Chapter 41: Knocking At Lukedonia Doors
After returning to Lukedonia and going back to his routine, he found himself on an unbelievable situation as the Lord herself joined his training-torture sessions. For a moment he thought that she could read his mind and had realized his believe that she would remain single forever, the following days were h.e.l.l under her blood field. although he could not increase his strength significantly within a few days, not even within a few months, his battle techniques did improved and at least it took a couple of minutes for Raskreia to subdue him.
During the days he spent under the torture of the blood field, he remembered the "n.o.ble Phantasm" of the Fate Stay Night series. Archer"s Unlimited Blade Works had many similarities with the blood field and he wondered if one day he could achieve it, but it was a fact that for the time being it was only a delusion. After considering for a while he decided to abandone this idea, the most powerful attacks should be simple not fancy, after all the n.o.blesse"s most powerful attack was telekinesis powered by his blood energy at least he had that idea when he used the "black hole" attack on the comics.
During this time Regis had managed to summon the soul weapon of the Landegre family, Regasus, who was no longer under the control of Gejutel. Vlad was happy for the growth of his friend and thankful to find that the plot did not seem to take a turn for the worst. But he grew restless, in the plot it was at this moment that Lukedonia would be raided by the traitors and warriors of the werewolf clan.
The upgraded defenses would not be able to stop them, but they will have time to prepare as the alarms will activate as soon as someone tried to force his way in. He was sure that even if Lagus were to be an expert on Runes, it will take him a couple of hours to open his way through or much less if the barrier was attacked with enough force.
He started to put special attention to the time that Rajak would leave Lukedonia, he would offer to send him to Korea in order for him to avoid the battle that would have taken his life. When the alarms activates they could inform Rajak or Karias to return or he will be sent by the Lord to bring them back.
A few days later the Lord asked Rajak to leave Lukedonia to spend some time with Karias in Korea, so Vlad asked. "Lord, may I take the opportunity to tag along for a day? I would like to visit Seira and I can always come back without delay if the need arises". Raskreia took a moment looking at Vlad before agreeing, she was wondering if he would return with someone in chains as he usually does when leaving on his own and cursed Frankenstein in her mind.
Vlad joined Seira and the group as they were walking to the video game room, he just joined silently holding Seira"s hand. Except Raizel, none found he was there until they arrived at the video game room to find that Seira was a few meters behind walking calmly with Vlad. He finaly was able to witness the n.o.blesse being murdered mercilessly by the human children, but he could not laugh as he found that he was also very bad at this games. Seira killed him more times that he could count and he understood a little of Rai"s sadness.
After arriving at Frankenstein"s house he was rewarded with delicious food prepared by Seira and he forgot his little depression. He returned after dinner and was spending time with his parents telling them of how delicious was Seira"s food and how she had killed him so many times on the video games. His mother seemed to specially enjoy that last part, as if she was supporting her daughter for putting an stranger in his place. He enjoyed this moments as he laugh with them, but he did feel a little betrayed by his mother"s antics.
It was during their conversation that the quiet environment of the island was broken by alarms. Vlad made his way to the throne room after asking his parents to enter the shelter on the mansion along with as many people they could find in a short moment.
He was greeted by the solemn yet calm voice of the Lord as he entered the throne room. "Our peripheral defenses are under attack from the two traitors and at least three werewolf warriors. They will hold for half an hour, but I dont intent to wait for them to fall, we will met them in battle outside Lukedonia".
She then looked at Gejutel and Ludis "Gejutel, Ludis you will take this time to gather our people had head for the shelters. Be sure to protect them." Finally, she looked at Vlad. "Vlad, I"m summoning Rajak back. Seira, Karias, Regis and Rael will remain in their current positions to prevent and a possible attack from the Union during this time".
She hesitated for a moment, she didn"t want Raizel to die, much less to protect Lukedonia which was her duty, but she remember her conversation with him before restoring his life span with Ragnarok. It was duty that defined his life, that was his choice and that she respected so she added. "If Raziel and Frankenstein could come it will be for the best. Go now, I expect you both to join me along with Rossaria and Kei to destroy our enemies, we attack in 15 minutes."
Vlad bowed as the now common sight of the blood-rune-arc started to rotate around him. The battle was about to start, but this time they were prepared and things would be different as not one n.o.ble will die in this battle, he vowed to himself as he disappeared from the throne room.
Chapter 42: The Defense of Lukedonia (Part I)
It was a normal night on Frankenstein"s home, much to the dismay of the owner of this place as children were rending havoc to his living room... Frankenstein released a sigh thinking that everything was for the sake of his Master.
suddenly everyone on the house sensed a strong aura that was released from the roof of the house, they recognized the familiarity of it and its lack of aggression but that it transmitted a sense of urgency. Soon enough Karias, Rajak, Seira, Regis and Rael were standing on the rooftop while Frankestein and Raizel remained on the living room with the children with their attention directed to the newcomer.
Vlad waisted no time and started talking while transmitting the same information to Raizel and Frankenstein through telepathy. "Lukedonia is under attack, the command of the Lord is as follows. Karias, Seira, Regis and Rael, you are to remain in this place to prevent a possible attack from the Union. Rajak you are to leave with me to join the battle immediately."
Then he focused on Raizel and said. "The Lord hopes that you and Frankestein can provide a.s.sistance, we are facing the two remaining traitors along with at least three werewolf warriors. The peripheral defenses will hold for a while, but the Lord intents to take the battle to them preventing damage to Lukedonia." Raziel was already on the rooftop and said calmly. "Sending the traitors to their eternal sleep its my duty".
At this time Rael was busy trying to convince his elder brother to take his soul weapon, his felt he was putting him in danger now that he was going to battle the traitors, after his fight with the modified werewolf warriors, he had realized how powerful the enemies his brother will be fighting were.
