The Villagers knew what the sacred Oath would do to Chris if he failed but nonetheless, the Sword of Nirvahnna had given his word. And they trust that he will follow through like he always has. As the Village's soul fragments made their way to latch onto Chris' soul, Mana began to gather around them as a parchment made of pure Mana appeared. Written on it were the contents of his promise and the conditions Chris and everyone else had agreed upon. It hovered around for a while before it rolled itself and faded, making the Sacred Oath official. But one may ask, what if there were multiple crises, would the Oath lose its effect after just the first one? No, there's a condition written on it that as long as everyone agreed that the storm had passed then Chris would be free of his burden, as long as they all agree that is. If they feel that it's just beginning then the Oath still stands.
The Oath they made wasn't that specific and if one has bad intentions there are ways to prolong the Oath making Chris a slave to the contract because of how vague and how free the conditions are. But that's a big if, in the Village there was no need to take advantage of one another. They are a family.
After the Oath was done, everyone went back to their places.
"Now that everyone's on the same page let's talk about fortifying the Village." Chris said as he took the lead once more. A long discussion then followed as they talked about making traps and adding another layer of shield to protect the village. They talked about making weapons for everyone and stocking on food. They also discussed their military power. Who was in charge of what and when will they start the preparation. The Beast attack that took place earlier really sped up the process. Initially Chris was already making plans and laying out the foundation for what's about to come. Although he was still in the dark he had already had a rough idea of what's coming, the Beast incident just solidified his assumption. A Beast tide will occur, one so massive and devastating that no history has ever been recorded. And the Smog Mountain, this place will find its grounds remodeled. The beast's hierarchy will change and its ecosystem will warp into what the victor has in mind. A part of it might turn into a place of fire or a place of thunder and lightning. And it's all because stronger Beasts will alter their home or environment to better fit their element and power.
Stronger beasts will be born amidst the chaos and opportunities to rise will come. In fact there are already Beast in the process of evolving and sharpening their claws and teeth. With the continuous rise of Mana in the air and the purity of its quality became richer and richer, it wouldn't take long before that fateful day came.
After the long discussion Chris looked at Yama. That terrifying suppression, he was wondering if it could be used again because it would really help them. Just thinking about that threatening power, if Gin were to use it even just for a second then Chris and Calir along with everyone would be able to clean up the first or even up to third wave. But it's still a big if, he wouldn't risk Gin's life for something uncertain. Also he knew that such great power comes with a heavy price.
Yama knew what Chris was thinking. And he was grateful because Chris didn't bring up the topic, he knew he was planning to discuss it in private. Gin was still a kid after all, if the villagers knew about him surely he would know too. And that might place a heavy sense of responsibility towards the boy, especially with the upcoming crisis. Gin might over exert himself trying to use his power so he can help. And also Chris knew that power would only be dangerous if it were to be used against them. After he confirms that it won't harm anyone in the village then he'll let Yama be the one to tell everyone if he wants to or not. Everyone will find out eventually as Gin grows up and becomes more powerful.
Yama sighed before his eyes turned resolute. He didn't want to think about what happened in the past but just like he said earlier, this village was their only home now. So he made a decision, he would do everything he can so this place won't end up like their previous home. And that includes telling them his and Gin's origin."I have something to tell everyone." He began out of the blue which caught everyone except some people. Yama made his way to the table again but this time he was calmer.
"You all probably remember what happened earlier during the day." He said as he looked at everyone.
"The beast incident?" Jackal asked.
"No, the suppression." Yama said with a heavy voice.
Everyone then felt the hair on the back of their neck stand as they remembered that terrifying power. Some of them almost kneeled down while others couldn't breathe.
Seeing their expression Yama continued. "The cause of it was my son, Gin. He awakened the dormant power inside him. A power born for the sole purpose of killing demons. A power exclusive to us… " he paused.
"The Xertia Clan, the Demon Slayer Clan." Yama followed.
!!!!
"Y-You're kidding right? That Clan was real?!" Exclaimed Johan as he couldn't believe what he heard. As far as he knew, the Clan was only a myth.
"It's real, we have records of them at the Mage Union Tower." Vincent answered Johan as he remembered the description of the Clan. Black hair paired with blood red eyes, a very distinct characteristic of them. Although having black hair and red eyes weren't that common in this world, it was still rare for humans to possess red eyes. Almost all of those who had red eyes after all had some non-human blood in them.
"We were a prominent and powerful Clan during our prime. We were feared and respected because we were the only ones keeping the Demons at bay. But then our Clan was schemed upon by those colluding with the demons!" Yama said with quiet fury in his voice. "Different forces and powerhouses, some were even our allies, accused us of planning to dominate and declare war upon the world. The ridiculousness and the absurdity of such claims were more than enough reason for everyone we helped to turn their backs on us." Yama's eyes were cold and unfeeling, like he lived through and experienced what happened thousands of years ago. The others just listened intently.
"But we didn't perish! There were some who survived and went into hiding sharpening their blades, waiting for an opportunity to rise again. They lurked in the shadows for thousands of years perfecting their technique. Passing them to the next generation until my time came, I was one the most suited one that's capable of wielding the power that courses through our veins. The power of Demons itself!" Yama was full of vigor and pride, he wouldn't tarnish their reputation especially now. He couldn't and wouldn't look weak as he was talking about their history. The others still couldn't believe what they were hearing. An Ancient Clan was living in the shadows all this time and there was a living survivor of that clan in front of them.
