Full Pr Credits to Draconis pls give him some rep for his troubles :) ladies and gentlemen ch 48 marking the end of volume 2. can you believe 48 chapters have allready been made? i sat down and thought about it and im shocked at how far spectral has gotten and how i barely have skimmed the surface with its progress XD so much more to do.
as some of you know with the end of volume 2 comes a charecter poll for this thread so please take the time to vote for your favorite charecter introduced thus far.
that bieng said with volume 2's end this also means im going to update the information page on google drive to have the latest information so check it out every now and then as i will most likely be working on it :D
Enjoy this extra long special ch and im thankful you guys have continued to read my story so far it means im doing something right >; P
Please Rate/Follow/Favourite/Enjoy ch 48 :D
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----Ayames P.O.V---
She was relaxing in a round tub that seemed to be forged quite lazily as there were several dents as well as cracks in the metal interior, as well as the exterior, of the large single plate that was used as a makeshift bath.
Of course the only positive thing was the fact that privacy was given. The orcs were indeed dumb to a degree but the female ones also enjoyed their privacy.
The large bath tub, spanning 5 meters in diameter with a 2 meter length, was rested on a makeshift foundation of rock that seemed to be mixed with some sort of material to harden it like cement. Although it had a disgusting dark green color that made it unappealing.
The bath was more like a mini hot spring considering the area even had its own ceiling and the steam had all but gotten rid of sight for a couple of feet. Ayame was leaning against the uncomfortable metal edge with one of the face towels she had packed with her against her forehead.
She was grumbling to herself as she had all but been cleaned from the mud she was knocked in.
A sigh escaped her lips as she gazed blankly. Something indeed was on her mind. She began to recall her past up until events.
--Ayame Age 6---
A young boy was knocked onto the makeshift tatami mat as he was knocked out. With several individuals sitting crosslegged on the side lines as well as adults giving an awe like expression.
In front of the boy who had just been defeated was a young Ayame with a grin on her face. Her fist extended in front of her, balled up. She spoke “That’s what you get for underestimating me..Just because I’m a girl it doesn’t mean I can’t beat you!”
As she approached the boy to wail on him some more a voice wrung out. “Ayame, enough…” It was none other than her father Calias. Ayame gave a sort of pouty look while clenching her hands.
She turned and bowed to her father before heading off. She had been underestimated by the other students even though she was the clan leaders daughter. They had never seen her as an equal.
She was the only female kunoichi that had shown promise. the other female ones were treated worse and she had often tried to stick up for them.
She grumbled as she walked off to the forest just outside the estate and leaned against a tree as she curled up against her knee. “Why can’t they treat me like they treat each other…”
-------Ayame age 11--------
Practicing in the dojo with her fellow students as they were being taught the basics of the Pulsing Dragon meditation. Ayame was training with 12-14 year olds. The clan was indeed large as there were 16 students in this group alone. This was only one estate which was the main.
There were a couple other branch estates meant to house the excess students and families. Then again, the White Dragon clan, at one stage, had thousands of members. But everything changed when the demons attacked.
Ayame was in the front listening to her grandfather Shimaru, who was explaining the Pulsing Dragon meditation. “The Pulsing Dragon is something our clan alone has discovered capable of sharpening your senses as well as molding your mana to allow your body its full capabilities.”
As he went on to talk, adding that it would be disastrous if one didn’t train after using the meditation or even did it past their limits. There were several students behind Ayame who began to speak.
“Ayame thinks she’s so tough just because she’s the clan heads daughter…” One student whispered to another who then replied “Pfft girls shouldn’t be shinobi. They have no sense of honor and should just use their bodies for us true warriors..”
Shimaru, being an incredibly skilled master, picked this up. But Ayame, being closer as well as somewhat trained, also heard it. She got up in a fit of rage and stomped over towards both of those boys.
“You think my body is something you guys deserve!!! Here is a piece!!!“ Her fist, lacking technique, had plowed into the chest of one of the boys who was sitting cross legged.
