Novel The Void Wolf

Chapter 19

Spoiler: Read More

“Ugh…”

Ira slowly rolled over on a wooden floor and held his head. Sunlight made its way into the room through the window.

“…Heh.”

He chuckled as he looked at his left hand and recalled what happened the day before.

After the engagement was settled, Lauren ordered the servants to bring out ceremonial wine, but it wasn’t just any ceremonial wine, in fact ordinary humans couldn’t drink more than one cup or they would die. An aged wine made with various spirit essences, made especially for Valkyries, it tasted like fruit juice, but if one were to assume it was they’d be in terrible situation.

Lauren suggested Ira try to lower his regeneration rate by using his ability to self-adapt, to get the full effect of his first cup of wine.

Suffice to say, he received a lot more than the full effect.

After the small ceremony was finished, Avery got a servant to drive a carriage back to the capital. She booked him a room inside of a small inn, and told him she was investigating someone and he should stay within range of the capital for the next few weeks or so, in case she needed his help or her mother wanted to talk to him.

Ira closed his eyes and slowly adjusted his regeneration, his level of control wasn’t at the point where he could make snap adjustments.

After a few minutes, Ira opened his eyes.

“Better.”

He smiled cheerfully and stood up. The room was small and the only furnishing, other than the bed, were a desk and a stool.

On the desk Ira could see the white-glass status card. He grabbed it and waved his left hand, storing it in his void space and made his way out the room.

“Your lady friend already paid for your room.”

A middle-aged man spoke as he saw Ira leaving the room. It was apparent he was the innkeeper.

After receiving a meaningful nod of approval based from misunderstanding from him, Ira left.

His first stop was the Mercenaries Union.

After a short trip through the Capital’s streets he arrived at the familiar building, and as usual there were long lines of people hoping to become Mercenaries.

Ira walked over to the line for those who already Mercenaries and waited. Eventually he finally got to the receptionist, a young man with round glasses looked up at Ira.

“What do you need today?”

The young man with glasses asked.

“I want to update the status on my Mercenary card.”

“Ok, No problem do you have your status card and mercenary card with you?”

The young man asked.

Ira produced the cards from thin air and handed them over.

“J-Just one second.”

The young man wasn’t surprised by Ira’s display of spatial magic, it wasn’t a skill seen everyday but it was still widely known. What surprised him was Ira’s status card, it looked to be way more advance then the Kingdom’s own.

The cards were placed on a small glass screen and Ira’s history was pulled up and updated.

“H-Here you go. Everything’s up to date. Also room number was left by a Mercenary party, they should still being staying in the room currently.

The young man handed the card back to Ira.

“Thanks.”

Ira grinned and went on his way to the lift.

Ira arrived on the second floor and went straight to the job boards, ignoring the giant blue glass column, which ranked Mercenaries.

First the he received credit for capturing the Slaver, Lance’s party listed him as a temporary member, and thus the job was added to his record.

His list of jobs were now increased compared to the last time he came.

Since Avery told him to stay in the capital for the time being, he decided to take on a few local jobs with no time completion conditions. They read as follows:

“Find information or Disrupt a Local Gang’s operation.

•5,000 Gre for viable information.

•25,000 Gre for capture of suspected leader. 15,000 for killing suspected leader.
B+ level target: Romelyn “Snake’s Fang”

•100 Gre for each associate capture or killed.

Time Requirement: None.

See Captain of the City Guards before starting.”

“Security and Escort.

•2500 Gre for security. (Rate negotiable based on performance.)

•No Mercenaries Groups. (A trio or pair is preferred.)
•Must be ready to fight a variety of creatures (If need arises)
•May have to go to the outskirts of the Capital for a few hours.
•Additional Preferred Qualities. (Not scared of fire, ice, acid, or magic. No fear of the arcane or demonic. Able to deal with semi-spiritual beings. Willing to work for low pay.)

Go to Charlie’s Alchemical Concoctions

Time Requirement: None (Preferably as soon as possible)”

Three other jobs , that weren’t really eye-catching, paid around 5,000 Gre.

The strangest job was for Charlie’s Alchemical Concoctions, it was a low paying job with some irregular details. In spite of that Ira still took the job.

Ira walked up the steps and arrived on the third floor. He went towards the rooms for rent and found the room number left behind for him.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Hold on.”

A voice faintly responded.

The door opened.

“…You’re alive!”

Sarah exclaimed in surprise. Instead of archers armor, she currently wore casual clothes.

“Pretty much.”

Ira laughed.

He turn his head to look left and right.

“You gonna let me in or-”

“Sorry. Come in.”

Sarah moved out the way and let him in.

“Sarah who is it?”

Lance voice could be heard from deeper in the room.

“You won’t believe it.”

Sarah said as she ran ahead of Ira.

Ira came into the living room and saw Lance, Gerald, Valerie, and Zella, all staring at him in surprise.

There was a large map on the floor and a mess of papers.

“Glad to see you’re ok. We were worried about your health. ”

Lance said first.

The other spoke in agreement.

“Thanks for my portion from the bounty…What are you guys doing exactly?”

Ira asked, looking at the map on the floor.

“We took on a subjugation job for a tribe of trolls. We’re currently in the planning phase. They’ve been attacking people a little up north of the capital.”

Lance explained.

“Hey! Do you wanna join? We could use your tracking abilities. ”

Gerald uncharacteristically spoke up.

“I’d like to join, but I have to stay within the capital for the next couple of weeks.”

“Ira!”

Gerald shouted.

“Gerald.”

Ira chuckled in response.

“Your left hand!”

Everyone’s attention went to Ira’s left hand, a pearl white ring was resting on his ring finger.

Gerald was the first to notice because on his own left hand was a gold wedding ring. He saved up from his first few jobs just to buy it, so he unconsciously compared his own ring to Ira’s before realizing Ira never wore a ring.

Everyone looked at Ira, their expressions clearly indicated they wanted an explanation.

“I’m engaged.”

Ira said casually.

“Since when?!”

Lance couldn’t help but ask, he personally admired the sense of freedom Ira gave off in his behavior.

“Yesterday.”

Ira chuckled.

“To who?!”

Sarah asked, although Ira didn’t have the “Knight in shining armor” temperament, he was handsome and his strange behavior made him easy to talk to. She, Valerie, and Zella secretly wished Lance could be more like Ira.

Ira made a confused expression.

“You’ve already met her. She came to find me, and you gave her my portion of the money from the bounty, dark purple hair, silver eyes. Ringing any bells?”

Ira said.

“She’s your fiancé?!”

Lance asked, an unmasked trace of envy in his eyes, he didn’t notice the angry expressions of the females.

“Yeah…Listen I have things to do, so I’ll see you all later.”

Ira said as he turned to leave.

“Wait, we’re going to get fitted for new Armor, if it’s not that important maybe you can come with us first.”

Gerald suggested, he thought of Ira as a friend and now that he was engaged, he had more to ask him about.

Ira held his chin as he contemplated.

“Alright.”

He agreed.

…………………….

A baby-faced youth in Knight armor tied horses to a post outside the gate of a large decrepit mansion, paint had long since peeled from the walls, and the wood was clearly rotting.

“Franklin. Hurry up.”

An older, more experienced looking knight, stood at the gate and urged the younger knight, Franklin, on.

“Why don’t you tie up your own horse, Justin?”

Franklin complained.

“Come on, Frankie.”

Justin opened the rusted gate and walked in.

“Wait up.”

Franklin ran to catch up to him.

It’s been a little more than month since Franklin and Justin were given the assignment to investigate a noble family by the name of Fallmire from Avery. Recently, they heard reports of Avery losing her military position, and a strange event happening at the military center, but some higher-ups let them continue the investigation, with the stipulation of finishing it in less than three months.

Above the gate was a rusted metal plate, wrapped in dry vines. It was just barely possible to make out the words that were on it.

It read: The Fallmire Family Mansion.

…………………

 

thanks for updating, love the series as always!

 

I'm glad you like it.

 

Chapter 20

Spoiler: Read More

Inside the basement of an abandoned building in the inner slums, two men, wearing only small waistcloths, lay on metal examination tables.

These two men were completely hairless and pale.

If Ira was there, he would recognize them as the ones who cursed him.

Both of the men had a long scar down their sides, exact same length, opposite sides. These men were born conjoined at birth.

Needless to say, their lives were hard, and after being abandoned by their own parents they struggled to survive. That's until they were picked up by Glen Marbot. For the first time in their lives, they were given a purpose, and they worshiped him for it. At first, the experiments hurt, the pain was completely unbearable, but Glen said the pain would stop, and it stopped.

They were once weak, but he said they would become strong, and it became so.

Now he told them they might die.

For them, their greatest honor was dying for their Master, his cause was to rebuild the world, and they would be the ones responsible for the beginning of his New World.

Glen stood at a table mixing various ingredients, and adjusting strange tools. Animal remains and vials of blood lined the walls above the desk.

A few days ago, after he found out Ira was injured in a sparring match, he discreetly paid someone to retrieve traces of his blood.

Glen looked at a small vial that was currently holding liquid. The amount it held was barely enough to be called two drops worth, but Glen smiled anyway.

He opened the vial, carefully, and poured a drop into a metal bowl.

Glen grabbed the other mysterious vials and dumped them all into the bowl.

Immediately a reaction took place, the mixture bubbled and pulsated, it almost looked alive. He added more ingredients and constantly stirred the mixture in the bowl. As he stirred, the color of the contents, turned into an ominous, dark crimson.

Glen then focused on a second bowl, he filled with crushed herbs and then poured the last remaining drop into it. The mixture lightly bubbled, and the color was a bright shade of white gold.

"Forget during her sickness...With more his blood she'll be immortal...No more sickness for anyone...No more death..."

Glen soliloquized, with an obsessive glint in his eyes.

Glen finished stirring the mixture and grabbed thirteen syringes. He filled each of them a quarter of the way up, and then put caps on all of them.

He hesitated a little bit and then grabbed two more syringes, and filled one a quarter of the way and one 3/4ths the way up with the white gold mixture. Now the two bowls were empty.

Glen turned around.

There were fourteen examination tables, all of them except one, held an occupant, elderly, men, women, children.

With the exception of the two men in red, everyone else had dull eyes. It was clear they were most likely hypnotized.

"Rise!"

Glen shouted as he rung a bell.

One by one, each occupant slowly sat up.

He walked past each one and placed a syringe in their hands.

"When the time comes, use it."

Glen looked over the occupants and ordered, shaking his bell.

"You have your instructions. Now go."

On his cue, each occupant stood up and grabbed a cloak, each one was a different color as to not draw attention. They lethargically shuffled out of the room and up the stairs.

The two pale hairless men didn't follow the crowd but stayed behind.

"Around this evening or so, they should be in position. When one of you find the boy, the other will give the signal. Bring him back by whatever means possible, and use the chaos as cover."

Glen said gently as he hugged the two hairless men tightly as if they were his own children.

"Yes..."

"...Master"

The two men responded, restraining the emotion in their voices. They climbed up the stairs and left Glen alone in the room.

"..."

Glen grabbed the white gold syringe and tucked it into his chest pocket.

.......................

"Show me the log of prisoners bought in the auction, everything under Marbot."

Avery spoke plainly as she took down the hood of her black cloak.

Currently, she stood inside the Kingdom's department of commerce, specifically the record room. After the altercation with Lauren and Casey, the Kingdom allowed Avery high-level clearance, in hopes of getting in her good graces.

"Yes, Ma'am."

An old woman went into the backrooms and handed Avery a single sheet of paper.

Avery examined the paper.

"Just this?"

She asked.

The old woman nodded in response.

The paper recorded the most recent purchases from Glen Marbot, a man accused of using black magic, a pair of disfigured twins, and an old purchase of a female slave from Grant Marbot, Glen Marbot's, now dead, father.

Avery contemplated briefly.

"Get me the purchase records of anyone accused of using black magic."

She finally said.

The old woman went back into the room and came out a few minutes later with a small folder.

"Black magic is forbidden so there aren't many of people getting accused cases."

The old woman explained.

Avery went through the folder.

There were no patterns upon the first look.

Avery looked over it slowly.

"E and A"

She said aloud.

"I'm sorry?"

The old woman asked.

"Nothing. Could you bring me the records of any proven Witches."

Avery asked.

The woman went into the back room and came back with a single piece of paper.

"Witches are notoriously hard to capture."

The old woman explained.
Avery compared the single sheet to the folder.

"E and A."

She said as her brows slightly raised.

There was a pattern within the records.

It looked to be a random amount of buyers on the lists, but if she looked at the names that begun with E or A as one entity, it showed they had the most buys.

"That's all."

Avery reorganized the papers and handed them back to the old lady.

She put on her hood and left the department of commerce.

Stepping into the street she looked at the sky, currently, the sun was setting, there were only a few hours left until the evening. She decided to check to go to the Registry building.

"Glen Marbot."

She spoke to the man attending the desk as she waved the Kingdom's Warrant.

"U-Uh, yeah."

The man was surprised at Avery's looks and jumbled his words. He went into a back room and pulled out a large folder.

Avery checked it over.

Most of the Marbot Family were in other territories, it appeared Glen Marbot's current household was just him and an ex-slave named.

"Ethel."

Avery said solemnly.

"That's all."

She handed the file back and left the building.

Avery moved towards the direction of the Mercenaries Union.

.........................

On the fifth floor of the Mercenaries Union building, inside of the equipment shop, a few people browsed around.

"How much?"

Ira questioned. One the counter of the shop was a complete set of black leather armor.

"Twenty-thousand Gre."

The male clerk responded politely.

Ira held his chin, all of a sudden he made a crafty expression and laughed slyly. He waved his left hand and produced a pastry.

He looked around and then leaned closer to the clerk, sliding the pastry onto the desk.

"How much now?"

He said, as winked meaningfully. The clerk picked up the pastry and ate it.

Crunch. Crunch.

The clerk nodded his head after he finished eating.

Ira made a smug smile.

"Twenty-thousand Gre."

The clerk responded in a sarcastic tone, winking back. He's come across people trying to bribe him to get lower prices but never someone as cheap as the boy in front of him.

"Figures."

Ira clicked his tongue and handed over 20,000 Gre.

"Thank you for your patronage."

The clerk was a little surprised, the boy didn't seem that wealthy, but apparently, he was, most Mercenaries would hesitate to spend that much on a set of leather armor. Little did he know, Ira currently only had 2,500 Gre.

The clerk slid the set armor across the counter.

Ira just waved his left hand, and it disappeared from sight.

"Wha-"

The clerk watched in surprise, he wasn't sure just when Ira chanted the incantation for his magic.

"Ira, we're done. You ready?"

Lance appeared all of a sudden and asked. He and his party were fitted for armor and would come back to get it at a later date.

"Yeah."

Ira left the store with Lance and his party.

There were no Blacksmiths within the Mercenaries Union, as to not upset the economic balance.

The MU paid outside blacksmiths, to create armor, weapons, and equipment. It was far more convenient for the Mercenaries, to buy equipment where most of them ate, slept, and trained. The only drawback was that the MU charged more for the armor to avoid a cost deficit.

The armor Ira brought at 20,000 Gre would've been around 15,000 or less at the shop which made it. This also encouraged people to buy directly from the source, helping small craftsmen businesses thrive.

"What did you get?"

Gerald asked as they descended to the third floor.

"A Cerberus leather armor set."

Ira answered.

"Woah, that's a lot of money."

Lance said.

"Yeah, I'm hoping lunch is on you all."

Ira laughed.

They arrived at the cafeteria area and found an open table.

"I'll grab the usual meals, you want anything specific?"

Gerald stood up and asked.

"A steak."

Ira responded as he held his chin, Gerald walked to the cook.

"Make it two."

He shouted.

Gerald waved his hand in response.

"You know, maybe we should spar together sometime."

Sarah suggested.

"What's your rating as a party?"

Ira reclined in the chair and grinned.

"B plus."

She responded proudly. Valerie and Zella nodded.

"You all will have to fight me at once."

Ira casually stated.

It would sound like arrogant grandstanding if it came from any else, but Ira was too blunt with his words and actions to be one who sought praise.

"You...What's your rating?"

Lance asked.

Ira waved his hand and the status card appeared. He handed it over to Ira, by now Gerald was back with the trays of food, each one with a different dish and a cup of water.

