The Blood War

We were on our way to the boundary of the forest. While wandering around, I took the time to observe my surroundings. The sight of the trees and flora losing their vibrant hues indicated that their life force was waning due to a scarcity of mana. It’s just too heartbreaking to see.

“This place is… just sad.” I solemnly said. Tabitha picked up on the somber vibe I was giving off.

“The enchanted forest that you know is probably the past version of it.” She explained. “When I was young, my grandmother painted a picture of the forest in its majestic glory, teeming with vibrant life. Though, I didn’t witness it myself, I truly believe her.” She smilingly added.

“Before I came here, I read a book about it. This place is nothing like what it was described on that book.” I mentioned the book that Greg, the royal librarian, presented to me. “How did this happen?” I asked.

“You read a book about the previous state of the forest yet you didn’t know the Blood War?” Dion just barged in and disrupted our conversation. Did he just smirk at me?

“Blood War?” I wasn’t able to read that part. Probably because it was never mentioned there.

“Dion, stop it! Her lack of knowledge stemmed from the fact that she was not a native of this place.” Tabitha gave his shoulders a firm tap, as if he had committed a serious offense.

“Tabitha, what is the Blood War?” I inquired eagerly.

“Well, the Blood War is caused by the conflict between the Demon Realm and the Human Kingdom, where you came from.” She responded.

“There is a Demon Realm?” I was taken aback.

“The enchanted forest is… the medial of the both. Originally, the forest was… also a part of the… Demon Realm…” She was stuttering. I guess she found it intimidating to discuss the topic. “… but the enchanted forest never took sides. The Grand High Witch, at that time, didn’t want to shed any blood, neither the humans nor the demons, but her wishes were trampled over by the Demon Lord. He killed all the wizards and witches who had human blood, even those who defended them.” She went into great detail and expanded on her explanation.

“I… It feels like I have read that before.” I couldn’t remember though. My head was throbbing.

“The Grand High Witch and the Demon Lord clashed. She sided with the humans who only wanted peace and they defeated the Demon Lord. Before he was sealed, he cursed the enchanted forest and the Grand High Witch. The curse still lurks up until now, leading the forest into its death.” She elaborated.

Their history had profound roots. I didn’t know. Even Master failed to explain that to me.

“If it’s cursed, then why is the forest still producing mana?” I just couldn’t help but asks questions.

“Tabitha, that’s enough. Stop wasting your knowledge in this noble.” The reason why Dion hated me was probably because of this historical knowledge. All of the people living here probably had grudges on us, humans, especially those who wizards and witches who had mixed blood.

He was the reason my headache disappeared. Thank you, Dion.

“The mana supporting the forest right now was the mana of the Grand High Witch. She died protecting our home.” Tabitha replied to my question.

“The mana was hers?” I was amazed. She seemed like a very wonderful person.

How can her mana last centuries? She possessed unparalleled mastery over her mana, with her control and reserves reaching peak levels. Everyone should have looked up to her.

“The mana orb should be protected because it would be a grave affront to her.” Tabitha clenched her right fist.

Naturally, she gave up her life to create mana for the forest, but it seemed as though they had overlooked the true reason behind her selfless act. It’s to protect everyone, whether they’re human, demons, wizards or witches, she would probably save all of them without exception.

“Then this test to determine who stays or who goes will probably hurt her. Don’t you think?” I glanced at Dion and Tabitha with a faint smile on my face as I spoke. Well, they looked at me with astonishment as if I had just uttered something completely new and unheard of.

“Why? Did I say something wrong?” I asked.

“Have you lost your mind? She’s the Grand High Witch so everyone should protect her!” Dion exclaimed, his voice escalating in disbelief.

“You treat her like a newly hatched chick," I murmured quietly under my breath.

“I never thought of that, Valkyrie. Your way of thinking is very unusual.” Tabitha responded as if she were captivated by my air of mystery.

These two were kind of protective but kind and caring. I was grateful to be teamed up with them.

“The two of you were also strange.” No one would try to protect someone who’s more powerful than them. I smilingly said. “Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and I can say that you’re different than the others.” I remarked. Though, they appeared completely lost and confused by the topic I was discussing.

“Enough of this, we need to make it through the entire forest before the sun sets," Dion muttered as frustration rose within him.

"Don't you find the initial test a bit simple?" Tabitha added.

There’s some truth in what she is saying though.

“On the contrary, many will fail.” I really meant it.

“How can you be so sure?” Dion replied.

You, people, depend on mana and magic a lot. Perhaps you have never faced obstacles because you have always had things easily accessible to you. I wish I could speak my mind to them, but I chose to stay silent in order to avoid causing any offense.

A voice suddenly appeared, filling the air with words.

“Yoho!” Out of nowhere, a young man appeared right before our eyes. He exuded a mysterious and edgy aura with his deep gray hair styled in spikes and secured with a vibrant red headband, reminiscent of a classic gangster.

“You, scoundrel! You have already used up your mana orb with that teleportation magic right?” Dion was seething in anger.

“How could you?” Tabitha said in disbelief as she attempted to conceal herself behind Dion's back.

“Yes, and?” His response was a nonchalant shrug, displaying a complete lack of interest in the place's past. “If I depleted my magic orb, then I could just grab yours.” He added with a sly smile.

This situation was not good.

“See? Didn’t I tell you both?” I signaled to Dion and Tabitha with a glance, urging them to run on my right. “No one thinks of protecting anyone!” I ran with cold sweat, trickling down my face.

The three of us sprinted along the right side.

“Oh, so you chose flight over fight?” He seemed like he’s enjoying the play. “Catch them!” He ordered his teammates to chase after us.

“Why are we… running?” Dion asked while gasping for air. “This is shameful.” He argued and complained as he tried to keep up with us during the run. How ironic!

“Well, Mr. Perfect, if you're feeling confident about taking them down without any weapons, go ahead and prove it," I quipped with a touch of sarcasm. “Fighting back means you’re putting the mana orb to use. We can’t risk failing the first test and at the same time, failing your Grand High Witch. I can't believe I have to explain this to you. Are you stupid?” I argued with him while we were on the run.

“What did you say!” He sounded angry. "You know what—!" I looked over my shoulder to find Dion, only to realize that Tabitha was nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Tabitha?” I clung to the hope that she hasn't been captured, but it was in vain. The three men had caught up to us and taken Tabitha captive. She was held fast by a fiery, magic rope.

“I’m sorry— Ahg!” She apologized but her neck was on the verge of being scorched by the fiery rope.

“Tabitha!” Dion was seething with anger. “How could you! καταποντίσατ—!” He was on the brink of uttering his incantations, but I swiftly intervened.

“There’s no need to hurt her. Just get her mana orb and you’re done. What more do you want from us?” My calm words tried to mask my anger.