ã€ŠEternal Undying Chroniclesã€‹


 Chapter 1 : The Day I Died

    "Ahhh, I miss home already,"mented a young man who appeared to be about eighteen years old. He was quite tall, standing at 188 cm, with dark hair and light skin.

    He had just opened the door to his cheap student apartment. The building itself was a drab, gray structure with peeling paint and narrow, dimly lit hallways.

    The windows were small and lined with rusting metal frames, giving the ce a forlorn and neglected appearance. Today was his first day in the city, and he was already feeling homesick.

    "Whoever said college life was going to be fun, I''ll curse that human scum," he muttered under his breath, bringing out his phone and connecting his cheap wired earphones. He was either too cheap or too broke to afford the fancy wireless ones that youths his age used.

    Even his phone was the gship model from two years ago, and she meant the whole world to him. Yes, she. This was the world of a poor man; it had, after all, cost him an arm and a leg to afford it.

    He set the music to shuffle and started walking under the moonlit night. The night was crisp and cold, with a gentle breeze that rustled the few remaining leaves on the trees.

    After all, it was August, so he had worn his hoodie. It was 11:30 PM, and his apartment was a mess, with all sorts of moving boxes strewn about. He resolved to unpack tomorrow since it was Saturday. Lost in thought, he didn''t realize that he had already walked a fair distance.

    This part of the city was surprisingly quiet at night. The streetlights cast long shadows, and the silence was broken only by the distant hum of traffic.

    Noticing someone in the distance, he couldn''t quite make out the figure, but he guessed it was a woman.

    She was approaching him, her movements slow and deliberate.

    As she grew closer, he came to the realization that she was dressed in what seemed to be a dark dress with one of those slim corsets you saw in medieval movies.

    She was extraordinarily beautiful, with long dark locks cascading down her back. Her skin was pale, almost luminous under the faint light, and her eyes were violet, deep pools that seemed to hold untold secrets. She didn''t look out of ce in this silent night; it was almost as if she belonged to the night itself.

    The jewels she wore on her hips and neck, which glimmered faintly, were mere instruments that added to her charm. The fool found himself staring, trying to keep a calm and nonchnt expression, though his heart was pounding in his chest.

    Thedy looked about his age, but she didn''t seem to notice him and walked by with a wistful expression, her gaze distant as if she were lost in another world.

    He walked a few steps ahead when he noticed the lights from behind; it seemed to be from a truck, but he didn''t mind it until he noticed the subtle but dangerous way it was moving.

    The headlights sliced through the darkness, casting eerie shadows along the deserted street. He remained calm, knowing he wasn''t in the way, only to notice the dark-haired young woman was on the road, apparently lost in thought, and the truck was fast approaching. Without much thought, he sprang into action.

    Moving as fast as his legs could carry him, he rammed into the woman, sessfully pushing her out of the truck''s way.

    However, his momentum was not enough to carry him out of harm''s way. With a bone-crunching sound and the st of what could only be his flesh and innards, he became a pile of blood and bones on the street.

    His bones and flesh were mangled, his blood soaking through his ck hoodie and pooling around him in a gruesome disy. The hoodie, which had once provided warmth, now clung to his broken body, saturated with the essence of his life.

    His body felt hot; it hurt. His vision blurred, and he could only faintly hear voices, distorted and distant, as if they wereing from underwater.

    From the distance, he saw what appeared to be the beautiful dark-haired woman, her figure hazy and ethereal in his fading sight.

    "Ahhh," he gasped, but the blood caught in his throat, choking him.

    ''Is that the angel of death?'' he thought as the world fell dark.

    The middle-aged truck driver had hurriedly jumped out of the truck, his face pale with shock and panic.

    The youngdy looked at him briefly before turning her attention to the boy who was now dead in every sense of the word. She had heard his final gasp for air as life left him.

    She wondered who he was and why he had done that.

    "I suppose I''ll have to inquire of him then," she said, her voice soft but with an air of authority.

    The truck driver was in a panic, fumbling with his phone as he called for an ambnce.

    But she knew it was pointless; he had perished shortly after impact. The bloodied remains on the street were all that was left of his brief life.

    A few minutester, the familiar sounds of sirens filled the night, and emergency responders arrived quickly¡ªperhaps not quickly enough.

    Then again, even if they had been, he would still have died. No human technology or miracle would have saved him, well, except if one of them had been a mage with masterful control over magic.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    She sighed, thinking of those humans who held such power. Not this one, though; he was as mundane as the others. But he had died for her, a stranger; he almost seemed like a character straight out of a fairy tale.

    "How peculiar," she whispered, observing his lifeless body.

    While she was lost in thought, the human physicians or medics, whatever the humans called them, had picked up the scraps of his remains and loaded him onto what seemed to be a stretcher.

    The scene was grim, with the medics working in silence, their faces grim under the harsh fluorescent lights of the ambnce.

    "Why though? He''s already dead," she muttered to herself, though she recalled a simple piece of trivia she had learned beforeing to the mundane world: the human medics couldn''t put him in a body bag until a doctor had officially pronounced him dead.

    So she silently disappeared into the night, fading away like mist in the wind.

    The ambnce drove off to the nearest hospital. She observed from the shadows as he was identified and taken into a room in the hospital before a doctor officially dered him dead.

    The middle-aged doctor, his face weary from years of seeing such tragedies, sighed before making the deration.

    "Ali Asad, a shame to die so young," the doctor said indifferently, with a somewhat deranged glint in his eyes.

    "Yes, sir," replied the nurse as she and two other nurses pushed the body out of the room.

    The corpse of Ali Asad was moved to the morgue and left there by the nurses. The cold, sterile environment of the morgue was eerily silent, the air heavy with the scent of disinfectant.

    "Has the family been contacted yet?" asked a male nurse to the female nurse.

    "Yes, they have," she replied coolly. She shut the door behind them gently, as if afraid to wake the deceased.

    As soon as they had left, a dark-haireddy entered the morgue. She walked past two other bodies that hadbels on their toes, each one a reminder of the fragility of life. The bodies were covered with white sheets, thebels dangling from their toes like macabre tags identifying the remains.

    She stopped. "Ahhh, there you are. I finally found you," she said in a mirthless tone, her voice echoing slightly in the cold room.

    "Now, let us learn your name and be mine from this day forth," she added in a steady tone, her words carrying a weight of finality.

    She ced her palm above his head and began to chant:

    "O Death, release thy grip on this soul, For I, Carrisa Evernight, im him whole. From this day, he walks by my side, Bound by my will, no longer denied. Ali Asad, rise from thy grave, In my name, Alicarde, thou art reborn."

    As soon as shepleted her words, the shadows in the room deepened, and a chilling wind swept through the dimly lit space.

    The air seemed to grow thick with an otherworldly presence, and the temperature dropped sharply. As the wind disappeared, so did she, fading away into the shadows, leaving behind an eerie stillness.

