[ Nighttime]:
I had the urge to go on a hunt for what could be causing the Measma Overflow. Far from my expectations, my father held back his questions about where I got the relic for absorbing all that dark energy.
Dawning my pride as a vigilante and my Cheshire mask, I stepped out from my terrace and dived into the unknown. As to what awaited me beyond the shrouded mists of Measma, I knew it,
All I knew, was that I had something worth more than suffering to protect. If it was for them that I had to die a second time, I believed this time my soul would be satisfied. I leapt out the window of my bedroom, my long coat fluttering against currents of air as I made my move. To avoid physical contact with Measma, I wore reinforced gloves. They were much more durable and resistant than my casual pair. The Measma was menacing, cold and left a lasting stench in the nose. The stench was far too reminiscent of rotten flesh.
This meant that by now, the Measma had begun to crystalize. A phenomenon marred by the stench of rotten flesh.
[ Mana Crystalization]: The condensing of Measma or dark Mana in large quantities to create the natural phenomenon of monster spawning or curse spawning. When the process is marred by the stench of rotten flesh, monsters are made. When the process is marred by the constant feeling of negativity, a cursed object is born.
Much to my suspicions, I encountered competition right off the bat.
" A pack of grey fangs?!!! ".
Their fur was pitch black, stains of flesh visible on their barred fangs as the pack of five lunged at me... ...
[ Slash ]!!!
With my divine sword skill at it's lowest rank, I cleaved their heads. It would seem that the relic's crystalization effects are still at it's budding stages . When crystalization is weak, the Mana constructs tend to lack power and drop low rate crystal cores.
" The closer I get to the relic, the more deadlier they should become.
Judging from the immediate density of the Measma... I'm in for a treat!".
My footsteps were silent, my movements taken from the diligent instructions of Mr. Regis. His quickstep and shadow skills allowed him to reach the pinnacle of a personal servant and shadowing bodyguard whiles concealing his presence.
To be able to sneak out of the manner in times like these, I emit a very thinned out webbing of my Mana all around the manner at all time. Like a spider, I can get feedback of the slightest movements.
This should help me avoid any surprise encounters while I'm in the forest.
As I got to a certain region of the forest, I realized something peculiar.
"The Measma is thicker here".
I pondered on whether or not the relic was across the vans-lake. Dashing through the trees, I made my path to the lake until I reached the clearing in the forest that lead to the lake.
" There it is " I thought to myself. In the midst of my celebration, I felt the gaze of an intruder. Reacting quickly, I slid to the left, bowing my body in a stretched position to avoid the dagger that narrowly missed my forehead. The dagger instead got stuck in the hard bark of a Hart Oak tree.
" You're awfully fast! Tell me, are you with the Night Cloaks?!".
The shock on my face was hidden behind my mask.
" How does he know my father's organization?!".
I clasped my fist together, preparing a spell behind my back to salvage the situation.
" Don't be so rash my friend, we have one last guest to arrive before the banquet begins".
He gestured upwards with his left index and in the canopy of a large tree, blonde haired girl hug unconscious by Metallic chains. She had broozes all over her body, which gave me fair idea of how she ended up there. As the wind blew, the currents brushed aside the waves of silky hair. It was at that moment I realized; " I know her! ".
I couldn't fathom the coincidence. Had I not saved her two years ago in this same forest? I wondered . My thoughts were a mess, the sheer coincidence bringing up several questions.
" Why here? And now of all times?! "