Novels2Search
A vampiric Blade Reforged
Chapter 12 A Moonlight Dance

Chapter 12 A Moonlight Dance

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-E-Rental Cemetery-

Footsteps echoed in the tunnel system as both of them swiftly went down the steps leading to the new laboratory. Which was crudely set up, but it was far more than most would expect from just days’ worth of work done so far.

"I see you have gotten this set up quickly."

Turning to look at Kathrin with disbelieving eyes as much as he was impressed, this was very unusual to have done. In such a short time, even with humans helping which he would need to inspect later.

"Yes, Kyuketsuki-sama, I have managed to set up a fairly good system for our new workers."

"Then you don't mind answering a few questions?"

"Of course not, I figured you might be interested. So I took the liberty of writing up the details."

To Kyuketsuki surprise, the battle maid already had part of this covered with a scroll handing it over. To him, along with five others which each was titled differently for convenience. A population scroll that had the names and personal information of all the workers, including any items they had.

Next was the workload and reward scroll, which keeps logs of their work hours and break times evenly spaced out. With children having a playing and learning time added in so they mostly were given the most manageable tasks. With the old humans being given more teaching and leading positions to not strain them too much.

Lastly was a description of the supplies gathered together from one of the few Eight Fingers slave bases in town. Kathrin had ensured this one looked like a fire got out of hand, and everyone died. Leaving eight fingers with a loss and them taking everything for there own needs.

Kathrin had turned the former slaves or forced workers in loyal followers and blood donors, which they could build up needed blood tanks without killing now. The coins taken covered most of the cost of food, new clothes, and even comfortable housing for them. Lastly, those loyal to eight fingers or disgusting nobles were turned into zombies to be used for hard labor and farming in the underground fields to save on future food costs.

He was happy overall everything he needs to set up his lab base in E-rental was set. This didn’t lower Kyuketsuki suspicions of his knowledge. Kathrin only saw all humans as some weak and untrustworthy tools to be destroyed when they broke. Why was this set up so much different from that human-hating kind of mindset?

"Well, I am very pleased with this. You seem to be tolerating them much better than I would expect. why?"

Somehow the beaming grin on Kathrin's face failed to ease his worry for those under her command. He could already feel the sinking feeling in his heart rise at this deceptive grin.

“I realized why you wish for me to treat these insects with such undeserving kindness, lord kyuketsuki. I will admit I had planned on just abducting a few and forcing them to work. Then I realized it would be too noticeable and could lead back to us. Something you have told me many times to avoid.”

Hope arose back up was he finally able to get his message across for once. This could be good for future prospects and plans where he didn't have to protect humans from Kathrin.

"So?" Sitabus prompted, hoping she would finally understand his want for some normalcy.

"I decided to use local slaves from Eight Fingers instead. In part to burn eight fingers for there actions in jades death and Since they know how horrible, their miserable, wretched kind can be. Applying this to slowly train them into totally loyal obedient dogs and work sheep for our every need and whim. Possibly to serve you directly if they prove devoted enough even if it means dying at your command.” Kathrin spoke With a serious face as if this was good and just talk.

Dread came rushing back; no, this was not what he was trying to say at all. Why couldn't she just be neutral to them without an unneeded twist! Keeping up his poker face while screaming in his mind.

'Why is she so smart yet can‘t even realize I just want to help others.'

With an idea to help further change Kathrin's way of thinking, "Then tell me what are your thoughts of letting those proven loyal. Join our ranks as respected and trustworthy members of our family."

Sitabus hoped to shift her view to less hostile intent if nothing else. Leading up to another topic of strengthening their power base in this city. Xennessa had stretched her control far enough for now with the cemetery, adventures guild, magic guild, city watch, and mayor’s office. Had each been infiltrated, even a few businesses that gathered monthly cases of coins in return for protecting them from eight fingers or other criminal groups. Though it was lower, then he would like to avoid bankrupting them.

He didn’t want them to get the idea that they could mistreat anyone working for him, indirectly or not, Human or not. If he was going to be a ruler, he wouldn’t be like his old world with workers treated like replaceable parts in one big machine.