    His eyes gently opened. The room felt bright, but he quickly noticed that there was only one light on, flickering slightly as if unsure whether to stay lit or plunge the room back into darkness.

    He was naked, with a small box by his side containing his phone and other belongings, including his clothes, which had a heavy smell of blood. It was nauseating, hitting him like a tidal wave.

    He grabbed his blood-soaked pants and ck hoodie; the blood, now dried, was less noticeable in the dim light, but the pungent odor was unmistakable.

    Then he felt something within him stir¡ªan intense pull, a strong call to a ce he did not know. His heart pounded, his mind urging him to go toward the source of this mysterious beckoning.

    Without wasting any more time, he grabbed his belongings and bolted out of the morgue, barely registering the cold sterility of the room or the presence of other lifeless bodies.

    The air felt thick, as if it were pressing down on him, but his focus was entirely on the overwhelming urge pulling him forward. The fluorescent lights above flickered, casting unsettling shadows on the cold, tiled floor. His clothes, soaked in his own blood, clung to him, sticky and ufortable.

    The smell was suffocating, a nauseating blend of iron and decay, but he pushed the difort aside, his mind singrly driven.

    Stumbling into the dimly lit hallway, his eyes squinted against the harsh lighting. His vision swam, the world around him spinning as he tried to find his bearings.

    His footsteps echoed unnervingly in the silence, each step feeling heavy and disjointed as if he were trudging through mud. Just as he thought he might copse, he collided with a nurse.

    The shock on her face morphed into sheer terror as she recognized him, her scream piercing through the stillness of the night.

    He barely reacted, his mind too clouded by thepulsion driving him. Spotting the glowing green exit sign ahead, he ignored the pounding in his chest and bolted through the hospital doors into the cool night air.

    The sharp contrast between the stifling hospital and the crispness of the outside world momentarily cleared his head, but the pull grew stronger, almost painful now, as if his very soul was being dragged towards an unknown destination.

    Meanwhile, the nurse, still trembling, sprinted through the hospital''sbyrinthine corridors until she crashed into the middle-aged doctor.

    "Doctor Stein, he woke up again, that co... co... boy, that boy, he woke up, he''s alive again, I saw him," she said, trembling.

    Her words tumbled out in a panicked rush, but Dr. Stein''s reaction was immediate. His face twisted with a mix of disbelief and urgency, emotions battling for dominance.

    "Find him now! Don''t let him escape the hospital!" he bellowed, but it was already toote.

    Ali was gone, tearing through the streets at an impossible speed, his feet barely touching the ground.

    His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and desperation, but one thing was clear¡ªhe had to find the source of the call. His surroundings blurred as he ran, his heart pounding not just from exertion but from the strange, inexplicable forcepelling him forward.

 Chapter 2 Call Of The Night

    Carrisa was in a splendid mood. She had done something seemingly impossible: she had seeded in creating a true undying being, not the cheap imitations that had be more widely used, but a true immortal being that could not be killed by anything.

    The ability to create an undying being ran in her blood; however, only one could be created by any specific person of her lineage, and there was only a slim chance of sess¡ªabout 1.3%, if the imperial schrs were to be believed.

    But she had done it, and it had worked. That said, she wasn''t the only one who had seeded. She was certain a few of her siblings had done so too.

    She had done it on a whim, because she had wanted to ask him why he had saved her at the cost of his own life. If it had worked, she could ask her question. If it had failed, she wouldn''t be worse off than she already was; after all, she was in a situation where her life could be brought to an end anytime.

    Still lost in her thoughts, she walked into her mansion. The mansion was a small behemoth in a more reserved and secluded part of the city, and it was herst bastion. She walked in and was weed by thest of her servants, a homunculus she had so generously named Amena. Amena was all she had left; she had lost it all.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    She walked into the mansion, giving the maid a curt nod. Walking into her citadel, she approached the elevator. Its metallic doors opened before she reached it, and she entered without specifying a floor. The doors closed and took her to the fourth floor. She alighted from the elevator and walked to the balcony. Passing through the ss doors, she found herself gazing into the moonlit night.

    "A full moon. I suppose I should be expecting them soon, hmm?" she said, addressing no one in particr. Shortly after, the maid walked in and gently ced a tea set on the table, the aroma of tea filling the air.

    The light of the moon highlighted the beauty of the doll-like maid. She had brown hair and blue eyes, tall with curves in all the right ces. Her generous looks were a gift from God, or rather, whatever alchemist had created her.

    "Thank you for the tea, Amena," Carrisa said to the maid standing behind her. She walked over to the table where the brown-haired maid had previously set the tea set.

    soon after had she sat down  they heard a howl from the small forest outside the mansion.

    "It appears we have guests, Amena," she remarked, with an indifferent look in her violet eyes.

    Standing up, she walked into the mansion. Turning to the right by the door, she picked up a great sword that had been mounted on the wall. Following her master''s example, the maid, expressionless, grabbed a battle axe twice her size from the opposite side of the wall. The weapon''s enormous de gleamed ominously under the  lighting, reflecting the gravity of the impending confrontation.

    "Shall we proceed, Amena? It seems we have some wolves to hunt," she said with a gentle smile, her tone now more aloof.

    "Indeed, mistress," replied the maid.

    The enemy she was about to face was no weakling; she knew that all too well. He was a powerful warrior and would not fall easily. However, she was certain she would not lose as long as she yed her cards right. She could have set traps, but the enemy was familiar with her tactics, so there was only one way left.

    "It seems we must rely on brute force this time," she stated, stepping out of the mansion to confront her foe.

    She noticed the eyes that stared at her from the darkness. These were the eyes of wolves¡ªTimberwolves, to be precise. However, they were merely ordinary mundane wolves, not the more fearsome dire wolves, so she was in luck. The moonlight cast eerie shadows across their fur, making their eyes glow with an ominous light.

    He may havee to kill her, but he was holding back. Was this his final act of honor as a traitor to hisdy?

    "Good evening, Princess," said a deep and menacing voice. From the shadows of the trees emerged a four-meter beast. He was not amon wolf but a werewolf of the highest pedigree.

    He stood in a humanoid form with long, sharp ws and grotesque fangs. His upper body was bare, covered only in snow-white fur, while his lower half was armored, and he carried a ck sword.

    "Aiden Beowulf. You were my most powerful retainer. Now look at you, dishonored, turning your de upon yourdy," her nonchnt voice, though now cold, sent a chill down his spine.

    "Forgive me, mydy, but... this is a necessary evil," his voice filled with sadness as he ordered the wolves to attack.

    She expected as much, so she unsheathed her enchanted sword. It was the perfect weapon for killing werewolves, enchanted silver to be precise. Anything less would mean nothing to him.

