17 — End of the Month

A/N: This chapter was difficult to write. At first I thought it would only be 3,000 words, but it somehow kept growing and growing untill it got all the way to 5,000. I'm not sure if I did this one chapter right, and I may redo it and change some things, do let me know what you think.

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The end of the month approached closer and closer as Jennifer trained frequently with Loux. She spent most of her time sparring with the girl, growing quite proficient with casting her spells silently. By now, her glass bolts were accompanied by faint murmurs at best, with Agile being completely silently upon use. She could now launch glass blades without relying on vocalization every two in three casts as well, though the same could not be said for any combat situations yet.

The thing that had surprised her the most though, had been watching Loux use her Skills without saying anything. She’d wondered if the girl had some strange class that only gave her passive skills, but the method Loux had been using was far stranger and far more fascinating. The girl had shown Jennifer that the link to vocalization, which was part of basic manifestation theory, was not limited to magic, but extended to the system itself.

Instead of using words, or speaking a skill out loud, she could train herself to activate the skill by using a different gesture. Something that Loux confirmed, worked with a distinct enough thought as well. She could essentially remap the activation trigger for a skill by practice, a possibility Jennifer had never even considered. The idea opened up many different applications but even more so than that, Jennifer couldn’t help but wonder how the intricacies of an interaction like this worked.

Eager to learn the method, Jennifer had asked Loux for training, but she’d quickly been shown that voiceless Skill activation was a far more complicated task than she’d assumed. She’d continued training the skills, spending the rest of her time teaching the girl on the basics of Magical Application Theory and other Academic topics. A part of her had wondered whether it was a waste to spend time teaching Loux when she would most likely just forget again. But the lessons were entertaining to her, and being able to get back at Loux for being so rough with the combat training was an additional perk on top.

She did not mind the revision either. At some point, she would have the invasion worked out, and when all of it was over, she’d need the knowledge to go to the Academy. Jennifer would not mind spending ten years learning everything she could as she learned all she could about her enemies, and helping Lienmont win the war, before moving in as a prodigy within the Academy, if she even needed that by then.

Besides training with Loux, her time had been spent reading about demons. The library once again served to provide a lot of information about her enemies. Jennifer had avoided trying to pick out anything too obvious in her books just in case she was being observed, but even then, she’d managed to learn a lot about the mysterious enemies the demons presented themselves as.

Unlike all of the other species on Zweiril, there was no single type of ‘Demon’ but instead, a myriad of creatures that fell under the blanket term. The word signified more so than anything, an animosity of these species with the church of Sera, and the Alliance itself, but Jennifer had found magical precedence for such grouping as well that had left her immensely fascinated. Unlike the system, which was maintained by the gods - though this was a topic of heavy debate - monsters were incapable of leveling. This fact had been observed universally across all monster origins and types. The Alliance consisted of the major primary races which had access to the system, humans being the predominant of them.

But, according to some texts, Mages had found another source of magic. Older than the very system that governed her world. The rise of the demons had been linked all the way back to the foundation wars, as the continent had been taken in the hands of people, which had paved the way for the birth of the Alliance.

Jennifer didn’t hold much interest in the historical background of things too much, though she did consider it a fun read if she was bored. The thing that caught her attention was the ties of demons to sources of old magic, which had formed the distinction between them and the other monsters.

Old magic wasn’t anything inherently new. The Dryad’s used a magic source outside of the system, so did the Elven tribes, though that magic was fading and weak. The runes of Giants were also written long before there was any evidence of the system arriving. Even Arcane magic, the basis of the magic used by her, was divorced from the system at its core, which had caused the greatest and longest running debate in Magecraft history. Who had made the system and why?

It had been a topic of many debates, and at this point, Mages considered it foolish to even begin tackling the subject, most agreeing to leave the subject as an unsolved mystery. Leaving the origins of magic aside, a larger question has also arisen upon her discoveries. No matter what source of power the demons drew on for their magic, it was clearly opposed to the gods, who had fought against it, establishing the system. Yet, in that case, how had a demon gained a Mark from one of the gods? Was there conflict amongst the very gods, their quarrels now reaching down to the mortal plane, or was there something else at play, some clue that she still lacked.

