Chapter 16: Preparing for Slaughter

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Rainier trained himself on how to use tropospheric magic in three elements. He first learned Shadow Spear of the darkness element, Stone Shot of the earth element, and Death Lance of the death attribute.

Nestor mentioned how skilled Rainier was in not only mastering spells in the two elements he taught Rainier in, but a spell from the death attribute as well. The aged dhampir also stated it was probably due to death being Rainier’s natural attribute.

The spells literally conjured what the names said, although in stone shot’s case it required a reasonably sized stone nearby to manipulate.

“Magic really is amazing.” Rainier said near silently to himself. He soon refocused himself on the task at hand, which was saturating himself with the intelligence Ganel’s group acquired from scouting out the karkans at Vectoir. “Ganel, you said the leader of the karkans is a human? Can you tell me anything more specific about him?”

“While I didn’t see him myself, my brother in arms, Nelsor, did. Apparently this man is around thirty years of human age. The karkans referred to him as a “hero” that they had summoned from another world, your world I believe. Also, we found his name to be Musala Kasamir.”

Rainier mulled the name around his head. “I don’t know anyone famous on my world by that name. Let’s see, there is a mountain named Mt. Musala and the last name sounds Eastern European…” Even though Rainier said this, he felt it was pointless detail. “Well, none of that is important. What we need to do is form a plan to eliminate the karkans from Vectoir. It would be best to continue this conversation with Kosok Kre and Sharok so we can coordinate with the arachnacosa forces”

Then Rainier rethought about the capabilities of magic. “Wait a second. Is it possible for certain magic users to disguise themselves as another race? Like a karkan to be specific?”

Nestor interjected here. “As a matter of fact, yes it is possible. In order to shift yourself into another flesh and blood appearance, you need to use magic of the flesh or darkness elements. Although in darkness’ case it is more like an illusion than an actual shapeshifting.”

“Good, I want at least ten of you Ladia to disguise yourselves and infiltrate the karkan ranks. Once that is accomplished, I’ll need several of you to wait until the arachnacosa attack and destroy the defenses at the chokepoints from the inside allowing easier access for the arachnacosa to swarm Vectoir. The rest of you use your own judgement in order to sabotage any of their defensive efforts.” Dhampirs were naturally stealthy creatures. All of their natural attributes were that of the darkness element, thus it gave them access to a variety of magic reserved for covert operations.

“Yes, lord. I will select the members of my family to take part in the infiltration.” Falth answered with an unusually youthful vigor for the elder.

Due to Rainier’s mental link with the dhampir, he could see that he was more than ready to test his strength in battle once again. However, Rainier’s mental link wasn’t only restricted to Falth, but all the dhampirs. Thanks to this mental link, Rainier felt drained, or more accurately, extremely hungry.

This hunger Rainier was receiving from the dhampirs could only mean one thing, they thirsted for blood.

“Make sure some of the infiltrators have ways of incapacitating a sizable number of karkans. I need at least five to ten for my personal use. I also want you to capture a good amount of them so that you can all feast on their blood. It’s been awhile since your last bloody cocktail I presume? Naturally since I can’t always be available to give blood there must be some “cattle” to provide you with sustenance from now on.” Rainier’s words were frighteningly reminiscent of a villain from a novel he once read who completely disregarded life.

Then Rainier realized something. ‘This is Ademptis. If I don’t even do what is ultimately necessary to ensure not only myself, but my followers’ peak condition… We will die.’

All of the dhampirs present aside from Nera each mouthed off some variation of “lord.” While they didn’t need blood as much as full vampires considering their half vampire nature, they still thirsted for the crimson nectar.

“Falth, once the infiltration squad is chosen, let me see them.” Ordered Rainier, he wanted to give a few specific orders to the squad.

“Yes, my lord. First off, are there any volunteers as of this moment?” Several dhampirs stood up in response, they were eager to prove themselves on the battlefield once again to a worthy master.

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“Tero, you sparred with Sataska quite a bit, correct?” Asked Rainier to the young dhampir twin.

To Rainier, dealing with the twins was fairly easy and fun. Physically they may be hundreds if not a good thousand or more years old, but mentally they were still teenagers like Rainier is. ‘I just realized, quite a bit of time has passed in Ademptis that I had not tracked, I may even be twenty by now… Well, my age doesn’t matter right now, I’ll just say that around four months have passed and I’m still nineteen years old. This means only two more months to go before I am twenty.’