Vlad continued. "I can only take two people with me each time, so I will take Rajak fist and return in a couple of minutes. Perhaps you have yet to make arrangements here". Then he smiled at Rael and said. "Your brother is strong, no family leader will dare to look down on him so have more confidence. He smiled at the others as the blood-rune-arc started to rotate.
He came back almost immediately and stood by Seira, holding her hand, while waiting for Frankenstein to finish his arrangements with Tao. It was at this time that Seira said. "Be careful". Vlad smiled and looked at her for a moment and then pressed his forehead against hers saying. "There is nothing in this world that can prevent me from coming back to you".
On the peripheral territory of Lukedonia, a group of three werewolves and two n.o.bles were attacking a barrier that was only visible while receiving damage, this barrier prevented them from arriving to their destination. Lagus seemed thoughtful and said. "This is unexpected, we have waisted time and lost the advantage of surprise" Gradeus smiled playfully and said "What does it matter, we will be facing children. What is there to be afraid of?" Lagus took a moment to answer. "Children, yes. But I cannot help feeling that we overlooked something, perhaps we should retreat for a moment and review our plans". Lagus had been feeling restless since Edian"s disappearance and the delay caused by the barrier was making this feeling unbearable.
Before Gradeus could answer, a cold bored voice sounded. "A wise idea. It is a shame that it is too late for that as you will die here today, traitor of the Tradious family" Raskreia had appeared outside the barrier, floating on the air while holding Ragnarok on her hand, calm and yet ready for battle. Just a second latter Rajak and Rossaria stood on her right while Kei and Vlad stood on her left. All wielding their soul weapons and ready for battle.
But before Lagus could said anything he found that two people were standing behind him cutting the possibility of retreat. He was unwilling as he noticed that the two people were the n.o.blesse and the hateful Frankenstein.
The werewolves kept their expressions clueless as they were surprised that what was supposed to be a surprise attack have turned into a seemly death trap. They even had the feeling of been betrayed, still they were strong and they were sure to kill everyone here.
Gradeus was still smiling and said. "Oh my, this is embarra.s.sing" and just as one would expect of Frankensten, and a certain promising diabolical youth, two werewolves found themselves turned into porcupines by dark spears and dark swords. It seemed like a well rehea.r.s.ed performance as Frankenstein said. "I have been told that I have a weird way to greet people. But I do not understand why". Vlad could not keep a chuckle while Raskreia and Raizel both released a sigh in embarra.s.sment.
Vlad had attacked a blue round-looking werewolf while Frankenstein focused on a muscular female werewolf that was hidden from sight before, at this time the remaining werewolves reacted and saved their companions. The damage done to the female werewolf was serious, but even the Dark Spear could not prevent her from healing and in less that a minute she would be good as new. The blue round-looking werewolf seemed only a little dizzy and looked angrily at Vlad as if he had cheated him from his favorite food.
This tentative attack had provided the n.o.bles with important information, the werewolves had modified their bodies with the Union"s technology increasing their healing to terrifying levels. The battle in front would be a difficult one.
Chapter 43: The Defense of Lukedonia (Part II)
On the open sea the breeze seemed to greet the water in a gentle way and would normally produce a sense of calm, but today its effect was completely nullified by the heavy atmosphere produced by the 13 individuals floating in the air.
Raskreia"s voice carried her usual bored mood as she addressed the werewolves. "It seems that the werewolf clan has declared war on Lukedonia, we should return the visit in kind. It is a shame that Maduke would receive no warning as all of you will die today."
The muscular man who seemed to be in charge of the werewolf team yelled in an angry voice. "Who do you think you are little girl to call the name of our Lord and threaten our people?"
Vlad voice sounded as if talking to himself but loud enough to be heard by all. "This is what the werewolf family sends to attack Lukedonia? A group of fools who dont even know who their foes are? Did the modifications on their bodies affected their brains?"
Kei would normally not take part in this kind of interaction, but he was angered at the disrespect shown by their enemies. "Apparently so, this is quite sad as I was expecting a good battle but these fools are truly disappointing".
Lagus seemed to have enough and said. "Enough we are facing the Lord, 4 family leaders, the n.o.blesse and the infamous Frankenstein. Stop shaming yourself and take this seriously or you all will die. Lets waste no more time with this".
As soon as he finished his words he moved his staff and several blood tendrils attacked the n.o.bles, Raskreia released her blood field blocking the attack and facing Lagus directly. The battle started in that moment. Gradeous attacked Frankenstein, Rajak and and a guru-looking werewolf engached on a battle of speed that was almost invisible to their eyes, Kei charged to the leader of the werewolves while the female werewolf warrior met Rossaria.
Vlad was attacked by the blue-ball looking werewolf, his pattern of attack was very simple direct charges and emitting energy attacks from his mouth from time to time. As things were Vlad would have no trouble subduing his enemy, but it will take a little time and Rossaria was been forced to escape the brutal attacks of the female werewolf while her own attacks did not seem to have any effect as she healed immediately.
He knew that Kei and Rajak would have hard battles but they would achieve victory at the end, the same could be said of Frankenstein while Raizel was taking this opportunity to instruct Raskreia on the deployment of the blood field as they fought Lagus calmy. Lagus was no worried he believed he could finish this battle with ease but there was no need to expose his cards to the werewolves, he was not going to let them survive but if one of them managed to scape during the battle his plans would have to change. For the moment it was better to wait for the other battles to end, he had already decided to make Raskreia his new puppet-maid to wait on him as he seat on Lukedonia"s throne.
After observing the situation and realizing that the only one in clear danger was Rossaria, but that she would have no trouble for a while, Vlad started planting his rune traps while avoiding the attacks of the blue furry ball and smiled as he saw that Frankenstein had noticed his move.