The mysterious origin of demons aside, their abilities were largely quantified as having three derivatives. Land, Sea and Sky, with the last somewhat unintuitively representing fire. Any clear differences between the three were difficult to spot, except that fire was the strongest remaining source of demonic magic, being widely used in skirmishes that happened across the border of the Alliance.

As curious as all of this was, it had shown Jennifer little on shapeshifting demons, or even what kind of demon the Mark of Deceit may be. She knew of slither blades, and shadow wraiths and a couple more. But demons were only found in the scarred lands, outside the Allied territories, making any information on them rare.

Jennifer put the thoughts of demons aside. She would have time to think over all of this, but for now, she needed to get her final preparations in place before the invasion happened.

After thinking over how she planned to go through things, Jennifer decided that the safest place to be was most likely the academy. With the magical wards put all over it, alongside the many mages, and the fact that it was on the northern side of the city would mean that it would be the best place to keep her family when the invasion happened.

For both her Master and Rumina, Jennifer had written letters, explaining things. She had not given any details inside, but had warned them enough about what was to come. Beyond that, she could only hope that they got to safety in time.

The last thing that had remained after sending both the letters, and getting permission to visit the Academy with her parents had been convincing her parents to visit the place. She had been unsure on whether she wanted to tell them about what was to come, but remembering how the demons had reached all the way to her home, Jennifer decided to play it safe and keep any details of the invasion and her own Mark hidden.

Taking a deep breath, Jennifer walked down the stairs and found her mother, working on some clothes for Keith. Smiling, she walked up to her mother and glanced at the shirt that had a big hole cut near the belly and shook her head. That little rascal, always poking at things he shouldn’t be poking at.

“Need help with that?” Jennifer asked, trying to get her mother’s attention.

“Hmm? Do you need something Jenn?” her mother asked, looking up in surprise from her chair.

Jennifer’s smile slipped a tad at her mother’s words. “Not really,” she said, watching her mother’s hand move in a steady rhythm as she mended the cloth. Not surprising, given her mother’s profession. ”I was just wondering if you needed any help. It’s not like I only come to help you out when I need something.”

Amantha glanced towards Jennifer, setting the shirt down on her lap. She lifted one hand and began to raise her fingers, one at a time. “Last time you helped me out, you wanted a new enchanting crystal because you cracked your old one. The time before that had been to buy a few more books than you could afford that month for your studies. The time before that was because your father had told you he would get you a lune stone if you helped me out, which had lasted for roughly a day before you went back to playing with magic in your room. The time before that-”

“Alright alright! Sera, I get it. I’m sorry I don’t help you out more often,” Jennifer replied, a flush rising to her cheeks. She really did not help out at her home did she?

“Oh it’s no concern of mine. You’ve always been your father’s girl, studying book after book and only talking about magic all the time. I’d be really concerned if you suddenly stopped that to help out around the home, especially with the Academy opening in just a week,” her mother replied, an amused smile on her lips as she returned to fixing the tear in Keith’s clothes.

Jennifer stood around awkwardly, unsure of how to reply when her mother continued. “I definitely wouldn’t mind spending some more time with my precious child before she leaves her home to be a famous [Enchanter] though.”

The words were like a stab of guilt to Jennifer’s heart. Walking closer, she crouched down near her mother’s chair, and wrapped her hands around the woman’s back, resting her head onto her shoulder. “I’m sorry I don’t help out more often mom. There’s so much happening in my life right now, and so much that I have to prepare for, that I keep forgetting to spend any time with you, or dad or Keith.”

“It’s alright dear,” her mother replied, raising her hand to cup Jennifer’s cheeks gently. “As long as you do well, I’m happy.”

