Chapter 7: Trouble(1)

  It was almost daybreak by the time they arrived at the area where Karina attacked the convoy and their attackers.

  The moons had already receded and were making way for daytime, the early morning dews caressed the blankets covering those seated at the back of the truck. The reason why they chose to go back to this location was to retrieve whatever was salvageable from the incident, including vehicles...

  At this time, Elijah was behind the wheel while being partially lost in thought but would glance warily at the figure beside him from time to time.

  Karina, seated with her back straight and her eyes closed, her black hair was like a waterfall as it framed her pale face in such a way that you could almost mistake her for a quiet beauty doll. Too bad Elijah knew her too well, though She was an unpredictable one, hence the reason why he chose to keep her close than with his men. Not to mention that his men weren't a fan considering she wiped out a team of their colleagues. Elijah wasn't too bothered as all he had was memories of them and he didn't have much of a direct contact since he awakened in this life.

  He calmly focused on the rearview mirror with green-colored eyes and some lines appeared on its surface,

  [There has been a minor change in your life's trajectory, and have avoided certain death. You have gained 1 status point.]

  Earlier, The moment Karina agreed to go with him earlier, the ominous feeling finally disappeared completely like a lie. His perception appears to give early warnings to him depending on its gravity...

  'I say I wish to live a long life this time but here I am again taking risks' He subconsciously glanced at his chest where the mark of his aether poisoning lay beneath his protective garment.

  He looked up once more and noticed Karina was staring at him at some point...

  "You reek of Death," She started, drawing a frown from Elijah, "Like one who had died several times."

  Subconsciously, he glanced at his crew behind, "..."

  "They've all fallen asleep," as though she was aware of his thoughts, she answered.

  Elijah held the steering wheel tightly while sorting out his thoughts until his knuckles whitened but chose to stay silent, Karina's voice sounded once more, "It's the same with your soul, looks like you don't have much time left either. That was why I suspected that you were a vessel to the Entity, people who reek of death are just perfect for it."

  "This is the second time you have mentioned this 'Entity', what is it?" He tries to stir the conversation in a favorable direction but gets a response he had been avoiding,

  "How do you know who I am?"

  A disturbing Silence hung in the air for a few seconds before Elijah spoke, "I don't know but, I just know..."

  This drew a sneer from the beauty, Elijah sighed as he controlled his expression, "It's like, I have known you for a long time... Not just you, a lot of things appear to be very familiar to me even though I am sure I am just seeing them for the first time. Is that even possible?"

  Karina frowned slightly as though lost in thought, silence enveloped them once more before she suddenly licked her lips, Something she does when she finds something interesting...

  'that's a good sign' Elijah thought inwardly but controlled his expression. Karina finally glanced at him and said, "There is a group of individuals, rare but they exist.

  Memories from their past lives leek to their present life, they're called 'Crozan' which means Visitor in 'Eprun'..." She paused and glanced at Elijah's expression, "Eprun' is dragon tongue, the language of dragons..."

  "I know what Eprun' is " Elijah states as he suppresses the urge to roll his eyes at the situation, after all, he wrote the book himself, and he decided to try taking control of the discussion once more, "I just don't know if they're still alive"

  This drew a laugh from Karina, "I doubt that, The mad men, the Magus of the 4th era made sure of that, Do you know of pathways?"

  Elijah glanced at the radar and noticed that they were close to the site but still responded, "Yes"

  Karina nodded and said, "You know even though one has an aether circuit, and talent to practice magic, they still need a potion pathway to activate their aether gene and grow one's aether. During the fourth era, the mages created a pathway called the 'Elemental Ruler', It needed a dragon's heart as its main ingredient.'

  Elijah glanced at her with a curious gaze, he never expected her to study her history, and based on her initial settings he gave her, it was not something she would normally do. Of course, all this information wasn't new to him as it was one of the main reasons the mages of the 4th era almost conquered the world and even tore the fabric of reality itself for their ambitions. The aether pollution that plagues the world was one of the byproducts of this era and it could even be said that it shaped the present world...

  "Something's Coming!" Karina suddenly yells, drawing him out of his thoughts and waking the others.

  Almost immediately a roar came from above them...

  Vwoom!!