He was not as skilled as Ayame and was caught by surprise and worry. He was sent skidding back several feet as his body twitched a bit. He was indeed in pain even though he was unconscious.
Ayame turned to the other boy in her rage and punched towards him this time, using technique. If it had hit directly it would indeed cause serious injury.
But at that moment Shimaru had appeared using his incredible speed and softly caught her small fist he spoke firmly “Ayame...The White Dragon does not allow internal fighting between members unless it is to spar. What you have done has broken several rules… You are suspended from this lesson until I allow you back. Go back to the main building and train in its dojo until you reflect on what you have done..”
Shimaru had to show no favor even to his own granddaughter whom he loved like his own daughter. As tears welled up in Ayame’s eyes she tried to show no fear in front of the others and then ran out thinking even her grandfather was against her.
But she didn’t realise Shimaru had also punished the two. He had given them a stricter punishment, having them train but also assist in the manual labor the female maids would have done as if to show them equality. Not only that but when their parents found out they were punished further.
------Ayame age 14--------
She smiled happily as she had found someone to consider her master at age 12. This was none other than Syrana who had visited several years ago on good will. In Ayame’s eyes Syrana had a powerful and tough aura about her that made her feel like this is the women she wanted to be like.
Syrana was currently showing Ayame some of her own survival and combat techniques. Shimaru had not minded. In fact he found it positive for her to look up to Syrana as a figure she could become like.
As Ayame was sparring with Syrana, trying to hit her using the knowledge she had of the White Dragon, Syrana was effortlessly dodging.
“T..Teacher, you’re too fast! Give me a chance!” Syrana only gave a sly grin as she replied “Ayame, in combat you can’t ask your enemy to give you a chance. They would only laugh.”
Ayame had removed a kunai from her hip belt and stabbed it towards Syrana, knowing she still could probably not hit her, and she was right.
In fact Syrana had stepped forward and used a hand movement to hit the kunai out of her hand as well as lecture her. “You need to grip your weapon better Ayame. Otherwise you will easily be disarmed.”
Ayame began to growl quietly while Shimaru was laughing at her misfortune. Even he knew he couldn’t win against Syrana who was a Sigil wielder. At most he could match her strength and skill without her using her Sigil. He was indeed faster than her as well, but once she used it he had no hope of winning.
Ayame began to listen more to Syrana and began to try and mimic her movements. Syrana would also allow Ayame to get closer and nearly hit her as if to motivate her to let her know she was getting closer to catching her.
“You’re so close Ayame“ Syrana smiled happily. It was like she had a little sister. She couldn’t consider Myra as a younger sister, more so an equal. A best friend.
Ayame was enjoying her life thus far with Syrana’s presence, but it wouldnt last long. At age 16 Syrana had to stop visiting because many things had come up she needed to tend to and she had not responded to Ayame.
-----Ayame age 16---------
She had matured to become beautiful and was currently in her room trying on kimonos until her older sister Izanami stepped in and spoke ”Oh dear younger sister...Are you trying to find some man to make your own?” Izanami gave a smirk as she approached Ayame.
Her hands then slipping over, as if exploring her body. “Your curves have not fully matured. Unlike myself” Izanami pressed her fairly large bust against Ayame’s back as if to show off.
Ayame blushed heavily with embarrassment and anger as she pushed her sister back and roared out “Not everyone can be as seductive as you!! Just because you have many lovers it doesn’t mean I myself am worried.. All I need is one! Now out out outtt!!!”
Izanami blinked, somewhat surprised at her sisters frustration, before being pushed out of Ayame’s room before she turned. The door slammed shut. “Hmph!.. Never appreciated. I was going to give advice to you..” Izanami walked off to find something else to do.
Ayame put on a blue kimono with a white flower decorative pattern with gold lining across its buds. She also began to experiment with looks. Trying for a more traditional appearance.
As Ayame walked out, feeling confident in herself, she had made it a goal tonight over the years to try and find a partner as it was the annual Dragon Festival. A festival that commemorates the move to this continent and the safety of the White Dragon clan, who had escaped certain doom.