Ira grabbed the steak and tore a piece off with his hand.

"Ira...where'd you get this card?"

Lance examined the card without looking at the information.

Ira looked at Lance while he chewed.

"Secret..."

He said with a mouth full of food.

"Well, it looks way more expensive than the-"

Lance stopped mid-sentence.

"A minus!"

Lance shouted and drew the attention of everyone of in the cafeteria. He quieted down and passed the card around for the rest of the group to see. They stared at Ira with amazed eyes.

Lance and Gerald saw Ira fighting firsthand, and put his severed arm back in place, which would be beyond normal, but seeing a list of his full abilities was shocking. Especially the fact that his combat rating was high, even though he wasn't skilled in swordsmanship and his martial arts weren't that proficient.

It should be noted that beast people and elves usually had ratings slightly better than humans, even with their innate abilities.

"Wait your abilities are-"

Gerald started speaking in awe but was stopped.

"Ira."

A woman spoke in a serious tone. Even though she sounded apathetic, her voice was somehow a little pleasing to hear.

The party reflexively looked to see who the source of the source of the voice was.

"Avery."

Ira laughed heartily, taking a drink of water from his cup.

Avery took down her hood, as her silver eyes briefly traced over Lance and his friends, before turning her attention back to Ira.

Last time Lance and his friends saw Avery she was wearing her hood and they didn't get a good look, but now they could see her face completely. Even with her indifferent expression, she was still incredibly beautiful. They stealthily peeked at her left hand and could see a pearl-white ring similar to Ira's.
Avery looked directly at Ira.

"Are we leaving right now?"

Ira asked he chewed his steak.

"..."

Avery raised her eyebrows mockingly.

"Right...I'll see you guys later."

Ira finished his steak and his cup of water.

He waved his hand and tossed out 50 Gre.
Both Ira and Avery walked away together.

"Just like a married couple."

Gerald nodded his head in approval.

Ever since he met Ira he became more outspoken, his shy temperament didn't suit someone as big as him.

"...Yeah."

Lance agreed, a dazed expression on his face.

If he was in Ira's shoes he would get engaged too.

Sarah, Valerie, and Zella pouted inwardly. Most people subconsciously compared themselves to others, and they were no exception.

Soon Avery and Ira made their way outside of the Union building. Judging by the sun, it was now the cusp of the evening, in about two hours the sun would be setting.

"Oh, yeah. You aren't a mercenary to my knowledge, so how'd you get past the elevator?"

Ira asked curiously.

"Valkyrie mind magic."

Avery said uncaringly.

Ira made a skeptical expression, but couldn't help it.

"Seriously?"

He asked, his eyes showing a trace of expectation.

"No."

Avery chuckled.

"..."

Ira dropped his shoulders with exaggerated motions.

"We might have a problem."

Avery said, her voice seemed to carry anticipation.

"Yeah?"

Ira asked a wolfish grin spread across his face.

...........................

On the peak of a mountain, there was a construct which was very temple-like in nature. A stone pathway led to a statue which stood in front of the palace, a steel sword was inserted into a stone and read as so:

The sword that carved this place.

The words weren't anything profound, but to carve a temple with a sword obviously wasn't something anyone could do.

Past the statute was the entrance to the Temple, which was at the very least 30 feet tall.

There were no doors, instead, a thin, transparent, membrane-like barrier covered it.

The Kingdom was still exploring the nearly unlimited applications of magic, as of right now, the door was seen as a more practical form of protection, as barriers needed a constant energy supply.
Inside the temple, a lengthy pathway stretched throughout the temple and on each side of it, tall gray marble pillars held up the ceiling.

The spaces between the pillars were metal stands, each held a weapon, with a name carved into the stand.

To the outside eye, it would look like a peculiar place to store weapons. Only those who occupied the temple knew what it meant.

Further down the pathway split into three sections. One lead straight down the middle, the other two lead to the left and right, respectively. each one led to a spacious doorway, covered in a solid silver barrier.

The sound of fighting faintly echoed from the right path, while the middle and left paths were silent.

Behind the middle pathway, a group of purple hair women sat at a dark brown long table made of wood. The wood wasn't ordinary, those who had the ability would be able to detect the spirit magic emanating from it.

At the head of the table, sitting in a chair, that matched the table, was Lauren Thynne. On the left side of the table, closest to Lauren sat Casey. On the close right, sat a woman who looked similar to both of them. In fact, all the seats were occupied by young women with dark purple hair and silver eyes, with strikingly similar features, a few even wore black dresses that looked alike.

"Mother, in everyone has received the message, in two weeks they'll be back."

The woman on the right stated.

"But I can't understand, why move the whole family after all these years?"

The woman continued.

"Judith."

Casey started speaking, but Lauren raised her hand to stop her.

"Do you know why I decided to hide that oath all those years ago?"

Lauren asked the whole table, who in turn remained silent.

"It wasn't to teach the Kingdom some moral lesson, or to see if the Kings who come and go are more studious than the last."

Lauren said, a bit of mockery present in her voice.

"Was it so they don't use us as their shields?"

A Valkyrie asked.

"That's just something I told them."

Lauren smiled.

"Do you think they could even solicit us to take a step for their benefit, let alone fighting their battles?"

She explained.

"Then why, Mother?"

Casey asked, even she was confused.

"War and Death are coming to that Kingdom..."

Lauren stated solemnly, as her eyes went cold. Her tone gave the impression of pure fact. Tension pervaded the room, a large pressure accompanied it.

"...And when it does, it'll be the perfect environment to train my granddaughters."

Lauren faintly smiled, as the pressure instantly disappeared.

The power of a soul contract was immense and it was difficult to find loopholes. Lauren couldn't just tell her granddaughters to provoke the Kingdom, or else it would break the soul contract and kill everyone who took the oath. By hiding her families true status all those years ago, the Kingdom turning against them turned into an eventuality.

"The awakenings have been slower and slower. The fourth generation of this family have had awakenings in their early twenties, that's four times longer than my own. Stopping marriages with outsiders was nothing more than a temporary solution to an ever-present problem. There are beings just as strong as us out there, and when we meet them I want us to be prepared."

Lauren spoke with the grace of a queen.

"Mother, is the training no longer enough?"

Judith asked, she didn't care much about the deaths of humans, but more about the status of the bloodline.

"You should all be able to tell our abilities are suited for war, but by taking that oath, we have been the biggest obstacle in our own development."

Lauren explained. Since the oath was broken she was free to speak about it, without restraint.

The Valkyries in the room all showed expressions of realization.

Although the lives of thousands were now in jeopardy, the Valkyries didn't any concern. A few thought that humans should be thankful. Times of conflict give rise to strength, times of peace give rise to weakness. It was simple logic.

The principles of the Valkyries sat inside of a moral gray area. They would feel a sense of loss if one of their own died, but the deaths humans were an inevitability to them. Whether they died today or tomorrow didn't really matter in their eyes, but that didn't mean they wouldn't go around killing humans as they pleased, well without a good reason of course, but a "good reason" is a subjective thing.

Lauren killed dozens of guards just to tell King Windsor he broke an oath he wasn't even aware of but chose not to kill them all when he ordered his guards to stand down.

It was a good reference for the morality of Valkyries. They weren't upright and just, and the oath was born out of sentiment. When weighed against the growth of their own family, it became useless.

If King Windsor could hear any of this, he might've come to regret the oath altogether.

"There are abilities that we all should have, and yet we don't. With the end of that oath, even we will grow more than we previously did."

Lauren said elegantly, as her eyes held a trace of yearning.

The Valkyries in the room couldn't help but to get caught up in the mood and feel a sense of awe at the new prospects.

..............................

"My King."

General Holchester kneeled in front of the throne. His eyes held traces of fatigue, and his overall temperament was changed, many people felt as if he wasn't his usual self.

"Speak Holchester, tell me just how far this runs."

King Windsor asked grimly.

"My King, we've confirmed around a dozen cases, in which it was evident the Thynne family interfering. Half of the cases could've led to cities being destroyed, while the other half could've affected whole provinces."

"Such as?"

King Windsor reluctantly asked.

"My King, you may recall thirty years ago, an Elder Dragon was on course for one of the northern provinces."

General Holchester said.

"Yes, it caused the populace to stir but the dragon abruptly changed its pattern of...flight."

King Windsor realized something was wrong with that statement.

Any dragon that was old enough to be called an Elder Dragon would be unrestrained in its movement. So why would it change its course.

"My King, there were a few reports in small villages of something 'flying' towards the direction the dragon was supposed to head in."

General Holchester read the Kings expression and spoke.

"My King, Forty years ago, when the Dark Elves showed signs of movement, a few isolated reports of a 'flying human-like' creature circulated around at the time, but because they were from small villages or people who lived away from society, they were disregarded. Shortly after the reports, the Dark Elves remained within their borders and haven't moved since."

General Holchester said seriously.

"..."

King Windsor remained silent.

"My King, recently we've seen less activity from the Diavol, I suspect that-"

"That's enough, General Holchester."

King Windsor breathed deeply.

"Did you gather anything good from this?"

King Windsor asked rhetorically.

"My King, although things seem ominous, we've been in preparation since the black pillar incident."

General Holchester said it seemed like more an attempt to reassure himself if anything.

"We both know the preparation has been half-assed."

King Windsor spoke frankly.

"My, King. There is one thing we may have a lead on."

General Holchester responded.

"Speak, Holchester."

"My King, before Avery Thynne's...departure...she was investigating a noble family by the name of Fallmire if we can get the information before she does we may have a chance to get into the good graces of the Valkyries."

General Holchester suggested.

"If we can earn their favor, then they may lend small assistance if the need arises."

King Windsor knew better than to grow optimistic at the first sign of hope.

"You may leave Holchester, send your family my regards."

King Windsor could see that it was just about the evening and decided to dismiss General Holchester.

"My King."

General Holchester stood up and bowed before exiting the King's hall.

.................................

"Glen Marbot."

Ira held his chin.

Currently, he and Avery were sitting at a table, in an open plaza, close to the Mercenaries Union.

The sky was a hazy shade of amber, the streets were busy as most people finished with work, and now made their way home.

Avery explained to him in detail how she suspected Glen sent the group of assassins, and that the two men in red were most likely connected to him.

"Why would he kidnap people?"

Ira asked curiously.

"Maybe to test his black magic on?"

Avery stated, her tone showed she was uncertain.

"We'll go visit him and find out."

Avery tapped her saber scabbard.

"You can't get your mother to...I don't know...kill him?"

Ira asked jokingly.

"I can only call her if I can't handle the situation, and it's certain that the only outcome is death."

Avery retorted.

"And besides, it's better this way."

She smiled lightly.

"I guess it is."

Ira chuckled as he stood up and stretched.

He waved his hand and dropped a set of black leather armor onto the table.

One by one he equipped each piece.

Those who passed by looked at Ira strangely, it wasn't a normal occurrence to see someone put on armor in public.

After he finished he nodded his head.

His armor set consisted of:

A leather chest plate, leather bracers, leather hand wraps, a leather tasset belt, and a set of leather greaves.

"Right. Lead the way-"

Ira paused. He felt someone looking at him from afar.

Avery noticed his change and stood up.

On the roof of a nearby building, a man in red robes stood alone, looking directly at Ira. The man began chanting a spell.

"Something isn't right."

Ira said.

He scanned the crowds, trying to tune his instincts, but he couldn't see anyone within the crowd.

Avery also looked around but fared no better.

"That guy again."

Ira suddenly turned his gaze to the man in red robes, As he focused his vision he could see the man's lips moving.

"He's chanting something."

Ira grinned as he placed his hand on the pommel of his sword.

Avery looked up to a see a man in red robes.

The man continued chanting as he slowly raised his hand.

"Cursed Flame."

A fireball, the size of a child, floated into the air, visible throughout the capital.

People looked into the sky and pointed.

The fireball eventually faded away, leaving people confused as to what was happening.

"You missed!"

Ira shouted sarcastically.

"I don't think he was aiming for y-"

Avery began to talk but was interrupted by a loud sound.

DOOOONG. DOOONG. DOOOONG.

It was the sound of a bell. Most people forgot, but within the slums was a rundown bell tower, as the kingdom progressed in the use of magic, it became mostly useless when it came to informing the populace of an emergency, and as such, the tower stop being used.

Civilians, Guards, Knights, Mercenaries, Students, everyone was confused.

Was this a child's prank?

That was the question that went through the minds of most people.

Elsewhere others found their answers.

....................

A fireball flew into the air, but while everyone looked up, one man looked elsewhere.

"Dad?"

A middle-aged man approached an old man in a brown cloak, who sat on a bench in the middle of the residential district.

"Dad, it's you!"

He grabbed the shoulders of the old man.

"Dad! Where have you been?"

The man grew teary-eyed.

"We looked for two months but you were gone."

The man went on, not noticing the old man's strange countenance.

"Dad, I have big news...You're a grandfather now."

The middle-aged man laughed as tears fell from his eyes.

"I'm glad you're bac-"

DOOOONG. DOOONG. DOOOONG.

The middle-aged man was surprised and turned away from his dad to look at the source of the sound.

The old man reached into his cloak, pulling out a syringe. He pulled the cap off and stabbed the syringe into his arm, draining all of its contents into his body.

Veins appeared all over the old man's body. They looked like hundreds of worms as they pulsated, his eyes went bloodshot, and his nose slowly dripped with dark blood. Faint groans escaped from his mouth.

"Dad, I think that may have been a sign, things can only get better from now..."

The middle-aged spoke hastily as he turned around, but trailed off in shock.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The old man's figure grew, the originally five foot seven, gentle old man, grew to seven feet under the eyes of his son. His bones cracked and created a sound which could be likened to wood on a bonfire.

The old man's arms stretched and nearly reached his feet, bones, similar to claws, protruded from the tips of his fingers, and his muscles swelled imposingly.

His skin tone gradually turned into a dark red, and his actual skin began peeling in several places on his body.

His face distorted, as his skull widened and became more angular, while his eyes became white, with the exception of his eye capillaries that burst.

The cloak fell off the old man, leaving his son to gasp in shock.

His father turned into a hellish creature right in front of him, his mind was still attempting process things.

"D...Dad."


The old man, who now only could be described as a creature, swiped his arm towards the middle-aged man.

Its claws cut through his neck instantly, beheading him. His head fell to the ground, with an expression of confusion.

"AAAAAAIUUUUUUUUEEEEERGHHHH!"

The creature emitted a high-pitched and guttural roar.

The small crowd that was focused on the bell turned to see a nightmarish scene. A hellish creature and a dead body at its feet. There was no need to say anymore, people broke out into a commotion. As if reacting to the noise the creature jumped towards the crowd.

"Someone get the guards-"

A woman yelled but was stopped, two claws protruded from her chest.

"Euh...Auh...Euh..."

The woman groaned as she feebly grabbed the claws.

Splish!

The creature tore the woman in half and jumped towards the closest person.

"Gods have mercy!"

"Aaaaaah!"

"Mommy! Mommy!"

"Guards! Get the fucking guards!"

The distressed shouts of many, resounded throughout the streets as panic took hold.

Ordinary civilians were nothing more than ragdolls when compared to the creature.

"AAAIIIUUUUUEEEERGH!"

The creature screamed again as it ripped a man in half.

Similar scenes happened all over the capital.

...........................

Within the Capital Academy.

"I still think you should use a sword."

Aldis said.

"...I would like to...but."

Clark hesitated.

"It's fine. I'm just saying it's easier and probably safer in a real fight. Unless you have a lot of strength, I wouldn't recommend martial arts as a primary fighting style."

Aldis said indifferently as they reached the cafeteria. Amy already was already sitting down and she waved them over.

"What were you guys talking about?"

Amy's asked. Her green eyes shined with curiosity.

"Nothing."

Aldis said as he sat down.

"Guy stuff."

Clark laughed awkwardly.

"Aldis, you should try to-"

Amy pouted but noticed both Clark and Aldis looking at something.

She turned her back to see a fireball floating in the air.

"Is there a celebration or something?"

Clark asked.

Before anyone could even answer.

DOOOONG. DOOONG. DOOOONG.

"Emergency bell?"

Amy asked, a trace of sadness in her voice. The most traumatic day in her life started with a bell.

