Chapter 67: Veins of Vengeance

Amidst the dense, ancient trees of Travian Sierra, the forest murmured with life. Shafts of dappled sunlight broke through the thick canopy, casting fleeting patterns of light and shadow on the ground.

Here, at the crossroads of a winding forest path, three figures stood in silent contemplation.

Vecna, an enigmatic and powerful vampire, was an imposing presence. He donned a dark, hooded cloak that seemed to absorb the sunlight around him. His crimson eyes gleamed with centuries of knowledge and unquenchable hunger.

At his side, a wickedly curved longsword hung in a scabbard, its blade a malevolent promise. Vecna had once been an elderly merchant, but he now wore the facade of his youthful self, granted by the 'Blessing of Blood.'

Viper, the nimble and calculating assassin, exuded an aura of quiet intensity. He was garbed in black leather armor that blended seamlessly with the shadows of the forest.

Twin daggers were sheathed at his hips, their edges as sharp as his cunning mind. Viper's very presence seemed to hum with concealed power, ready to unleash its deadly potential at any moment.

Davian, the valiant and loyal former Imperial Knight, cut a striking figure among his companions. Clad in gleaming silver armor adorned with the insignia of the Empire, he bore a longsword that was the epitome of craftsmanship.

Though his hair had turned from gray to a lustrous black thanks to Vecna's influence, his demeanor remained steadfast, reminiscent of the knights of old.

The trio awaited the return of Rax, the goblin whose loyalty was now bound to Vecna. As the minutes ticked by, an air of tense anticipation hung around them, the quiet broken only by the distant rustling of leaves and the distant calls of forest creatures.

The goblin's absence had begun to weigh on their minds.

'That kid… Don't tell me he took another detour and wastes time for no reason.' thought Vecna while he crossed his arms around his chest, letting the night's wind to blow his blonde hair.

Just when the silence was becoming unbearable, a flicker of movement in the underbrush heralded Rax's arrival. The goblin, his diminutive stature and green skin contrasting with his companions, greeted Vecna with a quick bow, his beady eyes filled with a mix of reverence and curiosity.

"Rax, have you finished dealing with the Mudfoot Tribe?" Vecna's voice was as smooth as silk, betraying none of the anxiety that had been building in his chest.

Rax nodded, a crooked grin spreading across his face. "Yes, they didn't suspect me at all. But, I couldn't get to the Darkclaw Tribe to secure my claim over them. Some still show to be loyal to Gorruk Bloodmaw's Influence."

'This explains now why the brat took so long to return from the Brambleskinner Tribe. He wasn't wasting time, lazing and spoiling himself rotten with goblin women.'

'It's understandable that there should be resistance building up in different groups of goblins who might have been truly loyal to their Chieftain.'

'Once I kill the Venomtongue Chieftain, I'll teach Rax a trick that would sway most goblins at his side.'

'Give a goblin some nice clothes and sparkling objects, and they follow you unconditionally.'

Vecna's crimson eyes regarded the goblin thoughtfully. "You'll do it later. Our immediate concern is the Venomtongue Tribe. We'll make our way there first, and then to the Skullsplitter Tribe. Finally, we'll confront the Grimtooth Tribe."

"We'll deal with all of the Tribes?? I don't think I'm ready yet to become a King like Grimbark," Rax hesitated, his voice quivering with a mix of fear and uncertainty.

Vecna turned to face the goblin, his crimson eyes piercing through the dimly lit forest. "You need to ready yourself," he stated with a tone of unwavering conviction. "If you miss this chance, there will not be a second chance. Be ready to play the act of your life tonight."

"Grimbark is watching over you, Rax. Don't forget to give him your prayers once you feel in danger."

Rax's gaze met Vecna's, and the goblin nodded, a newfound resolve flickering in his eyes. He understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of their mission. With a deep breath, he steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead, determined to prove himself worthy of Vecna's trust and the role that awaited him.

While Vecna is giving Rax the needed impulse to deliver 120% from his goblin body, Viper could see how the little goblin showed loyalty to Vecna, and what was even stranger was that his name appeared to be Green, signaling that he was a 'friendly' NPC at least with him.

He got further interested in this goblin wearing human clothes, and as they were traveling toward the Venomtongue Tribe, he made some mental points about Rax, and what Vecna actually intended to do by killing the Goblins.

'So, he thinks about taking over the Goblins by investing in an 'Friendly' Goblin NPC. That's an interesting notion in itself, and I doubt many players think of building their power base in such fashion.'

The crossroads, both literal and symbolic, marked a turning point in their journey. With their roles defined and the plan in place, they moved forward, each step bringing them closer to the heart of the Goblin Tribes' territory.