  A massive creature, easily ten meters long, soared above them, its wings churning the air into a fierce windstorm that battered the truck. The shadow it cast was immense, engulfing the vehicle as the crew scrambled to fire at the beast.

  "That's a bear eagle, those things are useless," Elijah muttered through gritted teeth, trying desperately to swerve the truck out from under the menacing creature.

  Karina, unfazed by the chaos, leaned halfway out of the window, her eyes glowing a vivid red as she fixated on the bear eagle above.

  A wild laugh escaped her lips, mingling with the creature's deafening roar as it began to descend

  Balmon, amidst the cacophony of gunfire, hefted a grenade launcher onto his shoulder. He aimed and fired.

  Boom!

  The explosion echoed as it hit the bear eagle, its thick skin singed and a portion of its fur set ablaze.

  The creature grunted loudly but seemed unfazed, swooping down with terrifying speed. It struck the side of the truck with bone-jarring force, sending the vehicle spinning wildly out of control.

  Elijah fought the steering wheel, desperately trying to stabilize the truck, but the impact had been too great. Balmon and the others were tossed from the vehicle, their fates unknown amidst the swirling dust and chaos.

  The truck careened off course, finally crashing into a cluster of white trees with vibrant green leaves. The world spun in a dizzying blur before coming to an abrupt, jarring halt.

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  Silence followed, punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant, fading roar of the bear eagle. Elijah, shaken but alive, blinked through the dust, his mind racing to assess the situation.

  Elijah's heart raced as he clambered out of the wrecked truck while coughing loudly, clutching the black box tightly.

  Dust clung to his skin, and his ears rang from the crash.

  He barked orders, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Get to cover under the trees! Move, now!"

  The men scrambled, firing backward at the beareagle as they retreated, lucky for them, their protective clothing still protected them from the fall.

  Nicolas, pale with fear, stumbled but was pulled up by Sam, who urged him forward with unwavering resolve. Balmon, ever the brave, took his position at the rear, his eyes scanning for threats as they dashed toward safety.

  Karina, however, had no intention of retreating. Her eyes gleamed with a fierce hunger, bloodlust igniting her veins. She moved with subsonic speed, a blur of motion as she charged toward the bear eagle.

  Her laughter was wild and unbridled through the mask, echoing in the air like a war cry.

  The bear eagle, sensing the challenge, roared and flapped its massive wings, generating a whirlwind.

  Karina, unfazed, leaped into the storm with inhuman grace, her body twisting through the air.

  Third-order transcendents were already leaving the realm of mortal bodies and becoming something supernatural, not to mention that Karina was a natural-born Bloodkin.

  Her claws extended, glinting like steel as she tore into the creature's thick hide.

  Elijah watched from the tree line, his breath caught in his throat.

  Karina fought like a demon, her strength and stamina seemingly boundless. She wielded her blood like a weapon, fashioning it into scythes that slashed at the beareagle with merciless precision.

  Each swing left gashes in its fur, painting the ground in crimson.

  The creature retaliated, its metallic tail snapping like a whip. A projectile shot from its tip, but Karina danced around it, using the swings of her weapons to generate enough force to remain in the air, her speed a blur.

  She disoriented the bear eagle with a high-pitched sound, its screech causing the beast to stagger and plummet to the ground.

  But just as victory seemed within her grasp, the air shifted ominously. Elijah's instincts screamed a warning, and his eyes widened in horror. From the shadows of the sky, a larger bear eagle descended—the mother, its wings casting a vast shadow over the battlefield.

  Karina barely had time to react as the mother bear eagle struck, her massive talons slashing through the air. Karina was sent sprawling, her body crashing into the ground with bone-shattering force.

  Elijah's heart sank as he saw her struggle to rise, her regeneration working overtime to heal her wounds

  "Fuck! That's a real 4th order Lord creature, why would they be in these parts?!" Elijah cussed, his voice lost in the roar of the mother bear eagle.

  He turned to his men, his mind racing. "We need to get the supplies and regroup"

  Nicolas hesitated, fear etched into his features, but Tim's firm grip on his shoulder and immature but determined face spurred him into action. Together with Balmon and the others, they dashed back to the truck, quickly salvaging what they could. Elijah joined them, his gaze flickering back to the battle where Karina continued to fight, her blood-weaving weapons that clashed against the bear eagle's ferocity.

