*** Author's Note ***
School opening is drawing near and I am getting more busy with schoolwork.
But don't fret. I will not drop this story. Instead I will write half of the chapter in one day, and the other half the next day so that I will not get too exhausted for work in the morning.
Expect 3 chapters per week.
Enjoy today's chapter!
***
"What happened here?" I hear one of my men whisper as we stand in a large crater near the east side cliff of the camp.
I gaze around the battlefield as I recall the events that left us standing here with only rubbles strewn around and a large crater that adds to the mystery on what has transpired while the area was blanketed by a blinding light.
**
The wretched demon was flying around with the Void-touched is clinging on his back. We chased after them, waiting for an opening where we can finish the demon in a single barrage of attacks. If the Void-touched could survive even with a large hole in his torso, there is no way to believe that the demon couldn't also do it. That is why we can't let even a piece of him survive for the dastardly demon will just regenerate all the damage away if we let even a piece of it survive even if the Void-touched is also caught up in our attack and be reduced into dust. We tailed them in a safe distance, waiting for the perfect timing, and it finally came. The two squared up. The Demon released his Aura, so vile and full of malice that my stomach churns just by being exposed to it even when we are 100 meters away. Seemingly unaffected by the malicious Aura, the Void-touched is standing opposite to the demon. He is also releasing his Aura. His Aura is puzzling. What should have been the same with the demon, his dark Aura is instead absent of malice. Instead, I felt nothing but coldness. As if I am staring at the deep dark abyss, and the longer I gaze at it, the more I felt that it is pulling my very soul away. But at the same time, his Ki Aura emits warmth and safety, a complete opposite to the darkness within him.
I feel a lump on my throat as I gulp down my saliva. Cold sweat trail down my spine as every fiber of my being tells me to flee. Looking at the elves gathered with me, I can see the trepidation in their expression. How could Auras like this possible? No… I am the Vice-Captain of the Rangers. I shall shame my position no longer. I summon my own Aura, though not in full power, it doesn't increase my own abilities but it dampens the effect of an opposing Aura, making it more bearable all the while being hard to detect unless they Amplify their Detect skill. Sensing this, my men followed suit and protected themselves with their own subtle Aura.
When both have focused their Aura to their respective attacks, I signaled the other Elves to get ready to attack. Once the two of them clash, we will not wait to see who comes on top. We will rain destruction whether the demon or the Void-touched survives. I already made a blunder by not following the plan in order to take the honor of banishing the demon myself. I will no longer take any chances.
The two demon charged at the Void-touched. He was so fast that even my eyes couldn't follow his movements. Then, a blinding light filled the surrounding, as if the sun itself came down from the heavens to shine upon the land. Then there was darkness…
When we opened our eyes, both the demon and the Void-touched were gone. Only debris and a large crater remained.
**
I look around and found the same question etched on the faces of my men. As even I don't have the answers, all I can do is sigh. "I don't know what happened here. But we're going to find out. Fan out and search the area!" I ordered my men.
As my men scattered to find a clue on what happened, I went towards the crater as it should have the best chance of providing me of some clue. As I studied the area, I found out that the Void-touched footprint is outside of the crater. Meaning, he must be the source of the blast that created it, which is interesting for he never shown any sign of knowing technique or magic that is remotely capable of creating such a large crater, only relying on punches, kicks, and grappling to subdue the demon. The only human I saw with destructive capability close to this is the monk with his last attack against the demon, and even that attack is incomparable to the one which created this crater.
Could it be that the Void-touched was able to learn the monk's technique just by seeing it once? Can he do it with other techniques and magic? If so, then he presents a great peril if left to grow.
That is if he is still alive.
Not even 5 minutes has passed since we began our search, a group of elves arrived. They wear black closed faced helmet with silver trim along their eye slits. Their dark colored metal armor has symbol of the full moon on their chest and glowing runes that closely resembled a starry night. All of them have their bow and quiver on their back, but most importantly was the short sword on their hips with silver hilt and pommel at the shape of the full moon. Their dark capes fluttering in the night breeze also have the symbol of the full moon upon a starry sky. There is no mistaking it.
