68 Victory
Slowly, Michael's consciousness reemerged back into the proper plane of reality. Fueling his mind with a set of lingering thoughts which would always stay stitched into his spirit, and empowering his body with the seven desires. Awakening him from the deep slumber with an intense yet temprary headache that unwillingly held onto his brain.
"I feel....a little fuzzy...."
Both struggling to move and think, Michael was left in the unprotective embrace of the heated dirt for a while longer. Peacefully resting inside the fallen pit now making it's home where the doors of life facility previously stood.
"Damn, that wasn't a dream, right? For if it was..."
But he needed only a second of rest before eventually amassing back the strength to stand. Pulling his well shaped frame up from the dirt and looking over the environment with a more thorough and personal view. Sinking the details of his surroundings down into his brain like a book thrown into a hungry myre. Engulfing each detail with an unparalleled care only found inside the likes of a computer program.
"Not a dream. That was definitely not a dream."
And in the speck of a moment, he managed to fully grasp the transformed piece of property. Feasting his eyes upon the desolated dark brown wasteland that now covered miles upon end. Personally documenting the barren wilderness which coiled around him like a hungry serpent. Glacing his hide with the neutral smell of raw soil and the singing breezes of cold summer air.
'Unbelievable.'
Although he took most sights like this as casual events by now, the memories of when he was possessed by Andev kept haunting his very existence for a reason. Causing a deep frown to engrave itself over his face while he further pursued a sudden realization.
A realization telling him that he was not as incredible as he belived. That he was but a frog at the bottom of an old well. Trapped within a body of still water.
"This should only be a fraction of an origin god's power too..."
Sweat began to drip from the wrinkled skin curving over his naked face. Pushing Michael's state of mind deeper into the realm of amazement and desire.
"Mabye it's greed, or mabye it's the desire to succeed. But either way, whether it is important to my mission or not, I want to obtain this kind of power."
He felt an energized lust and hunger uncontrollably swell up from within the depths of his very being. However, this was a set of desires and feelings belonging not to himself, but to the natural instincts imprinted within the bloodlines stored inside his veins. Both granting him with a euphoric desire for strength and an urgent cry to calm down. The second was most likely from his own will supressing that of the hidden beast's.
Michael felt every moment of the battle. And eventually, the internal struggle spired off from what his subconscious mind managed to handle. Ending up like a car sliding off from a frozen road. Forcing him to temporarily lock himself off from the world and purge the impure and blinding wishes away. Either destroying them or sealing them away depending on how submissive they were.
"Such things can be laid to rest for now...."
Swiftly, he opened his eyes back up to the world. Turning the two yellow slits in a synchronised tact followed bg his tired body. Moving in the opposite direction of where he stood, as if to match something with his frame.
And just when he had switched his stance, Michael halted. Beginning to slowly grin whilst he watched the body of a familiar figure. Returning it's gaze of pure horror with his own predatory glare.
"How kind of him to leave me such a grand parting gift."
Not wasting much time visually feasting upon his thropy, he bendt his body forwards while giving a soft chant. Propelling himself off a short distance away.
"Strider's step."
With a gentle kick, he was ejected off. Quickly landing before his the current objective.
With a bow, he once more went on to greet the girl named Cheryl. Arching his back towards her with a humble move. Almost as if trying to imitate someone of higher status.
"Hello there."
But to this exquisite greeting, her face only seemed to grow pale while her eyes glowed with fright. This, alongside her torn clothes and impared ability to stand, left her only with the choice to sit there and fearfully look at him.
"You.... I am thinking it....But why aren't you dying?!"
Her voice was rigged and hoarse. Most likely an effect from the source bomb that had just smacked against her entire body's cellular structure. Crippling it like a fly after meeting an iron hammer.
She kept starring at the beastman. Trying to summon her powers for but a moment so as to pulverize it. However, her struggles only birthed a horrific look which forged itself over her face. Holding but a candle up to Michael's joyes smile.
But even when faced with her attitude, he did not lose his cool. Continuing ti stare back at her like she was a slab of meat.
"How rude."
Cheryl felt his aura become more and more hostile by the second, and with it's advancement, her body also kept growing more pale.
"W...What are you doing?!"
