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Chapter 92 - The Manipulator

Chapter 92

In the shadow of a colossal neon-lit hotel casino, Rulgar stood among the ruins of his kin's last stand. The vibrant colors flickered like dying stars against the backdrop of an alien sky, and the acrid scent of smoke filled the air, mingling with something more pungent, the scent of blood.

On top of the adjoining storage building close to the hotel casino, Rulgar, who still has a dozen of his warg rider heavy archers, witnessed the slaughter of his entire family. He let out a guttural yell of grief and wrath, vowing to exact revenge on his fallen clan at all costs.

He was aware that defeating the hostile forces that had devastated his clan would require careful planning.

Their greatest error was underestimating humans because they intended to subjugate humanity under their control after seeing that they could employ people as laborers to build their empire and observing the grand structure these feeble and fragile mortals could perform.

The orcs had greater physical characteristics in every way, and they lived longer than the typical human. They had no idea that these same people could murder their own kind so effectively and brutally. Humanity fought back with a passion the orcs had never witnessed before, quickly demonstrating to them that they should not be taken lightly.

As if they already knew that humanity's ability to solve problems in a different way was the Orc race's downfall, despite their strength and warlike nature.

The orcs were taken aback by the strategic tactics and cunning of the humans, who outsmarted them at every turn. It became clear that brute force alone would not be enough to defeat this new formidable enemy. Rulgar needs to return to his home world to report this to their king and master, but the being that opened the portal told them a different arrangement.

"Just kill the humans and claim the land for your own."

Rulgar was conflicted, torn between his loyalty to his king and the realization that a new approach might be necessary for survival. The being's words echoed in his mind, planting seeds of doubt and uncertainty about the future of his people.

"Humans have made amazing things in this world; just overpower them and destroy everything you see."

The humans had underestimated them first; they saw only muscle and might but failed to perceive strategy woven into every Orcish heart.

What started as an attempt to subjugate humanity to enslave them for labor had quickly spiraled into chaos when they realized that these seemingly frail beings were not only capable but deadly in their ingenuity.

Rulgar remembered vividly how each ambush turned into a well-orchestrated counterattack led by human strategists whose tactics outmaneuvered even seasoned warriors like himself.

As he gathered his thoughts amid smoldering ruins, Rulgar felt an unsettling presence a dark energy that shimmered at the edge of perception.

It was then he recalled what had summoned them here: a cloaked being whose motives remained obscured yet compellingly sinister.

"Like us orcs, the human will never let other beings claim their home; our king made a mistake thinking these so called weak beings are easily conquered."

Rulgar knew that the humans would fight fiercely to protect their land, just as the orcs would for theirs. The looming threat of the cloaked being added a new layer of complexity to the conflict, one that would require all of Rulgar's cunning to navigate.

Panic spread faster than wildfire among residents trapped inside entertainment-designed rather than combat-designed walls, and Rulgar watched helplessly as debris rained down around civilians frantically seeking shelter within sturdy metal frames surrounding them—shimmering structures built on innovation rather than brute force.

"Their cleverness has become our bane."

He thought bitterly while surveying the devastation wrought upon innocent lives merely trying to survive amidst calamity that not all humans were foes after all but potential allies lost amid tangled emotions brought forth by grief and violence alike.

"We Orcs might be far stronger than those humans, but they overcame their weakness and found ways to seek answers in their own way."

"Unlike us Orcs, we just wage war and kill recklessly without any plans."

"Lord Rulgar, what should we do now?"

"Lord Rulgar," murmured Tharnak, one of his best archers, a hulking figure marked by scars that told tales of countless battles fought—and lost.

"What should we do now?"

"We need to return home," Rulgar replied decisively, though doubt gnawed at him like a hungry beast inside his chest. "Prepare to leave your mounts; we cannot remain here."

"But what about…" Tharnak hesitated as if weighing unspoken fears on trembling lips.