"Stop moving arround! You hurted Mount, Mount will kill you!" As the blue furry ball yelled he did not noticed that a smiling Frankenstein was making his way towards them followed by an angry Gradeus. Vlad smiled as well, thinking that somehow working with Frankenstein seemed easy enough.
A few moments later Gradeus stood on one of rune traps and activated it causing him to freeze in place for a moment while the smiling Frankenstein bombarded him with dark spears. After breaking free from the trap and yell angrily from the pain, Gradeus heard a mocking voice pretending to express anger.
"Hey you old monster! Why dont you look were you steep? I spent so much effort placing that trap for the blue mutt!" This caused both Gradeus and Mount to get even angrier, but before they could make any retort, Gradeus was forced to avoid another attack from Frankenstein wich ended hitting the clueless Mount.
"It burns! I hate you!" As the blue furry ball yelled, Gradeus avoided another attack with the same result. This time Vlad also attacked using his blood chains to bind Mount and willed Sombra to start the capturing process of the aggrieved Mount. If someone were looking, They would have thought that the shadows were slowly devouring the screaming Mount. "It hurts! Mount hates you! Let Mount go! Mount doesn"t taste good! Do not eat Mount!".
Everyone heard his yells but no one could come to his rescue. Frankenstein kept attacking Gradeus while saying. "You are making me feel like a bad guy, why do you have to avoid my attacks? Look at what happened to that poor blue dog".
Vlad chuckled as he decided that this combat butler was a good role model.
Chapter 44: The Defense of Lukedonia (Part III)
Soon enough there were no more screams and the shadow retracted to Vlad, he wasted no more time and started hiding his aura while moving towards Rossaria. He thought that helping Rossaria was the best option as the two of them would later help Frankenstein defeating Gradeus.
He knew that there was no way to take part on the battle with the Lord, the n.o.blesse and the oldest n.o.ble alive, the best he could do was to help Rossaria and Frankenstein before Ragus grew impatient.
Rossaria was teleporting continuously avoiding the berserk attacks of the female werewolf and seemed to be completely supressed, still she remained calm as she knew she would not be defeated any time soon and she was confident in escaping if needed. By now she was just holding her enemy and preparing a powerful attack to use immediately if the opportunity were to arrive, but she was worried by how fast her enemy was. Even if she manage to hit her, she would avoid most of the damage and then heal almost immediately.
At this time she noticed on the distance that Vlad was preparing a rune trap out of sight from the female werewolf and she moved in the opposite direction to give him time to work unnoticed. A few moments later she started to make her way to the trap while attacking with ice cones and blood lasers trying to make her pursuer angry and less aware of her surroundings. Still it took a couple of minutes for the werewolf to actually stand on the one of the traps, just as she was starting to realize something was wrong as the red-haired woman was keeping her in a limited area unlike before, the runes on the floor brightened and she felt the s.p.a.ce around her restricting her. It was only for a moment but that was all Vlad needed to release the blood-chains to bind her.
She was stronger that the already captured Mount, he felt that even if he threw her into his portable prison she would manage to break free in a while releasing the blue ball-looking werewolf along and causing damage to Sombra.
"Rossaria, she is too strong. I dont think I can capture her, can you kill her?" Rossaria prepared herself while saying. "No problem, just need a moment". Hearing their conversation, the female werewolf started to go berserk trying to break free and just as she saw Rossaria disappear leaving behind a giant eyeball that send her battle instincts into chaos, she screamed. "Drakun! Help me!".
A powerful blood laser was emitted from the giant eyeball turning the female werewolf into dust. Rossaria appeared again with one knee on the ground, apparently this attack took a great toll of her. "Are you ok?" Asked Vlad as he appeared by her side. "I"m fine, just need to catch my breath". Said Rossaria while standing up. Vlad said while looking at her with concern. "I think we need to go and support Frankenstein, I"m sure that Rajak and Kei will manage to defeat their opponents without incurring in heavy injuries and while we perhaps could make a difference in the battle against Gradeus, we would only became a burden if we join the fight against Ragus".
After catching up her breath, Rossaria followed Vlad in Frankenstein direction. At this time Ragus was no longer smiling, Gradeus was been supressed by Frankenstein, two werewolves had been defeated, he could not waste more time. His current power was a little above Raskreia"s but with the constant advice and direction of Raizel her control and power was increasing by the second. He decided to not hold back anymore and his blood tendrils were no longer slender as before each of them were 30 cm thick in diameter now as they approached the surprised Raskreia.
Raizel released his blood wings as a blood whirlpool destroyed Ragus"s attack. "Erga Kenesis Di Raskreia is time for me to perform my duty". The aura released by Raizel sent shivers through Ragus"s soul, he couldn"t believe he was still this powerful.
His plans were broken, he originally wanted to enter Lukedonia unnoticed to obtain the "blood stone" but everything had gone wrong from the beginning. As he could not use the real blood stone , he would have to make do with the artificial blood stones he had created, they were not as powerful as the real thing but he was out of options by now.
"Gradeus, things have gone wrong and we cannot scape. Use the blood stone or we both will die!". Ragus"s scream startled Raskreia and caused Raizel looked concerned, he didn"t want to face a blood stone again. This battle would be a difficult one, but it was his duty.
The moment Rossaria and Vlad arrived near Frankenstein, Gradeus was already a red giant emitting an overbearing aura. Vlad was sure by now that he could only offer some long rang support, the battle has grown into something beyond his level.
Chapter 45: The Defense of Lukedonia (Part IV)
Vlad and Rossaria started releasing long-range attacks in hopes to provide some help to Frankenstein, but the regenerative power Gradeus possessed now did not lose to a modified werewolf making it seem like the attacks were only a minor inconvenience as Gradeus did not even bother to acknowledge their presence.
