[Ethisian Home Planet] The bright, rust-red sun set on the Ethisian Planet with maroon skies hovering about. The mixture of cold and fiery hot air blew on the tall buildings of the populated cities, plains, fields, mountains, valleys, and oceans. Activities carried on as normal for the Ethisians with the majority of the population preparing for the War. Already, their allies the Yrrejites, Haisojans, and Soxans had offered their assistance to the War which, although made them enemies of the Granians, was a great way for them to ensure their survival and influence across the Galaxy. The deal was that each of the three would receive equal portions of planets and colonies to rule once the extinction of the Granians was complete. That way, the Ethisians would live in peace with their allies and also pay them for their efforts in the War. However, during that time the Ethisian people caught wind of what took place at the Granian Citadels. It was already established that the Granians were entering their half of the Galaxy and had done the unthinkable. Because of a little act of rage and a miscalculation, the Ethisians sparked the extinction of the alien race that had no distinct name but were known as Raiders. The news spread across the Galaxy faster than a wild fire in a dried-out grass field. The fear of other species following afterward. Soon, the other species sought ways of protecting themselves from the Granians in fear that they too would become their victims. The Raiders were the first to fall and now everyone lesser than the Granians in terms of political and military strengths and numbers saw themselves as victims, easy to be beaten if they, the Granians, decided to turn their attention to them. Despite this horrible news spreading, the Ethisians rejoiced for they had received good news, news that would make their causes effective. They had found a weakness the Humans had, one that could be easily exploited and used to their advantage. One that, if used well, could ensure a position of power for the Ethisians over the Granians. They understood that if the Humans were killed, the Granians would lose all will to fight since most were of the New Generation, a generation that knew nothing about War or the cost it had. They knew that most of the New Gen warriors were only fighting to keep their race on the face of the Galaxy and fighting because of the Blood Mutants. "Are you certain that it’ll work?" a council, much like that of the Granians, was prepared for the Ethisians who returned from the First Citadel. Of the twenty-one Ethisians sent on the mission, only fourteen returned with horrific but pleasing stories to tell The sight of the Blood Knights and Blood Bishop, along with the Blood Warriors and the Scarlet Army, had done wonders on their sanity, giving each one something to cower and fear about whenever the name "Blood Mutant" was mentioned. Despite this fear, the Ethisians were proud of one thing and that was the fact that they survived. The Scarlet Army they witnessed consisted of their fallen comrades who weren’t as fortunate as they were so they vowed to do whatever it took to avenge them and ensure victory for their race. "Affirmative," only one Ethisian had the courage to speak, unlike the others who were defeated mentally. "We saw it with our own eyes. One of the Humans had a wound on its body. The flesh was rotting and they looked too weak to fight." "Excellent." High Ruler Enor, the ruler of the Ethisian race, clapped his large, scaly palms with joy and so did the rest of his Council. "This is wonderful news for our people. Spread it to the Yrrejites. It was their clones that did the job after all. Ask them what the poison was made of and see whether it can be mass-produced and weaponized." "My Lord," the Ethisian spoke once more, having felt a need to express his concerns. "For the poison to work, it would require one of our soldiers to get close enough to the Mutants and make an insertion in their flesh. The possibilities of that happening again are very...slim." "Don’t worry about that, soldier," Enor grinned, his countenance beaming with pride and hope for his people. "I shall seek more wisdom and guidance from others on what we can do but in the meantime, send word to the Yrrejites. We must know what that poison is made of. I’ll find a way for us to execute it." Enor stood from his throne and dismissed the council. He then spent some time in thought and decided on what he’d do next. The Ethisian moved from the Council Hall to the Ethisian Armory where he had the best sets of armor made specially for High Grade Ethisians such as himself. Once he selected one suited for him, he ordered two High Grade Ethisians to escort him out from the Ethisian settlement and into the Planet’s wilderness. With Enor walked Commander, the High Grade Ethisian who fought the Blood God Vorathrax and won, and another High Grade named Elenor, another female who took Enoris’ place. The two were well trained in physical combat and Eneraflux, especially Commander given his past experience. "My Lord," Elenor bowered, feeling a great sense of pride and honor for being in the presence of her ruler. "I’m humbled that you chose me to escort you." "Arise, Ethisian," Enor commanded and she did so. As the High Ruler stood with the High Grades next to him, he remained engrossed in thought, wondering whether what he wanted to do was wise or not. "There’s something I need to do. Inquiries I need to make. I want to know if you two consent to coming with me." "It is an honor for us to come with you, High Ruler," the two High Grades bowed which, although respectful, was seen as repetitive and mechanical by the High Ruler. Get full chapters from 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍 "You speak like that because you were trained to," he addressed them again, this time stooping to their level, "but if I were on the same level as you two, I doubt if you’d feel the same way." The two High Grades looked at each other and then at their ruler before asking, "Well what is it that you want us to consent to?" "Notice how we’re in the wilderness?" he asked and they nodded. "I want us to inquire of the Humans. I..." "My Lord," Commander interrupted, "forgive me but is it wise to make it into their land after they forbade us from doing so?" "They made it clear that they want nothing to do with this War," Elenor continued, "us going to ask them again is like an insult to their decision and I fear we may be killed for it." "I know," Enor spoke calmly and the two High Grades understood his reasoning. They also understood that there was no hope of either of them changing their Ruler’s mind and so they consented to going with him. "That’s why I ask you again. Do you consent to coming with me to see the Humans?"