Chapter 70
While this happened, the world felt a sudden shift of supernatural cases all over the planet. Certain unseen worlds were showing themselves; these were beings that came from the very imagination of the human race, thought to be all fictional, were now being noticed. Many never expected that many living beings were also living a false life; these people were actually not humans at all. Nobody guessed that being naturally beautiful and intellectually gifted was a sign of being from another world. The realization that humans were not alone in the universe brought about a mix of fear, curiosity, and wonder among the population. was related to the mystical realm.
Many people slowly showed their true nature; some have shown their real physical appearance. These changes created confusion, as many saw their partners in life were non-human in nature.
But because these people were part of a larger community, and seeing that so many unnatural things started to emerge from the other side of the once invisible world, the panic and fear that should have happened never came. Instead, a sense of unity and acceptance began to spread as people realized they were all in this together. The newfound understanding that there was more to the world than they had previously known brought about a sense of awe and fascination, leading to a collective effort to learn and adapt to this new reality.
Some saw this as more individuals transitioned into their true forms, revealing shapes and features that seemed otherworldly yet oddly familiar. Society stood on the precipice of an awakening.
While some were startled or confused by the metamorphosis, others embraced their newfound identities, recognizing that beauty and uniqueness had always existed beyond human comprehension. Hidden among the crowd, a priestess of forgotten lore and a guardian of secrets made their presence known, guiding those willing to explore the mysterious depths of their ancestry.
In this strange new landscape, relationships evolved, and the fabric of community began to weave in patterns unforeseen. Allies and adversaries from ancient tales emerged, reshaping how humanity viewed itself in connection to a broader narrative. Instead of panic, there was a call to unity, urging acceptance of the multifaceted nature of existence. Those who had once felt like mere figments of dreams now walked among the living, sparking a renaissance of creativity, compassion, and understanding. As humanity collectively stepped into this new reality, the world blossomed with the vibrant colors of the unseen, igniting a passion for exploration that transcended the ordinary.
From the streets of bustling cities to the quiet corners of remote villages, the atmosphere crackled with a sense of wonder. Some saw the changes as a call to celebrate the myriad expressions of identity, while others delved into the mysteries of the mystical realm, eager to learn and adapt. Gradually, a new understanding emerged: being ordinary was no longer the norm; the extraordinary had become the fabric of everyday life.
Those who once lived under the illusion of mere mortals found empowerment in their true essence, fostering connections that transcended the boundaries of their hidden pasts. What could have spiraled into chaos instead flourished into a grand exploration of what it truly meant to be alive in a world where the unimaginable had become the everyday.
Within that Time, Ethan and Katarine continued to fulfill their roles as much as they can, Ethan made sure to establish his name and because he was a registered knight he was able to roam areas with reported fractures and personally investigate and hunt the creatures that were harming people, even if most people were had lineage of mystical beings they were to domesticated and lost their powers while they remained on earth for many decades and live a life without using their abilities, but now the two worlds collide and the energy that became stagnant finally regain its vitality , some halflings could fight and defend themselves against lesser creatures that made their life troublesome before.
With these recent changes, it has been confirmed that most of the abilities users inherited were in fact inherited from their bloodline; the abilities might differ in type and usage, but they were still accepted as the real reason why most humans became awakened . And like these halflings, who were more powerful but remained silent, dormant halflings were noticing some of their natural enemies were now coming out into the open.
hurtful and malicious intent, such as the knocker, kobold, phookas, spriggan, troll, and trow, goblins were increasing. They were known to be very vindictive and like to create trouble, while many returned back to their normal lives. These creatures are born of malice, as goblins breed at a fast rate, while trolls can grow as large as fifteen feet. The spider attack wasn't the last one to happen while Ethan and Katherine and all of Siegert personnel were recuperating at the hospital; news spread throughout the country and other major cities. complications from the social standpoint were becoming increasingly apparent. around this area..
As the remnants of mysticism collided with the mundane world, a palpable tension began to rise. Ethan and Katarine, having dedicated themselves to protecting their communities, found themselves at the forefront of this upheaval.
While their efforts to hunt down creatures that plagued the innocent were met with gratitude by some, others viewed their actions with skepticism. The awakening of mystical abilities among certain bloodlines led to a burgeoning subculture that embraced their heritages, yet it also sparked fear and resistance from those who wished to maintain the status quo. The complexities of lineage and magic brought not only excitement but also division; alliances were tested, and rivalries reignited as those who had languished in obscurity discovered newfound powers.
Amidst the chaos, the resurgence of creatures like trolls and goblins further pressed the urgency of the situation. These malevolent beings, thriving on chaos and conflict, exploited the social upheaval to spread discord.
