Affinity – the natural similarity of characteristics immaterially engraved in one's race. This was something that wasn't reflected on one's Status Window, but certainly played a major role in one's individuality as a 'Player,' because affinity helped one's path to be determined, unforeseen circumstances aside.
There were several factors on how one's race had an affinity for something such as the land they were born to or living from and the history of the progenitor of a race. The Elves had an affinity with 'Nature' and 'Mana,' while one could say that the Dwarves had a relationship with 'Fire.'
On the other hand, the Humans had an affinity, but there was one thing that seemed to be a part of a man's soul or the humanity itself – the ability to adapt as time went on. After the Emergence, the neighboring races observed humanity and found out that they were mostly ignorant about the significant change brought by the phenomenon, however, as time continued flowing, they concluded the danger of humanity's desire for survival, which made this race troublesome if left unchecked.
It's the reason why the Vampire Race had sent spies or the expendable vampires that sinned against the tradition or culture of thousands of years – to monitor humanity's development if it would pose a threat to them in the future. Obviously, the higher-ups of the Vampire Race or the so-called Vampire Lords had considered conquering the Orion Continent, but what they didn't anticipate was the geographical location of where "most" Elves had warped to after the Emergence. In other words, strategic location-wise, the Elnira Kingdom and the Vulcan Kingdom served as a barricade covering the Orion Continent to safety, which was also the reason why the Vampires had considered the first option of just monitoring the continent's inhabitants.
This espionage operation succeeded after the Vampires had mapped out the surroundings of their new world, as well as due to the existence of a Mythical Rank accessory named Ring of Crimson, which allowed a vampire to temporarily change their race, along with their characteristics and physique. This was the artifact that was utilized by Tanya Drusilla and Ruina, who through Russell's engagement had been tactfully disposed of.
Humans, Elves, and Dwarves aside, when it was just about a race's affinity, the Vampire Race was aligned with 'Blood,' allowing them to be invigorated by it and possessed skills related to it with different utilization.
And at this very moment, in the capital of Cassiopeia, as well as the noteworthy places of the other countries that made up the entirety of the Orion Continent, which was housing billions of people, the first strike of the Vampire Race in this war finally commenced.
***
"...This body's fine, too, huh."
The instructor of one of the training centers that nurtured students before going to any academy of their choosing said in a casual manner.
The body of a young noble girl, whose chest was pierced, lay on the ground without any signs of life. The young noble girl's expression was only confusion before her unexpected death, committed by the one she thought she knew, however, the original owner of the body was already dead and was possessed by a certain vampire somehow similar to how the Vampire Commander possessed the Elven Commander, Tafor.
Without glancing at the young noble girl's dead body or the considered first casualty on the side of humanity in this war, the vampire stood from her seat. Her eyes, natural brown eyes in luster, reverted to crimson and revealed her true nature.
"But too bad, I won't be needing this anymore."
The original owner or the body of the instructor split open and burst, causing the body's innards to be spread across the room. What was revealed was a woman with pale skin, crimson eyes, and long black hair. Her aura was cold as ice, like someone who was impossible to possess any kind of empathy.
"Well, well. Shall we get this done, then?"
She muttered to herself, not particularly talking with anyone, as she took out something from her Dimensional Inventory. It looked like a cylindrical pillar with an ancient design, around four to five meters in length, but only twelve to fifteen inches thick.
A few seconds later, crimson mana emanated from the vampire's body, which also extended to the cylindrical pillar. After that, she thrust the cylindrical pillar on the floor.
[Activating the Ancient Artifact: Eight-Point Crimson Pillar]
[Pillar Number Confirmed: Zero]
[Waiting for the other pillars to be operated.]
[The other pillars have been put in place.]
[Synchronization commences…]
[Synchronization has been established!]
At that moment, a huge wave or tremor reverberated throughout the entirety of the Orion Continent, disrupting and ending the normal lives of player civilians or ordinary, innocent citizens.
The red wave then tore the establishments of the surroundings and senselessly killed people in its area of effect. The young noble girl's body, who was already dead, turned into a pool of blood as it quickly decomposed. On the other hand, the others in the surroundings, especially those who were too weak, couldn't withstand the effect per second of the wave occurring sporadically.
The buildings, including where the vampire was, were destroyed, and the part of the capital of Cassiopeia almost instantly turned into a wasteland, cemetery, and seemingly torture chamber as the cries of agony of the surviving people regardless of age and sex echoed throughout the land dyed crimson.
***
"Oi-! Oi-! What the hell is that?"
In the Obelisk City, particularly in the Obelisk Academy, where the peaceful first day of classes was happening. Anya Amasawa glanced outside the window and saw the clouds turned crimson even though it was just morning at this hour.
Everyone stopped at what they were doing as each of them gradually glanced outside. A few moments later, a seemingly unending thread spread on the sky and covered the entire continent. It's like a highway streaked in the sky, but the atmosphere it was giving was ominous.
Ilsevel, the new transfer student and an Elf, saw the lines in the sky that looked like a web. Her light green eyes dilated in horror and shock as she recognized what was happening right now.
Somewhat knowing the position of Ayleen Mayfield, she quickly approached the professor and whispered to her ears, trying to stay calm.
"...Ma'am Ayleen, w-we are under attack."
Upon hearing Ilsevel's words, Ayleen, who was momentarily at a loss for words, didn't waste any more time as she made an emergency call, whose recipient was Artorious Hall. He then summoned everyone available with his skill without notice.
After that, Ayleen's gaze shifted to Ilsevel, and said calmly.
"Do you know anything more about it? If you do, please come with me."
Ilsevel nodded without a hint of being reluctant. She didn't know why, but there was something peculiar that seemed to draw her emotions toward humanity.
Taking a short breath, trying to compose herself under these unexpected circumstances, Ayleen Mayfield addressed her students.
"Everyone, calm down! Class is dismissed and all of you are advised to go to your dormitory rooms until further notice."
The A-1 class of the first-years didn't complain as they felt the urgency of Ayleen's voice even though she was trying her best to hide it to not worry her students. However, their instincts were telling them that the current situation was unknown and yet to be resolved.
'Sigh, this first day of class… really.'
Ayleen muttered to herself as she left the classroom along with Ilsevel.
***
'...I wonder what it is about.'
Glancing at the back of Ayleen and Ilsevel, Han Jiho inwardly said, curious.
'This is not good, but perhaps Alexander might know something. Sigh, where the even hell is he these past few days?!'
"Uh, Anya, Elizabeth. I'll go first. I have somewhere to go. So yeah, see you two later."
As they were going back to their respective dormitory rooms, Han Jiho stopped for a moment and told the other two. And thankfully, they didn't inquire further and let the man do whatever it might be.
After that, he then went with quick pacing to the office of the Chancellor of the Obelisk Academy, hoping to find the man who had saved the Solaris Sanctus Village and the one who had taught him many things in this disconnected society.
***
"...He's not here."
Han Jiho's hope was crushed as he found himself in the Chancellor's office. The one who answered him was his professor for one of his Elective subjects, General Overall System Theories (GOST), named Scarlet Netherdawn.
Although Han Jiho wasn't questioning it, there were times when he noticed that Miss Scarlet and Alexander seemed close on a personal level, not just professionally.
"Uhmm, Miss Scarlet, do you where Alexander is?"
He asked, still somewhat hoping for something. But the professor's next words almost instantly got his attention.
"Why? You're going to ask about what's happening outside right now? Well, I can tell you if you want to hear."
Scarlet said in a casual manner, not caring about the possible reactions of Han Jiho, who was stunned upon hearing such words.
"Wh–"
"Don't be so flustered. I'm sure if he's here, he might answer your curiosity, but it wouldn't be so bad if I'm the. one to answer it, right? Though, do you want to still hear about it?"
"Uh...? Y-yes."
Han Jiho calmed himself, mustering up the courage to open his mouth in this situation of perplexity. He was caught off-guard by Scarlet's nonchalant attitude and tone.
"Well, that's good. You see, it's an ancient artifact of the Vampire Race, and right now... those lines in the sky mean that we're trapped in here.
"What I mean by 'here' is not just referring to this place, but the entire Orion Continent."
Han Jiho wanted to retort in disbelief, but there was no trace of lies painted on Scarlet's expression and the way she spoke of such information. Also, there's no reason to lie to someone like him.
"...Well, it's not surprising you are speechless hearing that, but the bit of advice I can give you is to prepare to fight.
"Everyone will be swept in this war anyway.
"Sigh, those fucking Elves. They should have taken their history with their pale asses together with those bloodsucking insects and not brought this land of humans in their ancient conflict.
"But I guess it's inevitable to happen, anyway."
Han Jiho fell silent, hearing the words and seeing the unusual demeanor of the professor. That aside, his heart pounded as the single word, 'war,' finally registered on his mind.
***
Two to three hours after the emergency meeting of the Obelisk Organization.
On the internet, a piece of certain news spread like an inextinguishable wildfire.
[Declaration of War against the Vampire Race-!]
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