– Era of the Wastes, Cycle 216, Season of the Rising Moon, Day 68 –

Somewhere in Tiv, a man whose arms and legs were tied together was thrown into a hole. The hole had been dug deep into the ground. Near the bottom, the man fell onto the other captured people and a fresh round of whimpering and pleading welled up from the depths.

“Quit your yapping,” shouted Eric. “You’re all useless muppets, anyway. What do you have to live for? You’re pathetic. You’ll always be pathetic. You should be happy that you can contribute to someone getting stronger.” Eric grinned viciously. “Offering your lives to me is the greatest honor of your pathetic little lives.”

“Let’s see if the blue flames of that bitch can hold against the next level of the Pond,” growled Eric. He subconsciously touched the arm that had been ripped off by Apex during the battle in Libra City. Even though Eric’s channeled abilities allowed him to regenerate the limb, he could still remember the feeling of pain and humiliation. “Once I’m done with you muppets, Apex better hope to never encounter me again.”

“SHUT UP!” roared Vicious. “If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being weak.” Eric sneered. “Or blame whoever has cut down all the powerful people around here.”

After Eric had thrown the last person into the hole, he paused. After a moment of surprise, he whirled around to stare at the figure that had appeared out of nowhere.

An old dwarf covered in a white fur cloak stood near the hole and calmly observed Vicious’s actions. The dwarf’s hair and beard were grey and braided. One of his eyes appeared sewn shut.

“Where did you—?” Eric was deeply disturbed. Both by the dwarf’s sudden appearance and the aura, the dwarf gave off. Eric’s instincts told him he was not the dwarf’s opponent. “Who are you?”

“I’m the one that has cut down all the powerful people around here,” replied the dwarf indifferently.

“Help us!” “Please…” “At least my daughter…” “Please kill Vicious!”

“Which cult are you from?” asked the dwarf.

“Why?” retorted Eric. He was relieved that the dwarf had apparently not recognized him.

“I’m not familiar with the local deathcults is all,” replied the dwarf with a casual shrug. “Since I’m touring the area, I might as well gather some information.”

“Are you going to get in my way?” asked Eric warily.

“I’m certainly considering it,” replied the dwarf nonchalantly. “It is never a good idea to let a cultist realm traitor get too strong.”

Ripples washed over Eric’s fluid body as if a stone had been thrown into the water.

The dwarf’s cold gaze met Eric’s. “Then again, you’re just a brat that would be far from strong even if you got a lot stronger. Any true mage could snuff you out as easily as flipping their palm.”

Eric swallowed down his retort.

“Honored Senior, please!” “Help us!”

“Help?” The dwarf snapped at the pleading people. “Tiv has sabotaged Arcana’s barrier, and the Wastes spilled in without warning. My grandson is dead. My daughter-in-law is dying. My son is wishing he was dead, too.” The dwarf’s aura rose until a terrifying pressure silenced all the people inside the hole.

“Do you seriously believe I’ve come to Tiv to ‘help’?” snarled the dwarf. He limped slowly a few steps around the hole while staring coldly at Vicious’s victims down below. After a few silent breaths, the dwarf looked back at Vicious and growled: “I believe the Tiv Empire deserves you.”

“Heeheeh—” Eric’s gloating giggle was caught in his throat when the dwarf disappeared without a trace, even though Eric had focused his complete attention on him. Eric gulped. “Nearly as creepy as Sudden Death…” Eric furrowed his brow.

After a moment of pause, Eric sneered and looked back at the hole he had dug. “Now, my little muppets…” An eerie water was discharged from Eric’s feet and flowed into the hole. The water filled the hole until all the screams had been drowned together with the people inside.

***

“Wastes…” Lori swallowed heavily. “Are you sure?”

Jorg closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Yes, I’m sure,” said Terry.

“Uncle Samuel—” began Lori.

“Won’t stop him,” interjected Terry. “And I know that Mirabilia and Leah will try, but they can’t watch him all the time, can they?”

