Know Thy Enemy Read online

  KNOW THY ENEMY

  By Dawn Chapman and Matt Ferraz

  A Mystique Press Production

  Mystique Press is an imprint of Crossroad Press

  Digital Edition published by Crossroad Press

  Digital Edition Copyright © 2017 Dawn Chapman and Matt Ferraz

  Cover design by Christian Bentulan

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written consent from the author, except in the instance of quotes for reviews. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the internet without the permission of the author and is a violation of the International copyright law, which subjects the violator to severe fines and imprisonment.

  This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, incidents, and place are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real except where noted, and authorised. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events are entirely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or names featured are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

  The author and editor have taken great effort in presenting a manuscript free of errors. However, editing errors are ultimately the responsibility of the author.

  This book is written in United Kingdom English and includes relative diction.

  LICENSE NOTES

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to the vendor of your choice and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Meet the Authors

  Dawn Chapman has been creating sci-fi and fantasy stories for thirty years. Until 2005 when her life and attention turned to scripts, and she started work on The Secret King, a 13-episode Sci-Fi TV series, with a great passion for this medium.

  In 2015, Dawn returned to her first love of prose where she revelled in the world of The Secret King, Letháo and First Contact, as an epic prose space journey over 3 generations.

  This year her experience of working with Producers/Directors from the US and AUS has expanded. From Drama, Sci-Fi, Action, to Litrpg. Dawn’s built a portfolio of writing, consulting and publishing.

  You can follow Dawn on any of her public pages.

  Author Facebook—

  https://www.facebook.com/kanundra

  Twitter Link—

  https://twitter.com/kanundra

  Amazon—

  https://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Chapman/e/B014A0RUBC

  Book List

  The Secret King Series

  Letháo

  First Contact

  Tales from the Secret King Series

  The Truth Hurts

  Brie’s Results

  Brie’s Choice

  Audiobooks

  The Truth Hurts

  Brie’s Results

  Brie’s Choice

  Author of all trades, Matt Ferraz has written thrillers, sci-fi, cozy mysteries and a lot of witty e-mails that sadly can’t be published. With a degree in journalism and a masters in biography, Matt has works published in English, Italian and Portuguese, and also works as a professional ghostwriter.

  Matt’s first English-written book, Killing Dr. Watson was released in March 2016 by MX Publishing. A thriller with lots of twists and surprises, the book is also an homage to many TV series starring Sherlock Holmes. The following year, Matt released The Convenient Cadaver, the first volume in the Grandma Bertha Solving Murders series, which shall get its second volume soon.

  With Know Thy Enemy, a LitRPG novel co-written with Dawn Chapman, Matt makes his debut in sci-fi, with a gripping story about a war between our planet and an alien race for the right to colonize a new planet.

  You can follow Matt on—

  Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matt-Ferraz/e/B01G2I8FFU

  Twitter - https://twitter.com/Matt_Ferraz

  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/matheus.b.ferraz

  DISCOVER CROSSROAD PRESS

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  We hope you enjoy this eBook and will seek out other books published by Crossroad Press. We strive to make our eBooks as free of errors as possible, but on occasion some make it into the final product. If you spot any problems, please contact us at [email protected] and notify us of what you found. We’ll make the necessary corrections and republish the book. We’ll also ensure you get the updated version of the eBook.

  If you’d like to be notified of new Crossroad Press titles when they are published, please send an email to [email protected] and ask to be added to our mailing list.

  If you have a moment, the author would appreciate you taking the time to leave a review for this book at the retailer’s site where you purchased it.

  Thank you for your assistance and your support of the authors published by Crossroad Press.

  Dedication

  From Dawn

  For those who inspire me on a daily basis, my closest friends and my family, especially the husband, Paul who puts up with everything.

  For the LitRPG Society Discord Crew.

  Blaise Corvin, Stephan and Sam Morse, Luke Chmilenko, and my sprint buddy Michael Chatfield. You Rock!

  KNOW THY ENEMY

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  LitRPG Links

  Aleron Kong’s Links

  Chapter One

  Drayk

  Drayk stared at the leaflet his father had given him. He tucked back the crumpled edges, smoothed out its many creases. Now more than ever, he wished his father were here to talk to about the decision he’d make today.

  I can do this. I can win everything we need to get out of this hellhole.

  The sleek design of the pic
ture, its stunning reds and blues, not only grabbed Drayk’s attention, but the image of two Maxol warriors fighting hand to hand invaded his dreams. Drayk’s finger traced over one of the Maxol. They wore their traditional dark uniform, trousers, shirt and armour. Short sleeves showed off his bulging muscles and he could just make out the intricate scalation and family marking that spread up the warriors’ arms. The words, “Become a Warrior. Sign up now,“ taunted his every waking thought. Maybe he could right all the wrongs in their past.

