The legendary wizard Mansong was sitting in a chair, silently listening to the report from his subordinate Clarisse.
As the lord of Zhentil Keep, the founder and supreme leader of the Zhentarim, he is not as easily angered as other evil guys.
Otherwise, the fact that the important expansion of the Zhentarim's dark intelligence network had been repeatedly sabotaged by the Harpists and interfered with by the Chosen Ones of the Goddess of Magic would have been enough to anger him to death.
What's more, more and more people in Zhentil Keep are turning to the Church of Cyric, and at the same time, this group of people has shown strong hostility towards the faction that still believes in Bane, the god of tyranny.
Just maintaining internal stability and ensuring that Zhentil Castle, the base, does not collapse due to internal strife, requires a considerable amount of energy and thought.
Similarly, Manshoon also has to guard against the ambitious young people of the Church of Cyric from coveting the power in his hands.
After all, he himself had become the lord of this city through conspiracy and assassination, and he knew very well how deadly a poisoned dagger from the darkness could be.
“Master, this guy who calls himself Soth obviously possesses a coldness and sinisterness that is totally inconsistent with his youthful appearance.
Moreover, he is the chosen one of Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, and is deeply loved by the gods.
I don't think it's wise to make an enemy of him.
Just the opposite!
Considering his evil tendencies, cooperation might be a good option.
The most important thing is that if such an ally is gained, it means that the attention from the Harpist Alliance and the Northern Lords Alliance can be diverted to some extent.
After all, these guys who claim to be kind and righteous will never ignore a terrifying existence that has the power to destroy a city in an instant.
In addition, Soth also has irreconcilable conflicts with the Church of Cyric.
We can use him to deal with some of the internal instability."
In order to avoid punishment for mission failure, Clarice blurted out everything that came to her mind.
At this moment, she looked so nervous that she was unaware that the sweat on her back had soaked through her silk robe.
Mansong nodded expressionlessly: "Okay, I understand. Since there were too many accidents during the operation, I will not pursue your responsibility. But remember, I hope this is the first and last time."
Hearing these words, Clarice's tense nerves and muscles instantly relaxed, and she almost collapsed to the ground. She quickly bent down and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your kindness. I swear, from now on, I will never let you down again."
But just as she turned around and was about to leave, she suddenly heard Manson's signature cold voice behind her.
"Remember to deal with those two idiots who provided false information."
moment!
Clarice shuddered involuntarily and responded as quickly as possible: "Understood! I promise to make them experience the most painful and cruel death in this world."
After watching the woman run out of the Mage Tower gate at a speed as if running for her life, the man with long black hair standing beside her couldn't help but smile and said, "Teacher, you seem to have scared her a lot. But this failure is definitely not Clarice's fault. Even I can only barely protect myself when facing such an enemy."
“Okay, Ximanmeng, I have no intention of getting rid of Clarice, so you don’t have to beat around the bush and plead for her.
Now what I want to know is who is this Soth?
When did he become the chosen one of Talona, the goddess of poison and plague?
Why didn't our intelligence network get any information about a guy like this before?"
Mansong crossed his hands in front of his chest, his eyes flashing with a dark and deep light.
Because what made him angry was not the failure of a mission, nor the destruction of the heart of Baal, the god of murder, which was in the box.
Rather, there was a huge mistake in the Zhentarim's intelligence network throughout the continent of Faerun.
The man called Ximanmeng always maintained an elegant demeanor and explained calmly, "This Lord Soth is much more cautious than I expected.
He has always blessed himself with [Avoid Detection].
So I just used the prophecy magic to detect, but didn't get much useful information.
Instead, I tried to summon the souls of those who died at his hands, and unexpectedly got some useful information."
"Oh? What is it? Tell me about it." Mansong suddenly became interested.
Ximanmeng stroked the small goatee on his chin and analyzed seriously: "First of all, we can confirm that Soth's first appearance was on a deserted island south of the Racing Strait, just as the information provided by the spies of the Dark Intelligence Network.
There, he successfully defeated and killed Hallett's men using toxins and mass awakening of the undead.
The second time he helped a leader of a thieves guild in Port Calim to massacre the ratmen in the sewers.