Jennifer leaned further into the hug, enjoying the warmth of her mother’s hands. Her mother could not use mana like all the other members of Jennifer’s family, yet ever since she was a child, Jennifer had had this strange sensation that her mother’s hands were filled with magic.

“What level are you at?” Jennifer asked, eyeing her mother.

Two pair of light blue eyes stared at her in surprise. “You never ask that Jenn. Is something up today? Or are you afraid of finally leaving home?” her mother asked, pulling back her hand.

Jennifer blew the wild strand of hair that had fell over her face in all her snuggling, before replying with a light pout.

“[Head Seamstress] level 29,” her mother replied with a smile.

“Wait what?! You levelled up? Twice? You never told me!” Jennifer exclaimed, pulling back from her mother as she stared at the woman.

“Shhh! Keep quiet,” her mother whispered, glancing to the side. She then leaned in towards Jennifer. “If you agree to keep this a secret then I’ll show you something,” her mother said.

Eyes shining with curiosity, Jennifer nodded, moving ahead.

Her mother dug in the pouch set at the table nearby filled with little needles and spools of threads. Jennifer’s eyes widened in surprise when her mother pulled out a mana crystal from within, alongside a thread spool.

“I’ve been learning how to sew mana threads. One of the [Seamstresses] told me about her daughter learning cloth magic. I knew I couldn’t, but I if it was just working with magic threads? Well, I wouldn’t mind giving your father a surprise by getting a [Manathread Seamstress] class at level 30,” Amantha said, a bright smile on her lips as she ran the mana crystal through a little piece of thread.

Jennifer felt the mana layer itself on the thread, giving it a light glow. “I… how long have you been learning this?”

“Four months I think? It’s been some time,” her mother replied. “Now, I’ll be very cross with you if you tell your father.”

“On Sera’s name, I promise I won’t,” Jennifer replied. She watched her mother’s smile grow wider as the woman leaned in and hugged her tight, and gave her a light peck at her cheek.

“Sera, I still can’t believe you grew so quickly Jenn. You’ll be going out in the world on your own now, joining the Academy and everything.”

Jennifer held her mother’s hand at her words, feeling a light flush rise to her cheeks at being treated like a child. She tried to remember how long it’d been since she’d spent any time with her family. Even before the whole Mark business, she’d been far too busy preparing for the Academy, and her own studies.

“So… I actually did have something I wanted to ask you for,” Jennifer admitted, flushing when her mother laughed out loud, but she continued undeterred.  “I want all of you to visit the Academy with me tomorrow.”

“Oh?” her mother asked, turning sideways to look at her. “That’s quite unexpected. And will the Academy allow that?”

“I’ve already gotten permission. I just wanted all of you to see the place, and well, I also wanted to show Keith a while. He seems interested in magecraft. Which might just be general interest like most young kids, but it couldn’t hurt to see the Academy either way.”

Her mother sat for a moment, as she pulled her hand back. “Hmm, I did have some work tomorrow. But perhaps I can take some time off. I’ll have to ask your father though, but if he says yes, why not? I’d love to see the place too.”

Jennifer smiled at her mother’s words as she pulled herself out of her hug and stood up once more.

“I’ll look forward to it then,” she replied, smiling, as she began to make her way back to her room.

Walking over to her bed, she took a seat, trying to find what else she needed to do but came up with a blank. Everything that she could think of to prepare, she’d already done. She was still alive, with a day left till the invasion began, and Jennifer found herself feeling lost. She’d never come this far before, besides the very first time when she’d gained her Mark.

Jennifer felt nervous over the prospect. The academy was the safest place she could think of, but what would she do if it fell in the invasion too? Or, moresoever, what would she do if she did not die this time? What would happen afterwards? Would Lienmont fall? Would they be forced to run? What if… someone she knew got injured or worse?

Jennifer felt her [Blood Dagger] summoning the blade in her hand. She lightly pressed it against her palm, feeling the sharp blade’s edge against her skin. There would be difficult choices to make up ahead, one way or another.

Letting out a deep breath, Jennifer decided to close her eyes for a few hours. A long day awaited her tomorrow, and she wanted to be ready for it.

