High Ruler Enor, High Grade Commander, and Elenor departed from the Ethisian settlements under cover of darkness, ensuring no one would spot or follow them. Wearing cloaks, the three marched through the settlements, past the outskirts, and finally into the wilderness of their planet, their destination set for the land given to their two Blood Mutants. It was already established that the Ethisians were no longer capable of ordering their Mutants or controlling them since both had the strength to overthrow the Ethisian Race and Empire if they wanted. Because the Ethisians had no control, the Humans gained their independence but refused to return home, giving the excuse that they wouldn’t fit in properly and would be a danger to themselves and everyone other Human. Instead, they chose a portion of land on the planet that they could call their own home, where they were free to live and be as merry as they wished without any interruptions from the Ethisians until the end of their days. Of course, most of the population agreed with this and vowed never to approach or disturb the Humans. However, there were a few who were brave, stupid, and foolish enough to constantly nag and nudge at the Humans, provoking their anger. Of course, none of said Ethisians would survive, of course, which instead brought fear to the other Ethisians. Despite that, the younger generations who had no idea of what the Mutants were capable of often wandered into the wilderness, some coming back with fatal injuries and others never returning at all. ’This feels like a bad idea. This is a bad idea but... why does High Ruler wish to see the Humans?’ Commander, being the only one who faced the Granian’s Mutants, felt a rush of terror gnawing at his thoughts the closer they approached the Human’s side of the wilderness. The Ethisian was afraid, afraid of what would happen to him, let alone the High Ruler. Even though he knew that their Mutants were not so quick to kill the Ethisians, he still had his doubts about them and feared greatly, thinking that his, Elenor’s, and Enor’s intrusion could get them killed. "High Ruler," Commander summoned the courage to speak, though his voice shook as he did so. Enor slowed down and waited for the Ethisian to speak, prompting Commander to continue, saying, "W-why do... why do you want to see the Humans? It has been years since you’ve spoken to them, and they were specific about no one paying them any visits." "You’re still concerned, Ethisian?" Enor asked, and Commander nodded in shame. "I am, High Ruler. It’s just that... I fear what they could do to us, to you. You are of utmost importance to the Empire. Our people look up to you for strength, wisdom, and guidance. It would be a great tragedy if you died." "If I were to pass on, it would be a relief for me," Enor chuckled, "Death is a form of mercy from the gods, a chance to escape from the evil in this universe. Enoris seemed to have found mercy from the gods, unlike you, Commander which is a sign that you still live to serve a purpose." "It’s not a matter to be taken lightly, High Ruler," Commander’s voice intensified, his countenance struggling not to burst out in terror. "These Humans... these Blood Mutants are more powerful than you can imagine. It has been too long since we saw them. What if they become too violent and kill us? What if they are not as understanding as we had hoped? And then what if they see our intrusion as an act of disrespect and attack the others? Our Empire? Our people?" "You speak from a place of fear," the three stopped marching for a second, Enor facing his Ethisian soldier. "The Granians corrupted their Humans and brainwashed them to kill everything they see or desire. We didn’t brainwash our Humans to do such, did we? We freed them from the brainwashing the Granians did, didn’t we?" "Yes, High Ruler, but..." "I assure you, no harm will befall any of us. Trust me, nothing bad will happen as long as you two stay by my side. I’ll speak to the Humans, and you two will do nothing but watch if that makes you comfortable. Or better yet, you can wait here until I retur...." "I forbid it, High Ruler," Elenor, who had been listening quietly, spoke with bravery in her tone while drawing her large sword. "As a High Grade and your servant, I cannot allow myself to let you step into danger alone. I shall protect you until my last brea..." "Hahahahaa," Enor laughed, amused by the Ethisian’s sense of loyalty and patriotism to him. In reality, Enor was leagues ahead of these two in strength and skill, his power far exceeding the combined efforts of Commander and Elenor. "If I needed protecting, I would have just made clones of myself. I can defend myself just fine. Now, let’s keep walking." "May we keep speaking as we walk?" Commander was still insistent on persuading the High Ruler, despite what he had said. However, because Enor was understanding of where the Ethisian was coming from, he allowed him to speak as they continued their venture into the wilderness, knowing full well that the High Grade wasn’t going to give up just yet. "Speak all you want, Commander," Enor sighed. "You’ll change your mind once we get there." "Understood, High Ruler," Commander sighed too. "But if I may ask, why do you want to speak to the Humans? Is it because of the poison-tipped weapons the Yrrejite mercenary clones possessed?" "Well, yes and no," he answered. "It’s simple. The only way we can know about a Human’s weakness is by finding out from another Human. We’ve never seen other Humans before face-to-face, but from what I can tell, they’re terribly and pathetically weak. Their skeletons are only on the inside. They have very soft bodies, no exo-skeletons or thick hides for protection. Their skin is salty, and their bodies cannot perform mundane tasks like jumping at a decent height or carrying a decent battle weapon. "But the Mutants, on the other hand, can do all of this and so much more to the point that they’re above us. If the Granian’s Mutants train long enough, their bodies will soon become too durable for our weapons to penetrate easily, so we have to find another weakness, and what better way of doing it than asking them. If that fails, we’ll find a way of detoxifying their minds. I know for a fact that the Granians immerse them in mind-altering liquids to slowly brainwash them." Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍 The three Ethisians stood at the border of the Humans’ territory: a vast forest stretching as far as the eye could see with skyscrapers for trees towering over everything. The forest was dark, ominous, and had the scent of iron. Maybe it was because of the environment or the fact that it had— "Walls of blood!!" Elenor marveled at the horrific sight of blood, body parts, and the heads of trespassers staked on Blood Spikes. "Our journey has just begun," Enor spoke in a low and terrified tone. "Stick close. If I’m correct, they’ve already sensed us as we speak."