"No. The emergency bell in the capital hasn't been used in years. It's probably just a joke."

Aldis stated matter of factly.

"I'm sure it's nothing, A-"

"AAIIIOOOORGH!"

A horrific scream came from just over the 8-foot wall that blocked off the view outside the academy.

Three nearby instructors ran towards the cafeteria, weapons in hand.

The overbearing instructor for Amy's class shouted.

"Get back to the dorms-"

Before he finished, a creature climbed over the wall. The skin on its face appeared to be in reverse, and it had two long grasshopper-like legs. One of its whip-like arms seemed to drag on the ground and the other arm was more or less normal, especially considering the creature.

"AIIIIOOOORAAAGHH!"

It screamed as it pounced towards the instructors.

Ding!

The overbearing instructor blocked the creatures claws, his arms felt as if they were vibrating.

He swung fiercely at the creature.

The creature jumped away.

"Get to the dorms!"

The instructor bellowed, waking up the shocked students. Both of the other instructors took up positions next to the overbearing one.

"You ever see anything like this before, Ed?"

One of them asked the overbearing instructor.

"No...Looks like something out of a nightmare."

The overbearing instructor, Ed, responded.

The creature jumped towards the instructors again.

Its attacks were wild and uncoordinated. Which made them easy to read by hard to dodge. Fortunately, these three veteran instructors were just enough to handle the creature.

"EUUUUUUYAAAIIIIIRGH!"

Another scream came from behind the wall.

BOOM!

A second creature burst through the wall.

It's the whole body appeared as a mass of pulsating muscle, with an abnormally small head, and short legs. One arm was huge, probably as wide as the waist of a grown man, and the other arm looked like a giant curved knife.

The creature ran past the instructors and towards the same direction the students retreated to.

"Shit!"

Instructor Ed cursed.

"Can you two hold this one?"

He asked.

"Fine. But where the hell are the other instructors?"

An instructor asked as he dodged the lanky-armed creature.

"We're the only ones on evening duty for today."

The second instructor responded wryly.

"Try to hold on."

Instructor Ed said fiercely as he chased the muscular creature.

..................

"Well, shit."

Ira complained.

"Shit, shit, shit."

He continued, clearly expressing his annoyance.

He felt something was wrong. No, he knew something was wrong. It would be hard not to know, it felt as if something wormed its way into his head. It was almost like a calling. A prickly feeling that tunneled into his mind. It was faintly familiar.

Ira stared at the red robes man standing on the rooftop. Something indescribable hidden within his eyes.
"AAAAAAAUUUUUUEEEEH!"

A blood-curdling scream came from outside of the plaza.

A deformed, child-like creature clutched its head. It's small face protruded forward, with jagged teeth, peeking from under its lips. Its arms were shaped like scythes, curving inwardly. Its tiny eyes dripped with blood. Upon seeing it, many civilians began fleeing.

The creature hopped onto a nearby man, who was too slow and ripped into his back.

"Aaaugh."

The man screamed out in pain as his organs were pulled from his body. The creature began rapidly chewing his entrails.

"You handle that guy up there. I'll deal with that..."

Ira said to Avery, as he smiled mysteriously.

Avery nodded before she dropped her cloak and ran towards the rooftop.

Ira drew his sword and approached the small creature.

Vsssshing.

Ira drew his sword.

Splish. Splish. Splish.

The creature chewed on the entrails loudly before turning to look at Ira.

"AAAUUUUUEEEGH!"

The creature shrieked at Ira, but it didn't move.

"I know..."

Ira grinned oddly.

"AUUuuegh."

The creatures scream seemed to soften.

Ira crept closer, sword in one and hand, while the other was stretched out towards the creature.

"Aeugh..."

The creature made a soft yelp.

"...I know..."

Ira, still smiling, gently caressed the creatures head, as he knelt down.

"auegh..."

The child-like creature tenderly squawked as it rested its head on Ira's hand.

Ira silently smiled as he raised his sword.

Shluk!

With one decisive thrust, he impaled the creature through its heart.

"AUUUUEGGHH"

The creature screamed tormentedly and struggled fiercely, but Ira pressed down with incredible strength.

"Hush..."

Ira said softly.

Plik. Plik. Plik.

The creature stabbed at Ira's sides between the armor, the force behind its stabbing motion caused his body to shake, but he didn't move at all.

Plik. Plik. Plik.

Blood silently splashed onto the ground.

Eventually, there was silence.

"...."

Shuk.

After the creature stopped moving Ira removed the sword.

Ira still kept his smile as he sheathed the sword. He looked towards the nearby rooftop to see Avery fighting with the man in red robes.

He began moving towards them.

......................

Back in the academy, a student stirred inside the dorm room.

Furniture was piled against the door. Students breathed roughly, in a corner.

Aldis was busy going through the chest containing his personal items.

"Amy."

He said suddenly.

"Yeah?"

Amy responded as she watched the door.

"Where's your spear?"

Aldis asked as he grabbed something from the chest.

"In my room, down the hall."

She said.

"I'll get it for you."

Aldis closed the chest and placed two swords on top of the chest. He fastened a leather belt, with two scabbards on opposite sides, to his waist, and placed the swords inside.

"I'm going too."

She said, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Fine."

He shrugged.

"Wait! I'll go too, at worst I can be bait."

Clark laughed nervously.

Amy opened her mouth but refrained from speaking.

Aldis saw Amy and chose not to say anything.

"You can't open that!"

A student shouted fearfully. All the other students in the room looked to be in agreement.

"Any of you want to stop me?"

Aldis asked amazedly.

"..."

"Didn't think so."

Aldis moved the furniture out of the way and stepped into the hall, Amy and Clark followed behind him.
They moved silently through the halls and arrived at Amy's room.

"You can't come in."

She said in an embarrassed tone, rushing in and closing the door behind her. After a few seconds, she came out holding the redwood short spear.

"Aah! AAAH!"

The screams of students echoed through the empty halls.

Aldis, Amy, and Clark ran towards the noise.

The muscular creature was currently beating a student to death, with its huge arm.

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

The student stopped screaming as he became a meaty pile of gore.

All the other students rushed out of the room while the creature was busy, so now it was only Aldis, Amy, and Clark stood behind it.

Vvshing.

Aldis drew both his swords and Amy spun her spear quickly.

"Hey!"

Amy shouted.

The creature turned around slowly.

"EUUUUUUYAAAIIIIIRGH!"

The creature flung guts at Amy.

"Ah!"

Amy shouted, blood covered her face and temporarily blinded her. The creature charged towards her.

"Amy!"

"Quickstep!"

Aldis and Clark shouted at the same time, but Aldis jumped over to Avery's position and knocked her out of the way.

The creature swung its massive arm, while Aldis moved both his swords to defend.

Bang!

Aldis was knocked off his feet and hit a nearby wall.

"Heh...You're not as strong as him."

Aldis chuckled as he moved to attack.

Whoosh.

Ever since his fight with Ira, his swordsmanship was now Advanced grade. His sword strikes became more efficient and quicker.

He twisted and turned, dodging the hulking arm that swung, he also kept an eye on the blade-like arm which rarely moved.

"Ha!"

Amy gave a loud exclamation as she stabbed her spear into the creature's back.

"EUAH! EUAH! EUAH!"

The creature seemed to be angered as it swung frantically.

"You kids shouldn't be here!"

Instructor Ed appeared from around a corner and yelled angrily, as he raised the sword above his head.

"Unwavering Slash!"

Instructor Ed bellowed.

A red line cut through the air.

Shlik.

A large gash was left on the creature's back.

"EUUUAH!"

The creature slammed his hand onto the ground, and then swung its blade-like arm, making everyone take distance.

The creature jumped back and began eating the pile of guts from earlier. Its wounds began healing at a visible rate, it gorged itself on human flesh.

"EUUUUUUUARGHH!"

The creature grew, the muscles on its body swelled so much that its head could barely be seen.

"Fuck!"

Instructor Ed cursed angrily. The creature turned towards him in response.

"What are you looking at? You fucking piece of filth. Fuck your whore of a mother. Fuck your cowardly dad! Fuck your dirty sow of a sister and most of all...Fuck you!"

Instructor Ed cursed loudly, veins appeared on his neck as he grew angry.

This creature now felt more dangerous than it did before, it was a large chance that they all might be killed before help even came and he felt it was only right to vent his frustrations.

The room turned quiet.

"EUUUUUUUUARRRGH!"

The creature, no, it was more accurate to call it a lumbering wall of flesh, roared loudly. It raised its heavy arm and destroyed the ceiling.

"Instructor, I think you made it mad."

Amy giggled nervously.

......................

"This has nothing to do with you."

A man in a red robe said.

"Where's Glen Margot?"

Avery asked half-heartedly.

"My, Great Master won't be-"

The red robed man started.

"QuickDraw!"

Avery drew her saber and cut towards the man. She had no time to listen to a monolog admiring his "Great Master", it was much simpler to just kill him and see if Ira could track the smell.

Shik!

The robed man suffered an injury, as he could barely dodge Avery's abrupt attack.

"Cursed H-"

He began to chant.

"Arc Slash!"

A white line trailed behind Avery's saber, it easily went through the robed man's flesh.

Thump.

His pale arm fell onto the ground.

He looked at Avery with widened eyes.

"My Mas..."

He started to speak about his master but thought she would attack if he continued. He wordlessly pulled out a syringe and injected himself.

Crik. Crik. Crik.

His remaining arm began to make loud sounds. It snapped and popped, his fingers merged into one solid bone pike.

He lightly shook, as he turned to look at-

A black silhouette dropped above him at a high speed.

BOOM!

The black silhouette was Ira of course.

He crushed the man in the red robe under him as they fell through the roof, all the way to the ground floor.

"Hahaha."

Ira laughed as he gripped the man's head.

Gliiiish.

He tore his pale head from his neck and tossed it.

"Is he dead?"

Avery shouted looking down into the hole. Dust flew from the crash so the visibility was low.

"Eh...Yeah."

Ira coughed as dust got into his lungs.

"Good one."

Avery praised.

"There's another one right, can you find him?"

She asked.

"Yeah, don't worry he's close."

Ira grabbed the man's head and body then moved.

....................

He saw his brother fall into the building after Ira appeared above him.

He wanted to wait for his brother to distract both of them before he would move in and subdue Ira, but Ira and Avery didn't take the predicted actions and instead attacked separately, not just that, the boy seemed stronger since the last time he fought with him and his brother.

He decided when he saw Ira emerged from the building he would attack him.

"Over..Here..."

The red robed man spun around.

His brother poked his head out from behind a wall.

"Why are you..."

The man in red robes said. He and his brother would instinctively finish each other's sentences.

"..."

His brother didn't respond, instead, he was met with laughter.

"Haha. Damn it, I forgot you guys do that weird thing, with the sentences."

Ira walked out from behind the wall and tossed his brother's body on the ground.

"Heads up."

Ira tossed his brothers head towards him.

He caught it with both hands reflexively.

"Aaagh!"

The red robe man usually was expressionless, but upon seeing his brothers head he screamed in agony.

"Was the pun that bad?"

Ira laughed as he raised his hands in surrender.

"You..."

The man dropped his brothers head and injected himself with a syringe.

But before any changes could take place.

Shlik.

A saber pierced through his brain.

"It was pretty bad."

Avery said as she swung her saber, cleaning it of blood.

"So my guess was dead on?"

Ira chuckled.

"Just see if you can find Glen Marbot."

Avery said as she let a small laugh escape.

"Alright."

Ira knelt down next to the body and closed his eyes, he tried to slowly tune his senses, he had only done it a few times so far and they didn't go very well.

He inhaled through his nostrils.

Hundreds of thousands of smells and scents pervaded his nostrils. He blocked everything else out and solely focused his on the smell of the red robed man in front of him.

Two distinct scents were on the body, one was the robed man's brother and the other was an unfamiliar scent.

"Found it."

Ira said as a small amount of blood dripped from his nose.

Avery handed him a cloth, and he took it in a rehearsed manner, wiping his bloody nose and handing it back.

"Thanks."

Ira said cheerfully.

"Lead the way."

She responded, making a faint grin.

"Wait."

Ira stopped and pulled off the second robed man's head.

Gliish!

Grabbing the other dismembered head, he waved his left hand and deposited them.

"Keeping souvenirs?"

Avery asked sarcastically.

"You'll see, it's for dramatic effect.."

Ira chuckled.
..........................

Inside of a low lit room, different from his manor. Glen was kneeling on the side of a bed. A tray of lukewarm food sat near the end of the bed. A fork and knife on a plate of untouched meatloaf.

"Glen..."

Ethel was currently laying in the bed, she weakly raised her hand to caress his face.

He held her hand to his face.

"My love."

He said tenderly.

"I've done it."

He said happily, taking a white gold syringe out his chest pocket.

"This should temporarily treat your illness. I might've found a way to cure it all together, and raise our daughter."

Glen spoke happily as he looked over, on the nightstand next to the bed was the jar that held his daughter.

"You'll be able to make the world a better place for her to live in."

Ethel said as she smiled, a trace of sadness was hidden deep within her eyes, as she looked at it.

"Of course."

He nodded his head tearfully before he stood up.

"I'll have to test it first."

He made his way out of the room.

"Glen..."

Ethel spoke loudly.

"She didn't end up like the others Ethel, this mixture will completely heal her, I'm sure of it."

Glen assured his wife.

She opened her mouth to speak but ultimately refrained.

Glen smiled at his wife and left the room. In the next room over, an adolescent girl was bound in chains, fresh scars covered her body, her pale face, gaunt cheeks, and sunken eyes made her appear to be dead, at first glance. Glen walked in and shut the door behind him.

"Ah...N...No."

The girl stirred awake from the noise.

Glen ignored the girl's protest and injected her with the syringe holding a quarter of the white gold mixture.

"N...No...No."

The girl weakly protested.

"Rejoice, you'll be the first to test this out. With this mixture, the world will be free of sickness and of death. We won't need those Valkyries to rule over us, with this...we'll soon be as strong as them."

Glen ranted on obsessively, as the syringe drained into the girl's veins.

"Aaagh!"

The girl spasmed.

The scars on her body slowly healed, while her face regained color, even her dry and brittle hair regained some life.

The girl's expression gradually eased up.

"It works!"

Glen exclaimed madly.

He rushed out of the room and into Ethel's bedroom.

As he rushed in with the syringe in hand, he was met with the faces of two people who shouldn't have been there. Ira and Avery.

"Glen..."

Ethel began to cry.

"Please don't hurt hi-"

Ethel continued but Glen raised his hand.

"My men?"

Glen asked.

Ira waved his hand.

Thump. Thump.

Two pale hairless heads rolled onto the floor.
"Ah!"

Ethel gasped as she clutched her sheets, while Glen showed a mournful expression.

"Oh, I understand it now."

Avery said as she recalled the time Ira dropped the heads of their comrades in front of two fleeing assassins.

"Yeah, it's better this way."

Ira responded casually, as he turned to Avery.

"You think you should bring the bodies next time?"

Avery suggested in a relaxed manner, looking back at Ira.

"You don't think it would be too much?"

Ira asked curiously.

"If you preferred subtly, you should've brought a finger or an ear."

She retorted mockingly.

"But do you think people could recognize an ear of a subordinate?"

Ira countered. It didn't seem reasonable to assume everyone could recognize the ear of their subordinates.

"I don't see how it matters, most people would be too shocked to examine it closely."

Avery said nonchalantly.

"Hey!"

Glen Marbot shouted.

"We'll revisit this later."

Ira said as they both turned back to Glen.

"It's a bit rude to interrupt a conversation."

Ira chuckled as he looked at Glen.

"I'm not the bad guy here."

Glen suddenly said as he clenched the syringe in his hand.

"Oh?"

Avery asked indifferently.

"Go ahead. Mock me. I know evil...Ha...Your Thynne family is evil. You have the ability to heal everyone in this Godforsaken kingdom, and yet what do you do? You all act proud and aloof as if you're granting us a mercy by not killing us. Even before that, this Kingdom's is still a terrible place. You know how Demi-humans are treated up north? Or anywhere else for that matter? Or maybe why the poor are shoved into disgusting slums, left to rot in their own filth? You can judge me because I killed some innocent people? Then aren't you just as guilty? The fact you don't take any action to stop the injustices around you is proof enough. Your family could've led this whole kingdom, given people safety, and yet you sat around and watched us as if we were children. You could've guided us, you could've saved us! I work to save everyone in this kingdom, everyone will be equal, sickness won't exist at all, and we'll be stronger without you."

