Morgen and Amy slipped out of the tavern, the silence of the alleyway swallowing their hurried footsteps. A shared glance confirmed their mutual relief, but it quickly faded, replaced by the weight of their discoveries. While seasoned veterans, neither were immune to the repercussions of their exposed vulnerabilities. Thrilling as their foray into enemy territory had been, the potential cost felt heavy.
Morgen's mind buzzed with the plan he'd formulated, a tentative counterpoint to the dread the Dark Covenant had inspired. He knew sharing it with Amy midway wouldn't have yielded the same crucial information. Their perspectives, honed by different experiences, wouldn't necessarily align on the crucial details he'd gleaned. Yet, doubt gnawed at him. Had he missed something?
Their walk back was shrouded in a silence deeper than the night itself. The oppressive feeling of unseen eyes, which had clung to them like shadows within the tavern, seemed to dissipate with each step away. Amy, ever the pragmatist, finally spoke, his voice lighter than before.
"Those vermin seem to have scurried back into the shadows," he remarked, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Morgen offered a curt nod, but his mind remained in the shadows they'd left behind. The information they possessed was vital, the plan taking shape, but a nagging unease persisted. The Dark Covenant wouldn't remain idle, and he feared their next move wouldn't be as easily escaped.
The adrenaline from their daring escapade still pulsed through Morgen's veins. The weight of the information they'd gleaned and the imminent threat of the Dark Covenant demanded swift action. He needed the quiet solitude of a safe haven to strategize his next move.
Rounding a moonlit corner, they melted into shadows, their forms twisting and blurring as they seamlessly transformed into bats. With a flurry of leathery wings, they vanished into the night, leaving the tavern and its secrets behind.
Half a Sunday's journey from the Scarlet Mage Tower, nestled in the opulent South District, lay their refuge. Morgen and Amy materialized in the dimly lit hall, the bats dissolving into wisps of mist. A chorus of surprised gasps greeted their arrival.
"Greetings, Lord Forefather," stammered a young woman, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Piater," Morgen acknowledged, his voice grave. The surprise on their faces was telling – his return, so soon after his departure, hinted at the urgency of their mission.
"..."
A wave of hushed excitement rippled through the gathering as Morgen entered the dimly lit chamber. The second-generation Blood Descendants, their eyes gleaming like emeralds in the darkness, bowed in reverence. He was their progenitor, their king, a being of such power and wisdom that his presence commanded absolute loyalty.
He swept his gaze across the six young warriors, each boasting the rank of alpha plus, a testament to their dedication and his blood's potent legacy. Frey, with his stoic demeanor and unwavering loyalty. Odis, whose fiery spirit masked a cunning intellect. Dylan, the strategist, his mind as sharp as the blades he wielded. Ivey, the swift and silent shadow. Augustine, the gentle giant whose strength belied his kind heart. And Lucy, whose youthful enthusiasm masked a wellspring of untapped potential.
A flicker of pride warmed Morgen's ancient heart. Just six months ago, he had stood alone, the sole entity exceeding Level alpha plus. Now, six descendants had broken through, joining the five Cyclops at his side. Their combined might formed a formidable force, over ten individuals exceeding Level alpha plus, with two even reaching the extraordinary heights of Level beta.
His power had grown tenfold in mere months. He had built a burgeoning empire, but he knew true strength lay not just in numbers, but in unity and purpose. A shiver ran down his spine as he sensed a shadow lurking at the edges of his vision, a potential threat hidden within their midst. The path to dominance was fraught with challenges, and he had to be prepared for them all.
"Excellent work, everyone. Please, be seated."
Morgen took his place at the head of the table, and a warm magic lamp illuminated the room. Although the blood clan's night vision may have surpassed their daytime vision, Morgen habitually preferred light.
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In the opulent yet tidy hall, Morgen convened a meeting to chart the future destiny of the blood clan within a human-dominated city.
"Today, Amy and I ventured into the Dark Covenant's headquarters..." After providing a general account of their experiences within the Covenant, Morgen proposed a crucial decision that would shape the future of both the blood clan and the Scarlet Mage Tower.
His gaze burned with an intense fire, both ardent and resolute.
"When the wings of the magic bat soar across the city's skyline.
When the battle cry of the Holy Light Blood Clan resounds upon our enemies.
Victory will be our sole companion.
