The Umbra's Game

"The black wooden peg is to signify that the second form of death has hit the Domain. Unfortunately, the only one that hasn't been hit is the North Albion Domain."

"Now, Baron Tuazon is trying his best to prevent the Umbras from heading there," explained Minwoo, pointing to the South of the Albion domain.

"Then how about the Teuton domain? Out of all the Domains, it's the largest. So shouldn't it be the best place to protect first?" asked Mavislin, pointing to the large piece of land.

"Yes, but Earl Yan has not revealed his status on the Umbras there, so I've left it out," explained Minwoo.

The Valkyrie thought hard. Though it'd been nearly a century, both the underworld and the Arks were still using the old Domains' names as a guide to know which area needed aid or an investigation. It was much easier than to call it by the country's names like normal humans do.

The Domain under Marquess Dalles was the Campania's, the same as the Old Chapel. So the Campania domain was heavily affected, according to Minwoo. But the Domain that had been hit the hardest was still the Urnsfield Domain.

"Hold on," said Mavislin, looking at the map again.

"What's wrong, darling?" asked Minwoo, going closer to the calculative Valkyrie.

"Those with two pegs were used to house the elites and high-ranking Mages. However, that was back when the Congregation had not fallen."

Mavislin looked at Minwoo, eager to know more.

"Minwoo, I need you to tell me the exact number of cases within the South Albion, Campania, and Urnfield domains. And if you can, find out if the victims were human or not. I'm sensing a very power-hungry pattern here," said Mavislin furrowing her eyebrows.

Minwoo sensed the urgency within the Valkyrie's voice and quickly left the room to get all the reports. If what Mavislin had on her mind was true, this could spell trouble for the Arks and the underworld.

As the Marquess quickly returned with all the information, Mavislin urgently took all the documents out. She then placed it all about.

"How many have been affected in your domain?" asked Mavislin.

"40 reported cases. But half has been only following the earlier 'forgotten' pattern," replied Minwoo, looking through the reports under the Campania.

"Exactly half?"

The Marquess firmly nodded.

"Alright, I'm currently doing the Urnsfield Domain's reports. It has about 50 confirmed cases and 20 unconfirmed. Could you help me out with the South of Albion?"

"Of course, right away."

The Valkyrie's look was fixated on each confirmed report. And the result was daunting to the poor girl. Her prediction was accurate. The Umbras were toying with the Arks and Kings of the underworld.

"The South Albion domain as only 20 confirmed cases, all of which are only from the 'forgotten' pattern of death as well," answered Minwoo.

"That explains why the North Albion has been untouched. And I can confirm that the Teuton domain would have 30 cases."

"How can you be so sure?"

"The North Albion domain used to house the newcomers. If what Baldwin claimed was true, that means the Umbras won't be able to satisfy their greed there since there aren't many Mages to feast on now. Most of those areas are humans."

"And all the victims are either Mages themselves or descendants from Mages,"

"But why are the Urnsfield and Campania domains so special?"

"The Urnsfield Domain had been littered with powerful Mages, so the Umbras have a happy buffet there. The Mages there can use five Elements or more. Five Core Elements as well as the two Sub-Elements of Light and Dark. Ten victims for each Element."

"Don't tell me..."

Minwoo looked at Mavislin for confirmation. She nodded as Minwoo gasped.

"But that doesn't explain why they use two types of killing. So why not just use one?" asked Minwoo, raising his eyebrow.

"Because when you are full, you tend to play with your food. The Umbras are vicious, and they know no bounds when it comes to death. This is all an elaborate game in the eyes of the Umbras. And we're letting them fall into their trap," explained Mavislin, clenching her fists.

"I'll try my best to help you out in this situation. I will be mobilizing my best assassins."

"Are they all human?" asked Mavislin, ears perking.

"Yes. Why?"

"Hm... That might work. Since the Umbras are not interested in humans, normal ones, that might work. Mobilize at least 40 assassins."

"One for each case?"

"The Umbras are known for numbers. They try not to feast twice. Once they do so, they turn into the victim they've consumed. They usually feast again when either the body starts to die or after a hundred years."

"Hang on... Repeat that?"

"They become the victim?"