Guardians Of Voltor: Legends Of Voltor, #1

By Ethan Skinner

"Welcome, Guardians."

From the creative mind of Ethan Skinner.

"What is all of this?"

A new fantasy adventure novel set in the modern age.

"James. Aleah. Merlin. Are you ready?"

In a world filled with magic, wonder and secrets, where nothing is what it seems. James Ares, a teenager in the Kingdom of Voltor looks to be more, to become a legend just like his hero. Unfortunately, that is harder than it seems when everyone has more control over their magic. James, along with his friends Merlin and Aleah, sets out to become more powerful.

However, in a world filled with magic, thing ought to go wrong. On their quest for power, the trio begin to uncover the secrets of the so-called perfect kingdom, and encounters another after the same thing as them. Together, James, Merlin and Aleah must travel throughout their kingdom, face powerful threats and discover the secrets stopping them from reaching their potential.

"They took EVERYTHING from me. Now I will show them their mistakes!"

Follow their journey as they learn how to be courageous, to discover their power within and just maybe save their kingdom from utter annihilation from an evil ancient threat, hell bound on getting revenge on those who casted him out. All in a day's work for the GUARDIANS OF VOLTOR.

"There's more going on here than you realize!"

Get extra exclusive content with your preferred edition. Calabrum Edition comes with an exclusive side story about the Wizard Named Calabrum. You don't want to miss it!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ethan Skinner
• Release date: Feb 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223547402

Ethan Skinner

Ethan Skinner is a 16 year old student from Cape Academy, located in Cape Town, South Africa. As shown in his books, he has a fascination with all things fantasy, as well as storytelling which is why he approached becoming an author.  His favorite food is Ice-Cream and his favorite color is Purple. 

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Chloe Jane Southgate for helping with editing, storytelling and the overall process of creating Guardians of Voltor.

Thank you to all who supported me in this process.

To all who reads this, thank you for giving it a chance, and here’s to many more. Hope you enjoy!

INTRODUCTION

What to do, what to do? ... Oh, what are you doing here, this place isn’t just for anyone to access?

...

I see.

...

Who am I? That is not important. Others know me as the Storyteller, the keeper of the infinite library. I am there, here, everywhere. I’ve seen everything and been everywhere. I know everything for I am everything. Not to brag but I'm kind of a big deal.

...

You are in the Infinite Library, it's not called that, but I can’t tell you at this moment. Would ruin the surprise I have planned. Any other questions?

...

Oh. I called it that because every book here tells the story of every living thing in the MULTIVERSE! Too dramatic? Anyway, whether it’s short or long, this library has infinite stories, spanning from cute and romantic, to creepy and messed up horror. It's fun, really.

...

The Multiverse is basically all the many universes. There are infinite universes, not to mention their parallels and the infinite timelines, but we aren’t going to delve into that. Too complicated and Marvel is already going deep into that. Good to see you aren’t having an existential crisis. While you’re here, why don’t I tell you a story?

...

Ugh, don’t be so boring. You know, ever since that day... never mind. Nobody comes around here since it's in its own pocket universe. How you got here, I don’t even know. But I know you’re looking for a compelling story. Want one with a deep story between a few friends? Risky relationships? One about a talking sword? Murder mystery? Make your decision!

...

Indecisive? Fine, how about I tell you a story that is really close to me? Not just that, but a story that had the multiverse in peril. A story about a group known as the Guardians of Voltor. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

...

Great. You’re in for a treat. Hold on tight, don’t be bemused if you feel nauseous, okay?

[Portal Opens]

...

We are going to the Kingdom of Voltor, where this whole story began.

Chapter 1: Power Awakens

AGE: 2024

AHHHHHH! James yawned, stretching awake. James looked around as his vision got clearer. This is James Ares, a 17-year-old Voltorian, with a dream of being just like his hero.