“Neither can you, if you go through with your plan,” muttered Jorg.

“But if one of us stays, then…” Lori’s eyes moved to Terry.

“Why can’t whaka get into trouble one at a time?” groaned Jorg.

Jorg and Lori glanced at each other.

“You’re stronger,” said Jorg.

“You can cast all the fundamental healing spells,” said Lori.

“Could we hire someone to stop him?” Jorg wondered out loud.

“Hire someone that can defeat Pa?” Lori grimaced. “I don’t think we can afford that.”

Jorg took a deep breath and clenched his fists. “Lori, you go with Terry. We can afford a few healing items, but a few items would not get me to your level.”

Determination flashed through Jorg’s eyes. “If no one is able to find a four-leaved blood tulip, then I’ll stop him.” The determination wavered slightly. “I have no idea how yet, but I’ll figure something out.”

***

“Wohh…” uttered Calam in a low voice.

Gellath paled and gulped. His hands were shaking.

“You what now?” exclaimed Miguel. “Go back to Tiv’s Wasted Zone in search of a flower that might not even exist there?”

“More or less,” admitted Terry, and Lori nodded beside him.

“When do we go?” asked Siling.

Terry stared at her. “I, uhh, I only wanted to inform you. I couldn’t ask any of you to—”

“You don’t need to,” interrupted Siling. “I’m in.” She crossed her arms. “Although, I do indeed need to ask my mom, but that’s for later.”

Miguel’s gaze was on Lori. “Sure, why not?” He looked at Terry. “It sounds very Guardian-like, doesn’t it? It’s just the Wastes. How bad can it be?” He drew back his lips.

“Like the heroes from the stories,” murmured Calam quietly. Ambitious yearning flashed through his eyes.

“What?” Gellath stared at Miguel in shock. “But you’re…”

“Not able to do much,” acknowledged Miguel. “I know, but Terry was right. I want to do something. You can help out in the clinic. I can’t do that. My tracking training can at least help in avoiding people. Remember that Terry still has a bounty on him.”

Terry blinked. “Right…” He frowned. The reminder for the bounty was only one reason. The other reason was that Terry had a similar objection in mind to Gellath. Miguel had not succumbed to the pressure against the elementals, but it had been undeniably difficult for Miguel to deal with them.

Gellath’s hand was still trembling. “I… I…”

“It’s alright, Gellath,” said Terry softly. He remembered how Gellath had reacted during the emergency mission. The pressure was still too much for him. Even worse were the corpses they found. “A larger group would be problematic in its own way.” Terry pointed out. “Some of the transfer scrolls only work for up to five people.”

“Remember how they told us in therapy that the most important thing is to know your limits and respect the time you need?” Calam moved over to Gellath and put a hand on his shoulder. “Also, you’re a healer first and foremost. The clinic will be lucky to have you.”

“Not to mention we still have our new friends here,” said Lori. “Emaldine will be on the move as well.”

“Right, you promised to show Thena and Clayson around in the southern district,” reminded Miguel.

“More importantly, I could use some help here too,” said Jorg and slapped Gellath on the back.

Calam looked at Terry and Siling. “I need to talk to my family, but I want to join if I can.”

Terry nodded. Aside from working through his freeze problem, Calam had also progressed in his mana cultivation, and his force spells were very useful.

Afterwards, Terry glanced at Jorg with an odd feeling in his stomach. To Terry, it was painfully obvious how Jorg tried to put on an optimistic face and how frustrated Jorg was feeling underneath it all.

“Damn it,” cursed Elena. She looked worriedly at Lori.

“I know what you want to say, but you have your own father to worry about.” Lori stepped next to Elena and put a hand on her arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll be back before you know it.”

Elena shook her head. “If my father wasn’t…”

“I know,” mouthed Lori silently. She rubbed Elena’s arm.

