First Light of a New Age

Chapter 95: The Flash Reaper

A/n: This will be the last chapter regarding this arc for now before we begin to focus on other characters in this story.

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Screams of horror filled the air.

Death and destruction surrounded a young elf maiden as she tightly held something wrapped in a piece of clothing against her chest as if it were her lifeline.

Her dark green hair and wide brown eyes nervously sauntered back and forth as she was escorted to safety by her three guards, which had been four when they started.

As she ran through the compound, ignoring the burning mansion behind her, or the terror-filled night that seemed to be collapsing on her, her heart raced, each beat throbbing with fear and loss.

'Father and Mother are dead...' She felt hot tears welling up but forced her legs to keep moving.

The darkness of the night made it appear as though she was being constantly watched, but she could not stop moving.

'T-this... this is all too awful!' She wanted to scream and cry, to break down, but she could not.

She squeezed the package she held very close to her ample bosom, and her thic-... I mean mature body... jiggled... with every step she took.

The name of this young elf maiden was Mara Terte Greene, daughter of the Terte Councilor of the Obsidian Council.

Her family had been among the founding members of the Council and the builders of Aquarius itself, which would count as a surprise to see them in such a desperate state.

But Mara knew the reason.

Her father had explained it all, just before sending her off with the Four Cardinal Knights of the Terte's Estate.

Unlike most of the other Obsidian Council factions, the Terte family had always been more like a crime family than a noble house. It was common knowledge. But despite their power, reputation, and influence they wielded, they worked to maintain balance in their realm, paying levies and even serving as informants to many kingdoms.

In essence, they held power by playing both sides.

For years, the Terte family had thrived, rivaling even the ExRump Corporation and the Slave Union as one of the most influential factions in the Third Civilization Zone.

But it seemed now that even their wealth and alliances weren't enough at this point. Despite all the Terte Family had done to stay afloat, the darkness of the world was too much for them to overcome.

And now, they found themselves sinking deeply.

"Huff... huff..."As Mara quickened her pace, seeing as her Cardinal Knights were encouraging her to move faster, she could feel her chest grow hot.

She was nearing her limits, despite her incredible elven stamina.

Unfortunately, combat was not her field of expertise, she was a strategist, a businesswoman. Despite being only 18, her parents had entrusted her with leading branches of the family's business empire, recognizing her sharp, analytical and critical mind.

They'd even started discussing potential marriages for her, a duty she had always managed to evade. But now, as she ran through the shadows, those small rebellions seemed like distant luxuries.

'I wish I should have listened to you, mother, father...' Mara thought, sniffing and choking back tears as her glasses slipped on her face with each step. 'I would have at least made you happy with a grandchild before you passed!'