Her trembling accelerated, and her mind was starting to grow jumbled. Not wishing to belive that her grand life would end in such a pitiful place. In such an insignificant part of the world, and most importantly, In the hands of a wretched animal.
But as she was on the verge of breaking, Michael gave her a weak sigh of relief. Making his grin grow more gentle and kind. Relieving her of some fear.
"Do you know why I eat my enemies?"
His voice was so tender and soft, almost making her completely calm down. However, any thoughts were quickly abolished soon after they were made. Tightening her mental power around the first and last bit he said.
"W....Why...?"
Without any choice left, she only whispered back to him. Feeling her insides on the verge of breaking.
His smile grew more grandiose, and his eyes took on a more golden hew. Changing his aura into that found in a caring friend.
"Because it is what THEY demand. It is the price I paid for THEIR full obedience. THEIR cooperation."
He leaned closer to her deathly pale face. Having only a small amount of distance between their skin. Allowing her to feel the chaotic waves of warmth prick against her outer layer and puncturing into her pores like a set of small pine needles.
However, while she felt his gentle, yet non existent embrace, Michael's voice once more entered her ears. Soothing her mind with it's valoures power.
"But losers are entitled to nothing, and so they deserve only what I choose to give them."
Although Cheryl didn't understand what he said, a jolt of knowledge shot through her body. Revitalizing her slightly.
"For the main and most important reason I do what I do is because it's how I can show respect. The only way I can give some purpose to the grotesque and violent acts I commit."
"And besides, is a predator not entitled to eat his prey? Even if I once was a human, I was never a good one. Mabye these animalistic features and anatomy changes are what I needed?"
She kept listening intently, but his aura kept fluctuating. Sizzling onto her skin like boiling water from a hot iron pot. Not giving her a chance to decipher his words.
"But all those things above are but tools. Tools to help accomplish my mission, my dreams and desires."
Suddenly, the chaotic energy within his body spiked. Making blood start to flow from the girl's nose and causing her eyes to grow bloodshot from the sudden pressure.
"I will finish and fulfill them all, and do you know why?"
Her breathing grew more hurried, and her eyes more diluted. Even her soul felt the need to escape away from him, or it would all soon be over. Pushing her near the edge of insanity.
"Because I am not like you lot. No matter what obstacle I may face, no matter what kind of sacrifice I need to make!"
"I will do it. For it is all for the sake of my own selfishness."
Like a shaken gong, his last words exploded into Cheryl's every fiber. Finally making her snap.
And without any fears for death, she hurriedly screamed at him whilst crying. Demanding he let her go this instant.
"Do not get ahead of yourself, monster! My clan is one of the most powerful forces in this world. if you dare harm me, they will hunt you down until the ends of th..."
*Splat!!*
However, before Cheryl could finish, a jet of water made it's way through her forehead. And the moment it hit, not only was her surrounding skin vaporized or turned into mush, but her entire head collapsed upon itself. Like a black hole turning a planet into ash with it's unparalleled and infinite might.
"The philosophy of others is subconsciously questioned by all foreign individuals. Mabye it's because they all read it differently, perceiving it as either good or bad..."
"Well, I always try to see every idea from multiple points of view, as to not only better grasp them, but to also strengthen my own ability to individually think. For what is a strong body with a weak mind, am I right?"
Michael then stood up adter talking to Cheryl's corpse. Satisfied that he managed to finish his little speech. And of course, his mood became much better. Now turning towards the last nearby body with a smile.
"Hey there, Mister!"
In a split of a moment, he teleported to the distant frame. Looling down at the familiar traits it held with some excitement.
Xalder was entirely covered in blood, his body was riddled with wounds and his breathing was non existent. Sadly leaving Michael with only a corpse.
"No, looks like he is dead. And I really wanted his battle art too.... Well, nice meeting you!"
He wasn't able to find the presence of any other living beings nearby with his bestial senses. And without being in much of a hurry, he just sighed and leaned over. Throwing himself down on the dead body of his previous enemy.
"System, did anything happen while I was out?"
He fell down with a heavy thump. Causing Xalder to jolt up a little before silently settling into the moist soil once again.
And as he waited, the familiar voice and texts appeared in the corner of his vision. Enlarging whenever he focused on them.
'This better be good..'
---
[Several abilities unlocked!]
[New bloodlines gained!]
