Volker aims to unite Goldana Aerta, who has been scattered throughout the Erter Continent. As a Rodenist with eternal life, he must have that thing to protect his clan. So far, the Rodenis have always coexisted with other lines, including humans. They are at peace with their lives.
But seeing human greed made Volker determined to get Goldana Aerta for Rodenis' power. Whatever it goes through later, no matter what obstacles it faces, Volker will never back down. Seeing the insatiable greed of humans, Volker was worried that the Erter Continent would be overrun by the human race. Because of that, Volker had to be on guard from now on. By having Goldana Aerta in his hands.
Goldana Aerta is a golden-colored stone that has tremendous power. Hundreds of years ago, it fell from the sky, emitting a great bright light. The beautiful glow of light made the people who saw it come closer. However, they secretly want to have the object for themselves because of greed. Until there was bloodshed.
One day, when one of the humans managed to get it. Unfortunately, as if it didn't want to be owned by humans, Goldana Aerta broke into seven parts. Even while still in the hands of humans themselves.
Then, it floated and spun into the air. Each shard then scattered and just disappeared. The human who had succeeded in getting Goldana Aerta suddenly vomited blood, then lost his life. And that's clear, Goldana Aerta is not for humans to own.
Volker closed the book about Goldana Aerta, which he had stolen from the library of the Elders. Goldana Aerta's text was stored hundreds of years ago. Some thought it was just a legend, but Volker knew Goldana Aerta existed.
"Lord Volker." The voice of one of the soldiers was heard. Jolted Volker's reverie suddenly. Volker inserted Goldana Aerta's book among his books before opening the door of his house. Do not let anyone find out he stole the secret book from the library of the Elders.
"What happened?" Volker opened his door to see what was going on.
"I just received a report from a soldier on patrol that several bodies are lying in a pool of blood in the Terena Forest. Lord Volker must see it."
Volker was surprised to hear that information. Moments ago, before returning to his house, Volker had made sure everything was fine. Volker even made sure there was no poaching in the Terena forest. Then how come it hasn't been an hour since he rested at his house? Bad news has entered his ears.
"I will be there."
"Yes, Lord Volker." The soldier immediately turned around to leave Volker's house, which was not far from where the elders lived.
Volker returned to the house, put back on his Armor, and hung the sword at his waist. Then go outside the house to confirm what happened in the Terena Forest. To save time, Volker left on horseback. The moonlight provided light for his journey.
Volker tied the reins of his horse to a tree upon arrival. Long strides, even a little run to get to the scene.
"Lord Volker!" One of the soldiers noticed Volker's presence and approached.
"What is it?" asked Volker. His gaze landed on the corpses lying on the grass. Volker crouched down and looked closely at their bodies' state. Fresh blood still flows on the incisions on the bodies of the corpses.
"We don't know what happened. When we patrolled, we found them lifeless. Several soldiers have already scattered to look for the culprit, but we can't even find one."
Volker asked the soldiers to bring their torches closer so he could get a closer look. And Volker more than understands if the incisions on the bodies of the corpses were obtained from scratches. Not from sharp objects.
"You guys immediately take these bodies to the family!" Volker ordered in a firm tone.
"Yes, Lord Volker."
Volker stayed where he was after the soldiers left him. Observes his surroundings carefully and tries to sense the presence of other creatures around him. But Volker felt nothing. If the claws on the bodies of the corpses were from wild beasts, they must have been quite significant. But Volker could confirm that there were no beasts like that in the Terena Forest. This must be magic.
Volker stepped out of the Terena Forest when a faint hissing sound surrounded him. Volker paused. His ears were ringing, indicating there were other creatures around him. Over time, the hissing became more and more distinct. Volker gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, just in case.
A gust of wind from Volker's left attacked him, sending the man flying a few steps. A furry creature with long claws appeared with a loud roar. That's Gendewa. Creatures driven by witches. Gendewa can take whatever shape the master wants.
This time Gendewa resembled a wolf. Its body was covered with dense and long hair, and its eyes were blood-red and burned like burning coals. The hind legs stand straight like human legs, while the front legs move wildly.
The creature jumped to attack Volker. Swinging its claws wildly, trying to injure the opponent. Volker rolled sideways to dodge. Drawing his sword, Volker slashed it at Gendewa's body but missed. Gendewa roared angrily and again attacked Volker wildly. Volker rolled over and raised his sword to cut Gendewa's leg without thinking.
A loud roar indicated that Volker had managed to injure Gendewa. Again, Volker continued to slash his sword at the other body. Now, Volker is targeting Gendewa's stomach. But unfortunately, when Volker's sword slashed right at Gendewa's stomach, Volker only heard the clink of his sword as if it was clashing with an iron. Volker was slightly taken aback. But he had no more time to wait.
Gendewa extended his long claws toward Volker. Gendewa's claws hit Volker's skin which was not protected by the Armor. Immediately, the pain beat Volker mercilessly. Volker winced as he saw blood flowing from his left arm.
***