Chapter 509 - 456.2 : Black Sea (1/2)

Though the White Specter clan didn't suffer any losses, half of their residential territory was demolished, turned into dust and ash. Even after one day, no one dared to visit the place to inspect the damage, everyone stayed clear of this area, choosing to wait for the Matriarch to publicly announce the results of the war.

This once prosperous and beautiful place turned into a mess, rubble everywhere, bottomless chasms, scorched earth and polluted air. It is definitely not a place for anyone to live in, which is why Katrina started relocating the disciples or her clan.

The clan's territory was unimaginably huge so Katrina chose a relatively quiet place that had abundant Nether Energy and was suitable to live in.

…

Going back to the battlefield, where it stunk of blood, there appeared a lonely silhouette, slowly walking amidst the dusty and foggy place, unaffected by the nauseating smell or the unsteady ground he was treading.

The man wore no armor or enchanted armor, his clothes were normal, plain, even. What caught attention, however, was an unusual hat adorned by three feathers, white, red, and purple. His attire resembled those of the troubadours roaming the Bard Realm, and the lute in his hand confirmed his obvious profession.

After walking for a long while, the man let out a sigh and pinched his nose, unable to bear the stench, nevertheless, he continued randomly wandering around, inspecting overly-damaged areas.

Only when half a day has passed did the bard stop roaming and retrieved his lute, ready to sing. He needed to see this with his own eyes so he can come up with a good poem that will rile the crowd, as usual.

”My dear Arthur, didn't I tell you that your efforts will be of no use? Why must you go against destiny…”

Indeed, this individual was a recent acquaintance of Arthur, someone the parasite meant when he went in search of the Azure Dragon's body. They coincidentally met and surprisingly hit it off, becoming friends after experiencing a few dangerous situations together.

Their encounter was brief, however, the memories of their short adventure won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Aneirin was his name, and, contrary to his appearance, he was old, very old, and mysterious, at that.

The bard adjusted his lute, put his delicate fingers in their rightful place and started singing. His sweet and pleasant voice echoed across the empty battlefield, bringing a tinge of life to this desolate and broken place.

'Once a human, he had been

Now a parasite, none had ever seen

Lacking faith, like a simple machine

Facing destiny, fate, and all in-between

He failed to see the path

Alone and consumed by his wrath

Seeking vengeance, causing a bloodbath

Once a human, he had been

Now a parasite, banished in a place unforeseen

Meeting a creature, mad, sly, and obscene

Soon to be forgotten, cursed, and never seen.'

****

Unaware, there were two figures watching the singing bard, their breaths steady and silent, and their bodies camouflaged by the dense fog and countless scattered boulders. The shorter of the two, a young man with a fair, delicate skin, a humble smile and clear eyes, glanced at the man beside him and said