Hunter 5: The First Step

Hunter 5: The First Step

The world of vampires, werewolves, and archmages is called Lunaria Realm. It consists of one imperial kingdom, three other kingdoms, and their respective major cities and towns. Vampires and werewolves have a larger population than archmages, hence their kingdom is slightly smaller than others.

Primrose City served as the capital of the Archmages and was located in the Everdeen Kingdom, the land of spellcasters. Primrose City comprises five towns: Rosewood, Seeria, Norfolk, Mistvale, and Edgeville.

Crimson Kingdom is ruled by bloodsuckers where the Crimrose City is located. It has five towns: Valence, Vesperia, Ashenvale, Gilramore, and Rivendell Town. Whereas Crescent Kingdom—whose capital city was named Crestwood City—was the territory of shapeshifters. Its towns include Riverwoods, Eldrida, Zarmithia, Lavereena, and Euphria.

There are clan leaders in every town, and those leaders are also the nobility in the Imperial Palace. They are vassals and hence wield great influence under the imperial kingdom, along with the other royalty.

My forehead furrowed as a result of what I read. I was initially puzzled, but after reading the book more thoroughly, I became enlightened. Thus, the largest kingdom of all is the Imperial Kingdom of Lunaria Realm.

Another three kingdoms exist under the Imperial Kingdom, each with its large cities and towns. Thus, they are ranked as imperial royalty, royalty, nobles, and commoners. As a result, I discovered just how vast this realm was.

But there are certain terms that I recognize, such as ‘Crestwood City’ and ‘Lavereena Town’. My cousin had warned me not to go there by myself because it was risky, and now I understood what she meant. Now I know as well why those places seemed so enigmatic to me.

I wasn’t very concerned with the Imperial Kingdom or the other three kingdoms. Rather, my attention was drawn to its cities and towns, particularly Primrose City, where I could find Elina Forsythe, an old friend of my mother. The one who will reveal a part of my identity.

I didn’t read the entire book, including the part about Lunaria Realm’s history. I can learn about it later, but for the time being, I need to focus on learning about the things I must prioritize. That is why I chose the book that will teach me about vampires, werewolves, and archmages.

‘The Bloodsuckers, Shapeshifters, and Spellcasters.’ According to this book, vampires in the Lunaria Realm practice consuming animal blood. Even if their world is magical, this is the only method to quench their thirst.

While they can consume regular food, vampires, in contrast to werewolves and archmages, do not drink water. And, contrary to popular belief, vampires can still digest food; however, vampires in the Lunaria Realm are known to be finicky about their diet.

Food isn’t that required for them to consume because their stomachs can be filled with enough blood. They are fast and strong, much like the vampires I know. However, they are not lifeless beings who need blood to survive. The vampires in this book are unique.

Because Lunaria’s vampires are not dead, they are alive, with beating hearts inside their chests. Nevertheless, their complexion is as white as snow and their bodies are frigid. Not only are they not very sensitive to sunshine, but they can also conceive.

Nevertheless, they stay indoors throughout the daytime since their skin will be gleaming in the sun. ‘Wasn’t it amazing?’ Reading this book has helped me clear up some misconceptions regarding vampires, who appear both fascinating and terrifying.

Regardless of how interesting they seem, they are still supernaturals, and mortals have no power over them. I can’t picture wandering with them in the same world; thankfully, their realm is different from immortals.

Turning the page where it discussed shapeshifters prevented me from finishing the chapter on vampires. It reminds me of my dream in which I saw wolves, and I know they weren’t just regular wolves. They were werewolves. The Shapeshifters.

Werewolves are individuals that possess the ability to transform into wolves. Their wolves are twice as large than an average wolf. They are quick and strong, whether in human or wolf form. The size of their wolves dictated where they belonged in their packs.

The Alpha, the pack’s leader and strongest member, had the largest size in the pack. They are the foundation of their pack’s power. The pack will be impacted if the Alpha becomes weaker. However, that will only occur if they have not yet acquired their Luna.