How do I be like you, be courageous and save people when I can’t even help myself, he asked, looking at his poster of King Victor Voltor, a legendary king of Voltor, known for his bravery in the war of the Kingdoms, and the dreadful plague. Just then, his father walked in, Kid, stop talking to yourself, and get ready for school. Please don’t blow people up, okay? My job can’t afford all these damages, his father Joel said, before walking away, leaving James to think about his past mistakes.

Ever since he was a little child, James had been able to use life force, which was rare for young children, but also dangerous. Growing up, his power has only grown, more than he could control. This caused many accidents, some almost fatal, making him resent himself and his power. Ever since, he has tried burying that power, only for the occasional outbursts to happen. Nobody could help, no doctor or specialists knew why this was happening, calling James a phenomenon, but James didn’t know what to do about it, opting to suppress it, which was dangerous in itself. The only thing that brought him hope was his hero, King Victor Voltor, a king known for saving the Voltorian Kingdom from annihilation by the other Kingdoms around Titanus, and a deathly plague caused by a relative, jealous of his title. He looked up to him, wanting to be just like him and provide for the kingdom by joining the royal military, known for its power and strength. But not even that was enough to make him confident.

Once dressed in his school uniform, he brushed his brown locks to his usual style, slightly to the side. James looked in the mirror, his dark brown eyes meeting the mirror, filled with uncertainty. A sigh later, James headed to his kitchen where his parents were. His mother, Rachel Ares is an elementary school teacher, specializing in Grammar and History, and on the couch, watching TV, is his father, Joel Ares. He is an engineer who works at the leading electronic provider, known for their use of plant energy to power the network, spiffy stuff actually. Good morning honey, care for some suncakes? Rachel asked, taking off her apron.  

Thanks, Mom. Is there coffee, because I'm definitely going to need it, James sighed once again, alarming his parents.  

What’s wrong, is it that royal pain in the butt again? Joel asked, joining his son to eat.  

Well, yes but no. I'm just tired, he admitted.  

Why is that, you usually sleep all day? Rachel asked, concerned.  

Because I got to go to school every day and I do great. Then we go to training and I'm a wreck. People think so too. If it isn’t anything at all, then I'm blowing up the school. Some people are scared to be near me, he expressed, feeling humiliated.  

Don’t pull that face. You know it isn’t your fault— Joel replied, patting him on the back.  

If it isn’t my fault, then whose is it? I can’t do something that your elementary students can do. If I can’t do something so simple, then how will I be of any service to the Kingdom? I will never be like him, James mumbled, stuffing his face with suncakes.  

Don’t worry, you will get there someday. It will just take some time, Rachel smiled at him. While he felt comfortable with what they were saying to him, it didn’t take away the looming feeling of worthlessness. What would King Victor do in such situations? Probably nothing since he would never have been in this situation.  

After that, James took his backpack, and waited by the sidewalk for his best friends, Aleah Krystalis, a brunette with hazel eyes, and Merlin Akil, rocking short curly hair, tied in a bun, along with his freckles. Ready for another day at school, I'm itching for another battle, especially with Prince Adrien. To wipe that smile off his face would be mwah, chefs kiss, Aleah said, looking for a fight. Aleah was always someone with bloodlust and a thirst for battle. It's why she excels at training.

Nah, I wish they taught us better, more advanced spells instead of those basic ones. They’re crippling us, when we could all be stronger, Merlin added. Merlin had a fascination with magic, especially ancient magic which he thinks is still alive, despite many thinking it's not.

Maybe you should focus on your training, it's like you’re getting skinnier by the day.

Ha, funny. I think I'm fine, at least I know what I'm capable of, you just want to fight all the time, answered Merlin, offending her.

Can we not do this here, Ms. Ether is going to kill us if we’re late to history, and we get her first period. You two can argue during training, okay James intervened, a bit annoyed.