"The Moonlight Squadron has arrived. We wish to speak with your commanding officer. Where is Eleona of the house Silverleaf?" One of the Moonlight Squadron members asked.
I quickly rushed towards them and introduced myself. "I am Nindr Nightwood. The Vice-Captain of the Elven Rangers. I apologize that our Captain isn't here to welcome your arrival as you've arrived hours earlier than expected. I will guide you to her." I then turned towards my men. "Continue the search around the camp and report to me when you find something."
"No need to apologize, Nindr of house Nightwood. Lead the way." Their representative answered.
We then proceeded to where the Captain is resting. Upon reaching the place, Former Captain Alora and her party is also there.
"What's this? An Exile in the Elven territory? What more, she brought a bunch of filthy human and a dwarf in our lands?" This voice. I recognize it. "And you." She pointed to the captain. "To be wounded by mere humans. You should be ashamed. You're just like your sister. You are not deserving of being the Ranger Captain. Step down."
Why is she here? She should've been in the capital. She is not wearing her usual armor. Did she do this to come here in secret? No… This couldn't be! Why is my mother here?!
The captain stood up. Seeing her leg shake for a moment, there must still be some damage left from the attack of the demon. "And who does the esteemed Vice-Captain of the Moonlight squad wants to replace me with? Perhaps our own Vice-Captain? Let's be honest. Even if I step down, he is not ready to lead." The Captain stood defiantly against my mother. Not good… Please Captain… Please calm down… "Not like I will step down even if you told me to. Even if your Squad is stronger than ours, our standings are all equal. Therefore, only the Council of Elders have power over us. So don't try to order me around. Moonlight Squad's Vice-Captain." The Captain is not even finished. She continued. "Why are you even here? I wrote a letter requesting my uncle's aid. Not yours."
"Impertinent brat. No respect for your betters. I should just squash you here and now." I feel my mother release her Aura. Hot as the sun, threatening to burn everything in sight her Aura forces everyone gasping for breath, but for some reason, it felt less domineering as usual.
It must be because we have been exposed to a more gut wrenching Aura. The demon's diabolical Aura that elicits skin crawling sensation to anyone within its range and the spine tingling feeling of nothingness of the Void-touched. Mother's Aura is strong, there is no doubt about it. Even now I feel the pressure pressing on my very being, forcing me to kneel. But compared to those two… Fighting the instinct to flee is unbearable.
I must admit, I even feel proud that I persevered even while under the effect of those two Auras.
The Captain used her own Aura to defend against mothers. Her Aura, although weaker, is sturdy and does not give in even while under Mother's Aura. "Respect is earned. Not given." The Captain declared.
I can feel the pressure from my mother's Aura increase, but then suddenly disappeared. "Hmph. Be thankful that your uncle is my superior. Child." She then signaled her men. "Dispose of the exile. She forfeited her life for returning to this land. Execute her companions too. They know too much."
But even before the Darkmoon Squad could move, the Captain swiftly blocked their way.
"What are you doing child? Get out of the way." My mother commanded her.
"No. These people are under my protection. I will not let you harm even a single hair on their head, much less harm them." She stated.
"You must be out of your mind! These are outsiders and have been exposed to the secret of the Void. They must be executed." My mother answered. "As for your sister. She knew what would happen to her if she sets her foot inside the Elven territories."
"They are instrumental to the defeat of a demon. I am taking them with me to the Capital and plead for their lives in exchange for their service to our people, no… Since without their help, the demon would surely have overwhelmed us, the service to the world!" The captain boldly declared.
"A demon? I don't believe it. If one did appear, none of you would've survived." My mother is unconvinced.
"Mother. If I may speak. There is indeed a demon that appeared. The Captain fought faced it alone, that is why she got injured." I chimed in.
