With one stomp of Ragna's feet, the ground shattered, and the force blew the remaining Sulviger backwards and tumbled across the ground , while the shockwave created a focused wind that sent debris flying in all directions. The sheer power of Ragna's attack left the Sulvigers stunned and struggling to regain their footing. Ragna spoke and told the candidates that skills are not the only criteria that the Hellmane family was looking for in a warrior.
Ragna casually walked out of the impact hole he created and openly told those who were there that skill without honor is meaningless, and he will never allow anyone to be part of their force if they do not possess both qualities. Ragna's words resonated with the candidates, who now understood the importance of integrity and honor in addition to their combat skills. With a determined look in his eyes, Ragna made it clear that only those who embodied both traits would have a chance to join the Hellmane family.
"Those who think they have equal footing with any of clam members are fools."
"You don't bear your fangs toward the hand that might feed you."
"These types of people are not even fit to become hunting dogs for my clan."
"We are looking for individuals who not only possess strength and skill but also demonstrate loyalty and respect. Without these qualities, one cannot truly be a part of our family."
Derion, Kernon, and Marca Sulviger groveled on the ground and asked Ragna forgiveness and swore they didn't intend to disrespect their daughter. They assumed showing their fighting prowess was something the Hellmane clan would appreciate due to their reputation , but they were wrong. Derion, the eldest and the one that lost the fight with Six, admitted that they were misguided in their actions and apologized for their lack of judgment. Ragna, seeing their sincerity, forgave them and welcomed them back into the Hellmane clan, with a warning to never repeat such behavior again.
But the numbers were not convinced that they were truly remorseful, so they kept a close eye on the newcomers to ensure they upheld their promise. And they were right the Sulviger clan was just saying what they needed to hear; their egos were hurt, and seeing the way they were treated made them resent the Hellmane clan This underlying tension was enough to push their hunger to claim the title of strongest. Derion was grinding his teeth as he was looking down at the ground; he wanted to attack Ragna and kill him right away but this was not the right time.
All eyes were on them, and he could even measure the butler's power as he was able to subdue the other male Sulviger. Using force would be suicide, so they need to plan something more strategic and calculated to ensure their victory over the Hellmane clan. Derion knew that patience and cunning would be their best weapons in this high-stakes power struggle.
Derion Sulviger was still eying Irles to be his mate, but now courting her might not be effective based on what just happened to him; in his mind forcing her to submit to his desire was the only way to secure her as his mate. However, he also knew that such tactics could backfire and result in her rejection or retaliation. Derion needed to find a balance between asserting his dominance and removing Irles' autonomy to ensure a successful mating. . Sadly, the numbers weren't in his favor, as Irles had already shown signs of resistance to his advances. This left Derion feeling frustrated and unsure of how to proceed in order to win her over.
13 and 12 are needed to ensure this situation is reported to the Imperial Grand Vicegerent Beta as soon as she returns, as they are always in contact with Beta like the others. Beta wasn't just Ramiel right hand but also his tactician and personal aid; she was the only person who was able to reach the inner consciousness of Ramiel's mind and fully understand his other personalities. personalities, even without Ramiels command, she has already inniated contingency methods and an internal connection toward those who came into contact with her master.
Beta's quick thinking and deep understanding of Ramiel's mind allowed her to proactively handle any situation that arose, ensuring that his plans were always one step ahead. Her ability to anticipate his needs and act without explicit instruction demonstrated her unparalleled loyalty and dedication to serving him.
Not everything that happens in the 12 realms is discussed openly only a few were given vital information and understood that this information was given to them with a sense of trust and responsibility. Beta's role as Ramiel's confidante and advisor gave her access to this exclusive knowledge, allowing her to navigate the complexities of the 12 realms with precision and discretion.
Second to her was Lady Laerdya Galadhiel., but she was connected to Ramiels knowledge rather than his mind set and intentions. Lady Laerdya Galadhiel's connection to Ramiel's knowledge allowed her to anticipate his needs and provide inventions, making her an indispensable asset to his team. Her ability to understand and interpret the information given to her by Ramiel's vast library of earthly inventions, like using the vast information that the collective has on the 12 realms,.
