Ascension of the Nephilim

After their Coven had searched for food that could feed all the freed slaves, Kyros had the Coven split up into two groups. Martha and Diana both led their groups to attack certain outposts or wandering patrol groups.

All outpost had just gotten word from the main fort as the threat of the Blood Calamity was raised to another alert level. As such, many of the outposts in the fringe areas overlooking the Great Airom Red River was ordered to have all personnel transfer to an outpost closer to the main fort guarding the entrance.

Diana, Scarlet, Avary, and Gregory had reached a certain outpost.

"This is the outpost?" Diana asked Scarlet.

"I'm... not sure." Scarlet was hesitant. Despite what Kyros had guessed what the orcs would do, Diana asked Scarlet which area they were supposed to go to and select the outpost.

For some strange reason, Scarlet was led to choose an outpost facing the Great Airom Red River despite Kyros's explanation that these forts would be empty.

"I... I might have made a mistake!"

"Scarlet. Relax. I asked you because going with Kyros's explanation. You might have the Path of Foresight. You have been the one who has sensed Fate clearer. Even Martha and I failed, and you often sensed it together with Kyros."

"But Lord Kyros said that this area was..."

"He did. But that's because he isn't. The more we moved, the more you felt Fate leading you here. I'm sure this is something related to your sensing of Fate."

"But Lady Diana... What if I'm wrong? What if there is something in there that can harm us? What if it's similar to that orc that served the Blood Calamity?"

"Fate can't do that. At least, not right now! Remember what you felt! This is why it's the perfect time to train in Fate! Fate is not after us right now! So your power right now can be used as an offensive tool. Go on. See what you can find. We are so close to the outpost. What can you sense?" Diana urged.

"I... It's not very clear! And Lady Diana. I'm... I'm scared. What if these things that I feel are just my thoughts? What if what I sensed was that there are many orcs here with high favor of Fate?"

"Scarlet, I'm not so weak as to die from such orcs. Fate favors, but it isn't final. This is what it means to be a Fate Challenger. If you're wrong, then get better! It's that simple. Either way, the one at fault will not be you, but me for ordering you. But I won't ever blame you. In fact, I am confident that you three will only surprise yourself when you find out more of your power. Then, I think, you are Fate to rise!" Diana smiled.

"You really believe that, Lady Diana?" Avary asked.

"You are all high-born caught in such sad tragedy. Fate allowed you to meet Kyros. That was her blessing. We know now that every trial Fate throws at us is meant to strengthen our family and us. So you, who lost everything, will have the chance to rise and regain it all. The honor you lost will be replaced with glory. The family you lost was replaced with another who is quite kind. Fate is giving you this chance to rise. And you should have confidence in yourself!"

The three youths felt as if they realized something amazing. It was true! Maybe Fate allowed them to meet Kyros as a means to enact revenge and bring balance to the calamity of their family.

"My son is not that strict. Lady Martha has told me that the laws that bind your Coven aren't that strict. Kyros will allow you each to pursue your legacy. What are your dreams?"

"Lady Diana. We are of the Steele family. How can we have our legacy?"

"Kyros is not planning to make the Steele family a normal family. He is planning to build a kingdom. And a Kingdom needs Dukes and Earls to serve under him. Each of you may become the first nobles of a powerful line of Dukes. Do you believe that becoming King is something that the Steele family cannot do?"

"No. I believe that the Steele Family will even challenge the Highlands!" Avary made a daring statement.

Scarlet and Gregory also nodded.

"Then that can only be possible if he has loyal families serving under him. Gregory. You and that noblewoman, Myas. If you grow strong enough and become a powerful champion, you can ask Myas's hand, and I assure you, the Bowheart Clan will put Myas in a position equal to their firstborn children!" Diana smiled.

Gregory was stunned.

"Scarlet. I know that you seemed rather attracted to Lord Kyros. But it won't be hard to win his heart. In truth, I estimate that soon, Champions will fawn after him! In the Midlands, it is not shocking for someone who is a hundred years of age to wait and marry a young person of eighteen. The same could be said in the Higher Planes, where the sun basks its full glory. I will not interfere where my son sets his heart. He is far more powerful than me. And with his power, he can make choices, and the world will simply follow."

"Lady Diana. I do... like Lord Kyros. But I never harbored any intention of pursuing that. I believe Lord Kyros is Fated to be with someone of the same outstanding powers he possesses."

"Then conquer that Fate! That's what it means to be a Fate Challenger!" Diana urged her.

"Fate Challenger...? It can do that?"

"It can challenge and change Fate." Diana smiled.

As Scarlet was lost in thoughts, Diana then turned towards Avary.

"Avary. What are your dreams? Dream it and will it!"

"My Lady. I have always wanted to claim the heart of Princess Sophie of the Saint Brime Kingdom."

