Lord Umbra had a strong conviction that Alfred would return. Despite the young man's capabilities, he understood the unforgiving dangers beyond the city walls. He believed that Alfred would reappear, either within 24 hours or as a casualty.
For Lord Umbra, it was merely a waiting game once the youth had managed to escape. He saw no reason to endanger his men by chasing Alfred into the forest. Such a pursuit could potentially trigger a minor monster wave for which he'd be held accountable.
The magic circle that ensnared Alfred had an intricate design etched into the ground, emitting a faint and eerie blue glow. It featured an array of interlocking runes and symbols, which collectively formed a perfect circle around the area where Alfred had stepped. These runes pulsated with a subtle, rhythmic energy, akin to the beat of a heart.
When Alfred inadvertently triggered the magic circle, there emerged a sudden and sharp hum in the air, reminiscent of the vibrating sound of a tuning fork. This hum intensified, generating a high-pitched whine that caused discomfort in his ears. The sound appeared to resonate throughout his entire being, sending shivers down his spine.
As the energy emanating from the magic circle surrounded him, Alfred experienced a sudden and numbing coldness that seemed to radiate from the very spot where he had entered the circle. It felt as though his limbs were turning to ice, and his muscles clenched involuntarily, rendering him completely immobile. The chilling sensation slowly crept up his spine, making its way into his brain, causing his thoughts to sluggish and his vision to blur.
Within a matter of seconds, the frigid sensation and the piercing sound overwhelmed him entirely. Alfred succumbed to a deep, unconscious slumber, his body paralyzed by the enigmatic magic of the circle.
Lord Umbra approached the unconscious youth with measured and deliberate steps. His men had initially harbored doubts about his plan, though they concealed their skepticism from their boss. However, actions spoke louder than words, and moments like these demonstrated Lord Umbra's capabilities despite his youth.
Standing over the limp form of Alfred, the sharp-eyed man retrieved a device from his pocket and initiated a communication link with someone. Shortly, a shrouded holographic image of an elder materialized on the other end, patiently awaiting a report.
"High Elder, the mission has been successfully executed," the young adult announced with a bow. "I await your orders."
"Excellent work. Pray, what is the young one's current condition?" Declan Haco inquired, his voice laced with sophistication and intrigue.
"The child is currently unconscious, yet remarkably unharmed," Lord Umbra replied. "It is indeed a testament to his resilience, considering he ventured into the perilous forest."
"He ventured into the forest and emerged unscathed?" The elder's curiosity was now thoroughly aroused.
The Veilwood forest was no ordinary expanse of greenery. Within its tangled depths resided a myriad of dangers, from toxic flora to treacherous beasts, and even malevolent avian creatures that called it home. In this unforgiving realm, the food chain was in a constant state of flux as creatures and beasts evolved by preying upon one another.
It was a place where one's demise could be shrouded in mystery, with death lurking around every corner. Poison, predation, or succumbing to the harsh terrain and lack of edible vegetation were all potential fates. Only the most seasoned warriors, mages, and mercenaries dared to venture into its heart, for within its perils lay a bustling economy, thriving on the lucrative spoils harvested from the forest's dangers.
Many businessmen and travelers would assemble caravans and enlist the services of these seasoned individuals to safely traverse between Territories. However, even with the added security, their safety was never guaranteed.
"Yes, High Elder, after the youth ran into the forest, I didn't expect him to return. However, I laid an ambush in wait just in case," Lord Umbra continued.
"Bring him to my office, and ensure he remains unconscious until you get him here," the hologram commanded.
"Certainly, High Elder, as you wish," the young man replied before closing his device and hoisting Alfred over his shoulder.
Despite his new evolution, Alfred had fallen prey to a low-level Magic Apprentice Sigil. His unfamiliarity with sigils had added to his demise.
Passers-by and the two guards watched the sequence of events in awe, their initial shock and curiosity evident as they witnessed Alfred being kidnapped by the strange men in black. The men, shrouded in secrecy and moving with swift, calculated efficiency, appeared as ominous figures.
One onlooker turned to another, his voice trembling with curiosity and fear. "Who are those men? What do you think they want with that boy?"
His companion, equally worried, replied in a hushed tone, "I don't know, but it can't be anything good. They look dangerous. We should probably mind our own business"
The crowd around them buzzed with hushed conversations, a palpable sense of disbelief and uncertainty hanging in the air as they tried to make sense of the disturbing scene before them.
Lord Umbra took notice of the building commotion and ordered his men to scatter. His sharp eyes locked onto the two onlookers who had engaged in the earlier conversation, and he slowly dissipated into the air along with Alfred.