"The being wearing the cloak?" Rulgar cut him off sharply. "He is entering our stronghold now! We must flee before it's too late."

"Look, he is entering our stronghold; he will face the one that opened the portal."

"The one that opened the portal might look like a young human boy but what inside it is ancient."

"Even if I have to beg," continued Rulgar fiercely, "I will do whatever it takes to ensure our escape." They shared one final glance before turning away from their fallen kin warriors who deserved vengeance but would find none if they remained ensnared in this realm's chaotic clutches.

"We need to go back home."

"All of you, leave your mount and weapons and follow me back to our family and true home."

"Yes, Lord Rulgar, we obey your command."

Meanwhile, the rock golem was still rampaging and made the open, middle-sized open park into a broken battlefield of rubble and debris. The chaos and destruction left in the wake of the rock golem's rampage, and without any enemy to face it just started to reach violently and started smashing the ground like a gorilla, stopping its fist to signify its fustration.

The authorities and knight guild that were able to eliminate their own targets were struggling to contain the situation, with no clear plan on how to stop the rock golem's destructive path. As onlookers watched in horror at the safety of their lock homes , the realization dawned that the place it was summoned was unknown to it.

The hotel casino was still in perfect structural condition the metal frames holding upright were a testament to its sturdy construction. However, the threat of the rampaging rock golem loomed large, causing panic among the residents and visitors who sought refuge within its walls. Many reports came that a few orcs riding on top of some beast were seen running away from the chaos that just happened after summoning the thirty foot rock golem.

The military, including the knight of the area, moved and dedicated their efforts to rescue the people who were still inside the buildings that were inside the two city blocks barricaded area. The good news is that the geographical landscape of the place was somewhat unusual because at the very far east end there was a hill where many old warehouse facilities were located and at the top of the hill was the abandoned construction site. It was said that the landowner had to stop the building and the site was left untouched for years. Despite the challenges posed by the terrain, because the place was surrounded by worn down infrastructure from the old era, where the hill was the location of a huge beer factory,

The beer factory crumbled under their lackluster stewardship until it was sold to Roger Ainsworth, an ambitious hotel tycoon whose name resonated through corporate boardrooms like thunder. He envisioned transforming this storied property into an opulent resort—the largest luxury destination in all regions—while preserving its historical charm. He saw potential in its weathered walls and ornate carvings; each crevice whispered stories from centuries past. To him, every cracked tile was not merely decay but a canvas upon which he could paint his dream. As construction began on that fateful hill a site reminiscent of Leonhardt Maier Siegert's grand mansion

Roger rallied architects and designers from across the world. His plans were ambitious: spa retreats infused with ancient wisdom, high-end boutiques showcasing intergalactic fashion trends, and crystalline pools reflecting celestial skies. But amidst this flurry of activity lay uncertainty; whispers around town hinted at old curses haunting the land. Victor brushed these rumors aside until one evening he collapsed during a routine inspection atop a half-finished terrace overlooking the ocean. A heart attack claimed him suddenly and without warning.

The news sent shockwaves through his empire and left his dream project dangling precariously between reality and myth. With Roger gone, those who remained were left grappling not just with grief but also with questions about loyalty and ambition among rivals eyeing his unfinished empire like vultures circling carrion. Among them were Leonhardt Maier Siegert, Anya Larkspur, and an architect who believed deeply in Rogers 's vision but had always lived in his shadow as an assistant rather than as an equal partner.

Anya had always harbored a fondness for the sanctuary of unfinished dreams that Roger had crafted. With only the underground parking area completed, the main building and lobby stood dormant and abandoned, their potential marred by the dust of neglect. Among the skeletal remains of the construction site, she had spent countless late nights poring over blueprints, illuminated only by flickering screens tucked away in forgotten corners. To her, the structure was more than just concrete and steel; it was a vessel of memories and aspirations, echoing the heartbeat of Roger's vision that still lingered within its foundation.

during late nights spent poring over blueprints lit by flickering screens in dusty corners filled with forgotten memories. Anya Larkspur felt drawn to it not only because she aspired to see it flourish but also because she sensed something deeper within its walls; perhaps echoes from within.