Glen furiously stated his viewpoints.

"And how will you save those people?"

Avery asked apathetically.

"With him."

Glen pointed at Ira.

"Your regeneration is stronger than a troll's by miles and it's viable of bonding with human blood, your strength beyond human, with a small amount of your blood we could save everyone. We could-"

Glen spoke obsessively but was interrupted.

"Idiot."

Avery shook her head.

"Your plan is just to rely on those who are strong."

Avery mocked.

"If he didn't exist, how would your "perfect kingdom" exist? If my family didn't exist, where would this Kingdom be? Say we did openly protect this Kingdom, what happens the one time we fail to protect it? A bunch of weak, spineless, cowards, much like you, who hide behind false platitudes? If this kingdom only knew peace, the people would rot, and when conflict comes to find them, they'd be better off killing themselves."

Avery spoke coldly, harshly stating her viewpoints.

"No, no, no-"

Glen wanted to respond but was silenced by Avery.

Vssshing!

She drew her saber and pressed it to his throat.

"When those "innocent" people you say you're working for come for an answer as to why their loved ones are dead, what will be your reason?"

Avery made a faint smile.

Glen looked over at Ethel, who looked as worried as ever.

"My reason?"

He laughed.

"I'll tell them it was...because of love."

Glen said as he closed his eyes.

"Wait."

Ira spoke up suddenly.

"That in your hand. You used my blood for that?"

Ira asked curiously.

"...Yes...And you may have seen those creatures I've created. If you just-"

Glen answered hesitantly.

Wssssh.

Ira appeared on his side, snatched the syringe out of his hands.

Wssssh.

He returned to his former position, examining the vial closely.

"Wait! Please, heal my w-"

Shlik.

Avery slit Glen's throat, stopping him from talking any further.

"GLEN!"

Ethel screamed.

"Euh...Auh...Euh..."

Glen weakly reached out toward Ethel, stumbling around the room.

A memory flashed through his head.

His father, Grant Marbot, buying a cheap female slave, with a disease that caused her to be sick, from the auction. Her family fell into debt and to get out, they sold off their only daughter.

Glen remembered how scared she looked, how fragile she was. He gradually fell in love with her, and she eventually felt the same about him. Unfortunately for both of them, her disease was a rare case, and with the kingdoms current level of magic advancements, it was still incurable. Despite that she still became pregnant, something they both saw as a miracle. Grant Marbot, didn't care at first, but when Glen decided he would marry her, Grant turned furious. On a certain day, he confronted and beat Ethel, even while she was pregnant. His son marrying a slave would ruin the whole families prestige.

Glen discovered his father beating Ethel, and killed him, because of the stress on her body, the baby was born prematurely, and even worse, a stillborn. Glen covered up the death of his father, sent away all of his relatives to further provinces and worked secretly to find any way to cure Ethel, who never recovered, after the first birth. That's why he showed interest in ancient ruins of the old kingdom, and why he delved into black magic.

Glen's surrounding grew hazy, he fell onto the bed, as he faced the ceiling.

"GLEN!!"

Ethel put pressure on his bleeding throat in a desperate attempt to keep him alive.

"Et...hel..."

Glen tried to raise his arm but it didn't respond. Life faded from his body as blood continued to pour from his throat.
"Glen..."

Ethel murmured sadly.

She reached for the knife on the tray at the end of the bed, under the gazes of Avery and Ira.

"Please take care of my daughter, Anastasia."

Ethel smiled and pointed to a jar.

Ira nodded silently.

Shlik!

She slit her throat.

Her body shook fiercely and then slowed, eventually, her body fell over Glen's.

'Ethel and Anastasia.'

Avery thought to herself.

Ira walked over to the jar and looked inside.

He waved his left hand and the jar disappeared.

"Someone's in the next room."

He said as he grinned at Avery.

They walked into the room, to see a teenage girl in rags, about thirteen years old, chained up.

"You grab her, I've gotta do something. Meet me at the central plaza when you're done."

Ira chuckled, the mysterious smile from earlier returned to his face.

Avery nodded in response, she noticed his smile held a trace of a peculiar, yet recently familiar, emotion.

He walked out of the building and found himself in the slums, he began running. The sun was barely visible in the sky anymore.

Whoosh!

He ran directly towards the center of all the capital's districts.

He moved at about 80mph, passing the occasional distressed pedestrian.

Plumes of smoke rose in different corners of the Kingdom.

He slowed his speed as he arrived at the central plaza.

"Haaaah..."

He exhaled and closed his eyes.

"Come to me."

He whispered, as he opened his eyes and looked up at the horizon.

Ira was heard by no one, but rather, felt.

Vssshing.

He grinned mysteriously as he drew his sword.

...........................

"Ha...ha...ha...ha..."

Aldis tried to catch his breath. Right now his appearance was terrible, his clothes were torn, a large wound was carved into his side, and one of his arms was incredibly bruised.

Amy was currently lying on the floor motionlessly, spear in hand, her condition unknown.

"Move Kid!"

Instructor Ed, who didn't look much better as one of his arms hung limply, clearly broken, jumped in front of Aldis.

"EUUUUUUUAAAAGH!"

The hulking mass of muscle swiped its arm and knocked the Sword and Instructor Ed away.

"Damn it!"

Aldis swung his sword but the creature waved its blade arm.

Ding!

His grip loosened when the sword impacted the blade made of bone, and the sword flew out of his hand, landing near Clark.

"Clark!"

Aldis shouted in a strained voice.

"...huh..."

Clark appeared to be daydreaming.

"CLARK! Hand me the fucking sword!"

Aldis yelled uncharacteristically. All Thynne family members who were children of Valkyries carried a pendant which could let them know if they were in danger. It's just too bad Aldis saw it as something that could hamper his growth and left it home.

"I-I...Can't...I..."

Clark stammered as he crouched down and clutched his head.

The creature raised its arm toward Aldis.

"Shaaa!"

All of a sudden Amy sprung up, she staggered to her feet and stabbed the creature in its back.

"EUUAH!"

The creature screamed and reflexively swung backward with its blade hand.

Slish!

It seemed to be completely quiet for a moment.

Thump.

Then a fleshy sound set things back in motion.

"Aaaaaaaaaah!"

Amy screamed as she fell to the floor.

"Amy!"

Aldis yelled, but the creature wouldn't allow him to go check her condition.

She kept her life but lost an arm.

"Aaah...shit...aaah."

Amy cursed, as she held her arm in pain.

"EUAH!"

The creature shouted as it picked up her arm.

Glish. Glish. Crunch.

It greedily ate her arm.

"F-Fuck...y-you!"

Amy yelled as blood poured from her arm.

The creature raised his fist to attack once again but stopped suddenly.

It looked in a certain direction. It felt a faint calling.

"EUUUUUUUAAAAAIIIIGH!"

The creature roared and ran towards the direction.

"Amy!"

Aldis dropped his sword and ran over to Amy.

"Haaah...I-I'm...fine..."

Amy winced in pain.

Aldis tore part of his shirt and tied it around her arm to stop the bleeding.

"Clark!"

Aldis shouted.

Clark remained in place, crouched down and shivering.

"It's not...my fault...it's not...my...fault..."

He whispered over and over.

"Hold on Amy."

Aldis tied the makeshift bandage tightly around her arm as he limped over to the instructor.

He placed his hand in front of his face and could feel him breathing.

"Haah."

Aldis sighed, he looked at Clark with an unhidden trace of disgust, before he limped away in search of medical supplies or a Mage.

.................................

Avery arrived at the central plaza, with a thirteen-year-old girl trailing behind her, and saw a large crowd.

As she pushed her way through she could see Ira sitting on a pile of bodies, similar yet different in noticeable ways. These were the creatures Glen Marbot created.

Ira sat on top of the pile of bodies. His hair messily blanketed over his eyes, small spaces allowed the bright yellow pupils to be seen, and right now his yellow eyes were facing downwards.

"...I know."

He smiled strangely and caressed the head of a creature that was barely living.

"Euah."

The creature said, in a low voice.

He raised his hand and made a fist.

Thwack!

He punched the skull of the creature, blood splashed his face as he instantly killed it.

He looked up at the sky and smiled peculiarly.

"...Believe me...I know."

Ira said slowly.

Avery finally understood what was different about his smile.

His current smile seemed to be restraining some indescribable anguish, the strange feeling it had was reminiscent of misery.

It was similar to the smile Ethel made before she slit her own throat, except Ira's, seemed to be a lot more hopeless.

Avery looked at Ira intensely.

"Stay here."

She said to the small thirteen-year-old girl.

She moved slowly through the crowd and approached him, she climbed the small pile of bodies and sat with her back against his.

"I wonder if a fingernail is subtle enough?"

Ira asked.

"Hahaha!"

Avery laughed softly.

Stunning the crowd which already stood in awe.

"Hahaha."

Ira chuckled.

Then they returned to silence, as the sun finally disappeared from sight.

.....................
Two Knights were sat on a haggardly leather couch.

All around them were run down furnishings and decorations.

"I'm sorry we came here to ask about Ira."

The knight who spoke was Justin, he usually took the reins of things like this while Franklin watched quietly.

"I'm telling you, I don't know anyone by that name."

A man with brown hair in his early thirties spoke, as he sipped tea from a chipped cup.

"Ira Fallmire?"

Franklin asked curiously.

"There is no one here by that name."

The man said in an annoyed tone.

"Sorry for wasting your time."

Justin sighed as he stood up, and Franklin followed suit.

"Wait...I don't know of an Ira who's a part of my family, but I have...or rather had, a brother."

The man stated as he looked off into the distance.

"Oh yeah?"

Justin sat back down.

"What was his name?"

He continued.

The man looked at Justin and spoke.

"Siegfried, My brother's name was Siegfried."

The man said depressingly.

..................................
By the next day, the news spread of nightmarish creatures appearing almost out of nowhere after the sighting of a fireball and the sound of a bell.

There were around one hundred and thirty civilian casualties. Strangely the creatures appeared at the exact places the guards weren't scheduled to patrol during the evening. Dozens of mercenaries were present in some areas and three creatures were killed, but for mercenaries and Knights with smaller numbers, the creatures would flee or chase after a civilian, eating their flesh to regenerate.

And the last report of the day was of a specific mercenary since the crowd didn't know his name, they just called him yellow-eyes. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him kill nearly a dozen of the strange creatures while smiling. He became something of a hero to the people hurt by the attacks.

The following day, the culprit was said to be, Glenn Marbot. Using black magic, he created a concoction to mutate ordinary civilians.

Finding out who the culprit did nothing to ease the pain, the populace struggled to cope with, this small event showed them just how weak they really are. People yearned for a change.

..............................

*w/n: 10,125 words. I did it

Hope you enjoyed the end of the first arc. I'll polish the earlier chapters, make a glossary, and then make a map, that should take a day. Next Chapter might be out tomorrow.

 

Love it, this fanfic is great! I'll be ready for the next chapter! I hope that Ira explains how he got his bloodline to Avery soon!!!

 

Chapter 21

Spoiler: Read More

A week after the “creatures” attacked the mood remained somber.

A week after the "creatures" attacked the mood remained somber.

The streets were mostly empty, a paranoia ran deep within the minds of most people. Mourners set up a candlelight vigil and grieved, but even the creeping paranoia couldn't escape them, they mourned for around a day, before returning to their homes. They still felt grief but they feared to lose their own lives and joining the dead.

Inside of a small inn that was now mostly empty, three people sat at a table.

On one side of the table was a boy, who looked to around sixteen years of age, his hair was pitch black, and his eyes were bright yellow. It was a strange contrast. He wore a black, henley style, long sleeved shirt. His pants and leather boots were also black. The leather scabbard fastened to his hip was also black.

On the other side of the table, a beautiful girl sat, she appeared to be eighteen. Her hair was a dark plum color and her eyes were a dull silver. She wore a grey military style jacket, a white button up shirt, a brown leather scabbard on her hip, tan pants, and dark brown leather boots. Her hair and eye color were just as unusual as the boy sitting across from her.

And on the last side of the table, there was a girl who looked to be around eight years old, her eyes were brown, and her hair was brown, except a small portion, which was pitch black in color. She wore an oversized black shirt, tan pants, and black boots. The young girl ate from a plate silently, while the sleeves of the shirt draped over her hands, comically.

"You sure you don't wanna come? Aldis will be there."

The boy with black hair was obviously Ira. Needless to say, the girl with dark plum colored hair was Avery, and the third girl present was the one they rescued from Glen Marbot. Ira heard the academy was attacked and a few students even died. He decided to pay a visit and check up on everyone.

"I'll see him at the end of this week."

Avery said listlessly.

"I guess it's just me and you Harper."

Ira chuckled as he turned towards the silent girl.

"...yeah."

The girl, named Harper, responded succinctly.

The reason why she remained with Ira and Avery currently, was because her parents were assumed to be dead, although there weren't any bodies to prove it, it was pretty much confirmed. They all three were abducted and experimented on by Glen, and only she survived, mostly because Ethel took a liking to her.

Over the course of a week, Ira subconsciously became an older brotherly figure in her mind, and she stuck close to him. Ira and Avery came to the conclusion it was an effect of his bloodline resonance, it's effect seemed to be slowly growing stronger.

"Before I leave...hand her your status card."

Avery gestured toward Harper.

Ira waved his hand and slid the card towards Harper.

"Try to focus on it."

Ira explained.

Harper nodded and grabbed the card. She read the contents but didn't react, she was an ordinary civilian before she was abducted, and although she knew some people were strong she didn't know anything specific.

The card lit up and she meekly handed it back to Ira.

• Name: Harper
• Rating: D
• Growth Capacity: C-
• Bloodline: Partial Lycanthrope
• Blessings: None
• Mana Capacity: Low
• Passive Skills: Minor: Strength, Agility, Reflexes, Senses, Regeneration, Instincts, Endurance.
• Active Skills: None

"Oh?"

Ira chuckled as he read the card. He then handed it over to Avery.

"This proves your blood is lycanthropic in nature...Does this mean your bloodline is transferable by blood?"

Avery asked as she handed Ira his card back.

"I'm not sure. I don't think it's possible to change someone if they drink my blood if that's what you're asking."

Ira focused on the card and input his own information once again, before waving it away.

"Hey Harper, can I see something real quick?"

Ira asked.

"...yeah."

Harper nodded in agreement.

Ira picked up a knife from the table and grabbed her hand. Harper briefly jumped but she didn't move.

Ira made a tiny incision on her hand, causing her to briefly wince. Both he and Avery leaned closer.

After a minute or so, it stopped bleeding, and after ten minutes it turned into a scab.

"Well, it's minor regeneration, to say the least."

Avery judged.

Harper healed around the same rate beast people did.

Ira ruffled Harper's hair while he laughed.

"What are you plans for this week?"

Avery asked suddenly.

"I'm going to do a few jobs here in the capital...oh by the way, can you loan me some money?"

Ira chuckled as he asked.

If it were anyone else they may have been embarrassed to ask a woman for money, especially one that looked as beautiful as Avery, but Ira couldn't see anything wrong with it, and Avery didn't care much about social stigmas and chivalrous gestures.

"How much?"

Avery responded in an unbothered manner.

"How much is a house?"

Ira asked.

"If it's a house you want, just give me a location and I'll handle the rest."

Avery spoke indifferently.

"Near a bar or restaurant and not too far from the Mercenaries Union."

Ira gave his requirements.

"Tomorrow around noon, I'll meet you at the plaza, closest to the Mercenaries Union."

Avery stood up and put on a black cloak.

"See you tomorrow then."

Ira smiled brightly.

Avery faintly grinned as she left.

"Alright, Harper. Let's get going."

Ira grinned as he stole a bread roll from her plate.

"Ah."

Harper exclaimed as Ira took her food.

He stood up and waved his hand leaving two bills on the table.

"Let's go."

He chuckled with a mouth full of food.

Harper quickly stood up and followed behind him. Her sleeves swayed as she walked, her height was around 4'2, so of course, Ira's spare shirt wouldn't fit her right.