  The price… might be worth it. Drayk’s heart sank. He was still so hesitant at making a final decision; sign up or join the working community.

  A slap on his back brought him around; he turned to see Cale’s pale green eyes. Staring. “Birthday boy, still dreaming?”

  “You too, though I’m older by minutes.”

  Heat rose up Drayk’s neck. He coughed, chasing it back. “We reach our Dragawn today,” Drayk reminded his twin. Today they became adults.

  The corners of Cale’s mouth upturned into a wide, toothy grin. Drayk couldn’t help but join him in a chuckle. “Everything sorted for the party later?” Drayk asked, the churning in his stomach settling in to stay.

  Several sets of footsteps echoed along their resident corridor. Cale glanced at the sound. “Catch you later, Bro,” he called and ran off to join his friends.

  Drayk was left with his thoughts, which soon turned back to the leaflet. Should I, shouldn’t I?

  A win might mean a new home, a nice house away from this grimy place, that meant everything to him. He’d be able to provide for them both, not live off handouts or the government. Drayk flicked his wrist, checking the time. Dang it, I’m gonna be late. He picked up his bag and placed the leaflet in its top pocket before he ran.

  His feet pounded in mud; splashes covered his slacks and shirt, leaving him caked by the time he reached the academy.

  Several Maxol warriors were going through the gates, Drayk took a moment to admire their statures. Not only did they seem much larger, but they also wore fresh uniforms, hair slicked back, many talking amongst themselves with softly-spoken voices. They were rich, for sure. Drayk took a step toward those massive gates then reversed; one Maxol cut him off.

  Should I? Shouldn’t I?

  If he went through those gates, he certainly wouldn’t be making his Dragawn party. He might never come out.

  Drayk swallowed and turned. A burly figure slammed into him, as it made one last sprint for the gates. “If you’re going in, come on!” the Maxol shouted.

  No sooner had Drayk turned to look at the gate than the young Maxol grabbed him by his backpack, dragging him toward it. “Hold up; we’re coming in.”

  With his heart pounding, he was barrelled toward the gate. Drayk protested, his words falling on deaf ears. The two guards closing the gates almost hit the Maxol as he scurried inside. The large metallic doors screeched and echoed. Drayk covered his ears, but it didn’t work, so he squeezed down tighter.

  The two of them fell inside the academy grounds as the gates slammed shut behind them.

  Out of breath, half strung-up by the behemoth of flesh standing at his side, Drayk panted out a pathetic, “I wasn’t sure!”

  The Maxol glanced down at him. “How can you be unsure about joining the best guild in the West World?”

  Drayk looked away, hoping the larger guy would carry on inside the main building; leave him to sneak out. As his gaze returned to the gates, the view outside the city started to vanish. It shimmered in blue and green hues. “What?”

  “How green are you, Sprout?” the Maxol asked.

  Drayk noticed the guards had vanished.

  He pulled the backpack from his shoulders. “I…” he reached for its top pocket, grabbed the leaflet and handed it to the Maxol.

  A low chuckle erupted from its lips. “You’re kidding me.”

  Drayk’s hands shook, a tremble spreading from his spine through every pore. He tried to shrug it off, but the twisting knot of fear growled inside, loud enough for the burly guy in front of him to hear.

  “Look.” The Maxol tapped the picture. “This is years old. The guild doesn’t recruit like they used to. You shouldn’t even be here, I bet.”

  Drayk’s stomach growled once more, but then a grin spread from the corner of the Maxol’s lips. “Stick with me, Sprout. I’ll take you to the Commander later.”

  Hope spread through Drayk’s body. But why? This guy doesn’t even know me. He held out his palm in a traditional greeting. “I’m Drayk Vellis, son of Teegan and Grayce.”

  The Maxol reciprocated. “Haal,” he replied, then stalled, without giving Drayk his family name, as they analysed one another for over a minute. Drayk held his hand in place, trying not to feel any more awkward. “Wait,” Haal said, their eyes meeting again. “You’re Cale Vellis’ brother?”

  Drayk pulled at his collar, his emotions fully on display now. He withdrew his hand. “Yes, you know him?”

  Haal’s lips pinched, deep frown lines creased his brow. “You’re missing your Dragawn to be here?”