***

The next day had arrived a lot faster than Jennifer had anticipated. Her memory for the day was fuzzy outside of the events that had taken her to Irwys and the fight, and Jennifer found herself curious as to whether that whole incident happened even without her interference, and how it ended. She knew that there was no rush order of any kind that her Master was working on today, the shop being closed for the day.

Perhaps I can go take a look.

“Hey hey Jenn, do you think I’ll get to join the Academy too?” Keith asked, holding onto her hand as he walked alongside her.

“Sure, if you study enough for it,” Jennifer replied, smiling as Keith’s smile fell. Her brother was always excited at the prospect of magic, yet hated even hearing the word study. It was amusing to her to remind him about how much work it took whenever she could.

“Jenn, you really should’ve put on some better clothes, aren’t those the same clothes you wear for work?” her mother asked, and Jennifer struggled not to roll her eyes.

“They are fine mom,” Jennifer replied. Her mother had always cared far too much about making sure Jennifer looked her best, something that Jennifer struggled to appreciate too much with her distaste for any kind of fancy clothing.

“It’s fine, we’re just visiting afterall,” her father interjected on her behalf and her mother relented.

Her eyes soon reached the dungeon plaza up ahead and she turned towards her family. “I have something I need to check at the plaza. You guys head towards the academy, I’ll be there in a minute,” Jennifer said, before she glanced down at Keith and grinned.

“Watch this,” Jennifer said, channeling Agile Wind silently. A burst of wind blew all around her, as she kicked off, rushing ahead at high speeds. She laughed upon hearing Keith’s excited shout come from behind as she quickly made her way towards the dungeon plaza.

Taking a few turns, Jennifer reached the area and noted the lack of any brawl. Seeing that she’d arrived far earlier than the first month didn't surprise her. She glanced around the area, trying to see if she could spot Irwys.

As Jennifer walked through, her eyes fell onto a large burly Orc wearing leather armor, sitting inside with a couple more as they drank ale. There were few orcs in the city, with fewer still wearing armor that was made specifically to be able to expand over time.

Curiously, Jennifer walked closer, stepping into the tavern. The musty smell of alcohol mud and filth reached her nose, and she reflexively took a step back.

“What’re you doing here girly? Lost eh?” one man drawled, snickering as he glanced at her. Jennifer ignored the man, walking further into the inn, before she walked up to the tavern keeper nearby.

“Was there a silver haired guy here today?” Jennifer asked the Tavern keeper, who replied with a shake of his head. Nodding, Jennifer turned around, about to leave the tavern when a rumbling voice called out to her.

“Hey girl, you looking for the Zandrian?” the voice came as Jennifer turned to face the massive mercenary orc.

“No,” Jennifer replied, turning around as she began to walk away. She didn’t need to get involved than she needed to.

“It isn’t my business to know how you know him, but I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll give a word of advice. Stay away from that man if you know what’s good for you,” the orc said in a low rumbling voice.

“Listen to Captain Drighak girlie! Don’t go after men so soon!” Another orc said, as they all laughed together.

Jennifer turned back to look at the captain, nodding, before she turned and left the tavern.

So he knew Irwys, even before the fight. Or perhaps the fight had already happened? But the orc looked uninjured. Healing potion? Difficult to say. His name was Drighak, and the other Orc said captain. Mercenary team captain? Not surprising seeing how strong he was. I think I’ll ask Rumina to look into this.

Her side trip done, Jennifer looked around one last time before shooting off with Agile Wind as she began to make her way towards the Academy. In a few minutes, she spotted her family near the entrance of the Academy, as she rushed to catch up to them.

“Sorry, took me a while,” Jennifer replied, running up to them. She quickly walked up to the entrance, giving her name to the guards before all of them entered the academy gates.

“Are those magic lights?” Keith asked excitedly, pointing at the little ball of light meant to illuminate the academy during nighttime.

