Lucas' eyes widened in surprise, his pulse racing with a mix of feelings.
—
Vengeance on humans?
Humans…They are indeed beings that deserve the worst.
Even I would have rather rejected the offer if I had to be born as a human again…
How is it that vampires, who were rumoured to be stronger than humans; at least in Earthen myths, want vengeance against humans?
I need to know the purpose behind it; moreover, how am I even supposed to destroy an entire race?
I can not act on emotions alone.
—
The words echoed in his head, evoking a curious mix of curiosity and perverse enjoyment. For so long, he had held grudges against humanity, despising their shortcomings and the pain they had given him.
—
But...But the destruction of humans?... It's something I had always wanted to do…
Humans are the ones who are responsible for the destruction that bloomed on Earth once.
They deserve the worst…
—
The possibility of retaliation sparked a sick joy within him.
But, in the midst of his contradictory emotions, questions whirled around in his head like a whirlwind.
What was the reason behind this? How was he going to exact vengeance on a whole race?
Doubt and curiosity gnawed at him, yet a flicker of excitement tempered with a sinister feeling of purpose started to take hold.
"I... I'm willing to listen, but what's the reasoning behind this?" Lucas paused, his voice trembling with curiosity and anxiety.
Kleir's eyes twinkled with mischief as a mischievous grin stretched across his face.
"Kuku! Reason? You certainly want to know! Let me begin by telling you about my universe, Nepith! And the past that has brought us to this point. Please pay attention to the enormous screen in front of you!"
He directed Lucas's attention to the big, levitating screen in front of them with a single pointed finger. The screen, which appeared to be suspended in space, flickered to life, illuminating the darkness with a delicate glow.
Lucas couldn't help but be uneasy, his uneasiness was visible as he shifted slightly.
He favoured brevity and directness over the complexities of superfluous explanations. "Please keep it brief.
"I don't have much patience for superfluous details," he insisted, his voice tinted with anger.
Kleir, to his astonishment, adopted an exaggerated face of sorrow, a tear streaming from his eye.
"Oh, Lucas, my dear! Your indifference greatly wounds me! If I were still alive, I'd demand a taste of your blood to make up for this heartbreak!" He pretended to be in pain, his sincerity doubtful.
—
What's up with this bastard?
What lame acting man…The cringe tikmok stars would do better than this guy…
—
Lucas's disgust was palpable as he scowled at the melodramatic act.
"Enough with the theatrics. Begin explaining, will you?" he urged, his tone hard and determined.
Their forms stood in an ethereal stillness amidst the wide expanse of nothingness, the weight of their words hanging in the air.
The screen, a portal to knowledge and revelations, glowed with elation as it prepared to reveal the secrets that awaited Lucas within the realm of Nepith.
Kleir nodded and pressed on explaining the history of his world, Nepith.
Lucas' attention was drawn to the graphics on the levitating screen as Kleir's voice echoed with a hint of nostalgia.
The pictures brought to life the spectacular scenery and vivid inhabitants of Nepith, a previously ideal world that served as a refuge for its ten distinct races.
"In the ancient annals of Nepith," Kleir began reverently, "It is said that the world was forged by the divine essence known as the Celestial Forge. With a great flourish, the Celestial Forge knitted together the fabric of Nepith, infusing it with magic and supernatural energies that exceeded the laws of mundane 'physics'. The branch that demonstrates the universe's laws that existed on your planet, Earth."
Lucas interrupted the deep-seated explanation by asking a question which crossed his mind.
"Does that mean we are in another universe?"
Kleir paused for a moment flickering his eyes in surprise and then showed a slight smile on his pale skin.
"Another universe?... Hmm, you can say that! Have you heard of the Multi-dimensional theory?"
"Yes…However, isn't that a controversial topic?"
"Haha, controversial indeed. Looks like the CIA did their job correctly!"
"What?"
"CIA, have you never heard of it? It's the Clandestine Institute of Amusement and Pranks! Kekeke!"
"Huh?... Anyways continue explaining!"
"Hoho! Sure, sure! There are, in truth, 14 dimensions that exist instead of 10. You, earthlings, are the ones living in the 3rd dimension. That dimension can't hold any powers now. In the past, it was the haven for magical reality! What I lived in was the '4th dimension', also known as The Ascended Ones."
