Lina's Manor was still a place that Hektor couldn't get used to. Lina and her husband, Vance Lumont welcomed him warmly but Hektor would have preferred to stay at an inn. The flamboyant décor and bright lanterns were far too much for his liking. With most of his money already spent on the procedure, Hektor knew that this was the more cost effective option.

One of the few things that Hektor did enjoy about staying at the manor was the food. Meat from the best parts of a cow, desserts that he had no idea about. A mix of flavors that he could only enjoy in such a place because of how expensive they would be. With all of his current priorities he didn't have the option of treating himself to such things.

[A soul has been added to your collection.]

[A soul has been added to your collection.]

Multiple dings sounded in his head as the familiar notifications popped up. 'They're working hard, I'll rush back soon enough.'

Souls: 25 -> 31

"Captain Hektor, I hope you wouldn't mind having a private conversation with me after dinner." Vance, the red-haired noble finally started a conversation with the spearman.

"Of course, I'm just about done with my meal." Hektor nodded. It was the least he could do for the person that hosted his stay.

They excused themselves to let Lina enjoy the rest of her evening. Vance led Hektor to a balcony, one that overlooked the city of Rosetang.

Vance Lumont, was a handsome young noble that Hektor didn't pay any heed to during their first meeting. Now that he learned how to sense mana, He can finally see the difference in power between spellcasters. Vance was befitting of the noble title, his mana capacity far exceeded that of an adult. Even the talents in the frontlines would pale in comparison.

"Captain, I am here to inform you of what comes next." Vance began. "We are expecting the horde to finally make their move soon, their push for our territory."

"I see, I'm actually quite surprised that they seem to have ignored you for so long." Hektor replied. The sprites were at his shoulders while his other birds were all over the manor.

Vance reached out his hand. The cold breeze of the night sky stopped flowing and soon enough a bright white glow originated from the noble's palm. Floating in mid-air, glowing with a light tinge of cerulean was a woman with long sharp ears. It was an existence that Hektor has only read of, something that could rival the power of even the strongest of soldiers. It was a High-Class Wind Spirit.

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"I hold command to four other spirits that are at her level." Vance continued with his discussion.

Hektor's eyes widened slightly but his expression still remained unchanged, he still looked indifferent.

"At the moment my brother and I are keeping the region hidden from the horde." The noble took a sip from his teacup. "But even with our effort to keep up the miasma and cleanse the area of the smell of blood, We know that it is only a matter of time before they reach this region."

'So he wants me to help? No… with this much power? It's surely something else.' Hektor thought before saying "I see, you're trying to either have me help here or you're asking me to come with you to escape into a more defended front."

"Precisely, Lina wishes for you to join us as we head towards the main cities of our territory."

"I'll have to think about it, as I informed you earlier my goal as of the moment is to go through with the procedure, when are you expecting the horde to arrive?" Hektor was looking at the city as he asked this. He could already picture the carnage that would ensue.

"Within 7 days, I believe that they ignored us for this long only because of the fall of Teblez. They have a much larger target, the capital."

"I see, then I'll give you an answer after the procedure." Hektor headed back to his room, notifications flooded his mind that night. When he woke up the next morning a sea of them welcomed him.

Souls: 31 -> 66

With a new day upon him and the information that Vance provided, Hektor knew that he had to have a small change of plans. He hastily wrote a letter for his troops.

'While the location that you're in is not compromised, threats of the horde's arrival has appeared. With the city currently on guard against demons, the last thing I want is for any of you to engage in combat with either of the two sides.

Head deeper into the mountains if you need to, preserving your numbers is key. Signed, Hektor.'

"I hope that it's enough." The second day of his stay at Rosetang was a bit more peaceful, he spent his time walking around the town. He was searching for a library to further expand his knowledge on monsters, demons and animals.

Initially Hektor was never the type to actively read due to his role as a spearman but he understood the importance of knowledge. Especially now since information is key to how his ability works. The library was a well of information, one that likely had answers to the questions that bogged his mind.

"I need more information on who this Cassius is."

[Scion of Cassius - Cost: 15,000 Mana, 500 Souls]

The possibility of summoning one was still far off into the future, it almost looks impossible to him. His curiosity led him to multiple libraries, a city with a magic academy was filled with them. He learned of two figures with the name of Cassius.

Cassius the Necromancer, a prolific figure from a few centuries ago. A powerful user of black magic, said to be capable of learning a spell at just a glance. "A scion would mean either an offspring or something that they created as a successor. A powerful undead minion doesn't sound too bad."

Cassius Vlagoslov, One of the four original vampires. A leader in one of the three floating continents, a whole continent that's teeming with monsters fighting for supremacy. "A vampire huh? Then that would be even better." Vampires rule the southern frosts, a place with never ending winter. Humanity has learned that clashing with them would only lead to ruin, the last great empire who even tried to oppose them was consumed and turned into livestock.

"If the minion relates to any of them then I now have an idea… I can only hope that it's not someone who remains outside of the records."

Souls: 66