Since their school was within walking distance, they did just that. These three attended the prestige school of Voltor High School for the Gifted. Known for its top-of-the-class education, specializing in the study of life force. A large, highly advanced school, containing many different rooms and corridors made from stronger, more magical material to aid in the training, with architecture like that of a royal castle. Not only that, Voltor High is protected by a transparent barrier, powered by an unknown source. Hmm, I wonder what that could be. Known throughout the planet and open to anyone willing to learn and become greater. It's also known for making powerful citizens who in turn strengthen their kingdom. This was perfect for their goals. Aleah wanted to join the military and become the highest-ranking warrior. On the other hand, Merlin wanted to become a historian, trying to uncover the magical past of his world. Hoping to uncover the answers to his personal questions. All of this was why they joined Voltor High, but James’s goal seemed impossible, at least that’s how he saw it. Little did he know, things were about to change really fast.

Soon, they arrived at the gates of Voltor High, feeling motivated and ready, well, some of them were. Just as the trio walked into the main hallway, containing the bumbling students and their lockers with all their learning material, they heard a burst of significant laughter or more taunting to James. If it isn’t the mess-up, the nerd and the—  

Finish that sentence and I'll show you what I truly am, Aleah growled as their enemy showed up with his entourage behind him. Prince Adrien Voltor, son of King Vincent Voltor and Queen Felicia Voltor, is in line to inherit the title and crown when he turns eighteen next year and is planning to become a warrior just like those who have come before him. His great-grandfather was the famous King Victor Voltor, after all.

Ever since they had met back in elementary school, Prince Adrien had always targeted James, being a typical bully. However, this got even worse as they progressed to the next stage, high school. With James having performance issues, Prince Adrien has taken this opportunity to rub it in his face, calling him demeaning and distasteful names, trying to prove his superiority. Nobody knows why he did this, but they don’t question it. The last thing they want is to be in the bad books of the Prince of Voltor. Look, I don’t have time for you right now Adrien, James rolled his eyes, as they tried to move along before getting stopped.  

It's Prince Adrien for you, he hissed, raising his brow, with spitefulness.  

Don’t you have anything better to do? Aleah asked, folding her arms.  

If not for me, who will remind you of your worthlessness? he joked, laughing with his friends.  

At that moment, anger filled James’s mind and body, causing sparks of energy to appear around him. Merlin could feel this rise in energy as nobody else could. The energy continued to rise as the lights began to flicker and his eyes began to blow, causing Merlin to hit James on the back of his head, snapping him out of it, as everything went back to normal. Merlin sighed in relief. "Prince Adrien, why don’t you stop being a royal pain in the—"  

Aleah, don’t finish that sentence, a voice called out, walking towards the quarreling students.  

Oh, Mr. Chrono’s. We’re just— one of his lackeys said before getting interrupted.  

It was Mr. Chronos, the physical education teacher.  

Save it. Go to class before detention knocks on your door, Mr. Chronos warned them as Prince Adrien rolled his eyes.  

My father would never allow me to be in detention, he scoffed, folding his arms, and looking in the opposite direction.  

"I know but your father would be disappointed if he found out you are bullying other students. Everyone loves King Vincent and his good deeds. What would they think if his son is the complete opposite?" he mentioned, catching the prince off guard. Speechless, he scoffed before walking away, followed by his entourage.  

You guys should go to class too. Wouldn’t want to be late for Ms. Ether. Heard she is extra uptight today, Mr. Chronos whispered, filling them with panic before they rushed off to class.  

Arriving in class, they found themselves sitting on the right, next to the windows looking out to the lake next to their school. It was mesmerizing to see the bright sunshine glimmering on the water waves as the aquatic life inhabiting the lake swam and danced around. But all things must come to an end as Prince Adrien showed up, sitting behind the group, much to their dislike. Does he have to sit here? Aleah complained, releasing an exasperated sigh.  

There aren’t any other desks, so I don’t think he has much of a choice, Merlin innocently answered.  

This probably won’t go well. Knowing Ms. Ether, she won’t let anyone move. At least, not us, James sighed, looking out the window.  

I forgot how she favors him. Then again, he has the entire royal council behind him. We’re powerless, Aleah mentioned.  

There’s no way they will do anything about something as small as this. They have bigger things to worry about, like war or stuff, Merlin added.  