As weeks turned into months after Roger's death, tension escalated among stakeholders eager for control over what remained of Ainsworth Enterprises' assets and ultimately over his estate itself. Anya found herself caught between competing factions vying for dominance while battling her own fears about what would happen if they succeeded in tearing down history just for profit.

Until she was seen hanging dead from the rusted railing of the abandoned construction site, site leaving behind a legacy of mystery and unanswered questions that haunted those who knew her. The investigation into her death revealed secrets that had been buried for years, shedding light on the true motives behind the power struggle that had consumed Ainsworth Enterprises.

Shortly after, odd happenings started to frighten even the most skeptical about superstitions: shadows dancing up the street toward the hill when no one else should be there; sounds coming from empty rooms deep within stone corridors that seemed almost sentient a sigh here, a whisper there as if they were grieving for their deceased owner or clinging desperately to secrets hidden beneath layers upon layers of dust.

Up until recently, the location was forgotten. As soon as the chaos broke out, many reporters and knights gave information that the humanoid looking monsters were seen coming out from the same abandoned construction site. The old warehouse building around the area hides the enemy movements from the public, as many people left the road going up that particular hill leading to the abandoned construction site.

The shattering sounds of battle that once enveloped the area were now filled with eerie silence as the one that created this scenario was now waking toward the construction site, underground parking entrance. Rulgar with his warrior behind him, risks everything to get back to their home world, even at the cost of being seen by the single person that decimated their race.

Ethan led the way through the ravaged landscape, his silhouette a stark contrast against the backdrop of devastation. Each step he took echoed with memories of the destruction that had unfolded, a haunting reminder for Rulgar and his warriors trailing behind.

The air was thick with tension, and Rulgar could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him. He understood that today would be a defining moment not just for him, but for all Orcs. It was a challenge unlike any he had ever faced, a test of their commitment to change in a world where violence had long been their currency.

As they trudged forward, the flicker of Ethan's formidable presence loomed large. The Vermilion Sovereign was shrouded in an aura of blood, an energy that both intimidated and intrigued Rulgar's group. Ethan's voice cut through the heavy silence, calm yet authoritative, instilling a curious sense of reassurance in the chaos around them.

"You made the right decision to leave your weapons and stayed away from the chaos your kind created," he remarked, his gaze steady and unwavering. Rulgar could see the remnants of their past choices reflecting back at him, but there was an unexpected sense of hope woven into Ethan's words.

"You are from a different world , but you can still understand human language ,"

"It only means the being that I an about to face , gave you a dark blessing so you coomunicate in our native tongue. "

Rulgar felt a surge of gratitude towards Ethan for his understanding and support. As they prepared to face the being ahead, Rulgar knew that their bond would be their greatest strength in the battle to come.

"The one you speak off is at the bottom of this human made catacomb.""

The air was heavy with unspoken history, yet within this charged atmosphere, the flicker of redemption sparked. Each member of Rulgar's group felt the weight of their prior actions, the grim realities of their past seeping into their collective consciousness. However, here in this moment, Ethan's acknowledgment served as a beacon of what could be—a potential for change that echoed in the depths of their hearts.

"I can sense that you haven't killed any humans," Ethan continued, his keen observation cutting through the air with a clarity that left no room for denial. "There's no smell of human blood on your bodies." His words, both direct and honest, offered a lifeline to Rulgar. It wasn't just an affirmation of their newfound path; it was a recognition that their choice to step back from the precipice of violence had not gone unnoticed.

The guilt that lingered in their hearts began to dissipate, replaced by the realization that perhaps reconciliation was still possible. Rulgar felt emboldened in that moment, believing that their choice could foster a new narrative—one where understanding triumphed over hostility.

