony so rare, some of you might dream of the day a dwarf binds their blood with yours! Max and Fowl became dwarven brothers. One with enough hair for an entire city, the other so smooth, only a baby’s bottom can compete. “Now they sire the dwarves of this world, ready to create an offspring of their own, blessed with beards that shine, and ale so great it makes a warrior god cry. They are a symbol of love that never parted. They embraced it from the moment they met and wish for you and others to find a love like that.” The softest snap one might ever not hear sent out a shockwave that dispersed the gold dust. In Jazzjak’s hand was an egg of multiple colors: red, green, gold, and ivory. With the utmost care, he broke it. A tidal wave of lilacs washed out from it, their scent filling the air. In that display, an image appeared of World Champion Tanila. Her golden hair and eyes shimmered with power, and a soft smile that could melt the hardest heart was on her lips. She wore a simple white mage robe and gently held her stomach, resting upon the baby bump she gladly displayed. “Now listen to the story of our beautiful World Champion, Tanila! She was born a princess, but not the kind you read in the stories when you go to sleep. No! Her father sought power and she was trained in the ways of magic. Given a red skill that desired power and could ravage the minds of those near her, gaining power and more all at the sacrifice of her soul, she rebelled. “Unlike her sister or parents, she didn’t desire the destruction of humans and dwarves. So she left, hiding her presence with the only gift of her fathers she ever kept. In a small town Tanila encountered two dwarves, unable to keep their hands off each other's beards, and yet tenderhearted and kind. She joined them, and you know the rest, found themselves in a city in need of another adventurer. “Now when her eyes fell upon Max for the first time, she wasn’t sure what to think. Gifted with a sheen upon his bald head and a spike on his shoulder, she wondered if he had the same amount of intelligence as Fowl, which was not much. Yet quickly, she and the others learned he was smarter but also kind. It was that kindness, the unwavering, unchanging gentle heart of Max that called to her. She watched him help everyone he could, not for something in return, but because it was just right. “Slowly, the things she had been told since birth were revealed to be untrue. There were humans in this world who were worthy of friendship. One who was worthy of her. She fought it, like a child trying to catch a greased pig. A day came when he couldn’t hold back her affection for him. “Others came for him, her own kind, zealots who believed in nothing but revenge and the death of Max. She stood side by side, ready to fight and defend him. Even if it meant killing her own kind. “They raced through the tower, and even it recognized their love, giving each of them an item that matched. A necklace that always told her he was alive and well. A necklace that allowed her to survive when Max vanished one day. The only item that allowed her to make it through such difficult moments when Tanila realized Max was gone, and she was pregnant. “Her heart almost gave out the day he returned to her and shared the news. Even with the knowledge that others might seek the death of their child, she promised to defeat anyone who came, even her own family. “And that moment came when Cordellia was taken. She fought her sister and almost killed her, yet managed to save her friend. A battle came, elves against men and she stood side by side with those men, finally ending the life of her sister who sought nothing but the death of others. “No matter what the world threw at her, or the tower, she fought against it, overcoming impossible odds, reaching the last floor and becoming a god. “Your god. Know that she loves you and wants you to feel that love firsthand. Each of you is her child, and one day this world awaits the birth of their daughter. A true child of World Champion Tanila and Max.” The last flower fell from Jazzjak’s hands and he smiled. Cupping his paws, he pulled them apart, revealing a translucent egg. It swirled with light and darkness inside, each fighting against the other until it stopped. The two moved to opposite sides, creating a perfect balance and the egg cracked on its own at that place. Both swirled together, taking on the shape of Max Hoste. He stood there, bald head and all, a spear in one hand and a blueberry muffin in the other. His armor was simple, a gold chain that radiated with power. The smile he was known for was there and the image winked once. “Now, for the last one to talk about. Max Hoste, a World Champion before the birth of this world. He lost that title and has reclaimed it again, glad to be the father of all humans. Like so many, he desired a simple life. Not everyone wants to fight in a dungeon or climb the tower. Max simply wanted to bake. “Out there, beyond this world, are other planets. The owners of those worlds are other gods. Some of those gods decided to play a game, unleashing