Chapter 8: Trouble (2)

  In the heart of South Western Elaria lies Novar City, the largest and most vibrant metropolis in the South.

  Nestled at the confluence of the dreaded Echo Mountains and the Silver Forest, Novar stands as a beacon of unity and prosperity, a testament to the Defense line and Great Reconciliation that marked the end of the fourth Era. Founded by the disparate races of the Southern Supreme Alliance, the city embodies a harmonious blend of cultures and architectural styles. From the elegant elven spires that stretch toward the sky in section 14 to the sturdy dwarven fortifications that stand sentinel at the center of section 9, Novar is a magnificent machine of innovation and cooperation.

  Governed by a council representing all member races and overseen by the 12 Lordly Houses of Novar, Novar thrives on the principles of trade, 'diplomacy', and 'mutual' defense. The bustling marketplaces overflow with merchants from every corner of Elaria, offering a kaleidoscope of goods—from magical artifacts to exotic produce—symbolizing the alliance's spirit of shared prosperity

  With a strong military presence, the inner city is safeguarded by the revered Silver Guard, an elite force composed of warriors from various races dedicated to the protection of Novar and its ideals.

  Meanwhile, the shadows harbor The Accursed 'Nest', a clandestine assembly of assassins, spies, and those who aren't scared to get their hands dirty, ever watchful for threats to their 'beloved' city.

  Today, the air was charged with anticipation as emissaries from Shador City were set to arrive via airship at section 5's Airdocks. Councilman Brandon Fridd, a half-human, half-elf and a member of one of Novar's Lordly houses, stood at the ready, with an indifference that spoke volumes on his eagerness to welcome Grand Magus Cnack Viral and his entourage.

  The airship was a majestic sight, its aether sails with a depiction of a pitch-black tower, billowed in the wind, shimmering like a mirage against the sunlit sky.

  As the airship descended gracefully, the hum of its engines reverberated through the Airdocks. Brandon stood with his arms crossed, his haughty demeanor accentuated by his meticulously tailored attire. Guards with silver protective gear stood in a defensive formation as they scanned the area

  The sunlight glinted off Brandon's sharp features, casting shadows that danced across his face. He watched intently as the ship's gangplank extended, and a figure emerged from the vessel.

  Grand Magus Cnack Viral stepped forward, his velvet robes flowing behind him like a cascade of midnight. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of arrogance and curiosity, betraying the weight of his magical prowess. He surveyed the dock, his lips curving into a slight smirk as he approached Brandon.

  "Councilman Fridd," Cnack greeted, his voice smooth yet laced with an undercurrent of condescension.

  "How delightful to see Novar's finest awaiting my arrival"

  Brandon's expression remained unchanged, a practiced mask of politeness. "Grand Magus Viral," he replied, his tone dripping with mild disdain.

  "We appreciate your punctuality. It is a rarity these days", The two men exchanged formalities as they moved toward the waiting convoy of aether-powered vehicles.

  Cnack's gaze lingered on the surrounding dock, absorbing the sights and sounds of Novar with feigned disinterest. "I trust the council is prepared to address the rising turmoil with the Brotherhood of Clones?" He inquired, tilting his head slightly, a gesture of faux concern as he hoped to draw some information before the gathering.

  Brandon matched his gaze, a hint of irritation flickering in his eyes. "Indeed. We've received troubling reports. Something about Bloodkins, Ideally that would be impossible but with the recent movement of the Brotherhood... It seems they may have created this blood-kin—a clone designed to infiltrate Novar and sow chaos in our ranks... Although we have been unable to capture it."

  At the mention of the blood-kin, Cnack's eyes flashed with a glimmer of greed, his posture straightening imperceptibly. "A fascinating prospect, if true. The potential for research is... immense." He paused, his expression carefully curated to mask the eagerness bubbling beneath. "Though I remain skeptical of such rumors... If not, I don't see why the Council's tentacles haven't grabbed this rare specimen"

  Brandon scoffed lightly, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Skepticism is your forte, Cnack. But you must admit, Vikan is in charge of that, that slimy fellow dares say that the blood kin might be in the 3rd order level... Hehe... How can that even be possible, they were wiped out years ago. But if it's true, it could be an invaluable asset to both the council and... Perhaps your studies."