You’d be surprised at how petty they really are.  

Good morning students. Please take out your history books and open them up to Unit 1. Today we will be learning about Queen Margaret's era and the events around her time, Ms. Ether commanded in her elderly shaky voice.  

Most civilians have a fixed idea of how the royal family truly works. Some believe that they are for the good of the people, helpers, and even angels sent from above, wherever above is. Others believe that they are not worthy of ruling a Kingdom, people who are all talk, no action. Queen Margaret was supposed to be assassinated but instead the perpetrator killed her lover, Travis, because he protected her. Isn’t that romantic? I wish I had someone like that, who would risk their life for me, Ms. Ether fantasized as the class cringed.  

Too bad you’re too old, Prince Adrien commented as the whole burst out laughing. Ms. Ether turned her back to the class, pretending to write on the board, hurt by the comment.  

Feeling pity for her educator, Aleah decided to voice her opinion as this wasn’t the first time Prince Adrien had spoken like this to the staff of the school. But enough was enough.   

You’re so rude, you know that. How does it feel to make others feel bad? Is it too hard that large mouth of yours, Aleah scolded him, squinting her eyes.  

Ugh, stop being such a wet blanket. If you weren’t so pretty, I would’ve ended you too, he grinned at her, provoking her to jump up from her desk.

All you have to your name is your family. Without them, you’d be just some random person, like all of us. Trust me, you aren’t that special, not even close, Aleah added, coldly glancing at him, as the class gasped at her response.  

Good thing I’m not a nobody like the rest of you, he responded, smirking with satisfaction.

I’d rather be a nobody and a good person than put myself on a golden pedestal worth nothing, Aleah responded, before the bell rang, signaling the next period.  

Okay, everyone. Time to head to your next class. Please do your homework as you will be doing a class test on it tomorrow, Ms. Ether announced before everyone left instead of the trio.  

Ms. Ether, are you okay? Adrien can be such an—  

I know but he isn’t wrong. I'm too old to find love. It won’t be long before I perish, but thank you for being a nice person, Ms. Ether sighed, thanking Aleah. 

Adrien needs to be put in his place, James commented, shaking his head.  

Unfortunately, that won’t happen. He is blinded by his perfection. He has one of the highest grades in the school, tied with Merlin. Even in physical education, he is the most powerful student, even stronger than the seniors. As much as I hate to admit it, he is a perfect student. It feeds his ego aside from his royal status, Ms. Ether added, packing her bags.  

The group sighed, hearing all of this information.  

Don’t worry, I'm not afraid of him. But, are your age, isn’t it better to retire? Aleah asked as a frown appeared on her wrinkly face, followed by a sigh.  

I have nothing else to do. My family is overseas in the Kingdom of Lyon. What else can I do? she sighed as they looked down. 

You know what. Forget what Adrien said and find love. There are many people out there who would love to be with someone as great as you, James confidently suggested.  

Yeah, I'm sure you have a great personality that anyone around your age would love to be around. It's never too late to find love, Merlin added.  

Thank you for being so kind, but it's not realistic. Especially at my age when my cheeks have cheeks, she sighed as James and Merlin giggled before Aleah hit them over the head.  

You have a lot of time left, enough to find someone to love. Go find your Travis, Aleah smiled confidently at Ms. Ether, enlightening and encouraging her.  

Thank you, I really needed to hear that, she smiled before they left the class for the next subject, Grammar, taught by Mrs. Priya.  

During lunch, they sat down to eat, talking about the evil ways of Prince Adrien and a plot to beat him. That wouldn’t be easy, but they were determined. We have training after this. I'm probably going to sit on the bleachers again, wouldn’t want to make a fool of myself. James sighed, eating his lunch.  

Why not participate, it would help you to better control your life force? Merlin asked. 

The last time I did, I created a huge crater on the field. Who knows what might happen next, I could hurt everybody, he answered.  