.........................

Amy sat upright on a white bed.

Currently, she was within a small room in the Academy's medical facility. A single bed, two chairs, and a window to gaze outside. The bleak set up didn't help improve her mood at all.

She seemed to be in a daze. Occasionally she would glance at her arm stub. Everything just below her right elbow was gone. She would then stare at her short spear.

Aldis sat in a chair at the end of the bed, he appeared to be sleep. He had no way to console Amy, he couldn't even imagine how he would feel if he lost an arm.

Knock. Knock.

Aldis jolted awake and stood up.

A male academy attendant opened the door.

"You have a visitor."

He said as he moved out of the way.

"Hey, Aldis. Amy you-"

Ira began talking as he walked in, but paused as he saw Amy's arm.

"Oh..."

He still grinned.

The attendant closed the door. The room became silent.

Harper stood behind Ira and stared at Aldis and Amy.

"You can sit down if you want, Harper."

Ira said.

Harper silently nodded and dragged the chair to a corner. She had a dislike of small rooms and the feeling of being crowded.

Amy and Aldis both looked at Harper strangely.

"You have a sister?"

Aldis asked curiously.

"Hmm. I guess that sort of works."

Ira looked at Harper and nodded his head.

"Not looking so great, Amy."

Ira grinned as he sat at the edge of the bed.

"...Hi...Ira."

Amy smiled, it was clear that it was a completely fake smile. Ira was one of the people she admired because of his strength and attitude, right now she didn't wish for him to see her current state.

"There's something in your eyes, Amy."

Ira spoke cryptically. Amy raised her hand to wipe her eyes, but Ira spoke.

"I don't mean literally...Ah, it's oddly familiar."

Ira laughed mysteriously, his bright yellow eyes seemed to peer through Amy.

"What are you talking-"

Amy questioned, but Ira stood up.

"Why don't we get you a new one?"

Ira asked suddenly, as he smiled brightly. He saw something inside Amy, she was just a step away from grabbing it, and he decided he would help her get to it.

"A good prosthetic is beyond expensive. Even if you use, let's say, wood as the material. You need a skilled alchemist to lay sensory arrays to react to signals from the nervous system. The cost of the materials to make the array and cost of the manufacturing is still a lot."

Aldis said solemnly. Aldis seemed to be changed, his whole demeanor was previously cold and aloof, reminiscent of Avery's, but recently he became more lively. Though he still had the underlying apathetic temperament, seemingly exclusive to those who were children of Valkyries.

Ira laughed in response.

"Amy. Pick any material."

Ira said.

"I..."

Amy mumbled.

"Any material, Amy. Pick one. Amy, you gotta pick one. Amy. Amy. Amy. Amy."

Ira laughed, as he urged her on.

"Titanium!"

Amy shouted tearfully.

"Then a titanium arm you'll get."

Ira said assuredly. A beaming smile flashed across his face.

"Even I couldn't get the amount it would cost, my family doesn't allow the males or the in-laws, to spend money wantonly."

Aldis said.

"Then you'll do missions with me until you get the amount."

Ira said casually, as he placed his hand on Aldis' shoulder.

"Wait...Ira. What's that on your finger."

Aldis asked suspiciously, when Ira raised his arm he noticed something familiar on his hand.

"Oh."

Ira showed his hand to Aldis.

"That's a...an engagement ring from my family."

Aldis narrowed his eyes in thought.

"Avery?"

He asked.

"Yeah."

Ira chuckled.

"Your Grandmother set it up."

He continued.

Amy looked at Aldis and Ira, a little lost.

"Haaaaah."

Aldis sighed as he looked at Amy.

"Him and Avery are engaged."

He said.

"What?"

Amy widened her green eyes in confusion.

"C-Congratulations."

Amy said as she wiped her eyes.

Ira smiled in response.

"So is uhh..."

He looked around the room.

"...Is Clark dead?"

He asked with a laugh.

"No."

Aldis responded a trace of anger was apparent in his eyes. Amy wanted to say something but she stopped herself, being mindful of Aldis.

Aldis stayed with her in the recovery room for the whole week, while Clark didn't show up to even apologize, maybe he thought they would blame him and it would be better if he didn't visit. The exact opposite ended up happening. Aldis began to hate Clark more with each passing day he didn't visit Amy.

"He's still somewhere in the academy if you want to find him. If you find him, ask him why he still hasn't visited."

Aldis said agitatedly.

"It's good he's alive."

Ira smiled, but his eyes didn't hold relief, nor did they hold hostility. It was more of a warped expectation.

"Well, I got a job lined up, so Harper and I are gonna leave you-"

Ira stood up and paused.

"Alone."

His brows twitched lightly as he cracked a smile.

"Come on, Harper."

Ira beckoned.

She got out of the chair and hurriedly walked to Ira.

He stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

A few feet away from the doorway, Clark stood alone.

"Clark, Clark, Clark."

Ira chuckled as he shook his head.

"I think we talked about this before."

Ira said.

"Remember? Grasping power at every opportunity? Ring any bells."

Ira asked as he grinned encouragingly.

Harper stood behind him staring at Clark.

"Ira...Does Amy hate me?"

Clark asked desperately.

"Clark..."

Ira waved his left hand, causing a few bills to appear within his hand.

"...I don't think the academy is the right fit for you."

Ira said smilingly as he placed a couple bills in Clark's hand.

It was 600 Gre. Enough to stay in a really cheap inn and eat three meals a day for around a month.

Especially with the spread of paranoia, activity from civilians slowed, unless they had to work people would avoid spending time on the street if this trend continued the Kingdom's economy would soon take a hit. Prices were discounted to encourage street activity, and security and patrols were increased to give the public assurance.
"..."

Clark accepted the money with clenched teeth.

"Hey...One should grasp power at every opportunity."

Ira patted his shoulder and walked away. Harper stopped to look at Clark.

"Hey...Every opportunity."

She repeated before she ran to catch up with Ira.

"Damn it."

Clark cursed to himself as turned to walk away from the room.

....................

 

I hope you like it.

 

Ah, I can't spoil anything even though I really want to.

 

Love it, I'm hooked! still a massive fan! hope to see an update soon!

 

Chapter 22

Spoiler: Read More

Ira and Harper walked through the streets of the capital, he took it upon himself to give her "guidance".

"Harper, I'm taking you to work with me, so to speak."

Ira spoke in a leader-like tone.

Harper nodded her head and watched him with impressionable eyes.

"We have to go find a guy named 'Romelyn' also known as 'Snakes Fang'."

Ira explained while Harper continued to nod.

"With a name as telling as that, I bet he has a dagger and uses...poison."

He spoke strangely when poison was mentioned.

"Oh yeah, what type of weapon do you use?"

Ira asked curiously.

"I...don't know how to use one."

Harper spoke meekly.

"It's fine, I'm sure Romelyn will have some."

Ira stopped outside of a four-story building. The Kingdoms banner hung outside of it, above the doorway, it read "City Guard Headquarters".

Ira walked in and could see people and two separate stairways, above one that led downwards, it read "Holding Cells". A large squad was standing in the center of the room. The Captain of the guards came down the stairs. He was a middle-aged man with a bald head and a long goatee, he had a large build and a deep voice.

"Get out there and show the civilians were doing more than our best! We have to restore the faith of the public!"

He ordered loudly.

"""""""SIR!"""""""

The guards saluted and made their way out of the building.

Ira and Harper moved out of the way and let the crowd of guards pass them.

Ira approached the Captain.

"I'm here to for the Romelyn job."

He explained.

"You're gonna take down Romelyn?"

The Captain asked skeptically.

"Yeah."

Ira replied confidently as he showed his mercenary card.

"Well me and my...sister...here."

He pointed at Harper.

"Yeah."

She said as she imitated Ira's confident manner. The oversized shirt made her look incredibly comical, especially seeing how she tried to give off the impression of confidence.

"Well, don't get the little girl killed."

The Captain said sternly as he grabbed some papers and handed them to Ira. He thought Ira, was joking about bringing her along on the job, but he warned him just in case.

"Lately we don't have time to launch an operation against Romelyn, his headquarters is deep within the slums, so by the time a squad gets deep enough to capture him, he's already gone. Hopefully, you have better luck. This is his last known location, he shouldn't have moved, seeing as we're too busy to stop him."

The Captain explained.

Ira chuckled as he checked the papers.

"Let's go, Harper."

He smiled as he left the Guard building.

...........................

Inside the third floor of a building that looked decrepit,
a thin man wearing a maroon coat, with dark brown, slicked back hair, sat in a big leather chair, with a stained glass window to his back. In front of him, a dark wooden table, and on the table there was a serpent, a human skull, and a bottle of whiskey. Clearly, the man wanted to look villainous

The man touched his fingertips together as he stared into space. This man was referred to as Snake's Fang, also known as Romelyn.

Knock. Knock.

"Enter."

Romelyn spoke with a faint hiss.

"Boss. The old man is here to pay his debt off."

A man with a plain face said.

"Bring him in."

Romelyn hissed.

A fragile looking old man, carrying a large brown duffle bag, was escorted in by two burly men.

"Boss R-Romelyn...I have the money."

The old man said as he shook. One of the burly men snatched the bag from the old man and checked it.

"Boss, it's Ten thousand Gre."

The burly man said.

"Good. With that, your debt is squared away-"

Crash!

Romelyn was interrupted as the stained glass behind him shatter, a projectile flew through the window and hit the old man.

Thwack!

The fragile old man fell backward, a small indention could be seen on his skull.

Romelyn quickly turned around to see a teenage boy and a little girl standing on a rooftop adjacent from the decrepit building. A few rocks were stacked at their feet.

"Harper!"

The boy yelled.

"You killed the old man!"

.............

A few minutes ago.

Ira and Harper walked through the slums, collecting small stones on the way, eventually, they found the building that was written on the reports.

On the outside, it looked like another decrepit building, but the inside was well furnished and decorated. Ten people stood in close proximity to the building, it was clear they were guarding it, no matter how casual they tried to look.

"Come on."

Ira ducked into an alley, and started scaling the wall, he easily climbed the wall and got on the rooftop. Harper watched on, amazed.

"Now you."

Ira said as he peeked over the ledge to look at Harper.

"Ok."

Harper said.

She slowly climbed the wall, it took her a few minutes to reach the top.

"Nice."

Ira praised as he waved his left hand and dropped stones onto the ground. He started stacking the rocks on top of one another.

"Alright."

He nodded his head in a satisfactory manner, as he signaled for Harper to get closer.

"Harper, you see that glass window?"

Ira asked.

"Yeah."

Harper nodded her head.

"Right, try to aim at the center of it."

He said casually as he handed Harper a stone.

Harper grabbed a stone and stood up. She tried to picture the center of the window as she threw the stone as hard as she could.

Whoosh.

The stone sailed through the air.

Crash!

It broke the window and hit an old man, causing him to fall backward.

"Harper!"

Ira yelled, causing Harper to flinch.

"You killed the old man!"

He said as he looked at the old man's lifeless body, a shocked expression on his face.

"I-I didn't mean...I'm sorry...I didn't-"

Harper was on the verge of crying as she looked distressed. Ira interrupted her abruptly.

"A score of five out of ten, Harper."

Ira chuckled as he picked up a stone.

"Wha...What?"

Harper asked in a confused manner.

"Like this."

Ira picked up a stone and clutched it tightly. He took a few steps back and then threw the stone with all his might.

WHOOSH!

The stone flew faster than an arrow and made a faint noise as it moved through the air. It passed the window before it hit a plain faced man who was still shocked from the first stone throw.

BOOM!

Ira laughed wildly.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Ira threw the rocks like a madman, he didn't even aim instead he chose to just bombard the building altogether.

...................

"Shit!"

Romelyn hurriedly flipped the table and took cover as he panicked. He even forgot to add his usual hiss.

"Boss-"

Splik!

The plain face man tried to run over but was hit in the head with a stone, as his skull split open, sending brain matter and blood onto the walls.

Thwack!

The remaining burly man tried to run to the exit but was hit in his spine by a small stone, which lodged itself inside of him, sending blood spraying out of his back.

The men on the lower floors and the men outside the building all rushed upstairs.

"Get down you idiots-"

BOOM!

A stone flew through one man's throat, passing through it slowed its momentum, but still hit another man in the eye.

"Fuck!"

One of the men cursed.

They all retreated back into the hallway.

BOOM!

A stone tore through the wooden wall but luckily didn't hit anyone.

"Shit! I'm out of stones!"

A boy yelled from the adjacent rooftop, as the stones stopped being thrown.

A guard cautiously peeked his head out.

Splack!

A stone came flying, destroying his skull instantly.

"Hahaha! Ok! Ok! Now I'm really out!

The boy cackled in an unrestrained manner.

The men became terrified and regret rushing up to check on their boss.

..........................

"Alright. Come here."

Vssshing!

Ira called Harper over as he unsheathed his sword.

Harper timidly walked over.

"Hold this."

He placed the sword in her hands, and lifted her up by her abdomen, holding her above his head.

"Brace yourself, Harper."

Ira chuckled.

"Ok!"

Harper put away her fear and nodded. Right now she resembled a human dart. Her body was in a flat position as Ira held her in the air, and she held the sword stretched in front of her.

Ira threw Harper forward.

Whoosh!

...................
A brave man peeked out when he didn't hear a stone being thrown. He stepped into the room.

"I think it's clear-"

The man just started to talk when he saw something flying towards him.

BOOOM!

A little girl holding a sword impaled the man through his chest, the force carried his body into the hallway, as he crashed through a wooden wall. Dust slowly emerged from the hole in the wall.

"Ehek...Ehek..."

A little girl climbed out and coughed. Her hair was covered in dust and blood, though it wasn't her own, she pulled the sword out of the man's chest and ran into the room, filled with blood and viscera.

The men in the hallway watched blankly. Before they slowly began backing away.

"Nice, Harper!"

Ira appeared from thin air as he stood in the bloody room, smiling brightly.

"I got the sword."

Harper said in a low voice, she felt a little sick upon seeing and smelling the mangled bodies, but a strange sense of pride welled up when Ira praised her. She scanned the room and looked at the body of the old man.

Ira grabbed the sword and sheathed it. He placed a hand on Harper's head and wiped the dust off. He stopped after a while and turned around to see a man sitting on the floor, his back pressed to a table. A green snake slithered over his legs.

"Romelyn right? So is it dead or alive?"

Ira asked Romelyn.

"Fuck you!"

Romelyn shouted with a hiss as he slowly moved his arm.

He grabbed the serpent and tossed it at Ira, who snatched it out of the air and squeezed its neck, causing it to hang limply.

Romelyn drew two hidden daggers from his coat and swung wildly.

"Quick Stab!"

He thrust both daggers forward as they increased in speed. Ira easily grabbed his hands and stopped his stabbing motion. He slowly applied pressure.

"Argh!"

Romelyn groaned as he dropped the daggers.

"I bet those are poisoned. With a name like 'Snake's Fang,' those have to be poisoned right? Who came up with that name anyway? You?"

Ira spoke nonchalantly as he swung Romelyn by the arms towards the open window, where the stained glass formerly stood, sending him falling from the third floor.

"Fuck!"

Romelyn shouted as he fell with his back facing the ground.

Thump!

He landed directly on his back and felt a sharp pain all over his body. His men were already fleeing the building when they were stopped by his falling body.

Ira chuckled as he turned to Harper.

"Can you find some rope?"

Ira asked as he picked up the brown bag on the floor. When he looked up, Harper was still staring at the old man's lifeless body.

Ira grabbed the dagger Romelyn dropped and walked over to Harper.

"I...I killed him."

She said fearfully as she thought of Glen Marbot.

"...Am I a bad person?"

She asked as she looked up towards Ira for guidance.

"Listen, that old man probably had a family, friends, people that really cared about him and..."

Ira smiled.

Shlik!

He stabbed the dagger inside of the old man's head, where the impact of the rock was.

"...Romelyn, Killed him."

Ira gave a purposely exaggerated wink.

"Who killed him?"

He asked.

"R-Romelyn."

Harper repeated.

"Good. Now see if you can find some rope, and maybe some weapons, then put them in this bag."

Ira said to her, as he opened the large duffle bag and waved his left hand over the money inside, emptying it.

"Ok!"