"I would say they should know their place under us. If they hope to keep such an honorable position. As only our sons and daughters shall have the honor of ruling this city and all else we claim. If the unthinkable should come to pass."

Being in such close proximity to Kathrin ignited a fire in his heart. Trying to fight it off, no, he needs to make a point. Don't cave into this! Working to control his train of thought off of the warm squishy feeling on his chest.

“Kathrin, my dear, I’m undead, and you are mostly a magic-powered automation. With both those factors, we may not be able to bear children…mum.”

Kyuketsuki gave into pleasure as their lips met tasting charry, and tongues intertwined with his own. Pulling Kathrin close unwilling to let go of the warm embrace, feeling her magic core steady and strong pulse waves, in place of a heartbeat.

Finally, Kathrin pulled back, staring into his own loving and lust-filled eyes. With a kind but teasing beaming grin, her eyes held nothing but trust, love, and devotion.

"My love, I know you can find a way to change this as master of blood and flesh. Is this not why you went after the forbidden secrets and arts rather than the power of your classes. Even now, you work to find a way to bring back my sister Jade. When others would like sheep, just accept it and move on.”

Sitabus remembered the conversation that referred to with Momonga about his unholy alchemy class and rare vampire classes. Limiting which spells he could pick up, like blocking off fire-based spells and classes. Capping the max number at 350 spells. Along with the power of his build Which Kathrin was present for at the time. If she remembered this, how much else did they recall from YGGDRASIL?

"Maybe, but it may not be born in the traditional sense, are you ok with this."

Kathrin's bright golden eyes dimmed a little but still determined to try for this possibility. Even with the lackluster mood hanging in the air. Kathrin rests her head on Kyuketsuki's broad shoulders.

"Then we may adopt a few if we decide they are strong and worthy enough to handle your divine blood. We can talk about our future young later. I assume there is another reason for coming here rather than cuddling Rita's affection?”

Patting Kathrin's head with a scratch behind those cat ears.

“How perceptive of you as always I want to personally meet those who work for our cause. After all, I must know the names and faces of those who work for me. Worry not about Ritana is training and reading a book of magic I gave her after the drake battle. Bardic should finish up his changes soon another day or two at most. He will be stronger and hopefully help raise the team another rank soon.”

Nodding at this declaration, they moved throughout the lab tunnels Kyuketsuki taking note of the one wall pushing one brick in halfway. Part of the wall slid away to reveal a winding staircase down. Lit by candles and blue light the whole way down to the hidden tunnels a rather brilliant idea.

This hidden entrances to his lab would also allow vampires to move about the city with little trouble. Sitabus wasn’t going to ask anyone to trudge through the sewers every time he needed them to go somewhere. So he went with the less smelly and hazardous health options for the more time consuming and safer alternative.

It was concerning that he was finding servants and family as an interchangeable term lately. As he takes in the relatively clean (as a dirt tunnel could be), it was less built up and livable as the tomb above.

"Hum, this seems to be lacking in style. You do plan to have actual brick and mortar tunnels put in. Possibly carpets and decorations if we can afford it."

"yes, my lord, but I don’t want to overwork the fragile sheep. Zombies are only good at so much before more intelligent minds are needed for more delicate work. If you are not happy with the speed Kyuketsuki-sama, I can make them finish faster.”

"No need to rush them. Just make sure it gets finished in the next month. I don’t want to worry about the tunnels collapsing on them."

Once he entered the main chamber where the people gathered, their eyes watched him with interest and wonder. Some gave inquisitive stares of his presence here. Not surprising considering just days ago, they were slaves beaten and mistreated under eight fingers rule. Which is why he needs to earn their trust before asking too much of them.

Stopping in the middle of the living quarters as the humans came to gather around an idea came to mind. To build there, trust and help rebuild what they had lost under eight fingers.

"Is everything to your liking Kyuketsuki-sama."

He nodded yes to Kathrin inviting some to come up and talk with him. Taking time to get to know some of them and hear their stories or thoughts after listening to a few. Sitabus decided to reward a few for their understanding and time. It would only be a few right now. He didn't have too much time to spare.