For the younger adolescents it was used to find lovers and was a night of romance for them. Several of Ayame’s female friends had found dates, and even though Ayame was not asked by anyone she still wanted to go around and enjoy it. Maybe she would find someone. Although she was tough and more tomboyish she was still a young girl who wanted to experience romance.
Ayame walked out of her room to see the 5 year old Amias holding a wooden toy, gazing at Ayame. Amias then gave a shifty grin and pointed at her as he blurted out. “Wild girl!” A nickname given to Ayame by him because he had often seen her temper in action against many males. As if she were a wild creature.
Ayame only growled as her signature vein appeared on her forehead and she gave a soft donk on Amias’s head. “I am not a wild girl…” She pouted and walked off while Amias gave a teary look while rubbing his head.
The festival outside, which included members of the other 2 estate branches, was quite large with a few hundred individuals dressed in traditional clothing consisting of hakamas and kimonos as well as unique styles of clothing not seen anywhere else on Seleria. Then again, none of these styles were.
There were even several Sylph who had visited with Myra and Syrana before who made friends here and visited. But Syrana was not included, neither was Myra, as they tended to their own matters.
As Ayame made her way around she was full of confidence. She visited makeshift food stands that sold traditional White Dragon food. Such as red gill fish battered with a chestnut flower and then coated with a sweet fruit flower sauce.
Ayame began to indulge on these delicacies one after another. There were several boys who passed her laughing as one whispered “Look, it’s Ayame. It seems she couldn't get a date..And is eating her problems away, haha” While another whispered. “Shh, she will hear you. Didn't you hear what happened years ago..Besides, let’s hurry. Our own dates are waiting.”
Ayame cleared her throat and sighed as she shook her head slightly, as if trying to ignore them. She forced a faint smile to which the shopkeeper gave her two more and spoke “Don't let those bums get to you Ayame. Here, these are on the house” The man gave a hearty laugh. Before Ayame gave a proper smile. She was glad to know some people were on her side.
She nodded and thanked him before leaving. She walked around but it wasn't long before her heart began to tug painfully. Everywhere she went she spotted couple after couple. People she knew who agreed with her views were now with partners. Ayame felt betrayed, but that betrayal was sadness and jealousy in disguise.
The night went on with a fierce happiness for everyone other than Ayame whose mood went downhill to the point of her going out of the estate and leaning against the tree she had been to many times before.
Curling up against her knee with a sad frustrated look in her eyes. She then shut her eyes as she tried to relax and block everything out, but it seems fate had other plans for her.
(A.N This is a mature scene be warned!!)
Spoiler :
Ayame heard faint panting as well as rustling and moaning. In not just one direction but in a few.
She stood up as she was curious to know what was going on, and as she made her way hiding behind one of the trees her eyes widened with shock.
She saw one of her friends clutching onto her female partner as she was pinned against the tree moaning in pleasure with a look of joy on her face.
Her partner and her were engaging in sexual acts. With his thrusts being quick and deep as if controlled by last. His pants and underwear removed, while the female had her kimono down the side of her body, her breasts being revealed as she slipped her arms around her male partner.
Ayame’s mouth dropped as she whispered in surprise “S..Shizuna…” As she quietly tried to back away, she looked to her left to see a similar scene with her friend Haruka, who was bent over, her hands against a tree as she was being taken from behind.
Her moans were loud as her clothing was all but removed. A look of ecstasy on her face as she gave several squeal like moans.
Ayame clenched her fists tightly with anger as the one who was taking Haruka from behind was one of the boys who had teased her earlier. Ayame stormed off with tears running down her face.
A tornado of emotions in her mind. Some saying why would her friends be with boys that had teased her. Another saying was that all the guys cared about was only to get with a girl.
And a final one being why can’t she find someone for herself. She would even go as far as to do those things if he cared for her.
Ayame was indeed stressed. Walking in a daze and a blank gaze she bumped into someone. It was her grandfather, Shimaru, who seemed saddened as he looked at her. He patted her head. “Ayame, do not let their actions get to you.”
