บท 8: Exploration, High-Ranking Defectors
{A/N: Now, now, I took a break as I was going through personal issues but things have stabilized enough for me to continue writing. We are still in the beginnings and will take off around chap 10. Thanks for being patient and reading 😛}
***
Shining brightly above us, the moon cast its light on so below as Lysa carried me onward to the military fort. It was an imposing structure that loomed ahead, like a massive bastion of stone and iron situated about ten miles from the battlefield.
The fort's air was a bit more lively than I expected. I see soldiers with a mix of anticipation and the noticeable residue of past conflicts on their persons and even armor.
As we approached, I noted the fortress's architecture was a blend of ancient and modern designs that have towering spires and fortified walls.
The banners of Nyx, deep crimson hues almost black under the moonlight, fluttered in the night breeze. A silver crescent moon entwined with a thorny vine, the kingdom's symbol, was emblazoned on every surface as a reminder of the ruling vampire lineage's dominance.
The soldiers patrolling the fortress wore armor unique to their rank, lineage, and battalion. Low ranked soldiers wore more practical but still impressive gear, designed for protection and mobility in the chaos of battle.
Higher ranked soldiers' armor gleamed with intricate designs, indicating their status. The higher the rank, the more elaborate and decadent the armor.
Stone buildings and wooden barracks were interspersed with training grounds, supply depots, and command centers, covering at least two square miles. Watchtowers stood at regular intervals, their silhouettes sharp against the night sky, manned by vigilant sentries scanning the horizon for any sign of enemy activity.
Soldiers moved with purpose, their faces set in hard lines. Carts loaded with supplies and weapons rolled by, pulled by sturdy, magical beasts called retire.
'Gosh, why do they look like Shrek's Donkey? I wonder if they speak…' Xenia chuckled to herself, her thoughts entertaining the idea of these donkeys talking. She knew this was impossible. Unless they were magical creatures of course.
Healers rushed to and fro, attending to the injured brought in from the frontlines. The air was filled with the metallic scent of blood and the sharp tang of medicinal herbs.
As Lyra descended, I noted the various platoons preparing for their missions. Groups of soldiers were huddled together, receiving last-minute instructions from their commanding officers.
The tension was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the battles to come. Injured soldiers were being brought in on stretchers, their groans of pain a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict.
Lyra landed gracefully near the medic tent. A team of healers quickly appeared, rolling a gurney towards us. I was gently placed on it and hurried inside, where they began to apply healing magic and ointments. The process was meticulous, ensuring that my body's natural healing wasn't overwhelmed by the magic. They worked methodically, their hands glowing with soft, soothing light.
"Rest now," one of the healers instructed after they finished. "You need to let your body recover."
I nodded weakly, feigning exhaustion. As they left, I allowed myself a few moments to gather my thoughts. Once I was sure I was alone, I created an illusion of myself sleeping soundly on the cot. It was time to explore.
Slipping out of the infirmary, I moved through the fortress with careful, silent steps. The night provided ample cover, and the soldiers were too preoccupied with their duties to notice me. The fortress was vast, stretching over two miles. Every corner seemed to hold a piece of the kingdom's history and current state of war.
The barracks were filled with the weary murmurs of soldiers, sharing tales of battles and close calls.
Training grounds were eerily silent, the usual clanging of weapons replaced by the occasional shuffle of a night watchman.
Supply depots were guarded heavily, stacks of weapons and crates of provisions piled high.
The atmosphere was tense. Despite the relative quiet, there was an undercurrent of anticipation. The soldiers knew another battle was imminent, and the constant flow of injured comrades was a grim reminder of what awaited them.
I scanned the grounds for signs of the leaders, but they were conspicuously absent. Only the four high officers remained, their presence barely noticeable amidst the activity. It struck me as odd. Why weren't they out here, rallying the troops or strategizing for the next assault? My curiosity piqued, I decided to investigate further.
I approached a tunnel entrance guarded by a group of soldiers. Their conversation drifted to my ears as I lingered in the shadows.
"Did you hear about Kira? She survived an encounter with a Hellion Fae," one soldier boasted, pointing to a scar on his face. "We were in the same platoon when it happened. It thought it killed her, but she played dead. Can you believe that? A Novice Warrior against a Hellion ranked demon."
The others laughed, shaking their heads in disbelief. "She's got guts, I'll give her that," another soldier said. "But she's lucky to be alive."
Using their distraction to my advantage, I slipped past them, my presence nothing more than a gust of wind. I jogged down the tunnel at a steady pace, the sound of my footsteps swallowed by the earth around me.
After about fifteen minutes, I arrived at a crude, recently constructed cavern.
Peering inside, I saw the four high officers, including Lysa, sitting around a large oval desk carved from stone. Their expressions were serious, their voices low and conspiratorial.
"I can't believe we're doing this," one of them muttered. "But if we want to survive, we have no choice."
"Whitlock must die," another hissed. "But it has to look like an ambush. We can't take him head-on."
Lysa, her face hard and unforgiving, nodded. "We need to plan this carefully. The next frontline assault is in two months. We'll lure him out, make it seem like the enemy got to him. No one can suspect us."
