The Emergence of Races or most commonly known as Emergence, the cosmic process that caused different races, against their will, to be transported to an unknown world recognized by the "absolute" System as Planet 342 or named Earth. However, even before the Emergence, as both inhabitants of the now-considered lost world, the Vampire and Elven Race had been in constant war. The former was the aggressor, while the latter became the defenders, but as the passage of time moved forward, a history of the Elves' oppression was written in the minds of the remaining Vampires.
Because, the existence of human nature was, in the most logical sense by considering numerous factors, could be traced in every being's way of life. In other words, either Vampires or Elves could be evil or good. During the previous wars, there were innocent lives from both sides that turned into casualties.
But, if someone was to trace the origin of the conflict, one would know that it started within the Last Close Mystery Tower, specifically, between the Elven Goddess and the Crimson Goddess. According to the wisdom, or might be a false knowledge out of the outburst of emotions of the Crimson Goddess, the Elves must suffer every 40 years until they were told, through their Goddess' voice, that it was more than enough ruination.
As the Emergence happened more than 40 years ago, the Vampire Race, at least those on the side of evil and only slaves to their traditions, started to hunt numerous Elves residing outside of the Elnira Kingdom since the Elven Race, although the majority of them were under the rule of their Queen, were spread throughout the Eastern or possibly the veiled, Western part of the world.
"I don't know whose Elves you have killed for that abomination weapon of yours, but we are going to make sure that you're not coming back to whoever you left behind!"
Thessalia, although she's seething within upon seeing previously the rifle used by Seskel, the Vampire Commander, spoke in a firm manner. She could finally release her blazing rage as she and Lusha activated a skill of their own solely meant for capturing the likes of their archenemies.
[Activating Skill: Cage of Nature]
[Activating Skill: Circle of Thorns]
Standing atop some sturdy branches from a few meters away, Thessalia and Lusha extended their hands as the wide, complicated yellow-green magic circle appeared just below from where the Vampire Commander was standing and the remaining Vampire Soldiers were approaching due to an unexpected attack by Russell's summon, Met.
Obviously, as a Vampire that could only be extinguished by the destruction of his heart, it would be easy for Seskel to recover even though he was hit in the abdomen, however, just what Russell knew about one of the natures of vampires, they had the tendency to falter when they're midair. In other words, unless one was a high-rank vampire, the lower ranks most likely possessed acrophobia or the fear of heights due to the firm belief passed down from their ancestors, but this fear would only trigger if someone disrupted their movements above ground.
Throughout the history of the Vampire Race, it's only common for them to possess dark wings, allowing them to fly in the air, but because of the above-mentioned strong belief, they were taught that it's only the Vampire Lords that were permitted by the Crimson Goddess herself, who were tolerated to use part of their body for air maneuver.
They couldn't break that tradition unless one was a heretic. And it was at this moment that it was their certain belief that would cause them to be captured or killed.
"No-!"
As the exquisite magic circle gave temporary brightness in the area under the illumination of the sun above, the Vampire Commander's cry echoed through the forest because of what transpired next.
[The Elven-natured Skills: Cage of Nature and Circle of Thorns are in harmony!]
[The two skills will be activated as one and will become the Elven-natured Skill: Frozen Thorns!]
***
Frozen Thorns
Rank: –
Description:
The replica of the godly skill utilized by the Elven Goddess to seal the Crimson Goddess during the ancient past.
Effect:
– Seal any target the user desires. If the target's a vampire, the sealing effect will be stronger and the life of the captive can be extinguished on the user's will unless the individual possessed a faint light of a Lumen Heart.
***
At that moment, helpless and doomed, glistening cerulean thorns appeared from the magic circle and enveloped the Vampire Commander and his underlings as if they were in a cocoon. However, they were constantly being pierced by the mystical thorns from the inside, but their voice couldn't be heard, being alone in the dark.
In addition, they wouldn't die inside unless Thessalia and Lusha willed it to, which means that even with extreme agony to the point of wanting to die, death would flee from them.
But before the Vampire Commander was fully engulfed by thorns, ominous words came out of his mouth.
"Do you think my noble superiors wouldn't know of what's happening at this very moment?! You foolish Elves and insects!"
"Don't worry about his babbling. It will be too late for them to know his disappearance."
Russell Moon reassured the Elves, as the latter started to develop a sense of personal trust with their temporary leader.
With a serious expression, before Seskel succumbed to the Frozen Cage, Russell looked at him for a second or two and raised his middle finger before whispering in a cold tone.
"Enjoy the time that you have left. For death will be considered mercy."
After a few moments, the forming of the translucent seal ended.
***
[Your Attribute: Nihility has concealed the surroundings!]
[Any form of communication without the player's permission will be restricted within the area of nothingness.]
Russell Moon's mysterious Attribute was the reason why he was confident that the Vampire Commander's capture would go unnoticed, giving them some time.
"We're aiming for a commander, but we've also got some soldiers."
Russell whispered, which was cut off by a worried voice.
"Iefyr! Kerym!"
Thessalia and Lusha approached the other two Elves, who were shot by the repulsive-looking rifle made of Elven body parts.
"It's a blood bullet. They've been poisoned."