“Yes, they are,” Jennifer replied, smiling. She continued to watch happily as her brother glanced around excitedly, looking at every little thing on the way and pointing towards them. She did not blame him either, having felt something similar when she’d first visited the Academy, and seen a world so covered and filled with magic through every inch.

“It’s quite big isn’t it?” her mother said, taking a look around. Jennifer nodded, and a moment later, began to take her family through the various spots around the Academy. Time began to fly by as Jennifer walked around happily with her family, forgetting the invasion for a moment.

“How do you know the place so well Jenn?” her mother asked, curiously, as they stood in front of the entrance with the two golems.

“I’ve just been coming here in my free time,” Jennifer replied smoothly, as they walked into the central hall. A moment later, she felt a large pulse of mana travel through the ground, accompanied by a tremor. Quickly realizing the event, Jennifer found her mirth fading as she turned to her family.

“We should head in,” Jennifer said, walking ahead quickly without giving them much time to say anything back. In a few minutes, she noticed mages walking out and about, rushing outside as magic began to flare around the academy.

“What’s wrong?” Keith asked, looking around nervously and Jennifer grabbed his hand, squeezing it lightly.

“Please remain inside, there’s been a Dungeon Break. The guild should be taking care of it, but for now, please remain inside the academy premises,” a Mage said, walking past as he glanced at all of them.

“A dungeon break?! Now?” her mother exclaimed, looking around in surprise. Jennifer noted a frown settle onto her father’s face as he glanced at her, but she simply avoided his gaze, looking around for a familiar figure.

“Mom, dad, take Keith and head to the combat training hall just in case. I’ll be there soon,” Jennifer replied.

“Where are you going Jenn?” her father asked.

“I’ve got a friend here, I need to check up on her,” Jennifer replied, rushing ahead as she left her family behind. A part of her wanted to stay behind so that they were safe, but she was a lot less concerned now that they were in the academy. And there were other things that she had to make sure of.

Rushing about, she quickly headed to Loux’s room and knocked on the door. A moment later, the girl opened the door and looked at Jennifer in surprise.

“What are you-”

“No time to explain. There’s been a dungeon break, and I need to get to someplace high in the Academy to take a better look,” Jennifer said in a rush.

Loux stared at her for a moment, before returning a light nod. “The location is locked, but I can get you there from your training spot,” Loux said, as the two of them headed out.

Quickly, the two girls rushed out to their usual spot, and Jennifer looked up at the high rooftop of the academy building, wondering just how the girl planned to get her up there. The top of the building was three floors, with little to no places to grab onto to climb up.

Turning around, she noted Loux stretching, as Jennifer’s eyes widened in surprise. “Stay back,” the girl said, as she shot ahead in a rush. Vines burst forth underneath her foot as Loux jumped up, grabbing onto the wall as she kicked off. Little plants sprouted one after the other onto the wall as the girl practically ran up the wall, before jumping onto the roof top and pulling herself over.

Jennifer stared, her mouth hung open, as she scarcely believed what she’d just seen. She was about to ask how she would get up when a vine stretched on from Loux’s hand, slithering down. Jennifer looked at the plant, before looking up as she reassessed the girl’s abilities. A moment later, she began to climb up the vine, making her way up the wall.

A few minutes of climbing later, Jennifer pulled herself up top, panting for her breath, as she felt her hand stinging from pain. She really missed all the muscles she’d gained in the first reset.

“Monsters,” Loux said, as Jennifer wiped sweat off her brow and stood up. In the distance, through the buildings, she could see the horde of monsters rushing out from the dungeon, as the adventurers fought to hold back the horde. Tremors shook the city repeatedly as waves of mana traveled out from the dungeon one after the other.

“Yeah,” Jennifer replied. And this is just the start of everything.

She glanced around, using [Enhanced Mana Sense] to try and get a sense for things, but found herself too far away to be able to gauge anything. Scanning the city with her eyes, she tried to spot any other locations with demons and the sand tribes, yet if there were any then she could not see them.

“Why did you want to see this?” Loux asked.

