The Void Wolf

Several Naiads were gathered in front of an enchanted parchment. Altharth had ordered them to release the Sea Serpent but they’ve received word of his defeat so they hesitated. For some, it wasn’t the morality of the situation that made them reserved but rather their own survival. Wouldn’t it be better to save a hidden card in order to avoid their destruction? That was what they asked themselves but Ira had no intention of going after them. As long as they didn’t bother him he probably wouldn’t even look in their direction. Unfortunately, they had no way of knowing that.

“We’ll hold off for now,” The oldest of the group said. “We have to get all of our people away from this accursed city.”

Word of Altharth confessing spread fast and those who were implicated with him fled immediately. Or at least, they tried to but like all the cities Ira had been to it was destined to erupt into chaos.

One of the Naiads rolled up the parchment and stuffed into in their robes before they all left. It was honestly hard to say who avoided the disaster.

…

After nearly an hour of parading Altharth around while in his beast form, Ira finally reverted back to normal. A crowd of thousands followed him around with a sense of attachment that was similar to the Dark Elf Empire.

“Anything you want to get off of your chest before you die?” Ira asked while holding Altharth by the throat.

“I curse you and all of your kin to a lifetime of–”

Ira tightened his grip and a loud cracking sound traveled throughout the area.

“I don’t like curses,” Ira said to himself.

The crowd erupted into cheering upon seeing Altharth die. Ira, on the other hand, just stored the fresh corpse away before sighing. There were a few things he had to take care of so he wasn’t able to leave just yet. Instead, he warped the space around himself and vanished from sight. At his sudden disappearance, the cheers of the crowd died down. A few minutes later, they started a fierce discussion about who or what Ira was.

There were several theories about Ira and most of them dealt with him being a True God. Some suggested that he was a manifestation of punishment. Though it had to be said, the ones pushing that idea wanted to use his name as a way to take revenge and persecute the higher races involved with Altharth.

Whatever the case was, it was clear that stories of Ira would spread across Yeramesh like wildfire.

…

Ira reappeared at the hideout Virgil used as his main base of operations.

“Ah, Virgil!” Ira spoke cheerfully as he spotted a familiar figure.

Virgil sat at a desk with a few empty wine bottles scattered around it along with worn out maps and papers.

Virgil raised his head to look at Ira with no hint of surprise. “...It’s you.”

“It’s me,” Ira repeated with a smile before taking a seat.

“Do you know how many people died because of you?” Virgil asked.

“How would I know?” Ira shrugged.

“You told me you were going to kill dragons, Ira! We attacked their cities and waited to hear of what you did but nothing came. Oh, except one little town near the mountains. I lost thousands of people trying and had to give up on securing those cities!” Virgil shouted as he slammed his fist on the table.

“I don’t think I ever said when I would start killing them. Aren’t you like the strategic mind? Seems like you should’ve at least waited for me to kill some first before starting an attack.” Ira had an expression of nonchalance which only served to infuriate Virgil.

“Enough! Why are you here?” Virgil asked.

“For the Vulpes mostly. You know where I can find them?” Ira leaned forward and asked with a smile.

“Even if I did, why would I tell you after–”

“Virgil!” A man burst into the room while gasping for air.

“What is it?” Virgil stood up immediately.

“It’s...Altharth...He’s dead! Not just that but….hundreds of other dragons as well as other races.” The man reported.

“What?!” Virgil’s jaw nearly dropped.

“Ah, that was fast,” Ira chimed in with a nod of approval.

“Were you the one who did it?” Virgil questioned with a look of desperation.

“Who else could it have been?” Ira asked with a chuckle. He waved his hand and Altharth’s corpse fell onto the table with a loud thump.

“That’s...him.” Virgil just barely managed to speak.

“Now, what were you saying?” Ira asked curiously.

“...It seems I was mistaken.” Virgil was still upset about his loss but knew it wouldn’t end well if he continued to press the issue.

“Good. So you were telling me where the Vulpes were?” Ira gestured for him to continue.

“I’ll get a map.” Virgil went over to the table and sorted through the different papers.

“Oh, I need another favor,” Ira added.

“...What is it?” Virgil was cautious of further dealings with Ira due to the unpredictable nature of the latter.

“There are probably going to be a lot of children without parents in the following days. Gather them up for me, alright?” Ira asked in a polite tone.

“The people who joined the Uprising won’t like that,” Virgil replied.

“I don’t care about them. If they hurt those children then it’ll probably be your corpse on the table next as well as your buddies,” Ira intoned without any hint of malice. He spoke as if going after the Uprising was the logical step.

Still, it was one of the rare times Ira could be considered morally upright. Though the main reason for his protection of the children was his intention of bringing them to the Underground City.

“...I understand,” Virgil said before handing a map to Ira.

“Ah, thanks.” Ira studied the map intently before he stood up. “I’ll be back for the children in a week or two. That should be enough time to gather them all up.”

After Ira finished speaking he vanished from sight leaving Virgil wondering how he would accomplish such a monumental task. There were still thousands of half-dragons left who wouldn’t stand idly by as the orphaned children were taken away by members the Uprising.