Interrupting the thoughts about his age, Tero quickly answered Rainier’s question. “Yes, quite a few times now actually.”

“How capable is she on her own in a fight?” Rainier needed to know just how skilled Sataska was in order to make use of her in the future and keep her safe.

While Rainier didn’t particularly care for the ant girl’s romance induced advances or her annoying clinginess, he still cared for her as a friend and did hope to keep her safe.

“I’m the BEST! I, being a great queen, am more than deadly in a fight.” Sataska placed a hand over her heart with the elbow outstretched. “Oh! I have a great idea!”

“A great idea you say? I can certainly imagine your idea of “great.”” Added Rainier with intentional sarcasm.

“We should fight together as husband and wife! It is a perfect idea! I can’t believe how smart I am for coming up with it.” Sataska was clearly in her own little world right now and never once caught Rainier’s sarcasm.

Nera shook her head with a dead look on her. “What in the world is wrong with this nuisance? Truly, this woman is ridiculous.”

Rainier had to agree with Nera. He had a dry open smile which clearly didn’t signify the usual undertones that accompanied a smile. “Ignore the idiot over there, Tero. Getting back to my question…”

“Sataska, while she is quite unorthodox in her style of combat, is more than capable of killing a few dozen karkans on her own with her strength, speed, and mental awareness that an evoant queen has. Coupling that with the spikes she produces from her body, I believe she is even more deadly than you, my lord. Of course I mean no disrespect, but I only say this since I have not seen you in an full fight yet. Your skills are there, but a battlefield is much different than a one on one fight.” Tero explained his thoughts very honestly.

Rainier could tell Tero was not lying and this was what he truly thought. Rainier used the mental link he had with all of the dhampirs to peer into Tero’s thoughts. A few days ago while training in his magic, Rainier had spent a large portion of a day meditating in order to study the mental link with the dhampirs.

Rainier already knew that this mental link was formed with the sharing of his blood with all of the dhampirs. It was also thanks to absorbing the soul of the late Itome. While meditating on the link, Rainier had figured out he was capable of several things. He could give mental commands to the dhampirs as well as read their thoughts. Rainier had already confirmed with Falth that this mental link allowed him to telepathically communicate with all of the dhampirs. Rainier also speculated that he could eventually directly control the dhampirs, moving their arms and legs as if they were his own. In all of these abilities just described, Rainier of course had not yet mastered them.

‘However, given more time and meditation, I believe I can eventually fully master this mental link. This ability I gained from Itome really is mysterious. It seems evoants are not as simple as I once thought.’ With these thoughts in mind, Rainier decided to reevaluate Sataska in the future.

“Well, I don’t intend to stay weaker than anyone in this group. If I’m going to be leading the Ladia family, the arachnacosa, and anyone else in the future… Well, let’s just say I plan on being strong enough to be unrivaled.” Declared Rainier with a ruthless grin.

Tero nodded in admiration, Sataska bounced her head around in delight, while Nera stayed deadpan.

“Lord Rainier, here are the men that will be a part of the infiltration of the karkan ranks.” Ganel walked in with nine other dhampirs following him. “I myself volunteered to join the squad as well.”

Rainier looked at the infiltration squad a few times over. He saw six men and four women in the group. As befitting of immortal figures, they all looked quite handsome and beautiful. Without a doubt they would be chased by many men and women back on earth.

“Alright then, tell me about everyone’s specialties.”

“Well, it should be obvious that we are all very skilled in stealth based skills. Each of us own soul forces at or above the planet rank and we are all experts in darkness element magic. Four of us are talented and proficient in other elements: two in wind, one in metal, and one in fire. All of us are masters of our weapons of choice and each of us are confident in our being able to kill at least thirty or more karkans before falling in combat. Of course we won’t die if we flee the scene first.” Ganel explained the various strengths of his squad before turning back to Rainier. “I myself have been elected the leader of the infiltration group as my strength and ability is the best of the ten of us.”

This was not overconfidence, but the unmistakable truth. When Rainier cocked his head over to the nine other members of the infiltration squad, they all nodded in agreement to Ganel’s words.

“Well then, I have some specific orders to give aside from the general ones I believe Falth had already informed you of.” Explained Rainier as he stretched his arms behind his back.

