Chapter 624: Top dog


    “The events culminated in our current situation.”


    “The n to use a decoy backfired quite a bit.”


    “We shouldy for a few months,” said Kion, “-Igna saved us, the gang will be on edge. Can’t hunt the beasts when thetter is on the prowl. Let’s focus on the other cases.”


    *Beep, beep,* the t screen toggled to another channel. Video footage from a helicopter disyed the ground. Sirens resounded as did the shing red and blue lights.


    “We’re currently hovering above the sight of a recent murder,” said the reporter, “w-enforcement received a distress call from the drug store. The police have blocked off ess. Insider information says the death count is in the dozen,” a press froze the image.


    “Did you kill them?” inquired Kion.


    “No, I don’t think so,” he replied as confused as they, “-Vanesa used an anesthetic so they’d forget. Nothing lethal, I vouch for her credibility.”


    .....


    Before any conclusion was made, éir disrupted the paused image, “-I have news,” he said, “-here are live footage of the area.” Walls dowsed in crimson red, beheaded and mutted chests with, ‘-never forget,’ written as a child would finger paint. “Some officers have hurled at the discretion, I’m certain the attacker isn’t someone native of Alphia. s, if they are, we’re in trouble,” the disy ended.


    “What does he mean?” leaned Odgar stroking the kindling of a beard.


    “An enemy,” returned Igna knowingly. “-Never forget isn’t a moniker of a well-known murderer or vignte. There are many usible motifs, a clean-up of the gang, unsolicited violence, or perhaps a deal gone wrong.”


    *Driing,* “-Odgar of the Codd Agency speaking.”


    Kion watched intently, “-understood,” the phone hung. “-We were requested to investigate by Larson from the 8th division,” the trench coat slipped on, “-I’ll go alone. Aki and Tensy will handle matters here. When Camilia arrives, tell her to forward the location of Carl’s hideout.”


    “Understood,” replied Kion. The shabbier car left without trouble, Igna waited at the entrance for Vanesa who arrived promptly. ‘Getting involved will not be beneficial just of yet,’ they stepped inside, ‘-time to head home.’


    The next day rose to an explosion. An unimpressed stare showed Gophy, Intherna, Draconis, and Lilith ying a game of volleyball. *Knock, knock,* “-open,” he wiped the eyes.


    “Good morning,” smiled Miira, “-long time no see,” she winked.


    “Why are you in a maid’s outfit?” the tone fell under her expectation.


    “Come on,” she exhaled, “-I made it especially alluring to garner some sort of reaction,” she clicked defiantly.


    “Such trivial things,” he ced a hand atop her shoulders, “-try againter,” he said in a lowering mien.


    “Go to hell,” she returned, “-I guess you’re not interested in seeing what I’ve hidden so carefully under my skirt.”


    “You’re right,” he shrugged, “-ady must keep her goods hidden,” at the lift, “-besides,” he smugly spun, “-I don’t really care.”


    “You,” she stomped aggressively.


    “Later,” he winked, the lift shut and dropped to the ground floor. A surprise house visit from the goddesses always begot augh or two. éir’s hands were full trying to control Saniata.


    “Master,” he yelped for her tiny fingers dug and pulled the rather slim cheeks, “-h-help.”


    “Saniata, stop it,” said Igna, “e here.” She leaped into his arms, “-what did I say about good behavior.”


    “I don’t care,” she pouted, “-Vanesa got to go on a trip. I’m going to ruin the mansion.”


    “Do that and you’re off to the shadow realm,” he retorted.


    “No!” she pulled from his clutches, “-never,” and stormed out the front door. The overly energetic boy power-mmed the ball into the unsuspecting Saniata. A wall of water was summoned to return the strike at twice the speed. He momentarily stopped and gazed, ‘-they’re having fun,’ the butler briefly shook his head.


    “Good morning, éir,” he greeted after many distractions.


    “Good morning, master,” they headed for the kitchen, “-I havepiled a list of jobs.”