Many were never granted full access to the collective because Ramel understood the danger of knowing too much, which is why he separated it from his body a long time ago and gave it to Lady Laerdya Galadhie for safekeeping and study. Soon after he created the four-link entity that he deliberately called the Tetrads, Irles and Hilas were still oblivious to this because Ramiel's main personality was so in control of the others,
The good thing is that all his personality fragments were able to communicate with each other, allowing for a cohesive existence within the Tetrads. This unique arrangement ensured that no one fragment held too much power or knowledge, preventing any one personality from becoming dominant and potentially dangerous.
Irles finds Ramiels personality to be intriguing and complex, with each fragment adding a different perspective to their interactions. Despite the initial confusion, Irles and Hilas quickly adapted to the dynamic nature of Ramiel's personality, which is why they fell in love with him in the first place, finding themselves drawn to the depth and richness of his character. As they continued to explore the intricacies of Ramiel's personality, they discovered a profound connection that transcended the boundaries of their own individuality.
Irles was looking at her hand as she recalls those moments when Ramiel was holding her hand as they were resting on a sofa. The warmth of his touch lingered in her memory, filling her with a sense of comfort and belonging that she had never experienced before. Irles knew in that moment that Ramiel was not just a passing acquaintance, but someone who had the power to change her life in ways she never thought possible.
While Derion Sulviger was still looking at her from afar as his wounds were being treated, Irles was just talking with her mother while the candidates continued with their training exercise. As 13, 12, and 6 stood around and guarded the mother and daughter as they talked, the three were blocking all of the candidates views and fully seeing Irles and the baroness as they remained seated on the makeshift chair that was beside a fallen tree stump. Irles and the baroness seemed oblivious to the chaos around them, engrossed in their conversation.
Daran was handling the training while Roach was managing the family's needs, while as for Baron Vandom Ragnar, he took down notes and gave out instructions toward the construction team that was expanding the area so more candidates could live on the allocated 30 acres of land.
After a few minutes Irles sat up and asked Daran to lend her a short sword, as she wanted to show the candidates the right way to use proper footwork in combat training. Daran handed her the sword without hesitation, knowing that Irles was a skilled fighter who could impress the candidates with her expertise.
The open ground outside the main training center was not suitable for heavy training. The ground was mostly made of soil and rocks, making it difficult for candidates to practice more advanced combat techniques. it was only meant for light exercise's. while the main building that was as huge as a football field was a few meters a ways this was the official location if a candidate gets accepted and get to swore their fealty toward the Hellmane clan
meanwhile Lady Irles demonstrated the importance of agility and precision in footwork, emphasizing the need for adaptability in battle scenarios. She walked near the tree, which was twenty feet tall and had a trunk diameter of forty inches.
"this is a enemy that doesn't react towards your initial attack,"
"remember this well, your enemy will never just stand on the same spot like this tree,"
The instructor announced this to the group. As Irles was about to begin her demonstration, some candidates observed her movements with keen interest, eager to learn from her expertise.
"Candidate, please pay attention to Lady Irles, as she will show you the use of basic footwork in gaining a strategic advantage in combat."
Some was skeptical because she looked like a frail, pampered noblewoman, but as soon as Irles began to move, her agility and precision were undeniable. The candidates quickly realized that appearances could be deceiving in the world of combat training. introverted young noble lady who did not even know how to weld a weapon,
but their doubts quickly dissipated as she effortlessly executed complex maneuvers with grace and precision. Lady Irles demonstrated how proper footwork could make all the difference in a battle, regardless of one's physical strength or size. The tree trunk receives many deep cuts that topple the three as if the short sword she was using was cutting paper effortless.
The Sulviger clan members witnessed Lady Irles's extraordinary combat prowess with astonishment. Her movements flowed like a graceful dance, with each step and strike executed with effortless precision. With swift and deadly attacks, she left her opponents with no room for error, showcasing her unmatched skill as a warrior. Her actions shattered any lingering skepticism among the onlookers, forcing them to acknowledge her formidable abilities.
Derion Sulviger, enthralled by her attractiveness, became much more so when she demonstrated her martial arts skills. His desire and need for Lady Irles were heightened by her appearance in combat, which further strengthened his resolve to claim her as his own.
Irles gave the short sword back to Daran and went back to her mother as they decided to go back home. She never spoke a word and just showed them what was expected for them to reach. Attacking a non-moving object is very different when facing a real enemy. Irles' silent guidance spoke volumes as she demonstrated the proper techniques for combat. Her actions conveyed the importance of focus and precision in a real-life confrontation.