One onlooker turned to his companion, his expression crestfallen. "We're in trouble," he said, his voice filled with dread, as he sensed the looming threat behind Lord Umbra's eyes.
……
Declan Haco was in his simple but luxurious office when he heard a knock on the door.
“Enter.” He ordered.
Lord Umbra came in, carrying the unconscious body of Alfred. The room seemed to shimmer with an air of intrigue and foreboding. The office was spacious, adorned with simple, modern designs, and its cyan lights incorporated into the overall decor gave it an ethereal ambiance.
As Alfred began to regain consciousness, his vision blurred at first, and he could barely make out the looming figures of Lord Umbra and Declan Haco, who stood before him. Their voices reached his ears in muffled tones as they engaged in a tense conversation.
Lord Umbra spoke first, his voice laced with authority, "We’ve already done some blood testing to confirm his human status. Although he is not Vesperan the child might have a special physique."
Declan Haco's piercing gaze bore into Alfred, his expression unreadable. "Is that so? How did you defeat Lianfu, boy? Speak."
The youth's vision cleared gradually, and as his awareness returned, he became acutely aware of the dire situation he was in. He tried to sit up but found himself restrained, his body refusing to obey. Panic welled up within him, and his eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape.
Lord Umbra, noting Alfred's struggle, dismissed the Paralysis sigil with a flick of his hand. The youngster's body relaxed, and he slowly sat up, his heart pounding in his chest.
The first thing he noticed was the cyan lights, casting an otherworldly glow in the room. It was a stark contrast to the sinister air that hung around him. He was keenly aware of the imposing presence of Declan Haco and the enigmatic Lord Umbra. The two figures stood before him, their faces unreadable as they awaited his response, the tension in the room almost palpable.
“Who… Who’s Lianfu?” Alfred spoke with a strained voice feigning ignorance.
“Your dismissed, leave the rest to me.” The high Elder ordered his subordinate.
Lord Umbra bowed before leaving the room in haste, his curiosity piqued, as there was very little Declan chose to hide from him.
Once they were alone, Declan continued. “I’ll be honest with you, young one, I couldn't care less about that buffoon, but your actions have made you indebted to me.”
Alfred, now free, stood as still as a statue; the elder made his hair stand on end. The lad felt as though every single detail about him was being examined, and that any movement of his would result in his execution.
"First, sit," the aged man directed at the seat before him, and the youngster obliged nervously. His body moved without permission.
In the dimly lit and opulent office of Declan Haco, Alfred sat before his Kidnapper, still reeling from the recent encounter with Lord Umbra. The cyan lights cast an eerie glow on the walls, lending an air of solemnity to the room. The tension in the air was palpable as Declan regarded Alfred with a steely gaze.
"Boy" Declan began, his voice low and measured, "you find yourself in a precarious position. You've seen things tonight that very few are allowed to witness, and the consequences of that knowledge could be dire."
Alfred nodded, his eyes darting around the room nervously. He was well aware of the gravity of the situation he had stumbled into.
Declan continued, "My son, Dylan, possesses no aptitude for magic. It's a secret that, if exposed, could threaten my authority as High Elder. The family council values magical prowess above all else, and my position is tenuous at best."
The youth listened intently, his mind racing as he processed the implications of Declan's words. He knew that the Elder’s position was being challenged through Lianfu’s memories, but he hadn't expected to be drawn into this web of intrigue.
Declan leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Alfred's. "I have a proposition for you, boy. I need you to assume the role of my son, Dylan. To the family council and the rest of Shadow Peaks, you will be him. You will wield his power, attend his lessons, and ensure that my authority remains unchallenged."
Alfred's heart pounded in his chest as he absorbed Declan's request. The weight of the situation bore down on him, and he couldn't help but feel trapped. He knew that agreeing to this would mean possible exposure and potentially endangering his own life.
Declan continued, "However that is only under the premise you pass a few tests of mine, and in exchange for your cooperation, I will grant you safety and protection within Shadow Peaks. You will have access to resources and knowledge that would otherwise be beyond your reach."
Alfred swallowed hard, realizing the gravity of the situation. ‘Test? Could these tests be Vesperan blood checks? What happens if they find out?’ He had to weigh the risks and rewards carefully. Finally, he spoke, his voice laced with uncertainty, "And if I refuse?"
Declan's expression darkened, and he leaned even closer to Alfred. "If you refuse, young man, you'll be cast out into a world of pain, and when all that’s left is an empty husk, Slaughtered like livestock." A sinister smile crept up on the corners of the deranged Elder.
Alfred's mind raced as he contemplated his options. The fate of not only his life but the intricate power structure of Shadow Peaks hung in the balance. He had a monumental decision to make, one that would shape the course of his destiny in this enigmatic world of magic and intrigue.