"It seems that the old monster had gone beyond the level I can deal with, do you have any idea?" Vlad was a little depressed as he asked Rossaria. "I could use the same attack I used to kill that werewolf but I doubt it will have more impact than holding him back for a second with that regenerative power".
Vlad was a little desperate now, it was one thing to know the peak powers of the world were beyond what he could reach now, but witnessing a battle of such level in front of him produced a feeling of helplessness that he could not accept. "It seem that we will become a burden if we take part in this battle". Vlad said as he noticed a wounded Rajak appearing next to Rossaria. "Are you ok Rajak?" asked with concern asked Rossaria as she noticed the deep bleeding wound on his body.
"I"m fine, no lasting damage was done. What is happening here?" Vlad woke up from his thoughts and said. "Both Ragus and Gradeus are using something called "blood stone", which apparently increases their powers to a new level. Have you heard of blood stones before?. After a moment of silence, Rajak said. "My father mentioned once that there was a war among n.o.bles long time ago, the reason for that war was the blood stone. But I do not know more about it".
"That does not look good" The voice of a tired Kei sounded as he landed and sit down next to them while breathing heavily. "Are you alright Kei?" Vlad asked as there were not visible wounds on him, but he seemed barely capable of moving. "I will be fine, that regenerative ability it"s too troublesome".
By this time Raizel had already started a full battle with Ragus and obtained a slight advantage over the frustrated old monster. "Things had gone wrong since Edian dissapeared", thought Ragus. "If she had been with us we would never have been forced this far. And if I had managed to obtain the real blood stone I would have already killed the n.o.blesse".
Frankenstein was getting beyond angry as he watched his master spending his life force without regard for anything, so he went crazy himself as blood spear appeared on his left hand and his power surpa.s.sed Gradeus for a moment. Vlad could feel that the aura released by Frankenstein was pressing on him a was barely able to move, but he also realized that the cost he was paying was his life force just as the n.o.blesse would.
This increased the burden on Frankenstein"s body and the Dark Spear seemed to be screaming in anger and jealousy. Vlad was lost in his thoughts for a moment, he had reached the peak of power that he could currently obtain. It will be centuries for his blood energy and Sombra to grow and increase his abilities. He only had two paths in front of him, to modify his body as the werewolves had done or to work in control and mastery of his own power as Frankenstein.
The fist path would have an immediate impact and he would be able to take part on the battles ahead, but he was reluctant. He did not want to lose himself to power like Ragus and Gradeus had done. The second path, with the help of Frankenstein could provide small improvements in a few months of hard work. But the results would not be radical and perhaps even useless for the battles to come.
During the short moment that Frankestein released the blood power he overwhelmed Gradeus in an instant and just in a second had pierced him with both spears through the blood stone on his chest. Gradeus was devoured so fast that was anticlimactic and family leaders took a moment to process the fact that Gradeus was already dead.
Frankestein was on his knees breathing heavily as Vlad approached and asked. "Are you ok old man?" Frankenstein seemed in bad condition and without fighting ability by now. "I will be fine, my girlfriend went a little wild that"s all". Vlad kept observing him for a while and asked Sombra if it could help Frankenstein, after a moment he understood that Sombra might indeed be able to eat the negative emotions on the Dark Spear but it will be a difficult battle and it had no confidence in winning. The Dark Spear was made from millions of souls and it had become a conglomerate of consciences bounded only through hatred and thirst for revenge against the world itself.
Vlad was scared by the thought and it was a battle that he could not ask Sombra to take part in, Sombra was born a little more than a century ago while the Dark Spear had existed for more than a millenia. It would be like throwing a pup to fight a rabid wolf.
A scream awakened Vlad from his thoughts as he found that Ragus had gone berserk and started to grow in size again, his body was completely red but have changed into a body builder type instead of the thin old man he was before. Vlad realized that he was absorbing vitality from the island and that the barrier was only limiting the output and could not stop it completely.
Chapter 46: The Defense of Lukedonia (Part V)
They watched in horror as the red giant Ragus released attacks that managed to put Raizel into a pa.s.sive situation even managing to inflict small wounds on him. However there was not a big advantage on Ragus side and he kept making time to gain more power from the blood stone.
Meanwhile on the evacuation place near the Tradio family, the life energy was being drained from the gathered n.o.bles as a set of runes was shining on the obelisk at the center of the place. Claudia, the current leader of the Tradio family, had been searching the family grounds looking for people who may not had yet made their way to the evacuation place. She was distressed to see the people on the ground as life was leaving their bodies and understood that it was her father who was doing this. The other family leaders were fighting against her father to protect Lukedonia while her father was sacrificing her family for power.
She screamed in realization and anger as she destroyed the obelisk and thought that if her father was willing to sacrifice his own family then, what would he do to the rest of the people on the island? she ran heading to the different shelters and gathering points trying to stop her father.
Vlad could feel the life force pa.s.sing through the barrier around Lukedonia and just as he was about to mention it to Rossaria he felt the flow of energy reducing drastically and completely stopping a few moments later. He released a sigh, he had thought that without obtaining the real soul stone, Ragus would not be able to hurt the people due to the defensive runes. But this was also good, It was most likely Ragus"s own daughter who was destroying his plans and she would regain the status of family leader, as she inherits Ragus"s soul weapon, due to her meritorious deeds.
At this time Ragus was panicking, he had not enough energy to suppress the n.o.blesse and there was no one he could steal life force from, as Raskreia"s blood field was enough to defend the family leaders. He was in denial, all his plans had gone to nothing. "No! I do not accept this, I will devour your life force and become the strongest! Die Lord Raizel!". Along with his scream, giant blood tendrils broke from the sea below him heading to Raizel.
