Re: In My Bloody Hit Novel

Chapter 616: The Plan In Motion

With Dona slung over his shoulder like a lifeless doll, Manu took one last glance at the field, satisfied with his work.

But as he turned to depart, his keen senses picked up an eerie presence lingering nearby. Following it, he traced a narrow, winding path, utterly barren and twisted, where once-thriving flora had withered and blackened, contorted as if by invisible hands. Poison seeped through the soil itself, leaving a harsh, acrid scent in the air that stung even Manu’s senses.

Trees stood shriveled and gnarled, their bark turned to ash, leaves hanging limp and mottled as if drained of life. Vines slumped in tatters, clinging to each other like the broken threads of a web.

Manu’s eyes narrowed as he gazed upon this ruin. He needed no further confirmation; he recognized the effect instantly. The trail of poisoned life, of lingering, palpable despair, could only mean one thing. This was the work of Knight Sheyi.

Not so long ago, Manu had cursed Sheyi for standing against him, condemning him to an endless, tormented wander, a fate worse than death. Now, cursed to roam the earth in agony, Sheyi’s very footsteps brought poison and death to all living things, marking his passage with decay and suffering. Though his body remained strong, every breath, every step carried relentless, excruciating pain.

A flicker of irritation passed over Manu’s features, but only briefly. Sheyi’s misery was of no concern to him, a reminder of what happened to those who crossed him. With a dismissive shrug, Manu turned away from the poisoned path, lifting Dona securely. In a flash, they vanished, reappearing within the cold stone walls of the kingdom.

Manu paid no further mind to the cursed knight’s path of ruin.

His purpose lay ahead, and his game pieces were falling perfectly into place.

Within the twisted depths of the Fog of Unbound Demise, in the hidden, crumbling castle cloaked in divine runes, a powerful ritual was unfolding. The castle walls glowed in a soft yet fierce golden light, illuminating eerie carvings and ancient symbols as they pulsed with potent energy.

This was the heart of the second zone, and at its core stood Orc-D, the precious land spirit and guardian. Her form orc was monstrous and imposing, with three heads—each adorned with distinct expressions: one compassionate, one indifferent, and one harsh. Her three faces as it has always been continued to reflect the full spectrum of her centuries-old wisdom, both merciless and merciful.

She stirred a massive, boiling cauldron, filling the air with an odd blend of exotic spices, mutagenic herbs, and writhing, still-living creatures plucked from the fog itself. They sizzled and thrashed in the brew, releasing an intoxicating mix of fumes. Orc-D’s hands worked skillfully, adding ingredients with practiced precision. Then, with a grave expression, she held up the dead Deamon’s heart, a heart carrying the lingers of love, now black and cold, seeping with longing.@@@@

She dropped it into the cauldron, and the whole mixture hissed, turning a deep, bloody red as chilling echoes resonated through the hall.

....

Manu’s decree was swift and strategic. Summoning Elder Baldie, his most trusted aide, Manu’s voice echoed with a fierce command: "Send word to the Zodiac Families and the Holy Church. Let them know I am willing to lend my strength to the side that can provide the rare spiritual herbs I seek. I am not bound by loyalty, only by power. They know well what I offer."

Elder Baldie bowed deeply, understanding the weight of such an announcement. The statement was laden with both promise and threat, certain to stir the already simmering tensions. Without delay, he dispatched Manu’s message through covert messengers, each carrying a sealed scroll inscribed with Manu’s dark rune snake—a sign that no one would dare ignore.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the land within hours. Whispers began in the taverns and courts alike, and quickly escalated, reaching nobles and warriors, priests, cultivators and families, and mages alike. Manu, the infamous gold rank of a god’s bloodline was now openly playing his own game.

The Zodiac Families, usually united in their quest for control, found themselves in turmoil, torn between the lure of his power and the costs of appeasing him. The Holy Church, holding its own pride and principles, faced an equally difficult decision.

After all, even the Seer after going through the list knew that it was not ordinary.

However, Manu had added an extra reward. Who ever gives him what he wanted, he would give the antidote to restoring Nora’s Dantain.

Now, this was the real catch. On the message sent out was Manu’s blood oath attached to it.

This was a heavy game changer.

The holy church might have Nora, but the one with her cure was the real one with power.

Now, the Threat of war was real.

The lands buzzed with excitement, apprehension, and fierce debates. The stakes were higher than ever. And as the skies darkened, it became clear that Manu had just lit a fuse in an already volatile world—one that could only end in battle.