[New inheritance acquired!]
[New updates have been made!]
---
Happiness of the purest form enveloped him after he saw the rewarding lines of text lay themselves before him. Causing both his award winning smile to return, and grant him with the a feeling similarly found in a small child rumbling within a building sized candy store.
"Show them to me!"
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[2/2 Evolutions available] (new!)
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[Layer(new)]
[Nucleus(new)]
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[Bloodline Combo] (+) (new!)
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[Innate Abilities] (+) (new!)
[Skills] (+) (new!)
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--------
Michael looked over his display with a radiant satisfaction. Demanding to know more of the changes.
'This is slightly different. Are these where all the updates have been made? Then I guess the rest will be the same after reopening it.'
But as he looked over the screen, still feeling giddy with joy, a rippling nervousness came over him. Sharpening his mind onto the translucent box.
"Line up all the changes for me."
---
[Affirmative]
---
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[Level:20/20] (Max!)
[Host has 2/2 Choices for evolving dominant bloodline!]
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[Layer(new): Low Emperor]
[Emperor: Host has successfully advanced to the emperor layer. This will entitle with it the last physical changes internal energy will have on the body. Slowly preparing host to reach the upper echelon of the mortal state.]
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[Source nucleus(new):????]
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"I don't know what the nuclei is, however, I surely will in due time."
Michael looked over everything carefully. Not skipping anything as he silently scanned down.
"Emperor, huh? Then let us strive for Exalted next! Continue!"
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[Bloodline Combo] (-)
[Stem Mass: 0%]
[Stem Mass(new): A similarly seen energy source which helps mutate the body. However, unlike it's counterpart, it now helps host mature bloodlines. All bio mass ingested will help develop [Stem Mass]. Storage is currently at 0%]
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[Ancient bloodline categories unlocked!]
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[Soaring Bloodline]
(Recusant Condor: 100%)
(Light Swan: 10%)
[Light swan: A heavenly fowl only spoken of in legends. It is said to possess the power to bend the light around it, bringing forth plauges or blessings upon those below. It has the innate ability to bend light. [Light fall]
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[Reptant Bloodline]
(Dark drake: 100%)
(Bermuda serpent: 10%)
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[Dark drake: A fusion between an [Essence drake] and a [Shadow wyvern]. It does not possess the might of a real dragon, but it's combat and sneaking prowers are of highest order. It has the innate ability to empower itself with surrounding shadows. [Shadow cloak].
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[Bermuda serpent: A snake said to watch over the islands of [Bermuda]. Guardians of the ancient portals that connect seperate worlds togheter. It has amazing physical strength, and is said to never have lost a battle of contact. It has the innate ability to magnify physical power [Multiplier].
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[Laniary Bloodline]
(Kaberel Keiser:100%)
(Devil Badger: 100%)
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[Kaberel Keiser: A vile beast birthed by combining the feline specie and canine specie. Creating a creature that possesses the powers of both. It has an unmatched combat speed which allows it to effortlessly beat its prey to death with swift and effortless movements. It has the innate ability to use water particles to boost it's movement abilities [Hydro boost].
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[Devil badger: One of the most cursed creature residing within the locked parts of [Bator]. Having a resilience which even rivals that of arch angels, and a wrath feared by even [Fiends]. It has the innate ability to turn it's fur into sin infused shrapnel [Vice rippers].
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[Hominid Bloodline]
(Hel'Ferner:100%)
(Czar Beastlord: 100%)
(Autrarion: 1%)
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[Hel'Ferner: An unstable, demonic being which has been forcefully infused with the genetic codes of both primates and demons. Its an abomination of creation, said to forever crave the death of its makers (Lesser Gods Hel'nor and Chayah). It holds the innate ability to curse it's cells, turning them into an unbreakable mass. [Cursed Limbs].
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[Czar beastlord: A noble race of humanoid beastmen who have been said to rule part of the [beast continent]. They possess unparalleled intellect among beast which allows them to effectively strategize. However, despite their intelligence, their minds often tend to drift into a primal trance that makes them desire nothing more but to shred flesh apart. They possess the innate ability to summon forth the ancestral powers of their predecessors. [Lycanthrope].