Russell muttered as everyone went down from the trees where the fight had just transpired, but before that, the Frozen Thorns, which looked like cocoons, turned into bluish, translucent cubes, floating towards Thessalia.
"Let's go quickly since it has yet to spread throughout the body."
Russell urged everyone as they help the two weakened Elves. Lusha then fired a signal using her Mana, which they had learned from the Elven Army depending on one's circumstances.
But this time, it's a sign that the mission was a success, but aid was needed.
***
"Commander-! Someone sent a signal! The mission's success, but..."
One of the Elven Watchmen informed the Elven Commander, who currently acting as a mere guard on the entrance of the border for some reason only he knew.
After that, the Elven Commander was informed of the situation as he ordered some men to respond and assist the mercenary group and the four Elves even though they didn't know what was happening.
***
Since the distance that Russell and the others traversed was roughly half a kilometer, it only took a few seconds, almost a minute, for the backup Elves to reach their destination.
Escorting them back to the border, Thessalia looked for the Elven Commander.
After that, everything was recounted, causing some Elves to be painted with grim expressions.
"Only with Your Majesty, through the sacred World Tree, the blood poison could be cured.
"That aside, an Elixir would do, but it's something that we barely possessed."
In the infirmary built on the wall branches of the border, the Elven Commander assessed the current circumstances as Iefyr and Keryn were both lying on a bed made of branches. Their shoulder was bloodshot as if their veins would pop out at any moment.
<Hey, Russell. Why don't they tell the Queen as soon as possible?>
Amelie asked telepathically, curious about the seemingly slow response of this bunch of comrades in nature.
Russell didn't make a response, but instead spoke, causing everyone's attention to land on him.
"We can help, but promise us that you won't tell anyone no matter who they are."
"What do-"
"Alright. In the name of the Elven Goddess."
Lusha and Thessalia pondered about Russell's words, but the Elven Commander's voice stopped Lusha to ask any question.
A moment later, Russell shifted his gaze to his Chaos Companions, who then seemed to understand his intention.
"Sir, we need some time alone."
The Elven Commander glanced at everyone under his command as he heard Russell's request.
As the request was fulfilled, Russell then looked at Samantha before saying:
"You, too. Out. Don't ask any questions."
'Even though I feel like you know what we're going to do!'
Scoffing and constricting her brown eyes, Samantha complied and left the infirmary.
***
"Iefyr... Kerym..."
Russell whispered. The two were barely awake, but they were still conscious, though truly lethargic.
"Y-yes, I promise-!"
Mustering up their courage to speak, they made a vow not to tell anyone whatever way Russell would do to cure the blood curse.
Blood Curse was any Vampire's blood effects imbued on a weapon. This blood was considered the purest form of poison against the Elves.
Three to four seconds later, two notifications resounded in the ears of the two Elves.
It's a party request, which they accepted, though feeling reluctant.
Then five to seven seconds later, another series of System messages appeared, but this time, it was in front of everyone.
[Your Attribute: Nihility has sent the Blood Curse into Nothingness!]
[Your Party Member, Freya Moon's Attribute: Nihility has sent the Blood Curse into Nothingness!]
[Your Party Member, Amelie Rose Merveil...]
[Your Party Member, Amery Blight...]
[Your Party Member, Ken Raven... Blood Curse into Nothingness!]
Holding the affected area, the crimson veins finally turned back to normal after the attempt to send it into Nothingness, the mysterious domain of the Goddess of Night.
***
"T-this..."
"...But how?"
Lusha and Thessalia had a dumbfounded, somewhat terrified look on their faces upon seeing Iefyr and Keryn full of energy as if they weren't shot by a Vampire Commander.
The two gazes drifted to Russell, who was sitting on the corner with his Chaos Companions, silent for a moment.
The Elven Commander glanced at his two subordinates that were almost on the brink of death. He was silent, and his thoughts unknown.
"After some time, he stood in front of Russell and bowed before saying:
"Thank you for saving my men!
"I don't know how can we repay you, but we'll do our best to show our hospitality to you and your group!"
"You've already paid enough. And I don't want anyone to feel like they owe me."
Russell answered with a smile before he added:
"Anyways, shall we proceed? I'll contact my superior."
Thessalia, Lusha, and the Elven Commander exchanged looks before agreeing.
***
"Sir Artorious, Russell contacted me. The mission's success."
As the sun was still shining brightly, trying to pierce through the gaps of the thick branches of this kingdom, Ayleen Mayfield approached Artorious from the side and whispered to his ears.
The El-Vul-Or Tournament continued on raging as they were watching the spectacles, but he didn't miss telling the Queen of Elnira and the King of Vulcan.
"We've got hands on one. A more valuable, perhaps."
The Queen's expression, which was filled with delight and pride, turned serious while continually watching the current battle.
"I see... Proceed to the next step. We'll follow up after this."
The Queen said, the Dwarven King remained silent.
"Don't kill him."
Artorious ordered Ayleen as the latter revealed a faint smile before saying:
"Worry not. He'll never die."
Ayleen Mayfield disappeared from her spot.
It was time to witness the meaning behind Russell's previous words...
That death was considered mercy.
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