Harper nodded determinedly as she scurried off.

Ira smiled. He then turned to look out the window to see Romelyn surrounded by his men, he jumped down from the window and landed on the ground, kicking up some dust.

"Right..."

Ira scanned the men as the dust settled down.

"...No one move or I'll have to kill you. You're only worth 100 Gre a piece, so I don't want to waste time killing you-"

Wsssh

Ira disappeared as he saw a man trying to edge away. He gripped his skull tightly and squeezed.

Kruk!

"Anyone else?"

Wsssh

Ira asked he returned to his original position.

The men grew scared, this boy could appear in the blink of an eye and kill them instantly, all hopes of fleeing were put to rest.

Harper hobbled out of the building, doing her best to carry a brown bag filled with weapons. Ira walked over and examined each one, clubs, batons, knives, a few daggers, two swords, a metal staff, and a small crossbow. Mixed in with the weapons was a rope.

"Do you like anything?"

Ira asked Harper.

"..."

Harper shook her head.

"Well, we can ask Avery to train you."

Ira shrugged his shoulders and pulled out the rope, and waved his left hand over the bag making it vanish, leaving faint traces of black mist.

"Everyone get into a line."

He ordered.

The men, albeit reluctantly, shuffled into a line. Meanwhile, Romelyn laid on the ground, occasionally groaning.

......................

"Hey...Look at that! It's Snake's Fang!"

A woman shouted.

Occupants of the slums all turned to look, and we're all stopped in their tracks.

A rope was tied to Romelyn's ankle, as he laid on his back. Ira held the rope and slowly dragged Romelyn away. Next to him was Harper, who clutched a rope in her small hands that were attached to the wrists of Romelyn's men. Although they could easily snatch the rope away, they knew Ira would kill them if they did.

People looked at the man who lorded over them and terrorized them, and they began to feel relief. A person began clapping, then it slowly spread until everyone on the streets began clapping. Ira smiled cheerfully and Harper held her chin up, trying to copy Ira's confident manner. Although they didn't know his name, they heard rumors of a boy with bright yellow eyes who killed the creatures that caused terror, what he did today would be sure to spread more rumors.

Eventually, they left the slums, and reached the City Guards Headquarters, under the strange gazes of pedestrians.

Ira picked up Romelyn by his jacket collar and carried him in.

A few city guards were present.

"I'm back with Romelyn."

Ira said loudly as he walked in. The guards stood up watched Ira walk in with Romelyn and about a dozen other men, all tied in ropes.

"Go get the Captain."

One of the men turned to his colleagues and said. His colleague ran upstairs and shortly after came down with the Captain of the guards.

"Hohoho! Who would've guessed you'd get him in just one day."

The Captain laughed heartily as he looked at Romelyn.

"Get these men processed and throw in cells."

The Captain ordered.

"""""Sir!"""""

The men took hold of the ropes from Ira and Harper and led the men downstairs to the holding cells.

"I'll inform the Mercenaries Union of the job completion, they should have your money by tomorrow."

The Captain said.

"There's are a few bodies left in his hideout. Please don't forget to add those up."

Ira sported a friendly smile as he left with Harper trailing behind him.

As they left the Guard headquarters, an old woman and her son walked over to Ira.

"My husband, did you see my husband? He went to pay back the money he borrowed from Romelyn."

The old woman clutched Ira's shoulders desperately, her son stood beside her with a worried look.

"Romelyn killed him before I arrived."

Ira said.

"Nooo!"

The old woman shouted hysterically as her son went to hold her. Ira stepped around them and continued walking, Harper looked at them with guilty eyes as she followed behind Ira.

"Harper."

Ira called her while walking.

"...Yes?"

She answered obediently.

Ira turned to her and gave her a playful wink.

"Let's get some food."

He said as he stretched.

"Ok."

She nodded her smilingly.

...................

To the far west, a meeting was being held.

"Are the rumors true?"

A pale humanoid with pointed ears and a small circular metal-like structure protruding from his forehead spoke. People of his race were called the Diavol, and currently, he was in a room surrounded by numerous men who looked similar to him.

"We can't confirm it, but there is a way to find out. We'll siege that accursed fortress to the east and find out."

Another Diavol spoke.

"You mean to attack the Human fortress? I thought we ceased our patrols eastwards because of the pointless battles! You mean to use our men as bait?"

An older looking Diavol slammed his fist on the table.

"No! We send a large force, we take the fortress completely, the humans overstep their boundaries as they creep closer and closer towards us. With the rumor spreading, that their capital was attacked from within means we must act now. I believe we ceased our patrols a little too early."

The Diavol from before stated. The others in the room stirred and whispered.

"All in agreement for taking the human fortress raise your hands."

A Diavol spoke up.

75% of the room raised their hands, causing the older Diavol to make a bitter expression.

"Then mobilize our troops with discretion, soon we will attack swiftly before the humans can react properly."

The Diavol who suggested taking the fortress smiled.

.....................

*w/n: I think all future chapters will be 2k words or more.

 

Chapter 23

Spoiler: Read More

Avery opened her eyes and sat up silently.

She was currently inside of the Thynne Family Manor. Her personal room was mostly plain. Her bed sheets were a dull shade of gray, her room only held a sword rack, a small shelf of books, a vanity with a small mirror above it and a chair in front of it, and a brown leather armchair.

"Something is different."

She said solemnly as she held her chin in contemplation.

Knock. Knock.

"Enter."

She said as she stood up.

Two females with dark purple hair and brown eyes, wearing white dresses, stepped inside while pulling a food cart. One maid stayed by the cart and the other went into the bathroom and began running water.

Avery rotated her neck and walked over to the food tray, the maid removed the lid in a rehearsed manner. Two eggs, a slice of toast, a peeled orange, and a cup of black coffee. It was rather simplistic for someone of Avery's standing in the family, but to her, it was more than enough.

Avery ate quickly, but still looked refined as she did it. The maid couldn't help but stare at Avery's indifferent, but beautiful face. Her sharp and youthful features worked in perfect contrast. Avery sent her a glance, which caused her to avert her eyes. Avery finished eating and walked over to the bath.

"The water is ready."

The servant stepped out of the bathroom and made way. The bath was filled with cold water.

"Get my saber."

Avery said as she closed the bathroom door.

..................

After she finished bathing, she dressed in black underwear and sat in front of her vanity and looked at the mirror.

The two maid brushed her long wet hair while trying to restrain their admiration. Her physique was muscular, but in a subtle way that enhanced her feminine charm.

"Something's different..."

Avery said as she looked into the mirror.

"Miss?"

A servant asked.

"Nothing."

Avery stood up and began dressing. A gray military style jacket, a white shirt, tan pants, and her brown leather boots. The maid handed her her scabbard and saber, Avery accepted it and fastened it to her waist. She grabbed the white ring from the vanity and put it on her left hand.

"I need a carriage."

Avery said to the maid.

"Yes, miss."

The maids bowed slightly and left the room. Avery sat silently in contemplation.

She always seemed brooding or indifferent, actually, all the female children of Valkyries seemed to that way, but the truth was that the training they went through as children were enough to break the mental states of normal humans. Sleep deprivation, massive sparring sessions, survival training, hypothermia training, isolation, hunting, and numerous trials.

Avery began to think back.

........................

17 years ago.

Inside of a snowy forest at the foot of a mountain, a small cabin stood. It was a late night, and the forest was completely still.

DING! DING! DING!

A loud bell rung loudly inside the cabin disturbing the silence. There were seven beds on each side of the room, each holding an occupant. They immediately stood up. Each one was an adolescent girl with dark purple hair and silver eyes, they all appeared to be younger than ten years old, their breath could be seen, showing just how cold it was.

A woman walked in with a small bell, which made more noise than one would think from the size. The woman had dark purple hair and silver eyes, it was the Valkyrie known as Judith, who was the aunt of every girl in the room.

"Five minutes."

Judith said coldly as she scanned over all the girls, before dropping a pile of different wooden weapons and leaving.

The girls moved quickly as they all dressed in gray training tights, with a gray cloth tasset belt. Each girl grabbed a wooden weapon by the door and left.

The climbed uphill in the cold, with very little protection from the cold, yet they didn't shiver or grimace, they silently walked with muffled footsteps.

They arrived at a clearing, the ground was flat stone. Judith stood in the middle as she waited for the girls to line up.

A large tub full of blood was sat by Judith's foot.

The girls walked up and dipped their weapons in the blood, and then moved to the edges of the stage.

"Today is your turn, Avery."

Judith pointed to Avery and spoke without emotion. A little girl whose face was noticeably more apathetic then the rest of the girls walked forward to the center of the stone stage. Her eyes coldly scanned her thirteen cousins.

Judith moved the tub of blood away from the stage and stood on top of a large Boulder.

"Same rules. If the blood touches you, it counts as your death. If you lose, you go to the isolation chamber."

Judith stated harshly as she clapped her hands once.

Blood dripped from the edge of the wooden weapons as the girls took up their stances. Avery held up her wooden saber and closed her eyes. The girls spread around her and moved slowly.

Judith watched them and then clapped her hands again.

Thirteen girls charged toward Avery. Three girls holding wooden staves, we're leading the charge.

The spun their staves and attacked. Avery raised her sword to block one, sidestepped the second one, and kicked the third in her chest.

"Hah!"

Avery shouted as she ran towards the other ten girls.

Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak!

The sound of weapons and heavy breathing disturbed the silent forest. A little while later. Half of the girls had their gray training tights stained with blood, including Avery. She managed to land hits on six other girls before she was hit in the back with a spear.

"You all go to the isolation chambers! There was not enough cooperation, you could've prevented casualties if you worked together in an organized manner! That's seven of you dead just to take down one enemy! Dead! Dead! Dead!"

Judith shouted grimly as she pointed to the end of the stage. There were fourteen metal hatches barely hidden by the snow.

"Get in!"

She shouted.

The girls ran over to the hatches without hesitation and opened them. Under the hatches was an extremely claustrophobic room, filled with water. There was one breathing tube in each hatch.

"There are heating arrays that will just barely keep you from freezing to death, concentrate on them to get them to work, hone your state of mind."

Judith ordered.

"I'll be back tomorrow and don't think death will save you, I'll bring you back and make you stay in for a week if you die."

She stated brutally as she shut each of the metal hatches. As she got to Avery's hatch she paused.

"Avery, you'll be in for three days. Your mother is the firstborn of this family and you are her first born, as such you have to be stronger than the rest of them because one day you'll be the matriarch."

Judith said apathetically as she shut the hatch.

Avery fastened the breathing tube to her mouth and submerged herself in the water. The weak heating array began to glow as she concentrated, for three days she would have to keep her concentration at its highest point. It would push her mental states to its limits.

Avery closed her eyes and waited alone in the darkness.

...............................

"Miss, the carriage is ready."

A maid's voice woke Avery up from her daydream.

"Also, the property has successfully been purchased and registered. I have the key for you."

Avery nodded to the maid and stood up to leave, she let tied her loose hair into a ponytail, grabbed the key from the maid and put on her black cloak.

She walked down the steps and exited to see the extended family inside of the dining hall, eating cheerfully. They would be taken care of and would receive a mild training regiment, enough to get an apprentice level in a certain weapon discipline. They stood up to greet Avery and she nodded in response. She felt no particular way about them, no hate or love could be found in her gaze as she glanced at them.

...........................

A few hours later, Avery arrived at the capital and passed through the gates in the carriage, the guards could see the family emblem of a sword and spear crossing and knew it was the Thynne family. They were given instructions not to obstruct anyone from their family in anyway.

"Here."

Avery said to the carriage driver. He stopped the war horses and waited. Avery climbed out of the carriage and turned to the driver.

"Be here this evening."

She said as she put her hood on and walked away.

Eventually, she arrived at the meeting place she stated for Ira. She could see him sitting on a bench reading a black book, with a sigil similar to the one on his left hand, Harper tried to peek over his shoulder and read it, but her face contorted into a confused expression. Ira shut the book and made it disappear as he looked up and smiled merrily at Avery. He turned to say something to Harper, and she waved to Avery, with a little hesitation.

"Avery."

Ira stood up and smiled.

"Ira."

Avery faintly grinned.

"H-Harper."

Harper said her own name for some weird reason.

"Are you ready to go to your new house?"

Avery asked.

"Don't you mean..."

Ira paused as he raised his left hand and flashed the engagement ring.

"...Our new house."

He chuckled lightheartedly.

"Come on."

Avery chuckled lightly as she shook her head.

Harper looked on with wide eyes. Ira ruffled her brown and black hair.

The three of them walked for about ten minutes before they came to a house. It was a three-story white townhouse, directly across from a busy restaurant, situated in the commercial district. A few other shops could be seen down the street, a smithery, clothing store, furnisher, and a general store.

"Seems like we'll have neighbors."

Ira gave a friendly smile as he followed Avery to the door.

As they made their way in they could see a few furnishings. In the living room was a black leather couch and a fireplace, with a few rugs and a glass table inside. A short hallway led to the kitchen which had a large table and 8 chairs around it, a small stove, sink, and counter.

"There's a basement but it's empty until you decide what put in it."

Avery stated as they went upstairs.

The second floor was filled with expensive training equipment, large wooden sparring dummies, a punching bag, and a few wooden swords on a rack, a weight bench, and a pull-up bar. As nice as it was, none of this equipment would be effective for Ira, though it could work for Harper. There was a small doorway which led to a bathroom.

Ira looked at the room and noticed a lack of dust, in fact, all the items seemed recently placed.

"Is all this new?"

Ira asked curiously as they walked up the stairs.

"I had it brought here yesterday."

Avery responded succinctly.

As they arrived on the third floor there was a hallway that led to two bedrooms. The doors of both rooms were open. One room had a small bed and small furnishings, clearly a room for Harper. The other room held a bed with black sheets, a dark brown nightstand, a dark brown vanity, and a closet full of black clothes.

"Where is the room for Miss Avery?"

Harper asked curiously.

"Right there."

Ira pointed at the room with black sheets.

"So where is your room?"

Harper continued.

"Right there."

Ira chuckled as he pointed in the same direction.

Harper wasn't aware that Ira and Avery were engaged, so her confusion could be expected.

Avery looked away in a distracted manner.

.........................

12 years ago.

The forest was an autumn shade of reds and browns. The activity of wildlife was very minute, as the occasional rodent could scurrying away, or a bird could be heard chirping occasionally. The sun could barely be seen as darkness fell onto the dense forest at the foot of a mountain range.

Torches were lit up around a stone stage. Fourteen girls with dark purple hair and dull silver eyes stood next to each other, some were around there mid-teens and others were just a year away from reaching their teens.

Twenty men and women covered in burlap sacks were bound in ropes, and in a kneeling position.

Each of the girls had real weapons in their hands. A woman with dark purple hair and bright silver eyes stood on top of a boulder. It was Avery's mother, Casey.

"These people are all criminals. Some have committed small excusable crimes and some have committed terrible crimes. You'll be the judge and the executioner."

Casey said coldly.

The fourteen girls walked around surveying the people tied up, some of the girls asked questions, some of the girls examined their hands and arms, some just listened to their whimpers.

Avery didn't move at all. She looked over all the people tied up and drew her saber.

Vsshing.

The noise drew silence from everyone. The people tied in ropes stirred nervously, and Avery's thirteen cousins just watched her. Casey's eyebrows raised slightly but no one noticed.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

She made her steps intentionally loud, those bound in ropes began shaking. A sense of terror burrowed into their skulls. Whoever was the closest to the footsteps couldn't help but be fearful. Each step echoed certainty, there was no hesitation. It was clear to them that whoever was taking those steps was certain about their decisions.

Avery stopped at a woman on the end.

Shlik!

She stabbed her saber into the woman's throat and kicked her body down.

Shlik! Shlik! Shlik!

She continued down the line. By now the people bound in rope could hear the sound of blood and the muffled groans, they didn't need to guess someone was being killed, but the problem was the sound didn't stop and moved closer to them.

"Wait, please! All I did was steal some food!"

A man cried out from under the burlap sack, his cry sparked everyone into confessing their "minor" crimes all at once.

Shlik!

The man who cried out was beheaded by Avery as she continued down the line.

Shlik!

Her sixth kill was an older woman who attempted to plead with her but was met with a cold blade.