The trolls, rapid in their growth and formidable in strength, posed a serious threat to communities already strained by fear of the unknown. Meanwhile, goblins, with their propensity for mischief and malevolence, escalated tensions by orchestrating petty crimes and raids that targeted the vulnerable. This explosive combination of dormant abilities emerging within the populace and the resurfacing of ancient threats created a landscape fraught with danger.
As the news of these developments spread like wildfire through major cities, Ethan and Katarine realized the responsibility resting on their shoulders. It was no longer just about hunting mythical beasts or enforcing order; it was about uniting a divided community, fostering understanding between newly awakened individuals, and confronting the very real threats that loomed large.
The balance between magic and civilization was fragile, and with every day that passed, the urgency of their mission intensified. In hospitals and makeshift camps, the stories of courage and fear intertwined, each tale threading a narrative that would shape their world forever. As they strategized their next moves, Ethan and Katarine knew one thing for certain: the fight for peace had only just begun.
After a few days , Ethan was able to establish a strong presence in the knight association as he hunted these creatures as much as he could. Many other various knights also did the same; Vermilion Sovereign, the name that most people call him, was leading the hunt.
Katarine was also making news as she used the time to fulfill her promise to those who died at her family business and spent all her energy to push the new re-enforced residential building project; the spiders that swarm their main building weren't able to damage the building, and most equipment was already replaced by my director Monica and secretary Sonia. Even Lush Coco was seen helping out. He was one of those people who were saved because they were at the office that early.
With a four-day period, everyone who were survivors of the spider attack was able to get discharged and help out with fixing their head office. Everybody could only laugh knowing that the explosion that happened at Katarines office happened just recently, and now they were cleaning and fixing the place with a dozen construction teams under Mr. Ross and with the support of Katarines Uncle, who is the president of the Siegert construction company. The team worked tirelessly to restore the head office to its former state, grateful for their second chance at life and determined to make the most of it.
Many halflings that emerge and finally open up the human realm were faced with uncertainty as they were still powerless to fight stronger creatures. Reports of red orcs were spotted and decimated in a few small towns in mountainous parts of the country and vanished and assuumedly migrated to a more suitable remote location.
The halflings began to establish their own secular society, forming alliances with other races to strengthen their position and protect themselves from future threats. Despite the challenges they faced, the halflings remained resilient and determined to carve out their place in the world. Some government officials saw this as an opening to establish their own political influence within the halfling society, hoping to manipulate them for their own gain. However, the halflings remained wary and cautious, determined to maintain their independence and autonomy. To reduce the conflict and negative impact of outside influence, the halflings established strict diplomatic protocols and maintained a strong sense of unity within their community. As they elect a representative to deal with external affairs, the halflings strive to protect their culture and traditions while also engaging with the outside world in a way that benefits their community as a whole.
The 120-hour framework of these implementations and changes was made under the watchful eyes of humanity, as the 12 Apostles used their influence and power to shield and manipulate the sittution as fast, secretly, and effectively as possible. Through strategic alliances and careful negotiations, the halflings were able to navigate the complexities of interacting with other races while still preserving their own way of life if nothing happened. The United Nations also confirmed this new type of community and officially called them Halflings.,
So another branch of the Knight association needed to accommodate this fact; the four pillars of the Knight association, including Mr. Thomas just adjusted the current law that all halflings with inferior ability should just register and gain the same assessment test as their human counterparts. This new law ensured that halflings were recognized and integrated into society while still maintaining their unique cultural practices and traditions. Mr. Thomas worked tirelessly to ensure that the rights and needs of halflings were respected within the Knight association, setting a precedent for future cooperation and understanding between different races.
The current assessment ability users were separated into two categories, combatants and non-combatants. Under these two categories, halflings were able to showcase their skills and abilities in a fair and equal manner, leading to increased acceptance and appreciation within the community. This marked a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity within the organization, fostering a more harmonious and cooperative environment for all members.
Some non combatants abilities were focused on production, resource management, and support roles, as their powers are more inclined to help labor and infrastructure development rather than direct combat. This balanced approach allowed for a more well-rounded and inclusive community, as holding with Elven were magnificent farmers and doctors, while those who have dwarf blood lines were skilled craftsmen and engineers.
If these blood descendants were properly nurtured and supported, these diverse talents and skills could greatly contribute to the overall success and prosperity of the country creating a strong foundation for growth and sustainability in the long term. By recognizing and valuing the unique strengths of each individual, the organization can maximize its potential and achieve greater levels of innovation and success.