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[Autrarion: One of five overlord races of the northern universe. It is an astral being, holding close resemblance to humanoid demons, yet the noble qualities of angels. It was once said to have been birthed from the distorted space existing between worlds. They are tranquil and pure by nature, but can tend to shoe an authoritative instinct when angered. Autrarions possess the innate ability to bend the space surrounding them with the help of their unstable genetic make-up. [Warp].
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[Springer Bloodline]
(Pulsar Deer: 100%)
(Lava Sprite Bull: 100%)
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[Pulsar Deer: A heavenly strider holding close ties with a fallen nature god. It has the power to freely traverse the world around like an astral being. Legend says that some shooting star sightings are just one of these deers traversing through night. It has the innate ability to move at instantonues speeds. [Sky Stride].
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[Lava sprite bull: An animal fusion between an [Iron sprite] and a [Lava bull]. Possessing the qualities of the unbreakable sprite, and the biometric machine that is the bull. Creating the perfect fusion of both, and turning this creature into a force to be reckoned with. It has the innate ability to sear it's enemies into ash with a powerful charge. [Scorch charge].
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[Aphid Bloodline]
(Arthropleura Centipede: 100%)
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[Arthropleura Centipede: An extinct specie belonging to the [Arthropod] group or [Aphids] for short. Said to originate from a forgotten era. This group of animals were supposedly wiped away after an ancestor summoned forth the wrath of a [god of origin]. However, despite their disappearance, some [Aphids] are said to still exist. Hiding away within a locked plane far away. The [Arthropleura Centipede] has the innate ability to irradiate it's exoskeleton, hemming all attacks constructed by energy. [Exoskeleton].
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Genetic storage: Vampire, Wood elf, shard Piranha(new), Bedrock hare(new).
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Michael's eyes almost popped out of his socket after finishing. Unable to fully process the might he had acquired.
"And there is even more.."
He gasped for a whole pocket of oxygen before continuing. Looking for a way to calm himself down.
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[Innate ability] (+)
[Innate abilites: Abilites innate to ones bloodline. They can be accessed freely, but the thinner ones bloodline, the less powerful they will be. Innate abilites can only be found within bloodlines naturaly able to reach the [Middle Grade] or higher. They are also further divided into [Emitting] types which manifest outside the body and [Enhancer] types which manifest on the body.]
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[Emitter: Light fall, Air control, Shadow cloak, Hydro boost, Warp, Sky stride, Scorch charge, [Chimera].
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[Enhancer: Multiplier, Cursed Limbs, Vice rippers, Lycanthrope, Exoskeleton, [Chimera].
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[Chimera: Fuse and manifest the power of all genetic strands and bloodlines which reside within your body. Greatly magnifying your power. Works as both a skill and an innate power.]
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-----------
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With a heavy torrent, Michael exhaled. Basking in the invisible light emitted by the translucent display while having a happy glow radiate from his eyes.
"Amazing! Truly amazing! And last but not least."
He rolled his vision downwards. Causing the display to continue scrolling and show him the most taboo part of his transformation.
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[Skills: Combination of all non-innate abilites]
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[Skills: Mad King's Hammer, Aura Of The Five, Roar of The Quake, Immortal Regeneration, Breathless move, Cloak Of The Beast, Rubber Body, Valor's Voice, Chimera]
(Physique Theft) (Endless Evolution)
(Source Drain(new) (Recreation(new)
(Assimilation(new)
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'So my passive and active abilities have synchronized into skills which can aid me in inside and outside battle. Meanwhile, I have also gained another power category which is made up from my innate abilities.'
With an evident satisfaction, Michael stood up from Xalder's corpse. Not planning to bother the dead any longer.
'The innate ability of this world's creaturs... And I even hold the power to fuse them together.'
'I must further study it.'
And as he balanced himself on his two beastly feet, Michael shut his eyes with the curtain like lids above. Most likely due to him once more running through his current progress. Sending all his new information through the wild river that was his nerves. Helping him both sharpen his spirit and dicipline his mind.
'Nunel, the land next to this one is my next stop. Let's check the map Winter gave me for directions.'
He reopened his eyes again and hurriedly graced a set of silver markings eched onto one of his hardy index finger. Pulling out two objects through a glittering light which momentarily shone out.
