"NINTH VEIN! NINTH VEIN!"
The roars were endless. The people had co to bear witness to the return of their champion. To the return of him.
Usually, during past Walks of Glory, it was normal for the people to cheer different nas. They had always been given the freedom to support whoever they chose, even if it wasn't a vein.
But now, after three hours of heart pounding action, the people of Vitaemora had chosen a single person.
It was unprecedented, sothing that had only happened during the ti of the Sovereign and Valerian. And now, it had happened once more.
Julius clenched his fists tightly as he walked. Among the veins, he was the only one at the far, far back, where the youths with zero points had been made to gather.
Words couldn't begin to describe the humiliation he was feeling. Even Octavia, the youngest among them, had managed to secure a Gravethorn.
Though the gazes of the people were locked on Malakai, Julius couldn't help but feel the amused glances thrown his way. Each one burned against his skin, igniting a storm of rage within him.
In contrast, Renlo looked like soone who had just made it in life. His back straight, chin high, he had glanced at Malakai before the march began and had copied his every move down to the smallest detail. He had to look good.
He'd been nervous at first. But as the chants began, as the praises for Malakai grew louder, awe replaced his fear.
If not for the presence of those he didn't want to offend, Renlo would've joined the chants himself.
Each youth carried different thoughts, so held their heads high, others bowed theirs in sha. But at the center of it all, the one leading the march with a calm, steady pace was Malakai.
He could've moved faster if he wanted. The others would've been forced to run, including Julius, not that Malakai would've cared.
But he didn't. He needed the ti to think, to plan his next moves. He knew what was waiting for him at the clan.
With steady grace, he led the march toward Crimson Hold. Ti passed, and eventually, they reached the gates.
The lines of people stretched all the way from the gates to the horizon, their cheers still shaking the earth. Their numbers couldn't even be estimated.
The gates opened without hesitation, and the march finally stopped before the powers of the Sanguine Clan gathered on top of a platform in front of the main building.
There stood the Sovereign, flanked by the Pulses and mbers of the Scarlet Ten. Surrounding them were captains of the Bloodknights, their expressions filled with faint smiles.
Malakai and the youths at the front instantly dismounted. They stepped forward alongside the others and dropped to their knees in unison, voices ringing out:
"Blood flows to you, Sovereign. May your will shape the veins of the world."
The Sovereign gave a single nod. "Rise."
As they stood, the Sovereign spoke.
"Young warriors, I welco you back. The Hunt has always been sacred to our clan, and it fills with pride to see that so of you did justice to our na. Good work."
The Sanguine youths who had ranked high lifted their heads with pride. Those who hadn't could only bow lower.
"Not all of you were able to shine. But don't let that dim your spirits. The Sanguine heart never dies, rember that. Keep trying, and you will soar to the peak."
"Thank you, Sovereign!" many of the youths chorused.
The Sovereign gave a satisfied nod. "That said, I believe praise must be given when due."
His gaze shifted to Malakai.
"Malakai Von Sanguine."
As his na rang out, Malakai stepped forward and dropped to his knees.
The area fell silent. Every gaze landed on the one who had stunned them all today. The one who had done the impossible.
The Sovereign continued:
"Your actions today have ushered in a new age for the Sanguine. You reminded the world why our lineage rules the West. This is how it should be. The clan must grow stronger, not weaker. The new must rise to surpass the old. Your courage today was seen by all, and it will not go unrewarded."
Malakai bowed lower as the Sovereign ntioned rewards. Would he receive sothing beyond the standard hunt prizes?
"One of the first place rewards is a 20% increase to your total points in the Fresh Blood Rankings. I will double that."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The veins and pulses especially looked stunned. Malakai's points were already monstrous, an additional 40% would make them insane.
Their shocked eyes turned to the Sovereign. Was he serious?
"My Sovereign," a stern voice suddenly cut through the whispers. All eyes turned.
"What is it, First Pulse?"
Drennos stepped forward and bowed low. "I respectfully request permission to speak. I believe it's a matter of great importance."
'Here it cos,' Malakai thought calmly. The mont he'd been expecting.
"Speak."
Drennos turned sharply toward Malakai, his gaze cold.
"It concerns the Ninth Vein and his actions during the Hunt." Murmurs spread across the courtyard.
"The thousands of darkness creatures prepared for the Hunt suddenly ignored their prey and converged on the Ninth Vein. We all saw it, they ca for him, and him alone."
His gaze bore down on Malakai, growing heavier.
"The Third Pulse ntioned it earlier, and I also believe it to be true. The Ninth Vein's evolution remains a mystery. I believe this evolution is what triggered the strange behavior from the darkness creatures."
Varnel's eyes glead as Drennos ntioned him. Though they didn't get along, right now they wanted the sa thing, to eliminate the threat that was Malakai. He bowed as well.
"I also believe so, Sovereign. There's a need to study the Ninth Vein. The darkness creatures ignored everyone else and moved solely towards him."
"If you allow , I might be able to uncover the reason, and potentially solve our current crisis. If we can control the movent and behavior of the darkness creatures, the possibilities are endless. It could elevate the Sanguine na."
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