Tiana grunted with a frustrated shake of her head. She looked at Elena. “My first thought was also that if it wasn’t for my little possession problem, then…” Tiana sighed. “But I don’t think either of us would be much help there. As much as I hate to say it, the elementals have shown me my limitations again. I’ll happily challenge a stronger mana corrupted, but against these creatures of pure mana…”

“Tell you what, Elena,” said Jorg. “I’ll help you with your father, if you help me with mine.”

“Are you sure about that?” Elena raised her brows. “With my father, that involves buying toilet paper and sometimes even helping him use it.”

“Meh, Gellath and I help out at the clinic, remember?” retorted Jorg. “I see no shame in helping someone wipe their butt.” Jorg’s nonchalant expression was slowly replaced with a grimace. “Shitting myself on the other hand…” He sighed. “I’m not looking forward to the prospect of having to force some sense into my pa…” He shuddered. “I’d rather face a terror grizzly.”

“I’ve seen an exhibition match with your father once,” said Elena with a wry smile. “I believe I might be getting the short end of the stick here.”

“Remember to invite me, too, when it’s time.” Tiana said to Jorg.

“Thank you!” Jorg said in a heartfelt tone. “I was soooo hoping you would say that.” Jorg looked back at Elena. “Parents, huh? What would they do without us?”

“Okay…” Terry took a deep breath while looking at Lori, Siling, Miguel, and Calam.

“Then I suggest we go shopping,” said Terry. “I still have a lot of unspent contribution points and Matteo has also given me some more mana cores we can sell.”

“Uhh, what?” blurted Miguel. “It sounds as if you want to pay us. That’s not necessary.”

“What?” Terry blurted out. “No. You are all risking your lives to help us. This isn’t payment. This is to help us succeed and get everyone back safely.”

“When you put it like that…” Miguel nodded. “In that case, I won’t be polite. After our elemental encounter, I’ve already done some research.”

“Oh?” Terry looked at Miguel in a new light.

“There are two enchanting quivers I have my eye on, as well as a pair of boots,” said Miguel.

“What’s an enchanting quiver?” asked Lori.

“A quiver that can enchant arrows,” said Miguel. “The enchantment is temporary, and it takes a while to charge, but for arrows, this is sufficient.”

Miguel looked at Terry. “The first I have my eye on is an enchantment from the explosion family. After the arrow leaves the quiver, it can be primed and then the arrowhead will explode shortly after impact. It’s not very suitable for hunting because of the metal pieces that are blown into the creature, but if you just want to kill something, then it’s perfect.

“The second is a mana suction enchantment,” said Miguel while nodding to himself. “Both together should give me good options for dealing with anything corporeal or ethereal. Some more aspected arrows and I’ll also ransack the poison cabinet, then I should be useful.”

“What about the boots?” asked Jorg. “Blink?”

“No,” grumbled Miguel. “I don’t want to trouble Siling’s pets whenever we need to be fast. My endurance is fine, but I can’t keep up with your speeds at all. I was looking at the fleet feet enchantment. The cheaper enchantments expire after a season or so, but that should be more than enough for touring the Wastes this once.”

“Let’s see what we can find,” said Terry while doing a few calculations in his head.

Jorg slapped Miguel on the back. “I’ll have to trouble you to look after my sister, then.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“What do you mean ‘look after your sister’?” asked Miguel with narrowed eyes. “The last time I was able to protect your sister from anything was when she was still afraid of caterpillars. Back when we were all still learning to count our toes.”

“Right…” Lori blinked. “That did happen.” She tilted her head in thought. “Miggle.”

Miguel blinked while looking at Lori. “Now that’s a part of the memory that should stay forgotten.”

“Miggle?” Gellath’s face had regained some color, and he looked at Miguel with a teasing smile.

“Yes, Gella?” retorted Miguel. “Or would you prefer Gelly? Like jelly?”

Gellath’s face contorted into a conflicted expression. After some hesitation, he yielded: “Fine, truce.”