She spoke in a sad tone “Grandfather...You know?...” Shimaru nodded as he turned a faint red. “You could say its how I met your grandmother...But Ayame...Not everyone does such things during the festival or even finds love.
Your father found your mother after she showed no interest in him, despite him being a genius who girls paid much attention to. And remember, even your teacher Syrana, shows no need for a male partner.”
Ayame’s eyes lit up as he told her about her father, but then frowned at Syrana’s story. “Does..that mean I have to be like her...I can’t live as long as her..Will I be alone forever until I die?..”
Shimaru gave his own laugh “Ho ho ho! Child, dont worry, its not like that. What I mean is, everyone meets love and their own path in time. You will one day meet someone whom you care for a lot. Until that day do not let such emotions get the best of you.”
Ayame nodded as she seemed to have been cheered up. He was right, she would find someone in time. Who cares if her friends did what they wanted, they were them and this was her. She only needed to worry about her own actions. “Thank you grandfather..” Ayame hugged him tightly before he spoke.
“Very good Ayame. Your little brother is sad since your parents are off enjoying themselves. He has no one to show him around as the servants are all busy. And I also need to engage in training. It doesn’t mean he should have joy taken from him. You will find that making someone else happy on a joyous occasion can make even you happy.”
Ayame thought for a moment before nodding. She would go play with Amias and make his night great. “I will grandfather!” She then went off to go search for her little brother.
The night at that stage had gone well. In the end, everyone found their own piece of happiness. Ayame and Amias were going around playing the games as well as eating. It seemed Ayame, despite her figure and appearance, had quite an appetite. And her brother was no exception either.
He seemed to enjoy things quite a lot and Ayame was glad she could at least make him happy.
Even Izanami was with several men, escorting her around like she was an idol. She enjoyed attention and often gave weird high pitched laughs as if to show she was better than any other girl.
The festival had truly gone well this year.
---Ayame age 18------
She was currently gazing at Avrin from afar. Seeing him in a Pulsing Dragon state. As long as she didn’t get too close, she knew she was blocked out. As long as she didn’t harbor killing intent. It was the only time she could watch him uninterrupted from afar, and admire him.
This individual who her grandfather paid much attention to, didn’t seem like much at first. She despised him greatly for being boasted about many times. But during one night at dinner she saw how he looked.
He was like a god in a humans body. Her heart had beat so quickly she could barely focus. She tried her best to ignore him at dinner and had slowly gotten used to being around him, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t attracted to him.
Which goes onto the day of the duel. She had underestimated him. She received a beating even though she was stronger. He used tactics and strategies which is something a shinobi should focus on. Yet she only relied on her ability and brute strength. It made her feel ashamed and angry.
But when she was unconscious and awoke in her bed, there were female servants grinning at her, explaining how Avrin carried her in his arms taking her all the way to the estate. Some of these servants even exaggerated things, saying that Avrin pleaded with them to help her and showed much worry.
When in truth, Avrin felt as if she was a burden. But regardless, Ayame had blushed deeply and covered her face with the blanket, asking to be alone. She could only ponder her feelings. She began to summarise Avrin so far.
“He’s… handsome, mysterious, witty, strong, c..caring?..” Of course the last one might of been a tiny bit off. She then grumbled a bit as her other half tried to show that loving side he wasn't that much.
“He’s mean, doesn't care!” Which was more or less the truth. “Shows no interest in me, and only wants to use our clan to get powerful” She pouted as the sides of her collided in internal conflict.
She had decided to ease her mind by entering her own Pulsing Dragon meditation. Her aura was a fiery red, showing her affinity with fire. Which would explain her temper.
Although her aura was faint in the meditation, her having a long way to go to reach intermediate, she could still retain the state for a maximum of 18 minutes. Beginners could do 5 minutes when they got the basic idea, while the shinobi her age could do 10 minutes.
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It just goes to show how much genius she had taken from her father's bloodline. Not to mention she herself was part of that enigmatic bloodline, having the White Dragon symbol.
Of course, the next day, when she had awoken, Avrin was already discussing things with Shimaru to progress further.
