"The Lord has commanded me to lead a team to intercept a squad of Cuckoos. Those I have chosen, follow me."
Pilar spoke as he looked over the assembled Blood Warriors. Upon hearing his words, the warriors gazed back with eyes full of hope, each waiting for their name to be called.
Soon, Pilar selected several individuals of notable strength and began the teleportation process through the Blood Pool to a nearby location.
During the time Mohg had spent traveling toward the Academy, the members of the Blood Dynasty had not been idle. Since acquiring the means to use Blood Pools, they had begun establishing them at various points throughout the Lake District.
However, the Blood Pools had one weakness: the blood and spiritual essence within them needed constant replenishment. If left unmaintained, they would devolve into ordinary puddles of blood, losing their supernatural properties.
Because of this, the Blood Dynasty had to regularly recharge them.
Currently, the pool at the headquarters was maintained by the Blood Warriors themselves through ritual bloodletting. Since their blood was of high quality and contained spiritual power, it served as an excellent catalyst.
As for the pools in other locations, they generally utilized the blood of enemies or wild beasts. Fierce creatures like bears and wild boars were particularly prized, as their blood contained the highest concentrations of spiritual essence. In a pinch, sheep or other horned beasts could serve as substitutes.
The location Pilar and his team teleported to was a Blood Pool situated within a cave near the border of Limgrave.
The moment they emerged from the pool, they sprinted toward the coordinates Mohg had given them without a moment's pause. This was their first time carrying out a mission for their Lord, and they had no intention of failing his expectations. They would proclaim their loyalty with the blood of their enemies!
Meanwhile, in the area where Horruf was stationed, the next phase of their operation was in full swing.
With the assistance of the Blood Bats, they had established a temporary Blood Pool beneath a cliff to facilitate the movement of personnel. Now, they were scouting for a more suitable location to serve as a permanent base.
Just as Horruf was preparing to head toward Limgrave via the Blood Pool to survey the situation, a sudden, inexplicable sense of dread rose in his heart.
Sensing a threat, Horruf instantly drew the longsword at his waist. Blood-red flames coated the blade as he unleashed a terrifying crimson sword-light toward the source of the danger.
Boom!
The moment the explosion echoed, Horruf's eyes widened. He realized instantly that his attack had been blocked. He immediately decided to use the Blood Pool to retreat, unwilling to engage in a prolonged struggle with this unknown powerhouse.
"Your strength has improved again, Horruf."
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Horruf froze. He turned his gaze toward the darkness.
Out stepped Mohg, clad in Carian Knight armor. However, blood-red flames seeped from the gaps in the plate, making him look less like a knight of Caria and more like someone hailing from Mt. Gelmir's Volcano Manor.
"My Lord!"
Sensing the familiar aura, Horruf immediately dropped to one knee.
"Mm. Rise. Never mind that for now; let us head to Limgrave. However, you were a bit careless to leave the Blood Pool unguarded."
"Please, punish me, my Lord!"
"No need. It is a minor matter. I simply wish for you all to be more cautious."
"I understand, Sire."
Mohg nodded and stepped into the Blood Pool.
As soon as he crossed over to the other side, Mohg felt several hostile gazes from the surroundings. However, the hostility vanished instantly as they recognized his aura, replaced by deep reverence.
"My Lord."
"Mm. I have come to see how things are progressing on this side."
Mohg gave a slight nod to the men. Horruf followed through the pool shortly after, immediately detailing a few warriors to guard the other side of the portal.
Taking advantage of the moment, Mohg walked out of the cave. Outside, a fierce wind howled, and a beach lay far below the cliffside.
"Where exactly in Limgrave are we?" Mohg asked without looking back at Horruf, who had come up behind him.
"Reporting to the Lord: we are at the border between Limgrave and the Lake District, roughly toward the eastern region. If you head up from here and look west, you can see Limgrave's Stormveil Castle."
Hearing this, Mohg manifested the Aspect of the Crucible: Wings and flew into the air. He glanced in the direction Horruf had indicated. Sure enough, atop a mountain peak where the winds whipped and clouds swirled, a magnificent fortress sat perched in its full majesty.
Unlike the ruined Stormveil of Mohg's memory, the castle was currently pristine, showing no signs of damage.
However, one particular sight made Mohg narrow his eyes: the bridge connecting to the distant... Divine Tower!
"I wonder what the function of the Divine Tower is at this time..."
Mohg rubbed his chin, lost in thought. After all, the current ruler of Stormveil, the Storm Lord, did not possess the power of a Great Rune. This made Mohg curious about what purpose the Divine Tower served in this era.
"Forget it... that has little to do with me for now. Better to focus on the tasks at hand."
Mohg shook his head and flew back down to his original position.
"Horruf, take a team to the southern part of Limgrave to establish a new base and gather intelligence on the region. Mm... I will send another team here later. When they arrive, arrange for personnel to move into the Weeping Peninsula and Caelid."
"Those two regions are far from our current sphere of influence, and we know nothing about them. Be extra vigilant when operating there."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Go then. I intend to look around Limgrave myself. You do not need to follow me."
"Understood."
Horruf nodded and ducked back into the cave to issue the orders.
Mohg then turned his attention to a Blood Bat Harpy standing nearby.
"This mission could not have succeeded without the help of your kin. Is there anything you desire as a reward?"
"No. I only wish to see our people able to live openly in the Lands Between once more."
Mohg nodded at her response. However, he had no intention of letting the matter drop so easily. He began to consider what kind of reward would be appropriate.
Even if his subordinates had no specific requests, as a ruler, he could not truly offer nothing when his followers performed with merit.
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (375 Chapters – Ongoing)
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