"After talking with a few of you, I have an idea to help ease your lives and foster more trust between us. Kathrin informs me you are all hard-working servants, so I am willing to reward a few as proof of my appreciation of your trust and respect. Simply ask, and if it is within my power, I shall grant it.”

Three brave small children volunteers came forward from around the gathered crowd. With broad smiles on their tiny faces. Unaffected by the air of fear from around them, which still lingered over the group.

"Can me and my friends get something cool?"

Hearing these cute voices brought back only memories of a time before all this. One which had been forgotten in the rush of this new world; a smile graced his face as he thought about how best to grant such a vague request.

"[create magic items: affinity three] How about this?"

In a flash, three floating sticks appeared in his hand, looking to dance in his hand before floating over to the three children, "So cool thanks, Mr. Kyuketsuki." The three thanked him before running off to play.

"Uh, could you perhaps heal some of our wounded. Their wounds are still healing from before we got here."

Looking to the five bandaged up men and women before him, each one having been scarred by their time in eight fingers employment. Though he didn’t know if they would fully heal the scars. Treating them back to full health should be minor enough. Pulling out ten spare miner healing potions from Yggdrasil. He dare not use his own negative energy healing spells.

"Have them drink these healing potions, and they will be good as new."

"Thank you, good master, you are so kind."

Bravery to come up was slowly rising in his workers as the anxiety of his presence was replaced by praise. As another group approached them with broken tools in hand, gazing at him. "Um, could you perhaps fix our tools they got broken towards the end of our shift."

Beaming at this simple matter as he pulled out some trash digging items and workman's toolsets. Handing them over to the awestruck eyes of the workers.

"These tools are so expertly foraged and excellently crafted where did you find them?"

Chuckling to himself. "I have been traveling with them for some time, though do take good care of them."

After they came up two more, which appeared to be two lovers by how close they were to each other. They seemed to be somewhat shy as they came up, holding hands kneeling to Kyuketsuki.

"Um, my love Aerin and I were planning on getting a gift for each other, but since we lack any funds, could you spare two or some coin to buy something."

With a broad smile, he used [create item] flashing two straightforward but beautiful rings into his hand as the two took them out of his palm with praise and thanks as they went back into the crowd.

Lastly, an old man appeared with a walking stick curtly bowing to the leader.

"My lord, I wish to help teach, so would it be possible to get a training ground set up? so we might learn to defend ourselves should eight fingers come looking for us."

Kyuketsuki saw a very beneficial idea, even if he could not simply create it without risking a cave-in at this time. He would have to have Kathrin grant this task, which would take time.

"I will see to it Kathrin puts together a training area for all to use. It should take a few days to put together after we ensure none of the tunnels are at risk of collapsing. Know I expect it to be used to keep yourselves healthy and for everyone's betterment.”

"Of course, we will use it well thank you for your generosity, lord Kyuketsuki."

Before any more could come forward, the twin doors to the dining hall opened. Though he would work to help keep all his servants healthy and happy. He would have to be careful not to create another Tarick. Motivating loyalty and discouraging ungrateful curs that sought to burn him.

"Well, since no one else as any requests, how about you all have a lovely feast on me. Kathrin will even give you all an extra hour to bond with your friends and fellow-servants.”

With a cheer, they quickly but orderly went into the dining hall, leaving the two alone in the cavern. Inwardly sighing terrified of failing any of them. He would have to do more to stay on their good graces. Most of the workers were unable to realize the damage they could do to his persona as a hero and adventurer if they betrayed him and let out what they know of his lab.

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"Kyuketsuki-sama, I believe we have a problem. One of the vampire brides just reported someone approaching the cemetery. It would appear to be a blonde human woman with unknown weapons on them.”

"I see. Then why don't I go introduce myself to our uninvited guest. You stay here and use some of the Yggdrasil coins. I gave you to summon or create something to help speed up the construction of the tunnels. Nothing that drains the food stockpile too much, maybe golems?

Kyuketsuki halted partway out, "Also, see if you can make this place fully self-sufficient I don’t want to drain our street money more then needed.”

Teleporting out of the room into his personal study, Briskly exiting into the night air with a smile. Smelling his quarry nearby, they might be the final piece needed to bring jade back. After all, few would go wandering the cemetery by choice at this hour.