“Yes, we were told of the main goals of our infiltration by the elder.”

“Well, now that I roughly understand this group’s assets, I have some new orders.” Rainier rolled his head around his neck before refocusing. “These objectives are optional, but should you guys accomplish even one of these objectives, the battle will be even more in our favor. The first objective is to divert attention of the karkans from the Roseir Plateau cliffs as much as possible. The second is to plant rune mines to kill the karkan leadership, you should know where they are located Ganel. If you are to accomplish the second objective, make sure you keep Musala Kasamir alive, I want to fight and speak with him during the battle. The third objective is to use metal magic to sabotage the karkan armory. The fourth objective is to use fire magic to light up areas behind the karkan masses so the arachnacosa know where to fire their ranged weapons and magic. The fifth and probably most important optional objective is to douse the firehouse or at the very least reduce the intensity of the firehouse to a small flickering flame.”

Rainier drank a cup of water before returning to his words. “Of course make sure you follow the main orders as much as possible. Ganel, it is up to you to decide the actions to take from now on.”

All ten dhampirs of the infiltration squad bowed their head in respect. Ganel himself bowed deeply, “Yes, lord! The might of dhampirs have not been seen for centuries, if not millennia. The world will once again fear the might of the Ladia family after this battle.”

“No point in wasting time, good luck then.” And directly after Rainier wished the group good luck, the ten dhampirs ran towards the edge of the cliff and jumped off to take flight with their wings.

Rainier watched as the dhampirs flew in a strange formation that resembled a chevron. “I wonder if formations like those are important for aerial battles… Hm, I’ll see someday.”

Turning to Sataska, Tero, and Nera, Rainier calmly said, “Alright, it’s time to plan the battle with Kosok Kre and Sharok.”

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Rainier traveled to tent just outside the main entrance to Kochla with all of the dhampirs aside from two (Rasi, the twins’ mother is one) who were left behind to watch over Outpost Roseir. Sataska was with him as well, always at Rainier’s side like usual. This meant there were twenty-two people at the arachnacosa encampment (twenty of them dhampirs).

“This… Is all you have?” Kosok Kre looked over Rainier’s group with uncertainty. He was honestly expecting a much larger force.

“Don’t worry about it.” Rainier slapped his hand down on Kosok Kre’s shoulder resulting in a strange flinch from the unexpected contact by the half-spider. “My followers have quality over quantity. Besides, I have ten of my followers infiltrating the karkans as we speak. They will wreak havoc on the enemy during the battle.”

Sharok skittered up and over to Rainier and Kosok Kre. Unlike the sparse ritualistic robes he wore in the council building from the meeting, the general of the arachnacosa now wore prickly armor crafted from clean bones of various animals. In all, the set of bone armor looked well-crafted and quite deadly. He also had dual axes slung behind his back and several smaller axes, hafts in a pouch, probably for throwing.

The general looked skeptical towards Rainier’s words. “Quality is good yes, but ultimately even the strongest can be singled out and swarmed by superior numbers. Not ideal, yes, but what works is what works.”

“Allow me to interpose here… But the Ladia family of dhampirs, my kin, cannot be defeated by such meaningless maneuvers.” Falth stepped in besides Rainier who had beckoned him over.

“This is Falth, he is the elder of my dhampir followers. Though they look it, they are not human. And because of that, their ability enough so that even one dhampir can kill dozens of karkans effortlessly.” Rainier then pulled out a devious grin. “Perhaps you would like to taste Falth’s power for yourself? You saw how easily Tero and Nera defeated your top guardsmen.”

“Hrrrrr, very well then. How shall we slaughter the invaders?” Sharok strode over to a massive tree trunk where a smoothly drawn map was pinned to. “This map… Is impressive, accurate too?”

Ganel had this map drawn up when he scouted out Vectoir and its surroundings. It noted key locations such as chokepoints in the ruined walls, sleeping quarters, storages for supplies, armory, the firehouse, the gondola, troop congregations, and other such important spots. Elevation and terrain was also accounted for on this map, thus allowing a fully planned out arrangement for all troops.

“I would stake my life on its precision. Of course that doesn’t mean some things can’t change before and during the battle.” Falth answered to rhetorical question with a heavy gamble in place.