Gellath leaned closer to Miguel and spoke in a lower voice. “Seriously, though. If you go with Terry, then promise me you will look after yourself. You’re a lot squishier than Lori.”

“I know,” said Miguel.

“Like a lot,” stressed Gellath.

“I know,” repeated Miguel.

“Like really,” stressed Gellath.

Miguel narrowed his eyes. “Are you looking to turn into a snowball again? That can be arranged with a few surprise traps.”

“Ooohh, I’m scared.” Gellath mocked before turning serious again. “Promise!”

“Fine, I’ll promise,” said Miguel.

“Stop looking so anxious.” Lori said to Elena. “We’ll only go there to ask about a flower. We won’t get lost. We’ll stay out of trouble. I still owe you for the cupcakes last time, remember? How could I dilly-dally in some strange empire before repaying my snack debts?”

Elena smiled half-heartedly.

“Oh, and…” Gellath looked from Calam to Terry and the others.

“If Calam goes, I’ll take over the thaw thingamajig,” said Miguel. “Together, we’ll be like half a Jorg.”

“Oof,” uttered Gellath. “Now I’m worried.”

“Remind me to steal your lunch money later.” Jorg bumped his elbow into Gellath’s side.

“Yes yes, sure.” Gellath agreed sarcastically.

“Thanks, Miguel,” said Calam. “I should be fine, though.”

“Can’t hurt to keep an eye out and as the archer of the group, I’m supposed to do that anyway, so no worries,” said Miguel. He grinned. “I’ll keep a blunt, weighted arrow ready to smack you out of it.”

“Uhh…” Calam grimaced.

“It’s okay, you can take your thanks back,” said Gellath to Calam.

***

“Calam, your force-spells are perfect for keeping corporeal creatures at bay, but you are missing a finisher,” said Terry. “I know you are still sometimes relying on finger movements for the spell shaping, but you should at least have a weapon available.

“The second trouble point I see is that your powers don’t work too well against less corporeal opponents.” Terry crossed his arms. “Your repulsion field does not repel pure mana attacks. Your Kinetic Push does not work against ethereal creatures.

Terry summoned one of the barrier spears he had used before receiving the care package in Tiv. “Here, the quality is excellent for its mana consumption. The imprint is crystal clear. The primers regenerate quickly and there is a large mana base. The barriers can cover defense against mana-based attacks. You won’t be able to learn spear techniques in time, but everyone can do some damage with a short spear. The basic usage is very intuitive.”

“I’ll also talk to Tiana about getting some preloaded crossbows into your storage item,” muttered Terry.

“There is a mana-coagulant powder,” said Terry. He looked both at Siling and Calam. “That should be pretty cheap and could be combined with your Kinetic Push spells. That would be an effective attack against most ethereal creatures.”

Terry’s gaze rested on Siling.

“I already bought a mana core powered barrier shield,” said Siling. “I had nothing else on my shopping list. The powder sounds good.”

“We could look for a Blink imprint,” said Terry. “That would offer some more flexibility for the Resummon Soul spell.”

“Perhaps, but a few more potions might be more useful,” said Siling.

Terry looked at Lori. “That reminds me. Now that your armor has been reinforced, we should make sure that your storage item is filled with mana potions. Your earth-aspected discharges work against the less-corporeal elementals, but they’re eating through your mana too quickly.”

Lori nodded in agreement. “I’ll also stock up on mana containers.”

“Hm… Ahh!” Terry pulled the necklace from under his armor and handed it to Siling. “Here. We should all look for a personal barrier, but I don’t believe we will be able to afford another one as good as this one.”

Siling stared at the protective pendant and then at Terry. “So, why are you giving this to me? That’s the one the Divine Hammer gave you. She wanted you to have this. I did not even know the lady.”

“You will be our main healer,” said Terry. “Lori can support with the Nourishing Earth spell and we’ll bring items, but the primary responsibility will still fall to you.”