With these many revelations, it became clear why certain individuals seemed to shine more brightly than the rest, exuding an elegance and beauty that transcended time. While the world around us succumbed to the ravages of age, these remarkable beings maintained a youthful appearance as if touched by an eternal enchantment.
The answers unraveling before us revealed a breathtaking truth: they carried elven blood coursing through their veins—an ancient lineage credited with grace, longevity, and an ethereal charm that defies explanation.
But this enchanting legacy did not end with physical allure; it also extended to the remarkable talent found in another sphere of creativity. The artisans among us, those who possessed the uncanny ability to construct intricate houses, marvelous vehicles, and ingenious devices, were often linked to a mystical heritage as well.
Under their skilled hands lay the influence of dwarven craftsmanship, celebrated for its sturdiness and precision. Meanwhile, the gnome lineage contributed a touch of whimsy and innovation, while the fairies imparted a profound connection to nature, mastering the delicate art of potion-making and botanical magic. In this intertwined tapestry of bloodlines, it became evident that each person's strengths and gifts were intertwined with the rich legacies of these extraordinary beings, forever enriching our world.
Remarkably, these creatures physical anatomy was similar to any living organism, but the one thing that separated them from mortal humans were the mana cores attached inside their hearts.
Humans have a specific function of their hearts and that is to pump blood and oxygen around the body, but mana cores have a completely different purpose, allowing these creatures to possess supernatural abilities.
The phenomenon of mana cores has captivated the attention of scholars and ability users alike, particularly the legendary core surrendered by the first knight commander. This remarkable orb, measuring no larger than a marble, is not just a mere artifact; it holds a staggering amount of mana energy capable of powering an electric car for an entire day until it depletes. The core's mysterious origins and immense power have led researchers to embark on a meticulous journey to unlock its secrets.
While some have theorized about the core's potential applications, others have delved into the realm of energy transfer. Rumors abound that certain adept ability users possess the rare skill to harvest the life-giving energy encapsulated within the mana core. These individuals can channel the energy into another being, effectively increasing that person's mana capacity. Such practices raise intriguing questions about the ethics of mana consumption and the limits of energy manipulation. As investigations continue, the quest to understand the intricacies of mana cores may very well reshape the landscape of ability users forever, transforming how they harness and utilize their powers in society.
Another exhilarating, long, tiresome two weeks finally came to an end. The relentless nights had tested both the physical endurance and mental fortitude of the knights, who ventured into the darkened streets where shadows danced and threats lingered. Reports of attacks from those monstrous creatures, once a constant source of fear for the citizens, were now under control. The growing presence of the Vermilion Sovereign acted as a powerful deterrent, instilling a palpable fear in the hearts of these vile beings that had once roamed with impunity.
The knights stood unwavering, clad in their formidable armor, ready to face whatever threat lurked in the darkness.
As the weeks wore on, the atmosphere shifted. Each night brought its own challenges, but every successful hunt strengthened the bond among the knights. They fought not only for the safety of their town but for the camaraderie they forged in the crucible of battle.
The knight association had established a new protocol that rewarded their courageous efforts: a bounty of 100 dollars per kill, along with the mandatory collection of the mana core from the slain beasts. This incentivized not only the efficiency of their hunts but also encouraged the meticulousness necessary to ensure that each monster was accounted for. The cores, remnants of the creatures' magic, were specimens of great value, used to bolster defenses and enhance the knights' own abilities.
Ethan's plan to return home was also nearing. Katarine was able to secure permission from her father and grandfather to have the same vacation time with her fiancee, and even Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie M. Siegert finally decided to return to Burghausen Castle to ensure the ancestral castle was free from these vile goblin pests reported to have been spotted near the castle surroundings. These creatures are known to love nesting inside other people's homes, and Burghausen Castle was a target for these vile creatures .
Katarine gave out specific orders to Monica and the directors , including Mr. Davis, who was now in charge of the residential building. She announced that she would be taking a vacation and focusing on personal matters. On the same matter, Leonhardt Maier Siegert, her father, also went to meet with his 3 other siblings.
It might be an unusual situation, but for the two, what's new? The Maier Siegert family was known for their unconventional ways of handling family matters, often leaving others puzzled by their actions. Despite the confusion, they always found a way to come together and support each other in times of need in their own unique and unexpected way. This unorthodox approach to family dynamics had become a trademark of the Maier Siegert family, setting them apart from others in their community.
Katarine was now targeting to get Ethan's parents approval and finally get to know what made Ethan who he was—the fill in parts of his childhood that he had kept hidden for so long. She was determined to unravel the mystery behind Ethan's upbringing and understand the influences that shaped him into the person he had become. Katarine knew that gaining his parents' approval would not only bring her closer to Ethan but also provide her with valuable insight into his past.