While still steadily rooted to the warm ground, Michael looked over both his hands which were currently gripping onto two seperate items. Anchoring them down with all ten of his saw like fingers.
The first one was a rolled up sheet of blue paper. This was the magical map over the human continent. Giving him full view of every province and land.
As for the other one, it was cylinder shaped container. Made from a type of white porcelain, and having several diverse sets of carvings run all over it's body.
He eyed both objects down. However, not long after pondering over which to split up first, his mind naturally seemed to wander over to the container. As this was something he irked to pry open from the first time he saw it.
"Shouldn't be too hard..."
He gently put the sheet of paper under his armpit. Proceeding to lock both his claws onto the cylinder.
And with a mocking smile, he poured his chaos energy into all ten of his thin fingers. Empowering not only the very essence of his cells, but also making the unstable power clatter against the white box.
It only managed to hold on for a second before cracking appart. Shrieking desperately as the casing was smattered into powder.
However, as Michael looked at the collapsing fragments fall, his smile abruptly faded away. Filling him with a complext set of feelings.
For in between his hands laid a beautiful type of flower, closely resembling a rose. Having a green vine lined with several sharp thorns as it's main body, and a gorgeous set of dark brown petals shooting off the top. Resembling a set of antlers.
"What is this..?"
He looked over the flower which at the current moment emitted a calming energy into his body. However, this soothing aura was incapable of removing the new dreadful pain which currently bore into his mind. Shaking it appart like a vase dropped from a plane. Quaking in fear when faced with the forces of reality.
But sadly for him, the surprise was not over. For as he further scanned over the glowing green flower, he found another item attached to it.
On it's vine, tightly curled around like a wedding ring, rested a small piece of wrinkled paper. Seeming to have been desperately bound there by someone under deep pressure.
Michael's breathing accelerated with each passing second until reaching a sudden halt. Forcing him to continue his previous actions.
He moved over one of his hands. Letting the rose rest on top of the now trembling palm. Trying his very hardest not to make the vine lose it's balance and drop down.
With an impatient and swift move, he plucked the piece of paper away from the vines embrace. Opening it with one of his fingers.
The fibers of his long black nails graced against the material. Drawing it open with the generated friction that appeared during the moment of contact.
And eventually, he managed to read the information contained within the fragment. However, what he found drained not only his face of all it's life, but even made his body involuntarily stiffen as he absorbed himself in it's existence.
On the wrinkled white fold, a bundle of text was written. Eched down in what looked like a dried red compund. Threatening to break apart any moment.
But depsite the material being of the lowest quality, it was arched down into the strands of white fibrous textile with a beautiful elegance. Mimicking the handwriting of a higher nobleman, yet imprisoning a horrid sense of guilt behind each word. Making them resonate even deeper within Michael's soul.
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"I leave the rest to you, good brother."
-J
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A short moment went by as he looked down at the paper slip. Staying where he was without moving.
However, while he silently stood there, a relentless burst of wind suddenly knocked into his body. Causing the flower in his hand to fall onto the ground.
it's departure seemed to snap him out of whatever state of mind he was in, making the him refocus his attention onto the unmoving green wand.
And with a thud, Michael fell forwards. Throwing himself down on the soil as to shield the frail rose with his body. Holding onto it with his entire being.
"Forgive me."
His entire frame crackled togheter, and his muscles mindlessly contract. Reaching a degree where they even became visible from beneath the stretched fur seared onto most of his skin. Wanting to break loose from his constraints.
His face then rippled up. Birthing a web of dark blue strings which now ran over all his exposed skin. Curling and intersecting into each other before finally reaching the corners of where his hide formed.
"Forgive me for doubting you."
Michael bit his sharp teeth down in a vengeful anger directed at himself. Grinding the white pillars of sharpened bio steel against each other whilst he reminisced of the last moments he spent with Jenkins.
And right there, in a sequence played from within the depths of his mind, a moment was recorded. The instance where his body had been slammed away by the unknown corrosive force which previously plauged him.
"Yes, that is it."
He seemed to gain a grip after finding the archived memory. Making it replay itself the moment the last traces of the foreign essence vanished. Engraving it's very scent into his fibers and cells. Forcing his body to remember its nature and feel.
"No matter who you are, No matter where you go..."
His bones almost broke under the pressure excluded by his flesh. Even going to such a point where you could hear it break appart under the pure physical strength.