“I see…” Sharok was an arach who believed in honor and strength. It made Rainier think of a chivalrous knight or a bound samurai.

“Alright, Falth, have the dhampirs ready themselves for their first real battle after their long sleep. Afterwards, immediately join me here so you can join in on the planning.” Rainier then walked towards the tree Sharok was at with Kosok Kre, Sataska, and the twins in tow.

“I’m curious about the strategy you are going to come up with, Rainier.” Kosok Kre pondered the various ways he would come up with to attack Vectoir.

“Of course my husband will come up with some marvelous ideas where I-”

“Oh is that a delusional ant I hear in the wind? No point in paying attention to it” Rainier looked about towards the sky as if he heard a bird squawking then shrugged and went back to business.

Rainier looked around beyond the tree with the map. What he saw was demonic, not literally of course.

Hundreds upon hundreds, possibly even a few thousand, arachnacosa were scattered in around the landscape of dry forested area and random clearings of rock fields. There was another chasm to the far north where the numerous rows of arachnacosa stopped at.

And the fact that the arachnacosa were crawling about on several sets of legs made the scene even more foreign.

They all had crude sets of armor on, none of which had the same level of craftsmanship of either Sharok or Kosok Kre. Most of them wielded serrated swords of several different lengths, these swords would undoubtedly flay the karkans’ alive. Rainier could also see a decent amount of arachnacosa shamans. Rainier was also informed about the relative soul force levels of the shamans (the highest being a planet rank at fifty-nine).

Many of the arachnacosa also had roughly hewn bows made from pieces of spiderweb mangrove tree roots. Rainier understood that arachnacosa generally refrained from ranged warfare, but Sharok assured him they kept a skilled cadre of archers for when it is necessary.

The dhampirs took up residence in a corner of the army encampment and began sparring amongst themselves, warming up for what is to come. The impressive display drew in many spectators from the arachnacosa staring with amazed or dazed expressions. Falth himself was giving out a few reassurances to his family members before spreading out his wings and flying back towards Rainier’s position.

“They can fly too? I have never seen such a being like this before. Alright, no more doubt from me anymore.” “Nor I.” Kosok Kre spoke first and was swiftly followed up by Sharok.

Rainier cracked his knuckles and stretched his arms behind his back. “Good, ok everyone is here. Now, let’s begin planning on how to thrash the karkans and drive them out of the Roseir Plateau.” He said all this with a pleased smile.

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Musala Kasamir was not happy.

There was one of them on this giant plateau with him.

Musala had been quite hostile towards them ever since he first summoned to Ademptis. They were, in short, his main enemy.

Musala desired to rule over a grand empire of karkans, maybe not encompassing the whole continent, but an empire much larger than the legendary Genghis Khan created.

This Bulgarian man would stop at nothing to accomplish his ultimate goal. He would backstab, mutilate, commit genocide, and every other intolerable act that was needed.

Yet now he came upon an obstacle, namely the person named Rainier in this message. He looked it over and read it out loud again to himself.

“Musala Kasamir, I presume?

I see you, leader of the karkan forces in Vectoir attempting to invade the area I have currently made my home. Naturally, I hate threats towards my wellbeing and thus I will be proceeding with a plan to erase your presence in the north. Please know that I will be having the arach’s support in this matter and with our combined forces, you will be overwhelmed. So I give you two options. The first is to immediately withdraw from Vectoir and have all of the karkans go back down the gondola. Obviously you won’t be willing to do this, so that brings us to the second option- complete and utter annihilation of your forces. And believe my when I say that I have the ability to do so.

From the amazing, illustrious, undauntable, peerless, and extremely handsome Rainier Forrester.”

Musala ripped apart the message in frustration. What sort of insipid person would send such a senseless ultimatum? “A retard, most likely…”

Musala gnashed his teeth and stomped down on the paper shreds in fury. “Fine then, I’ll give you a battle. A retarded scrub like you can’t possibly stand up to me years of experience in the battlefield. I’ve trained to be unrivaled as both a special forces member and officer in my days as a PMC soldier.” Musala glanced towards a fully automatic rifle that had apparently come with him when he was summoned. This rifle, an AK-12, was modified to have a bayonet attachment, enhanced scopes, and a detachable grenade launcher which now used magical projectiles, was Musala’s only possession he had in Ademptis aside from the clothes on his back.

“You want a war? I’ll give you one.”