"Whoa…what calamity are you talking about?" Viktor always felt the world 'calamity' wasn't something that should be casually thrown around without good reason. He also hoped there was no real calamity since all he wanted was to enjoy his life peacefully with his lovers. Thus he felt he had to make sure.
"We don't know how it is outside our lands but tell me…Has there been any kind of unrest going on in your world?" Chief Tamo asked while Taya felt strange that he was speaking as if they were living in a different world despite the island being on Earth itself. But thinking about it, it did seem like the Sunkova people were living in a world of their own.
But his words garnered her attention as she answered before Viktor could, "Yes…In fact, things are getting more and more unsettling as days pass. We don't know how many, but there are dangerous people working in the dark to disrupt our society and world. We don't know how long before the entire world wakes up to it. That is why we were planning to try our best to stop them before they can do any serious damage."
Umilia also nodded in support of Taya's statements while Viktor knew they were talking about the pseudo-vampires and people like Death Queen and Dark Phoenix.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"No wonder…The outsiders brought an army of those vampires, but they never seemed like they were truly vampires…" Chief Tamo mumbled as he remembered dealing with those armies of vampires.
"Yes. They were too weak, unlike the vampires father told us about. But where did they come from?" Aelita asked with a confused look.
"They were originally humans but either volunteered or was forced to undergo inhuman experiments that turned them into monsters that might not even be conscious of their true self. Most of them lose control and only know how to kill or feed, or get controlled like puppets. If only I…" Taya said with her jaws clenched. She knew all this was possible because of the drug she created. She couldn't help but still feel regret.
"Don't blame yourself for it. Even if you didn't do it, these so-called Champions we just fought might have come up with other shady ways that won't be from our world," Viktor said as his words made Taya feel better.
"He is right. Evil forces will always try whatever way they can to wreak havoc in any world. What matters now is the present and future. But we now feel reassured since I have no doubt the strongest Champion is standing right before us," Chief Tamo said with a bright light in his eyes as he looked at Viktor, who softly chuckled, feeling that this old man was exaggerating things.
Viktor knew he was stronger than when he was a few months ago, but he still felt like there was a long way to go. But more than becoming stronger, he wanted answers that could fill the emptiness in his heart that was only growing the longer time passed.
"Still, we would need all the help we can. So can you or your people help us please?" Taya asked as she clutched the fabric of her dress. She couldn't help but feel that they didn't have enough numbers to deal with what was going on, not only in her city but in different parts of the world as well.
Chief Tamo let out a heavy sigh as he said, "I wish we could. But we are bound by our vow to never leave our ancient land where the temple of our god rests. It's our duty to look after it, and by leaving our home, it would only seem like a betrayal. It is said that the Nameless Knight built this island for us, disconnected from the outside world, to keep us pure…free from the darkness and corruption of the outside world. But most of all, he did it to keep us safe. If we leave, our people will be vanquished. This is the main reason why none of us have ever left."
Viktor's expression became contemplative as he heard his words, not looking that surprised.
However, Umilia and Taya seemed surprised as she asked, "Why not? Why is it dangerous for your people to leave? You all practice something called the Void Arts, right? As far as I saw, such magic seemed quite powerful. Who would possibly dare to harm you all?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Because…Void Arts are forbidden, and any Void Force user would get hunted down on sight. Am I right?" Viktor asked with a glazed expression, making Umilia and Taya look at him with confused looks. However, Umilia wondered if he happened to remember some of his past, which allowed him to know about this.
"The Ancient One seems to have imparted some knowledge to you about us as well," Chief Tamo said with a strong nod and added, "Yes, you are right. Our Void Arts are considered taboo and forbidden to practice by the mage society not only of our realm but realms beyond ours as well. The main reason they say is that practicing these arts would end in death with a very slight chance of survival. But we all know that it is because they fear the power which could suppress them. We might be powerful in a fair battle, but our numbers are too low. We will never survive if we leave our lands which are protected by the Ancient One. Today, we could have lost everything if not for the Chosen One saving us."
Chief Tamo saw Taya's dejected look and said with a heavy look, "I am sorry that we are unable to help protect our world."
Taya shook her head with a smile, "No…We understand. I would never want your people to put themselves in danger like that. I never expected things to be that bad for you all. It's a shame the mage society can't see past their ego and fears."
Umilia subtly shook her head as she now realized why Nyissa said she couldn't come and also told her not to reveal her identity to these people.
She couldn't help but chime in, "As a witch, I also couldn't agree more. But it's difficult to change old mindsets. Still, it's fine. We can do this," Umilia reassured.
"We will all pray for you all to prevail. With the Chosen One by your side, nothing can go wrong," Chief Tamo said with a confident look while Viktor couldn't help but feel like he was suddenly put in a spot where a lot of pressure was on him.
"It's already getting late, so why don't you all stay with us for the night? Even if you all have the means to leave now, please let us serve you for the night as well, considering everything that happened today," Chief Tamo said with a warm smile as he gave a slight bow.