a skill that causes gods to shudder. A black skill. Its name is and was Consume. “On Max’s choosing day, he was given two skills, a rare thing indeed for a man of common blood. Baking and Consume. Those present beat him, tried to imprison him for nefarious plans but his sister and friend freed him, allowing him to escape and try to survive. His black skill was powerful, granting the ability to grow stronger as he defeated stronger foes, yet he couldn’t level up. Unable to gain experience, Max found himself forced upon a path of adventuring, and so he went all in. Changing his name to that of a hero from before, he shaved his head and became a new man. “He faced trials, was betrayed and almost killed by the very zealots that chased him for so long. Wherever he went, he made friends, regardless of race or sex. In fact, some of this world's gods claim he had a unique talent for leaving women in every city who longed for his return. “Still, Max pressed on, growing stronger as he protected those around himself. And the fateful day you have heard of so many times came, and he found himself aligned with Batrire, Fowl and Tanila. Trust was hard after being betrayed but Max’s heart always pushed for it. Soon he revealed the truth of who he was and what he had, willing to run again if they didn’t accept him. But they did. “Together they faced enemies on many sides but forged a new trail through dungeons and towers. They joined a faction, something you all may one day do, and entered the tower! Cordellia came and he loved her like the elven sister he always wanted. All he cared about was getting strong enough to protect those he loves. “Each day in the tower meant that. Every floor was another chance to become that. And one day he thought it was so easy. That was the day it all changed when he was captured. A plan had been hatched after he got his skill and a hunter from another world was put on his trail. The hunter captured him and then set him free, to play a game where he might try to escape on a new world before he was found again. “Yet Max isn’t a normal man. His heart fought against the desires of his black skill. Each time he had to kill a human, elf, or dwarf, its hunger for power grew. It showed him how strong he could become if he gave in. Moments had come where there was no alternative and Max unleashed his skill to protect those he loved, wondering if he could ever rein in the lust it filled him with. “But he did. And so a bond was formed between man and skill. He gave it a name so majestic and powerful, gods tremble when one whispers it. “Bob and Max together fought against an entire world where the only rule was, don’t die. Every second, day, week and passing moment was a test, a fight. A fight to the death. He grew stronger, gaining powers and strength, and learned of the egg that hatched Rakonath. Max defeated the champion of that world, claiming her powers for himself. He also got revenge on the hunter, killing two birds with one stone. “He returned to his world, hardened and forged through a crucible that almost claimed his humanity. Yet the sight of the woman he loved and learning she was pregnant with their child kept him on that path. Having returned home, he scorched the skies in the tower, joining his team again and rising to new floors that had not been seen for so long on his world. “He bound with a dragon, defeated another, faced the impossible all to grow strong enough to protect the ones he loved. And the day came when all that was put to the test. Savantus Gilmenor, King of the elves, father of Tanila, waged war upon the humans and Max faced him alone. Bob had been trapped by the system. Yet even without the aid of his skill and friend, he stood before an army, sitting on the elven throne he had stolen to prove a point. “So much blood was spilt and so much power was gained that it shattered the prison that held Bob, and together the two of them defeated and killed the tyrant that sought to end all non-elven life on their world. When Savantus fell, his god appeared, ready to end Max’s life. Phaius and Ockrim, the human and dwarf god of that world, came and forced her to flee. “Max was told once again, the only way he could protect the ones he loved was to grow stronger and that meant defeating the tower. And that is what he did. He faced the greatest challenge it would ever present, and yet it wasn’t enough. He had grown too strong. And now he stands before you, side by side with the other six, each of them your World Champions.” Jazzjak clapped his paws, and an image appeared of all seven of them. Sog, Rakonath, Cordellia, Batrire, Fowl, Tanila, and Max. Light radiated around the images as each of them smiled. “Know that you are the first and their prayer is that you grow strong. Take risks, create new things, seek out friendships and perhaps even challenge the tower. Whatever comes, they will protect and defend you. So return anytime to this temple and give your offerings and gifts. Say your prayers to them, know they hear them, and may answer them. Because on this world, they walk among you.”