The method is to use necromancy magic rituals to first transform the rats into zombie rats, and then inject negative energy into their bodies, turning them into a mobile negative energy bomb.
It has to be said that this person has demonstrated extraordinary talent, skills and creativity in the use of the undead.
The third move was caused by the rebellion of one of Hallett's confidants.
In retaliation, Thoth killed the rebel and all his men, and plundered their wealth.
According to the information given by Muk's soul, he used some powerful magic to transform a half-elf assassin named Yelinia into a shadow creature.
And taking advantage of the characteristics of the shadow creatures, they use the cover of night to continuously kill living people and then transform them into new shadows until the entire house is cleared.
If nothing unexpected happens, Soth should now have a large army of shadows under his control.
I suspect that when he was fighting against the monster army outside the city of Myratma, he secretly released the army of shadows without telling anyone, and transformed all the killed monsters into new shadows.
As for the time when he became the Chosen One of Talona, it should be during the journey from leaving Myratma to entering Zazesipur.
I have reason to believe that the battle that broke out near the ruins of Fort Texel was the trigger for the whole incident.
As to what exactly happened and whether a god had descended to incarnate, it is still unknown.
But I have ordered the personnel in Calimport to take action, and I should be able to get confirmation from the young paladin named Eloline soon."
It has to be said that this man, Manshoon's most trusted disciple and the core of the Zhentarim's dark intelligence network responsible for daily operations, is indeed quite capable.
Almost every detail of Zuo Si's experience in coming to the continent of Faerun was investigated.
Only when it comes to entanglement with symbols and gods does he seem a little overwhelmed.
"So, this newly born elect seems to be a vengeful and dangerous person?"
Mansong also decisively joined in the analysis of Zuo Si's behavior and power.
Because in the continent of Faerun, no mortal who is favored by God and given power by the chosen ones is easy to mess with.
His childhood friend and rival, Fuzor Chamberlain, the chosen one of the god of tyranny Bane, is the best proof of this.
Even Manshoon, a legendary wizard, could not guarantee that he could defeat this powerful priest 100% in a head-on battle.
Ximanmeng answered without hesitation: "He is indeed a very dangerous person. Just an hour ago, I sent people to investigate the Dragon Worship Cult's base in the Xingxuan Mountains and found that it had been completely cleared out."
"Clear? Where is the Emerald Nightmare that was transformed into a dragon lich?" Mansong's face changed slightly.
"Either he was killed, or his life box was taken away by the other party and he was threatened and controlled. This is why I have been emphasizing the danger of Soth. So far, we know too little about the abilities and trump cards of his voters. Even the terrible energy burst mentioned by Clarisse, its true power and lethality are still a mystery." Ximanmeng emphasized with a serious face.
Mansong nodded thoughtfully: "It seems that making an enemy of such a person is not a good choice. Especially when we don't have any core conflicts of interest for the time being."
Ximanmeng continued, "Not only that. Soth doesn't seem to have any intention of being our enemy, otherwise, with his strong desire for revenge, he would not have let Clarice go back. On the contrary, I think this is a very obvious sign of reconciliation, and it is also a warning for us not to bother him again."
"You are still as good as ever in the field of intelligence gathering and analysis. Let's put it this way. You will be responsible for contacting this new voter and taking the opportunity to find out everything about him."
After a little consideration, Mansong quickly made a decision.
Because he has been too busy recently, if this matter did not involve the heart of the late god of murder Baal and the voters of Talona, the goddess of poison and plague, he would not even ask about it personally.
"Please rest assured, I will find an appropriate time to visit Mr. Soth."
After saying that, Ximanmeng bowed with a very graceful movement, then cast a teleportation spell and disappeared from the spot.
Mansong picked up the latest list of senior officials in Zhentil Keep and drew an X behind several of them.
Just over forty minutes ago, these people secretly converted to Xirik and are no longer trustworthy.
Obviously, just from the densely packed Xs on the list, it can be seen that the Church of Cyric has replaced Bane as the mainstream belief in Zhentil Keep and this has become an irreversible trend.
After all, mortals in the evil camp are often very realistic, short-sighted, and selfish.
When a god dies and can no longer grant magic and power, and can no longer protect their souls after death, conversion becomes inevitable.