    Amena didn''t hesitate to drop the battle axe on the wolf that had attacked her. With superhuman speed that a mere wolf could hardly keep up with, she cleaved the first one in two with her axe and crushed the skull of the second with a powerful kick. Spinning like a cyclone, she butchered the third and the fourth with ruthless efficiency, her movements precise and deadly.

    Carrisa swung her sword, the de whistling through the air as it pierced the skull of the first wolf that dared approach her, the enchanted de slicing through its flesh like a hot knife through butter. Without a moment''s hesitation, she turned and drove her sword into the next wolf, her strikes as fluid as they were lethal.

    Working in perfect sync, they made quick work of the beasts, and soon they were face to face with the werewolf once more. Pointing her sword at him, Carrisa spoke with a steady tone.

    "Shall we bring this farce to an end?"

    "Very well, Princess," the wolfman replied, his tone resigned.

    He pointed his sword towards her and shrunk down to a mere two-meter form, charging towards Carrisa with inhuman speed. He swung his sword at her, barreling down with overwhelming force. She barely managed to dodge, leaving an opening for Amena to swing her enormous battle axe at the wolfman.

    However, it wasn''t enough. He shattered the axe with a single strike and sent the maid flying with the same motion. Carrisa didn''t miss her chance; she drove the tip of her silver enchanted sword towards his heart. But with the effort of swatting a fly, he smashed the sword in half and sent her sprawling. Walking slowly towards her, he raised his sword and swung down with finality.

    The sensation of the sword cutting into flesh traveled through his joints, but the one who had been run through from shoulder to heart was not Carrisa; it was an unidentified young man who smelled of her. He had the broken piece of her sword in his right hand, screaming in pain as he drove the broken sword into his own heart.

    As he did, Aiden Beowulf felt a strange relief, letting go of his sword as he staggered back.

    ...

    The night was still young, and only a few minutes had passed since he left the hospital, but he found himself running tirelessly towards something. The closer he got, the more clear-headed he became; it was as if the night itself was calling him, urging him to hurry.

    He dashed through the woods and finally slowed down when he thought he had reached his destination¡ªa secluded mansion in the woods. But that wasn''t why he stopped; he had heard unfamiliar sounds and decided to observe first. What he saw almost made his blood run cold; he began to doubt his own sanity for a moment. However, the call urged him towards the beast with monstrous aggression, to kill it.

    But he resisted and observed its quick exchange with the mysterious young woman. As quickly as the battle began, she had lost; her sword was broken in two, and the part with the handle was unceremoniously tossed towards his hiding spot, as if urging him to take it.

    With a heart filled with fear, he grabbed it. Holding his breath, he ran at full sprint towards the two-meter beast. Before he could reach it, the beast had raised its sword and was barreling down towards the dark-haired young woman. Without a moment''s hesitation, he stood between her and the de, as ifpelled by a force beyond him.

    A bitter cold traveled through him as he screamed in pain; the wolf''s sword had sliced through his left side. Clutching the broken de in his right hand, he didn''t hesitate to plunge it into the center of the wolf''srge chest. The broken silver de pierced through muscle and bone, reaching the werewolf''s heart.

    Still screaming in agony, he fell to his knees as the wolf staggered back.

    "I thank you for choosing to face me head-on. Thank you for allowing me to die with honor. Thank you for saving mydy," Aidenughed, coughing up blood as he fell to his knees and finally onto his back.

    "As my thanks, I entrust you with my de and mydy, nameless warrior," he added, still lying on the ground.

    Carrisa stood up, staggering a bit but managing to straighten her back as she walked forward. She ignored Ali, who was still in pain with a sword in his left side.

    "I am aware that they took someone precious to you as a hostage,pelling you to turn against me. As I mentioned before, this battle was nothing but a farce, and you were fully conscious of that fact. You never intended to take my life; otherwise, there would have been no possible way for us to prevail," she stated, her voice tinged with breathless exhaustion.

    He smiled, as he gazed up at her.

    "My Argint... they made her their target. I... I had resigned myself to death, hoping it would ensure her survival," his voice, faint and full of sorrow, emerged from his monstrous form.

    "Thank you, mydy. It was an honor," he added, ncing at Ali, who remained on his knees, convulsing in pain.

    "I entrust everything to you," he whispered as the light in his eyes dimmed. "This path will be bitter."

 Chapter 3 The Greatest Honor

    Still covered in blood and on his knees, Alicarde felt the pain gradually subside as he desperately gripped the hilt of the sword lodged in his body. With a guttural roar that echoed through the deste grounds, he summoned every ounce of strength and, with a sickening sound of metal grating against bone, pushed the sword out of his flesh.

    The moment the de was freed, his strength gave way, and he copsed onto his back, the world spinning around him.

    For a moment, there was nothing¡ªno pain, no sensation¡ªonly the eerie stillness that followed the storm. Alicarde''s breath came in shallow gasps as he turned his head to the left, expecting to see a torrent of blood gushing from the wound.

    To his astonishment, there was none. The ground around him was stained with the blood that had already soaked into his tattered ck hoodie, but no fresh blood flowed. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he pulled at the torn fabric, revealing the flesh beneath. Through the ragged gaps in his clothing, he could see his skin¡ªunmarred, pristine, as if the battle had never happened.

    "I... I healed," he muttered, disbelief coloring his voice.

    "Indeed, you have, my Alicarde," came a voice that seemed to resonate from the very air around him. It was ethereal, carrying an otherworldly elegance that sent shivers down his spine.

    His gaze slowly rose, and he found himself staring up at a mysterious woman with dark, flowing hair. She stood over him, her presence bothmanding and otherworldly, casting a long shadow across his prone form.

    "Who... who are you? And what in the hell happened to me?" Alicarde demanded, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger. "More importantly, what was that monster?"

    The woman ignored his questions, instead kneeling gracefully beside him. Her movements were fluid, almost like a dance. She reached out and ced a delicate finger on his lips, silencing him.

    "I am Carrisa Evernight, a princess of the Evernight Empire. You are now bound to me as my undying, sharing in both my fate and destiny for all eternity¡ªmy one true undying warrior." A gentle smile curved her lips as she continued,.

    "As for the werewolf you so valiantly slew to protect yourdy, he was a proud warrior known as Aiden Beowulf, the son of the War Wolf."

    Alicarde stared at her in silence, the weight of her words pressing down on him like an iron shroud.

    "Any more questions?" she asked, her tone as aloof as ever.

    "What... what have you done to me? Did you... did you turn me into a vampire like you?" he whispered, his voiceced with a fearful hesitation.

    Carrisa''s expression softened, and she gave a soft, almost musicalugh.

    "A vampire? Heavens, no. You are not a vampire, nor am I, so rest easy. You need not concern yourself with such things."

    His mind was still reeling, struggling to make sense of what had transpired. With a dazed, thoughtful expression, he asked again, though with evident hesitation, "Am I... am I a zombie? An undead? Are you a witch or a necromancer?"

