The shadow mutant was then tackled from behind and taken to the ground. Wilham dusted himself off. "Not smart." the white robed man then rolled over the mutant, so it was facing up, he then grabbed the creature by the throat and lifted it up. The mutant grabbed the golden gauntlet fingers trying to break itself free. The mutant then narrowed his eyes, and his hands began to glow with a black-violet aura. Wilham clenched his teeth and then his hands glowed in a white mist, suddenly a clashing explosion pushed the two fighters and forced them to the ground. A white coloured nymph bursted from the mutant’s throat, oddly enough it was not covered in blood. The nymph was summoned right inside the mutant and the explosion was caused was a shadow spell from the mutant.
Wilham was wounded from the dark explosion and was breathing heavly on the ground. He saw that Marshall and Firstman were also wounded. The Light Nymph then floated over to the two Aspyes and casted a cyan mist around them, instantly curing their wounds. The two men got back up and noticed Wilham on the floor was injured.
"What the heck is that thing?" Firstman said, pointing to the nymph.
"It's a white nymph. I've heard of nymphs being of different elements than earth, but I've never seen one." Marshall replied, as the nymph fluttered over to Wilham, and casted a cyan mist on him.
"Bah!" Firstman gasped. "What's it doing to him!?"
"Don't worry." Wilham replied, as he got back up on his feet. "It was curing me. I saw you two were wounded, and I also wanted to kill that demon, so I summoned this Light Nymph right into it's throat."
Firstman coughed a bit, and rubbed his own throat feeling uncomfortable. "Owch..."
"Do either of you know where this demon came from?" Wilham asked. "Is it related to those demon-men we fought earlier?"
"No. It's one of Vandrin's mutants." Marshal answered. "He apparently discovered this ancient formula, and found a way to turn humans into...well these."
"Wait, an ancient formula?" Wilham asked, seeming shocked.
"Yes, why?"
"Oh my. I believe this might be the same mutation potion, which was used back in the old Terianain Republic war. It was a potion that was made by a man named Theodore Vandrin."
"Wait, Theodore Vandrin!? That's the count of the count of the Vandrin County, some miles east of here." Marshall interrupted.
"Could it be the same guy?" Firstman asked.
Both Marshall and Wilham gave him an odd look.
"Oh yeah...guess that wouldn't make much sense now, would it. Heh."
"ANYWAYS." Wilham continued. "When the Black Dragon split from the White Chimera, they hired an alchemist named Vandrin to create a potion to transform their prisoners of war into able fighting warriors on their side. There wasn't much information on it, and I think the project wasn't totally finished, but it does say in our texts that some mutants were successfully made...I never thought that the formula still existed."
"Well, can I say something?" Firstman said. "I mean, isn't a coincidence that somebody who made a mutant making potion thousands of years ago has the exact same name, as the person who is using it, today?"
"You know, I don't think it is. Perhaps our Vandrin is a decedent from the ancient one." Marshall replied. "Hmm, you know what I think. I think Vandrin might have the missing tablet. I mean, one of his mutants is here. Perhaps he himself was here, or another mutant found it and brought it back."
"Perhaps. Maybe we could go to the Vandrin County and look for it." Wilham said, rubbing his chin.
"Well, I don't think we will be so welcome. The entire county is built like a huge fortress. Nobody can get into any of the towns, unless they are with Imperial or Kandrin military personnel. Even the Dark Empire has trouble getting in, with them and the Kandies having a few disagreements."
Wilham thought for a moment. "Perhaps we could sneak in, or maybe disguise ourselves."
"But what about Coriko?" Marshall asked.
"Damn, you're right. That does kind of weigh us down a bit."
"I hate to say it, but I think we should just go. I have a feeling he might be dead." Firstman said, reluctantly.
"I don't know. Maybe one of us could stay and wait for him. Firstman?" Marshall suggested.
"But I'd be sooo bored. It's not like I could summon a friend, like you and Wilham can. Plus, what if another mutant comes? I'd be smoked!"
"Well, it's probably going to be even more dangerous at the county. You said it yourself."
Firstman groaned, and put his hand to his forehead.
"I've got an idea." Wilham said with a smile. "I'll leave my light nymph here with you, and send another nymph, back the hideout with a note asking for them to send assistance, here."
"I guess that will do, but why can't one of you stay?" Firstman asked.
"I'll need Marshall's summoning skills. Although he's not a quick and controlling with his creatures, having two summoners can be pretty handy. And no offence, but he's better than you. So far, you haven't done much to impress me."
Firstman gave an offended look at Wilham. "Oh gee! Thanks, thanks a lot!"