Raizel extended his arm as blood tears poured from his eyes. The blood field he created resisted the attack and his eyes focused on Ragus as he was forced by Raizel"s telekinesis to levitated in the air and start twisting in the air as he screamed. Then a blood whirlpool extended from Raizel"s hand and reached Ragus who had no chance to avoid as he was fixed in the air.
After a moment, the blood whirlpool dissipated revealing a, once again, thin Ragus kneeling on the surface of the sea. The blood stone on his chest was crumbling into dust and he seemed to be talking to himself. "No! All my plans! All my power! How could this happen? The n.o.bles will disappear from this world while they could have rule it instead, why?". His words were still in the air as he turned into blood particles that drifted through the air over the sea.
The n.o.blesse has suffered and paid a great prize to fulfill his duty, he was calm now. Frankenstein, in the other hand, was distressed he knew that his master did not have much time and he looked unwillingly as the remaining pieces of the blood stone turned into dust.
Vlad was at his side watching all this and he said. "Are you thinking of using the blood stones to provide life force to Lord Raizel? If Ragus did not change his place of residence on the last few months I could take you there, perhaps you could find his research and a solution to Lord Raizel"s problem. Although I think that Ragus would had focussed on getting power instead of life force, I suppose it"s still better than nothing".
Frankenstein had a hopeful light in his eyes and he said. "I will hold you to that".
As the Lord let the way to Lukedonia to get everyone treated, they found that almost all people on the gathering evacuation areas had lost life force to some degree or other. They were fortunate that Tradio Claudia and Mergas Ludis had reacted and destroyed the obelisks realizing they were hurting their people.
While Raizel and Frankenstein went to their house to rest before returning to Korea, Vlad remained behind with the family leaders looking awkwardly at the Lord. She noticed his hesitant look and asked not knowing what to expect. "What is it?". She sounded as bored as ever.
Vlad seemed embarra.s.sed as he said. "I think I have a problem and I do not know what to do with it. I certainly not adopting it". His shadow extended under his feet and a blue fat werewolf, struggling in chains, was slowly raising from the floor. He seemed scared and a little out of his mind as he muttered with tears on his eyes. "I told you that Mount did not taste good. Dont eat Mount again. Mount wants to go home!"
Raskreia released a sigh in exasperation as she heard Vlad muttering. "Why do I feel as if I had bullied a child? Does this makes me a bad guy?"
Chapter 47: Reactions and Reflections
In a dark stone room, Maduke was angry as his eyes focused on the screen in front of him. As the battle had taken place outside Lukedonia, the Union was able to take notice and direct satellites to obtain visuals of the last part of the battle.
He saw as Gradeus was killed by Frankenstein as the family leaders of Lukedonia watched the battle, but what increa.s.sed his anger wast that those family leaders were only slighty wounded and tired even two of them seemed to have not taken part on the battle. Meaning that his four warriors were killed without causing any damage to his enemies, he had declared war to Lukedonia and pretended to destroy it a single attack. But now he will have to deal not only with Lukedonia, but with the Union as well.
He witnessed as Ragus empowered himself by the blood stone and starting to absorbe life force from some earlier prepared source, he was surprised as this was somewhat similar to his last battle card. By the time the n.o.blesse killed Ragus in an apparently easy way he was infuriated. Surly he, Maduke Lord of the werewolf clan, would do better and defeat the n.o.blesse after all his technological enhancements and safety cards. He broke the armrest of his stone throne as he realized that the Elders of the Union were demanding answers from him. How dare they!?
Crombel was siting on his dark office smiling as he watched his blond acquaintance using a power similar to his own fighting Gradeus, not similar... it was exactly the same power he was developing. And was surprised as that power suddenly grow as a new bright red spear appeared on his free hand, allowing him to kill Gradeus in an instant.
This had surpa.s.sed his expectations, Crombel understood that the red spear was probably the power his acquaintance had gained by his contract with the n.o.blesse. He was not willing to subordinate himself to a n.o.ble to obtain that power and even now there were no more n.o.bles within the Union, but the blood stone could have an answer to increase his own power to that level without depending on others.
He smiled as he made his plans to start studying the blood stone and how to gain benefits from the future battles... He was sure that Lukedonia will not let this attack from the werewolf clan unpunished.
Seira was standing on her guard at the top of a high building watching the city deep into the night as the other n.o.bles and the RK were doing the same to prevent an attack from the Union or the werewolf clan.
A familiar blood-rune-arc starting rotating next to her to reveal a smiling but tired Vlad. He looked around for a moment surprised of their unexpected location, he then walked to her and hold her calmly in his arms. She did not resist and waited quietly.
"Can you contact the others from here?" Asked Vlad with his tired smile, he continued when he saw her nodding. "Well, then please tell them that the battle is over. There are many people wounded, but none with irreparable damage. The traitors and the werewolves are either dead or captured. The n.o.blesse and Rajak should return in a couple of days".
Seira smiled as she started talking with Tao to rely the news to the rest of the team. Vlad was lost in his own thoughts, he wanted more power... but the last moments of Ragus were still imprinted in his mind, he had regretted not having enough power, not his actions or his dead... he only wanted power.
Perhaps he should trust the Lord and the n.o.blesse more, what he could do alone was not significant anymore, so why worry to much. He should just do his best and enjoy the present, after all he did not know how the story ended... perhaps all he had was the present.
He came out of his confusing thoughts and realized that Seira was looking at him with concern. "I guess I"m too tired, but I could use some of your delicious food before returning". He said smiling.
In the Lukedonia"s throne room, a tired Raskreia was looking at the family leaders waiting on her. Now Tradio Claudia had gained a place among them by her actions protecting their people during the invasion and her awakening as she received her soul weapon after Ragus"s dead.
Vlad was missing as he went to relay the news of victory to the people standing by in Korea, she released a sigh and said. "For now, our priority is the full recovery of all those affected by the invasion as well as starting treatment for Edian. We shall see if she is willing to allow her memories to be read and gain a place among us or she wants to enter the eternal sleep as the previous generation of family leaders did".
