Zectas Volume III: Malediction of Veneficatl Valley
"But your HP regen is really low. I'm guessing you focused your stat growth on, Intelligence?"

"Yes, I did, but now I'm growing my Wisdom." Smoke replied.

"And what about this dark ember sprite? I've only seen the red and orange ones. How did you get him?" asked the Volataur curiously.

"Funny thing really. I was out looking for an electro stone, but got Igniz as a treasured friend instead." replied Smoke proudly.

Rudel whistled loudly. "Earth Manipulation, Flight, Wisdom, and a trusty dark ember sprite. I knew you were the special person I was looking for."

"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Smoke .

"I'll let you speak with Deropa, and he'll tell you all the details." said Rudel.

"Alright. I have a couple of questions, but I'll save them for later when I meet your elder."

After an hour of flying, they finally saw the Centaur's village. Pferde stuck out like a sore thumb. Only the village and the muddy roads that came out of it broke the lush green fields around Pferde.

The village's circular stone wall had a land area five times the size of Nanahuatl. The village consisted mostly of wooden houses but had three pristine marble towers spread around the village which formed into a triangle.

In between the houses, animal pens of cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens scattered throughout the entire village.

Rudel pointed to where they should land. The Volataur's white wings folded neatly on his sides. Smoke watched as he swooped down at an alarming speed. As he reached the five-meters from the ground Rudel's wings expanded, and gave him a soft landing.

Smoke grinned at Rudel's landing. It was extremely similar to how he landed except that when Smoke landed he could stun the enemies near his landing area.

Earlier, Smoke thought about his Stunning Landing ability and improved it. He thought he would show off a little and used it here.

With Igniz orbiting around him rapidly, his body was engulfed in dark purple flames. He became like a crashing comet and landed hard on the ground.

THUD

Molten rocks flew everywhere. He called this new ability, Comet Crush.

He saw Rudel reflexively turn around after he landed. Rudel looked at his landing site. His Comet Crush ability startled the Volataur.

"Do you always land like that?" Rudel asked.

"No, not really. I just wanted to give a great first impression to Pferde's residents." Smoke smiled broadly.

As they stepped inside Pferde village, The Volataur asked Smoke a question.

"Wouldn't your men feel better if they joined us? Instead of lurking from the shadows?"

"My men?" Smoke asked. To his surprise, Rudel casually pointed to his men's hiding spot.

Ichaival and Espion maintained a distance of one kilometer from Smoke. Yet, the Volataur still sensed their hidden presence, in a patch of forest east of Pferde village.

"Alright, you got me. I didn't mean anything bad by it, but I prefer if they stayed out of the village for now."

Rudel nodded his head in affirmation.

"I understand and respect that. There's no harm in being extra careful. Which is why I'm asking you to undergo a casting circle of truth test for me."

"Sure, go ahead. I've got nothing to hide."

As he stepped inside the village, a notification message popped up.
     
    + Entered The Centaur Village of Pferde

    Wysteria Continent's most populated Centaur community. It has existed for over 2,000 years.
    Pferde survived through many tragic events. This village currently has a population of 4,102.

    [STATUS: Plagued 100%]
    After Smoke read the notification message, he became aware that he became the village attraction. Most of the Villagers have never seen a DarkElf. The Centaur children looked pale and sickly. They hid behind their parents and pointed at him with curiosity and fear.

Smoke tried his best to put on a pleasant face. He endured the urge to cover his face with the specialized gas mask. The strong stench troubled him, but he wanted them to see his good intentions

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