I remember how shocked everyone was that day but think about it. Without control, you are already powerful but with control over your power, you could be the most powerful in the school. Even more powerful than that dolt Adrien, Aleah mentioned.  

It's hopeless when I try, it's like there is someone completely different inside of me.  

Just ask Mr. Chronos, he can help. He taught us all, I'm sure he could give special attention to a failing student, Merlin assured James.

Once their Lunch break ended, it was time for training, where they would work on their strength and further usage of Life Force.

At the beginning of creation, or so scientists say, every living thing had a life force, an energy that allowed the living to, well, live. It powers everything necessary to live. For some time, life force was just that, until a few people discovered a way of channeling their life force outside of their body, performing miracles unknown to the living. Allowing for a longer life span. Some thought it was sorcery, causing it to be labeled as witchcraft for some time, until the transition into the modern age. Modern scientists built upon the theory of years back, proving it to be true. This revolutionized everything from everyday life to machines, medicines and so much more. After this, it became mandatory to learn how to control this power in order to go into certain fields.

That’s not all, Life Force is split into two categories, good and evil, each caused by the intent of the usage of Life Force. Emotion is another factor of life force, and if not controlled, can cause catastrophic results. Positive intent and emotion form calm, good energy, taking the color of a light blue. Negative intent and emotion cause the energy to be chaotic and unpredictable taking on the color of a murky purple.

How it works is that your body acts as a container, constantly filling and flowing with life-force energy. It provides the body with energy and even healing with the right control. Life force energy is channeled everywhere at all times but can also be sent to certain parts of the body, which can empower that specific part to do more. This helped many warriors to increase their speed, strength, and agility. Life force energy can also be channeled and transferred outside of the body, but without control, things can become dangerous which is why advanced techniques are avoided in the curriculum. Too much contained energy can be disastrous, even fatal to the user and those around them. From energy blasts to protection shields, life force can be bent and shaped, if you have enough energy to maintain it. At Voltor High, this is taught alongside martial arts for those who lack control, but it’s still rare.

After dressing in their uniform, a protective suit that lessens shocks from any attack or blast, in case of certain incidents, students in class 11-A met up in the arena. A large open area that is usually open for sports and events. It is covered by an indestructible barrier so that students can really use their powers to their maximum potential.  

I'm glad to see everyone is here. Today, we will be putting all the training you have gone through in a little tournament. So, everyone, get in pairs, Mr. Chronos announced, blowing his whistle as everyone scrambled to find a partner, except James who didn’t think he could join.  

Umm, sir, I don’t have a partner, a student called out, confusing the young teacher as he counted all the standing students.  

One... two... I swear I counted an even number, Mr. Chronos questioned, tilting his head in confusion.  

Hmm. Maybe it's the useless fool sitting OVER THERE! Prince Adrien shouted as everyone looked over to the bleachers where James just sighed, glancing coldly at a grinning Adrien.  

Uhh, any explanation why you aren’t here with the others? Mr. Chronos asked, standing firmly in front of him.  

I'm not safe to be around. Don’t you remember what happened the last time?  

FLASHBACK

...now try to output the energy you channeled into a ball. A small ball in your palm. Focus really hard, okay? Mr. Chronos advised, walking past the young students as small balls of energy appeared in their palms.  

Uhh... James, don’t you think yours is getting a bit too big? Merlin asked, sensing the immense power coming out of the terrified James.  

I—can’t—control it! James answered as his ball of energy began to expand, scaring all the other students.  

James, get rid of it! Mr. Chronos shouted as it got as big as the entire field.  

I can’t! he shouted, turning his head as it continued to expand.  

JUST FOCUS!  

Suddenly, James became overwhelmed. Merlin could feel this, becoming aware of what would happen next. EVERYONE TAKE COVER! Merlin shouted as James succumbed to his anxiety causing the ball of energy to blow up, creating a shockwave that traveled throughout the entire kingdom of Voltor. The wind picked up dangerously, due to the force of the blast, sending students flying, while some held on for dear life.  