Infiltrating the Venomtongue Tribe was a silent dance of death, where each step had to be measured with precision.

The dense forested area of Travian Sierra had concealed them well as they approached the tribe, shrouded in the cloak of shadows. The three figures—Vecna, Viper, and Davian—moved as one, their purpose clear and deadly.

Vecna's pale, vampiric skin seemed to absorb the moonlight as he led the way, his 'Shadowed Talon' glinting menacingly in the dim light. He moved with a predatory grace, his crimson eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

Viper, the rogue, moved stealthily in the shadows, his leather-clad form barely making a sound as he ghosted through the underbrush. His daggers were ready, eager for the sensation of flesh beneath their blades.

His dark, inscrutable eyes surveyed the terrain, searching for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Davian, the recently rejuvenated knight, followed close behind, his rusted but mighty longsword gleaming with a faint, ethereal aura. His eyes were vigilant, watching their flanks for any unexpected threats.

As they neared the Venomtongue Tribe's perimeter, Vecna spoke in hushed tones. "Remember the plan. Dismantle their resistance by taking down Goblin Patrols and Scouts first. Once inside the tribe, target the solo Goblin Warriors. If you can't find any, we set the tribe on fire."

"Chaos will be our ally."

Davian nodded in agreement, his experience as an Imperial Knight making him appreciate the strategic finesse behind this plan. "It's akin to hurting them at what they're best at—backstabbing us from the shadows."

The trio moved further into the Venomtongue Tribe's territory, where the goblin structures, constructed haphazardly, loomed in the eerie moonlight. The sight was both fascinating and unsettling. Each step they took was a step deeper into a hostile realm.

Vecna and Viper wasted no time. As they encountered Goblin Patrols, their lethal efficiency was on full display. Vecna's 'Advanced Swordsmanship' and Viper's rogue skills ensured that the goblins met swift and silent deaths. The ground was soon littered with lifeless, diminutive bodies.

Davian joined the fray, though he was less graceful compared to the two shadowy figures. Still, his Imperial Swordsmanship allowed him to cut through the goblins with ease, his every movement precise and deadly. He refrained from provoking the entire tribe to avoid overwhelming them with numbers.

Vecna, who had previously given Rax the opportunity to shine, couldn't help but sneak glances at Viper and Davian, assessing their abilities. He was particularly interested in how Viper handled this deadly dance, given the rogue's penchant for subtlety and precision.

Meanwhile, Rax, the goblin who had been put on watch duty, remained vigilant, ready to take over the remnants of the Venomtongue Goblins when the time came. His loyalty to Vecna was unwavering, and his goblin instincts honed by power pushed him to excel.

As the trio continued their calculated slaughter, a new group of players ventured into the Venomtongue Tribe, unaware of the carnage that had already unfolded. Their arrival signaled a potential threat, and Rax, having reached a level of power unimaginable for a goblin, began to shadow their movements.

His 'Demonic Horn' gripped firmly, he was prepared to defend Vecna's intricate plan at all costs.

'If they are hostile, I will kill them…'

'No, first let me see if I can do that without risking exposing myself. I'm far stronger than in the past. I can even use Magic Spells taught by Lady Elysia.'

From the outskirts of the Venomtongue Tribe, Rax, with his newfound goblin instincts sharpened by Vecna's power, had observed the new arrivals.

The five players were clearly unaware of the situation that had unfolded ahead. These adventurers had ventured into dangerous territory, and Rax was determined to protect Vecna's intricate plan.

His small goblin form was hidden amidst the dense foliage, a leafy cloak serving as his natural camouflage. The 'Demonic Horn' he clutched felt like an extension of his arm, and his fingers itched to unleash its destructive power should the need arise.

The leader of this group was Veradin, a necromancer seeking power and materials for his dark arts. He'd been following Vecna's trail, hoping to secure a source of materials for his necromancer class. He had no idea that the goblin tribe would become the battleground for a hidden war.

"My assumption was right. That player Vecna is clearing the Goblin Instances that were in the past a bother for the noobs from Como."

"Kiki, it was a great call to have you Scout ahead using your Sniper Rifle."

At his side was Kiki, the possessor of a Marksman-Sniper Class. She had accompanied Veradin to assist in securing the resources needed for his necromantic pursuits. Her eyes widened as she took in the eerie sight of the goblin tribe, the structures illuminated by a faint, ghostly glow.

"Of course, if we were too close to those three, we would have been dead. Next to Vecna was Viper."

Buno, a burly warrior, stood ready for battle. His weapon was drawn, and his eyes were locked on the strange goblin tribe. He'd heard tales of Vecna's power but had no inkling of what awaited them.

