"That's right. And it's why mother is quite a fair bit more attached to you than she would have been." Acialia answered. "So get stronger as soon as possible, alright? Catch up to us. With your previous life's experience I'm sure you'll manage to impress even our great grandmother." She added.
"Elder sister, it might have even been great grandmother who had Vitaliana be a reincarnated human in the first place. She is one of the managers of the system, so it is possible." Fulgiana proposed.
"In that case, I can't let those expectations down. But, if I need to get stronger as fast as possible… I'm going to participate in the destruction of the city in earnest." Vitaliana confidently chirped as she stood on Solaria's palm. To think I'd one day destroy the very same city I had once helped to repair. And all of it was caused by the idiocy of humanity.
"We were planning on it, but now that we know there is at least one of those heretical creatures behind the scenes... I think it's too dangerous for you little sister." Fernia said, out of concern. "It's best if you don't come across that thing. Even I would struggle to put one of their Nobles down." She added, lending credence to her worry.
"What did you see there? One of those fanged undead? Or was..." Solaria asked, growing concerned.
"It was definitely a Vampire... And likely a Noble one at that." Fernia answered. "My connection with the fundamentals of death... Help me get a read on their strength. Also, it's not just one. There are at least 50 that I can sense..." She continued.
Solaria was beside herself. Vampires were only the second worst undead that would come around. While they varied in strength from ghouls to Vampire Lords, none of them should be underestimated. One bite and it's almost impossible to resist their mind control. If someone is bitten on their jugular... they either die, or become a Vampire themselves.
In other words Vampires are the ultimate killing monsters, as they multiply with little to no effort. If that wasn't enough, with a race like humans, who proliferate at an absolutely astounding pace even with their... Limitations as a social creature... A single Vampire could turn a whole city in a matter of a month.
"Those detestable things are as bad as roaches. And now... If some of those Vampires are here. I have no doubt they were survivors from the first development of these heretical weapons." Solaria commented all but grinding her teeth while seething with anger.
"That at least explains why the human's weapons came back so quickly. Even so... I find it hard to believe they would have more than a few of those bombs. But... If they have them, then this fight might already be out of our wings." Flairiana suggested, clicking her tongue at the thought. "That's annoying to say the least. I wanted to give them the most incredible punishment ever. Burning them just before death only to heal them and do it again." She added.
"Agreed, not being in a position to get vengeance for our sisters, murdered by the humans in cold blood… Does not sit well with me." Aieria grumbled, her feelings were quickly felt by everyone around as the wind became borderline violent.
Seeing the reaction the fundamental elements were having with Lesser Elemental Falcons, Solaria's heart warmed slightly. "Don't worry yourselves too much. My sisters and I will deal with those weapons of heresy. But that doesn't mean there aren't more humans and Vampires alike that must be crushed under foot for their transgressions." She said, with a calm yet strict and confident tone, indicating to even the dumbest of people that she wasn't finished speaking yet. "Also, the five of you aren't far off from evolving into Elemental Falcons. Such an advancement is worthy of praise. Acialia you're definitely the closest. But you're all nearly there. You'll soon be able to rid yourselves of the lesser part. At least until you branch into the phoenix evolution." She continued, praising the 5 Lesser Elemental Falcons, and petting Acialia's beak.
There was a bit of silence for a moment as everyone took in Solaria's words. The humans watching this scene unfold before them were doubling and tripling down on their belief in their Lady Eternia. Some straight up declare their faith in Eternia's whole family line.
However, there was someone who was able to maintain their sense of self. Though it wasn't out of malice or even the absence of belief in Lady Eternia. Rather, this man felt compelled to get closer. And once he was 5 meters away from Solaria, he stopped, and kneeled. Not because he reached his desired point. No, it was Solaria who had turned and stared the man down with fire in her eyes, like she was sickened to have him in her gaze. Such a look would very quickly turn anyone timid.
"And what do you want, boy?" Solaria scowled, looking down on the man. "You're bold enough to come this close to me while I'm enjoying time with what's most important, my family. You'd best have a good reason for this." She added, clearly agitated.
I should probably not say anything that would set her over the edge… Though, I'm sure just staring at me is enough to do just that… What a bother this has been, screw that damn city lord and all his machinations. "Honorable and Beautiful Mother of our Lady Eternia, Solaria. I beg forgiveness for causing such agitation. However, I felt something compelling me to deliver this Nagath core here. I can't explain it, but the young bird upon your shoulder, Vitaliana, was it? It's almost like I've seen her before in a different form." Said the man, opting not to mention his name.
The man held out the core in the palms of his hands, in a humble pose as an offering.
Even introducing oneself is a courtesy among humans. It is still not something a god would concern themselves with. So only give it if asked. I hope this was the right thing to do, old man.
"Hmm, is that? That's the core I got when I killed that vile Nagath." Vitaliana said, eyeing the core curiously.