"No matter the enemy's might, they shall fall as the undead beneath the sharp blades of the blood clan.
No one shall escape the scrutiny of the blood clan.
"The malevolent existence of the Dark Covenant will prove to be our most formidable foe.
"But fear shall never cast its shadow upon the blood clan.
"Whoever they may be, they are not worthy of forcing the Holy Light Blood Clan led by Morgen Kachar to retreat even half a step.
"Regardless of the strength of our adversaries, we shall take the initiative and strike.
"This time, our prey will be an entity of Level Bella plus..."
...
The following morning, the Scarlet Mage Tower operated as usual.
None were aware of the lurking terrors within Green City's shadows, baring their fangs at them.
The bustling apprentices boasted of their magical advancements and improved spell control.
It seemed that no amount of turmoil could penetrate the five-eon-high walls surrounding the Scarlet Mage Tower.
The magic factory commenced operations upon sunrise. For the apprentices, the factory was a valuable asset as it enabled them to engrave magic marks on the assembly line, providing them with ample practice and aiding their rapid magical advancement.
Everyone was grateful.
Nothing brought them greater joy than acquiring strength. With consistent effort, they could increase their spellcasting proficiency every day of the week.
In order to encourage the apprentices, not only did they receive generous compensation, but 20 apprentices were promoted to the rank of official mage each month.
Thus, everyone worked tirelessly, eager to earn the rewards Lord Morgen offered.
Currently, Morgen had no interest in these matters. His brow remained furrowed, preoccupied with the Dark Covenant.
He had returned to the Mage Tower at dawn and planned to use an artifact of great importance as bait.
Descending the wooden stairs from his fifth-floor bedroom to the third-floor study, Isa and Bella, who had risen early, were engrossed in examining magic books at an oak bookshelf.
Apparently, they were engaged in a discussion about magic, absorbed in their studies and oblivious to Morgen's arrival.
Bella, adorned in a dark blue mage's gown, possessed a captivating figure. From the side, her slender form holding a scroll exuded an air of grace, her exquisite profile perfectly complementing the scholarly atmosphere of the study.
Most striking, however, were her alluring curves, each evoking the unique allure of womanhood.
Little Isa was petite, clad in a black embroidered mage's robe with small black leather boots.
Her linen hair partially concealed her face, while her ruby eyes sparkled as if studded with stars.
The morning sun filtered through the thick parchment scrolls on the bookshelf, casting a warm glow upon the two ethereal faces amidst the shelves, creating a captivating atmosphere of harmony and beauty.
"Lord Morgen~"
"Teacher~"
Only after Morgen took a few steps closer did the two hear the movement behind them. They turned simultaneously and were greeted by Morgen's warm smile.
Bella's blue eyes beamed with love and intimacy, while Isa's red eyes expressed admiration and devotion.
The hearts of both girls overflowed with happiness.
Morgen's gaze fell upon their smiles, radiant as the flowers in bloom, and the shadows in his heart melted away.
With two strides, he reached Isa and gently stroked her head. The young girl instinctively rubbed her head against his hand like a kitten, looking utterly adorable.
She looked up slightly, noticing Bella's envious gaze, and extended her hand to gently caress Bella's exquisite face, eliciting a delighted expression from her companion.
"Isa, the teacher has a task for you today, but I will require your assistance..."
Isa's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of aiding Morgen. It was an honor for the young girl.
"Teacher, I promise~" Despite not knowing the details, Isa readily agreed, her ruby eyes gleaming with joy.
In her heart, Morgen held a special place as one of the most trusted individuals in the world.
She would gladly offer her life for him, or anything he desired.
Morgen nodded, his tone becoming slightly solemn.
"I require your blood..."
Blood? Both girls were momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered their composure and regarded him with unwavering trust.
"Teacher~you may take it." Isa eagerly offered her tiny, snow-white hand to Morgen, her ruby eyes filled with heartfelt joy.
Isa was finally able to assist her teacher.
Looking at Isa's pure and trusting eyes, Morgen felt a pain in his heart. He remembered another pair of eyes like hers, bright and trusting, staring at him in the squalor of a refugee camp. He'd made a promise then, to make her happy, to shield her from the darkness. But the orc invasion had snatched that dream away, leaving only memories and a responsibility that weighed heavy on his heart.