Although during those 2 years Ayame went as far as to stalk Avrin to look and admire him from afar, her feelings built up more and more. The negative and positive ones. She felt like Avrin was the one for her. Sure he was rough around the edges, but with a little work she could make him her own. This caused her to grin.
But when Avrin spoke about his journey, she had wanted to go in hopes of not only experiencing adventure with her teacher but also with him. To try and build a bond. But when she asked she was shut down heavily.
This made her heart sink. As if he had crushed it. She wondered why he felt this way towards her, but his words made things clear. He was indeed right, she was all those things.
She had made it her task to try and change to become someone he would like and give attention towards. But again, the first night of their journey, when she wanted to talk to Avrin who had gone off to bathe, she also intended to perv on him but had a plan to make it a sort of accident.
That way she could drool over his body while getting closer. But she was welcomed with her teacher and him in each others arms, even though that wasn't the case at all.
Jumping to conclusions she spouted her feelings to them both as if she was possessed, before running off into the night back to camp. Her heart was indeed a mess again. He had hurt her.
But when Syrana came and found her, she at first told her to go away in a fit of anger before Syrana began to angrily explain things to her before they both calmed down. Syrana, drying her clothes, then embraced the sad Ayame in her arms and began to reassure her it was just an accident.
Although, Syrana herself knew even she had feelings for Avrin based on his appearance.
At this point in time, Ayame’s eyes shot open as she leaned up from the bath in the orcs bathing area. She rubbed her head and looked around.
“Mmm, seems I fell asleep..Urgh... That’s dangerous… She stood up, revealing her slender yet well trained body in the form of a sort of silhouette in the steam. She made it her task to go speak with Avrin.
As she went and put her clothes on, which were now all but dried. Thanks to the female orcs who were even admiring how it was made. Dreaming of themselves wearing such clothing. Ayame felt a bit awkward as she put them on.
She then made her way out and towards the home the 3 of them were given. The night was indeed beautiful in these lands. The sky had a faint aurora due to the gas of the swamplands. The orcs were busy as fires were lit all over to make food and gather around to enjoy their night.
As Ayame entered the home she looked around, biting her lips a bit. She knew Avrin was in here. She asked a female orc where he was, who seemed to just point at the house.
She also knew Avrin was in the room away from the other two. And she wanted to go talk to him. As she approached the door, she knocked and spoke “Avrin..May I please borrow a bit of your time?” Avrin’s voice then replied “Come in..” As Ayame turned the handle, Syrana came by and smiled at her
“Oh Ayame, you’re also after Avrin? This is good since the both of you are here.” In Ayame’s mind she was saddened. It seemed fate had other plans for her. She didn’t know whether to yell at her teacher, or laugh, or cry. It was a weird well of emotions.
--------Avrins P.O.V-----------
“Hmm” As he saw the door open, he saw Ayame but also Syrana next to her, who then spoke as if something important came across. He ignored Ayame for the moment, thinking that what she wanted had something to do with Syrana to begin with. He spoke to the elf “Well, if it’s important, don’t keep us waiting..” He spoke, wanting to know already.
Syrana just glared at him and spoke “Hmph...No respect. Fine then...The magi has given us permission to go see Lang, and even offered to show us to the entrance of his lair not to far from here.. We can leave tomorrow morning”
Avrin sighed and rolled his eyes slightly “Regardless if she denied permission, I could care less. I’d go either way” He spoke with a quiet laugh and Syrana began to lecture him about giving respect to the tribe.
Ayame, who was still saddened, seemed to cheer herself up a bit and spoke “Teacher, can you tell me what a dragon is like? You told me your father fought one before..”
Syrana’s eyes widened a bit before looking at her and then sighing with a bit of worry. “Uhh, fine. But lets go somewhere else before Avrin gets angry at us“ She joked before Avrin spoke “Wait just a second. Your father fought a dragon? I would also be interested in listening to this.”
Syrana was shocked. Not just 1, but 2 requests from Avrin in one day? How could she not feel excited considering she had feelings for him that were starting to show. It was not just for his appearance. She cleared her throat and spoke “F..Fine..”