She took a moment to arrange her next words. "The traitors are no more, we cannot depend on the n.o.blesse for protection nor to eliminate our enemies. We need to become stronger, we will take the battle to the Werewolf Land soon and I expect you to be prepared".
She then took her leave as she walked slowly out of the throne room. Her thoughts at the moment were not jubilant from victory, she was angry at herself for not been strong enough. She remembered that kid training against two family leaders at the same time, she smiled thinking that it was not a bad idea but she needed to upgrade the difficulty... perhaps all family leaders at once? Unknown to her, all the family leaders felt a dangerous premonition descending upon them and had the troubling idea that the days on their near future would not be happy.
Chapter 48: Understanding
Vlad was sitting on a boulder watching the waves gently reaching the beach, the morning air in this island, near Italy, was a bit cold. Yesterday battle had created to many doubts on him and he took this time to try to understand his own mood and find the way forward.
Frankestein and Tao were raiding the villa were Ragus used to live, apparently he had not move out and the Union had yet to send a team to secure the place. Vlad was awakened from his sleep early in the morning as his mother told him that a blond butler was looking for him, Frankenstein wanted to look for information on the blood stone as soon as possible. So he took Frankestein back to Korea and with Tao they made their way here.
Vlad was thinking about Sombra, his soul weapon, his partner and his pride. He recounted all the things he knew about soul weapons and realized that Sombra was different, most soul weapons comunicated with their new host at the time of awakening but remaining in slumber after that. Sombra was always aware, curious about the outside world and always trying to help him.
He then thought of the day Sombra was born and wondered why it took its current form, soul weapons usualy were that... weapons. But Sombra seemed to encompa.s.s many things, why? Going into his mentality and expectations when Sombra was about to be born, he realized he did not will a form for his soul weapon he just was thinking in his own strengths and deficiencies.
He was blessed with telekinesis and telepathic abilities and his blood energy manipulation was at a high level for his age. He had trained the sword and achieved the most his ability allowed, but realized that he could not go much further on that path. His body and speed were acceptable, but the only n.o.ble who"s body was strong to the point of comparison with a werewolf warrior was Kei and there was no way for him to reach that level.
He suddenly understood, Sombra came to its current form to cover his deficiencies and strengthen his advantages. It did not focus on one aspect, but it was a comprehensive improvement, thus reducing its potential. This was not a bad thing as Sombra had never went into slumber, it could change as it have done while accepting the runes to create the storage ability.
He also understood that the s.p.a.ce and paralysing attributes of his blood energy were provided by Sombra because he wanted ways to restrain his enemies, Sombra had understood him better that he himself had till this very moment. But Sombra was a new born and lacked wisdom, so it had tried to help him in all he needed and desired at that time.
Vlad then started thinking on other soul weapons and its characteristics, looking for inspiration before trying to correct his rookie mistake. The Lord used her soul weapon to power and control her blood field, focusing only on that and achieving an incredible degree of power for both attack and defense. Kai"s gauntlets improved both his attack and defense while he relied on his body, a simple but concentrated improvement. Rajak depended purely in speed and stealth wich were increased by his soul weapon. Rossaria relied on magic and short-range teleportation amplified by her soul weapon. Gejutel used to focus on a powerful charging attack like a knight would... but without the horse, this was good example... there was no horse so the soul weapon was concentrated to a high degree to obtain the maximum effect. Even Ludis focussed his defence on a shield... he was the only fool who distributed his defence into a full suit.
A little depressed, he thought on Frankenstein"s Dark Spear, he relied on materializing an energy weapon to attack and defend, he thought that when the Dark Spear was covering his body it was not to protect him but it was trying to devour him as it provided more power to him as a lure.
Then he focussed on the n.o.blesse, he used telekinesis, telepathy and blood energy to fight. He did not know if he had a soul weapon, but this three abilities were powered and amplified exponentially by his life force. He used telepathy and the blood field to defend himself and only occasionally he would fold his blood wings to cover his body for a defensive stance.
By now he had realized that he had more similarities with both Frankenstein and Raziel than to the other family leaders. He thought that he had found a path worth exploring and it was a good moment to do it.
Vlad focused on his telepathic link with Sombra and starting showing it his ideas and asking if the changes he wanted to apply were possible and if they may had an effect on his partner. Sombra was curious and a little less naive as it had spent a hundred years along with his partner, it had an innate ability to understand its own form and abilities and felt no danger on the request. Sombra started to manifest around Vlad to try the new approach.
By now on the boulder, a dark hooded angel with two floating swords had taken the place of the thoughtful youth who was seating there a moment ago, the floating swords moved slowly to his shoulders and stabbed him gently. A moment later the swords seemed to melt into the coat and disappeared, the blood patterns on the coat seemed more vivid for a moment before the coat slowly melted away revealing a young man with black wings.
After a few seconds the wings started to grow slowly and stopped when each of them reached 4 meters of length. By now Vlad only change in appearance without Sombra would be the black redish giant wings and that his eyes were covered by black redish energy that seemed to leak from them.
Sombra current form would focus on amplifying his telekinesis, telepathy and blood energy control, while depending on the wings for speed and defense. He still could use his blood energy to project chains and swords as he usually does, but this would be faster and the energy that formed the weapons would be more cohesive for the amplification of his blood energy control. His storage ability remained, but now he would need more time to deploy it.
He was thinking of improving his s.p.a.ce attribute runes in order to fix a s.p.a.ce in his mansion to use it as storage s.p.a.ce and free Sombra from being a medium for this useful ability, but he would need Rossaria"s help and a few weeks for that.
He also needed to ask the n.o.blesse for advice on the usage of telepathy and telekinesis.