A pack has two sources of strength: its Alpha and its Luna. If a certain pack possesses Luna, they are or will grow stronger. This is because possessing a Luna simultaneously makes an Alpha more powerful or weaker.

Still, the Luna is an essential member of a pack. The Beta was the pack’s third strongest member, followed by the Delta and Gamma. There are also ‘Elders’, who are a pack’s vassals with tremendous authority and influence over the pack.

While the ‘Omegas’ are the pack’s lowest and weakest members. Additionally, the book said that the pack would be stronger if the alpha and luna were also strong, and vice versa. Werewolves are also protective of their pack, especially when rogues are prowling around.

But something piqued my interest: the stronger the alpha and the pack, the more likely it is that either the alpha or the pack would reject its luna if she is weak. This is a result of their fear of weakening since their connection keeps them bound together.

A bond may only exist between two individuals who are fated to be together; this is known as a ‘mate’. Mate refers to someone who is fated to be together. A companion, spouse, and the other half. However, only werewolves and vampires have mates.

Their other half will represent either their strength or weakness; hence, some alphas will reject their luna simply because they are weak. However, no one can pick their mate on their own, and the fate of the nightwalkers was too peculiar to foresee.

Through their shared connection and scent, nightwalkers can identify each other. In addition to giving them a range of feelings that only their mates can provide, mates will sense the connection and spark they have right away.

Their link will strengthen once they have left their mark on each other. Their bond will be unbreakable once marked. They will become one and inseparable, even after death. However, some people saw having a mate as a blessing or a misfortune.

One of the main reasons people reject their other half is because a bond may make them weak if their mates are also weak. For someone who has been rejected by their mates, rejection is extremely painful and can quickly lead to death.

With everlasting agony for those who were rejected by their mates, there have been cases where nightwalkers have survived the ordeal. Unfortunately, the majority of them tragically die as a result of a broken bond.

While the one that rejects its other half will be cursed for eternity by the moon goddess. It is a sin to reject the person the moon goddess has chosen for you, and doing so simply indicates you are opposing her will.

However, some nightwalkers continue to obstinately refuse their mates. That’s because they think the moon goddess’ curse was only a folktale. Nonetheless, there are still nightwalkers who think that an enigmatic curse exists.

Upon learning about ‘mate’ and the power of the bond, I was rendered speechless. It might have the most wonderful dream and the worst nightmare: a happy ending or a tragic one. Also, the thought of being mated to an unknown individual frightens me.

However, I think the moon goddess paired the two people for a purpose. I just can’t envision myself having a mate, that the moon goddess has already chosen me for someone I’ve never met. But at this moment, I’m still in denial just the thought of being fated with a nightwalker.

I merely let out a sigh and carried on reading; this time, it was about the archmages. It is stated that archmages can cast spells with or without their wands. They are identical to humans, with the exception that they are immortal and possess abilities.

Archmages, like vampires and werewolves, have an enemy: the ‘dark magicians’. The individuals who use dark magic, which is extremely harmful for both the caster and everyone. Something that nature is opposed to.

In a matter of seconds, my heart began to race, leaving me short of breath. Reading the phrase ‘dark magicians’ elicits a range of feelings that I can not grasp. However, it seems more like a warning to the unknowing. Something so perilous that it is alarming.

“To think that they were surely just around Primrose City and that was the place I must go to find out the truth…” I whispered, closing my eyes tightly.

I checked the wall clock and saw it was nearly midnight, so I decided to quit reading and go to bed already. I can continue tomorrow, and perhaps ask Frederick or Grandpa some questions as well about the things I am confused about.

When I finally lay down on my nice bed, a wave of relaxation passed through my body, especially my back. Everything still feels weird, but I know it’s gradually settling in. It’s only a matter of time until I fully accept everything.

‘The only thing I’m still in denial about is the idea of having a mate.’

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