  They climbed into the sleek aether vehicle, the engine humming to life as the door slid shut. Cnack leaned back with a smile as he processed Brandon's words, adopting a relaxed posture, though his fingers drummed anxiously on the armrest. "One can only hope it's not merely a distraction orchestrated by the Brotherhood to keep us occupied while they pursue their more nefarious goals."

  Brandon shot him a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. "If they think they can outmaneuver the Southern Supreme Alliance or this honorable council, they are sorely mistaken."

  The vehicle surged forward, gliding over the cobblestones, the atmosphere thick with tension and intrigue. As they traversed the winding streets of Section 5, the city around them pulsed with life—Merchants, High-class individuals, and Families of the lower seats of the Council made up a major part of the populace of this section.

  The aether vehicle glided smoothly through the bustling streets of Novar, the rhythmic hum of its engine blending seamlessly with the vibrant sounds of the city. As they passed under intricate archways adorned with gears and steam vents, Brandon turned his attention back to Cnack, who appeared lost in thought, his fingers still drumming a restless beat against the armrest.

  "Tell me, Grand Magus," Brandon began, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "What do you truly think of the Brotherhood's ambitions? Surely, even you must sense their growing influence in the shadows, and mind you, Novar isn't their only target..."

  Cnack leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly at Brandon's knowing look. "Ambition is a dangerous game, Councilman. The Brotherhood has always sought to manipulate the balance of power. I suspect their target is the arrival of the new Moon. Although they have only existed for a short 40 years, look how much they've done. Their clones are merely a means to an end—a means to control the narrative... I wish I could have a talk with its founder, his or her mind is nothing short of extraordinary!." He paused and quickly recovered his fascinated expression, his expression shifted to one of calculated contemplation. "But what if this blood-kin is not just a pawn? Just the fact that it has strength higher than a first-order..."

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Brandon raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious, he glanced at the driver before pressing a button on the armrest, a tinted glass lifted up and separated the driver's side from them. "Allegedly... Allegedly..."

  "Precisely," Cnack replied, his tone growing animated. "Imagine the possibilities! A living, breathing blood-kin of such a level could revolutionize our understanding of their cloning and the long-forgotten blood magic. It could lead to breakthroughs in my studies—"

  Brandon cut him off, a smirk playing on his lips. "And you'd be at the forefront of that revolution, wouldn't you? Just like Davon Xannis of the past?

  Always the opportunist, Cnack. I can't help but wonder if your thirst for knowledge on immortality occasionally blinds you to the potential dangers lurking behind those ambitions".

  Cnack waved a dismissive hand, the atmosphere eased up and his demeanor shifted back to that of a lofty scholar. "Dangers are an inherent part of discovery, dear Councilman. You of all people should understand that. Besides, The council has invested extensively in this particular research over the years"

  Brandon nodded, the gravity of their conversation settling heavily between them. "Then I trust you will use your influence to ensure the council remains Steadfast, I hear that a few voices are trying to cut off the funding. This is actually one of the reasons I'm here."

  The vehicle rounded a corner, and the towering structures of Novar seemed to rise around them, a city of gears and steam pulsating with life. Cnack's gaze flickered to the window, watching as staffs moved about in the massive glass structure up ahead.

  The sight ignited a kind of fire within him, and he turned back to Brandon, "No matter how many times I see it, Using a rare resource like Void glass to make such a massive structure... I can only imagine what the mysterious Section 1 is like."

  Brandon's expression grew pensively serious as he considered Cnack's words. "It had been a gamble, but it had to be done, especially with the abilities of Demons... The Void glass keeps them away. Unless they somehow become immune to it... As for Section 1, I don't know... I haven't been there, no one has ascended in the past twenty years."