    She brushed a lock of her dark hair aside, leaning in closer until her face was mere inches from his.

    "You surprise me with your calm demeanor. Were I not so near to you, I might not have sensed how tense you truly are. Are you the sort who maintains a calm facade when fear grips your heart? Good, such a quality befits my champion, " she remarked, her voice almost teasing.

    "As for your questions, you are neither a zombie nor any form of lowly undead, nor a lich or anything of that macabre nature. No, you are something far more significant¡ªwhether that is a blessing or a curse depends on your perspective," she said, her tone serious now.

    She leaned in further, and he could feel the warmth radiating from her.

    "You are alive and forever undying. You belong to a rare ss known as the Undying. Death has relinquished its im on you; it wants nothing to do with you anymore."

    Carrisa''s gaze held his captive as she concluded, "So, my Alicarde, you are now mine for all eternity."

    He swallowed hard, trying to steady his voice.

    "Ali," he answered despondently, barely hiding the tremble in his tone. "My name is Ali."

    "It was, but I have bestowed upon you a new name. Your new name is now Alicarde, and you shall be my sword in the wars toe. Consider it the greatest honor," she dered, her voice leaving no room for argument as she dismissed his protest.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''This woman must be mad. What in the world is she? I need to get out of here,'' Alicarde thought frantically, his mind racing for a way to escape.

    But she was kneeling right beside him, her proximity making any thoughts of flight seem futile. If he were to make a break for it, he would have to wait for the right moment.

    ''Ahhh, God must love me too much,'' he mused sarcastically as Carrisa finally stood up and began walking towards a nearby mansion. This was his chance.

    "Come along, Alicarde," she called out, waving her hand dismissively towards the maid who had been lying on the ground. Seeing this as the opportunity he had been waiting for, Alicarde quickly got to his feet, surveyed his surroundings, and then, with a sudden burst of energy, sprinted off in the opposite direction.

    He wasn''t foolish enough to stay.

    "This world is full of cultists and human sacrifices. I''m my parents'' only son¡ªif I die, the lineage ends with me, goddammit," he muttered to himself as he fled into the night.

    His legs moved faster than ever before, his body driven by a surge of adrenaline that pushed his already enhanced abilities to new heights. The bushes and trees blurred past him as he ran, and it wasn''t long before he had vanished from Carrisa''s sight.

    Carrisa sighed, her expression one of mild amusement.

    "That fool, where does he think he''s going, covered in blood like that?"

    "Shall I pursue him, mistress?" the homunculus maid inquired, her voice calm and unwavering.

    "No, leave him be," Carrisa replied.

    "Mistress, if I may ask, why did you not form a pact with him? Allowing him to roam free presents numerous opportunities for treachery," the maid questioned, her tone respectful yet curious.

    "I did not bring him back to serve as a mere pawn. However, his actions today have piqued my interest. I shall keep him around for a few millennia and see how he fares. Now, let us depart and tend to Beowulf''s body. He died an honorable death, and we will not allow his remains to be desecrated," Carrisa said, her voice filled with a quiet resolve.

    With that, she turned and walked into the mansion, a gentle smile ying on her lips.

    ...

    After fleeing from the mysterious, witch-like woman, Alicarde soon realized the gravity of his situation. He was in an unfamiliar city, his surroundings alien to him. The thrill of escape quickly faded, reced by the harsh reality that he had no idea where he was or how he had even gotten here.

    "Where the hell am I? How the hell did I even get here? And more importantly, where the hell is my apartment?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration.

    He stopped under a flickering streetlight, nervously scanning the area, half-expecting the dark-haired woman to appear out of the shadows. But as the minutes passed and she did not materialize, his fears began to subside.

    Finally calming down, Alicarde felt the adrenaline that had been fueling his frantic escape fade away. Exhausted, he sank to his knees, his mind racing with questions and doubts.

    "What do I do now? Where do I go?" he wondered aloud, trying to steady his thoughts. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to think clearly. After a few moments, it dawned on him that he still had his phone.

    Fishing it out of his pocket, he was met with over forty missed calls from his parents. The sight of their names on the screen filled him with a sense of dread, but he knew he had to call them back. It was almost 1 am to booth.

    The phone rang only once before it was answered, a trembling voice on the other end.

    "Hello?" his mother answered, her voice wavering with fear.

    "Mom, are you okay? Did something happen? Your voice... it''s..." Alicarde began, but he was cut off as his mother broke into sobs.

    "Ah, Ali, my child, it''s you... you''re okay, you''re okay," she cried, the relief in her voice palpable.

    "Mom, Mom, calm down. I''m absolutely fine," he replied, trying to soothe her.

    "But we got a phone call... the hospital said you got into an ident and... and died," she choked out between sobs.

    Hearing this, Alicarde had a rough idea of what had happened, but he wasn''t about to tell his mother the truth. Lying was easier.

    "I''m fine, Mom. I think they must have made a mistake. I''ve been in my apartment all day," he lied smoothly, hoping to ease her worries.

    "But you... you died," she insisted, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and disbelief.

    "But I didn''t. I''m alive and well, not a scratch on me, and I have no idea what you''re talking about," he continued to lie.

    "Where''s Dad?" he asked changing the topic.

    Ali''s heart was racing as he listened to his mother calling for his father, her rapid footsteps and muffled voice burrowing through his ears to nt him firmly on a that had grown steadily more remote and unreal.

    His lips even twisted into something nearing a smile at the normalcy of it all.

    So much  had happened tonight, the fear and worry in his mother''s voice reminded him that not everything was different.

    His dad came on the line, the voice deep, with confusion and relief.

    "Ali, is that really you? We got a call saying you. you were gone. We were about to catch the first flight out."

    Ali could hear the fatigue in his father''s voice, the disbelief. He could imagine the man standing in the hall of their house, still in his night clothes, holding the phone with white-knuckle intensity.

    "Yeah, Dad, it''s me," he said, working to keep his voice firm. "I''m alive. It must have been some sort of mistake, a horrible mistake. Please, cancel the tickets. I''m OK, I swear."

    His father was quite and Ali, for a moment, was trembling because he might have missed his chance to persuade them.

    But after a few more reassurances, and an additional twenty-minute calming of his now frantic family, Ali managed to convince them it was some kind of mix-up.

    His father joked that the sister was so feisty now, teasing him about giving them such a scare, but beneath the lightness of the teasing, Ali could still feel the weight of the events of the night bearing down on him.

    Finally, when he hung up, the adrenaline that had driven him began to recede and left him with a heavy fatigue.

    He found his way through the unknown streets with the help of his phone''s GPS, and with every step, it was more exhausting.

    The road back to his apartment was long and solitary; the asional sh of a streetlight managed to throw his shadow on the ground it followed him, as it should.

    The cool air brushed his blood-stained clothes, and he avoided the eye of stragglers on the street, hopeful that such an appearance would not call too much attention.

