Fwsh!
Oscar and Yezekael hopped from tree to tree. The wind blew hard.
A particularly large canine-like mana-beast was ahead. It had ruffled, grey fur, with white streaks here and there. Its eyes were crimson red, and its mouth was wide open.
There were stains of blood across its fur, as well, adding to its unkemptness—a terrifying sight to see.
But, in one swing ––
[Cast: Black Flame Slash]
His spear danced across the mana beast's fur, pushing into its body. Whether it was too shallow or not, that did not matter. The bright burning flame was hot enough to leave the wolf in ashes.
"You're extremely odd, Yezekael. You use the spear as if it were... something else."
"I don't understand what you're-"
Wsh!
A huge boulder flew through the air, narrowly missing Yezekael and Oscar. Having to dodge the boulder, they stopped, landing down.
"What was that?" Oscar asked, the ice in his hair growing. There was some threat, and it was very close by.
A group of orcs was ahead, around 7 of them. 6 more boulders flew at their direction.
"Where are they getting all these boulders from...?"
The orcs looked darker than usual. Like... black with hints of glowing green.
With one swift quick movement, he sliced the boulder in half vertically. One down.
The next two were coming. Instead of slicing through, he and Oscar jumped into the air, avoiding it. The rest fell shortly.
"Those don't look like regular orcs," Oscar noted.
"Obviously. It must have to do with what those advisors were talking about. With there being something special on this island."
They descended. The 6 orcs were approaching. Much faster than any regular orc.
"What the?-"
The first orc came with a heavy swing. Yezekael quickly lifted his sword up to block.
Crsh!
His body took the shock of the heavy force, pushing him back a few feet. His feet dragged across the soil.
"This isn't... the strength of a regular orc!"
Before he could react, the orc dashed at him again, while he was in a vulnerable position.
"D-damn it!"
. . .
. .
.
(Sar)
"How did the negotiations go?"
"It was a failure, sir. We could not get the young king to agree with our terms."
Fonso and Vilhelm kneeled in front of the king, their heads bowed.
"Hmph."
The king let out a heavy sigh, clicking his tongue. The two advisors had a face of worry, keeping their heads faced to the ground.
The face of Lord Elouan Nynsta was one of youth, as any elf would have. His ears were sharp like an elf's, and his eyes were a very light orange or yellow kind of color. His white hair was long, falling down his back. At the moment, it was tied.
Instead of wearing a robe made of the finest fibers, or most pristine silks, he wore a simple white coat over a black shirt with it tied at the waist.
Instead of a beautiful, golden crown, bedazzled in a number of precious jewels and things of the sort, he wore a simple black crown. The material was strange, but it appeared closest to wood.
"After the death of what we previously had in captivity, it seems that island is the only way we can fully complete our research?" Elouan asked.
"I believe so, sir," Vilhelm answered.
"Fair well. Lift your heads. Gather strong soldiers, and be on your way to that island as quickly as possible."
"Yes sir!"
Vilhelm and Fonso were quick to leave the room. Once the large door of the throne room was closed, he let out a heavy sigh.
"Hah..
He stepped down from his throne, landing one foot after the other. He left the throne room, walking to the palace's garden.
The palace itself was already a beautiful place. Sculpted and crafted by Sar's greatest architect. The interior was decorated by the other royal families, as they were allowed to visit at any time. So, of course, it looked fitting for any aristocrat.
But the garden was especially beautiful. Not only was it large, but it was sprinkled with a variety of greenery. It was a spectacle of colors.
In the middle of the garden, there was a woman who crouched down, attending to the plants. From the back, her hair was brown, tied into a bun.
"Winona!" Elouan yelled out, waving his arms.
The brown-haired girl turned around. Her eyes were brown, as well. Her ears were sharp, but not quite as sharp. Perhaps she was a half-elf.
Noticing who was calling her, she smiled.
"Elouan. You're back already?"
"I was just sitting on the throne, waiting for my advisors to come back. You didn't see me come in?"
"Nope. I've been lost in this garden all day."
Elouan hugged Winona from behind. She reacted by trying to hug him backward. Elouan laughed.
"How's that experimentation going, though?" she asked, placing the watering can down.
"It's going pretty well. Once I get the necessary components, there are a lot of things I'll be able to do. I could make up for this country's lacking numbers, and potentially bring back a died-out race."
"You've always been so ambitious, Elouan. That cold exterior you always put up is nothing like you."
"I have to look strong for my people. And I have to look mysterious to my enemies. So they won't underestimate me."
"Hm. I guess you're right."