That afternoon, Irles was helping out in their kitchen while her parents were busy doing chores around the town they were overseeing. Despite her quiet demeanor, her family knew they could always rely on her when it came to important matters. As the sun began to set, they all sat down for a well-deserved meal together, grateful for each other's presence. Irles' calm and collected nature in the kitchen contrasted sharply with her intense focus during combat training. The peace they were having right now was just a prelude to what would come.
This they know too well . They were all aware that their peaceful moments together were fleeting, as they lived in a world where danger lurked around every corner. However, they cherished these moments of calm and unity, knowing that they would need to rely on each other,
Everything went well when the training candidates resumed their daily tasks, and many took delight in the way they were treated. The training was harsh and rigorous, but after each training session, they were given proper rest and care from quality food and sufficient rest. rest, they were given sleeping accommodations that most lower nobles also experienced. The candidates never expected to live in such luxurious conditions during their training. Despite the rigorous nature of the training, the candidates were grateful for the support and comfort provided to them.
Many talk among themselves about why the Hellmane family eager to attain more military force, as they have seen a single Hellmane member already equivalent to ten elite knights, and they all question who is the authority above the baron. One candidate who was from the town of Everton explained and shared the details with those who were new here. After that night, many who came from the west had no idea if the information given to them was true or not,
Nearly 90 percent of those who came to become hired warriors for the Hellmane were from the former closed Tridentum dukedom. And the stories they heard were too unreal and sensational to be believed, causing doubt and uncertainty among the new recruits. conflicting information and rumors, making it difficult for anyone to discern the truth from fiction.
Like the story of the forsaken forest being conquered by the powerful son of Empress Allatou Estrith Demiurgos and this same person establishing a secretive kingdom named only Arcane, a powerful roaming black armored knight who protects the land from any outside treats that the local guilds find too hard to deal with, these Hell knights also serve the king of Arcane, who was called the Black Battle Arch Mage, rumored to possess unimaginable magical abilities. The mysterious kingdom of Arcane remains shrouded in secrecy, with only whispers of its existence reaching the outside world.
Curfews were given to those who were not familiar with the landscape because the treat of random attacks from antlions was still very active, and only the Hell knights were skilled enough to defend against them. Nobody who lives at Sheol would bother a patrolling Hell knight because they never feel tired nor need to eat; these beings were created solely for the purpose of protecting the kingdom from external threats. Their armor and body were forged from the metallic living liquid organism Ramiel named Symbiote. This was a clense negative miasma fragment of the dead , giving them an otherworldly appearance.
The Hell knights moved with precision and power, a formidable force against anyone who dared to challenge Sheol's inhabitants. They gleamed in the moonlight as they stood watch over the kingdom, ready to unleash their otherworldly powers at a moment's notice. A few candidates saw these knights roaming the area, and those who saw them accidentally felt what it meant by looking at the face of death itself. The fear they felt was overwhelming, so they wet their pants just looking at the Hell Knights as they patrolled the area.
Those who have the ability to sense mana started to get nauseous. The sheer presence of the Hell Knights was enough to make even the bravest souls quiver in fear. Their aura of malevolence seemed to permeate the very air around them, causing a sense of dread to settle over anyone who crossed their path. Those sensitive to mana could feel the dark energy emanating from these knights, further solidifying their reputation as formidable guardians of Sheol.
There was even an instance where Baron Vandom Ragnar Hellmane and Irles Filri were seen interacting with these knights; they weren't even affected by their dark mana. The Hell Knight was very respectful toward them, especially to Irles, even kneeling as if recognizing her authority. It was a sight that left many onlookers in awe, wondering what kind of power Irles possessed to command such respect.
After a few days , the 200 candidates were given five days of rest and free time on their own, and they were advised to use this time to reflect on their experiences and explore the land ,before the final test that will determine their rank and designation in the Hellmane clan. Sadly, the Sulviger members were no longer interested in joining, but going back home empty handed and gaining nothing would be such a humiliation for them; their egos wouldn't allow it, so they just waited for the right moment to leave as soon as they got a chance.