I can feel her gaze even when her face is covered by her helmet. Hush my son. Don't meddle in this. I hear her voice inside my head. After this is over, you will be the new Captain of the Rangers.
But mother... I try to answer back but was interrupted.
I said hush! Let me take care of this. I felt our mind bridge fade away and she turned towards the Captain. "How can we even be sure if what you encountered is indeed a demon? Maybe all of your men were affected by an illusion barrier. The Organization have someone skilled enough to put up the Illusion Wall, it is not unthinkable that someone like that is able to make such believable illusion."
"I am sure that what we encountered is indeed a demon. If you want proof." Our Captain then started to take off her armor. What is underneath was shocking. At first glance, it looked like there is a bruise on her chest. But focusing on it, it feels familiar. "This is where I was struck. As you can see, the Void energy of the demon has infected my body and is trying to absorb my Mana. If left untended, it will then absorb my life energy."
"No! Eleona!" The former captain Alora ran towards the captain. Panic etched in her face.
The Captain just raised her hand to stop her from getting too close. "It is fine sister. The High Druid can purify the infection and I slowed its spread enough that we will reach the Capital long before it becomes a threat to my life."
"Hmph. So there is indeed a demon. But it is unthinkable that it was defeated. Even if the demons are weakened upon entering our world, they could absorb ambient mana to compensate for it." My mother insisted.
"I don't know why the demon didn't try to absorb the ambient Mana, its either he believes he can deal with us with using only his own power or it is wary that the Void-touched might be able to steal his if he shows even the slightest opening." The captain replied. She is calm even though she is suffering unbearable pain from the Void energy infecting her body and corrupting her energy.
"Then the more that we should enforce the law. They know too much. The knowledge of the Void and what lies beyond must never leave our lands. They must be dealt with." My mother tries to push her with her Aura, but the Captain doesn't budge.
"They are being dealt with." The Captain answered fearlessly. "That is why they are going with us to the Capital and they will remain inside our lands, under our watchful eyes. For as the law says that the knowledge of the Void must never be known to the world outside, we also have the tradition of Elven gratitude, that all good deeds to one of our race must be repaid in kind, and they did not only save us. But probably even the whole world! Tell me then, oh Vice- Captain of the esteemed Darkmoon, does that not deserve of the highest gratitude our kind could give?"
Indeed. Although laws are important, us elves held our values to the highest degree. After all, it sets our kind above the other races who only think of themselves.
I stole a glance at my mother, even though her face is covered by her helmet, I can sense that she was left speechless by the Captain. "Guh… How can we be sure that the companions of your disgraced sister have dealt with the demon? What is your proof?"
"I've trained my men on how to act when faced with various situations. As you might've noticed when you've arrive, my Vice-Captain should've been investigating the area." Turning towards me, the Captain asked. "Have you found anything Vice- Captain Nightwood?"
I straightened my posture and answered. "After the of the Demon and the Void-touched faced each other for one final attack, a bright flash blanketed the area with blinding light. It only lasted an instant but when we opened our eyes, both the Demon and the Void-touched were nowhere to be found. I then quickly led my men to investigate the area. There was a large crater where we believe the Void-touched used a technique much like the Monk's to destroy the demon. As we are 5 minutes into our investigation, the Vice-Captain of the Darkmoon arrived with her men. I ordered my men to continue to search around the area for clues on what happened while I accompany the Darkmoon in their journey to meet you Captain. End of report."
"Wait. You said you investigated as soon as the blinding light fade but only 5 minutes have passed before we arrived in the area?" My mother asked me with a doubtful tone.
"That is correct Mo- I mean Vice-Captain." I quickly answered.
"But that can't be. We also saw the pillar of light flash in the distant. That is why we left our mounts in order to rush towards the area. But it did not take us only 5 minutes, it took us about 2 hours before we arrived." My mother declared.