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-Cemetary of E-Rental-

A hooded figure trudged through the graveyard with an almost uncaring attitude about them. Under the hood, they were a little tense all the way through town. They got the feeling of being watched. Had them worrying if the last distraction had been enough or had the wind flow scriptures caught up. Banishing the thought away if they had, Clementine would already be engaging in combat with them.

Clementine halted halfway to her destination, feeling eyes upon her back; this was getting annoying. Glancing over her shoulder at someone walking up a man dressed in a mix of armor and noble clothes. Black and silver hair swaying in the cold night air whistling. Well, at least it wasn't her hunters on her trail.

It is not to say she had not heard of this person; instead, a more important question was what was this new big shot adventurer doing here. Maybe she could get a chance to test his skill before ending it with some tortures fun. It wasn’t like Khajiit was going anywhere fast.

"I wouldn't attack my dear; I could kill you in seconds."

Clementine was confused, hearing the dangerous undertone of that soft, gentle voice. Seeing a second Kyuketsuki walking in front of her, glancing back to see the other fade out of view. Cracking a wide grin under her hood, oh this could be fun. Clementine being an ex-black scripture member, knew few could sneak up on her like this.

"Hello, stranger. You know others might find it strange if they saw you sneaking up on a poor girl like me in a place like this.~”

Clementine spoke sweetly, hiding her deadly undertone of blood lust. As this Kyuketsuki adventurer only chuckled at her peculiar tone. Which was interesting. Her paranoia and blood lust got the better of her stealthily reaching her stilettos, preparing to stab him. Clementine rushes up, waiting to hear his lovely screams of pain only to her a clang as a dagger was floating in front of her blocking her attack.

"If you want to play, then please remember I'm no novice, my dear guest."

The adventurer taunted. Her focus was on the dagger, spotting five more on his belt. She would have to watch out for those.

"I can see that, but can you keep up? ~”

As Clementine stared into his eyes, the world began to spin and shift as her mental wards tried to counter the mental invasion. She felt her body grew slack, relaxing unconsciously dropping her daggers. Struggling to fight off this mind, manipulation magic.

"Much better. Now, why don't you tell me, Why you wandered into my graveyard?"

Clementine would say she was impressed with the strength of his charm spell, if not for those red eyes. Willing her mouth to stay shut as it spoke without her permission.

"To find an old acquaintance hidden here. Then use him as a distraction to escape the people chasing me."

Clementine sneered when she finally wrestled control back. Still feeling a little hazy as she rolled and reclaimed her weapons. Clementine was now on guard; no one should be able to bypass her mental wards put in by the slane theocracy. If not for her strong will, she might have revealed a little more then she ever intended with anyone she planned on killing.

"Interesting trick, you got their mister vampire. Don't think [Charm Species] will work twice!~” With a sing-song, Clementine charged Kyuketsuki planning to hear him scream as she stabbed. Right through thin air, one arm was pulled behind her back painfully.

"If you plan to dance with me. Then at least move a little faster. I would hate to accidentally break something because my dance partner was too slow."

A shiver went down her spine as Clementine could hear the playful mocking tone whisper into her ear. Realizing they were either holding back or using illusions to cover their real movement. Possibly both, while toying with her. Clementine smirked using her training to flip her body over on to Kyuketsuki’s back using the movement to free her arm and both stilettos into his chest, careful to avoid vital spots. She wanted to enjoy this, or at least that was the thought as her thrusts were blocked by another clang.

"Oh, this is fun, my dear, but I feel we have gotten off track."

Suddenly there was a gust of air as they were now in the air two strong hands gripped her wrists. Currently flying a hundred feet in the air, a breeze blowing past them.

"Oh, trying to romance me too bad, I'm faster than this! [ability boost] [greater ability boost]

Clementine flipping her body around in the air, quickly planting both her boots on his chest, pushing off. Landing with a roll on to the ground, grinning as she charged him once he hovered back closer to the graveyard earth, trading blows with the floating daggers. Looking for a weak point to strike at struggling to get past these floating blades. They were clearly not human by the red eyes and wings on there back. On top of their fast speed, which was on par if not faster then her old working partners with their martial arts active. Which she didn’t see any sign they had any active.