Virgil lamented but he couldn’t complain when comparing it to what Ira accomplished. The dragons who ruled over the continent as Gods would soon be nothing more than a painful memory.

…

Ira appeared in a forest and immediately saw a few dozen Vulpes who moved in surprise. There were tree houses covered in foliage scattered around the area as well as wooden bridges used to maneuver through the brush. Without thinking, or better yet caring, Ira stumbled into the hidden area the important members of the Vulpes were concentrated in.  

“Intruder!” Someone shouted.

They began channeling magic and raising their weapons to attack. Ira simply increased his bloodline resonance and stopped them.

“W-What?!”

“I can’t...move.”

The Vulpes, one by one, fell to their knees submissively as their instincts screamed.

Ira sighed before walking past them. “I’m not here to hurt you, really I’m not.”

“Ira!”

All of a sudden, Jydar appeared in his human form which allowed Ira to see the anxiety on his face.

“Don’t you remember our agreement?” Ira asked.

“I do...Just release the pressure you’re placing on my people,” Jydar said in a pleading tone.

“No problem.” Ira withdrew his bloodline resonance and smiled.

“...I’ve heard news of what you’ve done.”

“Oh? It shouldn’t be very surprising,” Ira replied with a laugh before narrowing his eyes at the Vulpes who stood next to Jydar.

It was Riel, the one who Jydar decided would take his place as the leader of the Vulpes. Before he restrained his bloodline resonance, her presence was minute. Now, she seemed to be glaring with hostility.

“Something to say?” Ira inquired.

“She doesn’t,” Jydar quickly moved in front of her. “There are some sentimental emotions lingering but I’ve already agreed to leave with you. There shouldn’t be a problem, isn’t that right Riel?”

“...Ancestor,” Riel protested but Jydar spoke again.

“Isn’t that right?” Jydar emphasized.

“Yes, Ancestor.” Riel slightly bowed while gritting her teeth.

Ira quietly chuckled at the scene before he spoke up, “Well then, let’s go.”

Jydar nodded before he addressed the Vulpes who were present. “I don’t know if I will ever see you again but without the dragons present I know you’ll be safe in Riel’s care. I don’t have time to visit each village but tell everyone my thoughts will be with them.”

Before the Vulpes could respond, Ira and Jydar disappeared from sight.

Riel clenched her fist as she mumbled under her breath. “Bastard.”

…

Ira and Jydar appeared in the temple of the Underground City to immediate fanfare. The Priests and Scribes on hand, while remembering not to prostrate themselves, bowed with trembling bodies.

“Keeper!”

“Keeper!”

“Praise the Keeper!”

“Glory to the Keeper!”

Ira greeted them with a nod before exiting with Jydar. Since he had rarely moved outside of the Valkyrie compound, Ira underestimated just how much the religion based around him spread. People made sweets, such as mooncakes, and left them at small shrines all over the city with hopes of gaining Ira’s blessing. The three circles on Harper’s head became a permanent symbol for the females in the city and at least two out of five people would have the markings. Wooden idols that depicted wolves were hung on windows and doors for good luck.

There were even small plays depicting Ira killing the Behemoth in one strike which was, of course, an exaggeration. The price of Wolf fur shot up to an all-time high and since the Dark Elf Empire wasn’t a territory near wolves the price only increased. Though it should’ve been said that Sylun had made a law forbidding the over-hunting and mistreatment of wolves. So even the bones were made into trinkets and jewelry as to not be wasteful and as respectful as possible. It was at the point where gold and silver jewelry paled in comparison.

“These people...You’re acting the same way as the dragons did,” Jydar said solemnly.

“You’re wrong. I specifically told them that I’m not a God. They were the ones who decided to do all of this. Though, I guess I do chime in from time to time to stop them from doing something annoying.” Ira’s reply left Jydar without anything to say.

He was skeptical but calling Ira a liar wouldn’t work out too well so he decided to look around for himself when he had a chance.

“It’s too far to walk to the palace, come on.” Ira shifted the space around both of them and before Jydar could blink they were inside of the throne room.

“Keeper!”

The guards present immediately bowed in a disciplined manner before one ran off to get the queen.

A few seconds later, a Dark Elf came rushing out.

“Keeper!” The young man shouted.

“Saren,” Ira spoke with a friendly smile. He instantly recognized Sylun’s only son. The Summit was a long time ago but he could remember the time Saren followed him around enthusiastically.  

“I haven’t seen you in a while,” Ira said.

“I’ve been in training, Keeper. To be more specific, it was the training the Valkyries devised. I’m only here for the moment because of health concerns.” Saren spoke as if it was unfair but the Valkyries trained harder than anyone else. For someone unaccustomed to it, their bodies could easily break down so it made sense that Sylun would be wary of letting her son continue without rest.

“Ah, but that is a story for a different time, Keeper. My mother is meeting with Lauren and Lyra so I’ve been told to escort you there.” Saren suddenly remembered his original task.

“You can tell me about it on the way then.” Ira gestured for Saren to continue while walking.

Envy appeared in the eyes of the throne room guards and a few even sighed aloud. Saren, who could see their moods, puffed up his chest with pride before leading Ira and Jydar further inside of the palace.