When it finally stopped, all the students were dazed about what happened. James opened his eyes to the entire field, now just the crater of his creation. He looked around in terror as some students were lying unconscious while the students who were better helped clear the casualties while James ran away scared and  afraid of the damage he caused.  James, don’t—run, Mr. Chronos sighed.

PRESENT

James looked troubled as Mr. Chronos pat him on the shoulder. "It's okay to feel that way. I mean, you did almost kill everybody but now it can be different. Just remember to focus on where you are putting that energy. Whatever you do, don’t channel it externally. Just let it flow throughout your body. Unfortunately, you are going to be at a disadvantage but if you want, I could train you after. Seems like you are going to need it," Mr. Chronos offered.  

Really, you would do that? he asked, feeling a bit more excited.

If it helps you thrive, I would gladly. Now go out there and try. Don’t fail on purpose.  

James ran to the rest of the students, partnering up with another student. While James wasn’t skilled in terms of using his energy, he was good at physical combat. However, he was vulnerable to any energy attacks from whoever he was facing. At least they had a partner to help in battle, or so they thought. Since everyone has a partner, turn to each other. They are the ones you will be fighting. Before you start, I have taken down each group so whoever loses will progress to the next round. Yes, this is a tournament, he shouted, proud. Everyone was shocked as they had to go against their friends. James looked at his opponent before standing in a battle stance, ready to fight.  

BEGIN! 

Everyone was isolated in their own little protective bubbles to engage in their battles. James analyzed his surroundings and his opponent, Claus, who was already charging energy balls. He took a deep breath in before the energy balls were shot at him, causing him to run next to the forcefield, before getting closer and attacking them with hand-to-hand combat. Too fast for them to keep up, he slid his foot, tripping Claus and sitting on their back, preventing him from doing anything else. Good game? With that, James defeated his first opponent.  

Claus and James walked out as Prince Adrien glanced at the two. You lost to this powerless freak. Pathetic, he commented, as Claus looked down in despair.  

It's okay Claus. I was struggling with that first attack of yours. Maybe we both can improve and have a rematch if you’d like that? James offered, sitting down with Claus.  

No need to feel pity for me. I failed because I underestimated you. Sorry, but I’d like to take you up on that offer, Claus sighed before smiling, holding out his hand.  

I’ll be waiting, James nodded, as the two shook hands.  

Meanwhile, in their own bubble, Aleah and Merlin were on edge about fighting each other. I thought we were going to fight with each other. I don’t want to fight you, Merlin complained, knocking on the barrier.  

Me neither. I really wish I was paired with that prick, Adrien. I would’ve beat him so hard, Aleah thought out loud.  

You hate him that much?  

Of course, I do. He treats everyone like scum like he is that special. I bet you right now that he is busy making fun of all the students who lost their battle. Poor James, he just can’t catch a break, Aleah sighed, leaning against the forcefield.  

You think he lost? Merlin asked, sitting on the ground.  

I mean, he is going against people who have their life force to back them up. I'm not saying he lost, but there is a big possibility he did, Aleah answered, looking aside at the others fighting.  

Let’s have faith in James. Maybe he did win. 

You’re probably right. I shouldn’t put him down that easily. Anyway, you want to get over with this? she asked, catching Merlin off-guard.  

Wait, we’re going to fight? he asked, frightened.  

Yeah. It’s just for school so it doesn’t mean anything.  

You sure? he asked as she nodded, getting into her battle stance. Merlin swallowed his saliva, feeling Aleah’s energy level rise, higher than even his. Left with no other choice, he channeled all this energy into his legs as Aleah rushed forward with an energy beam ready before rushing out of the way. This continued as Aleah kept on trying to blast the fast Merlin. He stopped to catch his breath as Aleah stood in front of him, tilting her head.  

The more you try to dodge me with your speed, you’ll end up running out of energy, she smiled, placing her hand in front of him, ready to blast him but before she could, Merlin pushed her hand up, sending the blast towards the ceiling of the barrier. Before she could do anything else, Merlin pushed Aleah, with his hands full of energy, against the