…
At the same time, Ragon, the leader of the Entangled Symbols who was far away in Calim Port, also learned from Elolin who had just returned that Zuo Si had become the chosen one of the Goddess of Poison and Plague.
At this moment, the lich was deep in thought while holding the information sent by his subordinates.
After several minutes, he spoke again and asked, "Is this news accurate? Why did Talona choose Soth? Is there anything special about him that we don't know about?"
"Master, this news is 100% accurate. As for why Soth was chosen, I am not quite sure. According to the description of the young paladin, she saw some fragments through a dream-like perspective and only remembered the part after the God of Suffering came. As for what happened before, she knows nothing at all."
Ebenezer Abbott told all he knew.
It was not difficult to see from the shock in his eyes that he could hardly believe that Zuo Si had undergone such a drastic change not long after leaving Port Kalin.
This also directly led to the complete failure of the plan to absorb Zuo Si into the organization just at the beginning.
You must know that the Entanglement Symbol will not absorb believers of any god, let alone special beings like the Chosen Ones who can represent the will of the gods.
Because that would greatly increase the risk of organizational exposure.
"Go and inform Shangela and ask him to find a way to make it happen and make sure to find out what happened that night." Lagong gave the order directly.
For some reason, he suddenly had a bad feeling.
"As you wish!"
Without saying a word, Ebeny Abo immediately touched another teleportation rune and went directly to the lair of another rune lord, Shangela.
Although the main forces of the Tangled Symbol are concentrated in Calimshan, they also have secret bases in the northern Kingdom of Tethyr, the Empire of Amn, Baldur's Gate, and even Waterdeep.
In some places, they even succeeded in controlling some chambers of commerce, local bureaucrats and nobles.
But for now, I can't do whatever I want like I did in Kalinshan.
…
On the other side, in the Valley of Shadows in the Cormanthor region on the southern coast of the Moon Sea, several high-ranking members of the Harper Alliance were gathering to discuss the important news sent by Jaheira and Khalid.
After passing the note full of tiny words around, the leading man spoke first, "Everyone, I believe you all know about the major event that happened near the ruins of Fort Tessel, and Soth, who was chosen by the goddess of poison and disease, Talona. Tell us, what attitude should we take towards him next."
"Since the Goddess of Suffering Ilmater is guaranteeing it, I don't think there is any need to worry. And please make it clear in the newspaper that this person himself has no interest in the actions and teachings of the Church of Talona."
The other person shrugged indifferently, picked up the wine glass and took a big gulp.
However, a woman sitting next to him immediately retorted: "You are too optimistic! No matter what, this guy named Soth is an extremely dangerous person.
Looking at his experience and actions, there is absolutely no difference between him and those evil people we are fighting against. They are all equally cold-blooded, ruthless and cruel.
What's more, the terrible viruses, bacteria and highly toxic substances in his body are enough to easily kill thousands of people and destroy city after city.
I think it should be closely monitored.
Once you discover anything abnormal, take immediate action, and it would be best to use the Imprisonment Technique to isolate it permanently."
The only dwarf present heard these "heretic" words, knocked on the table and shouted: "Hey! Hey! Hey! Do you know what you are talking about?
We, the Harpers, are a kind-hearted organization. How can we rashly attack someone who has not committed any crime without any evidence?
Even if he is a chosen one of Talona.
And as far as I know, this young man also helped the local lord to deal with an evil red dragon and his army of monsters when he passed through Myratma. "
But the woman rolled her eyes with disdain: "Don't forget, the voters represent the will of the gods. Do you think that the people chosen by Talona have nothing to do with terrible things like poison, plague, and disease?"
"This is just a quibble! Just like your last suggestion to imprison all the rescued sons of Bhaal, or to throw them into another dimension, it's too extreme."
A middle-aged woman wearing magical leather armor and dressed like a ranger shouted.
Seeing these guys starting to argue endlessly because of different ideas and opinions, the man who spoke first turned his gaze to the old man who was sitting next to the stove and smoking a pipe.
"Lord Elminster, what do you think about this matter?"
"I?"
The first chosen one of the Goddess of Magic exhaled a puff of choking white smoke, smiled and shook his head: "I have long stopped interfering in the management of the Harper Alliance. But I am quite interested in this young man named Soth. Because not long ago, the Goddess of Magic personally told me that he brought some unprecedented magical knowledge and power to this world."
"Unprecedented magical knowledge and power? Brought to this world?"
As a high-ranking member of the Harpers who had to battle wits and courage with evil organizations such as the Zhentarim, the Red Wizards, the Cult of the Dragon, and the Luskan Arcane Brotherhood all day long, the man instantly grasped two key words.
Because even if we understand it literally, it means that Zuo Si is very likely from another plane or crystal wall.
"That's right. He is not from our world, but an outsider with very rare talents and abilities. In fact, not only the God of Suffering Ilmater and the Goddess of Poison and Disease Talona noticed him, but also many gods including the God of Knowledge, the Goddess of Magic, the God of Craftsmanship and Creation, etc., were secretly watching his every move."
Elminster explained seriously.
As the mortal who may have the deepest understanding of gods in the continent of Faerun, he knew very well why so many gods, including his own goddess, cared so much about this young man.
Oghma, the god of knowledge, is interested in the knowledge from other worlds in Zuo Si's mind; Midnight, the goddess of magic, is interested in his completely different way of using magic energy;
Gund, the god of craftsmanship and creation, is interested in never-before-seen craftsmanship and various strange inventions from other worlds.
In short, whenever it comes to the area of his own priesthood, God will inevitably become paranoid and extremely obsessed with it.
The first generation Magic Goddess was curious and wanted to see what the effect of the unprecedented twelve-ring spell "Incarnation of Karsus" was.
As a result, it did not stop the Archmage Karsus from completing the entire spellcasting process, and ultimately led to him having to commit suicide and reincarnate to save the out-of-control magic network.
So Elminster understood that the arguments among the Harper leaders were meaningless until these gods lost interest in Zoth.
He himself was also very curious about what method and special ability Zuo Si used to come to Furen.
Thinking of this, the old man who had lived for more than a thousand years slowly stood up from his chair, picked up his beloved cane, turned around, opened the door and walked out.
Whether for the sake of the magic goddess he believed in or to satisfy his own curiosity, he decided to go there in person.
…
After safely passing through the "Lucky Valley" and leaving the dangerous Star Vortex Mountains, the caravan entered the famous Wildas Forest.
This is one of the few places in Faerun, besides Evermeet, where a large number of elves still live.
Due to the bad attitude of the previous generations of monarchs of the Kingdom of Tethyr towards the elves, the elves living in the forest have no good feelings towards humans.
If anyone dares to trespass into their territory, these pointy-eared guys will kill him without mercy.
Fortunately, the druids stepped forward at the critical moment and eased the fierce conflict and hatred between humans and elves.
Otherwise, probably few caravans would dare to take this route, as it would be tantamount to seeking death.
Whether it's the elves' elusive scouts, rangers, and magic archers, or their unique and powerful magic system, they can easily annihilate a fully armed human army.
Moreover, the elves have hidden their homes and cities through powerful magic, so that outsiders cannot even find where the entrance is.
望着马车两侧茂密原始且一望无际的维尔达斯森林，左思脑海中浮现出两个名字。
琼·艾瑞尼卡斯和巴荻。
这两个重量级人物原本的故乡就在这片森林深处，跟卡立德和贾希拉一样，都会在未来巴尔之子的冒险旅途中扮演极为重要的角色。
左思不是很确定对方现在究竟是还留在精灵之城——索丹尼斯拉，还是已经因为犯下不可饶恕的大罪被放逐了出去。
如果是后者的话，那么阿斯卡特拉的下水道跟墓园将会成为不折不扣的危险地带，日后进行探索的时候需要格外小心。
最重要的是，左思对精灵们独有的魔法体系十分感兴趣。
尤其艾瑞尼卡斯还是一名传奇法师，掌握着海量的知识、强大的魔法克隆技术和数不清的法术，甚至差一点就成功让自己从凡人转变成为神明。
如果能通过交易或者合作的方式获得这些知识，那就再好不过了。
就在左思考虑要如何进行操作的时候，突然听到前方传来一阵嘈杂的声音，立刻探出头询问：“发生了什么？”
“主人，是一队精灵巡逻队拦住了我们的去路。”坐在车顶的狼人少女赶忙垂下脑袋回答道。
“精灵巡逻队？理由呢？”
左思推开门从马车上走了下来。
他实在想不出，这支商队有什么值得精灵们如此大动干戈的。
沿着漫长的车队缓缓向前走了有大概两百多米后，他终于意识到问题出在了什么地方。
只见一名看上去十分年轻的女精灵，手里紧握宛如艺术品一样的精美长剑，死死盯着被奇物心灵控制的黑暗精灵俘虏，目光中充满了赤裸裸毫不掩饰的厌恶跟憎恨。
在她身后的另外十几个精灵也都是差不多类似的反应，纷纷举起武器将其围在中间。
从他们的长相、穿戴跟打扮来看，应该都是典型的“绿精灵”，也就是木精灵，偶尔也被人叫做森林精灵。
木精灵是“王冠战争”时期艾瑞凡达帝国和伊利斯瑞王国的继承者，跟其他精灵同族并没有什么不同，也曾经建立过庞大的城市和辉煌的文明。
但随着最后建立的国家被摧毁，他们渐渐失去了建造宏伟城市的热情，开始转而崇拜大自然的力量。
更喜欢在人迹罕至的茂密森林里，通过一些法术利用树木、藤蔓和其他植物建造一种贴近自然的树上之城。
在木精灵看来，那些文明的标志，尤其是高大的城墙和坚固的要塞，最终都会被漫长的时间所侵蚀、征服，只有伟大的自然才是不朽的。
毫无疑问！
从木精灵巡逻队激烈的反应不难判断出，这绝对是黑暗精灵与地表精灵之间长达一万年刻骨铭心仇恨的延续。
同时也是黑暗精灵在地表世界臭名昭著的最真实写照。
哪怕他们没有犯下任何罪行，仅仅只是顶着一身黑皮，就会立刻引来无数的麻烦跟敌意。
“你们必须交出这个恶毒卓尔！”
为首的女精灵用不容置疑的口吻提出了要求。
能看得出，她忍耐的相当辛苦，恨不能立刻把眼前的黑暗精灵大卸八块。
“理由呢？这个黑暗精灵犯了什么错？你总不能莫名其妙就把她带走吧？”
左思从人群中走出来，示意一旁拔出武器戒备的佣兵们稍安勿躁。
与此同时，他还故意把跟在商队最后边的钢铁魔像召唤过来，以增加对这些尖耳朵的威慑力。
虽然左思并不希望在维尔达斯森林跟这些有主场优势的精灵发生冲突。
但如果对方铁了心的不讲理，那也就别怪他不客气了。
女精灵警惕的瞥了一眼双脚深深陷入泥土中的钢铁魔像，立刻问道：“她是你的同伴？”
左思轻轻摇了摇头：“不，不是。她是我的俘虏、财产和研究对象。”
“俘虏？可我没有看到她身上有任何绳索或者镣铐。别告诉我，你们就这样把一个危险歹毒的卓尔不加限制的留在身边。”
女精灵显然并不相信刚才的话，甚至语气中还带了那么一点点的讽刺。
“谁告诉你她身上没有限制的？有时候无形的镣铐，要比有形的镣铐更加管用。”
说着，左思径直走到黑暗精灵的身边，直截了当下达了命令：“跪下！”
瞬间！
上一秒还站在原地一动不动的黑暗精灵，下一秒就以一种无比卑微的姿态跪了下来。
整个过程没有一丝一毫的抗拒，甚至就连眼神和情绪波动都没有。
或者说，她的意识早已被奇物的心灵异能困在了一个不存在的虚假幻象中，根本不清楚自己真正的状态。
眼下的行为，完全都是在幻象指引下做出来的。
事实上，通过心灵能力控制一个人，跟使用魔法和神术控制一个人，完全是两种截然不同的概念。
后者是使用暴力强行入侵大脑、压制一个人的主观意识，使其不得不屈服于施法者下达的命令。
而前者则是通过将主观意识困在类似梦境一样的虚幻世界中，通过引导来让对方做出施法者所希望的行为。
虽然结果都是一样的，但原理跟过程却没有太多相似之处。
“你……你们用魔法魅惑了她？”
女精灵吃惊的瞪大了眼睛。
虽然木精灵并不像其他精灵种族那样擅长和喜爱奥术魔法，但作为费伦大陆上为数不多的木精灵城市——索丹尼斯拉，还是有不少法师存在的。
因此她能分辨出中了魅惑法术的人是什么样子。
要知道黑暗精灵可是一群无比高傲、自大的家伙，充满了强烈的优越感，并且认为自己才是这个世界上最优秀的种族。
至于别的种族统统都是低等的，天生就应该被他们征服、奴役和屠杀。
所以一个黑暗精灵也许会向地位更高的同族下跪，但绝对不会向其他任何种族下跪。
左思略微点了下头：“没错。我说过，她是我的俘虏、财产和研究对象。”
“那你打算怎么对待她？当做奴隶？”
另外一名相貌颇为英俊的男性精灵开口询问道。
在得知黑暗精灵不是队伍中的一员，而是类似于奴隶一样的存在后，在场所有木精灵的敌意都瞬间减轻了许多。
一些家伙甚至毫不掩饰露出幸灾乐祸的表情。
“很简单。我希望从她的口中得知更多关于幽暗地域的情报，顺便研究一下那黝黑的皮肤究竟是怎样产生魔法抗性的。当然，如果遇到敌对施法者的话，我也不介意用她来当人肉盾牌。”
左思没有掩饰什么，大大方方说出了自己对这个黑暗精灵的“使用”方法。
自从有了奇物的帮助，他早就已经搞清楚了这个被当做奴隶贩卖的卓尔精灵身份，还有其来到地表后干了多少丧心病狂的事情。
这家伙实际上是从深水城地下庞大地脉迷城里逃出来的，紧跟着潜入附近居民的家中将其全家老幼统统杀死，把财物洗劫一空。
之所以会被奴隶贩子抓住，其实是在前往头骨港进行交易的时候，不小心露出自己标志性的黝黑皮肤，结果马上就被敲了闷棍。
“人肉盾牌？这还真是个天才般的想法！”
男精灵忍不住吹了声口哨，以表达自己此刻愉悦的情绪。
对地表精灵而言，没什么比看到一个黑暗精灵正在遭受苦难更能让他们感到心情舒畅了。
为首的女精灵则同样收起武器，单手抚胸优雅的鞠了一躬：“我为自己刚才鲁莽和失礼的行为道歉。我还以为你们跟这个黑暗精灵是一伙的呢。”
眼见误会已经解除，左思也露出了理解跟和善的笑容：“没关系。我明白你们对于黑暗精灵发自灵魂深处的仇恨。如果没什么其他的事情就请让开吧，商队还要赶路呢。”
“当然！”
女精灵立刻打了个手势，示意巡逻队的成员让开道路。
很快，庞大的车队便再次缓缓动了起来，沿着这条可能是整个维尔达斯森林唯一可以通行的道路继续前进。
目送商队消失在远处茂密的树林中，另外一名女精灵才开口问道：“队长，你刚才为什么不坚持让对方交出那个该死的卓尔？”
“笨蛋！你难道没看到他们有一个巨大的钢铁魔像吗？一旦发生冲突，那玩意能轻松把我们全部都撕成碎片。”
旁边的男精灵抬起手轻轻敲了一下前者的脑袋。
可女精灵明显不服气，立刻反驳道：“钢铁魔像又能怎么样？这里可是森林！那个笨重的大家伙根本不可能追得上我们。”
“魔像的确追不上，但控制它的法师能。难道你忘记前不久发生了什么吗？奥术施法者都是一群危险的疯子，所以除非必要最好不要激怒他们。”巡逻队长郑重其事的告诫身边所有人。
“可并不是所有法师都有艾瑞尼……”
Before the female elf could finish her words, she heard the patrol leader's stern voice: "Shut up! Don't say that name! Call him the Exile."
"Hmm...I'm sorry."
The female elf was obviously frightened and quickly lowered her head to admit her mistake.
But the patrol captain did not let her off easily. He continued to reprimand her with a serious expression: "Remember, those two people have been stripped of their elf bloodline and identity because they committed unforgivable crimes. They can no longer use their elf names. And it is best not to mention them in any public occasion, or you will get into trouble."
"Yes, I remember that."
"Captain, relax, this is not Sodanisil."
"That won't do! I don't want my team members to be taken away by the priests for interrogation."
…
Just as these wood elves left the road and returned to the forest to continue patrolling, far away in Askatra, the capital of Amn, a man and a woman were hiding deep underground in the dark cemetery, performing an extremely evil and terrifying magic ritual.
The woman was lying in a coffin, looking old and haggard, surrounded by sticky blood that gave off a pungent smell.
Next to the huge pool of blood, there were densely packed corpses that had been brutally killed and drained of blood.
Among them are both humans, dwarves, halflings, elves, half-elves, dwarves and other city dwellers, as well as monsters such as orcs, orcs, gnolls, hobgoblins, and ogres.
The total number is as high as two or three hundred.
"Badi, are you ready? Once you take this step, there will be no turning back."
The man stood in the center of the huge magic circle and asked in a tone without any emotion.
"Yes, my dear Erinikas, let's start quickly. I am tired of this weakness and aging. Those damned bastards took away not only the appearance of our elves, but also the inner life essence and soul. I swear! Sooner or later, Thordanisla will pay the price for this, the price of blood."
The woman called Badi gritted her teeth, her eyes revealing endless hatred.
The man named Erinikas stared at him with a pair of chilling eyes and responded: "Don't worry, we have plenty of time to plan this revenge. And the target of revenge is not just the city of Sodanisla, but also the god they believe in."
As soon as the last word came out of his mouth, he began to chant the clumsy spell loudly, pouring a large amount of plasma in the blood pool into the coffin.
Badi, who was lying inside, seemed to feel an intense pain that could not be described in words, and he let out a heart-wrenching scream.
“Aa ...
As her screams echoed in the huge, empty underground tomb, her old and frail body began to become younger and younger, even taking on an abnormally pale color.
At the same time, the horrible negative energy flowed into the body along with the blood, directly causing the essence of his life to change.
When it was all over, Badi was no longer a living being, but a powerful and terrifying undead creature - a vampire.
Since she was transformed through a necromancy magic ritual and not by other vampires, she gained extremely terrifying power from the moment she was born and did not have to worry about being controlled by higher-level vampires.
Feeling his body regain its strength, Badi licked his abnormally bright red lips with his tongue, grinned, revealing his two iconic fangs, and laughed out loud.
"Hahahaha! That's right! This is what I want! The endless thirst for blood will strengthen my obsession with revenge! Now, let me go find some elves as my first meal after my rebirth."
After saying this, Badi put on the magic cloak that he had prepared for himself to protect himself from the sunlight, and his body instantly turned into a bat, flying out of the catacombs at an extremely fast speed.
After watching her leave, Erinikas touched his face, which was also rapidly aging, and murmured to himself in a voice that only he could hear: "It's time for me to carry out my plan. The sewers of the Askatrawoking Mall are a good place. It is convenient for getting information and obtaining sufficient resources at any time. It is very suitable for establishing a base..."
Soon, the man also used teleportation magic and disappeared without a trace.
As for the bodies of the victims on the ground, he never even looked at them from beginning to end, as if they were just a pile of discarded experimental materials or garbage that needed to be cleaned up.
Needless to say, these two people are June Irenicus and his "good" sister Badi, who were punished and exiled because they wanted to steal the power of the Wood Elves' Tree of Life.
Despite being forcibly stripped of the elf's life essence and soul, the body is aging at an incredible rate.
Yet they are still powerful and formidable wizards, with vast knowledge and spellcasting abilities that allow them to easily evade death.
It's just that Badi chose to turn himself into a vampire, while Erinikas had other plans.
Because the latter knows the disadvantages of becoming an undead creature, and at the same time, he has some strong obsessions deep in his heart that he cannot let go of.
In this way, the two sinners exiled by Sodanisla began their evil plan of revenge.
The Elf Queen probably never dreamed that her momentary mercy would bring such a terrible disaster to the entire tribe.
(End of this chapter)