In a lightning-quick clash of blades under the moonlight, both of them grinning as the conflict was drawn out. Clementine was dashing around to an unprotected side as one of her stilettos found its mark in a weak point in the armor.

Yet even with the electricity flowing through them, they didn't scream out; in fact, Kyuketsuki was laughing, turning to glance at Clementine. She jumped back, unsure of what to make of this reaction. They should at least be in pain, not laughing and clapping at this. Even as the stiletto was still stabbed in their side.

"Very nice, my dear, I think I may have a job proposition for you. fulfill it, and I shall ensure whoever is chasing you will never bother you again."

Clementine was Leary to just trust this man on his words; still, it might be beneficial. Watching them pull out the weapon from their armor, not even grunting in pain. Yet this also only raises her desire to see such a mighty adventurer cry out in agony under her. But she was no fool. They weren't even taking this seriously or going all out.

Licking her lips at the thought of a real challenge, few could even claim to have lived this long after fighting with her.

“Oh, and what do you want me to do? Join your little merry band. you know I'm a professional assassin.~”

To her surprise, he shook his head no. "It would be a waste of your talents to constrict you like that. Besides, I think you are a bit too bloodthirsty for it, you couldn't go around looking for victims. I think you would be much better for a bigger plan I have in motion. A new danger to the city?

They where both still as those words hung in the air. Clementine had a broader, bigger grin at this. If anyone heard an adventurer talking like this, it would be treasonous, to say the least. Oh, she thought he was just planning something dull, but this sounded fun.

~What kind of new danger?~

"The kind which requires a change of management, so to speak. With a delightful proposition for you, my dear. I can't say the same for this acquaintance of yours. You see, I don't share very well, and the cemetery of E-Rental is my domain."

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-At the Mausoleum in E-Rental-

Glancing about the mausoleum, Sitabus followed the woman named Clementine into this dark room, which looked empty, but his nose could Cleary pick up a faded human scent in the air. It was old and decayed some, which made it all too easy to figure out this acquaintance was a necromancer.

Watching discreetly as one of the faces was pushed in, sliding open a stairway down. "Were coming in.~” Clementine announced

Hearing the voice sound just as high and cute as Jades, he smiled. This would help to hasten his work to gain full control of the city. Kathrin and the others were working wonders, it was still a very loose hold that could be discovered and blocked. Which is why to speed it up, he needed a big distraction. Something which could panic the whole city. Like an army of undead clamoring along.

Also, in fighting this danger, he would control the danger level, ensuring he was promoted to adamantite rank along with his party. But more importantly, managing the loss of life something this necromancer and psychopathic woman wouldn't care or think to do. One extended the time frame for Xennessa and a few others, he would need to call into work. second to ensure only the bare minimum of deaths was achieved with these objectives

Reaching the misty green atmosphere of this decrepit place in the future it might be useful with such a large cavern. And pillars around to stabilize the area lit by what seemed to be crystal light.

"Yo, I'm here to see you, Khajiit, and I found a friend."

Scanning the surrounding area as an old elder man in robes came out in to view scowling. Clearly wanting to say something, but upon noticing the adventurer, his eyes took a hateful glint. Oh, he saw this as a betrayal, maybe? It was hard to say, but nothing good would come of losing this Pawn just yet.

"You know it's quite dangerous to be intruding here after I have been charging my death orb!"

Holding back a snort at this negative energy from the orb washing over him. Only heals what little damage he took by letting clementine land a hit. Even accounting for the assassin next to him, he just shielded her. Wanting to test out how potent this necromancer was without that strange orb.

Reaching out his hand, sensing the negative energy which filled the orb. [shadow hand] khajiit was shocked as the shadow hand reached out pulling the orb out of his hand. Back to Kyuketsuki as he felt the orb’s sentients come alive in his thoughts.

'Hello, master you are so powerful so good are we-

"Shut up now! You call this a death orb. Let me show you a true death orb!"