The 3 of them, now in Avrin’s room with his permission, sat down in positions they were comfortable with as Syrana began to speak.
“I was still young...But this was during the great war with the humans...When we forced them in their kingdom and laid siege to it… My father, as well as Abbadon, were negotiating with Giron, the beast tribe chieftain, to stop attacking while they tried to negotiate a treaty with the humans.
But he refused and continued his siege. This escalated things with the humans. The angels tried not to interfere as much as they could. They were there to make sure things didn’t become disastrously bad. But in the end, they did.
The war had caused so much destruction and the blood of hundreds of thousands of corpses littered the battlefield. Some say the accumulated blood that seeped into the earth was what awoke the creature.
Others say it was angered after being awoken by the sounds of war in its lands. “
Avrin was quite curious to the reason. It seemed the war was indeed bloody and must of been quite a sight. “What do you think the reason was?”
Syrana smirked and replied with a slight sadness “I think it was both...The amount of dead, even the ground turned red. To this day, the lands are considered taboo. The ground is still littered with remains of weapons and the bones of the warriors. And the ground that isn’t hidden by these is a crimson red from the mass of blood spilled.
When the dragon Tiamat awoke,hs rising obliterated the city. That enough was to make the humans lose, but he had no mercy for the other races either… He used an ability called Terror Burst. The most fearsome magic known other than the gods themselves. Or the full ability of a sigil wielder. It cleaved the large kingdom and obliterated most of the armies of the races.
My father was caught in the blast after shielding my mother, who had joined him for that campaign. Of course she passed on sustaining injuries despite my fathers attempts… I lost both my parents to that bastard… And there was no way we could win at the time.”
Ayame seemed to gaze sadly at Syrana, as if she felt the pain of her teacher. Syrana showed her tough exterior on the outside, but she harboured great pain of the past and still managed to be strong. Ayame instantly forgave her for all the moments she was interrupted with Avrin, and even gained a newfound respect.
Avrin also felt somewhat apologetic to her. He never really had parents so he wasn’t sure what it was like, but he knew that a bond between family was incredibly important. “I’m sorry to hear that.“ He was not completely cut off. His apology was legitimately sorry for her loss.
Things were quiet for a bit before he tried to lighten the mood “Does this mean you’re going to try and fight Lang?” He joked with a grin on his face, to which Syrana gazed, blinking a couple of times before standing up.
“I doubt I could beat it by myself. Besides, Lang is more or less a dragon that is a servant of Lenaya, despite dragons being made by Septim.” Avrin then nodded and stood up. And spoke. “In that case, we should all get some rest. Tomorrow we need to be 100%”
Syrana agreed before looking at Ayame who tilted her head before speaking to Avrin and Syrana “D..Dragons sounds strong...Lang won’t attack us right?..” She spoke as she made her way out of the door. Syrana followed before speaking. As their voices drifted to the other rooms slightly.
“If we don’t piss her off we’ll be fine” Syrana laughed and Ayame seemed to get she was being made fun of somehow.
Avrin shut his eyes, giving a faint smile as he then took a deep breath. He began to change his attire to something a bit more comfortable.
As seconds turned to minutes, which in turn became hours, the village died down in sleep. Ayame, Avrin, and Syrana were all sleeping soundly.
The swamplands, now that Avrin ordered Asura to stop making a fuss, also seemed safer. With Asura having indulged on food and taking it back to his lair was also resting giving joy to the previous apex predators who had also hunted and had their fill.
Deep in the heart of a mountain, not too far from the orc village, a couple of hours walk. Was a cave system littered with vegetation that was glowing a deep green, emitting a sort of powerful humming.
This vegetation, as if like a vein system, led deeper and deeper into the cave system before an incredibly large opening, as if a small city could fit, was discovered. Emitting a deep glow from all the vein like vines.
These vines led down over a large miniature hill that was littered with grass and flowers and had several incredibly spiked pillars growing out of it.