  How did he know that? Drayk didn’t answer, so Haal reached to grab his threadbare shirt and pushed him toward the front door of the main building. “I really could have done without this, dang it. I’d better watch over your ass.” The metallic doors, emblazoned with a language he hadn’t seen used in years, caught Drayk’s attention, but not as much as Haal’s final words. “Cale will seriously slit my throat if anything happens to you!”

  Haal placed his palm on a panel, and the door clicked. The Maxol muttered as they waited for it to expose the interior.

  As the Maxol stopped just inside, Drayk stumbled into Haal’s back. Drayk stood gawping. Scanning left to right, he observed the sheer size of the Guild’s main hall. Lavish marble floors and walls were adorned with ancient tapestries. Hundreds of Maxol milled inside, their crisp uniforms pressed to perfection. The crowded room fell silent. All eyes glared—at them.

  A guard to Drayk’s right pointed to standing room at his left, so the late arrivals stepped inside, trying their best to move quietly. It wasn’t happening; boots clicked on marble.

  The speaker at the podium glared in turn at them, then continued with his talk. Drayk scanned the room as he listened to the deep, resonating voice of the guild leader, noticing how his crisp, black slacks and golden shirt shimmered in the dim lighting. “Testing will commence in two hours. You’re to meet with your designated commander first. Move out.”

  “We’ve missed it all?” Drayk whispered, panic rushing through his veins.

  Haal motioned to the door. “It’ll be all right, you’ve got an invite, right?” On Drayk’s silence, he raised an eyebrow. “So, I presume you’ve no guild invitation then.”

  Drayk wished he had; he’d expected to try out much like his father had years before. His father had told his boys numerous stories about his guild entrance trials. The long queues to sign up to become one of Hygon’s Guild players, the tests he faced, adventures he experienced.

  With the click of his wrist app, Haal opened a 3-D holo. “Don’t worry; I know my way around here. You’re coming with me.” It took a second, and he brought up directions. “I’m to report to Commander Styx. He’s renowned for being the strictest teacher in here, but fear not, Sprout.”

  Feeling railroaded, Drayk could only take Haal’s word as truth. At the moment, that meant his safety as well. The crowd ahead of them moved in several different directions, leaving Drayk and Haal, once again, last. Exhaustion washed over him. Drayk’s shoulders sunk as adrenaline from the initial rush ebbed.

  Bad enough his younger brother called him names without anyone else doing so. Drayk worried about the nickname Haal had given him.

  If Haal truly does know Cale, then maybe he would watch out for me, be my guide. Drayk would need one within the system he so obviously wanted to be a part of. Haal stomped away, his boots clinking, encouraging Drayk to follow. From behind, he could see the fine detail of Haal’s uniform. Is eve
ryone here rich?

  Drayk glanced at his attire. His threadbare clothes hugged his growing frame; he was nowhere near the size of Haal. With a deep breath of the scented air, he straightened his back. I can do this.

  The corridor twisted left, then right, as Haal passed several doorways. The sound of combat escaped some rooms. Real combat?

  The more rooms they passed, the more Drayk’s heart quickened. He couldn’t fight anyway; he’d only ever seen Cale go head to head with one of his friends a few years back. When Drayk tried to stop it, it ended with Drayk breaking his arm. Absent-minded, he rubbed it; sometimes it still ached.

  Haal entered a large room. Five Maxol stood at attention in front of a young, thin Maxol commander. Drayk presumed this was Haal’s Commander Styx.

  The commander didn’t acknowledge them as they took their places beside the others. Like the guild leader, he continued speaking to those present. “The Araratian’s are a peaceful race. But humans are attempting to overrun their planet, forcing them into slavery. It is your job to stop them.” He turned to a screen showing a group of buildings, deep inside a hazy, red section. Enemy lines. “This must be taken down with minimal casualties. By minimum, I mean none. My second-in-command will fill you in now.”

  “We’re going on a mission?” Without thinking, Drayk blurted toward Haal, “What happened to training?”

  Haal glanced his way but winked, before moving to the front of the room. When he stood beside Commander Styx and took over the debrief, Drayk realised Haal was Styx’s second-in-command.

  “We’re leading through these doors.” Haal pointed at the map. His voice cool, fully in command. “I need Vic, Stai, and Callo to pull in defence. I’ll be taking point with Torin and Drei. Our new friend here is taking the mascot spot.” Drayk swallowed as all eyes turned to him. “Drayk. He must be protected at all costs. Penalty points will be handed out if anyone gets a shot at him. You hear me?”

  The Maxol crew around Drayk called out, “Sir, yes, sir.”

  Drayk had no clue what was happening, but joined in with the last, “Sir.” Very half-heartedly, but he managed it, attempting to keep his head high.