    Finally, he reached his apartment building and hovered at the door, his key hovering above the lock, as if to some deadly magic.

    What was to be his sanctuary beyond this door was solitary and empty, a ce where he could make a new start. But now, as he stepped inside and carefully closed the door behind him, the boxes lining the walls seemed to mock him.

    He was no longer the man who, in the excitement of starting a new chapter of his life, had packed those boxes. He was something entirely different now, something that he did not quite understand yet.

    Ali trudged across the little living room, and went to his bedroom where he fell unceremoniously onto the unmade-bed in the center of the room. Staring at the ceiling, he reyed the events of the night like one would a fevered dream.

    ''Please, let this all be a nightmare,'' he said to himself, closing his eyes. The smell of blood hadn''t left him, the chill from damp clothes seeping deep into his bones, till then exhaustion took over, dragging him into restless sleep.

 Chapter 4 New Life

    The ceiling looked bright; it was obvious that he had slept in, and it was already midday. Could anyone me him after the crazy events of his first day in this city? He wasn''t in the mood to leave his bed. Stretching his arms, he felt something in the sheets with him.

    "Huh, did I leave something in the bed?"

    He decided to lift the sheets. As he did, he was a bit startled.

    "This... it''s the sword that wolf monster stabbed me with. What''s it doing here?"

    A sudden unease gripped him. ''Did she follow me here? I suspected they could track me down, but I had nowhere else to go, and I didn''t think I''d be found so quickly.''

    Still caught up in this train of thought, he paused.

    "No, I got it wrong. If they had found me, why only leave a sword? Did I identally bring it without noticing? Yeah, that must be what happened."

    He picked up the sword, its long de and entire body now ck with red highlights on the edges. It was a beautiful weapon; he couldn''t help but stare. It looked smaller than he remembered.

    He felt a small urge to keep it but decided against the idea. He got out of bed and leaned the sword against the wall.

    Entering the bathroom, he nced at himself in the mirror and almost yelped. He was covered in dried blood from head to toe; his clothes were torn in various ces, with the most noticeable tear on the left side¡ªit looked as though it had been sliced clean through. Yet, his body was unharmed.

    He trembled a bit, the memory of the sword slicing through his shoulder and chest shing through his mind. Taking off his clothes and deciding they were beyond saving, he threw them in the garbage. But first, he needed a bath.

    He turned on the shower; the water was warm as he stepped in. A few minutester, he was all clean. Grabbing a towel, he dried himself off and returned to the mirror to brush his teeth. He stopped, taking a closer look at his reflection¡ªhis face was different. The usual blemishes and scars that had been a part of him were gone.

    "My scar... it''s gone. Not even a trace. How?"

    The small scar he had on his forehead, which was barely visible before, had vanishedpletely. Was it just him, or was he a little taller and more attractive than he remembered? He had always been an average-looking guy, but he used to give himself a confidence boost by convincing himself he was quite handsome whenever he stood by the mirror. Maybe this was just one of those moments.

    He shrugged it off and left the bathroom.

    He got dressed in his room, opting for regr blue jeans and a V-neck white shirt. Today, he resolved to unpack¡ªno matter what had happened, even dying wasn''t going to stop him

    There wasn''t much to unpack¡ªjust some books, games, and misceneous items. Thirty minutester, he was done. It was already past noon, and now all that was left was to dispose of the evidence¡ªhis blood-soaked clothes. The blood had dried, so he figured he should be able to burn them.

    Heading back to the bathroom where he had left the clothes, he grabbed them and brought them to the kitchen. But before he could start, he felt an intense hunger. He opened the fridge and grabbed an apple and some milk.

    Biting into the apple, he ced the milk on the kitchen table and opened a cab to get a cereal pack. Squatting down, he retrieved a bowl from another cab. By the time he was done, the apple was already gone. Pouring the cereal and milk, he began eating, but it did nothing to stop his hunger¡ªeven after finishing the bowl and eventually the entire cereal pack.

    He stood up and put on the kettle, grabbing an instant ramen pack. He waited for the water to boil before adding it and then waited some more.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He ended up eating five cups of ramen before finally feeling satisfied.

    Feeling sleepy, he copsed onto the couch and drifted off. When he woke up, it was already dark. He felt something hard pressing into his side; looking down, he realized it was the sword he had left leaning against the wall.

    "Huh, is it just me or ...  didn''t I leave this sword by the wall?"

    "No, it is not just you. The sword must have followed you since you left it so haphazardly," said an ethereal voice from the shadows.

    He quickly jumped off the couch, recognizing the familiar face of the dark-haired Carrisa.

    "You! How did you find me?"

    "It was not difficult, really. I havee to retrieve you. As I mentioned before, you are mine, and we belong together," she spoke with a calm, almost indifferent tone.

    "Take what you need and let us be off. I cannot afford to part with my citadel for too long; I could be attacked at any time," she added, though her demeanor did not hint at any urgency.

    "No, I''m not going anywhere with you. Thank you very much."

    "You will," she stated simply.

    "I won''t."

    "You will."

    "Nuh-uh."

    "Yes, you will," she said, turning her back to him. "Because you have nowhere else to be but by my side." Her words sounded ominous, but he didn''t care.

    Once he was certain she had left, he finally slumped down on the couch and breathed a sigh of relief. An hour passed, and he finally rxed. Picking up the sword, he opened the window and tossed it out. There was no way he was keeping that cursed thing in his house, no matter how cool it looked.

    Returning to the couch, he picked up a controller and started his game. Looking at the controller, he muttered, "Alright, let''s grind, baby."

    He yed until first light before finally closing his eyes on the couch to sleep. What felt like an instantter, there was a knock on his door. Groggily, he got up to open it, finding a middle-aged man in a ck suit standing outside, someone he didn''t recognize.

    "Hello, we have not met. I am Albert Fairman, thendlord. I am here to deliver this," the man said, handing him an envelope.

    He epted it and attempted to close the door, still groggy. However, thendlord, Albert, stopped him.

    "You might want to read it, kid."

    Feeling slightly annoyed, he opened the envelope and read its contents. As he did, the drowsiness was immediately knocked out of him by the shock of what he was reading.

    "Eviction notice? You''ve got to be kidding, right? And today, no less! You can''t do that; thew says you can''t evict a tenant without a six-month notice," he red at thendlord.

    "Sorry, kid. If you don''t like it, you can sue me. But I want you out by tomorrow, or I''ll have you kicked out by the end of the day. Oh, and here''s a full refund of your yearly rent. I am paying you back five times more for the inconvenience," Albert said, handing him a different envelope that felt a bit heavy.

    Albert left, and as soon as he did, he picked up his phone and called home to tell his parents. His dad threatened to sue, but his mom eventually calmed him down, saying it wasn''t worth the trouble. They agreed it would be better for him to stay at a hotel for a while before finding new amodations.