The entire cave system rumbled slightly before it went eerily quiet. A view of the hill up close would reveal an enormous eye lid open to show a ferocious pupil gazing around before stopping. A deep voice that also had the tone of a female spoke, causing the cave to rumble at the sound of power.
“Someone has corrupted these lands….” The voice revealed an anger. Little did anyone know, these mana like vines which were glowing, were connected to the entire swamplands and fed a bit of mana into this creature, which was none other than Lang.
The little mana feeding kept it sustained as it hibernated, but it also alerted it to small changes to know what was going on. To how many creatures were killed to subtle changes in this case. When Avrin was giving Asura knowledge, he absorbed the mana in the area and dark matter waste replaced it.
Unfortunately for Lang, this waste was caught into this flow and was fed into her body, which caused her discomfort.
Morning came with an abundance of activity. As the orcs left to hunt, Avrin and co were also awake, preparing themselves. Avrin, feeling like new, was in a good mood. This was also because he was close to retrieving the sky metal, which he had to have. He also had a plan to deal with Syrana and Ayame if they interfered.
After they had eaten, in this case Ayame and Syrana eating meat with the orcs, Avrin who dared not devour such food from their hands had consumed his own rations. He wasn’t desperate, enough to eat with them, and had a sense of pride for looking after himself. Of course this made Syrana tease him a bit, which in turn made Ayame laugh.
As things progressed, they had prepared themselves and had left the village after being farewelled by the magi and the orcs as well as the child Syrana had saved, which seemed to look sad.
The of 3 of them, led by 4 orcs, were taken on a journey through the swamplands, towards the mountain area where Lang’s lair was. Of course, this path was quite safe. The creatures knew that Lang was in charge and dared not traverse near its territory, which meant this path to it, which it owned.
A couple of hours flew by quite quickly, with Avrin plotting his strategy and Syrana discussing techniques with Ayame and the orcs. They had arrived at the entrance, which seemed to be barely bigger than a door, and seemed to be as if it were mined through. Avrin was the first to speak.
“I guess it’s to be expected a dragon would live down in such a place.” Ayame looked somewhat nervous “A...Are there spiders and bugs?..” She shivered.
Syrana only got closer, before gazing at the orcs and bowing. Then she spoke “Thank you. Please let the magi know we may or may not pass through the village again.”
The orcs looked at each other then nodded after making a sort of pig like sound, before heading off. Avrin was the first to enter the cave system without hesitating. He wanted to get this over with, but he didn’t get far before a large deafening roar echoed. Followed by a voice.
“Corruption!! The one who corrupted my lands dares enter my lair!!” An ice block. That was how still Avrin had been. He had froze. His eyes widened, his heart had stopped for a moment. Syrana and Ayame included, as they took a step forward.
Silence followed before that intense ominous feeling could be felt. The swamplands were silent and they all knew it was loud enough to make the orc village quiver with fear.
Avrin spoke “Don’t come near me....” This was more so for Ayame’s sake. He knew that Shimaru would be angry if she was hurt or more, so he had to save face for his teacher.
The feeling was more intense than the calm before the storm. It started good, but then that feeling made one more nervous as time went by. Many things running through the persons head. Avrin spoke to Syrana “Both of you, leave now…..”
Avrin had an incredible sense that he would either be killed or be near death when this was over. And that was only the best outcome. Syrana spoke “We are in this together. Even for you.
” Syrana took steps closer while Ayame watched. That was before the cave system began to move. Sounds being heard coming towards them like a tidal wave.
Avrin’s eyes augmented before he gazed down. It was as if mana had taken the form of tendrils. It was compact. But it was heading like water. And, in this case, when it had reached close enough, one shot out like lightning towards Syrana who obviously couldn’t see in the pitch darkness, but felt that something wasn’t right.
“You idiot…” Avrin sprung forward quickly. He was faster than Syrana by a bit, when she wasn’t using the Sigil, and this was only him without augmentation. At that moment he pushed Syrana out of the way before the large vine pierced through his back and through his stomach. blue blood seeped from the sides of his lips.