My blood boiled at their words. Defectors. Traitors to mankind.
Even in my time, there were always those who betrayed their race for power. I had nothing but contempt for them. When the time came, I'd slaughter them like the rest. They lacked pride in their race, their cause, and for that, they deserved no mercy.
"We need to consider Xenia," Lysa added. "She's powerful. If we can convince her to join us, we'll be unstoppable."
Another officer snorted. "And if she refuses?"
"We'll deal with her," Lysa replied coldly. "One way or another."
My face turned unbearably cold. The Kitsune goddess never takes threats kindly. I slipped back through the tunnel, my mind racing.
Back in the infirmary, I resumed my position on the cot, maintaining the illusion of sleep. I had a lot to think about and a plan to formulate.
First, I needed to cultivate both the mage and knight paths. My body is perfect for both. The system, my silent guide, was still with me. I needed to know how many proficiency points I had left.
"System," I whispered, "how many proficiency points do I have?"
"Ten divine proficiency points," the system responded, its voice calm and familiar.
I was dumbfounded. I hadn't expected the three billion points I'd amassed to be gone, especially after fighting Karel, the 20th Demonic Draconian King, and Reiner.
But the system corrected me, and I felt a surge of joy. Ten divine proficiency points were vastly different from regular points.
With divine points, I could access the system's storehouse, housing all kinds of items ranging from cultivation techniques, spell manuals, combat techniques, potions, recipes, array formations, and more. It was a treasure trove of power, waiting for me.
"System, identify what caused my body to not heal after Reiner's sword pierced me. What were its properties, and can I adapt and overcome them?"
"The sword that pierced you, Atom Splitter, is forged from a unique alloy of demonic essence and divine blood," the system explained. "It has the ability to disrupt and sever the connection between body and soul, preventing normal healing processes. However, with your divine proficiency points, you can adapt and overcome its effects by enhancing your body's natural resilience and reinforcing your soul's connection."
I pondered the system's words, feeling a mix of relief and determination. I would adapt, I would overcome, and I would grow stronger.
My journey was far from over, and I had much to accomplish.
With these thoughts in mind, I began to formulate a plan. I needed to quickly cultivate in both the mage and knight paths and with the system's guidance, I could expedite my growth.
"System," I whispered again, "activate the cultivation techniques for both mage and knight paths. I need to be ready for what's to come."
"As you wish," the system replied. "Divine points have been allocated. Commencing cultivation protocols."
A surge of energy flowed through me, a familiar yet invigorating sensation. I felt the cultivation techniques embedding themselves in my mind, the knowledge and power settling into my core. It was a start, but I knew I had a long way to go.
As I lay back on the cot, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but I was ready. The kingdom of Nyx had no idea what was coming.
With my strength, I decided to take a more thorough look around the fortress. The sense of urgency and tension in the air was evident, but it also offered a certain cover for my movements.
I slipped out of the infirmary once more, my steps light and silent as I navigated the winding pathways and corridors of the fortress.
The night was alive with activity, despite the late hour. Soldiers moved in and out of buildings, their faces drawn with fatigue and determination. The fortifications were impressive, with battlements and watchtowers providing strategic vantage points over the surrounding terrain.
I could hear the distant sounds of preparation, the clang of metal and the murmur of voices blending into a constant hum.
Passing through the central courtyard, I noted the distinct groups of soldiers, each bearing different insignias on their uniforms.
Some were marked with the crescent moon and thorny vine of the Nyx nobility, while others bore symbols I did not recognize. I made mental notes of these as I moved along, understanding that this information would be crucial in the days to come.
As I wandered, I encountered various units of soldiers preparing for their missions. There were squads of heavily armored knights, their polished gear reflecting the torchlight, and groups of mages, their robes adorned with intricate runes and symbols. They spoke in hushed tones, discussing strategies and tactics, their eyes hard with resolve.
I paused near a supply depot where crates of weapons and provisions were being loaded onto carts. A few soldiers were taking a break nearby, sharing a quiet conversation.
"The last skirmish was brutal," one of them said, his voice weary. "We lost a lot of good men out there."
"We'll avenge them," another replied, his tone grim. "This war isn't over yet."
Their words hung in the air, a somber reminder of the stakes involved. I continued my exploration, making sure to stay out of sight.
As I rounded a corner, I came upon a training ground where a group of young recruits was practicing their combat techniques under the watchful eye of a seasoned instructor.
"Remember your stances," the instructor barked. "Focus on your form. Strength without control is useless."
The recruits responded with determined nods, their movements precise and disciplined. I watched for a moment, appreciating the intensity of their training. It was clear that the Kingdom of Nyx took their military preparations seriously.
I moved on, my thoughts racing. The fortress was a well-oiled machine, each part working in harmony towards a common goal. But beneath the surface, there were cracks—secrets and betrayals that threatened to unravel everything.
Returning to the infirmary, I resumed my position on the cot, maintaining the illusion of sleep. My mind was filled with plans and possibilities,
As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, I closed my eyes, allowing myself a brief moment of rest.
— ตอนใหม่กำลังมาในเร็วๆ นี้ — เขียนรีวิว
ของขวัญ
-- ได้รับของขวัญแล้ว สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง