LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 16: chapter 16
Chapter 16 - Time Skip
The tribe underwent significant changes after Quetzal became the tribal leader. The entire tribe unified as one and captured and conquered many other tribes. They also sought revenge against the tribe that had killed their previous chief, which was already in chaos and decline due to the mysterious deaths of its priest and chief. Over the years, only four individuals became vampires. Acalan was among them. Despite gaining more power after becoming a vampire, he harbored no thoughts of rebellion. Following their battle, he pledged complete loyalty to Quetzal and submitted to her rule. Many were perplexed by this shift in the proud Acalan's behavior. Some speculated he had secretly challenged Quetzal to a duel and lost, or even that he had fallen to her in bed. The other three vampires were Atzi, one of Tupac's daughters, Etzli, one of Quetzal's trusted confidants, and Xippili, a loyal warrior who had earned Quetzal's trust. Under Quetzal's leadership, the tribe reduced the frequency of their sacrificial rituals. There was some questioning of her decisions on this matter, but she asserted it was the will of the gods. Criminals and offenders faced punishment by being integrated into Quetzal's undead army. However, many zealots sought to join the ranks of the undead, viewing it as a means to fight for the gods and make a sacrificial offering. The tribe also discovered that Huitzilin possessed special powers akin to Quetzal's. They believed these powers stemmed from Quetzal and pressured her to bear children. Those who had pressured her into this arrangement now constituted part of the undead army. Quetzal ruled with both power and intelligence, and her reign saw prosperity as everyone endeavored to attain more power. In the year 1478, Huitzilin reflected, "It has been nearly thirteen years. Time truly passes unnoticed, even for one like me who approaches immortality." In recent years, Huitzilin had dedicated himself to constant training, yet had reached an impasse. With no formidable adversaries remaining, his training with his mother and Acalan, once valuable sparring partners, had become less effective. He had not faced any life-or-death situations either. Thus, he concluded that only a powerful opponent could break his impasse. After much consideration, he decided to journey to Asia. "I must go there eventually." His initial stop, however, was Europe. His goal was to find Niccoló dé Conti to inquire about the stone, verifying whether it truly existed in Asia. "I do not wish to be deceived again." Following lengthy discussions and persuasion, his tribe also prepared to relocate. They headed north in search of better resources and quality of life, settling in what would later become the United States or Canada. Huitzilin saw this as an opportunity to use his tribe for commercial purposes and gain wealth, recognizing the importance of money in any era. Additionally, he sought to prevent the spread of vampire existence. Even in Japan, only a select few knew of demons' true existence, considering them a mere myth passed down through generations. "Do vampires have weaknesses to substances like wisteria do for demons?" Huitzilin speculated, deciding to keep only powerful zombies by his side. Traveling with all these zombies would prove problematic on the journey to North America, given their vulnerability to sunlight. After several months of travel, they finally reached their destination, encountering some casualties along the way, though nothing severe. At that time, the United States had not yet been colonized by Europe, composed instead of various tribes and people of diverse races. Huitzilin stayed with his mother and tribe for a few months to settle affairs before embarking on his journey to Asia. His mother hesitated to leave him alone but he convinced her of the mission's importance, desiring discretion. "I must remain as inconspicuous as possible." Thus began his journey, which involved swimming across the Atlantic Ocean—a wild and perilous undertaking. He encountered various wild and dangerous creatures before finally sighting land after nearly a month. The coastal inhabitants were startled upon seeing him emerge from the ocean. After traveling through the lands for a few days, he arrived in what was then the Kingdom of Portugal, having ventured beyond the Spanish Peninsula. Gathering information, he learned of a brewing conflict in Spain, opting to swiftly bypass this and continue his search for Conti. Utilizing hypnosis on merchants and nobles, he discovered Conti was in the Kingdom of Italy. He journeyed there immediately and sought him out, finally locating him after a thorough search. Stealthily entering his residence, Huitzilin found Conti engaged in an intimate evening with his wife. Bursting into the room, they recoiled in fear. "W-who are you? How did you enter? G-guards. Guards. Where are the guards?" Conti exclaimed frantically as he and his wife sought refuge under the covers. Meeting his gaze squarely, Huitzilin inquired, "Have you traveled to Asia?" "Yes," Conti replied, still dazed. "Did you encounter a red stone that produces fire when refracting light?" Huitzilin questioned further. "Yes, it was quite magical. I even considered purchasing it," Conti replied, still bewildered. "Well, did you buy it?" Rushing to his nearby office, Conti retrieved a black box and opened it, revealing its contents—a brilliant red stone. It was so small it could only be fashioned into a ring. "This is the stone I secretly obtained." Testing it immediately, Huitzilin confirmed its authenticity. Although small, he would need a super Aja, but now he knew the stone definitely existed in Asia. "Where in Asia did you find this?" he queried, seeking specifics. "Along the China border," Conti answered. Huitzilin rejoiced, realizing a journey to Japan might not be necessary after all. Yet, the possibility remained. After numerous inquiries yielding no further useful information, he departed Italy and continued his journey to Asia.
End of Chapter