  The Juvenile Bear eagle struggled to get back to its feet.

  The air was thick with tension, every moment stretched into eternity as they worked swiftly.

  Elijah's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, torn between aiding Karina and ensuring the safety of his men. As the supplies were gathered, he cast one last look at the battlefield, a silent promise burning in his eyes. Although He had a way to help with the item within the black box, it was something that would only be used as a last resort as the sacrifice involved...

  "Let's move!" he commanded, leading the retreat into the dense cover of the trees. The battle raged on, a symphony of chaos and defiance, echoing in the depths of the forest.

  ____

  Meanwhile, Back in Novar City,

  The sun had begun its steady climb, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of Novar City.

  The chilly morning air was giving way to the warmth of the approaching afternoon, but the brisk wind still carried a bite that nipped at exposed skin.

  Dalia, cloaked in the guise of an 11-year-old breadboy, moved with practiced ease through the bustling market, weaving between vendors peddling their wares and patrons haggling over prices.

  Her eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the crowd for Joss. He was a key figure in the Bluemon Gang's operations, and she had learned that he was the one responsible for sending Aric and Calev's group to test Elijah.

  Her mission was clear: gather information before her noon report to Elijah, and hopefully uncover more about the gang's sinister plans.

  She had strayed into the northern parts of Tower Avenue, the area that used most of Eastern Tower's spawned energy.

  Around her was a symphony of sights and sounds.

  Gears and cogs adorned the buildings, their rhythmic ticking a constant backdrop to the chatter of people and the occasional hiss of steam-powered machines. Dalia's disguise was perfect for this environment—unassuming, yet allowing her to move unnoticed.

  She spotted Joss near a vendor's stall, his thick beard and furrowed brow unmistakable. He was engaged in conversation with a wiry man in a long coat and mechanical eyes, their discussion punctuated by quick glances and furtive gestures.

  Dalia lingered nearby, pretending to examine a basket of fresh bread, her newly improved ears tuned to their conversation.

  "This is getting complicated," Joss muttered, his fingers tapping restlessly against his thigh. "The Serpens brothers and Grey Sharks are onto us, although they still don't have a direction yet but it's only a matter of time. What are the big guys up to?”

  The wiry man shrugged, his voice low and dismissive. "Bluemon's got it under control. You know it's not even our place to ask questions, so why bother?”

  Joss took a big bite from the bubbly snack within his grasp and wiped his left hand on the surface of his coat.

  “I heard something today, They're reaching out to the police chief, trying to secure some... assurances” The wiry man suddenly adds.

  “The police chief has long been in the Serpens Boys' payroll, even those Shark goons pay up... I don't think he'll do anything to affect his money flow.” Joss shook his head while glancing at a random patrol officer walking along the street.

  Dalia's attention sharpened. The mention of the police chief indicated a deeper level of corruption than she had anticipated. Most of this was news to her, and it surprised her how much Elijah and his brothers had sunk their teeth into Section 22, but She noted the tension in Joss's posture, the way his eyes darted around, assessing threats.

  He was nervous, and nervous people made mistakes...

  "And the mecha parts?" Joss suddenly asks, his voice barely audible amidst the market's clamor.

  "They're being procured and moved as we speak," the man replied, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Once we have those, we'll be untouchable in section 22”

  Dalia's mind raced with the implications. Mecha parts were powerful items that were highly sought after, and their acquisition could shift the balance of power in the underbelly of the city, no matter how small.

  ‘No wonder they have begun expanding!’, She needed to report this to Elijah, but first, she had to confirm just how far they'd gone.

  As the conversation continued, she followed Joss when he parted ways with the wiry man, trailing him through the labyrinthine streets. Her transformation ability allowed her to mimic the mannerisms of a street urchin and even improve it, her steps light and her presence almost ethereal.

  She watched as Joss made his way through various territories, his dealings on a strange drug revealing him to be just one of many operatives working under Bluemon's directives.

  She calmly marked these individuals and hoped that their information would be useful.

  The streets were alive with the hum of machinery and the scent of oil, a testament to the city's style.

