The White Lunar Fangs were a group that criticized the empire's administration and structure. Expressing freedom was their main mission, which spread throughout the region. They're quite powerful for a small group. They often roam near the borders and defend the land from uninvited guests. Though the empire doesn't have a good relationship with them, they both respected each other's point of view.
At last, Estrow and his acquaintances came back to Horkun village. Hekharold also received the vampire's response to their request. The chief prepared a small feast for them. They eat together and talk about the things that happened.
"I'm really sorry for running away. I'm just so confused." Estrow apologized to everyone.
"You don't have to explain yourself. You just did what you think's best," Djelkaro replied.
"What's their response, Hekharold? "Zaptan asked.
"My lord, they've granted our request and agreed to meet at the Old Ruins. However, they demanded a negotiation to make things fair for both of us," Hekharold answered.
"I see. They might be on their way to our meeting place. So after this feast, we'll have to move," Zaptan said.
"We'll pray for your victory," Curhelia said.
"Thank you," Zaptan replied.
Everyone continued eating and drinking. For them, this might be their last supper together with their comrades. Meanwhile, Sharlock's party has already rearched the Old Ruins. They looked around, and they didn't see any of Gaurdon's allies.
"They're late," Sharlock, disappointed, said.
"Yeah. Maybe something came up," Melisha replied.
"So what are we going to do, captain? "Aurdim asked Sharlock.
"We'll wait until tomorrow, but at dawn, if none of them arrive, we'll leave," Sharlock answered.
"Fair enough. I'll go check around," Melisha responded.
"We'll camp here. I'll prepare the fire," Aurdim said.
Melisha hasn't left yet; they felt bloodlust somewhere in the area. Though they're not sure of the exact location, someone was definitely watching them.
"Someone wants to get hurt," Aurdim said as he prepared himself for an enemy attack.
"We know someone is in here. Why don't you show yourselves? We're not here to fight. We're meeting some friends," Melisha shouted.
"It looks like our friends are a bit shy, huh?" Aurdim softly uttered.
"Our captain didn't like hide and seek. If you don't show yourselves, these ruins might be ruined once more," Melisha warned.
"Still no answer? Maybe they're not with Gaurdon," Aurdim said.
Out of nowhere, an energy blast flew towards their location. They dodged it, and then a sword made out of magic also flew in the direction where the attack came from. It caused huge damage to the area.
"Damn. It almost got me," the attacker said, who barely dodged the counterattack. He was a lycan, wearing a white robe.
"I got you," Melisha said as she bound their attacker, then brought him to Sharlock.
"Who are you? Why did you attack us? "Sharlock asked.
"I'm the one who should ask you: who are you guys? Didn't you know this area belongs to the White Lunar? "The attacker furiously replied.
"So you're one of those who call themselves White Lunar Fangs, huh? "Sharlock said.
"No! I didn't say that. I'm not with them! "He panickedly denied it.
"Then why are you wearing a white robe, huh? Is that your uniform?"Aurdim suspiciously asked.
"This is just my fashion, you know," he answered.
"Melisha, what is the White Lunar? "Sharlock asked.
"It was a small group that protected the empire in the shadows. They also criticize the empire's action if needed," Melisha answered.
"I see. So you're the one patrolling this area? "Sharlock told the attacker.
"I never said that I'm one of them," he replied.
"Yeah. He's not one of us. So you can kill him," an unfamiliar voice said.
"Who is it now? "Aurdim said as he made a battle stance once more.
"Please calm yourselves. I'm not here to fight anyone, you," she said as she jumped towards their position.
"Captain. Please save me," the attacker cried out.
"Don't worry, Yrda; they're not our enemies. Right? ", she replied.
"Are you one of those White Lunar guys? "Aurdim asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself. I'm Tytia Eimur, captain of the patrol team, the White Lunar Fangs. The one who attacked you is Yrda Morslo, one of my officers," she answered.
"So you're one of them, huh? Why do you keep on denying? "Aurdim furiously asked Yrda.
"To keep my honor, idiot! "Yrda fiercely answered.
"Who you're calling an idiot, huh? "Aurdim uttered it in rage.
"Quite! Both of you! Melisha, unbind him," Sharlock ordered.
"Thank you. I apologize for the misbehavior of my comrade. "Tytia humbly said.
"Don't mention it. If you don't mind, We would like to stay here for the night. We're waiting for someone," Sharlock asked Tytia.
"I guess it's fine. This place could be dangerous at night, but for you, I think it won't be a problem. I'm just wondering, who are you waiting for? "Tytia replied.
"I'm afraid that information is confidential. I can't really answer that right now," Sharlock replied.
"I understand. I'm sorry again for the trouble. We have to go. Take care," Tytia said, then they jumped up and made it out of their way.
"She's strong," Aurdim uttered with admiration.
"But I'm stronger," Sharlock composedly replied.
"I'll still check around the area," Melisha said, then immediately left.
Aurdim created the fire to keep them warm. It will be a long night waiting for their soon-to-be allies. Back to Horkhun village, they're all set to make their way to the Old Ruins. Zaptan, Gaurdon, and Estrow will be the ones to meet them. It will take them a day to get there, but if they'll use their wolf form, it will only last a couple of hours. So they shapeshift to get there as fast as they can.