“The pendant can hold a lot of mana, and it reacts to mana-based attacks that reach your body and cross a certain intensity threshold,” explained Terry. “It automatically matches the mana level to the attack.”

“As for me…” Terry shrugged. “The pendant mostly activated on me whenever I ran into someone using a large-scale fire ability, and I’ve already upgraded my armor to increase the fire resistance. And if I get hurt, I still have you to heal me…”

Terry turned his attention to the Guardian that approached the counter.

“Here, the parts of your order that we can supply immediately,” said Tamar.

“Hm?” Terry was surprised because Tamar was not the one that had received the order from them. As far as he understood it, Tamar was actually very high up in the Guardian management hierarchy and would not deal with a simple item order.

“Unfortunately, we do not have many brightfire-aspected arrows in stock,” said Tamar regretfully. “We never had much use for them before the barrier broke. To make up for it, I’ve doubled the number of fire-, poison-, ice-, and lightning-aspected arrows.”

“Uhm…” Terry and Miguel glanced at each other.

“We’ve also doubled the mana-coagulant powder and added a box that works particularly well against ethereal creatures of the death aspect,” continued Tamar. “There is also this.” Tamar placed another large box on the counter. “Potions, pills, scrolls. On the house.”

The mouths of Terry’s group stood agape.

“Isille is a very respected Guardian,” said Tamar. “So is Bjorln.”

Tamar smiled warmly. “Some may call our Isille meddlesome, but the only reason that she goes out of her way to straighten everyone out is that she truly cares about our community. Arcana would fall apart without people like her around. I’m a lot older than Isille, but even I sometimes cannot help but see her as our local Guardian mother.”

“Bjorn is a pillar among the consumable item crafters,” said Tamar. “Well known to give exceedingly generous discounts if someone is unable to pay otherwise. Just like Isille, he puts in a lot more time and effort than is expected of reserve Guardians.”

“Unfortunately, we can’t spare anyone else to leave the Arcana Empire at the moment,” said Tamar regretfully. “We have received many volunteers to take a few ‘detours’ to make sure that we gather all the ingredients, but the four-leaved blood lotus remains a matter of luck.”

“Nevertheless, I still have to ask you.” Tamar’s voice became more stern. “Are you sure that you can do this? We have censured the Libra Outpost and contested the bounty inside Arcana territory, but the bounty has not been withdrawn inside Tiv territory yet.”

Terry finally found the sense to close his mouth. “I am sure that I want to try. Thank you.”

“I still have Libra City in my five-point inscription ring and I know the area a bit from my missions with Aunt Sigille,” said Terry. “Matteo will pass me his remaining transportation scrolls. He still has two that can take a small group to Libra City. He also has a few more to move to other locations along the way, which should cut down our travel time.”

“I still have a construct from Aunt Brynn that can transport items to her from Tiv.” Terry nodded to himself. “And if we’re lucky, I can find Amelia to help with transport as well.”

***

Ava’s transfer failed yet again, and she fell down from the sky with bloody gashes on her whole body. “Urgh…” Ava glanced back in terror at the nothingness around her.

The images of what had happened to her entourage of several dozen soldiers from the Devout Division haunted her mind. The soldiers were not weak, but they had been ripped apart in an instant with no warning.

It was not the ruthlessness of the attack that terrified Ava. It was the fact that she alone survived, even though she did not have any right to. There was no reason for her to survive… unless the attacker wanted her to.

“WHO ARE YOU?” screamed Ava. “Why did you attack us?” She whispered. “Why are you toying with me…?” Right after Ava’s protective item had restored her body once more, another pair of spatial blades tore her apart without a moment’s delay. Ava wailed: “Why are you torturing me?”

“Despicable cur!” a voice echoed loudly over the area. “You dare to claim ignorance?”

The first thing that Ava noticed was the eerie aura of the elven man’s green cloak. Next, she noticed the look of pure hatred on the wrinkly face.