"The holy land of Paladins?" Scarlet and Gregory chorused together.

"Yes. I'm sure Lord Kyros won't care for a Princess like that."

"She's... like twenty-four now!" Gregory argued.

"But Lady Diana said that age isn't much of a concern. What? Do you think you'll live mortal lives? I'm sure I'll reach level forty by sticking around Lord Kyros. And I'm being very, very conservative with that estimate." Avary gave Gregory an almost disgusted look.

Diana laughed at Avary's bold dream.

"This is interesting. Why not?"

"And I'm only setting her as the goal as I heard of her great beauty. Once we get to the Midlands, I could check if there are any available Princesses in the Highlands. Oh. You know what... I guess I can go ahead and pick beauties who are married. I'm a vampire anyway... so."

"Le-let's not get a little too carried away!" Diana gave a worried answer.

"But anyway, that's the spirit, Avary! Aim for the heavens! So let's get on with your growth and fight. Scarlet. Those Princesses that Avary mentioned will be fawning after Lord Kyros. If you show them such great power, they will be intimidated."

"I understand, Lady Diana. I am also certain now that there is something within this outpost that will change our Fate for the better."

"Good." Diana smiled.

"Avary, Gregory. Scarlet's power has awakened. But you also have the same blood in you. So don't fail your lord. Awaken your Path of Combat!' Diana smiled.

"Yes, my Lady!" 

"Now! How do we conquer this outpost? What are your abilities? I need to know what they are." 

"We only have basic fightings skills. Truth is, we haven't yet been trained in any arts other than the ones we were trained to do."

"Lady Martha gave us a bow. But I only used it a few times before. I could shoot, but I am not skilled enough to kill anyone in Captain's level." Scarlet explained.

"Alright. Scarlet will be our archer then. Boys, you two follow my lead as we charge. The main issue is the wooden gate. I think I can break through it with the Vermillion Sword harnessed with the Earth Core. But I need to move closer."

"We can use the orc phrase that Lord Kyros gave us!" Gregory suggested.

"Good! We can approach that outpost pretending to be orcs, and I can deliver the attack. It's a good thing we brought those orc armors." Diana loved the plan.

"I break down the door, and you two move inside and deal with any archers. As long as the archer doesn't aim for your head, you boys should be able to take arrows through the body. Learn to use your vampiric powers to your advantage. If you think you can kill them by allowing an attack to hit you, then allow it. This will be a life-threatening battle, but it's only this way that you can grow." Diana explained.

"We understand, lady Diana." 

"Scarlet, you join the fight only when they are distracted. Can you shoot those archers at the towers?"

"Yes. I can shoot a target as long as they are stationary." Scarlet answered confidently.

"Then that's the plan. Once you shoot down those who you can shoot, dive right in and join the fight. I'll be the bait. You three will kill who you can. Is that clear?"

"Yes! Lady Diana!" The three chorused.

Diana began her training to mold the three young nobles into being Fate Challengers.

On the other side of the Airom Logat...

A group numbering over fifty orcs was moving. They were guards of an outpost that was so high out in the cliff that guarding it seems unnecessary. And so, these orcs were retreating to another outpost.

Martha led the three H's to this and was about to begin her training program to mold these three into Fate Challenger.

"I'm sorry, Lady Martha. You want us to what?"

"Go down and kill forty. Once you do, I will help you three."

"You will help us only when we kill forty?"

"That's right. Any less, and I won't move."

"But... but... How can we kill those orcs?"

"Use your swords. What else?" Martha frowned and gave Helms a look as if she was looking at an idiot.

"But... but... lady Martha. What if we die?"

"Oh? Aren't we vampires? Are vampires still of the living?"

"N-no..."

"Right. We are undead. So you three... You are already dead!"

"Nani?!" Hunter exclaimed.

Martha gave Hunter a peculiar look.

"Strange. Why does your answer sound so perfect?" Martha didn't understand.

"Could it be? The blood of Lord Kyros?" Martha frowned.

"But Lady Martha! Fighting fifty orcs and killing forty with just the three of us? Do you have a plan in mind?"

"Yes. In fact, I do have a plan in mind!" Martha nodded.

The three sighed in relief. They thought they were to charge blindly into battle.

"The plan is this. You go down and kill. If you get wounded, bite, drink and recover and kill again." Martha glared back.

"Wha-what?"

"Did I stutter? You heard me. Go down and kill. If you die, it means you don't have the potential to awaken the Path of Combat. If you don't have the potential, why are you taking up the precious space of being one of Lord Kyros's Coven? It's better if you die and give that position to someone worthy. So go and either be a Fate Challenger or die. I already have the Path of Combat, so I'll live."

The Three H's drew their sword and slowly went down the mountain weeping.