"Is it worth it? To use this form and consume our life force? "Gauron asked.
"They won't wait for us that long, so we must hurry, or the plan will fail," Zaptan answered.
"I'm sorry for the trouble, guys," Estrow said.
"Would you quit apologizing once and for all? We're not doing this just for you; it's for the empire," Gaurdon said.
"I know. But still, I'm thankful," Estrow replied.
"Whatever. Just keep running until we get there," Gaurdon said.
With their speed, without a doubt, they can make it to their destination before dawn. A strong alliance will rise very soon. Craig was still unconscious, and Dumbo was still worried about him.
"When will you wake up, buddy? Everyone is waiting for you," Dumbo worriedly said.
"Worrying won't do anything; just pray. You humans have strong faith in your god, right? "Ruviel said.
"I've lost my faith since I stepped into this world. I have kept on praying since that day. Until I realized that maybe God had already abandoned me. I will not do such a thing to Craig. I will not abandon him," Dumbo sadly uttered.
"I didn't know you're such a drama king. Don't worry, I can still feel his life force inside him. He's just recovering from the side effects of his cursed power," Ruviel replied. The door opened, and Fellise went inside and came closely to them.
"May I talk to you in private, Sir Serpentis? "She asked.
"No problem," Ruviel answered. "Don't worry, we won't go that far," he told Dumbo. The two of them walked out of the room.
"Let's keep walking," Fellise said.
"You knew I couldn't do that," Ruviel replied.
"Don't worry about those humans. They're safe here. No witch can harm them inside this camp." Fellise tried to convince Ruviel.
"I know. However, there's another threat to their safety," Ruviel said.
"Hmm, you really are a Serpentis. Impressive," Fellise responded.
"You didn't have to be a Serpentis to know that someone from the Royal Houses was pulling strings to slay our newly vulnerable comrade. In fact, the elder already told us before our journey to watch our backs from the likes of you," Ruviel proudly uttered.
"Likes of me? What do you mean? "Fellise asked.
"Those people who keep on hating humans," Ruviel answered.
"The way I see it, you also hated them, right? You even disagreed with protecting them here," Fellise said.
"It doesn't matter if I treat them like that. What's important is the success of the mission the elders gave us," Ruviel replied.
"Just following order, huh? No wonder; the elder makes a great pawn out of you," Fellise said.
"That's the reason why you didn't make it as an elder. You only see your comrades as pawns. You can't find someone to trust if you keep on doing that," Ruviel replied as he walked away from Fellise.
"They'll keep on hunting those two. I hope you have the power to protect them," Fellise shouted.
"If Craig wakes up, he won't need any protection," Ruviel shouted back.
He went back to the room, and he was surprised when he saw Craig out of bed. Dumbo was finally relieved now that his friend was awake and alive.
"What took you so long from your slumber? "Ruviel asked.
"I don't know. I can't remember anything, except when we arrived here," Craig answered.
"You've been asleep for three days. We were worried about you," Dumbo said.
"Three days? Thats so long. Where's Melisha? "Craig asked.
"Something came up, so we need to change the plan a little bit," Ruviel answered.
"We stayed here to watch you. At least until you wake up," Dumbo said.
"Thanks Dumbo. So what should we do now? "Craig asked.
"Take a rest. We'll wait for them until they come back," Ruviel answered.
"It will delay our hunt for the witch queen. We must move on without them," Craig impatiently uttered.
"I said, We will wait for them! And don't say that name ever again! "Ruviel furiously uttered. He released a tremendous amount of his power, resulting in some damage to the room. Craig and Dumbo were terrified. They stay silent for a while. "The plan is still on the right track, so you don't have to worry," he said.
The room was filled with silence. They don't have a choice but to wait for others before proceeding with their plan.
Somewhere in the Lycan Empire, Tytia and Ydnar arrived at the hideout of their group, the White Lunar Fangs headquarters. They went inside a room, where their leader was waiting for them. Her name was Zynell Regur, Zaptan's elder sister.
"How was patrolling? "Zynell asked.
"Nothing unusual, except for a group of vampires camping by the Old Ruins. They said they're waiting for someone, but they refuse to tell me details about it," Tytia answered.
"I almost died at the hands of one of them. If it wasn't for Tytia, I might be in pieces now," Ydnar replied.
"So they're that strong, huh? "Zynell curiously said.
"Yes. But I guess not strong enough for me," Tytia proudly uttered.
"Stop being so arrogant, Tytia, or you might lose your life because of it," Zynell warned Tytia.
"I'm sorry, my lady." Tytia apologized.
"My lady, do you have any idea who they're meeting at that place? "Ydnar asked.
"Yes. I have an idea. They're waiting for my younger brother, who fell from the throne not so long ago," Zynell answered.
"You mean, an alliance between them might form? "Ydnar confusingly replied.
"Yes. I think so. That's the only logical explanation, unless they're out there trying to slay someone," Zynell answered.
"Someone? Like who? "Ydnar asked again.