Roach told al the candidates to take this opportunity to travel outside the confines of the Hellmane territory in Sillesden, and try to learn as much as they can as they travel our side and see the min. capital of Avarel. These andates saw and felt the influence of the person they heard in the stories,
the prosperity that the land of Sheol was because of the technological advance and support from the royal capital and the kingdom of Arcane, mechants were seen traveling without fear as bandits were eradicated with efficiency, and many new towers and magic buildings were seen being used especially in farming and construction. The 200 candidates thought seeing the training facility at the Hellmane territory was already great but seeing the towering structures at the royal capital was mind-boggling.
Even the Sulviger members were impressed by the advancements in technology and magic within one of the many large cities in Sheol; they assumed the place was run down and lacked many things in comparison to their own. The various candidates were eager to learn more about the innovative practices and techniques being utilized in both warfare and everyday life.
Many citizens take pride in their cities achievements, and with the help of the kindom of Arcane, Sulviger, members were now getting annoyed because they kept hearing the names Ramiel and Arcane, son of Allatou Estrith Demiurgos, constantly. Many candidates were smart enough to add the information they gained and arrive at the conclusion that the sudden change in Sheols was because of a person named Ramiel.
The image they have of him is sadly far from the truth. In their minds, he was old. In reality, Ramiel was a young and charismatic leader who had brought about positive changes in Sheols. Numerous cities benefited from his innovative ideas and strategic planning, which revitalized the city's economic trade by using a controlled transfer gate that many registered authorized merchant guilds used, leading to its current success. Despite the misconceptions, Ramiel's youth and vision were instrumental in shaping Sheols into a thriving community.
This was in stark contrast to what they heard about the large corruption and scandals that plagued the royal capital of Sheol and the other large cities under its former leadership. Empress Allatou Estrith Demiurgos and her son's dedication to transparency and accountability set them apart from their corrupt predecessors. As many were amazed by what they were seeing, the Sulviger clan was not interested at all; they just wanted more power and fame.
They were so narrow minded and think-headed that they couldn't even accept they lacked so many things, and they were utterly lost in the reason why they were given the privilege to venture out of the Tridentum dukedom: they were all so isolated and grew up believing their race was the strongest, and even after seeing just a fraction of Ragnar's power, they saw it as a threat to their superiority. The Sulviger clan's arrogance and closed-mindedness blinded them to the potential for growth and learning from others.
Kernon and Marca Sulviger set out to see if the stories about the Hell knights were true when they spotted two of the knights patrolling the streets of Avarel near the Lunat Bite restaurant. They wanted to see if these knights were truly that strong, so they planned to bump into one and see how they would react. The two Sulvigers waited and used their beastkin powers, giving them enough strength to punch through a wall. When the female Hell knight got close, they both pinned her and simultaneously bumped with great force.
Their expectation was far from reality; the female Hell knight didn't even budge as the force the two Sulvigers was seen to be forceful and intentional . She simply looked at them with a smirk, unfazed by their attempt to overpower her. To recover from their blunder, as many candidates saw what they wanted to prove failed miserably, Marca Sulviger reacted and told the hell knight to watch who she was colliding into. The female Hell Knight raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Marca's threat. She then proceeded to effortlessly knock both Sulvigers to the ground with a single swift motion, proving her superiority without a doubt.
but seeing one outcome made them quiver in fear, realizing that their beliefs were not as unshakeable as they had thought. The encounter with the hell knight shattered their illusions; they could not even hold their ground as the female hell knight just walked casually as they were on the ground, powerless to even counter its movements.
When a new non-registered merchant trader noticed this, he wanted to inquire as to whether the beastkins were employed by any lords. Observing a beastkin intentionally challenge a hell knight was either courageous or foolish; the merchant hoped it was the latter. The two beastkins, still shaken from their encounter, quickly explained that they were not in service to any lords but were simply travelers passing through. The merchant trader nodded in understanding, impressed by their resilience despite the recent scare.
The trader told them he was in need of bodyguards. If they are still free and have not sworn allegiance, they can still be hired for protection during her journey to the neighboring kingdoms. She offered them a huge wage and assured them of her reputation. Was far from what they could just see from her simple appearance. The beastkins exchanged a glance, but she wanted to convince their eldest member and asked if she was willing to accept seven more beastkins as her sword and shield. The trader nodded.