  As they approached the massive council chambers, the vehicle slowed, and the atmosphere inside shifted from tension to anticipation. The imposing structure loomed ahead, a structure made of black-tinted Void glass, the flow of ethereal blue aether could be seen across it's surface with the position of the sun.

  This was a place where decisions affecting the fate of Novar were made.

  "Prepare yourself, Cnack," Brandon said, straightening his posture.

  Cnack nodded, his arrogant facade returning as he gathered himself for the impending discussions. "Let us hope Your council is as receptive to our findings as they are to fripperies and festivities"

  As they exited the vehicle and stepped into the grand hall, the weight of their plan settled upon them.

  The air was thick with anticipation, the murmurs of council members echoing through the vast chamber.

  Little did they know, the shadows were already stirring around Novar City, and the Brotherhood of Clones would soon unveil their plans, setting the stage for a confrontation that would shake the very foundations of the alliance.

  ___________________

  Meanwhile, Elijah crouched behind the gnarled roots of an ancient tree, the black box still clutched tightly in his hands. His heart raced not just from the adrenaline coursing through his veins, but from the haunting memories of his past life—the loss of those he tried to save, the weight of their blood on his hands. The thought of sacrificing himself again, of letting reckless bravery lead to another death, sent a shudder through him.

  He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, trying to stave off the wave of despair. Karina was out there fighting a battle that could very well cost her life, and his instincts screamed that he needed to act. Yet, the ghost of his past lingered, whispering doubts that gnawed at his resolve. He had lost so much for the sake of others before—was he willing to risk everything again?

  'Absolutely not, I haven't enjoyed this life enough yet.', A flash of movement caught his eye as he planned to move deeper into the woods, breaking him from his reverie. Glancing down, he spotted two plants nearby, their leaves shimmering under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. The first was *Crimson Veil*, a vibrant red herb known for its potent effects when mixed with the second, *Clayborn flower*, A brown wiry plant that helps with blood flow, The locals spoke of their properties, but few understood the true potential they held when combined with a rare third ingredient—*Berserker's Thorn*, a thorny plant with deep green leaves that pulsed with an energy of its own, luckily, he has a piece of its leaf in his backpack. It was a part of the ingredients he had left from the previous purchase, it's just that he didn't know what to do with it back then.

  Elijah's mind raced with the possibilities. If he could mix these two plants and somehow extract their properties, he could create a potion that would enhance Karina's abilities, granting her the strength to turn the tide of battle. But the cost was steep—while it could amplify her powers by 60% for a brief period, it would also drain her life force, a gamble that could end in tragedy for anyone without regenerative abilities.

  But he wasn't just thinking about her anymore. The thought of creating a potion, something that could elevate Karina beyond her current limitations, even for a short period, ignited a fire deep within him.

  The desire surged; he had always wanted to be more than just a survivor.

  "Sam!" Elijah called, his voice firm yet urgent. "You guys need to find cover, far from the battle. Gather the supplies while I work on this!"

  Sam looked torn, glancing back toward the chaos of the battle before meeting Elijah's intense gaze. "Although I don't know what you intend to do sir, but are you sure you can do it alone? It's dangerous"

  "I have to. I still have use for her. Now go," Elijah replied, his gaze shifted coldly. The memories of his past life weighed heavily, but he steeled himself. "Go! You'll be safer with the others. I'll catch up"

  Reluctantly, Sam nodded, casting one last worried glance at Elijah before disappearing into the shadows of the trees. Alone now, Elijah wasted no time. He knelt beside the plants, fingers trembling with urgency as he carefully harvested the *Crimson Veil* leaves, the stalk of the *Clayborn flower*, and the leaf of the *Berserker's Thorn*.

  With a rock he found nearby, he began grinding them together, the earthy scent of the herbs filling the air around him.

