Nobody had seen her move. One moment was all it took to take down an incomplete otherworlder. The entire square was silent as the wind died down. The sound of fire crackling and Abil praying was all that was left. The guards had already set out to look for survivors and were gathering the corpses of the fallen. Zin still stood in shock as his master locked gazes with him briefly.

  Ephini opened her eyes as she struggled to sit up. Memories of the Neather creatures gathering were all she had seen. Valmor was still shaken from all the experience he had witnessed in a short amount of time. A mixture of emotions surged as he saw his daughter sit up close to a tree, but his joy was short-lived as he looked at his feet, seeing Siel and Zenora lying lifeless.

  A piercing screech rang out, filling the square with trembling sadness as drops turned into a shower. Rain clouds began to pour down as the inconsolable Ephini cried. She was in shock. She had done her best to stay safe knowing that her disciple and husband were safe. Now, that hope was like a fading memory of ash spread into the wind, their bodies barely recognizable.

  Mizin stared at her, knowing that this misfortune was the price she had to pay. A string of pain rang in her heart just from seeing Ephini cry under the cold rain. Less than half of the entire population of Elnor was remaining in the square. The evidence of a catastrophe that had swept through the land.

  Abil rose, wiping the tears from her face; her eyes were a bit swollen, making Mizin chuckle at the sight of it.

  “You look terrible.”.

  Abil ignored her comment as her gaze landed on Gilly. Zin now sat beside his sister, who threw herself into his arms, clenching his fists as pain filled his heart.

  "This child…"

  Mizin nodded, understanding Abil's concern.

  “So what will you do now? The Imperial Shadows were around, numbering in the hundreds, but they did not intervene. I think it was that nasty girl’s idea.

  Valmor, who sat close to them, was shocked to hear that from Abil, as this means the Imperials had a hand in this incident. Mizin waved her hand to Abil, as there were many ears there, and the matter was best discussed in private.

  She strolled casually to the center of the square with the rain now dying down. Her battle clothing and swords faded away, revealing an elegant Kitsune in a white and red kimono. She threw a glance around; all the disheartened faces looked up to her. Her voice reverberated in their hearts, making them find new hope as she spoke.

  “People of Elnor, the Imperial has chosen to abandon us in our time of need. They first brought policies that made our blood boil and chose to take away our precious resources out of greed. They regarded us as outcasts even though our ancestors came from this land. Trying to deny us our very own happiness and freedom. Countless lives have been lost because of their greed and hatred. We only have one way forward. We must create our own independent state”.

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  The crowd could not believe what she had just said. Some were in awe and others were skeptical about the declaration. But in all, they trusted she had the power to make it happen. The atmosphere became light as chattering could be heard among the survivors. She continued.

  “I will reside here with you and make sure no weather god or beast or demon troubles you, and this is my word.”.

  On finishing this statement, she pierced her hand with her nail, and a drop of blood fell to the ground. A ripple effect caused the entire landscape to light up and the large tree at the center of their village began to glow leaving a golden hue that could be seen for several miles

  This was a blood oath, the most sacred of oaths, which binds one’s life to a particular statement and can only be made by those above demigod rank or the eighth circle and equivalent. The aura of everybody that was tied to the village began to radiate, signaling them as witnesses to it. Ephini had calmed down and fallen asleep in Zin’s arms; the night cycle was long, and they had to wait another five days to see the light of the sun.

  .....

  Festa, who was the brother of the king of Asram, had arrived a few days ago. He bought supplies from their capital on order of the king. Mizin and Richard had both fought in the Draconic War from centuries ago, so they were close. He came together with Hilary and Roger, who was nowhere to be seen. Ephini and Gilly had locked themselves up, still crying from their loss.

  When Ephini finally showed up a day before the burial, her eyes had dark circles, a shadow of her former self as she looked pale and lifeless. They discussed the current situation concerning the village. Valmor had decided to give up his title as chief so another selection process would take place after the funeral. Having lost a hand to the battle, he felt sour from defeat. Ai-Lyn had returned to Elnor; since she was skilled in Earth magic, she would be useful in the reconstruction of the town.

  They gathered at the open field where Zatrynx had been defeated. wooden beds were arranged with the dead lying on them. Covered with flowers, only their faces were visible. There were more people lying on the wooden beds than people standing.

  Ephini stood just by the bed of her husband and her student. Her father passed through the array of beds, setting them on fire. When he approached his daughter, he passed her the torch; see, it was best she sent those two off. Abil said prayers for them as they watched over a thousand beds burn with flames rising up to the sky.

  The rumor had finally been confirmed that Valmor will be stepping down with the announcement passed on by Mizin earlier. All had the right to participate in the selection ceremony as far as they were of elven origin. They all made their way to the World Tree sapling at the center of the village when they noticed a group of soldiers dressed in imperial armor approaching the crowd.

  Nobody smiled at them; they had been abandoned by the imperials that night, and almost everyone had lost a loved one. The knight wore no helmet, and some had a smug expression just looking at the townspeople, who looked worn out.

  “I guess the fox bitch is all talk.”

  one soldier replied.

  “Shh, she can hear—”

  His voice stopped when he noticed his comrade had been sliced in two, his body falling with a loud thud due to the weight of his armor.

  Nobody in the crowd fluttered as one of the imperial guards was killed. Instead they just glared at the remaining guards. The noise made a green elf hurry down from the carriage the guards were protecting. His face went pale seeing the guard in a pool of blood.

  Gilly, who had stood in a quiet street observing the event, lost interest; with a gloomy expression, she went back to her room.

  Mizin, Ai-Lyn, Valmor, Festa, and Hilary all walked forward to the carriage, with Ephini and Zin following them behind. Benny stepping out was horrified. He looked forward and blurted one word.

  "Demigod Mizin"

  She smiled as she approached the carriage, making Benny sink into despair.