"Don't worry. So what if Viper is here? Once we give a call to Bloodhound saying we found Viper, he would rush here with his entire Black Fang PKers. We'll have the whole Goblin Instance to ourselves."

Tiger King, an agile rogue with feline-like grace, moved stealthily through the underbrush. His keen senses detected the faint sounds of battle, and he signaled to the others to proceed with caution.

"Buno, that would be a dumb act. How certain you could get with Bloodhound in contact? Or how certain are you he will arrive to Como or no, Summit's Crest this quickly? It took us one week IRL time to get here from Earl Zebra's territory."

Pugman, a mage with a penchant for elemental magic, held a ball of fire in his hand. His brow furrowed as he noticed the eerie atmosphere and the distant sounds of combat. He prepared his spells, wary of potential threats.

"Veradin, should I set up my Ward Net and screen out fleeing goblins and blast them with my Lighting Chains."

"Not yet. Kiki, use your Scouting Ability and check what those three are doing right now."

Rax's eyes narrowed as he watched the newcomers. His loyalty to Vecna and his understanding of the stakes drove him to ensure they wouldn't interfere with the plan. He readied himself to reveal his presence at the right moment and wield his 'Demonic Horn' to devastating effect.

Meanwhile, Vecna, Viper, and Davian continued their ruthless assault on the Venomtongue Tribe, unaware of the approaching adventurers. The ground was littered with the lifeless goblins they had dispatched.

The plan was unfolding smoothly, but an unexpected variable had now entered the equation, one that could either aid or hinder their mission.

However, for now the murderous trio advanced rapidly towards the Chieftain's Hut. What usually took Vecna about 30-60 minutes to achieve solo, was done in 15 minutes.

This was a sinister nightmare for the Venomtongue Goblins who, before they could fully grasp the gravity of the situation, found their settlement under attack from three different directions. The flames flickered ominously, casting eerie shadows on the panicked goblins as their huts were reduced to ashes.

Vecna observed the chaos with a twisted satisfaction, his crimson eyes gleaming with a malevolent glee. To him, it was like orchestrating a mock-up for a grand battle, and he relished every moment of it. He was the mastermind behind this calculated assault, and it played out like a meticulously planned military operation.

However, as the venomous flames danced in his eyes, an epiphany struck him. He paused in the midst of the battle, momentarily withdrawing from the savage onslaught of the goblins. His thoughts raced, and he devised a new strategy for facing the Orcs.

'I should instigate the Orcs into attacking Summit Crest instead of taking the fight to their camp,' he mused, a sinister grin tugging at his lips. 'With the home advantage, I can open four fronts which would thin out the Orcs.'

He continued his mental planning, oblivious to the chaos around him. His mind worked like a well-oiled machine, weaving intricate plots to further his ambitions.

'Huhuhu, and with the new parties of players,' he thought, his crimson eyes narrowing with predatory intent, 'I should take full advantage of their bodies. Once I return back to Town, I should have Reginald issue quests to the players. The rewards? I'll use the Guild Hall's system of rewarding based on their merit.'

He savored the idea, relishing the forthcoming chaos. "You kill Orcs, take their ears," he muttered to himself, "once the war is done, present your trophies to the Town Hall, and you shall be rewarded."

'This will catch more players once news spreads on the Forum.'

While Vecna was lost in his malevolent reverie, a group of five Goblin Warriors saw an opening to strike. They lunged at him, driven by desperation, but Vecna snapped back to reality. His cold vampiric gaze met theirs, and the goblins froze in terror.

With swift, deadly precision, Vecna dispatched the goblins, his 'Shadowed Talon' cutting through their ranks like a scythe through wheat. As the lifeless goblin bodies fell at his feet, he vanished from his spot, using Crimson Dash to reappear near the Chieftain's Hut.

The same could be said for Viper and Davian, who moved like wraiths among the remaining Goblin Warriors. Their every movement was a deadly dance, a symphony of assassination and killing.

Now, it was time for the climactic face-off against the Venomtongue Chieftain, Zarkul Bloodfang, who made his appearance the moment Vecna arrived in front of his Hut.

Zarkul Bloodfang, the Venomtongue Chieftain, was an imposing goblin with scaly green skin, elongated razor-sharp fangs, and striking crimson eyes. He stood tall and muscular for a goblin, adorned in primitive tribal attire, marked by goblin tattoos that glowed with an eerie light.

He carried ancient relics as symbols of his authority, connecting him to his tribe's heritage and traditions.

[Zarkul Bloodfang - LV. 158]

"The rumors of a monster attacking the Goblins was right. Elders, prepare all your Prayers to me. I need all the possible blessings if I'm to defeat such foes."