    “Let’s see it,” he sat in thepany of a cereal bowl.


    “Food,” smaller feet scurried, a shadow darted in the kitchen. Maniacal snake-shaped locks slithered to grab on the edges, a pullter, Vanesa’s fearsome visage blinked into sight, her face sparkled proudly.” FOOOD,” said she, the arms stretched in embrace.


    “No,” he blocked her advances singlehandedly, “-have a bowl ready for her.”


    “Meanie,” she pouted toy on the granite counter, “-whatever,” the eyes shut, snake-shaped locks retreated into the dirtied green hue. The list slid over on a tablet; the stove fired for a hefty breakfast.


    ‘Jobs suited to my specification. Modeling, be an idol, y an instrument, or be a movie star. Skill already acquired, less work, and great ie. The influence will increase and the opportunity to get in contact with the shadier side of the industry.’


    ‘He’s taken to my idea and made it a possibility,’ paused Igna, ‘-conniving éir, you knew I wanted to try my hands at being a recognized figure. He’s already taken a few pictures. Alicia wouldn’t have made such progress in what time I gave...’ he gave a self-p, ‘-don’t think about her,’ the fist clenched.


    Images of her expression on the day they parted told a different story. The time spent behind the doors of the bedroom wasn’t in search of carnal pleasure. Rather, they spoke extensively, he refuted her arguments about staying a couple. As the habit showed and from memory, the fear of losing someone precious would hinder the climb to greater heights. Then and there, he decided to break off their rtionship. She unwillingly agreed and vowed to break his cold-heartedness. The bicolored pupils erupted to a molten red, ‘-no time to worry about the others. I’m epting the title of the devil, the monster’s si feels right,’ the trinket flickered, ‘-the time wille when I’ll be an enemy of humanity, the king of demons. Lucifer,’ he valiantly gulped coffee, ‘-first things first, conquer the Alphian underworld. Break Cimier and the alliance to Iqeavea shatters, I’lly that damned continent to ruin, I swear.’


    “Master?” interjected éir, “-something the matter?”


    “A soliloquy,” he nonchntly replied. “-I’ve decided. Bing a prominent figure in Odgawoan will open many paths.”


    “Thing is,” smiled éir, “-much progress has been made. Remember the cover of Xius’s song?” he conveniently swiped to the video, “-Kinless covers Viper’syer. Hwan’s follower count skyrocketed from 10,400 to 50,000. A single video proved much your skill. At one time, Suga tagged and followed back. Part of his fan base transferred to yours. If we take it seriously, the poprity can grow to the hundreds of thousands.”


    “Well then, let me make a phone call.”


    *Dialing Amsey of Lumian O’.*


    “Hello, Amsey speaking, what you want?”


    “Good morning, lord Amsey.”


    “Igna,” the voice tightened, “-are you here to ckmail again?”


    “Come on,” he chuckled, “-I said it before, didn’t I, you’re not my enemy.”


    “Like I’d agree to what you say. Nevertheless, why have you called?”


    “To ry some information. I’ve figured what happened to Aceline. On the day she presumably died, my uncle transferred her body to Rotherham where she was revived. Her return would have been a thing of glory if not for the untimely death. As a resident of Iqeavea, the name Kion Hurworth must surely be known. The hero who died in the assault against the Devil of Glenda. The church isn’t so pure, he’s no hero of another world, solely a reincarnated soul of a boy from Alphia. Fate works in strange ways, before he died, the locked memories escaped, he remembered the past life, and how he died, rather, murdered. He watched as Aceline was shot in Melmark, she died protecting him.”


    “Devil of Glenda, else, known as Baron Igna Haggard. You managed to kill the hero of the church. I’m not particrly interested in religion, hence my unbothered approach. The business has boomed since the war. Precious metals and gemstones are rare,dy Haru offered to sign an exclusive deal in exchange for unlimited support to Phantom and the Faction.”


    “You epted?”


    “Of course. Ardanian gemstones are the world’s best. Rich people have too much money to spend. Enough. What does Kinless want with us?”


    “To work in the entertainment industry. I’ve left Hidros in search of another path. What say you, Amsey of Lumian O’, my record speaks for itself.”


    “I’m reluctant,” he frowned, “-can we speak of this in a more private environment?”


    “I’ll forward my address. It’s a ten-minute drive from thy mansion.”


    “I mean,” he itched in uncertainty, “-I recently bought a luxury helicopter from Phantom. Driving has grown numb.”


    “Don’t worry,” heughed, “-my manor has a helipad. Go on and fly over, I’ll be waiting.”


    The manor channeled to wee an important guest. éir rushed around cleaning and telling off the others. They could have cared any less about politics. The game swapped to tennis, Saniata and Draconis were at each other’s throats. Gophy and Intherna joined as a pair. Miira, who seemed a little infuriated rained meteors without allowing Lilith to y. She carried their team, Gophy returned her drive with harder swings.


    Rotors chopped the air; the noise was bearable. A red-striped silver-colored bird perched onto the manor. The broad personage humbly ducked at the spin; the gust sure shuffled the gelled hair. A charismatic smile followed by a smartly dressed older man. Partial balding and a white mustache told plenty of information.


    “Hello,” said he amiably, “-long time no see, Igna.”


    “Hello,” he returned to a firm handshake, “-your outfits are as extravagant as I remember.”


    “Of course, they’re a staple of my life, my fashion, my brand.”


    “Cut the ovepensation. The energy is annoying.”


    “Fine,” the shoulders slumped, “-part of me was confused.”


    “Young master,” said the older man, “-please, how many times do I have to say not to show uncertainty before a stranger.”


    “Meet my private butler and assistant. We grew up together, he’s still old, whilst I’ve gotten younger.”


    “Good day sir,” said the man courteously.


    “Good day to you,” he nodded, “-in the spirit of introductions, meet my butler and secretary, éir.” An amber sparked on eye contact, a contest of butlers or whatnot.


    Compared to Amsey’s mansion, Igna’s felt smaller with better ss. The view enough sufficed to put Amsey’s to shame, thend and property told of the background. The meet took ce outside on avish balcony directly above the dining hall. Beautifully tiled roof and pleasant scape over yonder. éir hastily arranged for refreshments, “-take a seat,” he offered.


    And so, they peered over to the cityscape, “-how much did it cost, thend is far higher than other mansions. We’re atop Scarlet hill.”


    “Thend is owned by my aunt.”


    “I can’t stress how hard it’s been to get ess to such an idyllic ce of residence. Those who tried have failed, the hill’s absolutely astonishing, and thee have a ce atop said mountain of gold?”


    “Tis but a house.”


    “I see, money isn’t the issue here, is it?”


    “Not really. The current objective is to get into the world of entertainment.”


    “Lumian O’ is a great ce to start. Our magazines, idols, and actors are world-renowned. I said it before, tis not easy to reach the top. Young stars work day and night to have a chance at fame and fortune. Especially the younger demographic, teenage idols have be a trendtely, none’s going to be interested in males.”


    “Turi of Alice has grown out of shapetely. Will the brand be ok going forth or?”


    “What scheme have you concocted this time.”


    “Such a tant insinuation, I’m rather offended.”


    “Oh please, nothing can get under your skin.”


    “Frankly, I called on a whim. Kinless has the background of an exiled chef and the making of a prodigious guitar yer. I don’t doubt my abilities. Bing famous takes persistence and luck, I can make do with persistence. Other agencies want to break into the spotlight, and even more talented singers and musicians trying to be renown. Modeling will follow suit, and perhaps a shot at an acting career. Assembling a band of talented individuals shouldn’t be hard. Apexi’s risen to greater height ever since Vorn’s arrival. Ansoft isn’t the top dog, I heard Leina’s agency is top-ranked.”


    .....