Chapter 49: Requesting Training Instructor
When Frankenstein was leaving the villa, he was happy to find several records on the blood stone and even a couple of semi-failed products that could be useful for his research on increasing his master"s life force, he stopped suddenly and indicated Tao not to move as he saw Vlad releasing his soul weapon thinking that the people of the Union may have arrived to claim the island.
But nothing happened for a while until he saw Vlad being stabbed by his own swords and his soul weapon started to change. He was surprised thinking on how similar this Sombra was to his Dark Spear, he was slightly jealous, he knew that the Dark Spear was stronger but he could also feel how Sombra was trying to protect and help Vlad instead of devouring him as his own weapon would do.
By the end of the transformation he was surprised to find that the kid had grown stronger, it was not a change of power itself, but a change derived from understanding in using one own power in a more effective way, he smiled and said. "We got what we need from here, we should leave".
Vlad willed Sombra to deactivate and regained his normal appearance. "All right. Did you find what you needed?" He asked as he walked near them to activate his blood-rune-arc taking them back to Korea.
They continue the conversation as they appeared in Frankenstein living room. "Yes, I have at least some place to start and it may not take much time to have some results". They casually joined the table as the people there were starting their breakfast.
"Seira, this looks fantastic! Do not tell my mother, but now I wish I could eat your food every day". Vlad smiled as he started eating. Rael voice sounded with a worried tone. "You said many people were wounded, how did that happened? Is my brother alright? Is the Lord safe?"
Vlad took a moment to drink his tea and smiled happy at how Rael was turning out. "Do not worry, your brother is fine. He suffered superficial wounds and should be good by now, his power and ability increased significantly but that is just the feeling a get by looking at him you will have to ask him for details. The Lord is fine too, she fought with Ragus along with the n.o.blesse but sir Raizel was the main combatant. And the people of Lukedonia were wounded because Ragus had prepared a set of runes on all the gathering evacuation points that sucked their life force to power himself. No one died, and they will make full recovery."
The atmosphere on the table seemed to relax and they continued with breakfast undisturbed until Frankenstein received a text message on his cellphone that read "Ramen", it was time to go back to Lukedonia.
When they arrived at Lukedonia, Vlad went to see the n.o.blesse to ask for advice and couching. Raizel had finished his beloved ramen and was enjoying a cup of tea in that room that had been his territory for most of his life, perhaps thinking of returning to school. "Sir Raizel, I was wondering if you could help me. I made some changes to my soul weapon and the result, I think, turned out in a battle style that is similar to yours. I was hoping I could take some of your time to learn from your experience and find a better way to use my powers". Raizel looked a little confused and asked. "You applied changes to your soul weapon?".
Vlad realized that it would sound estrange as most soul weapon were already fixed in form and changes would be minimal just for a better fix to their new host. So he floated out of the windows facing Raizel to summon Sombra. In just a moment a couple of dark redish wings appeared on his back and his eyes were covered by dark redish energy that leaked from them.
Raizel was surprised for a moment, this seamed like his battle form but powered by the Dark Spear instead of life force. He had some doubts and asked. "How did your soul weapon was born?" Vlad deactivated Sombra and entered the room again and took a moment to put his ideas in order.
"When I was around a 100 years old I met Rael, who by that time was little too proud of his pureblood status, after a little fight where I got the worst of it I started wondered what did the term pureblood mean and I took it at language value. My sword had a little of Rael"s blood from our short battle and I decided to compared to mine" Vlad took a short moment as if remembering a funny idea. "I found that the term was correct and decided to purify my blood and created a miniature device with my blood, which was powered by runes, to do the work. Creating that device was very difficult and it took me two entire days without rest, by that time I was very young so I kept repeating to myself why I was doing this, I wanted to grow stronger to protect myself, my family and Lukedonia. This will was imprinted into the device created by my own blood, its work was to eat the impurities of my blood, digest them and release nurturing energy to help my growth. I didn"t know at the time but that was the embryonic form of Sombra".
Raizel was surprised and curious as he waited for him to continue, this child seemed too similar to Frankenstein and he was worried about that. "When I left Lukedonia for my coming of age ceremony and entered the human world and grew curious about haunted places and ghost and I decided to visit one of those places. I ended disappointed as I did not find anything except that I felt slightly uncomfortable for a short moment, so in curiosity a kept paying attention and found that my blood device was working. It turned out that the negative energy at the haunted place entered my body and my blood device ate those negative energies and turned into something nurturing. So I kept the process until the negative energies in that place were no more and I left to look for more places like that, after 5 years my blood energy had gained a dark attribute but it was of calming-paralysing nature instead of a corrosive one like the Dark Spear which I had read about. So I proceed to hunt for evil spirits and souls anch.o.r.ed to haunted places eating their negative emotions and releasing them from their bindings, until one day the blood device was saturated and Sombra was born and kept its status of proactive help and awareness. It is still working under the directive of the will that I accidentally imprinted on it on its creation, to help me become stronger, to protect myself, my family and Lukedonia".
Vlad finally ended his tale and waited for the n.o.blesse to speak. Raizel was no longer worried, he was so much like Frankenstein but it was like a version of Frankenstein with a happy childhood at Lukedonia, it was an amusing thought. "I will help you developing your powers, but I think that the version you will gain will be limited as you will not be powering your abilities with life force." Vlad smiled and said. "I understand, still a limited version of your battle style is still stronger than the way I have been fighting till now, who knows maybe one day I will find a battery... a battery".
Vlad eyes seemed lost and his smile intensified while he was thinking, "what is battery? It is a device were energy is stored... I already have a storage place... could I change my storage within Sombra into a battery for blood energy? The energy would be mine from the start and stored in my soul weapon, so there was no need to transform or adapt it, I could just take it. Even if there was leakage, the leakage could be used to strengthen Sombra. If I take 20% of my blood energy every day and keep it in my battery, then in 5 days I would have the ability to fight twice as long as I can now. If I keep doing this for a hundred years wouldn"t I achieve the level of the n.o.blesse himself? That was quite an idea..."
