Arrival of the Apotheosis of Lineage

Atop the gate wall, Tsyun stood alongside four gatekeepers. Normally, it would be just another uneventful day, but today wasn't normal.

A group of wagons were passing by Krose Village's gate, when they suddenly stopped. A small group exited the wagons, their faces flashing bright smiles that were the epitome of warmth.

Leading the group was an elderly man, though his face seemed to retain a mature youthfulness. Accompanied by his glasses and tied back brown hair, the man seemed to be a scholar.

"Hello, my name is Edalas. I'm a researcher of sorts." The man introduced, continuing strangely, "Actually, I was hoping to meet with your Patriarch, Nero, right? I've heard much about him, and I'm actually hoping to set up a trade between us!"

Gatekeeper Arv glanced at the old man, feeling unsettled, "Nash, Rhen, one of you go get Patriarch Nero. Quick. Edalas, is it? Please wait a moment."

"Haha. Of course, there is no need to be so alarmed."

"A trade?" Tsyun looked at Edalas in a daze.

"A trade! Ahah, Yes! I'm sure it would be very beneficial, even to you, young man! Ohoh, Especially to you. What's your name?" The man continued with a face full of smiles, his eyes beaming as he looked at Tsyun specifically.

"Tsyun...."

The man carefully inspected him, looking towards his bow, "Tsyun? An archer, huh? You have a lot of potential, a lot of potential!"

Before long, the white and black robed Patriarch Nero arrived, showing off his strong aura of half a step into Core Formation. Despite showing his aura, Edalas seemed to be unfazed.

"Edalas, right? You said you wanted to set up a trade between us?"

"Why yes, of course! In fact, we'll both benefit tremendously from this trade!"

"Oh, really? Care to go on?" He inquired skeptically.

"You see, I lead a group of researchers. We are known as the Apotheosis of Lineage! And our topic of research is naturally bloodlines and modification! The peak of bloodlines and modification, of course! Haha!"

The man was full of smiles, clearly proud of his work. Tsyun, the gatekeepers, and Patriarch Nero couldn't help but show faces of disgust at the man's peculiar laughter.

"So, you're seeking us for our bloodlines? I'm afraid I'll have to decline if that's your offer." Patriarch Nero shook his head steadily, his aura erupting, "I'd like to ask for you to leave now."

Edalas smirked, his aura erupting to Core Formation stage 1, "Two can play that game. I'll leave for now, but I'd like you to reconsider my offer. After all, my research into bloodlines is top of the line around here."

"From a glance alone, I can see that Tsyun's bloodline needs but a push to advance to the next level! And I don't intend to be arrogant, but only I can make that push for him. You see, it's simple really, all I want is access to your blood."

"To treat us like cattle?" Patriarch Nero looked the man in his eyes.

"You could say that, but cattle are still treated right, no? Until the end, that is, I suppose."

Patriarch Nero roared, "Leave! Now! Unless you're looking for a fight right now?"

Edalas paused, his hand on his chin as he pondered, "I might be looking for a fight, but I'll decide when. You know, I really wanted to handle this peacefully. This research means a lot to me, and Tsyun happens to be the exact breakthrough I need for my research. Well, until we meet again. Especially you, Tsyun. Please, take care."

As much as Patriarch Nero wanted to punch this guy, the group of people following behind him weren't anything to scoff at. Should this turn into a full fledged fight, without Elder Quint to fight Edalas, he'd be on the losing end.

"Researchers? More like some sort of sick cult." Arv muttered, to which the others agreed.

"Let's up the security. We can't take any chances with this crazy bunch. And Tsyun, head back to your home for the time being." Patriarch Nero turned and left.

This was but a brief encounter, and yet, it would be a turning point that branded itself into the memories of all those affected in the village.

* * *

Two weeks have passed since the incident, and it finally happened.

Gazing over the village was the moon, its light shining with a gentle serenity over the homes below.