Jennifer turned to look at the dryad girl, finding her deep green eyes staring back, observing.

“To do things right the next time,” Jennifer replied, and Loux frowned. Jennifer ignored the girl, turning back to the city as she began to take notes. There was something strange with the mana waves going through the city, alongside the way the dungeon was rumbling so often. Her eyes glanced towards the city walls and she noticed the sun starting to reach closer and closer to the horizon.

Jennifer continued to watch, minutes turning to hours as the monsters were slowly but surely fought back and the dungeon entrance was sealed. Chaos still covered the city, but the dungeon break was stopped quickly, the dungeon settling down in a few moments.

As she watched the sun start to reach the horizon, Jennifer felt a strange calm cover the city. The silence that came after a stressful event, as people began to settle back down again.

Then, like the rise of a second sun, a pillar of fire rose, as a powerful blastwave shook the city. Jennifer used Agile wind, keeping herself in place as the shockwave almost knocked her back. Her heart sank back into her gut, as she felt the vast amounts of mana moving around. With a powerful flash, figures appeared outside her city, as the invasion began.

Jennifer felt her heart thundering, yet for some reason, she found herself detached, as if she were not the one there. She continued to watch, taking note of every little detail, of the spells they were using, of the attacks her enemies were making.

Explosions after explosions shook the city, before soon, she felt a spell set off, as the wall collapsed. Hordes of demons and the sand tribes rushed in, before soon, she noted walls of sand pouring into the city and sweeping through everything in their path.

Her heart thundered as Jennifer felt her Mark stirring. This was the future she had to stop.

“We need to get back,” Loux said, and Jennifer looked to the side, noting the other girl was oddly calm despite everything going on. In silence, the two of them jumped down, Jennifer using Agile Wind to break her fall.

Without saying anything, Jennifer began to walk in, making her way to the Academy premises. She noticed the wards flaring as Mages stood in every corner, rushing about activating the defensive wards. A shimmering barrier covered the entire building, as a storm of mana swirled around the academy.

Jennifer put it out of her mind, walking through the combat chambers where the students were all gathered, before soon she found her family inside one of them.

“Jenn!” her mother exclaimed, running ahead as she grabbed her and dragged her into a hug. “Why did you run off?! I was so worried.”

Jennifer stood silently, as her mother wrapped her arms around her, before soon returning the hug. “I’m sorry mom,” she replied, feeling a strange sense of powerlessness. She wondered if Rumina and her Master were able to get to safety in time.

Jennifer walked back with her mother, staying with her family, as she looked around. Quiet whispers filled the entire chamber, rising to a high as a mage walked in.

“Please stay calm. News has arrived for the source of the explosions. The city is under an attack. It’s unknown how things will go. Everyone present inside will be working under emergency protocols and will obey the word of any Mages,” his voice grim, and a frown on his face.

“May Sera grace us,” the mage murmured at last, before walking out as the gate closed behind.

Murmurs filled the hair, rising to a high as people whispered. The voices washed over Jennifer, as she stood silently, waiting. Her Mark pulsed within her soul, as the only sensation she could feel of what was happening outside was the tremors that shook the ground every so often.

Time passed by in a blur, the day turning to night, as the fires spread through the city. Jennifer felt as if she could hear the screams from that night once more, the smell of blood tinged with flames reaching fresh in her memory.

She glanced downwards, noting her brother, standing with tears in his eyes, as Jennifer bent down and hugged him tight.

“I will prevent this. I promise,” she whispered into Keith’s ears as her brother looked at her in surprise, before nodding.

She felt her mother’s hand on her shoulder, before she joined in on the hug, accompanied by her father. Jennifer remained there, with her family, in a safe location, feeling her heart beating in her chest, as something stirred in her soul.

This isn’t right. None of this is right. I need to be out there, to do somethin-

A sensation had Jennifer look up. A massive wave of mana gathered in an amount that shone like the sun itself to her senses. Eyes all across the room shifted outside, sensing the powerful wave that shook Jennifer’s soul to the core.