She introduces herself as Burgrave Alavara Raegel. She was very good looking but her arm suffered heavy damage during a fight, and both arms were amputated and replaced by a magically infused mechanical arm. Unknown to the two Sulvigers Beastkins, this was the same person who was the eighth member of the Ten Highbeards and recklessly fought against the maruding queen when she was reclaiming the Crimson throne.
She barely escaped with her life, but as of now, she appeared to be a completely different person with a new identity and purpose. Despite her physical transformation, her eyes still held the same anger and hate toward Allatou Estrith Demiurgo and her son that ruined her lavish and beautiful life.
She told the beastkin to meet her at this location, and as she handed out a small piece of folded parchment paper, she said,
"Bring all your brothers and sisters too,and I will assure you all are well rewarded for your loyalty and service."
"I will introduce you to somebody who will give you the fame and riches you seek,"
She promised with a sinister smile, knowing that her manipulation of the beastkin would ultimately serve her own vengeful agenda. The beastkin nodded eagerly, their loyalty fueled by the promise of rewards and a chance at a better life. The beastkin nodded in agreement, their loyalty unwavering as they prepared to follow her into battle against the ones who had wronged her.
As the two went on their way, Burgrave Alavara Raegel. She casually walked toward a dark alley elluding the patrolling hell knights, as she was well equipped with strong artifacts to hide her mana from being detected. Soon, at the end of the street alley connecting to a well-known hidden pub, another person was waiting for her. This time the other person had a long scar on her face , starting from the top right of her face and going across her beautiful face toward her left cheek. Her left eye was slightly damaged and was seen to have received an artificial modification. And her left hand was also mechanical, with intricate gears and wires visible beneath the synthetic skin. Despite her intimidating appearance, she greeted the first woman with an evil twisted smile, indicating that they were allies in whatever dark scheme they were planning. The first woman felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the extent of the other person's enhancements, wondering what kind of dangerous abilities she possessed.
"Hello, Burgrave Alavara Raegel. I heard so many wonderful stories about you from my insane father,:
"Greetings, Maiae Dallmethad , I am glad you were able to survive."
"Yeah, those pesky Sarthrelliths brats were smart enough to hire strong assassins. It was east to elude the towering breaded brute, but the female acher was a formidable opponent. I must admit, I underestimated her skills,"
Burgrave Alavara Raegel said with a smirk.
"Yes, but we will not make the same mistake twice."
Maiae Dallmethad replied, her eyes glinting with madness.
"I want to test these new toys I have with the help of our benefactor.
Queen Sheaira Liluth Demiurgos,"
Maiae Dallmethad said, her voice filled with anticipation.
"She will be pleased to see the results of our latest experiment."
Burgrave Alavara Raegel nodded in agreement, knowing that their loyalty to the Queen would bring them great rewards.
"Huh! Are you an idiot? I am going to kill her too after a rip of Allatou Estrith Demiurgo's head from his body."
"I suggest we proceed with caution,"
Burgrave Alavara Raegel cautioned, a flicker of doubt crossing his face.
"We must ensure our plans are foolproof before taking such drastic actions."
. "Rest assured , I didn't crawl out of the gutter just to fail again, our strategy is flawless. The Demiurgo clan's demise will only solidify our power in the realm."
Maiae Dallmethad smirked, her gaze unwavering.
"What power? I just want to kill those bastards."
"My father will be trilled to see the person who took away his arm again; such a waste I wanted him for myself."
"I get aroused just thinking about his good looking face, his golden eyes, and his lean, lean physical seductive body."
"I want to cut those soft skins, gut his stomach and hear him scream in pain while playing with his manhhod. I want to mate with his decaying, lifeless, cold body and bathe with his blood all over me."
disturbing thoughts reveal a deep obsession with possessing Maiae Dallmethad's mind. The violent desires expressed suggest a dangerous fixation that goes beyond mere attraction.
Burgrave Alavara Raegel was disgusted by the intensity of Maiae thoughts. She was talking about Allatou Estrith Demiurgo's son. She has no choice in the matter because she needs her power and skill. Surviving hundreds of feared assassins was a testament to her cunning, resourcefulness, and madness . However, her disturbing fixation on possessing the mind of Ramiel Demiurgo's could prove to be her downfall if left unchecked.