Channeling a silent skill to improve the object as master of blood, he could enhance objects linked to death or filled with negative energy like this. It would drain a little of his mana and hp to do so. The other two occupants of the cavern watched as scarlet drops of blood encasing the orb in a deep red. Supercharging it with negative energy as it glowed ominously. Even gaining a face as it floated up out of his hand.

"Yes, I can feel your power master so much energy flowing through me I'm free."

"Shut up and fly back over to khajiit."

'And make sure he stays loyal, or I can unmake you.'

'Of course, master.'

After commentating through thought to his new cursed item, it would test this necromancer for him and, if the need arose, end him.

"How did you do that?" Khajiit spat, shocked, and appalled.

Kyuketsuki chuckled darkly. "Simple, you should know not to underestimate a vampire lord. We are masters of un-life and such a simple matter as this was easy unless you would like to challenge me."

"See Khajiit, I found a good friend, but looky what I found it looks so lovely I just had to take it. The priestess went mad as soon as it left her head."

While Kyuketsuki could only look on in question at the item. It looked to be made of spider webs and crystal shards. He noticed the necromancer's eyes of recognition as he went on to explain part of what it did.

Learning about this item, Sitabus knew it was a trash item. This crown of wisdom had a significant drawback. Who wanted an object that deleted personality? There were endless other ways to gain more magical power besides this! And the person themselves could just be kill because they wouldn't dodge, they would be cumbersome to keep around.

{Lord Kyuketsuki, it was reported a group of humans is flying over the town invisibly. Would you like me to take care of them?}

More issues to take care of what a pain. Probably, Clementine's pursuers well better to take care of them now rather than later.

{Yes, I have made an ally I believe they are after, please take care of them.}

{At once lord kyuketsuki!}

"Hey Kyuket, what were you offering to the deal.~"

Remembering he had a guest to entertain, it must look like he was just spacing out for a few minutes.

"Well, it's simple, really. I want to change those in charge of the city to ones I can trust interested? You both could have key roles after it is over.”

All three of them felt maleficent smiles come over them, unaware of Kyuketsuki’s own hidden plans for the pair.

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- The wind flow scouts-

Three figures hovered over the city of E-Rental looking for the traitor to their cause and where she had gone to. After getting a tip, she had been spotted in town. It didn’t make the task any more comfortable; however, as their leader kept insisting, they stay together, something which they disagreed with.

Their mission was imperative. It was to retrieve the crown of wisdom back from that backstabbing Clementine. Or at the very least find her location so one of the other scripts could handle this mess. It was still unknown how she got away in the first place, but that could be answered when they were being interrogated.

"I still say. We should split up and look in separate areas, or she may slip away again captain this is crazy."

Glaring back at the insubordination of her new recruits, the two were still quite young to this, and Anglia had worked with Clementine enough to know just how dangerous and deranged she was. Something neither of them genuinely understood, but it was risky for her plan.

Still, she was aiming for a promotion, and bringing in this target would help in that regard. Even if both of these idiots failed to see it was their mission, nothing would stop her from finishing it.

"I told you before. Gingroe, this needs to be done quickly, now either suggest something else or keep looking we know, she is in this place somewhere."

"How do we even know for sure it could be a trick or a false lead."

Sighing in frustration. "Because Alerick is a member still in deep cover, and he saw her in town. I'm surprised, he's still alive if the report of this monster is correct."

"Yeah, I heard one new guy's group held their own. Against such a beast, there are rumors the teams still recovering from the battle."

It wouldn't be farfetched to say it would be strange if the team weren't after the betrayal of one member and another member's death. Still, Anglia would have to try and push Alerick to recruit them for the Slane Theocracy. They sounded like an excellent group of humans, even if one was a dwarf.

"Uh, captain, what is that?"

Squinting in the direction they pointed at. Anglia could make out some kind of light that was getting bigger and bigger until they realized what it was with widened eyes.

"Move now!"

Dodging out of the way as purple arrows shot past them, dissipating only to see more heading their way weaving through the storm of arrows. They came at them, unable to find the source of the attackers anywhere.

All three going back to back, putting up magic shields to weather the storm of attacks. With still no sign of an attacker, this was bad. They should be un-seeable right yet Cleary they were being watched.