Zarkul Bloodfang stood surrounded by two elderly shamans. The three goblin figures gazed in horror at the destruction that had suddenly engulfed their tribe.

Zarkul, sensing the imminent confrontation, nodded to the shamans, who began a series of ritualistic incantations, invoking the powers of their ancestral spirits.

As the shamans chanted, Zarkul retrieved an ancient, ornate relic from his tattered robe. The relic was covered in tribal engravings and emanated a faint, eerie aura. With a mischievous grin, Zarkul began a chant in the goblin tongue, one that Vecna couldn't understand.

'Right, I have that Book from Mudfoot. Let's give it a shoot and see if I can understand the goblins.'

[You are using the 'Language Book: Goblin Tongue'. Confirm it.]

'Sure, sure.'

His curiosity piqued, Vecna reached into his inventory and retrieved a recent loot, a 'Language Book: Goblin Tongue,' and quickly learned enough of the language to grasp the meaning of Zarkul's chant.

"O mighty great spirit, wielder of elements and mana, heed our call. Grant your blessings to me, Zarkul Bloodfang, as I prepare to defend our tribe. To protect your children and mine from darkness."

'Heh, quite the heroic chant. So many words, only for this much.'

Viper stopped the great chance of striking down at the Boss Mob, but Vecna stops his attempt.

"Are you crazy? This is a good moment to kill the Boss Mob."

"I really don't care. It's only a goblin. Is not worth stressing yourself over. Just keep quiet and watch."

"This is something I am looking forward to, don't break the spectacle, besides we got uninvited guests."

Vecna's unexpected decision to allow the ceremony to continue perplexed Viper, who couldn't fathom why Vecna was permitting the enemy to enhance their powers.

Viper gave Vecna a puzzled look, noting the striking transformation in his appearance. His hair had grown longer, his skin was paler, and his fangs had extended to resemble those of legendary creatures from human mythology.

Most striking were the sharp claws adorning his hands, a feature humans shouldn't possess.

Zarkul, absorbed in the summoning ceremony, chortled with confidence as he felt the presence of Tusor, his goblinoid ancestor spirit. But to his astonishment, the ancestral spirit didn't address him. Instead, Tusor greeted Vecna, pointing out that the young vampire had arrived faster than expected.

"Young friend, we meet once again. I hope you don't overstrain yourself by taking the fate of my people on your shoulders."

"Not at all, as you can see this time I got more hands to help me clear out the rats." mentioned Vecna while using his goblin-tongue skills that took Tusor by surprise.

"They seem strong, just like you. Well, I would wish I could stay longer for chatting, but your time doesn't allow it, Child of Blood?"

"Wait a bit, this time I would rather have you not give your Blessing so quick."

"Huh? This is strange coming from you. I thought you wished that we get it done so you can rush to the rest of the children lacking guidance."

"I do, but I prepared something else for you. I hope you like my present."

The conversation between Vecna and Tusor left Viper and Davian bewildered. They couldn't make sense of the goblin tongue and found the entire exchange absurd.

However, Vecna's vampiric hearing allowed him to pick up on a commotion at the boundaries of the Venomtongue Tribe. A loud, resolute voice filled with determination reached their ears.

"GRIMBARK, PLEASE GRANT THIS WEAK DESCENDANT OF YOURS, YOUR STRENGTH! LET ME UNIFY OUR SUFFERING PEOPLE!"

"I PROMISE TO BE A GREAT KING FOR THEM!"

Tusor heard that loud and clear since he was connected spiritually with all of Travian Sierra goblins, his eyes watched in the distance before shifting his gaze at Vecna who watched him with an evil smile.

"That's great timing, little Rax. Now, Ancestor, which one would you bless? Who do you see fitting to carry the future of the Goblins?"

"... Hahaha, you actually used this fool to summon me, so you could get the boy under you Blessed? What makes you think I will do that? What if I'm only bounded by the ones possessing the Relic."

"Check the kid again." remarked Vecna with full confidence on his handsome face.

Tusor focused more on Rax's direction, and he felt the Goblin Relic that Vecna passed to Rax from Fangor Brambleskinner's Loot.

"Isn't he eligible for the Blessing?"

"... He wasn't the one who used the Relic, but in my pact with Maglubiyet, he specifically said that each child with his Artifact can be chosen. How did you know?"

"You've been stalking that child for a while. I felt something strange when I was in the Brambleskinner Tribe, but I got it confirmed when I was in Mudfoot."

"GRIMBARK! I NEED MORE POWER TO FACE THE ENEMY!"

"... Hahaha, you've won, Vampire. Show mercy to this other one and end his life painlessly."