Balthasar was sitting in the ruins of Tokyo with a calm expression on his face. One would not be able to tell by the way he looked that he was thoroughly outraged. It had been a week since Zane had escaped through the wide net that he had cast to catch him.
Reports initially stated that he had headed east, to the rocky mountains after escaping from Gravestone. But nobody appeared to have seen him since. It was almost as if he had thoroughly disappeared from the face of the Earth.
But someone that powerful wouldn't just suddenly die now would he? Worse yet, there were recent reports from his siblings that the beasts of the land had begun to mutate into powerful creatures. Insects, reptiles, mammals, and even the avians. They had all of a suddenly turned into powerful monsters.
Many of which were capable of challenging the undead in those more rural areas where the Tier I Horde Kings made their domains. It was as if the Earth itself was reclaiming its territory from the Living and the Dead alike.
This was a troublesome thing for the Horde Kings. As in the past, they had been surprised when they humans suddenly evolved, gaining the strength to resist total annihilation. But now it appeared that other life forms were doing the same.
It was one thing after another that caused Balthasar to become thoroughly outraged at the ongoing state of the world. Heresy, rebellious livestock, and now the animals themselves. It would appear as if all beings are suddenly turning against me.
After saying this, Balthasar raised from his feet, and walked towards the one item that had actually been sculpted in the ruins of Tokyo by its new inhabitants. It was a statue that was multiple stories high. Who was this statue of? Well, it wasn't of Balthasar, that's for sure.
Rather, it was of Mother Death herself. Although her appearance was concealed by the black cloak that had been gifted to Zane. Which used to be the signature appearance of Death herself. There were still visible traces of her lower face.
Which Balthasar fell to his knees and bowed his head to the dusty floor. Praying to Death, as if she were the goddess of all creation.
"Mother... Are all of these things simply a test for your children? Must our predecessors in this world truly gain such strength for us to prove our worth to you? Please! Speak to me! I am but your humble servant, and whatever you will be I will do your bidding?"
But as always, Death was silent in response to his prayers. Despite this, Balthasar was convinced that death was real. He was, after all the only one of the Horde Kings who had ever met her in person. Other than Zane that is.
He remembered it as if it were yesterday? I mean why wouldn't he? It was less than a year ago when they had their first and only encounter. It was just a normal day in Tokyo, and Yet Isei, as he was known then, had severely angered the Yakuza Clan he was a part of.
He was prepared to take his own life to escape the torment that awaited him and his family. But in the moment he was about to jump off a tall building he heard an unnaturally alluring voice call out to him from behind.
"Are you really going to jump? Far be it from me to convince you otherwise... But if you do decide to take your own life, you're going to miss all the fun you know?"
Isei, in that moment looked back to see who was speaking to him. Though he could not see her entire face, those unnatural blood-red eyes pierced his soul. And in the moment, he fell backward from the ledge. His body suddenly transforming into something inhuman.
And it was as he felt his humanity vanish without a trace from his body. The mature woman leaned in close, and said something to him.
Madison sighed and accepted the party's gesture. She would take a shower before climbing into bed. Pawing at the collar around her neck, which she continued to wear even with Zane's absence.
"Zane... When are you going to return?"
After a moment of silence, Maddie decided she needed more strength if Zane was going to return, and because of this she quickly consumed the blood crystal where she saw the familiar message appear in her vision.
---
[The Blood Crystal of a Tier I Horde King has been consumed...]
[+1,000 XP]
[Generating New Skill]
[Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill Hoplite's Defense!]
[Divine Boon: Active: Buff]
[Tier I: Hoplite's Defense]
[Rare Skill]
[Cast Time: Instant]
[Duration: 5 seconds]
[Cooldown: 30 seconds]
[Description: You have 75% chance to block. Your attacker takes 5 damage whenever you block an attack this way.]
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