" Barbosa, find the source quick!"

"Right [mythical eagle sight]" Glancing around till something stood out a little cracking a small smirk "I found some ack-

Both of them looked to see why Barbosa stopped there was some kind of purple substance on his eyes hissing, Cursing Anglia knows the attack was aimed at him; they didn't want to be found they need to get out of the air now.

[triple teleportation]

All three of them appeared on the ground as the dome of magic above was crushed. Sighing, turning to her underlings. Stopping neither of them was close by; instead, she was alone on a roof. Feeling dread, they used delay teleportation, so they had to be skilled in magic.

"Aghhh-

A shrill cry was heard in the distance of Barbosa, panting Anglia pulled out her twin daggers rushing to look for Gingroe before whatever claimed Barbosa did. Feeling eyes follow her but glancing back, she could not find the watcher. Sweaty palms gripped her weapons harder; this should not be happening. Who was even skilled enough to target them?

"Come on, where are you moron." Frantically glancing around for the lost member.

Finally, spotting a flash of movement to the right. Following it into an alleyway on the ground was a blood trail leading deeper into the darkness. This screamed trap, but she needs to at least confirm if they were still alive. So, Anglia pushed on into the night as no light seemed to penetrate into this void. Using a dark vision spell to try and locate her missing member.

Scanning the wall for traps or enemies, yet none popped out to her, struggling to at least identify what or who had attacked them. Which is why fear is permeating her mind, just trying to understand the situation. Was this part of Clementine’s trap or hired help? Who was attacking them if it was the case?

A bunch of low-level casters or a sniper, it was dizzying just trying to figure out their end game. Why had they pulled back? They clearly had the upper hand, so why were they holding back now.

Hearing a sound to the left, they turned in horror to see a badly cut up cloak ruined with cuts and burns all over, breathing hard. Rushing over to look over their injuries, there was a lot of blood.

"Come on, speak to me what happened here."

But there was no response as they lay there bleeding out quickly, pulling out a healing potion to at least slow the bleeding.

"There is no point worm you have already lost."

Snapping her head to look at the person with a hard gaze spitting at them. As she began pouring the potion down Gingroe’s throat. Standing with both weapons drawn, Anglia was wary of the danger of this woman.

"Tell me what is your intention here did Clementine send you to slow us down?"

No answer came back over the silence, glaring at each other, feeling the tension in the air. Waiting for them to attack, yet they made no move to advance on her or the downed ally. With great confusion looking for any hidden dangers.

"Last time I check, it wasn't wise for adventures to work with criminals. You know what that traitor is like, right?" Anglia tried to reason with her.

"I am sorry if I gave you the impression that I know who you are talking about! But it won't matter to answer a dead maggot."

Angered by this, Anglia charged forward at the adventurer, hoping to at least gain some answers. Yet her attack was blocked by some kind of claw weapon, which was rare to come by. Twisting around to stab under her guard only to meet a second claw.

Getting kicked back in her shock of the surprise trying to gage her adversary, yet no aggressive action was made. It was like they were waiting for something to happen as Anglia heard a groan from behind.

"Hurry up and help me out here, Gingro. We need to beat this woman and get back to the mission."

Silence followed by the odd shuffling of feet was he to injured to talk the mystery plagued her worried mind. Praying to the six gods, they could make it out of here unharmed.

"I would move. If I were you little sheep."

Ignoring this enemy's words, Anglia felt confident in her position in this battle or at least did. Till something bit into her side, screaming out in pain while stabbing her daggers... In to Gingros green, pale skin unfocused eyes looking at her hungrily. Stabbing at the zombie, trying to free herself.

Only to stop as something small stabbed her heart, dropping to the ground dying as the zombie munches away at the dead body. Until it was cut down head rolling away on the uneven ground. Kathrin made a disgusted sound at the dead bodies While pulling out a long-poisoned needle from the human’s heart.

"So easy to beat, I even warned you! How foolish can sheep be."

"Still, thank you for the free red vials. Make sure to clean up the rest.”

Speaking harshly to the shadows as red eyes watching the scene unfold.

"Of course, mistress Kathrin."

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-End of Chapter-