"What?! Surely you jest mother, I mean, Vice-Captain. It sure felt like only 5 minutes has passed before you arrive." It can't be. What exactly has happened? If what my mother told was the truth, then has time slowed? Did it only affect us? I look at the Captain.
"It also felt like 5 minutes have passed before my Vice-Captain escorted you here." So the Captain also think the same. Then could my mother be lying?
"You must be thinking that I am lying in order to discredit you Rangers. But…" My mother took her gloves off, followed by her helmet, revealing her shoulder long hair and piercing gaze. Biting her thumb, blood poured out and she infused it with her Mana. Her blood now glowing bright in the night sky, she says in a loud voice. "With the Goddess Luna as my witness, we arrived in this area two hours after we saw the pillar of light. May the heavens smite me if my word any of what I stated is false." Her Mana glowed and enveloped her whole body. Then after a few seconds, it started fading until it vanished. One of her men then took a roll of bandage from his kit and offered it to mother. As my mother took the bandage and used it to stop her bleeding, she stated. "There. It should be evidence enough to prove my words. Also, you don't have to do the same. I trust that your men would not try to deceive me." Although she is not looking at me, I feel that she is talking about me.
"If both our statements are true, then…" The Captain started but was interrupted.
"Then the clash of Cloud and the Demon must have affected the flow of time in the immediate area somehow." One of the humans spoke.
"And who are you, human? To dare butt in the conversation of your betters?" I feel my mother's Aura flare up once more.
"I'll say it once more Darkmoon Vice-Captain, these people are under my protection." The Captain used her own Aura to protect the former Captain's companions. She then turned towards me. "Vice- Captain. While I am speaking with the Darkmoon Vice-Captain, could you please check the progress of the investigation?"
"As you command!" I answered without thinking. It is the result of the constant drills by the Captain to ensure we obey her commands. As I turn in order to run towards the direction of the investigation, I could hear the Captain ask the human of his thoughts on what happened. I didn't hear much as I ran full speed to investigate.
It didn't take 1 minute before I arrived at the crater. My men have found chunks of flesh scattered 30 meters away from the crater. From what I can tell, it might belong to the demon. Could it be that the Void-touched truly have won against it? Even if the demon was wounded it still can regenerate so it still being alive is a possibility. How about the Void-touched? We haven't found a single trace of him. Did he also got obliterated by his own attack? Or…
"Check the area bellow the cliff. The Void-touched body must've pushed him off the cliff that is why there are no signs of him here." I told my men.
"But Vice-Captain, beyond the cliff is the human territory. We don't have approval of the Human King to enter their territory." One of my men voiced his concern.
"The King of the Humans are missing, probably dead after he was stuck in the Void for so long. The human generals are busy fighting with each other for the throne to bother with a few elves running around their lands. Besides, it's not like they are going to find out anyway. We are going in stealthily, not make a ruckus." I assured my men. Seeing them slowly nodding as they get my idea, I then ensue my next order. "So we finally agreed. First we are going to comb the Cliffside until we reach the bottom. If we still haven't found a trail of the Void-touched, we will divide into two groups and search the area from north to south. Are there any question? No? Then let's go!"
As my men and I scale down the cliff, my thought turns to the Captain. She is indeed strong, both of body and character. She must've let the demon hit her on purpose so that there will be evidence of its existence. Then she allowed her sister and her companions to help subjugating the demon instead of relying on her own subordinates. All in order to gratify us to them. She is truly brilliant.
My mother might think that I should take over the Rangers, but she is wrong. I don't have what it takes. I move on instinct, only thinking of the moment and not the future. My instinct that ended with ruining the plan to subdue the human elder before he transforms. All the while the Captain is executing a well thought out plan to save not only her sister, but also her companions.
Truly amazing.
Sigh… Not being the leader isn't so bad so long as the wise Captain is in charge. I am even learning a thing or two under her, and starting now I will continue to learn until I become ready to lead. Surely after a hundred or so more years she would be strong enough to transfer to the Darkmoon Squad and leave me with the position of Captain.
Who knows…