Zooom!
An enthralling light suddenly tore through the chaotic space at an astonishing speed as turbulent wave of space intertwined around it in pursuit, trying to restrain its flash.
The light bled crimson as it wove through every attempt, its speed was bewildering.
Each time it seemed the intertwining had succeeded, the next moment the bloody light would vanish completely, only to reappear thousands of light‑years away from its previous position.
All of a sudden, it was as if it sensed something as it trembled intensely and the next instant, it shot toward a direction and disappeared, completely out from the reach of space.
Space collapsed and roared in fury, as though enraged by the sudden disappearance of its prey. It slowly reformed, twisting into an unusual swirl that brewed the beginnings of a violent storm.
The storm was immense, space twisting into shifting volumes. Soon after, a visible line emerged, tracing the trails of the bloody light. At once, the storm surged forward, accompanied by an aggressive force that seemed determined.
Boom!
It was the space itself. How could anything escape its senses.
It pursued relentlessly, and soon caught up to the bloody light, its force pressing forward as though determined to consume it whole.
But alas, when it reached the end of the blood aura's trail, the bloody light was already gone, having slipped into a domain the raging space dared not invade.
ROAR!
The violent storm of space roared with intent as waves of spatial energy erupted from it. The very fabric of space warped and churned, watching helplessly as the bloody light shimmered peacefully within the sanctuary of the other domain.
Yet there was nothing it could do. Slowly, its energy receded, and the storm calmed. The turbulent waves of space cleared, and balance was once again restored.
The chaotic space sneered coldly.
Something as powerful as that bloody light had always relied on space for its transitions.
It would be sure to remember its signature.
___
The air reeked of blood and ash. Shouts and cries echoed endlessly as battle raged beyond the walls.
Inside a dimly lit hall. A group had gathered as they watched the battle from the projection midair.
"Master… we can't hold on any longer. We are almost surrounded." said Kala anxiously. His eyes were completely dark at this point. His breathing grew heavy, each exhale carrying the weight of desperation, as he fixed his unwavering gaze upon his master. His master was their only hope.
The others in the hall remained silent, their gazes fixed in the same direction.
"Kala…"
The Blood Ancestor's voice was calm yet compelling as he gazed upon his followers. His eyes glowed with a faint shed of crimson, with brilliance burning within them, he continued to speak,
"The future of the sect… is now in your hands. You must leave immediately." his voice was calm and steady as he declared, "The Blood sect cannot perish here."
Everyone was once again reminded of their situation.
However, this was not their first battle, and they had long grown accustomed to the weight of war. Yet a grim realization remained in their hearts—this clash might as well be their last, for the enemies were immensely powerful.
They all fixed their eyes on the glowing projection, which revealed the unfolding chaos of the battlefield. But it appeared one among them was not satisfied.
"Never! No way I'm leaving you behind." Kala growled in fierce disagreement. His hands were clenched tightly, veins straining against his skin.
"This isn't about you, Kala... but for the future of the sect. Take every kid under the age of hundred and go through the hidden passage. You have to hurry." Blood Ancestor said steadily and waved his hand.
An octagonal Ancestral chart appeared which glowed dimly.
Kala wanted to insist but was silenced when the Ancestral chart appeared.
The expressions of the others shifted as their eyes fell upon the octagonal chart, each one of them knew exactly what it signified. Yet none dared to oppose it, their resolve firm and unwavering.
The Blood Ancestor already knew their decision; he had no doubt that not a single one among them would back down. They were the top leaders of the sect, and retreat was a path none of them would ever choose.
Kala's face was clouded. Their options had thinned to this?
The Blood Ancestor suddenly closed his eyes, and in the next instant, a red crystal emerged from his chest, radiating a heavy presence that made the entire hall tremble.
Everyone held their breath when this crystal appeared.
The Blood Ancestor's gaze swept across the hall, lingering on each elder in turn.
One by one, similar crystals emerged from their chests, levitating freely in the air. Yet, despite their brilliance, their presence paled before the Ancestor's. The force the Ancestor's crystal carried was so overwhelming that it dwarfed all others.
The crystals were irresistibly drawn toward the Ancestor's, quickly swirling around. Their energy seeped outward in streams of crimson light, slowly transferring into the core of his crystal. The hall quaked under the mounting pressure, as if acknowledging the dominance of the power.
"Kala, there's no need for your Blood essence. There are powerful enemies out there, and you'll definitely need it for the kid's protection. Also, I can't let you leave in a weakened state." the Ancestor's voice echoed, stopping Kala who was in the process of merging his Blood essence with the others.
With a wave of his hand, Kala's Blood essence was returned. The elders didn't oppose either and remained focused.
When the transfer was finally completed, the crystal's glow grew dense and radiant. The Blood Ancestor extended his hand, taking hold of it, and in a single motion, he fused it into the Ancestral chart.
The chart flared to life, its octagonal lines blazing with crimson brilliance.
The octagonal Ancestral chart flashed and dispersed a blinding light across the hall.
The Blood Ancestor held the Ancestral chart firmly and looked at Kala with a slight smile, "Take the Ancestral chart. You know what it signifies."
"For the future of the sect."
The elders' deep and booming voices resounded through the hall.
Kala's eyes watered, as the children were quickly gathered and ushered through the hidden path, one after the other.
The Ancestor's eyes flashed a crimson glow when he saw the path closed.
They would be safe in the hands of his dear friend, who was also very capable.
No matter how powerful the enemies appear, they surely wouldn't leave this place alive.
The remaining elders straightened with determination.
Their expressions were calm with deep resolve.
This would be their final stand.
___
Far away…
The bloody light soon appeared and lay before a planet emanating a pale brown light. The world was shrouded by a thin barrier, its surface veiled in mystery, as though hiding secrets too ancient to be spoken.
The bloody light trembled slightly on its position… as if recognizing it.
This seemingly small planet was what had caught its attention. If one looked closely, they could discern faint similarities between the two, as though some hidden connection bound them together.
It suddenly released a foreign energy whose brilliance covered the entire space… and surged forward.
A bloody streak tore through the void, racing toward a planet with speed that could leave anything to nothingness.
Its destination…
Had been found.