"Someone like you, my lady," Tytia said.
"Precisely. I have been a problem for the vampires in the past, and I think they didn't forget about it until now," Zynell said.
"This means war! "Ydnar furiously uttered.
"Don't be so quick to assume, Ydnar. The previous emperor had a treaty with them. They're both in a good relationship; that's why our first theory might be right," Zynell said.
"If your brother needs help, why don't he ask for your help? "Ydnar asked.
"He got so much pride. He won't ask for my help as much as possible. After all the trouble I have made against his leadership, I think he's still holding a grudge against me," Zynell answered.
"I see. So what's your plan, my lady? "Ydnar asked.
"Though he didn't ask for our help, we'll still protect the empire in the shadows." Do your usual routine and wait for my order," Zynell answered.
"Yes. My lady. Excuse me," Ydnar said.
"You can go, Ydnar; I have something to talk to our leader," Tytia said, and then Ydnar went outside the room.
"What's bothering you? "Zynell asked.
"I'm not sure about this, but Viego reported last night that the werewolf's forces were getting bigger and bigger. They're planning on taking the whole empire by themselves," Tytia worriedly uttered.
"That's not good. How about the Dalish tribe? They have the best fighters in the empire. They will not fall against those werewolves," Zynell asked.
"That's another bad news. The Dalish tribe refused to join the war against them. Their new chief, Ramphu Dalish, said that they can't fight a war that they didn't even want to start." Tytia answered.
"Ramphu, I remember him. He was one of the missing members of the expedition team sent to the Dark Region long ago," Zynell said.
"This is just an assumption, but what if Ramphu was corrupted by those witches? Now they're controlling him to fight against the empire, so that it will completely fall," Tytia said.
"Fall at the hands of werewolves? "Zynell confusingly asked.
"Yes. Given that the current leader of the werewolves was none other than the fang of destruction, Kharzu Derunda, Who was also a friend of Heimdilfir of hell?" Tytia answered.
"Now it all makes sense. So Zaptan desperately asked those vampires for assistance, but not me?! "Zynell furiously uttered.
"Don't be mad, my lady; I think your brother was not the only one planning this. He was with his two generals, Hekharold and Gaurdon. Not to mention, the Horkun tribe was also giving him aid," Tytia replied.
"I see. You really think this through, Tytia, huh? Good job!" Zynell praised Tytia.
"Thank you, my lady. What's your plan? "Tytia asked.
"My plan? Ahm, ehm, we'll do the usual, I guess," Zynell answered.
"If it's okay with you, I will keep on monitoring your brother's movement, and we'll do what's best for the empire's interest," Tytia suggested.
"Yeah. You can do that. I have high hopes for you. You may go and do your job," Zynell replied.
"Thank you, my lady. I will go now," Tytia said.
She went out of the room and walked along the hallway. She bumped into another member of the White Lunar Fangs. His name is Junir Folak.
"She's too soft as a leader," Junir said.
"You might be right. However, no one can stand against her if she fights seriously," Tytia replied.
"Indeed, we still need her for our plan. We'll just have to wait a little longer," Junir said.
"Everything is in our favor. It won't take that long, you'll see," Tytia said.
"If you say so," Junir said as he smiled.
At last, Gaurdon and his companions finally arrived at the Old Ruins. They say Sharlock and Aurdim are sitting by the fire.
"Where's Melisha? "Gaurdon asked.
"She went to check the area; she will be back soon," Aurdim answered.
"I see. By the way, this is Estrow Euhbit and our Lord Zaptan Regur. I'm Gaurdon Ereke, the peace officer Melisha was talking with." Gaurdon introduced everyone.
"I'm Aurdim Vorkhel, and this is our captain, Sharlock Wihtz. We're with Melisha, and we will help you," Aurdim replied.
"There's only three of you? "Estrow asked.
"Yes. We decided not to involve our main forces on this because it could take too long for the higher-ups to answer your request. Given that it was an urgent matter," Aurdim answered.
"But we will fight a huge army of enemies. We won't stand a chance if we're outnumbered," Estrow said.
"Please listen to them first," Gaurdon told Estrow.
"This isn't a game, Gaurdon; if they're just playing around, we better ask someone else's help instead," Estrow angrily said.
Suddenly, they felt a tremendous amount of magic. Dozens of white swords made up of magic fell from the sky. It destroyed everything around them in an instant; the only thing left was the fire that kept them warm. Melisha saw the attack from afar, so she quickly ran towards where they camped.
"What happened here? "Melisha asked.
"Well, our captain, just show them what we're capable of," Aurdim answered.
"So what did they say? "Melisha asked again as she came closer to them, and she saw Gaurdon and his companion shocked by what they witnessed.
"They're speechless," Aurdim said.
"I hope our number won't be a problem to you, Emperor," Sharlock told Zaptan.
"No. I think we could use someone as powerful as you on our side. Am I right, Estrow? "Zaptan replied.
"Y-y-yes my lord," Estrow stuttered, still shocked by what Sharlock showed.
With the new alliance formed, Zaptan had a little hope of reclaiming his empire from the hands of the werewolves.