In one home, the now twelve-year-old boy, Icrin, lay sound asleep on a small cot as his soft snoring continued.

Just outside his door was a light murmuring, three figures speaking among themselves: Astrona, Ced, and Sil.

The three spoke quietly to avoid waking Icrin, but their voices were dim and their eyes accompanied by grave gazes.

Ced spoke, his gaze stern, "Father, Faline and I will be heading out now."

Faline followed earnestly, "Father-in-law, please take care of Icrin while we're gone."

"The forest hasn't been the same recently... And the recent disappearances! I fear the worst has yet to come. The two of you should reconsider—especially going out this late at night! Why don't I go instead?" Astrona hurriedly spoke, his current attitude a stranger to his usual self.

Astrona paced back and forth, his blue robe hiding the shakiness of his legs, but not the trembling of his voice.

Ced comforted, "Don't worry about it, Father. It's not like the two of us are heading out alone. A few of the hunters are coming along with us, and there are plenty of others scouring the forest right now. We can't wait around until daylight either—Tsyun and his family have been missing for a day already!"

"This damned cult, 'Apotheosis of Lineage,' it's been nothing but trouble since they've appeared!"

"You're right about that, but first thing first, we need to find Tsyun and his family. What happens after that can wait until then. Father, trust us on this?"

Faline echoed with a small smile, "The two of us will be cautious. We still have Icrin to worry about after all. Just leave this to us, Father-in-law?"

Astrona felt his entire body shiver, remaining quiet at a loss for words. Finally, as he clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his own skin, "No matter what, I can't convince you two... Please, be safe... For both Icrin and me."

"We will, Father. See you soon!" Ced smiled, quickly turning his back before even he changed his mind.

"I promise to watch over Ced out there!" Faline quickly followed after Ced, slipping a small envelope on a nearby shelf.

The door shut ever so slowly with a hollow creak, and Astrona's gaze darkened. He released his clenched fists, visibly traced with blood, as he lamented, "I'm so useless... I've been stuck in the 6th stage of Foundation Establishment for how long? But so what? Even if I want to progress—to get even the slightest bit stronger—I JUST CAN'T!"

Astrona felt his emotions flare, he stood up abruptly and knocked his chair over. He raised his arms, ready to swing his fists around in anger before he froze—

"Heh. Hehe.. What am I doing with myself?" Astrona silenced himself, and only when he could hear Icrin's continued snoring, "Sorry, Icrin. I don't want to wake you, but I can't just sit around here while Ced, Faline—everyone else is out their risking their own lives."

Astrona quickly readied his bearing as his gaze sharpened. He hurriedly grabbed his equipment alongside a battle axe, leaving a short note behind for Icrin. "Don't worry, Icrin. Everything will be alright soon, I promise."

Astrona clicked the door shut, and hurried off on his way.

Inside, the snoring stopped, only to be replaced with a soft crying... Today was the day a child's life of simplicity and purity died.

* * *

"Finally!" Astrona's eyes lit up as he neared the large gate which protected the village.

"Huh? Elder Astrona!" One of the gatekeepers exclaimed.

"Arv, Fen! What's the current situation?"

"Everyone's been heading out! Even Patriarch Nero and Elder Quint have headed out." Arv exclaimed.

Astrona's eyes widened, "Huh?! Both of them, then who's watching the village—"

"Don't worry, four of the seven Grand Elders have been tasked with watching over the village. Aside from some Elders and hunters, everyone else is on high alert out there. The four of us have been tasked with keeping track of everyone who's entered and exited the village. Since you're heading out, stay safe out there." Fen grimly reminded, giving an extra glance to Astrona's battle axe.

Before Astrona could respond—

Boom! Boom!

Several explosions could be heard off in the distance, smoke rising from the trees; it was clear there was a fight going on.

"You four, I'll go check it out. Keep watch for anyone returning!"

Astrona hurried into the woods, gritting his teeth "Ced, Faline, you two better stay safe."