Casey watched on and didn't say anything. The other girls took it as a sign and hurried to kill the rest of the people lined up. Eventually, the stone stage was filled with blood as every breathed quietly. Some of the girls looked visually disturbed, while some tried to act indifferent, Avery kept her usual cold and distant expression.

"What was your reason for killing them, Avery?"

Casey asked without emotion.

"If I am to judge them, then they are all guilty. If I am to be the executioner, then they will all die."

Avery stated indifferently as blood dripped from her saber.

"All of you to the isolation chamber. You'll be in for two weeks. There is one piece of dried meat and a canteen of water inside. Avery, you'll have half of what they get."

Casey said harshly.

The girls placed their weapons on the ground and got into their isolation chambers.

Casey came by and shut each one and paused at Avery.

"You did well. There is no innocent or guilty among the dead. You'll be in for a month, Avery. Do not disappoint me."

Casey faintly smiled as she shut the metal hatch.

Avery sat down and closed her eyes. The least amount of movement would help her save energy. She waited in the darkness.

......................

A soft hand touched her cheek and woke her up from her daydream. Her eyes came into focus as she saw Ira standing directly in front of her, inches from her face, he currently had a puzzled expression.

"I was just explaining to Harper that we're getting married but you blanked out...Where did you go?"

Ira asked as he held her face, surprisingly with all his strength, his palms weren't coarse at all.

Harper looked up at her with a confused expression.

"Away."

Avery stated directly.

Ira leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers.

"Well, Welcome back."

He chuckled playfully as he moved away.

"Let's see if the food across the street is any good."

He began walking down the steps.

"Welcome back."

Harper repeated as she followed Ira down the steps.

Avery shook her head with a faint smile and followed behind them.

......................

All three of them sat a wooden table inside of the restaurant.

Currently, Ira was eating six 72 ounce steaks, which weighed about 27 pounds in total, his metabolic rate was getting faster and faster even while he was in a resting state. He had to exercise a lot of control to keep his body from metabolizing faster than he could keep up with. Harper had herself a one pound steak and a cup of milk, trying her best to copy Ira and yet failing to finish eating it completely and Avery had a piece baked chicken, some roasted vegetables, and a glass of wine.

"You know...I almost never have to use the bathroom."

Ira said as he chewed his steak. Even though it wasn't proper table talk, none of them seemed bothered. Especially the impressionable Harper, because of Ira she began showing some minor changes in her behavior.

"My body uses just about everything I eat."

He said to Avery as he finished his final steak.

"It's like this...Just about anything can burn right?"

Ira asked.

Harper nodded her head acceptingly.

"If the fire is strong enough."

Avery added.

"Right. But it all leaves ashes. My metabolism is like a fire that burns everything and doesn't leave ash."

Ira explained in using an analogy.

"Maybe your bloodline is in a growth period."

Avery suggested.

"I think so too. Hey, speaking of growing you think you can train little Harper here."

Ira suggested as he took the rest of Harper's steak and ate it.

"Ah!"

Harper exclaimed as she searched his plate for something to take but was left empty-handed. She hurriedly clutched her cup of milk and drank it quickly. A small trail of milk was left on her upper lip when she finished.

"I'll train her in my spare time, but the one who needs training the most is you."

Avery sipped her wine after she finished speaking.

"Your combat skills have stagnated."

She continued.

"I'm open to suggestions."

Ira said he stole the rest of Avery's baked chicken.

"At the end of this week, I'll see if my grandmother can train you."

Avery stated as she stood up to leave, she started to pull out money but Ira stopped her.

"It's on me this time. Harper's aim helped make me some extra money."

He chuckled as he waved his hands and left a 1000 Gre. The meal itself was close to 300 Gre since Ira ordered 6 large steaks.

Avery nodded before turned to walk away.

"You know our house is right across the street. You don't have to leave without us."

Ira laughed brightly.

"I'll see you at the end of the week."

Avery smiled charmingly as she left the restaurant. Harper looked at both of them with milk still on her upper lip.

"Wipe your mouth, kiddo."

Ira said as he began leaving. Harper wiped her face with her long sleeves and laughed as she chased after Ira. Maybe a normal little girl would be embarrassed, but Harper's sense of shame began to erode the longer she stayed near Ira.

It was night by the time they finished at the restaurant so both Ira and Harper went home to get some sleep.

...................

Avery arrived at the gate as she walked slowly. Currently, she was trying to concentrate on her own bloodline, the sense of change she felt may have been a result of it getting close to awakening it.

She arrived at the gates to see a carriage pulling in three people. Two of which, she knew personally.

"Franklin. Justin."

Avery said as she walked to the carriage.

"Captain Avery, we believe that this man is the brother of-"

Franklin spoke excitedly.

"Don't talk here. And I'm no longer Captain."

Avery looked around as she spoke.

"Do you have a place for him to stay?"

Avery asked them as she looked at the third man in the carriage, he had a face that could be considered handsome, only his appearance now was very rough, to be blunt he looked like an alcoholic beggar.

"Yeah, we're gonna put him up in a cheap inn before we report in tomorrow."

Justin explained dutifully.

"Alright you two follow me and he can wait for you at the nearest inn."

She said.

"Yes, ma'am."

Justin handed the haggard man a few Gre and jumped down from the carriage. Franklin followed Justin and jumped down too.

"Let's go."

Avery said as she led them to her carriage. They climbed in silently as the coachman slowly road away.

The haggard man's eyes showed a strange glint as he climbed out of the carriage and followed behind them, their pace made it so it wasn't hard to keep up.

After 30 minutes of riding, the carriage came to a stop and Avery, Justin, and Franklin all stepped out and walked into some nearby woods.

"Tell me everything you know."

Avery said seriously.

"His name is Sebastian Fallmire, he says his brother was named Siegfried Fallmire and when he was younger, his parents became crazed and took Siegfried away, last time he received word of them was in a small town not too far away from the black pillar. He spent all his family's money attempting to track them down but failed as he slowly went into debt. There are a few details that don't add up, such as the age, and sudden appearance, but I'm sure if we sit both Ira and him down we can find the truth."

Justin explained with a tinge of pride in his voice.

"You've done well...So do you plan on telling the Kingdom about this?"

Avery asked indifferently.

Franklin felt something was slightly off, but didn't say anything.

"Of course, if we can get knowledge of the Black Forest from Ira, it may help out the Kingdom a lot."

Justin stated with a heart full of patriotism.

"I don't think he'll be willing to cooperate."

She retorted.

"Then we'll make him. He's a danger to this kingdom and everyone around him."

Franklin spoke up in a righteous manner.

"Does anyone else know about this yet?"

Avery asked as she looked up at the moonlight that began shining through the trees.

"Not yet, Captain."

Justin and Franklin both spoke at the same time assuredly.

"Heh heh heh...hahaha."

Avery raised both hands over her heart as her gentle laughter resounded through the woodland.

"C-Captain. Are you alright-"

Justin asked as he was stunned from Avery's beautiful laughter, but felt something was off about it.

"So that's what was different."

Avery interrupted as she closed her eyes and softly cupped her hands over her heart.

"Ever since that day...I know it's incredibly cliché...but ever since that day I could see something in him. I could see a similar feeling to what I felt when I was kept in the darkness for my training, but I could tell what he had been through was so much...more. Maybe that's when it changed, or maybe it was here since the start."

Avery still spoke with her eyes closed, but her eyebrows raised in realization.

"Are you still talking about the boy, Captain?"

Justin asked in a confused manner.

"No...I'm talking about the boy that I'm in love with."

Avery chuckled callously as she opened her eyes.

"You said you were the only two who knew about this right?"

Avery asked with a ruthless smile as she gripped her saber hilt and her scabbard.

"Frankie, ru-"

Justin tried to yell, as all his instincts told him to escape as fast as possible, but it was too late.

"Quickdraw!"

Avery drew her sword and swung fiercely.

Shlunk!

Justin's head was immediately separated from his body, blood splashed onto Franklin's face as he stumbled backward.

"Aaah!"

He screamed loudly and drew his sword clumsily.

"C-Captain! W-Why did you kill him?!"

Franklin asked fearfully as he shivered.

"You know the things I hate the most?"

Avery asked as her smiled slowly faded away.

"..."

Franklin remained silent as he was too fearful of Avery suddenly attacking him again.

"Princess stories...Some damsel in distress being so incredibly weak she needs someone to rescue her. I hate those noble girls who fawn over the knight in shining armor. I find those gaudy love stories incredibly disgusting. Until recently, I began to suspect love was just something humans made up to comfort themselves, knowing they'd eventually die, but I understand now. Though I should state this isn't as repulsive as those fairytale ideals."

Avery chuckled.

"C-Captain are you saying you...love...Ira? Did you kill one of your own men just to protect him?"

Franklin asked as he grew teary-eyed, and began to take up a sword stance.

"Well, he is my fiancé after all."

Avery raised her hand to show the pearl white ring, which had an entrancing glow under the moonlight.

"Captain! I know you must care for your own men even just a little. You put on that cold exterior because you're afraid of caring too much and being hurt. You saved our lives by making us stay back when those assassins attacked you! I don't believe this is you speaking, Captain! I'll help you come to your senses!"

Franklin began crying as he shouted, some a rather sanctimonious, words. He wiped his face and charged forward.

"No need."

Avery responded soberly.

Franklin charged forth and swung downwards, while Captain Avery lightly spun her body to avoid the sword trajectory and stabbed him in his throat.

Plik!

Franklin dropped his sword and clutched his throat with one hand, while the other reached out toward Avery.

"C...C...Cap..."

Avery got closer to him and used his clothes to wipe her saber clean before she turned away and sheathed her blade.

Thump!

Franklin fell into the fallen leaves as blood pooled around him.

Snap!

Avery's head turned to look in the direction of where she heard a branch being stepped on.

"If you wish to tell Ira what you saw today, feel free. But I can tell you're lying about a few things yourself."

She spoke loudly as she departed from the woods.

Behind a tree, Sebastian Fallmire tried to conceal his nervous breath.

"I have to find, Siegfried."

Sebastian said with a strange look of concern in his eyes.

..........................

Avery walked back to the carriage silently.

"Miss Avery."

The coachman greeted, he heard the scream come from the forest and saw Avery walking out alone, so he could guess what transpired. Still, the Thynne Family paid him very well for a mere coachman, enough for him to buy his kids extra courses in the academy. He pretended not to notice the absence of the two men she came with, in fact, he tried to forget the two men ever existed.

"To the manor."

She stated as she climbed into the carriage.

"Yes, Miss Avery."

He smiled as drove the carriage toward the manor.

.....................

*w/n: 4k words hopefully no errors. Harper was becoming my favorite female character to write but after this, I'm sticking with Avery.

 

Thanks for the chapters. I like Avery, Harper and Ira all the same. I dislike the stuff about amy clark and the other guy though, its boring. Do you have a set schedule? When can i expect the next chapter`?

 

Thanks for reading. Until I create a schedule, I'll try to post mostly every day (unless the chapter is longer than normal) anywhere from 3pm to 11pm (Est)

 

Chapter 24

Spoiler: Read More

Inside of a white townhouse, on a bustling street.

"Ahahahaha! Harper! Good News!"

Ira laughed wildly as he sat on the edge of his bed. A black book was on his lap with strange words and symbols. The reason why he was laughing was because he finally understood one page in the book. The faint whispers that occurred when reading the book seemed to stop for now. He ripped the page out of the book but the contents faded away and it became a plain piece of paper. The words slowly reappeared onto a different page.

A barefoot Harper walked into the room rubbing her eyes.

"Ira...what is it?"

She said as she yawned.

Ira grabbed her and tossed her up.

"Waah!"

Harper shouted in surprise. As she fell back down she landed in Ira's arms, before he tossed her up again.

"Hahaha!"

She giggled wildly, as she flew through the air. Her giggle sounded like a high-pitched version of Ira's laugh.

"Alright."

Ira caught her and put her down. Her brown and black hair was very messy, but she paid no mind and continued to giggle.

"You go to the general store down the street and get some pencils and paper. I'll go buy breakfast."

Ira waved his hand and gave Harper 100 Gre.

"Alright!"

Harper nodded her head and ran to put on her shoes.

Ira chuckled as he went downstairs ahead of her.

"Wait for me!"

She giggled as she stumbled to put her shoes on.

.............................

After getting some breakfast, pencils, and some paper. Ira and Harper sat at the dining room table eating their food, Ira had a few steaks and a couple pieces of fruit, while Harper ate the same meal, but with one steak and less fruit. Ira finished his food first and began writing. He finished and nodded his head in a satisfied manner.

"Harper, do you know what this is?"

He asked as he smiled brightly.

Harper shook her head as she closely guarded her steak.

"Ha, it's a recipe. For something great."

Ira laughed as he scanned over the paper again.

"What's so great about it?"

Harper asked as she peeked over.

"When we go see an alchemist you'll understand."

Ira got up and walked towards the door. Harper looked at him and then her food, she decided she would finish it later and chased after him.

Wsssh.

Ira appeared at his original position and took the rest of Harper's steak.

"Hey!"

She stomped her feet.

"Let's go."

Ira chuckled as they left the house.

..................

Ira and Harper reached a small run down building in a far corner in the capital.

Small crooked letters, made from iron that had long since gathered rust, sat above the building.

They read as follows:
Charlie's Alchemical Concoctions.

The door for the building was made from plate iron and gave it the appearance of a vault if anything.

Creeaak.

Ira opened the creaky metal door and stepped in. Harper wasn't far behind him.

Inside was a mess. The counter was cluttered with jars and tubes of mystery creatures and liquids. Books were strewn across the floor, and the actual bookshelf was close to empty. Boxes full of beakers, tubes, and a variety of other tools were placed in the corner, in short, the whole room felt as disorganized. A man charged out from the backroom which emitted a rotten scent.

"Customer or Mercenary?"

A middle-aged man emerged from the room and closed the door.

"Both."

Ira said as he smiled.

The middle-aged man had a patchy beard, long dark brown hair, which was very unkempt, and a black apron over a set of plain beige clothes. He had a name plate on his apron which read "Charles".

"What do you need?"

The middle-aged man picked up a notepad and began writing hastily.

"Can you help me make this?"

Ira asked with a chuckle as he slid the paper onto the counter. The man sighed as he pulled out glasses from his pocket. The amount of times he was given idiotic personal requests were too many to count. Most people were ignorant about alchemy, they just brought various potions and mixtures, not diving into the specifics.

"Listen, if it's another request about a love potion I-"

Charles was stopped in his tracks as he read the contents of the paper.

"T-This..."

He repeatedly looked over the paper then at Ira.

Ira laughed as he snatched the paper back.

"Well can you?"

Ira asked.

"I can, but are you using it for yourself?"

Charles asked with wide-eyes.

"No. I think my sister needs it more than me."

Ira said as he stepped to the side and pointed at Harper.

"Perfect!"

Charles shouted.

"With her body still in its early developmental stage, we just need to make it."

Charles cackled madly. Right now he was brimming with joy.

"Do you know what it is?!"

He asked passionately.

"A recipe."

Ira shrugged casually.

"Not just that! It's the process for filtering out genetic traits and splicing them all into one cohesive bloodline!"

Charles said as he breathed heavily.

"It's not a specific set of ingredients listed, so there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of possibilities. If this got exposed to the world, I'm sure every major power would fight for it."

Charles rambled on unrestrainedly.

"Not only that! It may ramifications beyond the control of any lifeforms."

Charles somehow performed a miracle and widened his eyes even further than they would previously go.

"Could you explain it better?"

Ira scratched his head in a confused manner.

"Yeah, can you explain it better?"

Harper echoed after him and scratched her head the same as Ira.

"Hold on!"

Charles ran into the backroom and came back out with a large white colored board and started drawing five circles and a series of different black lines.



"Are you aware of the Origin Forces Theory?"

Charles asked.

Both Ira and Harper shook their heads in response.

"To simplify it as best as possible. Imagine our world is the circle. Each line is a force beyond the laws that govern our world. Some people speculate there are an infinite number or forces and others speculate there a finite amount...Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. Imagine gravity as one line, mana as another line, fate as another line, and so on and so forth. Each line is a singular force that passes through and exerts itself on our mortal plane, granting us abilities as a result. Imagine the biggest circle as a curtain, behind the curtain, is thought to be the divine plane and that's where many theorize these forces originate from."