Red blood meant that the injury was something he could handle, and his dark matter only needed to recover at its average pace. Blue blood signified a major injury. It was when his internal dark matter engine, so to speak, had felt the force, and his ability, imbued with his red blood.
Just like how humans have plasma. This is an added conditional part of his ability that puts his recovery at a speedier state. Syrana fell to the ground as she was pushed to the side by Avrin, to which she gazed up in shock “A..Avrin” she spoke as the tendril stood like a spike from his stomach, linking into the darkness of the cave.
Ayame sprung forth to try and help, as she showed a deep anger towards injury for Avrin. But as she approached she was knocked away by another tendril that came up. And before the 3 knew it, several dozen vines had shot out as they began to engulf Avrin like a sort of mummy.
He knew the injury itself wasn’t life threatening for someone like him. And if he was to be killed, the dragon would of done so long ago. He only felt anger, because this is the second time he had been engulfed by vines. He hated them and had bad memories. He spoke to Syrana.
“Haha..” He laughed quietly and looked at Syrana with a mischievous grin. “Next time you see me, I’ll either be dead or with that damn metal…” His body, slowly engulfed by the vines as his eyes were left, before his vision was slowly cut off. He heard Syrana screaming as she pulled her Sigil weapon out.
But before she could do anything, like a spring, the vines having Avrin shot back into the cave, taking them with him before, as if willed by the dragons immense power. The swampland's began to grow around the entrance until it vanished under an incredibly thick shield of vegetation.
“AVRIN!” Syrana screamed before firing off Eclipse at the vegetation, which seemed to prove very effective, but the dragon was in its own lands and had an accumulated wealth of mana. The vegetation only grew back thicker than before, each time she fired at it.
Deep underground, 4 minutes had passed. Avrin was now dangling in the main chamber where Lang was, uncovered from his mummy like wrapping. His arms were bound as well as his legs, while the tendril still impaling his stomach remained. The blue blood trail across his lips also remained.
Avrin was panting slightly, regardless of the injury not being enough to kill him, it hurt like no tomorrow. His body was truly a marvel to be working even after a few organs were injured. The voice of Lang rang out, engulfing the entire cave system.
“Your body…” The tendril wiggled a bit, which made Avrin gasp in pain, his eyes twitching a bit. Before Lang spoke “No mana… No life force...Only something else...Something monstrous..”
Avrin, quietly panting, replied. ”S..Surely I cannot be all that bad... “ He tried to make a joke. He knew, regardless of his position, he shouldn't anger this dragon further.
Lang growled a bit before replying. “Liar...You corrupt these lands with your presence…” The tendril impaling him wiggled again, as if torturing him. Causing blue blood to seep from his wound as well as his organs to shudder, which in turn made him cough up more blood.
This was starting to become more painful than his execution. His training as a soldier and general as well as this bodies ability stopped him from crying. In fact, any normal person would be dead the moment they were impaled.
“That...w..wasn’t my intention..I….was...looking for you…” He managed to get out, regardless of the pain. His eyes shut slightly as he was feeling it now. Lang spoke again, as if curious. “For me?...To fight me, creature?...”
Avrin immediately replied before the dragon got the wrong idea. “S..Sky metal….Please..give me...the sky metal..” At this point in time, Lang could feel he wasn’t lying. After all, it had a sort of link to his body and could also see his expression. Who would lie in this state. She also knew Avrin didn’t seem like a threat right now.
“Hmmm, yes...I do have it...That ominous metal I keep bound away...Why do you want it..Why should I give it to you?..”
At this point the tendril slowly moved back out of Avrin’s stomach, to which he emitted a faint dark matter to cover the wound as a sort of bandage to let it heal better.
This made Lang curious but cautious. Avrin spoke. “I would like it...Because I am a greedy person..” He smiled as blood ran down his lips a bit more. He dared not lie at this point. After all, he didn’t really have a better reason.
This made Lang laugh slightly as the cave shook a bit. His honesty at this stage made it amusing. She had never known someone to be so open about their negative quality. Avrin spoke again.
“I can offer...something not of this world....”
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