Entering the City of Umbraheim : Part 4

Upon entering the city, my initial impression turned out to be entirely accurate. The AI that designed this game had created a gothic atmosphere. The outer layer was home to farmers and the peasant class, with the streets illuminated by lanterns, giving it a distinctly European feel. Shops, temples, and the military district were all present, though now emptied, allowing us to move freely. Aşina remained in a hidden form, while Mikoto stood beside me, offering support. Now, it was time to gather information about the Athanarik family. Since "S" was a high-tier monster, this would not be easy.

At the moment, I had anti-life-stealing armor and a reflection glove to use against it. The reflection glove had a weakness—if my opponent was stronger than me in hand-to-hand combat, it would reflect only 30% of the damage back to them. However, if the opponent was weaker, they would receive 100% of the damage they inflicted upon me.

We walked slowly through the streets and arrived at the front of a temple. I left a totem there; its purpose was to observe and learn from those who passed by. Before entering the military district, I placed several more totems around the city. Then, I stepped inside the temple and began to wait.

Mikoto assisted me with the totems, watching the map. A young girl caught my attention—she had light blonde hair and was of medium height. We began to follow her. Her noble clothing and demeanor made it clear that she was an İçgek. She wandered through the areas where the peasants lived, looking around anxiously when she saw no one. The streets were lined with artisan shops and peasants' stores.

I gave Mikoto the signal; she was positioned at the corner of the street. With a swift dash, I grabbed the girl's arms, and Mikoto covered her mouth. I made a gesture for silence.

Altay: "Be quiet and listen to me. I'll let you go, but attempting to escape will be troublesome. Know this—we are stronger than you."

(She signaled with her eyes that she understood.)

Isolde: "I am Isolde, daughter of Baldemar Athanarik. I came here to check on the peasants. Who are you? What are you doing here? You stand no chance against my father—he is incredibly powerful."

Mikoto: "Silence! You are speaking to the Great Yabgu, you insolent girl!"

Altay: "Calm down, Mikoto. And as for you, little girl, I am Chieh She Shuai of the Aşina Dynasty. I have come to end your father's curse. Now, tell me—how many members are in your family?"

(Isolde gave a shocked expression.)

Isolde: "You are the one we have been waiting for... for almost four hundred years!" (She gave a slight smile.)

Altay: "What's so funny about that?"

Isolde: "If I have been waiting for this day, then so has my father. Isn't that obvious? But... you can help us. I, too, want to be free from this curse, from this miserable life. I regret everything we have done. The peasants are the only people I know, and I want to help them."

Mikoto: "Are you joking? Who would believe you? Helping your own slaves? What are you trying to do—throw a bone to a starving dog?"

(Altay looked at Mikoto with a surprised expression.)

Isolde: "I have lived on these lands for nearly two hundred years. The last horror I witnessed was the massacre of the Khitan (Mongols). I warned my father and his soldiers that this curse would destroy us, that our hunger would never end, and that we had to find another way. Only a few İçgeks in our family listened to me, but they were too afraid of my father, Baldemar, to speak out.

I have an offer for you. I know who you are, and I know about the sacrifices you've placed in the city."

Altay: (thinking) Clever girl. "How did you find out?"

Isolde: "Regina told me. She foresaw your arrival and told me I must help you. We should go to the temple—this place is too exposed. The soldiers occasionally patrol here. Worse, when the It Baraks are released, their heightened sense of smell will make it easier for them to find us. The temple's blessing will protect us from their scent-tracking."

Altay: "Alright, let's go. We know the way."

The Plan:

At the temple, we began our discussion. Isolde's goal was to end the war before it escalated. She told us about the İçgeks in her family who thought like her:

Dorian Athanarik – The youngest son, born 120 years ago. He despises living as an İçgek and drinking blood. To curb his hunger, he avoids humans and occasionally drinks animal blood.Dragos Athanarik – Her youngest uncle, nearly the same age as their father (430 years old). He deeply regrets the harm caused to humans. However, he still harbors resentment due to the wrath the nomadic tribes faced before their pact with Erlik Han.Valerian Athanarik – The eldest brother, about 250 years old. A coward, but his only desire is for their father to be eliminated so he can seize the throne. He has been waiting for the right moment to strike.Aine Athanarik – Their mother, the same age as their father. She grew cold towards him after the Blood Seal Pact, but endured his tyranny because she could not abandon her children. Her chances of helping us were nearly zero.Baldemar Athanarik – Also known as the Lord of the İçgeks. Even though he avenged the wrongs done to him, he could never suppress his hunger. He completely lost his humanity after the Khitan Night Raid, and thousands of people died due to his insatiable appetite.

Isolde: "I beg you—bring us peace. I just want to sleep at night, eat food, and simply live as a human again. I can't take this anymore—I'm losing my mind!" (She clutched her head in frustration, tears streaming down her face.)

Altay: "Alright, you mentioned an offer. How do we do this?"

(Isolde wiped her tears and explained.)

Isolde: "There might be a chance. Only someone of noble blood can break my father's Blood Chalice Ritual. To do that, you must challenge him, but there are conditions you must meet."

Altay: "What are the conditions?"

Isolde: "Only a pureblood noble can control the It Baraks. Challenge my father!"

Altay: "And what about the soldier It Baraks? How do we deal with them?"

Isolde: "I have an idea. My younger brother Dorian and I can lure them towards your cavalry unit. As for my cowardly brother Valerian, we can send him and the soldiers outside to your forces—he won't fight back.

But this is not the main requirement. In our courtyard, you must publicly challenge my father to a duel. The last person to do so was Baldric Luphardt, but he lost. During the Blood Ritual, the effects of the curse weaken. Baldric underestimated this and was defeated. After his death, a rebellion broke out. About fifty İçgeks from different clans attacked, and within hours, hundreds of people died. The city of Umbraheim was split in two—the military wing and the peasant class."

Mikoto: "What exactly are the conditions?"

Isolde: "I will spread news of an uprising to divert the soldiers. In return, you must enter the courtyard and declare:

'Lord Baldemar Athanarik, I am Chieh She Shuai of the Aşina Dynasty. I challenge you to a duel!'

There is a fountain in the courtyard. You must cut your hand and let your blood flow into it. If the water ignites with a blue flame, your challenge will be accepted. No other İçgek can interfere. The duel is to the death—but the victor decides whether to spare the loser.

I beg you, Great Yabgu, kill my father!"

(Altay and Mikoto exchanged glances, contemplating how this plan would unfold.)