As Katarine finally traveled with Ethan to the rural, quiet farming town of Durango, a former mining town and railroad hub that has since expanded to 25,000 residents, she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation and nerves. She was eager to see where Ethan came from and uncover the missing pieces of his life story that had always intrigued her.
During their idyllic days at the rustic farmhouse, Ethan and Katarine found themselves enveloped in a warmth that only family could provide. Ethan's mother showered them with affection, seamlessly embracing Katarine as though she had always belonged. Her hearty laughter and kind words created an atmosphere of acceptance that made Katarine feel right at home amid the picturesque landscape.
Even Ethan's father, Nicolas, beamed with pride whenever he observed Katarine's formidable spirit. She carried herself with a striking beauty, and her sharp, astute nature only intensified her presence, making her seem unapproachably powerful to those unfamiliar with her true heart.
The farmhouse, steeped in history, offered a backdrop rich with memories—each creak of the floorboards telling stories of laughter and love among its inhabitants. The property boasted two barn-type warehouses, each serving its own unique purpose. In one, Ethan found solace and a flurry of creativity, working on various projects that sparked his passion.
The other barn housed the family's beloved cows, their soft moos and gentle presence adding a nurturing rhythm to the farm life that the couple enjoyed. Behind the main house, Nicolas tended to his small forge, the sound of a hammer striking anvil intertwining with the symphony of nature surrounding them. In this joyful setting, the bonds between them deepened as they navigated the complexities of life, their hearts forever intertwined with the land that had come to symbolize their shared dreams and aspirations.
Ethan would now spend his early mornings with his father, while Katarine would spend time with his mother and learn as much as she could. Ethan's mother was a simple woman that deeply cared for her family; having Katarine as a daughter in-law made her smile, and she could see how madly in love Katarine was with Ethan. The two parents have different approaches to handling Ethan's Katarines relationship; they were old fashion but still understand the changes in the world and know that they cannot remain in the past. They never once interfered with Ehan and Katarine's intimate moments when they were alone together. Katarine also gets to train with Ethan and his father in the mountains, learning to hunt and control her flame.
Nicolas, Ethan's father, was an ability user too, but he never once demonstrated it, as he mentioned his ability was molded when he was in the military service, which is why he was able to achieve the highest level of control and mastery over it. He passed on his knowledge and skills to Ethan when he was still young, and now he wants Katarine to learn from it as well, helping her to become a powerful and skilled ability user.
Nicolas Abelard used the same method he taught Ethan: getting randomly attacked from multiple angles would trigger her instinct to react in order to protect herself. While a few miles away, Ethan was using chicken blood to summon his humanoid Blood Phantoms. While he was hunting goblins and other vile creatures, he was able to observe that his ability was still lacking too much precision and control. This realization motivated him to continue practicing and honing his skills in order to become even more proficient in using his abilities.
Summoning the blood phantoms has certain conditions that Ethan gains from his city hunt. Power was indeed related to blood, but he notes that the humanoid blood was not pure, made out of blood but a combination of other materials as well, mostly particles. particles area, the blood was the only component that held the power to summon and create the phantoms. As he delved deeper into his research, Ethan discovered that mastering the manipulation of these blood phantoms required a deep understanding of their origins and properties.
Using chicen blood has the same effect; blood from any living organism could be used to create these phantoms. The allocate mana is still a bit complicated; a certain amount of distance from the prime host was also needed to be confirmed; getting further away leads the blood phantom to loosen its form and become void of connection with the host.
They tend to dissolve and loose mental connection and just stop moving, requiring the caster to maintain a delicate balance between proximity and distance for optimal control. It is crucial to continuously monitor and adjust this balance to ensure the blood phantom remains stable and connected to its host. As of now, Ethan could summon six human-sized blood phantoms with a distance of up to 20 feet between each one. The duration of the summons was around 3 minutes. But as his test progresses, he finds having a much smaller blood phantom increases the nuber to double and the duration of the summons to around 20 minutes.
Nicolas Abelard was able to witness Ethan's new ability while his wife Rebecca was preparing the food they would be eating after their secluded training session near the mountain where they usually hunt , a place that is very dense and rarely gains any visitors from those who were living at the nearest town that their farm is registered in.
The mountain landscape was notorious for its treacherous terrain, with steep cliffs and unpredictable weather patterns making it a challenging but rewarding hunting ground for experienced hunters like Nicolas and Rebecca. Despite the dangers, the couple found solace in the solitude and natural beauty of the mountain, allowing them to hone their skills and strengthen their bond as partners in both life and adventure.