    After thirty minutes on the phone with his parents, he finally got some shut-eye, drifting into sleep as he cursed his misfortune.

 Chapter 5 The She Devil

    Packing up his clothes, Alicarde muttered, "What the hell? I just finished unpacking, goddammit. Now I have to find a hotel. That goddamnndlord¡ªwhat was his name again? Fairy, Fairchild? Oh, whatever.

    He''s totally not being fair to me, that bastard."

    He cursed under his breath, "Maybe I should really consider settling this in court. Then again, he did pay back five times more than I had, so it should be fine, right?"

    Despite this, he still felt humiliated, but he was willing to swallow his pride. He didn''t have the time or energy to sue, and he distinctly remembered a rule at his college that prevented students from getting involved in court cases without the administration''s permission. Breaking this rule would lead to penalties, although he couldn''t quite recall what the punishment was.

    As he walked down the street, he pulled out his phone. He had already called a car using a ride-sharing app, and the GPS indicated it was about two minutes away, so he opted to wait by the road.

    He couldn''t stay in his apartment¡ªor rather, what used to be his apartment. Lost in thought, a ck luxury sedan pulled up beside him. It took him a moment to realize it wasn''t the car he had been waiting for. The tinted ss lowered to reveal the familiar face of the dark-haired Carrisa.

    "Enter the vehicle," she instructed, her tone cool andmanding.

    He turned away and continued walking. He had no time to deal with the mysterious young woman today. The car slowly followed him.

    "Why must you make things so difficult? You have nowhere to go now. Simply follow me; I assure you, I won''t bite," she remarked, her voice detached, as if she had everything under control.

    Hearing her words, he stopped walking.

    "How did you know?" he asked, not specifying what she knew. Smiling, she answered.

    "Because I purchased the house¡ªor rather, the real estatepany that owned the area. The so-calledndlord who opposed me may have tried to resist, but ultimately, he had no say once I acquired thepany. Although Imend him for attempting topensate you from his own pocket," she exined with aposed smile.

    He would have been livid, but he was too tired of all the nonsense to care. He looked into the car and remarked, "So Fairchild was fair to me after all."

    "I do not believe that was his name, but indeed, he was," she responded with a faint smile.

    "Though, I did consider taking his family hostage if he continued to refuse me," she added with an air of indifference.

    "And do not trouble yourself with seeking a hotel, either," she continued, her voice as sweet as honey, but her words filled his heart with bitterness.

    He was right; this woman was cruel. She was literally a she-devil, but he didn''t voice his thoughts. Just then, he noticed that his ride had arrived. He walked towards it, recognized the te number, and got in. The driver drove off.

    Carrisa had told him not to bother looking for lodging at a hotel, and considering she had bought a whole real estatepany, if she had nned to harm him, he would have been dead already. Still, he wasn''t prepared to give in without trying.

    The cab stopped at a hotel not too far from where he used to live. The amodations were modest, but he decided to stay there for a while until he found a new ce. The hotel was moderatelyrge with automated ss doors and a sparsely popted reception area. A gentle-looking receptionist stood behind the counter, offering a weing smile.

    Approaching her, he greeted, "Good day, ma''am. Do you have any rooms avable?"

    She smiled and returned the greeting, "Hello, and good day to you as well, sir. Would you like¡ª"

    She suddenly froze mid-sentence, her voice bing slightly less hospitable.

    "I''m sorry, sir. We have no rooms avable. Apologies for the inconvenience."

    Alicarde didn''t argue. Feeling a little down, he replied, "Okay, no problem. Thank you."

    Turning around to leave, he walked back the way he came. As soon as he was out the door, he noticed the familiar, beautiful dark-haired woman waiting for him.

    "Well then, shall we go home?" she offered again, her tone now tinged with amusement.

    He red at her, trying his best to suppress his anger. He walked past her and tried another hotel.

    "Sorry, sir, we have no rooms to spare."

    And another.

    "Apologies, but we have no rooms."

    And again.

    "We''re fully booked, sir."

    And another¡ªfrom the cheap motels to the five-star hotels, he tried them all. Before he knew it, night had fallen, and he was starving. Entering a small fast-food restaurant, he ordered arge burger, fries, spicy chicken wings, and a milkshake.

    It wasn''t long before he devoured it and ordered something else. While waiting for his order, he couldn''t help but notice his appetite had increased.

    He noticed a shadow being cast behind him, and without turning around, he knew it was Carrisa. She had followed him the whole day, trying to get a word in, trying to convince him, though he never really gave her a chance to speak.

    "What do you want from me, you goddamn wench?"

    "That is not a very courteous thing to say to ady, much less to a princess. In my homnd, such words would amount to l¨¨se-majest¨¦," she remarked, sitting down across from him without appearing particrly offended.

    "I require your cooperation," she began.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "No," he spat, shutting her down before she even finished.

    "You are in grave danger, fool. If you do not apany me, anyone who sees you will automatically assume you are with me. And with your ignorance of the dangers that surround you, only suffering awaits," she warned, her voice firm yet tinged with concern.

    "What are you on about?" he questioned, still wary but sensing a shift in her tone.

    Sensing his willingness to listen, she continued, "As I mentioned before, I am a princess. The Evernight Empire is currently embroiled in a session battle, and I have more than a few siblings. In other words, I have enemies everywhere."

    "What does that have to do with me?" he interrupted.

    "It has everything to do with you. As my one and only immortal champion, my enemies will target you as well. You may be immortal in body and soul, but you are not entirely invulnerable. If your mind is destroyed, you might as well be dead," she exined, her tone grave.

    He listened as she borated on her circumstances and, apparently, his own. She spoke of a world he had never known: special abilities like magic, innate powers akin to superpowers, ki, white ash wood, ether, and a long list of supernatural creatures that could potentiallye for him or his family.

    By the time his food had arrived, he had lost his appetite. From her, he learned of a whole new world, and it became clear that she was his only choice. He could refuse, but she was the only one he knew in this bizarre new reality. Heartless she-devil that she may be, better the devil you know than the angel you don''t.

    "Fine, I''m in. But if any harmes to my family, there will be hell to pay."

    "I shall do my utmost to protect them," she answered immediately, her tone unwavering.

    "Now then, let us depart," shemanded, standing up with an air of finality.

    "Understood," he replied, leaving money on the table for the staff and dragging his luggage out with him into the night, following the woman to the ce she called home.

 Chapter 6 The She Devils Citadel

    Sitting in the luxury sedan, Ali watched the world zoom by, sensing the familiar presence of the maid from the other day¡ªthough how he could tell, he had no idea.

    Beside him sat Carrisa, dark-haired and silent since he entered the car. Though he suspected the time she had invested in convincing him must have tired her out, he wasn''t about to ask.

    The maid must have doubled as a chauffeur, considering she was the one driving¡ªor perhaps Carrisa had no other staff, which seemed more likely.

