Those considered half-bloods weren't beings that could naturally appear on Gaia. Besides the four 'Anomalies' born through extremely special circumstances, there was absolutely no way for beings of two bloodlines to be 'birthed' naturally.
Though despite saying that, it wasn't like there weren't 'other methods' to create a half-blood Humanoid Beasts or Humans... and this thought process became a subject of research for the heartless scientist only known only as 'Dr Frank'.
He spliced together the bloodlines of Humans and other magical races together in violation of nature's laws, created clones of those with an Imperial Lineage, and formed a series of 'perfected' specimens he considered part of his research to reach 'The Truth'. Though only those who worked for him knew what that actually was.
Alex was well-aware of Dr Frank's past experiments and the existence of the artificial 'Half-Bloods', that were part of the man's secretive yet small-scale army. That's why he didn't welcome the very suspicious masked girl... which his Runic Insight identified as someone with a mixed heritage. She seemed like trouble.
"I..." After hearing Alex's overbearing tone, Fear (who ironically had many 'fears') felt the traumas she had hidden from her time at the Prison Laboratory resurfacing. Her eyes darted around as she took a step back, the person in front of her overlapped with the image of her 'siblings' that tormented her throughout her childhood.
"I'm sorry, I knocked on the wrong door." She avoided making eye-contact with the youth in front of her. However, Alex didn't seem happy at her response as he grabbed Fear's arm to stop her.
"Don't leave so quickly. If you have business with me, then you better take that mask off." The scholarly youth before her spoke in a 'gentle tone' while making sure she couldn't escape. She was unable to understand why she couldn't escape his grasp despite her strength she was so proud of. He didn't look particularly strong, but she didn't know why she couldn't pull herself out his strong grip...
Little did she notice a runic energy was sapping away the kinetic energy her arm used to move. A Rune of grey hue was hidden on his palm as he wasn't about to let this suspicious person go...
"Let go of me...!" Fear warned while putting more strength in her arm to escape his grip, but her arm somehow seemed to be locked in place without any signs of movement. Vhalen, who was at the side, felt nervous, but knew now wasn't the time to act rashly, as there was no way he'd be able to beat someone who Fear couldn't handle herself.
Although their interaction seemed like they were close to coming to blows, he knew Fear would have to compromise a little if she wanted to survive with her identity hidden. The reports he read about Alex spoke of how he was tolerant towards Humanoid Beasts and wasn't the type to start fights without reason... that's why he decided to not interfere at this moment when things looked bad for her.
He didn't notice the scholarly youth's 'Time Rune'.
Alex didn't seem to hear Fear's words as moved his free hand towards her face, attempting to unmask her. He had never trusted those who weren't even willing to show their face, and his impression wasn't good considering her ties to Dr Frank...
'Even though I never considered her my real mother, that Arachne ghost woman I met was still the mother who gave birth to me... I didn't know I'd feel this bad meeting one of that guy's pawns in person...' The scholarly youth thought with almost dead eyes. He thought that he had already forgotten about such a long forgotten incident...
His actions were swift and without any excess movements, causing her to have no time to react. It was only when his fingers finally touched the skin underneath her mask did she seem to panic.
"Please let go of her...! You're overstepping your bounds." A hand grabbed the scholarly youth and stopped him from invading her privacy. Vhalen felt exasperated since he really couldn't watch the person he had gotten to know be treated this way.
However, what Alex felt after being stopped was only shock! The speed Vhalen showed was something he couldn't even react to... It was as if this 'merchant' had moved himself at the speed of sound to suddenly appear before him.
A thoughtful expression appeared on his face as he let the former Priestess of the Mirror Cult go. If he was aware of her identity, then perhaps he would regret not sending her 'back home' immediately.
"Just state your business." The scholarly youth narrowed his eyes still using Runic Insight while looking at the prince who seemed to be hiding his identity. He couldn't understand why someone like a Royal would come to his home so suddenly.
{Spirit Essence- Timelight Staff:
• Innate Ability- Gaia Affinity
• Innate Ability- Force Formulation
Spell Slots- (Foundational Attributes- Time, Light)
Rare Class- Healer:
• Class Skill- Healing Touch
• Class Skill- Medicine Concoction}
"..." Vhalen found it hard to ask the scholarly youth a favour since his personality didn't seem to match the reports he got. There was even a small thought of wanting to bring Fear to his castle after disguising her as a maid rather than asking for help, but he immediately decided against it since the Royal Palace was its own battleground.
Although his younger siblings didn't seem to contend for rulership, Drake was someone who was a little paranoid towards them. Even though he already accepted as the future Imperial Ruler of the Human Empire, the 'Ascenders' that appeared years ago made him come to the conclusion that his siblings might secretly hide fighters and use them as steppingstones to gain an advantage...
"I wanted to ask for the favour of letting this girl stay here for a few days. She has nowhere else to go." He spoke with sincerity. Even as a prince, he didn't feel entitled enough to order him to help...