Vlad suddenly understood why Frankenstein would lose himself from time to time and started laughing as he was tempted to do now, but he did not want to cause a wrong impression and lose what sir Raizel had already promised, so he faked a cough and smiled embarra.s.sed. The n.o.blesse seemed unaware of his maniac moment, perhaps already used to Frankenstein"s personality so Vlad released a sigh and relaxed.
Chapter 50: Teachings
The cold morning was refreshing on the garden surrounding the Mansion that once was known as the forbidden land. An unseen scene in centuries, that the earlier generation of family leaders would have trouble believing, was unfolding at this moment as Raizel stood in his own garden talking to a young man who was seating on the gra.s.s paying attention to every word he said.
"Imagine you mental energy gathering and forming a needle, this needle contains a suggestion or directive that would affect your enemy as it pierces through the his or her mind. The moment it is in contact with the psyche it will dissipate without doing damage, instead it will make a powerful suggestion to the very core of said psyche that would be followed by instinct without your enemy realizing".
Raizel waited a moment giving time to the youth to digest his words and before continuing. "This suggestion that becomes impossible to reject for a short time could be a simple directive. For example your enemy needs your permission to do certain things, if you said you did not give your permission to stand after you implanted the said directive, he would fall to the ground without been able to understand why his or her body is reacting that way."
Vlad eyes shined in realization as he remembered the scenes on the webtoon recorded in his soul memory palace.
"The most important thing in this technique is to keep things simple, an simple idea is not difficult to be inserted in someone"s psyche into an instinct level for a short time. But the difference in mind power, between the one that makes the suggestion and the one receiving it, impacts the degree of success and the time such directive remains effective within your enemy psyche".
Raizel made another pause watching the kid"s eyes shinning with understanding. "You will practice this on your own, what I am going to teach you now is how to amplify your mental powers through a source power that could be your blood energy, your soul weapon or...".
Frankenstein had begun his raid to Lukedonia"s library searching anything that might help him in the study of the blood stone. The main trouble that Frankenstein found was that the blood stone required a source of life force to drawn energy from.
Ragus had used the n.o.bles to feed his fake blood stone and those fake blood stones had been created through the life force of several unwilling donors through many years. By now he had two fake blood stones and he thought that obtaining the real blood stone that was kept on Lukedonia will not be difficult if he present a feasible plan to replenish his master"s life force. But he knew that his master would not accept the life force on the fake blood stones or the real one as it should have a similar origin.
What he needed was to study the way in which the life force was stolen and to find a way to injected such life force into another person without transforming it into power. He was sure that life force could be taken in small quant.i.ties from a willing donor and then inject it into his master without causing side effects and making it easier for his master to absorb and integrate the life force as his own.
He already had thought of the perfect donor, it was time for that hateful Muzaka to pay his debts for forcing his master into sleep 800 years ago. "MUAHAHAHAHA". His body trembled in excitement as he hold his forehead with his right hand while a maniac smile appeared on his face.
"MUAHAHAHAHA". Yes, Frankenstein was laughing like a maniac in the middle of Lukedonia"s library...
In an infirmary bed, Edian was resting while her body was restrained as a device that seemed a combination between machine and runes was working on cleansing her blood from the substance that had made her a puppet centuries ago.
"This device was developed by our scientific unit a couple of decades ago based on the work of a genius but slightly crazy youth that used the same process a hundred year ago to purify his own blood managing to raise from a common n.o.ble into a powerful pureblood". The seemingly ancient man with grey hair and wearing a typical doctor garb was explaining to the beautiful purple haired girl who was looking at Edian with guilt while her fingernails pierced her palms.
The doctor noticed this and released a sigh before saying. "Tradio Claudia, the crimes of your father are not yours. There is nothing more useless than feeling guilt for something that has nothing to do with you. You can only look at the present while working to make your own mark to the Tradio name, one that is strong enough to erase the one your father left behind".
Rossaria was seating on her favorite chair while she studied the runes that the young family leader had requested her help to complete, he had the fantastic idea to create set of runes that could access a previously designated s.p.a.ce from a distance, this could be used as what he called "inventory". He had explained that it was a term used by human developed video games that was quite popular in the current era.
He also had the crazy yet marvelous idea to change his already created storage s.p.a.ce within his soul weapon into a "battery" that would store his blood energy for future usage. Both projects have completely captured her interest and decided to help him developing them as soon as possible.
This was because she felt guilty while he explained to her that she, most probably, should be able to use his blood-rune-arc for long-range teleportation as her affinity to s.p.a.ce was greater that his. And that she should be the first option for rescue aid as she can also teleport in short distance instantly while taking someone with her. She had felt angry at herself for not realizing that before, her family had been recognized for generations for their short-range teleportation but she never thought of learning the technique she had helped developing. Her own ideas were too rigid and complying to tradition.
"I will fix that trait of mine" she vowed silently but with determination.
On an island near Italy a group of mercenaries was raiding a luxurious villa that seemed to be abandoned for a few days. The group wasted no time and the secured every room making sure to leave nothing of use behind.
The problem was that there seemed to be nothing of use, the bookcases showed areas without dust were books were missing, the computers had no hard drives and what looked like a laboratory of sorts had neither samples nor logs of activities.
The mercenary leader reached to his ear piece and said. "Sir, the place is secured. But there is nothing to be find here, someone got here before us or the previous owner knew we will be coming and took measures against it".
After a moment of silence a voice was heard through his ear piece. "That is disappointing, I had great expectations...". "Check again and then destroy the place". The mercenary heard the order and said. "Yes doctor Crombel".