Rising Threats

"As for the Ankou, he is noted to have different versions as well. In the one that is currently running around now, he is a prime definition of a Grim Reaper."

"With the souls of the dead as his fuel for power, the Ankou is a force that is close to unstoppable if you don't know how to deal with him."

"And if we allowed him to unleash his true power, that trickster would've unshackled a torrent of devastation worse than Tiamat could muster up."

"But he isn't our priority, right? If we don't actively seek him out, he shouldn't have a chance to kill us…" asked the Loplin, suddenly feeling anxious about meeting the Grim Reaper.

"You are right. And I don't intend to send myself to an early grave when I've just met the cutest Dragoon…"

"Also, what else have you wanted to talk about?" asked the Loplin, rolling his eyes as he wanted to change the topic.

"You know my usual way of gathering things, right? I just need you to point out the materials in an open cave and I can do the rest while you stand guard."

"That's it? I took an extra nap to stay awake for this?!"

"Of course not! I've got some news to share, fresh ones from the Familiars I sent out two days ago…" said Teemo as he pulled out a scroll from his back.

"The Familiars that you've hired from the local bar or the ones that you've conjured up in that dungeon of yours?" quizzed the Loplin, unsure if he should trust the cat's news.

"A mix of both but that isn't important unless you want to have a fun time again..."

"Absolutely not! Keep your pets and freaky habits locked up and away from me!"

With a swift movement, the Felidae laughed as he tossed the scroll at the Loplin. Matt caught and unrolled the scroll, smirking as he read it. Teemo smirked since he had never witnessed the rabbit's ears fluttering with excitement.

"How did you manage to get this information? I have been waiting to get this ever since last winter, " asked the Loplin.

"With the right connections. I've got ears everywhere."

"Well, now that I know the location of this waking creature, I can strike it without having any other nosy Royal Guard stealing my loot. Plus, with this new Skillset I don't have to use Ifrit that much, I'm honestly sick of meeting him in my dreams. Thanks a bunch!"

"I'm glad that put you in a better mood. But that's the only good news I've got for the day. I have other news, more dangerous information to share with you."

The rabbit's smile faded as he kept the scroll on the table. One thing about the Felidae was that he wasn't the type to joke around once lives were at stake.

"You know I was trying to find the reason why and how the Ankou was summoned, and who was behind this? I think I need to bite my tongue sometimes," started Teemo as he sat down on the chair.

"Yes, maybe saying less would stop trouble coming your way but go on."

"Good news is that we have found out who is behind the Ankou's summons. The Royal Guard from Valokia had decided to summon him to tackle a threat and is trying to control him as we speak. However, they aren't the only ones to do so…"

"What are you saying? Don't tell me that…"

"The rest of the Kingdoms' Royal Guard are all trying to summon an individual to help them fight against the rising threats. And the threats are everywhere," said Teemo as he laid down a map on the table.

"The ones in black are the casualties recorded or seen while the red ones are the creatures who appeared. Right now, the Shadow Trio and Tiamat we are facing are nothing compared to the swarm of creatures in the other half of the territory."

"It's only going to be soon that these things are going to affect us and threaten the collapse of the Six Kingdoms."

"Why? Why the hell would the creatures start coming out of nowhere? Do they wanna get revenge or restart the place?"

"Remember what Layla said earlier? I think she's got a point… They weren't dormant, they were being patient. Only to strike with the same force we did all those years ago. But they are slowly waking up so we still get a chance to prioritize who to fight against first."

"After hearing and looking at this, I think Tiamat isn't that much of a threat than what my Kingdom calls it to be…"

Matt paused as he stared at the map, wondering why so many black spots were in the center where Valokia lay.