Malcolm Cross looked outside through the french window in his office. He was wearing a troubled expression when he thought about the day he encountered the Marooner. There were many things festering about the whole ordeal, but there wasn't enough information for him to follow. He sighed and looked at the crowded square.

Hero Corinna Square was the center of the capital. It is a downtown for businesses and shoppers. People would come and go every second for shopping and dining. It was the most famous place where citizens were always seen drifting from one side to another.

The most conspicuous spot was taken by the army in the square, showing how important it was to the Unity. The giant structure stood with three towers surrounding the main building. Each tower represented the pre-war countries that built Unity. Malcolm’s room was on the top of one of the towers that had a great view.

He was looking outside the window when a knock came.

“Come in.” Malcolm sighed and turned to look at the person coming in.

She was a po-faced lady who came in with a strong presence. Her uniform was similar to Malcolm's - dark green with a cape fixated with epaulets on the shoulder. She had a pin with a star indicating her rank as Colonel. She was two ranks lower than Malcolm. Helez was his trusted aide.

“Major General, sir!” She saluted and closed the door.

“At ease.” Malcolm said and sighed again.

“I came to report that I couldn’t find The Marooner, but I'm almost sure he is in one of these three strongholds.” she said. “Malcolm, take a look at this map.”

She was more than an aide to Malcolm. When they were alone, military etiquette would be overlooked. After all, Helez was his and Evelyn’s close friend and had visited their family home many times.

Malcolm took a look at the hologram map that appeared from Helen's wrist watch and thought, ‘Maybe Miles knows him.’ Although Miles thought he left his family behind, his every move was followed by his family. It could easily be seen from Merlin calling Quinn for looking after him and Malcolm knowing that Miles was indeed in one of these strongholds.

“Where did you get the information?” Malcolm asked.

“He was spotted in this forest.” Helez pointed at the forest in the middle of three strongholds.

“That is odd. Dark forests are least favourable hunting grounds. Does he have the darkness element power?” Malcolms asked after the information about the forest appeared on the hologram map.

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

“No. A humanoid vampire creature appeared there, and the three strongholds went to kill it. The Marooner stole the kill with the help of Prince Dark.” Helez explained briefly.

“That stupid kid? Are they working together?” Malcolm asked with surprise written all over his face. ‘Did I misjudge the Marooner?’

“No. Apparently Prince Dark used his power to sneak The Marooner close to the vampire. When The Marooner killed the creature, Prince Dark betrayed him and left him all alone. Reports say there was a strong girl from Starve Cleric about to kill the vampire, but she didn’t follow The Marooner, just stood over the body instead. She only left after she sucked dry the blood of the beast.” Helez explained and looked at Malcolm.

“Blood element? It can’t be.” Malcolm slammed the table and springed up to his feet.

“People saw her controlling blood and absorbing it.” Helez answered.

“Who are the post commanders? Summon them all here, immediately!” Malcolm said with a firm order.

“Post commanders were busy saving the people who were under the vampire’s control, so they weren’t there. I got the information from Tian Ling.” Helez answered.

“Where is he?” Malcolm asked, and walked towards the door. Helez opened the door for him and let him leave first. “He is with his grandfather.”

Malcolm nodded and walked towards General Tian’s room in another tower. The building in the middle was connecting all three towers, so it didn’t take long for him to arrive.

When he arrived, his anger had subsided. He knocked on the door and waited.

“Come in!” said the voice from the inside. Malcolm walked into the room and looked around. General Tian was sitting behind his desk and across him was a teen with a robust body. They both looked at him, while the young stood up.

Malcolm saluted the General. “General Tian, sir!”

“At ease.” General Tian shook his hand to ease Malcolm. “What brought you here?” he then asked.

“I would like to speak with your grandson, sir!” Malcolm answered respectfully.

“Oh, what do you want to say to my grandson?” General Tian looked at his grandson curiously.

“Blood element appeared, and your grandson saw it with his own two eyes.” Malcolm said with a grievous expression on his face.

General Tian’s eyebrows knit, and he turned to his grandson.

“Answer him, Son..” He said to his grandson with a stern face.

“Yes, grandfather.” Tian Ling didn’t understand what was happening but answered respectfully anyway.

“Explain everything you can remember about the woman with blood power.” Malcolm asked and sat across Tian Ling.

Tian Ling narrated everything from start to end — how she manipulated all of them, how she let them weaken the beast and her powers. Everything, including the Marooner’s arrival.

“Who is The Marooner? What is his connection to that stupid Dark family?” General Tian asked. The events of The Marooner weren't high enough to draw the General’s attention. Even Malcolm wouldn’t know of it if he wasn’t close at the time.

“It seems like the kid wanted to throw The Marooner into the fire by helping him steal the kill, but the blood user ignored the orb and only absorbed the blood.” Malcolm explained.

General snorted and asked, “Do you know the woman's whereabouts?”

“No. I just learned of her existence, and it seems like she vanished into thin air.” Malcolm answered.

“This will cause trouble.” General sighed and said, “Does your old man know about it?”

“No, I came here as soon as I heard the news. Had no time to inform him.” Malcolm said.

“I will talk to him.” General Tian said and started to walk outside. “It will surely create lots of trouble again.” He sighed.