Deep in the mountains.
Flames raged. Layer upon layer of mountains surrounded the area, once screened by forests, now shrouded in fire. The wildfire was second only to the one in the Southwest Region in size, and several towering mountains stretching across the area were all burning fiercely.
Somewhere on one of those mountains.
Around a bubbling pool of blood, dozens of Otherkind were absorbing energy, their superpowers surging.
After completing the ritual, the Otherkind had not dispersed.
"Priest, can we really not go out lately? We've used up all the living people we caught. At this rate, the blood pool will dry up." Someone frowned.
The white-bearded old man sat beside the blood pool, expressionless.
At those words, he raised his head and said coldly, "Then stop using human blood for now. Staying beside the energy source will still make you stronger. Several bases have already been wiped out. Don't underestimate humans."
The speaker shut his mouth, not daring to say anything more.
The priest let out a breath, but worry lurked in his eyes.
The humans had discovered their activities and officially begun taking action. They were hidden among sprawling mountains, screened by flames and concealed underground. As long as they were careful, surely the humans would not find them?
But they had not stockpiled much food and could not hold out for long...
Should I contact the Master?
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a deafening boom shook the earth.
The priest froze, then sprang to his feet.
The other Otherkind panicked as well.
Another deafening boom rang out, and the tunnels they had dug began collapsing.
Some Otherkind went out to investigate.
The priest knitted his brows, then suddenly realized something. "No! Don't go out!!"
But it was too late.
Some Otherkind had already poked