“Weren’t you one of the main instigators in the plot against Arcana’s barrier?” the elven man slowly stepped closer.

Ava’s expression fell and then hardened.

“Who am I? Right now, I am the Hunter. You may address me as Weran.” He glared at Ava with disdain.

“Stupid scum,” spat Ava. “We’ve done nothing wrong. Arcana ought to have fought the Wastes to begin with. It is not right that we are forced to fight the Wastes while they get to live in peace! We have only forced them to finally do their fair share. Magic obliges!”

“Magic obliges, does it?” sneered Weran. “Magic obliges to do what?” Another spatial blade tore at Ava’s body and she shrieked in pain.

“This right here, this is the natural order of things,” lectured Weran while looking down on Ava. “Whoever has the power makes the rules. Might makes right. It is not that the powerless don’t have the ability to speak.” Weran smiled thinly. “But unless they are backed by power, why would they expect anyone to listen?”

For a moment, Weran glowered at Ava in silence. “If you want to get a proper seat at the table, then you need to come prepared with a good offer or you need to cultivate your own power.” He smiled with derision. “Otherwise, you would do well to always remember that you are asking a favor from those who do.

“You should also remember what you aren’t.” Weran sneered, and he stepped closer to Ava. “A powerless person is never virtuous.” He glared at her with contempt. “It is their powerlessness that prevents them from being any different. That’s just weakness, not virtue.

“It is oh-so-easy to demand a favor. What’s virtuous about that, I wonder? You want to be virtuous?!” demanded Weran. “Then you first need to become powerful. Look at you.” He moved his disdaining gaze over Ava. “What gives you the right to speak to me?”

Ava wanted to retort, but the suffocating pressure that Weran was giving off did not allow her to speak.

“There are very few people that have the power to demand things from me,” said Weran. “Even fewer that can ask a favor from me and have me willing to listen out of goodwill.”

“The magic sovereigns qualify for both,” said Weran solemnly. “You, however? Why would I be ‘obligated’ to do anything for you?” Weran sneered. “I care about myself and my own. Anyone else needs to bring a good reason.

“I work for coin,” said Weran flippantly. “Or because I have something else to gain. I always repay my debts – both favors and grudges. Sometimes, I work because I have taken a liking to someone on a whim. Never will I work for those that do not show the appropriate attitude towards me.”

“Selfish,” forced Ava through clenched teeth.

Weran laughed derisively. “Oh, I have to admit that I can’t compete with you when it comes to selfishness. What could be more selfish than to unreflectingly expect others to live their lives for you? To unashamedly feel entitled to their efforts without feeling any obligation in return?”

Weran leaned down towards Ava. “Why would I ever work for lowlifes like you? I loathe your rotten empire. From your traitorous Founding King all the way to your perversion of the ancestral credo. A credo that has made a mockery out of your ancestors’ fight for magic self-determination.

“If you want to decide how power is wielded, then you better cultivate your own.” Weran stood up straight again and looked down on Ava. “You dogs have deluded yourself into thinking that I owe you something.” He growled in a low tone: “Don’t expect me to share your delusions.

“Why should Arcana care about the likes of you?!” demanded Weran. “Why is it Arcana’s problem that you are too incompetent to protect yourselves? Why should Arcana help an empire that does not accept Arcana’s rules? Help an empire whose only means of persuasion consists of pathetic insults and mind games?”

Weran leaned closer to Ava and hatred washed over his aged face. “Why should Arcana do so again?” He spat on the ground. “After all that has happened? Why should Arcana ever step foot into one of the traitorous countries except to raze them to the ground?

“The magic sovereigns might be above such acts, but I am not,” growled Weran. “Because I understand that their high-mindedness is precisely why people like you dare.” Weran spat on the ground again. “Aren’t the Lich Kingdoms your allies now? Or why did that lowlife Founding King leak intel back then?”

“Wh-what… are… you…?” Ava could barely breathe and had a difficult time trying to talk.