Her eyes drifted downwards as she noticed something move through the ground.

Red lines flickered on the ground, throbbing and pulsating as if revealing the bleeding insides of the very earth itself.

One strand of runes shifted nearby, leaping towards her brother. Before she could even think, Jennifer found herself moving to shield her brother. Something shivered within Jennifer's soul as she buckled over, grabbing her mother's shoulder for support. She heard her mother’s scream, a dim faded voice in the distance as the red runes touched her skin, burning her body.

Her Mark burned with increasing fury, as her eyes wandered in surprise by the sudden pull. She looked around and saw people, lying on the floor, clutching their chests as they writhed in agony, the red runes starting to crawl upon their skin.

A sudden presence flooded her mind, bringing her to her knees and she choked on her breath, grasping for freedom. The red runes began to flare near her feet, now reaching towards her. Slowly but surely they crawled on her body, the sensation of burning flesh permeating her. She writhed, trying to free herself of their grasp, but to no avail. Never before had she been so certain of her own demise than in this moment.

The red lines bore into her soul. They bore, deeper and deeper, until they touched something at the very core of her soul. The System.

[Race: Human → Weeping Blood Wraith]

[Race: Weeping Blood Wraith] has reached level 2!

[Skill: Glass Blood Phantom]

[Skill: Blood—

The world was blood-red.

The magic changed her. She was more now. They were more now. The others had risen, just like her. Waking up to the other side.

The scent of blood was clear, as it filled the air around her. Her previous form had been unable to see. It had been blind. Weak.

But now she could smell. The lingering scent of Death. The blossoming screams carried upon the wind. And the fire.

She felt her body shift. Growing. This power was new. Different. Not tied to the other. It drew from the depths of the world, an old power. The blood of the dead gods that lay buried deep within.

A sense opened in her sight. She could feel the blood flowing through the veins of those around her. She could reach out for it. Turn it to glass and kill them where they stood.

Just as she was about to reach forward with her magic, something touched her body. She looked down and saw a small child clinging onto her leg with tears in its eyes. Human. She could smell its fear. Delicious.

Vague memories filled her mind. She was supposed to know this human. It was… her brother. She extended her talons, her skin pulsating red. He would join her. He would understand soon as well.

Her claws clicked at the floor as she moved, still sensitive from being just formed. She walked closer to the child, to bring her brother alongside with her and join her in this new world. Free of the tethers of their previous feeble form.

“Stay back,” a voice warned, stopping her mid-step. Magic cut through her limbs, drawing blood as she glanced to the side. A girl stood nearby, green hair danging to her side. Mana gathered at her limbs, shooting outwards, as green tendrils climbed rose from the ground, wrapping around her feet and preventing her from moving.

She hissed back.

“Jennifer you- ” the words cut off as she lashed out with her talons. Blood. She needed more blood.

Mana gathered in her body, rising as it flung itself outwards. Her blood turned to glass, rising in spikes that tored through her veins, to jut forward and shoot towards the girl. They cut through the tendrils restraining her, leaving a trail of red crystal near her as she moved.

It shot through the girl in front, piercing her body as her control slipped. Now. She would feast.

She leapt forward, ready to tear flesh from bones and drink in the blood of her prey when a voice rose form her Mark, halting her in her tracks.

Enough.

A hand grasped her soul.

{System Override detected}
{Checking permissions… granted}

The words flashed in front of her eyes, ringing with power as the red tendrils shuddered within her soul. They knew the end was near.

[Race: Weeping Blood Wraith] removed

{Forbidden system locked}

Her Mark shone with searing light burning through the red lines, growing in intensity with each second. The tendrils retreated from the depths of her soul, being forced outwards. The light burned them. It consumed them from within. Soon, the blood was no more.

The hand grasped her soul once more, now free of the red taint. With a tug, it wretched her soul out of her body, dragging across the unending void.

There was no command this time. Merely silent fury.

***

AN: The [Race] notifications and skills are all blood red in color. 

***

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