"For now? In the past? Does that mean we had magical powers?"
"Indeed you did! That's why races like vampires and elves who are, highly infested in magic, existed there."
"What happened that made the magical energy go extinct?"
"So, Later as the 4th dimension was created, it became the new haven for those with magical veins constituting various worlds and galaxies infused with spiritual energy! Individuals in each race, who attained a high level of magical knowledge, were invited to spread the knowledge in each newly created world in the 4th dimension. It was possible because every dimension is connected to the ultimate reality. Ultimate reality is the energy of the Supreme Lord, God!"
"Okay but why did you ignore my question-"
"Haha, Dear! Why so impatient? You will know everything when the time desires to reveal them!"
"Tch…But why the f*ck are you so constant on addressing me as 'dear', 'darling'?! I am not into boys!"
Kleir's face flushed with embarrassment, his cheeks pink in colour.
He couldn't stop laughing and put his palm to his face, covering his amused smile.
His eyes briefly closed, savouring the moment of lightheartedness.
"Oh, my dear Lucas," he chuckled, amusement in his voice. "You've got it wrong. It's not a personal taste, but rather a quirk of my vampiric nature. I love females too but with a flatter chest, ain't I weird haha? It appears that my own vampire traits, regardless of gender, have a proclivity for such endearments. It's just one of my peculiarities, my sweetheart."
Kleir's laughter died away, leaving him with a lingering smile on his face as he looked at Lucas with a mix of humour and friendliness.
The exchange had lightened the mood, temporarily distracting them from the gravity of their situation.
Lucas chuckled, "What a weird taste indeed!"
"Alright, let's come back to the explanations!" Kleir started stating the history again.
***
The races of Nepith coexisted together, each blessed with unique qualities and powers, their different cultures and civilizations flourishing under the benevolent eye of the Supreme being.
Every area of Nepith had its own magical charm, from the majestic Elven Kingdoms to the resplendent Crystal Cities of the Dwarves.
The screen showed crowded marketplaces filled with the smells of exotic spices and the active talk of many races.
—
How beautiful…It does really seem to be a story straight out of a fairytale…
But how could something peaceful like this be desired to be destroyed? And what were the other races that existed there?
And what about the vampires that Kleir mentioned?
—
Lucas's eyes widened as he saw enormous libraries loaded with old tomes containing aeons of learning, and luxurious castles covered with complex sculptures and gleaming gemstones.
He looked deeper into the fascinating fabric of Nepith's races and worlds within its enormous vastness.
Kleir began to construct a vivid picture of the various regions and their inhabitants, his voice giving an air of authority and wisdom.
"The ten races of Nepith," Kleir continued, "each had their own territories that reflect their nature and culture. Let us take a trip through these realms."
As their talk progressed, Lucas found himself taken into the regions of imagination, where reality and fiction collided.
The vampire realms were steeped in perpetual darkness. Tall Gothic spires threw long shadows as they strained for the sky.
The aroma of night-blooming flowers filled the air.
The elf domains were vivid with vegetation and ethereal splendour. For as far as the eye could see, majestic trees stretched.
The sun shone through the canopy, creating a dappled symphony of light and shadows.
The Dragon territories were distinguished by their majesty and breathtaking scenery.
The sky was pierced by towering mountains. The presence of magic was palpable in the air.
The Demon kingdoms reflected their chaotic and infernal character. Jagged obsidian spires punctured the charred earth.
On seething lava pits, flames danced.
The Human lands were a patchwork of lively towns and peaceful countryside.
The centre of human civilisation was bustling markets and lively streets. The scenery was peppered with rolling farms and charming settlements
The 10 races that lived out there: vampires, elves, dragons, demons, dwarves, mermaids, humans, caninians, felinians and centaurs had their territories designed according to their own liking.
"These races, though diverse, were once united," Kleir continued as Lucas absorbed the wonders of each region. "They coexisted peacefully, each bringing their own strengths to Nepith's tapestry. Vampires, with their unrivalled strength and longevity, served as the realm's defenders. Humans, although the most vulnerable, were adaptable and inventive. They struck a delicate balance that maintained everyone's survival and prosperity."
Kleir's story presented a colourful tapestry of a world that appeared too beautiful to be true, but the melancholy undertone in his voice foreshadowed a sad turn of events that awaited Nepith.