Weran scoffed. “Young and ignorant, but ignorance is no excuse. Why don’t you go preach your perversion of the ancestral credo to the Lich Kingdoms?” He sneered. “Even whelps like you know damn well why you turn to Arcana with your nonsense instead.” He growled: “It is the noble-mindedness of the sovereigns that allowed you to exist and it is their noble-mindedness that you curs dare to exploit.

Weran shook his head. “I chose to follow Arcana’s laws. I even swallowed my old hatred because the magic sovereigns have asked me to. And you!”

Weran glared hatefully at Ava. “You dare attack Arcana. You dare to spit on the rules that even I chose to follow. You dare to spit in the faces of the people that I respect.”

Weran scoffed. “If you don’t respect true nobility, then why should I?” The pressure he emitted increased even further. “Now you can experience what such a world is like.”

“I have wondered what to do about you…” Weran crouched down slightly and looked at Ava, who was shivering under the pressure he emitted. “Should I take your head and carve my demands into your skull? Should I string your dead, naked body up in front of Tiv Palace? Should I send you piece by piece to your mother to lure her out?”

Weran stood up again. “You won’t die today, little cur. I want you to convey a message for me. A message for your mother’s teacher. While the title of ‘Mage Supreme’ is gloriously inappropriate, that woman is indeed the only person that is worth talking to here. The only true mage in all of this extensive empire.” Weran shrugged. “Archmage proper, as the younglings say.”

Weran stared down coldly at Ava. “Tell your mother’s teacher that she should consider moving out of Tiv Palace. I will not stop the hunt before the royal family is dead. Not before all the members of the Assembly are dead. And, above all, not before that so-called ‘Preacher’ is dead.”

Weran stopped his pressuring aura.

“YOU MURDEROUS BEAST!” shrieked Ava. “We have not killed anyone in Arcana! We only brought down the barrier. The deaths have been caused by the Wastes. The Wastes that your precious Arcana failed to fight against!”

“Oh?” Weran smiled a mirthless smile. “You have not killed anyone?” An icy cold entered his eyes. “I hope you remember that, because part of the message you need to convey is what is going to happen from now on.

“Watch carefully…” Raging mana emanated from Weran until an excessively large dimensional gate appeared in the area. “Watch how I will ‘not kill’ anyone.”

Weran grabbed Ava by the nape, pressed her into the earth, and forced her head up to see. An odd mana flow radiated from the dark green cloak to envelop both Weran and Ava.

“What…?” Ava stared at the dimensional gate.

A reaper rushed through the gate. A second one followed shortly after. Then, the whole gigantic horde spilled through.

“...” Ava gulped. She had lost track of her precise location during her escape attempt earlier. She did not recognize the village or settlement in the distance. However, no matter where they were, she was certain that they were still in Tiv.

“A little cur like you probably didn't notice, but we’re now all the way west in your pathetic empire.” Weran observed her coldly. “I can assure you that this won’t be the last gate that opens today. From now on, we will make sure to return the ‘gift’ that you have sent into our homes. Only, in contrast to you, we will carefully choose where we return it.”

“Every day, we will move further inside Tiv borders,” said Weran in a low voice. “Until the hunt comes to an end.”

“Y-you…” stammered Ava. “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!” She continued in a whimper. “We did not attack anyone, we only—”

Weran interrupted her with vicious laughter. “I’m not attacking anyone here either, am I? It’s all the Wastes. These are creatures taken from inside Arcana’s borders. Creatures that were only present due to your destruction of the barrier.”

“We’ve only…” Ava finally broke down in tears when she saw the horde fall upon the settlement in the distance.

“Deluded dog,” spat Weran. “You know damned well that you destroyed the barrier so that the Wastes would fall on Arcana, so that Arcana would have to fight instead of you. Well, what goes around, comes around. I much prefer the Wastes fall on Tiv, and I have the power to realize my preferences.”

***