"But I wasn't the most powerful of us. It was my wife, her attunement towards our power was perfect. She could wield it like it was nothing. She was the one that will take us to the peak. She was supposed to until an incident happened when she gave birth to our son. Her powers went berserk and she was possessed by her Demon. She went on a rampage which could lead to our location being exposed so we had to stop her. I was the only one who could match her but she was far too gone. Her Demon was in complete control so in the end… I did what I had to." There was deep sorrow and anger in his voice as he narrated his story. Everyone could feel his pain. He was presented with a choice and he chose the hardest one. "After the incident we thought it was over. I held the body of my wife in my arms as life left her body. But before she closed her eyes her Demon whispered something in my ears. A betrayal had occurred once again, but this time it was within our Clan. An Elder who was dissatisfied with our ways took the side of the ones who brought us to our knees."
"When my wife was recuperating from giving birth. The Elder sealed her consciousness and brought out the deep hatred in her demon and as I was weakened from my fight with her. Forces came from different directions and without words they slaughtered everyone in my Clan. The only thing I could do was flee, flee until my feet went numb." The humiliation and the destruction their Clan went through once again enabled Yama to solidify his will. The fate of his wife and Clan were engraved deep in his heart. He will have his revenge and he will have it soon. He thought inwardly.
"Years went by but I was tracked time and time again. Until I was captured eventually along with my son. I was branded like all of you but as the brand was being engraved I chopped off my own arm and managed to use what's left of my power. I took Gin from their grasp and managed to escape. I wandered aimlessly and by fate I ended up here." As Yama finished his story everyone then had already painted the picture of what happened behind the scene. It was the same for all of them after all.
The mark on their body was proof that they all have the same enemy. And sooner or later they would come knocking on their door. Even though the mark was removed, Yama's powers were still sealed. He just prolonged its process by removing the final layer, which was the mark. The rest of it was already engraved in his bones, organs, consciousness and soul. If it were that easy to remove then nobody in the village would be living like a normal human. Also if only the mark itself was removed then the rest of the seal will form a new mark to fix the outer layer. It will create a new mark on a different part of the body.
"Yama boy, there's something this old man is confused about." Old Kyle said as he looked at the man who he once found unconscious being dragged by a small boy near the Village. Yama looked at this sickly looking old man with gratitude. This old man was the first one to welcome them here at the village. "Ask away." He replied.
Old man Kyle nodded and said "In my long years of life I have stumbled upon records of the Xertia clan." Old Kyle said and everyone raised their eyebrows at this claim. 'How long has he been alive? Did he come from a powerful background to have access to such information?' Vincent thought as he was aware that the records of Xertia Clan were erased from history.
"I have read that the Xertia Clan was known for their extreme loyalty. One so pure and strong that it was seen as a curse. It made it hard to believe that an Elder of such a Clan would betray the one who took care of it." Old Kyle continued.
Yama was also shocked like everyone else. To think that someone was privy to his Clan's greatest weakness. It's because of this quality that made Xertia Clan vulnerable and was easily schemed upon and taken advantage of. And because of this they live in a remote place and were a recluse.
Yama sighed and replied "That Elder was an adopted son of the previous clan head. He doesn't have our blood so he can't use our power and so that quality doesn't apply to him. But the most laughable thing about that trash is he had an ambition as high as the sky." Yama sighed as he thought the higher ups of his clan should've seen the betrayal coming. "But the most important factor was that he grew spoiled and jealous of his siblings who were more powerful than him. From the start he was not a part of the Clan and he will never be." Yama finished as he gritted his teeth. That son of a bitch doesn't deserve to be recognised as part of their Clan. Never!
"Thank you and forgive me for bringing up bad memories." Old Kyle said as he too sighed. Betrayal was the most unforgiving sin there is. It will not only put your life in danger but also everyone around you. Old Kyle knew too well how it felt to be betrayed that is why he couldn't help asking why such a Clan known for their loyalty will betray their own. But despite the heavy atmosphere around, Old Kyle was deeply relieved that the Xertia Clan was truly loyal. After all, having such a man who came from that clan live here in the Village was good no matter how you see it.
'So that's why he was so agitated earlier.' Everyone thought as they connected the dot. He did say this was home and to betray its nature and values would be the same as betraying what saved him in the first place. The place that opened its door for him and his son. The people could be relocated anytime and this place could be rebuilt again but to turn his back on the belief and what this place stands for. That was something he couldn't accept.
"My son's still a kid and inexperienced, I'm afraid his power awakened prematurely as a form of self defense. It will place a heavy burden on his body if he were to use it without mastering it first." Yama said as he answered what everyone is thinking right now.
"But I will train my son so he may help once the time comes." He added as he was planning adding Gin to the backline defense. He would be fighting those who managed to slip in along with the others who would be at the back.
"As will I, I- sigh* I will also train Leah and Leo. My twins will be able to help the support team with their inborn dexterity." Lionell followed as he looked at Jane. She was in charge of support.
"My daughter will also be of help. I will add her to my team. Those who will suffer mild injuries can go to her while I deal with the severe ones." Johan said as he was the one in charge of the medical team.
"Still can't decide yet Chief?" Asked Old Kyle as he looked towards Chris. Of anyone here in the Village it was no doubt Little Lu would have one of the greatest futures if he were to be given the opportunity to grow. "Those who were born special will always shine no matter how dark the world becomes." Old Kyle said as he knew Chris still hasn't come to terms with putting his son near danger. They could and would need all the help they can get and with Little Lu's connection to mana, how much of a waste would that be if it were not used when it's needed. But for that to be done Little Lu would have to step out into the battlefield.
"Don't rush it but don't prolong it for too long." Old Kyle ended.