    ''Exins why she''s been following me around; she must be a loner,'' he thought silently.

    asionally, he sneaked nces at Carrisa; either she didn''t notice or didn''t care. He was somewhat entranced by her beauty, but he tried to keep a poker face.

    It wasn''t long before they reached the mansion in a secluded part of the city. Honestly, it wasn''t that far; it was just in a more remote area of the district.

    They crossed through metal gates he didn''t remember passing before. Then again, he had cut through the forest to get there. The mansion was a small behemoth, six floors high with a somewhat medieval feel, like the castle of a noble¡ªor in this case, a princess.

    The car drove all the way torge double doors that made up the entrance. Sculptures and decorations adorned the surroundings, making it more intimidating to Ali.

    Opening the doors, he stepped out, followed by Carrisa. The car drove off soon after.

    "Wait, my luggage!" he reached out as if to catch the car, which had already disappeared.

    "Worry not; Amena will ensure that your luggage is delivered to your quarters without dy. I have also made additional arrangements for yourfort, so you may settle in without any inconvenience," Carrisa assured him with a tone of authority.

    Walking to the door, it swung open before they reached it. Wondering if it was magical or automated, he followed Carrisa inside.

    "The mansion is divided into six floors, excluding the basement, cer, and dungeon. The interior is further divided into five wings the central wing, and the north, south, east, and west wings."

    The interior dazzled him¡ªa mix of modern-day architecture and Victorian-style decorations. Weapons covered eighty percent of the walls, alongside antiques, sculptures,vish furniture, and a not-so-modest chandelier lighting up the massive room.

    She walked up a flight of stairs, though he noticed an elevator. Wondering why they didn''t take it, he considered she might be showing him around. So, he silently followed.

    "I reside in the central wing, and you shall be amodated here as well, in the master suite on the sixth floor. Will that be eptable to you?"

    "No, anywhere is fine."

    "Very well. I am pleased to see that you are so agreeable to the arrangement."

    Continuing the brief tour, they stopped on the fourth floor. He maintained his cool, trying his best not to act like aplete bumpkin.

    They entered an extravagantly furnished room. Walking behind Carrisa, he took a seat opposite her.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Now then, shall we continue our little discussion over tea, or would you prefer to postpone it until tomorrow? You have been rushing around the city today like a headless rat," she added with a slight, mocking smile.

    Ali felt the urge to return a jab but refrained¡ªhe wasn''t that familiar with thisdy yet and honestly didn''t have the energy.

    "Yeah, all thanks to you."

    "Can you truly fault me? A boy I really like has been rather elusive," Carrisa replied with a aloof yet happy smile.

    His heart skipped a beat for an instant, but he quickly calmed himself, remembering not to lose his cool. He returned her smile with a frown.

    Remembering to answer her question, he said, "I''m beat, so I think I''ll hit the sack. Where am I supposed to sleep?"

    "Amena," Carrisa called in a barely audible tone.

    "Yes, mistress," the maid appeared through the door carrying a tea set. Sheid it down on the table, standing silently awaiting her next orders.

    "Show him to our quarters."

    ''Our.... quarters'' he thought, convincing himself he had misheard or misunderstood.

    "Understood, mistress." Turning to Ali, she requested, "Please follow me."

    The maid left the room, and he followed, trailing her steps through the hallway until they reached an elevator. She didn''t press any buttons, but the doors slid open, and they entered.

    The doors opened again on the sixth floor. Leading him down the hall, they approached arge double door at the center of the mansion. The doors opened for them, revealing a well-furnished room, brightly lit and elegantly decorated.

    However, it wasn''t a bedroom. It looked more like a living room than anything. Walking further in, Ali followed Amena. He noticed more doors, but only two stood out, one on the right and one on the opposite side, both double doors.

    Turning left, Amena stopped by the double doors. "This is your room, Master."

    "Um, thank you, but can you not call me ''Master''? Try calling me Ali."

    Bowing her head, she replied, "Understood. I shall endeavor to serve you better, Ali."

    Pushing open the doors, she walked in, and he followed. Stepping three meters in, he nced at Amena, understanding her intent, and continued. The room was vast by his standards¡ªarge king-sized bed, chairs, tables, portraits, and more, all adding to the room''s aesthetics.

    The bedspread was a deep crimson, matching the velvet drapes hanging by the tall windows that overlooked the mansion grounds.mps cast soft light across the room, highlighting the beautiful decor. Every detail screamed wealth and power.

    Looking around, he noticed a familiar pattern. "Again with the weapons. Why does this mansion have so many weapon-type decorations?" he muttered.

    "The mistress has a particr fondness for weapons, and each of these is an enchanted artifact. Considering the possibility of enemy attacks at any moment, this mansion is equipped with weapons in all corners, including the armory," exined Amena briefly.

    Bowing again, she said, "I shall now depart. Good night."

    As she left, the doors closed behind her, leaving Ali alone.

    Thirty minutester, tired and weary after a hectic day, he copsed onto the soft bed.

    His phone rang, disying his mother''s contact info. He ignored it, deciding not to answer, unsure of what she might ask him and what lies he could potentially weave. Closing his eyes, he let sleep take hold, leaving tomorrow''s troubles for tomorrow.

    Daybreak came surprisingly quickly with the sound of his rm. Today was Monday, so he had to go to his new college andplete his pending registrations. Opening the double doors, hoping to find a bathroom, he found himself face-to-face with a youngdy in a white towel.

    Her damp hair clung to her body, the towel hugging her curves as shebed through her dark locks. She noticed him, and her normally aloof face went through several emotions¡ªfrom indifference to realization, from realization to shock, and from shock to the obvious embarrassment of being seen in nothing but a towel first thing in the morning.

    Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly pulled the towel tighter around herself, her violet eyes wide.

    He had just woken up, but tomorrow''s troubles had already begun.

 Chapter 7 Freshman

    He felt a chilling cold as she red at him. They had known each other for only a few hours, and in that short time, they had barely spoken. Yet, he had already had the misfortune of finding himself in an unbelievably ridiculous and embarrassing situation with her.

    ''Ohhh, that''s what she meant by "our"... She''s not going to me me, right?'' Alicarde thought, trying to distract himself from ogling her curves.

    She sighed before turning around wordlessly, holding herb. She walked towards the double doors at the right end of the room. They opened, allowing him to catch a glimpse of the room behind them.

    Feeling somewhat dismayed, he turned back to his room and closed the doors behind him, walking towards the bed. Once again, he noticed the familiar shape of the ominous sword he had thrown out the window. It had mysteriously reappeared in his room, this time on his bed, as usual.

    "Damn cursed thing," he muttered irritably.

    Picking it up again, he thought about it for a moment before opening therge windows and throwing the sword as far as he could. It went flying, crossing the vast mansion grounds andnding somewhere in the distant forest.

    "Whoa," he was a bit startled by his own strength, but remembering the brief exnation Carrisa had given him yesterday, he quickly epted that this would be the norm.

