Chapter 187: Warning Signs

Chapter 187: Warning Signs

Cibylla held her swordspear and breathed deeply, calming her nerves. The voices of thousands resounded above her but none of them were that important when compared to a single one. She looked up toward an area decorated with luxurious cloth. Of course, Ira contradicted his surroundings as he wore plain black clothes.

Keeper, Cibylla whispered to herself.

Beside her were children of different races, Dark Elves, Lycanthropes, Beastkin, Half-Dragons, and Vampires who had yet to awaken.

Who were they to Cibylla? Obstacles. If she wanted to impress the Keeper she would need to display the utmost skill.

Ready?! A voice reverberated throughout the pit.

A chorus of shouts was given in response.

Across from where Cibylla stood was a huge iron door that was opened with some mechanism. Interlocked gears began to rotate together and the door was opened allowing the pitch black interior to be seen.

Do not disappoint! The voice that spoke was full of authority.

The crowd went silent and low growls could be heard from beyond the iron door. Then, something stepped out of the shadows and into the light. A humanoid creature with green skin sharp fangs was the first to emerge. Behind it was a tall orc-like monster with red skin and huge tusks. More and more began to crawl out of the darkness, each one looked more menacing than the last. The monsters that poured out of the opening were are test subjects for Charles experiments meaning that they were no doubt enhanced beyond ordinary. Since Charles couldnt use living people to test all his theories, monsters were provided. Many of them failed which lead to a large number of unstable creatures with increased strength.

The Valkyries took an interest and it was needless to say they were the ones who decided to keep the subjects alive. It was the best possible way for the growing army to gain combat experience without starting a war with a different nation.

Cibylla raised her swordspear and shield while staring ahead.

The air was filled with tension as the monsters sized up their potential prey. The entire group that filled the pit was composed of close-ranged fighters. That wasnt to say that there were none able to use the bow or talented with magic, but the swordspear was weapon chosen for everyone to use in their demonstration.

There was no one who panicked or grew fearful, in fact, some seemed ready to charge ahead but they werent able to. Cibylla was the first to step forward and her draconic features, as well as the threatening aura emanating from her, caused the intelligent monsters to become wary. Though most of the creatures were far more animalistic in their thinking and charged forward, spurring the rest of the horde on. Roars and growls intertwined as they charged forward but Cibylla didnt wait. She led the charge and the group of adolescents moved to support her.

Cibylla put strength into her legs and a burst of wind propelled her into the air. She aimed her spear down and impaled a monster with reddish skin before swinging her swordspear in front of her and clearing some space. When the monsters sought to surround her, Cibylla jumped backward, leaving a dust cloud in her wake.

The source of her mobility was the bone engravings she received on her legs. It wasnt some deadly ability but it offered her a range of movement that allowed her to attack and retreat with relative ease.

Cibylla weaved in and out of the skirmish while killing any monsters that ended up in her path. A one-sided bloodbath began but it wasnt outside of anyone expectations. The rigorous training devised by the Valkyries showed its effects. Some received minor wounds but they grit their teeth and pushed through, cutting down their wild opponents. The monsters fought unpredictably and they quite literally tripped over each other in order to attack. It was beneficial yet problematic at the same time.

Cibylla smashed her shield into the skull of a large goblin with crazed eyes. She issued a short grunt and then thrust her swordspear forward, stabbing another creature in the head.

Huaaah! All of a sudden a loud shout was heard and a hefty creature full of muscle rammed into her and knocked her onto her backside. Its was something between a troll and an Orc. Its hide was reinforced with an imperfect batch of Behemoths blood which prevents most weapons from getting through. In addition, it could heal quite quickly so it's endurance was quite high.

It raised its foot and stomped down in order to crush Cibylla but she rolled away before hopping to her feet. The creature didnt waste any time and swung its bulky arms at her to which she narrowly avoided by ducking. She started her counter-attack by slicing its belly but the cut didnt even go an inch deep.

The creature laughed tauntingly and then resumed its assault. All the while, Cibyllas surroundings grew chaotic. Corpses of monsters obstructed her path and others who were busy fighting their own battles prevented her from moving too far. For a few moments, all Cibylla could do was dodge while waiting for any opportunity. Each punch thrown by the creature could easily cripple her and put her into a dangerous situation.

Cibyllas concentration slipped as she stumbled over a corpse and a punch landed on her shield. She went backward a few feet but her shield arm throbbed painfully. She glanced up at Ira for but a moment and, though she may have been imagining it, he looked at her.

Keeper, Cibylla said piously. Another punch came flying toward her but her focus was renewed and she sidestepped it before moving closer and lunging forward. She drove her knee into the chin of the hybrid monster and a loud crack resounded sweetly in her ears. The monster groaned in agony but she didnt relent. As soon as her feet touched the ground she unleashed a flurry of attacks. She began stabbing and cutting at the tendons of the beast as swiftly as she could.

Haaa! Cibylla shouted and she kicked the monster in the chest. Although she wouldnt normally be able to knock it down, with its legs injured it couldnt stay on its feet. When it fell she stabbed it between the eyes and ended the battle unceremoniously.

Something mustve awoken inside of her as she let out a beastly growl and her eyes grew even more focused. Her surroundings seemed slower and quieter and the sound of her heartbeat rang in her ears.

Valeryn looked to his father and his vision changed and there wasnt a single thread that appeared around or on Ira. It showed Valeryn that there was no way that he could land a cut on his father.

Ira seemed to tell what he was thinking and laughed before speaking. Maybe one day.

Hey, what are you two talking about? Raveria asked while chewing loudly.

Stealing your pastries, Ira took a pastry from his daughter but she didnt seem to care.

Its not stealing if I give them to you, Raveria said while offering the bowl to her father.

Ah, I guess not. Ira took another pastry.

I want some! Harper grabbed one and soon the bowl became empty.

Avery watched on wordlessly but was in a pleasant mood.

Are you ok, Sylvia? Sylun asked in a loud voice.

I-Im fine, Sylvia seemed tired to the point where it looked as if she would faint at any moment.

Keepress, could I trouble you to examine her? Sylun asked apologetically.

Avery nodded and moved toward Sylvia who was about to object but she broke out into a coughing fit.

Avery grabbed her wrist sent healing flames into Sylvias body but her condition didnt improve. If anything it got worse as she coughed louder and louder.

Sylvia, whats wrong?! Sylun began to panic and everyone turned to face her.

Sylvia finished coughing and spoke up, Im fine, really.

Avery narrowed her eyes and checked Sylvia once again while Ira also moved toward her.

This might hurt a little, Ira made a small cut on Sylvias hand and a drop of blood emerged. He wiped it with his finger and then tried to search for any hint of poison or sickness.

...Theres nothing wrong, He said with clear confusion. His senses wouldve detected poison before she could even consume it so he found it odd that she showed strange symptoms.

Really...its nothing, Sylvia repeated.

...Are you sure? Sylun seemed unwilling to let it go but Sylvia shook her head and reassured her mother as well as everyone else.

I think Im just a bit tired...I hope the Keeper doesnt find it rude if I leave early, Sylvia said.

Not at all, Ira replied.

Rhys approached with the intention of escorting Sylvia to her room. She looked at Ira and he guessed what she was thinking.

Alright, Rhys is going to walk with you. Send someone to tell Jydar that you left and get some sleep. Ira words were taken as absolute orders and a few attendants moved to comply.

As expected of an ancient and divine curse, it was undetectable since it wasnt created from black magic.