"Know that from this moment on, you, and all the ones you love are no longer safe."
Michael's voice contorted itself like a broken speaker. Twisting and bending as the yellow slits inside his eyes turned dark red. Transformed by the chaos energy inside him moving without any restraints. Overflowing to the point of leakage.
"Know that I will one day find you."
Even his fur started to glow. Radiating with the familiar red light found inside his dark eyes. Lighting up his surroundings like a bright flare during it's activation.
"That I will hunt you."
His burning hide then started to burst with noise, as bolts of red lighting shot out to his sides. Sparkling through loudly as they hit the barren earth. Turning every patch struck down by its gorgeousness into a scorched bundle of steaming black powder.
"And when when your life is tied within my grasp, I swear to you."
And so, Michael finished his oath. Releasing himself from the vengeful shackles which encased his body in their cold aura. Giving him another purpose to seek completion and perfection.
"I will, without fail, strike you down whilst subjecting you to the most unimaginable and vicious sea of torment possible."
His body then burst with power. Sending a shockwave made up from the unstable primal force of disorder everywhere but on the rose below him. Burning into the already mutilated wilderness, and further the pushing the ruined piece of land towards tge gates of hell
.....
Far away from Michaels position, in a land too different from the one he was in, laid a barrent rotten forest.
The trees were green and soggy, the air was crusty and polluted, and the animals there were all beyond anything one would ever imagine. As it was a breeding ground for the most abominable spawns of this world. Yet, also working like a prison.
And within this hell, you would at this point in time find two figures currently talking to each other. Standing in the embrace of the rotten shadows created from all the broken branches above.
"What of the boy?"
From inside the fallen sea, a gentle aged voice echoed. Seeming to come from a set of hovering red dots. Floating next to an item resembling an empty wine glass of sorts.
And before these two ted bolts stood a familiar body of smoke. Having a set of similar green bulbs soften up to it while also bowing down with a submissive aura.
"Forgive me, my lord. But I was only able to get that traitorous elf."
However, this sorry display did not garnish any affection from the first speaker. And not long after they finished the short exchange, the red eyes of the dominant figure lit up. Seemingly getting charged up by the newfound embers of annoyance. Manifesting a desire to punish the incompetent imbecile which was bowing before it. Striking him down like a stray bolt of lightning rampaging down from the sky.
But right before the red lanters burst appart from wrath, an unfamiliar object rolled over from within the cloud of dark smoke. Unaffected by the corrosive powers it supposedly held.
It was a broken purple orb, littered with cracks and ripples. Created by some sort of heavy physical impact which, by looks alone, seemed to have been created from an otherworldly clash.
The darts of red noticed it the incomplete orb and forcefully calmed down. Trying to gain a hint of satisfaction through a faint memory associated with the broken bundle of dim glass.
"I see. Anyhow, we shouldn't need to worry. The family of that banished vampire started to follow up on our tracks. You are to monitor their progress and give aid if necessary."
The aged voice grew a little satisfied as he reminded himself of his new allies and the unexpected course of action. It was grand indeed, and to this splendid suprise, he found himself giving off a weak chuckle before fading back into the woods. Letting his laughter naturally dissipate after taking his leave.
The green eyed individual, or rather, the one tasked to hunt Michael breathed a sigh of relief. Enjoying the fact of him still possessing his life, and that he wasn't required to do any more heavy lifting or clean-ups.
However, just as the one inside the mist took a moment of peace, his eyes suddenly spun around like an overcharged carousel. Running over the surrounding area with the natural glow.
'What was that...?'
He wasn't completely able to identify what this weird sense of urgent danger was, and only managed to read it as an unfamiliar itch that suddenly started to plauge him. Causing a ruly shower of discomfort to scratch against the individuals very existence.
'Must be the after effects of the attack.... After all, I still haven't healed yet.'
Without any better guess, he tried brushing the ich off. Assembling all his concentration onto his hurting left arm. Most likely meditating on the burning phantom pain generated by the loss of a limb.
'Your efforts in protecting the invader was useless. Blame but yourself for your foolish death, High elf.'
And without anything left for him there, the dark smoke also retracted into the fallen sea of green. Not casting another instance of worry to what he was unable to find the origin of.