Though this world was filled with those 'entitled' to different thing like his brother, he felt it was better to appeal to a person's heart rather than Role. This was the reason why he could speak with humility.
"Is that so?" Alex turned his head in confusion. He started to feel that this 'Prince' wasn't that bad...
Vhalen then started explaining everything that happened truthfully. He even went as far as revealing his identity so that the scholarly youth in front of him didn't get the wrong idea.
None of them had any idea that at this very moment, the three of them were being watched from a distance. Lily's 'luck' had infected Alex and caused an encounter that would benefit her.
The very same spearman who saved Fear from the Mirror Cult could see that negotiations weren't going well for Vhalen and his plans were failing. His eyes narrowed dangerously as the distinct purple glow of Dark Mana arose in his pupils.
His eyes looked at Fear, who seemed disconnected from reality due to the post-traumatic stress still lingering in her heart from her past, before coming to a conclusion that NOT revealing himself might lead to consequences he couldn't predict.
It was only now did he make his move...!
"You better help them. All the tragedies that have been happening to the people of this world is all YOUR FAULT after all." The helmeted spearman instantaneously appeared behind Alex and spoke.
A sense of danger overcame the scholarly youth after being interrupted by the voice suddenly resounding behind him, but just before he could turn his head to look, his pupils constricted upon seeing a spear of light coming from afar.
The man threw a Light Spell from his previous position before teleporting behind his body!
[Light Spell- Noontime Javelin!]
Despite his scholarly appearance, Alex was able to react fast enough to do a barrel roll forwards, causing the spear of light to suddenly swerve in midair in a way that allowed the helmeted spearman to grab it. He looked really dangerous!
'Am I actually slow?' The scholarly youth thought while confirming that the helmeted spearman wasn't going to attack further. His clothed body didn't seem like it, but underneath that outfit of his was a physique sculpted through experience.
Arthur, who was being tutored regarding the forces of nature by Lily, couldn't help but stick his head out the window of the second floor as soon as he felt the presence of the mysterious individual that was able to appear in such a sudden manner.
He instinctively wanted to keep his childhood friend safe, so he chose to ambush the spearman with his backsword without even thinking about other options. Lily, on the other hand, had seen the spearman try to attack Alex with her own magical eyes, which was why she chose to do the same thing. Although she wasn't that close to Alex, her friendship with Arthur led her to follow his lead.
The two of them moved at great speeds using 'Lighten' on their bodies. They couldn't use Light Movement in an enclosed space or else they might hit a wall. Normally, the helmeted spearman would have made use of the time he had before they arrived rather than just nonchalantly waiting for them to meet him. It was fortunate that his intentions wasn't to cause harm, but to test their strength in a way that would be truly accurate.
Though it seemed like the first attack towards him actually came from the scholarly youth who had just escaped danger. The helmeted spearman saw how Alex's body was suddenly covered in a runic energy before readying his body's position to throw a kinetic-imbued kick. He took a familiar stance that was derived from a familiar karate form before throwing a strike out with full strength.
His eyes narrowed once more as dark purplish energy radiated from his pupils. Those who watched from the side could only think that the spearman wouldn't be able to dodge the strike.
...After all, he couldn't dodge backwards or else he'd fall into the hands of the two about to arrive.
This situation didn't seem to fluster the spearman as he responded by throwing his own kick. The trajectory of his strike seemed to want to intercept the scholarly youth's leg covered in runic energy.
As the two clashed, the helmeted spearman found that a surge of kinetic energy empowered Alex's leg. He had already integrated the Royal Kinetic Kinetic Force Formula into the magic fighting he made in the years he had been travelling around...
"You can use the Kinetic Formula to improve yours attacks? Not bad...! But unfortunately, you're screwed because so can I!" The great spearman laughed as the kinetic energy aiming to break his leg was cancelled out by his own high kick.
[Time Trait- Force Alteration]
Two kinetic forces clashed!
Vhalen was flabbergasted after seeing two non-Royals who weren't born with an Imperial Attribute being capable of using his family's most secretive technique. Though the scholarly youth didn't seem to want to give up as he followed with another kick.
Unlike the one thrown previously, this one seemed to mysteriously change its angle and direction without losing any of its strength. Even Alex's entire body didn't seem to need a reason to touch the ground as he used a dynamic jump kick.
[Leg Whitening- Swift Strike!]
[Space Burst- Damage Amplification!]
[Space Trait- Vector Distortion!]
The scholarly youth's opponent once again countered with his own kick, but this time the difference in strength was so massive that he almost felt his leg was about to break.
If he didn't reverse the 'Directional Vector' of his kick in time, then he was sure his poor leg would have been broken in half by the helmeted spearman. He couldn't understand why such an unbelievably strong guy wanted to fight him...!
As fast the second kick was thrown was as fast as it was retrieved back before the collision broke it.
From what he could tell, the opponent before him was able to mimic the runic skills he was so proud of by using what seemed to be a 'Magic Trait'. This was an ability normally associated with Beasts that were able to gain 'specialisations' just like Humans.
Unlike Spell Slots that worked like Active Abilities in video games, the Magic Traits of Beast were more like Passive Abilities that were easier to handle despite being weaker in explosive strength.
He couldn't understand why the man before him had two Traits of such rare attributes despite holding onto a Spirit Essence! Could he have both a Spirit Essence AND Body Enhancement?!
That was completely impossible!!! Even that mad scientist shouldn't be able to bestow this...!
It was only after scanning the helmeted spearman with runic eyes did his face pale considerably.
Alex could even 'see' the existence of two strange energies he had never encountered before, which seemed to be held back from being used in their battle. His brain was hit with a flurry of question marks as he couldn't comprehend his opponent.
"Watch out! He has a Beast Flame!" The scholarly youth shouted to the two who had just now appeared behind the spearman. Their attacks were focused and direct while having great synergy as a duo who normally fought together to hunt for food.
Alex's words seemed to cause them to become more cautious though as they realised the spearman before them must have the strengths of both Beasts and Humans. Lily herself seemed to become much more faster as she punched at him.
Having a Beast Flame meant Dark Mana coursing through his body rather than him needing time to gather it. What the scholarly youth spoke also implied that the spearman had a 'Strong Physique'.
But so what if he was strong physically? She spent her whole life fighting Beasts who were larger and stronger than him. She had already grown used to knowing that the stronger a person was, the easier it was to catch them off guard due to hubris.
Although her teamwork with Arthur wasn't even nearly to same standard as Alex, Fighters and Warriors had a knack for working together. One focused fighting close-range while the other would take any opportunities that opened up to slash.
The spearman turned to intercept her fist and grabbed her hand in the process, though she wasn't taken aback. Instead, her other hand grabbed his wrist and threw her head back.
Was she going to headbutt him? He was ready to intercept her, but instead found that he had been mistaken. She pulled him by his wrist as Arthur got in front of her to switch who dealt the damage.
'Smart girl... but is this all you got?' He slammed his spear down used it to block the sword. It was only when she stepped on his foot and kept him from using half his body did he realise her persistence in acting as 'support' for Arthur.
It might be on a lower level than how the scholarly and brawny duo can switch between offence or defence seamlessly, but it was enough. He didn't mind though as despite her constant pulls, he was still rooted in place as he swung his radiant spear.
The sounds of collisions could be heard, the sword and spear clashed multiple times, but the spearman still stood firm, one had was all he needed to dextrously yet powerfully wield his spear. It was a bone-chilling scene to watch.
It made one feel as if they were mice being toyed around by a cat, just waiting to be pounced at.
"Nice teamwork." The helmeted spearman praised as he finally took some steps back upon being attacked by two people. It was only when he was done assessing them did he stop moving his spear.
'Has he given up?' The two of them thought at the same time, Lily leveraged his arm to kick while Arthur stabbed forwards, but as their attacks rocketed towards his defenceless chest.. they noticed a smile appearing in those eyes of his.
Before their strikes landed on his body, a sense of danger arose in Lily's heart as she pulled back her leg and braced herself. She even let go of the helmeted spearman's arm to defend herself.
The sound of two simultaneous strikes hitting flesh didn't come from the helmeted spearman's chest at all, but from the back of their necks. The brawny youth fell unconscious immediately after being struck at a speed faster than he could perceive while Lily saved herself from being knocked out by using her whole arm to guard the back of her neck.
The moment she noticed those smiling eyes glow underneath his helmet, a fearful expression appeared on her face as she recognised the spearman's eyes to be that of a Moon Wolf!
If she had looked past the man, she would've noticed that Arthur's friend had been getting hit by invisible attacks ever since the duo started exchanging blows with him. Now, Alex had the spearman's full attention after beating them down.
"Too weak~! You all won't be able to survive what is to come with such meagre strength." The helmeted spearman scoffed before speeding towards the magic user who he seemed to counter thoroughly on an existential level. Even though the scholarly youth tried everything in his power to get away from him, he was still caught by the neck and forcefully lifted off the ground like a chicken.
"Let... urgh- go of me!" The rare prodigy of runic magic spoke while holding onto the hand that lifted him. This was the first time in his entire life that Alex felt so powerless, as if he was merely a insect.
"Looks like you weren't listening. Every disturbance that happened this world is YOUR FAULT! No one else is to blame for the chaos that will sweep the world other than you." The invincible spearman repeated with eyes filled with pure hatred.
"That's... impossible...!"
"Is that what you think? Well then, I guess it's time to jog your memories." As the spearman spoke, he reached into his pocket to take out what seemed to be a strange white 'marble' of solid energy.
It was then that he shoved it down the scholarly youth's throat be held in his hand. The marble was treated as if it was some sort of medicine. Alex suddenly reacted to the 'medicine' he ate as his eyes started to glow with a luminous glow...