  The sounds of battle echoed in the distance, and every second felt like an eternity. Elijah's heart pounded in his chest as he focused on the task, sweat trickling down his brow. He needed to work quickly; as the fight was raging on, and he could not afford to lose her now, especially now that he had decided on the main material for his potion of transcendence.

  Finally, he achieved a thick, mashed paste, the colors swirling together like a tempest. He carefully wrapped the concoction in the broad leaf of the *Berserker's Thorne*, forming a small ball that glistened ominously in his hands.

  "Now or never," he muttered to himself, heart racing with determination. He stood, the weight of the black box now feeling lighter in contrast to the burden of his decision as he stuffed the box into his backpack.

  Rushing back toward the battle, he fought through the rising panic in his chest, his pulse echoing in his ears.

  As he broke through the treeline, the chaos of the battlefield unfolded before him. Karina was still engaged with the mother beareagle, her body battered but her spirit unyielding. Elijah felt the fire ignite within him as he called out, "Karina! I'm coming"

  The moment hung in the air, filled with tension as he raced toward her, the makeshift potion clutched tightly in his grasp. He had gambled everything to reach her, and now it was time to see if his desperate plan could save them both.

  Karina's fierce gaze locked onto Elijah as he thrust the leaf-wrapped ball toward her. A wild mix of surprise and confusion flared within her. But without a second thought, she snatched the concoction from his hand and pressed it to her lips, swallowing the paste in one swift motion. The taste was earthy and bitter, but she barely noticed as the effects began to unfold almost immediately

  A surge of energy coursed through her veins, igniting her senses with an overwhelming fire. Her blood, already a source of power, now pulsed with newfound intensity.

  The world around her sharpened into focus; every sound, every movement felt amplified. With a primal roar, she launched herself back onto the charging lord creature, her body a blur of motion, the scythe forged with blood glinted in the sunlight.

  Elijah watched, awe-struck, as Karina transformed before him. She danced around the beareagle with dizzying speed, her blood-wrought weapons transformed frequently, slashing through the air with deadly precision.

  The creature, sensing the tide had turned, let out a furious roar, its massive wings creating gusts that whipped through the forest.

  "Keep it distracted!" Elijah shouted, adrenaline fueling his voice. He knew he had to do more; he couldn't just stand by and watch. He scanned the battlefield, his mind racing for an idea on how to assist Karina and leverage her strength against the beareagle.

  The mother beareagle, furious and relentless, lunged at Karina, its talons aimed directly at her heart.

  But the surge from the plants had given her an edge.

  Karina twisted, dodging the strike, and retaliated with a flurry of movements, her claws tearing into the creature's side, drawing blood that stained the earth beneath them.

  Red misty smoke oozed out of Karina's body as her blood was used as fuel, any other creature would have probably died with regeneration abilities.

  Elijah's heart raced as he felt the heat of the conflict envelop him. He needed to capitalize on Karina's moment of strength.

  He thought about the black box he had hastily placed in his backpack, he realized it held the key to something greater—”Aether Crystal” a rare resource in this world used by those with aether circuits to harness magic. If having an aether gene was rare, aether circuits were even rarer, not to mention cases like himself who have both in his body.

  Yes, earlier when he opened the black box, what he found inside was a raw, unprocessed fist-sized “Aether Crystal”, enough to make two or three magic staff or wands.

  As if that wasn't shocking enough, it reacted to him, just placing his palm close was enough to draw a reaction, proving that he has an “Aether Circuit”.

  He reached for the box from his backpack, fumbling to open it as the chaos roared around them. Elijah's focus shifted back to Karina, who was now fully immersed in the battle, blood and fury intertwining as she faced the beast. The mother beareagle retaliated fiercely, but Karina was a whirlwind of claws and agility, weaving through its attacks with supernatural grace.

  The juvenile was finally able to stand up on its own and gave a call to his mother.

  Soon Elijah managed to open the newly retrieved black box, a soft hum emanated from it, glowing with an ethereal blue light. "It's ready!" he murmured, his voice barely audible over the cacophony.