Before the small team of three could even properly digest the fact the pressure was no longer upon them, a figure shrouded in darkness appeared floating in front of them.

“Prove who you say you are.”

Although the rank 7 being could immediately tell upon her arrival that the three individuals also had similar skin tones and features to her. Even the purity of the darkness mana that ran through their veins was a clue as to what their race was. Of course, despite her recent birth she instinctively knew that it would be foolish to assume they were of the same race with only that knowledge alone. As many things could be imitated or altered.

It was only after the name Umbra was mentioned that she decided to question them further. For she, along with her companions and the Lord she served, were all Umbra.

Something she knew immediately upon her birth. She was a member of the Umbra race. A race that made darkness their home and shadows their strength. A race in which every single individual was born with the innate ability to control shadow essence without fail. Of course, their talent played a part in how much or how well they could control the shadow essence.

So while she knew of the pure darkness mana that ran through veins, an amazing feat in itself, the ability to call forth shadow essence as easily as breathing wasn’t something that only having an abundance of darkness mana alone could accomplish. This ability was the Umbra’s and theirs alone. Even shadow beasts weren’t able to freely use shadow essence.

If the woman who claimed to be of the same race showcased this ability, she would treat them with neutrality at the very least. Even if they were of the same race. As nothing else is as important to her as her Lord.

Now should the individuals before her fail to prove their identities…Death would soon become a desperate wish of theirs. The act of claiming to be the same race as her Lord whilst not being so, could only be classified as the highest of transgression and likewise a death sentence.

After the rank 7 being before them spoke, Laiya immediately collected herself and reacted accordingly.

“Rykos and Jace, showcase your essence immediately.” Ordered swiftly by Laiya before she herself began releasing shadow essence all around her body, which caused a light cloud of darkness to begin forming.

Although both Jace and Rykos didn’t like where this was going, they would listen to orders to a fault as long as Laiya was still officially their captain on this mission. The Umbra didn’t associate themselves with any form of treachery or insubordination.

So both of them did as ordered, releasing shadow essence to prove their identities. Though their release centered around their hands instead of their entire bodies.

The rank 7 being observed everything taking place with a keen eye. While many things can be faked or replicated, releasing shadow essence so naturally was not among the easiest. As this was a power that didn’t stem from magic or any outside influences. It came directly from their blood, something every single member of the Umbra could do as naturally as breathing. It was even harder to fake in front of a rank 7 being such as herself.

While now their race was mostly verified, the loyalties and details of their mission were still in question. So while she decided not to harm them for now, they will still not be allowed anywhere near her lord.

“I will not needlessly kill a suspected member of my own race, but you will remain here until further notice. Do not approach the temple under any circumstances, nor will you leave this area to return without being told to do so.” The calm, quiet, and firm voice spoke again to the three Umbra clan members before her. Giving them a moment to digest her words before she returned to her place beside her Lord. Something she desperately wanted to do at this point, though you couldn’t tell by looking as she was still shrouded in darkness.

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It was then that Laiya immediately bowed as a show of respect before slowly lifting her head to ask a question.

“We understand. May I take out a signal shard to alert the Elders of the clan that the Umbra Royal Guards have returned? An escort party will immediately set out to our location to ensure your safe passage to our lands.”

After hearing the words from their captain, both Rykos and Jace had alarms blaring in their heads. The Umbra Royal Guard?! That is a title only used in legends at this point! This is something that would shake the entire Umbra clan and race to its core! They have been waiting for this for over 50,000 years!

“No. Do not approach. Do not leave. Contact no one. Remain here.” Coldly replied, being shrouded in darkness before she vanished from their sights, instantly returning to her kneeling position with her eyes closed and head lowered.

Joining her fellow Royal Guards in patiently waiting for their Lord’s arrival.

While Rykos and Jace were still struggling to come to terms with what just took place, Laiya remained calm in spite of the various emotions she was currently feeling due to what just happened.

“Both of you sit. We are definitely still being watched and I’m willing to bet that any suspicious movement will be met with unbridled hostility.”

Both men did as they were told, but before either of them could speak as Laiya continued.

“I know what both of you might be thinking, as I am thinking about it too. We all know what the presence of a member of the Umbra Royal Guard signifies, we also know the current state of the clan. So before you ask any questions or say anything untoward, remind yourself internally of our three mandates should ‘their’ presence be confirmed.”

It was then that a set of rules came to the forefront of Rykos and Jace’s minds.

‘1. The wishes of the Lord and their Royal Guards supersede all previous orders and instructions.

2. The Royal Guards are quick to kill for even the slightest transgression, proceed with absolute caution.

3. The will of the Lord is the will of our race.’

Seeing a look of understanding in both their eyes, Laiya simply nodded to them and entered a state of silent meditation while of course still being ready to respond to any threat at a moment’s notice. As she doubted the Guards would come to their rescue should the need arise. Rykos and Jace simply followed suit.

After roughly three hours of deafening silence passed inside the Forest of Shadows, the eyes of all five rank 7 beings inside the temple snapped open at once. All in one fluid motion all five of them stood up and spread out inside the temple. What immediately followed was everything within 500 miles of the temple in any direction got shrouded in absolute darkness. All 5 Royal Guards entered a state of battle ready to sacrifice their very lives for their all-important cause.

The small team of three all opened their eyes to the sight of a cloud of absolute darkness in the direction of the temple. Nothing inside the cloud could be seen or even heard.

Even though they were also members of the Umbra clan, which meant they could see in the dark as if it were light, they couldn’t even begin to catch a glimpse of anything within the cloud of darkness in front of them.

Of course, they weren’t worried, because even the least intelligent member of their clan would be able to guess the reason for what is happening here.

The birth of the Lord is imminent.

As if almost on cue, the sound of a rhythmic pounding could now be heard throughout the forest. The source of this sound was of course the pod that has yet to break within the temple. Even with the cloud of darkness surrounding the temple, it could not stifle the sound.

Thump…Thump…Thump…

It almost sounded like..a heartbeat. Like the heartbeat of a being strong enough to wipe entire empires off the map with but a glance.

Thump…Thump…Thump…

The thumping continued to resonate throughout the Forest of Shadows.

The more powerful beasts of the forest were now looking in the direction of the temple. As something was disturbing their homes.

Thump…Thump…Thump…

Some of those beasts decided to now approach the temple. Some out of curiosity some with more hostile intentions...

Thump…Thump…Thump…

There were now three beasts standing in various directions away from the temple. All three around the 1000-mile mark. All three saw the cloud of absolute darkness in front of them. All three clearly releasing the power of rank 7. All three not daring to move even an inch closer, as a feeling of absolute dread assaulted their instincts the second they came close to the 1000-mile mark.

The Royal Guards had locked onto each one. Ready to respond with pure viciousness and without mercy should any of them come any closer. Even though the Royal Guards themselves were also in rank 7, they were of a different class altogether.

It was during this stalemate that the thumping ceased and silence reigned once more.

A silence that barely lasted a few seconds as the pod finally shattered, creating a small crater within the temple and a muffled boom sounded throughout the forest.

The Lord had been born.