Charles looked at back at Ira and Harper to see them in the corner staring at a jar.

"Hey! You didn't-"

Charles started.

"I'm listening. Just get to the important parts already."

Ira turned and smiled.

Charles withheld his frustrations and continued to explain.

"It's safe to assume there are divine beings who can tap into these forces, or maybe they have full control over all of them. Imagine your holding a string in both your hands if someone came along and tugged it you'd surely know."

Charles tried to explain as best as possible.

Ira stared at the Charles and waited.

"I'm saying if you create a new bloodline, it could cause a small rebound in a known or unknown force since it goes against the natural order."

Charles finished.

"So...bad things could happen?"

Ira asked simply.

"Y-Yeah if you wanna put it like that then I guess you could."

Charles made a wry smile.

"I have a really important question."

Ira's expression turned serious, which Harper thought she was witnessing for the first time.

"W-What is it?"

Charles felt the mood turn and asked cautiously.

"Can you help me make a prosthetic arm?"

Ira laughed loudly.

"Hehehe."

Harper giggled as she felt she was tricked.

"Yes. I can."

Charles had a deadpan expression. When he ranted earlier he would've earned an award from the Mage and Alchemical societies, but in front of this boy, he earned nothing but a headache.

"Write down your name, address, and a time. I'll get the proper equipment to set up, you can handle the ingredients."

Charles sighed deeply as he massaged his temples.

"Did you still need help with that job you posted?"

Ira asked curiously.

"No."

Charles said quickly.

"Alright. Let's get some food, Harper."

Ira and Harper both exited the store leaving a frustrated alchemist.

..................

*w/n: (unedited)A shorter chapter than usual. Things start going into motion in the next chapter.

 

Thanks as always, love the idea of harper getting her own bloodline?? (is that what's happening, because that's what i got). also i hope that his locked ability is awesome, and that he gets it soon!

Oh and btw nice diagram! i approve!

 

Chapter 25

Spoiler: Read More

The rest of the week passed by pretty smoothly. Ira completed three nondescript jobs, earning 5000 Gre for each, adding on the money from capturing Romelyn, he currently wasn't starved for funds.

The restaurant across from him, The Blue Bird, regarded him as one of their best customers, and permanently reserved a table for him.

Currently, Ira and Harper were sat at the table inside the restaurant. Dozens of empty plates stacked on top of each other littered the table and only one plate still had a half eaten steak on it.

"Come on, Harper."

Ira snatched the half eaten steak away and stood up, leaving 2000 Gre on the table. It's not that he was being generous it's just that he began eating more and more.

"Hmm."

Harper pouted a little and then stood up. She wore a brand new outfit which consisted of, an over sized black shirt, three-quarter black pants, and black leather boots.

A few weeks ago she would've preferred to wear a dress or a skirt, but now she acted and dressed more and more like Ira. Even her over-sized shirt was one of his.

"Ah! See you later."

A woman in her late 60's with graying hair and a slightly wrinkled face waved at Ira and Harper. She was the widowed owner of the restaurant who had come to know Ira and Harper.

"See you later, Ms.Edda"

"See you later, Ms. Edda"

Both Ira and Harper spoke at the same time, with big smiles on their faces.

They traveled the streets of the capital before they arrived at the gates which showed a lot of people entering and exiting.

A dark brown carriage with an emblem of a sword and spear crossing was stopped near the gate. Waiting in front of it was Avery who made a slight grin when she saw Ira.

"Are you ready?"

Avery asked before she climbed into the carriage.

"As I'll ever be."

Ira responded as he followed her in, Harper hurriedly climbed in and to her disappointment, Avery sat in the seat next to Ira, she reluctantly decided to sit across from them.

"Will there be food when we get there?"

Ira asked with a serious face. Harper also looked over with expectation.

"If there is then don't steal any of mine!"

Harper said as she crossed her arms.

"Yes, there'll be food."

Avery responded looking over at Harper curiously.

"You hear that, Harper? You better finish eating before I do."

Ira laughed.

"Just watch me."

Harper giggled as she responded tauntingly.

"Oh! Avery, do you know how to do a soul contract?"

Ira asked suddenly.

"You just need the blood of the people signing the contract, and they have to be willing, otherwise it won't work. Any material will work for it, just write the conditions and sign."

Avery explained.

"That easy?"

Ira had a look of realization on his face.

The carriage was silent for a few minutes before Ira yawned.

"Wake me up when we get there."

He laid his head on Avery's lap, without asking at all, and closed his eyes, after a few seconds he was sound asleep.

Avery didn't say anything as she looked at Ira's face and then turned to look out of the carriage window. Harper laid on the seat she had to herself and closed her eyes, though she couldn't fall asleep as fast as Ira.
His self-adaptation allowed him to control his bodily functions, although the process was more like slowly turning a dial then it was quickly flipping a switch. His control had become more efficient, especially these past few days, although it wasn't a result of practice. In fact ever since he woke up after being cursed, his body seemed to be changing gradually at first, but now it was immensely faster.

........................

The carriage arrived at the bustling Thynne Manor in the late evening. A few dozen carriages were parked out outside of the manor, the only ones present were the drivers, the passengers had long since made their way inside. Avery's carriage stopped and was parked in an empty spot. Inside Avery looked at Ira's sleeping face, as she gently moved the hair away from over his eyes. She placed her hand on his forehead as she spoke.

"Ira."

She said his name softly causing his eyes to open instantly as he looked up at her.

"Avery."

Ira responded with a smile. They continued to look at each other, neither of them felt any embarrassment. Avery smiled slightly and began to speak.

"I'm in lo-"

Just as she began to speak.

"Harper!"

Harper sat up and yelled while giggling.

Ira smiled at Avery once more before he sat up and turned to look at the door.

Knock. Knock.

Someone knocked on the carriage door.

"Miss Avey, your mother told me to call for you as soon as you arrive."

The voice of a woman resounded from outside the carriage. Avery's eyes flashed with a slight annoyance as she opened the carriage door and stepped out.

"Let's go."

Ira said to Harper as he followed Avery. As they entered the Thynne family manor, Both Ira and Avery had to leave their swords and scabbard at the door, a female maid with purple hair and brown eyes handed Ira a long sleeved white button up shirt.

"Mandatory?"

Ira asked as he began taking his shirt off.

"I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind if you chose not to wear it."

Avery said indifferently. The maid looked at Ira's muscles and began to blush, she felt a cold gaze on her, only to turn and see Avery looking directly at her with apathetic eyes. The maid looked down in a fearful and apologetic manner.

Ira finished putting on the shirt, he tucked it in, rolled up the sleeves, and undid the top button. It gave him a sort of unruly charm.

"Looking fancy, Ira."

Harper stuck her thumbs up. Ira chuckled and ruffled her hair as he turned to Avery.

"After you."

He said. Avery turned to the maid and nodded her head, and in response, the maid led them to the back of the manor dutifully.

They came to a large terrace, that looked to be recently made. An arrangement of tables were set up in a neat order of four sections each telling of the status in the family. The furthest back were the members of the Thynne family furthest away from the bloodline. They were visually different, most of them having brown hair. Next were the members of the family with dark purple hair, but a color of eyes other than silver, Aldis could be seen sitting among them with a blank expression. After the members without the silver eye color were a dozen females with silver eyes. These were the females who had yet to awaken to their blood, each of them had empty and indifferent expressions. A few were still in their training, and it showed by their distant attitudes. At the very front, there was an empty table with five seats and a huge metal chest placed next to a long table, which held close to twenty females. Every one of them

At the very front, there was an empty table with five seats and a huge metal chest placed next to a long table, which held close to twenty females. Every one of them were Valkyries who'd awakened, and they gave off the impression of intimidation and those who saw them wouldn't dare to come up to them without being called.

All eyes turned to examine Avery, Ira, and Harper. Lauren and the other Valkyries looked especially at Harper, they were already informed of her circumstances by Avery, but it was different to see it in person. A few of the females who had yet to awaken evaluated Ira, even though he was handsome, they weren't interested in his looks, they were attempting to get a closer look at his strength. Their mothers told them of Lauren's condition that Ira may marry another woman if he decided to, of course, she wanted a female from her family to be his first choice.

The maid led them to the empty table practically next to the Valkyries, causing a few whispers. Many of the people present didn't know why they were here, but could clearly see it had something to do with the boy with black hair and yellow eyes.

Avery, Ira, and Harper sat down and waited. The tables were adorned with expensive wine glasses, and decorative plates, the tablecloths were made from silk and draped over each of the mahogany tables. It was clear the occasion was very special.

Lauren looked over the people gathered and stood up to speak.

"The reason I've called all of you here is to celebrate the engagement of my granddaughter, Avery and her fiancé, Ira."

Lauren stated gracefully as she directed her hand towards Avery. Avery and Ira stood up, but only after he received a meaningful look from Avery.

"If there is anyone who would like to speak against it, this will be the only time."

Lauren said with a little bit of sarcasm. Who wasn't sane enough to voice their disagreement with the family Matriarch? Especially if they weren't Valkyries.

"Grandmother."

A voice rang out from amidst the silence, apparently, there was a person lacking a sound mental state.

"I would never doubt your decision, but Avery's the most talented woman among the children. I think maybe she could marry someone who fits her talents."

A man in his twenties with dark purple hair and brown eyes stood up and spoke respectfully, but the fact he chose to speak at all was a big mistake.

Each of the Valkyries looked at him with cold eyes, even his mother.

"Eric."

Judith said in a low voice but sounded as if it was spoken next to everyone's ears. Lauren raised her hand to silence Judith.

"Do you have a suggestion?"

Lauren held a beautiful smile as she spoke, but her eyes were complete indifference and disregard.

"M-My guild leader is rated second of all the Mercenaries in the Kingdom."

He stumbled on his words when he noticed his mother's expression growing increasingly grim.

"Oh? Just number two?"

Ira laughed loudly, which caused all eyes to fall on him.

"Why don't you marry him instead?"

Harper giggled, as she spoke in a manner unbefitting of a child.

Avery smiled slightly, which was noticed by a few observant eyes, while a few others held back their laughter or hid their smiles.

"He's more than enough to defeat you!"

Eric responded with a look of admiration in his eyes.

"I think you're right..."

Ira wiped away his smile and said.

Eric looked surprised, maybe this boy was smarter than he thought.

"...Yeah, you are right, Harper. He really should marry his guild leader, just look at his eyes."

Ira burst out laughing again. A few people couldn't contain themselves and laughed a few times. Eric tried not to show it, but he felt ashamed.

"Enough."

Lauren said elegantly, after waiting for a few more people to laugh, humiliation was the lightest punishment she would give to him, if it was any other day he'd be forced to fight the females who were still training for their awakening for a few hours and then tossed in an isolation chamber for a half day.

"If that matter is finished we can move onto the next one."

Lauren said as she sent a telling look towards Judith.

"It's done."

Judith spoke for Eric. He was her only son, out of four children he happened to be the only boy, much to her disappointment.

Eric noticed his mother's expression and forced himself to keep quiet.

"Ira, I told you before that if you choose to marry another woman she can be taken as your second wife. Did you have anyone in mind currently?"

Lauren asked with a light curiosity, while the Valkyries and their daughters showed visible interest.

"My current fiancé is enough."

Ira said as he smiled brightly, showing no hesitation in his answer, it appeared as if he didn't consider it all. A few Valkyries showed disappointment while others showed approval. Avery gave Ira a deep look.

"With that, I can tell you all that the wedding will be in three and a half months and you'll stay here until then, let us begin the banquet."

Lauren said as she sat down. No one had a choice in the matter, but they already made arrangements expecting this development.

Servants brought out dozens of carts of food and began serving each table. Four full carts came to Ira's table, as they began to place everything. They were given special instruction by Avery, to prepare a lot of food for Ira specifically.

......................

Gazes of amazement were placed on Ira, he finished eating four carts of food, which probably weighed about the same as a fully grown man, in under an hour. Avery already finished her plate, and Harper was struggling to finish her third plate, which was lined with thin beef strips with boiled vegetables, she placed her hands over it and guarded it carefully.

"Stay back."

She warned Ira with a cautious expression.

"Harper, you've managed to eat two, don't feel embarrassed if you-"

Whoosh!

Ira began talking in a relaxed manner before his arm reached out faster than Harper could react to and snatched her plate.

"No!"

Harper protested but it was too late.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

She could only watch in vain as Ira ate her food. Ira finished chewing and ruffled her hair.

Lauren and Casey approached the table and sat down.

"We have prepared a dowry for you, but if you have something specific in mind please ask."

Casey said.

Ira held his chin in thought.

"Do you have any alchemy ingredients?"

Ira asked.

"After the everyone leaves we will let you take your pick of three things."

Lauren was slightly surprised that he didn't pick a weapon or something else.

"Onto another matter, Avery says you've stagnated in your training, so for three months Casey and I will alternate between training you. If you have outside matters to attend to I suggest you do them before your training."

Lauren stated sincerely.

"Alright."

Ira said with a grin.

Eventually, the banquet finished and all of the guests that weren't residents of the main house went to stay in the guest manor further down the road. Only the Valkyries, Ira, Avery, and Harper were present.

Two Valkyries brought forth a large metal chest. Lauren stepped forward and stood in front of the chest.

"It's a spatial storage chest, I'll save you the explanation since you should already know how it works. If you place your hand on it, you'll know what's inside automatically. If you pick something we can't part with I'll ask you to put it back."

Lauren said as her hand began glowing, she touched the chest, causing it to unlock, after that she stood out to the side.

Ira placed his hand into the chest and knew all the items placed inside. Weapons, potions, rare remains, ingredients.

The heart of a spectral lord, crushed bones of a lunar rabbit, and blood of a dream-walker.

A spectral lord was a semi-corporeal malevolent spirit. They start as pale blue orbs that usually wonder around and possess corpses, but occasionally some will grow stronger, becoming terrifying spectral lords, capable of wielding spirit magic very adeptly.

A Lunar Rabbit was a spirit based animal that was rare to see during times of winter, when both the moons, Ulta Major and Ulta Minor, could be seen. While their bodies were white, they also had two small glowing red circles between their eyes. They would only be seen on full moons and were incredibly hard to catch, they could draw power from the lunar force to enhance their spiritual power and could create solid phantom projections of themselves to distract any predators.

Finally, a dream-walker, which was a sub-race of Succubi and Incubi. While Succubi and Incubi could manipulate dreams and entrance others, dream-walkers could cast illusions and sometimes vaguely read minds.

Ira saw a lot of things inside the chest, each of them rare and unheard of, there was even the heart of a Phoenix, but he doubted the Valkyries were truly willing to part with it. Weapons, armor, artifacts and many other things were inside the chest, but none of them lined up with Ira's interest or were enough to make him forego the alchemical ingredients.

The chest opened and only the three items Ira selected were inside.

Lauren looked at Ira, "Are you sure of your selection?" She asked as she watched Ira intently, she had a feeling he would do something important with those items.

"Yes."

Ira nodded his head as he waved his left hand over the items and made them disappear.

"If that's all then we'll be on our way. Come back here when you're ready to start training."

Lauren stated as she turned and signaled to the Valkyries. Two of them grabbed the chest and lifted it up. One after another, wings appeared from their backs as they flew towards the mountain range. Casey smiled at her daughter before she followed behind the other Valkyries.

"We'll take the carriage back."

Ira turned to Avery as he smiled. Harper yawned as she was visibly tired and didn't say much.

Avery contemplated for a short while before she spoke.

"Goodnight."

She said with a faint smile.

"Goodnight."

Ira chuckled as he walked away.

"Goodnight."

Harper yawned with a sleepy expression trailing behind Ira.

Avery watched them leave while she placed a hand over heart before she walked into the manor.

.............................................................

 

Harper is indeed getting a new bloodline. Also, I can't wait for his locked ability.

 

Is Avery getting jealous of harper, and is that a confession the heard coming?
Also i like Ira's character, but please don't make him dense about love! i know that he was betrayed by everyone he loves and therefore became what he is but can you please not have him become a dense MC, he is wayyyyyy to badass for that!

 

Our MC is anything but dense. Just wait til upcoming chapters.

 

im starving, i need moar chapter