{In this chapter; let's substitute the character 'Blood' for [Marble] to avoid confusion}
Marble choked and rushed forward!
Ballock was rolling and wriggling on the ground writhing in pain and dirt was all over him. His eyes twisted back and forth as blood came out of his mouth and his eyes turned blood red.
The energy could be vividly seen going from his neck to other parts of his body at an incredible speed. His veins bulged as the energy passed through from place to place. Dizziness overcame him, he couldn't breathe properly in just a few seconds.
It felt like he was going to die in just a few breaths!
A thought suddenly crossed his mind. He looked into the distance while he wriggled and a smile blossom on his face which was not necessarily a smile at this moment because his face was contorted—it looked devilish!
Marble was already with him. He closed in and in a hurry grabbed him firmly to the earth. Ballock eyes flashed with that same devilish smile, 'it better to die in your hands my one and only friend, Marble…' his thoughts was cut short by another voice.
"Are you okay?" Marble asked with worried face. He knew that was kind of foolish. He obviously was not okay.
Ballock couldn't even process words at this point. It felt like his mind was completely gone and another was placed in its stead. But the image of his young master was still vivid.
Perhaps, that was what kept him holding on, holding still, holding the last string that was about to fall. Ballock felt that the moment he skipped that image and replaced it with another, it will be the moment he falls, he surely would be dead afterward.
Ballock just kept on looking onward. Maybe it would end soon. And it was better it had chosen him. He wouldn't allow his young master go through this!
Anyway, a moment after Marble's questioning, some jet-black energy veins immediately shot out the moment he held Ballock to the ground. It seemed he has interfered.
The energy veins stabbed Marble's chest a hard struck. Marble cried out in pain and reached out his hands wanting to remove the veins which was thoroughly lodged in his chest, locking him in place.
It felt like thousands of needles were digging into him.
He reached his hands out and grasp the veins and pulled. It has to come off because it wasn't just lodged. It was twisting and wriggling inside him which caused him a lot of pain, and he couldn't hold any longer.
He kept on pulling though and it seemed his effort were paying through. What was tightened before was now slacked. It could come off with much effort now.
However, it appeared he perceived wrong. Contrary to what he thought, the jet-black veins in an instant dug deeper. When he looked at Ballock's face though, he appeared to be healthier, much better than before with closed eyes.
Setting his eyes on the energy wriggling about in him, he realized they were being transferred to him.
In just a second after realizing this, the jet-black energy completely entered him with large, condensed blood red energy at its edge. It appears he would experience the same level of pain and torture as the former.
As soon as the huge energy edge was about to be lodged in, Marble closed his eyes. The pain he felt presently was already enough, if that condensed mass entered, he supposed it wouldn't be pleasing to the skin nor to the intesti…
"Hoouu!"
Marble howled when he felt the energy entered him and black blood pour out from the opened skin and this was not all. Just like the previously unsuccessful vessel, Marble's eyes twisted back and forth.
Furthermore, blood oozed out his eyes, nose, ears, and his skin turned red, filled with black blood. It wasn't in small amount; it was ousting out forcefully.
Marble couldn't take it anymore and screamed out, his lungs almost contorted. His legs suddenly gave up as he finally hits the ground. Immediately after, as if timed, a soothing feeling enveloped him. However, he wasn't there to enjoy this feeling.
He passed out!
___________
Marble manor…
In the living room of the grand manor, was a woman seated on the sofa. Her large eyes were red and her lashes were thinned. It looked to have been done recently.
She has a beautiful oval face, short nose, and slim waist that could be clutched at leisure—surely. She was covered in red robes to the feet.
On her hands was an exquisite bow. She looked at the painting on the wall as she copied the posture. She smiled at the man with auburn hair by her side. Sitting very close to her. His hands were shaky as he reached out below, it seemed he had a hidden thought…
Buzz…
The man was suddenly jolted from his 'evil' thoughts while he cursed the one behind it silently. He immediately regained his composure when he saw the rune displayed on the plate.
Is there any trouble?
"Chief." he voiced with optimum respect.
"Salza, you should know why I called, right?" the chief responded in a calm tone.
Salza thought for a moment. Concluding he knew nothing he answered, "Chief, I think you should make it clearer."
"Haven't you heard of the phenomenon at the south." the chief questioned. His patience growing thin. Salza was so close and he knew nothing?
In that instant, Salza plate buzzed again which means someone else was calling. 'you sure calls fast' he scowled. He could have marked the rune, but now wasn't the time.
"Sorry chief. I heard the news and I'm on my way with the ninth division. We would get there in two minutes. I thought you already heard and so I was confused." Salza said in a firm tone, filled with confidence. His wife, Maria already whispered the details.
"Good. I will trust you with this." the chief said, obviously satisfied.
He knew Salza was a sharp and reliable man. Always running towards danger without knowing its source. Even the lord has high hopes for him.
"We will get it done."
_________
Five minutes after Marble fell unconscious…
Marble awoke only to see Ballock shivering while unconscious. Looking around, they really caused a mess. Blood was everywhere even after so long as the earth absorbed it slowly. It felt like it would take an entire day at this rate. There was a glow to the blood on the ground.
It appears to prevent the earth's absorption.
Marble quickly took Ballock away. They have to leave fast. Being the son of the deputy chief, he knew the city's army and guards could arrive at any moment.
The energy had covered most if not the entire forest. With the communication plate, it's much easier to make it known throughout the city in a few minutes.
They have to leave now. They can't be caught in an ocean of questions. There was a reliable place he could go for now.
So, he took Ballock off the ground and left…