  Dalia moved with purpose, her senses heightened, every detail absorbed and cataloged. Her task was almost complete, but she lingered a moment longer, ensuring she had gathered all the information needed.

  As the clock ticked closer to noon, she knew it was time to return and prepare for her next task—appearing in the Serpens brothers' territory using Elijah's appearance. The day was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever. But Dalia was resolute, her determination burning bright as she navigated the complex web of intrigue and danger that was Novar City.

  ___________

  On the weathered shingles of 'Little Rabbit' Pub, five youths lounged, their eyes sweeping over the vibrant cityscape below.

  The street was alive with the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the hum of steam-powered aether trucks, weaving through the city's cobblestone veins. Above, the sky was a patchwork of drifting clouds and the occasional airships, their shadows dancing over the rooftops.

  The radio crackled beside them, a tinny voice delivering the latest news. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and oil, mingling with the more pleasant aroma of baked bread wafting from the bakery across the street.

  "The Voridan Floating Islands have suffered a brazen attack by the Shadow Pirates in a bid to gain control over the Skywood tree resource point," the radio announced, the urgency in the broadcaster's voice palpable. "This notorious terrorist organization has claimed responsibility, and tensions are rising across the region!”

  Thomas Serpens, his eyes hidden behind round spectacles, listened intently. His black hair, streaked with the characteristic green of the Serpens lineage, ruffled slightly in the breeze.

  He wore a tailored coat with brass buttons, a vest with intricate gears sewn into the fabric, and trousers tucked into well-worn boots.

  His expression was thoughtful, his mind likely weaving threads of possibility from the day's events

  "Another discovery by the Adventurers Union," the radio continued, "a new natural resource point for Frostfire ore has been spotted near the Southern borders. Negotiations with the Southern Supreme Alliance are underway, though whispers suggest other alliances are vying for a stake.”

  Adam Serpens, sitting beside his brother, seemed less engaged, his attention drifting with the clouds. "They always make us listen to this like we normal folks even care," he muttered, nudging one of the other youths. The youth, a wiry boy named Jack, grumbled in agreement, adjusting his cap.

  "Envoys from Shador City are set to arrive in Novar City this afternoon," the broadcast went on, "led by Grand Magus Cnank Viral, to discuss key matters with the City's Council.”

  Thomas chuckled softly at Adam's complaint, his gaze lifting to the sky. There, an airship loomed large, its silhouette majestic against the sunlit sky.

  The white sails held an insignia of a Black Mage tower...

  "Probably the envoys from Shador," Adam remarked, his voice tinged with a mix of longing and envy. "I wonder if I'll ever board one of those.”

  Jack teased, "Little Elijah has a wish?" drawing laughter from the group. Adam rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a smirk, his posture mimicking a haughty demeanor. "Think what you will”

  Thomas's lips curled into a knowing smile, the kind that suggested plans already forming in his mind. He pocketed his small leather-bound diary, a constant companion. "Don't worry," he assured, his voice carrying both promise and determination, "I'll make sure you board it one day.”

  Adam's surprise was evident, a brief widening of his eyes before his smile returned, genuine and warm.

  "Why are we stuck here, anyway?" one of the youths, a tomboyish girl named Lily, asked. Her red hair was tied back with a ribbon, her goggles resting around her neck. "Why can't we wander a bit, just the thought of how much money we are missing just by sitting here is giving me a headache ugh!...”

  None of them had a solid answer, just shrugs and speculative glances. Thomas, ever observant, shifted the topic. "Has Anyone seen Eli and Charles in the past three days?”

  Adam's expression darkened slightly, a hint of worry crossing his features. "Charles had one of his episodes yesterday," he said softly, "and Elijah's been scarce since. I think something's up.”

  Another youth, Mark, mused aloud, "Think they fought?”

  Thomas shook his head, his gaze distant as he considered the possibilities. "No, things wouldn't be this quiet if they did... Remember, what happened last year?" he replied, his tone thoughtful.

  "I suspect it's something to do with the business. That's probably why we're told to stay close...”, The group fell into a contemplative silence, the city's heartbeat continuing around them.

  Thomas watched the airship fade into the distance, his mind a whirl of ideas and concerns. Whatever lay ahead, he knew it was only the beginning of a much larger story.