Katarine loved the way Ethan's parents treated her. Rebecca was very soft spoken and really attentive toward everybody's needs, while Nicolas was stern and disciplined, providing a balance in their parenting styles that Katarine admired. The couple's dedication to their family and their farm inspired Katarine to learn more about sustainable living practices.
But she could see that Ethan's parents might look ordinary, but they gave out a sense of unseen skill, wisdom, and contentment that was truly extraordinary. Their simple way of life and deep connection to the land left a lasting impression on Katarine, sparking a desire to incorporate similar values into her own life.
Nicolas didn't even get wierded out when Ethan mentioned his awakened power to control blood, Seeing his son's effort to use his skill properly and effectively, he saw that the blood phantoms, as his son called them, were relaying on Ethan's mana. But mana energy is new to the human realm. Nicolas tried to incorporate his personal knowledge on this, hoping it could lead Ethan to open new doors to this so called mana energy.
Nicolas past as a military soldier is shrouded in secrecy; Ethan never bothers to investigate it, as he sees this as disrespectful to his father's legacy. He understands that soldiers are covered by the task of following orders to fight, defend, and protect lives by any means necessary, mortly, by killing the enemy in the most effective and fastest manner.
Nicolas mind was also calculating and filled with unmatched knowledge from so many countries and different cultures and races, which Ethan found both intimidating and intriguing. Despite the mystery surrounding his father's past, Ethan admired his intelligence and skill in combat, knowing that there was much more to Nicolas than met the eye. Ethan was still having difficulty creating a stable humanoid blood phantom.
"Son, do you really need a vanguard that looks like a person?"
"Maybe you can create a more suitable vanguard to help you on certain tasks."
Ethan just assumed he needed to create humanoid loking summons, because this was what his powers gave him, but perhaps there was another way to approach the problem that would better suit his abilities and goals. He decided to explore different options and experiment with new techniques to see if he could create a more effective blood phantom.
"Dad might I ask , if you needed a vanguard, what would they look like?"
"Wromg question, son, its not about what they look like, it's about what your blood phantoms can provide you."
"Not everybody in a military unit expects snipers; remember, having a unit supporting you is not just extension of your arms and legs."
"Think about what specific skills and attributes you would need from a vanguard in order to enhance the capabilities of your blood phantoms," his father advised.
"Consider how different roles within a military unit can complement each other and contribute to overall success."
"Focus on that first then allocate the mana you will need to summon the vanguard that best fits those requirements." "Remember, strategic planning and resource allocation are key components of successful battles."
Ethan smiles and nods, grateful for his father's wisdom and guidance. He takes a moment to reflect on the importance of teamwork and coordination in achieving victory on the battlefield before beginning to plan his next move.
The only image that came to his mind was that of gray wolves that were rumored to be descendants of the dire wolves, powerful and fierce creatures that were known for their loyalty and strength in battle.
Their descendants are now endangered because people hunted them for more than three decades ago, as humans took over their habitation and killed them because they thought the wolves were hunting their livestock and killing innocent civilians that entered their territory. While their numbers are going up, they can no longer be found on most of the land where they used to live, especially around this particular area.
With this, Ethan was able to create the most effective hunting partners he could possibly imagine, knowing that the wolves would be drawn to the scent of their prey.
Ethan tested his theory concerning the mana cores he has collected and used this as an additional catalyst to his experiment. Would the Blood Phantom summon be any different if he fused the mana cores he got to be any different?
The wolves that manifested from the remaining blood he got from produce was something to behold; it wasn't an average-sized wolf that just stood two feet; these were massive, fearsome hunting beasts that ruled this land millions of years ago, standing 3.5 feet tall . Their fur and bodies were a dark red, blending perfectly with the shadows of the forest as the pack moved swiftly and silently through the trees. Ethan knew he had created a formidable pack that would ensure his success in hunting.
"The question is, how long would this summons last?,"
The Blood Phantom wolves were somewhat irritated, like it was smelling something foul in the air, and Ethan could sense their restlessness. He orders the pact to move out and tend to their reslessness , knowing this was a good opportunity to test their logivity. As they got further away from the prime source, Ethan saw the wolves had already passed the threshold of his mana connection.
It seems these 12 wolves were no longer that dependent on his mana; incorporating the energy from the numerous mana cores he got, these summons were now able to sustain themselves without his direct influence. Ethan thinks this was the outcome he really wanted or he created something beyond his control. The wolves' newfound independence both impressed and concerned him, as he realized the extent of their growth and evolution since their initial summoning. Ethan knew he would need to adapt his strategy moving forward to ensure he maintained some level of influence over these powerful creatures.