"I know you wish to return back to your home," Ethan said with an air of authority. "I will let you pass, but in return, tell your master or your leader to cease their attacks on innocent humans." His tone was firm, underscoring the depth of his conviction.

Yet there was no malice in his delivery; instead, it bore the weight of responsibility. Rulgar understood the gravity of what was being asked of him. The path forward was fraught with challenges, yet here was a chance to alter the course of history, to be the harbinger of peace rather than a participant in bloodshed.

"Spread the word that there are those among you who choose peace over violence," Ethan urged, his eyes resolute yet laden with a flicker of treat in his tone.

" Go, I will not move from where I stand; inform the one who opened the portal to wait for me."

"I am like you, a hunter and warrior. I do not kill those who are innocent or who seek a different path," Ethan declared, his voice unwavering. The weight of his words hung in the air, a profound reminder of the complexities of their existence. He stood as a figure of strength and conviction, embodying the delicate balance between the hunter and the protector.

With that, he turned and walked toward the portal, a swirling nexus of possibilities, ready to confront whatever awaited him on the other side, a realm pulsating with untold challenges and revelations.

With a nod of gratitude, Rulgar and his companions turned away, the echo of Ethan's words resonating within them. Their hearts were buoyed by the charge laid silently at their feet a message that transcended the boundaries of understanding and ignited a spark of hope.

They departed not just with Ethan's words but with the potential for transformation, armed with the mission to share his vision of reconciliation with their people. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, yet they felt invigorated, united by a shared purpose and the belief that change was possible.

Ethan turned on Blood Pursuit and waited. Ethan's eyesight and awareness abruptly shifted; he was now staring at a world composed entirely of glass, and he could see the blood itself flowing through the veins of living in his field of vision. He saw the orcs entering what seems to be a hole made of energy, indicating it was a th portal and what he saw made his curious as the remain figure was talking to a young child.

What Ethan saw was different from from the remaining orc look like as the blood in his entire body was pulsating. The young boy had no veins. His human looking silhouette only had an orb flowing inside its body, and the boy had no blood inside him.

"Hmm.. A undead?"

"or something else."

Ethan, aka the Vermilion Sovereign, continued his walk as he continued to watch the events unfold. As soon as he reached the end of the second underground basement floor the portal was now slowly closing, behind a ten year old looking boy who was still wearing a school uniform. With a name tag on it.

"oh! Its you , the famous Vermilion Sovereign."

" hello, let me introduce my self I am…"

" Anthony Hernandez."

"huh? How did you know my name,"

Ethan pointed at the young boys name tag and smiled knowingly. "I have my ways of knowing things," he replied mysteriously, causing Anthony to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

" what are you? you look like boy, but you are not alive, a undead!"

"me! Undead don't be ridiculous ! Those rotting things are beneath me!"

"So you are a demon then!"

"What made you say that? I might be a vampire or a ghost for all you know," said the young Anthony with a mischievous grin.

"Either way, I'm not here to investigate you, Anthony."

" that good! I am just here to observe and perhaps learn a thing or two,"

"You made a mistake; I am here to kill you."

"Kill me? But why?" Anthony asked, his mischievous grin fading into a look of concern.

"Because you started this situation."

"Many people died because of your actions, and it's my duty to stop you before more harm is done," Vermilion Sovereign replied coldly.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you continue on this path."

" Huh! I am just testing something; such a party pooper!"

"I don't care about your intentions, only the consequences," Vermilion Sovereign said, raising their weapon. "It ends here." Anthony's eyes widened in fear as he realized the severity of the situation.

"Geezz! Ok fine fine, I will leave then."

Young Anthony was about to vanish when he felt a mild pain on his neck as he vanished into thin air. This annoyed the demon that he felt pain before disappearing.

"Remember this moment, Anthony."

Vermilion Sovereign's voice echoed ominously.

"Next time, there won't be a warning."

"I will remove your head from your already dead body!"