    Still a bit embarrassed to go out, his phone rang, disying his mom''s familiar contact info. Picking it up, he greeted her, feeling somewhat guilty for ghosting her.

    "Good morning, Mom. Did you sleep well?"

    "Well, I barely got any sleep. What about you? Did you get any rest?" she asked.

    "Yeah, I did. I slept like a log, in a luxurious room no less."

    "Well, you should have called me," sheined.

    Chuckling a bit, he scratched the back of his head and said, "Sorry, Mom. I was just really beat."

    "Well, that''s fine. Your dad spoke to someone, and it won''t be long before you get a new apartment, so don''t worry," she assured him.

    "Yeah, about that. So, I met this old friend of mine, and we decided to rent a ce together, so it''s cool. And before you say anything, my friend isn''t into anything shady, you can trust my judgment."

    "Are you sure about that? Which friend? Do I know them? You have to stay away from bad friends, okay? Where do they live? Where are they from?"

    "You aren''t familiar with them, but don''t worry. Trust me, okay? Bye, gotta go. I might bete if I don''t get going. And don''t worry about my friend," he said, quickly hanging up and sighing. Lying was hard work, especially to someone who had known you since the day you were born.

    "Technically, I''m not lying. No, I shouldn''t start lying to myself too. Honestly, I''m a little freaked out, but at the same time, I kinda think this is awesome."

    Finally having gotten rid of his lingering embarrassment, he opened the door and headed towards where Carrisa had been before. He had surmised that a bath must have been in that direction, and he had been right.

    Opening the doors, he found himself in arge room, or rather, a bathroom, with luxurious flooring and intricate interior decorations. Walking further in, he noticed arge pool-like bath; the room had been foggy, exining a lot.

    Carrisa must have used it. The bath was elegantly designed, with marble tiles lining the floor and golden ents on the walls. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm light that reflected off the water. The bath itself was enormous, more akin to a small indoor pool, with steam gently rising from its surface, adding to the room''s ethereal ambiance.

    The air was filled with the faint scent ofvender, calming his nerves as he walked past the bath and towards a partition made of blurry, transparent ss. Behind it, he found what seemed to be a shower.

    Feeling somewhat ufortable with the somewhat transparent ss, he took off his clothes and walked towards the wall, stopping at what appeared to be a touchpad. He spent a few minutes figuring it out before finally finding a way to darken the ss.

    Setting the water temperature to his preference, he stepped under the automated shower. Water cascaded over his body, washing away the tension. Ten minutester, he emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist, holding his clothes in hand.

    "Hello," Carrisa''s familiar voice echoed from one end of the room. She was justing out of her room, fully dressed, of course.

    "Well, I suppose this is karma, Alicarde," she smiled lightly, gazing at him in the same way he had looked at her earlier.

    He felt more embarrassed than he normally would have but said nothing. He had seen her in nothing but a bath towel, and now she had found him in the same situation. It was fair, but fair didn''t mean he had to like it.

    After getting dressed in his room, he walked out holding arge envelope. Carrisa was sitting there, looking serene and beautiful. He was almost entranced by her but quickly shook it off. He could not lose his cool; maintaining hisposure was one of his only talents.

    "Let us proceed to the dining room on the first floor for breakfast," she said with a aloof tone, her voice calm andposed.

    "Sure," he replied, following behind her as they exited the room, went to the elevator, and finally arrived in the main hall on the first floor.

    Walking further, they stopped at a grand dining room. The room was adorned with elegant furnishings, and a long table was set with fine china and silverware.

    Momentster, the maid, Amena, filled the table with a variety of dishes. Alicarde didn''t hold back and began eating, but breakfast was surprisingly silent. The meal included a spread of delicacies: fresh fruit, warm pastries, eggs cooked to perfection, and an assortment of meats.

    The scent of freshly brewed coffee and tea filled the air, adding to the overall sense offort.

    As soon as he was done, he stood up and left, grabbing the envelope he had previously carried out of his room and walked to the exit.

    "Where are you going?" she inquired, her tone still calm.

    "I''m pursuing something called an education. Don''t know if you''ve heard of it," he replied sarcastically.

    "Indeed, I am well acquainted with the concept. I do recall you being a freshman. You must possess more intelligence than one might assume to have gained admission to such a prestigious institution," she said, picking up a ss and bringing it to her lips before gracefully emptying its contents.

    "Well, sorry for being smarter than I look. I''ll have you know, I have a moderately high IQ and an extremely high EQ," Alicarde replied with a slight smirk.

    Carrisa nced at him, her expression unbothered by his attitude.

    "Do take care, and return before dusk," she cautioned, her voice carrying a tone of warning.

    "Thanks, but you''re not my mother," Alicarde retorted as he walked out to begin his freshman life.

    After stepping outside, he looked at the mansion''s grand entrance as he walked off with a dazed expression.

    "What the hell... what the actual hell? ''Our quarters'' meant we''d be living close to... together, and heh heh, if my mom ever finds out about this, I am so screwed," he muttered to himself as he crossed the mansion gates, which opened automatically.

    Unsurprised, he continued onward, resolving to not let anything faze him.

    The road leading to the outside was secluded, stretching about two kilometers, though he couldn''t be certain. He could have called for a car using his phone but decided against it, wary of involving others in a ce where a monstrous werewolf had appeared.

    After what felt like a long walk, he finally reached the main road. Unlocking his phone, he entered an address in a familiar ride-sharing app.

    Within minutes, a red car pulled over, and he got in. They traveled a few more kilometers until they stopped at a massive gate. After a brief security check, they entered Evergreen University.

    Trying to calm his nerves about going to a new ce, he had made small talk with the driver, who was surprisingly nice and engaged him with all sorts of trivia.

    "Yep, this is it. Now, where''s the Department of Psychology?" he muttered to himself.

    The driver seemed to have heard him because he turned the car in another direction and drove for a few minutes, stopping at what was clearly the psychology department. Stepping out, Alicarde paid his fare with cold, hard cash before getting out of the vehicle.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Drawing in a deep breath to calm his nerves, he muttered, "Okay, let''s do this," giving himself a much-needed boost of confidence as he gazed at the magnificent buildings.

 Chapter 8 Alicarde

    Evergreen University was located in the heart of Evergreen City. It shared its name with the city and had been an integral part of its history since its founding four hundred years ago.

    Originally a small college with only a handful of departments, it had grown into a colossal institution, easily ranking among the top three universities in the world. Over the centuries, the university expanded in every direction, yet its roots remained deeply entwined with the ancient library around which it was initially built.

    The library, with its stone walls weathered by time and the weight of knowledge, still stood at the center of the sprawling campus, a silent witness to the evolution of one of the world''s most prestigious academic institutions.

    Ali couldn''t help but feel a swell of pride when he walked through the university''s gates. He had passed the hellish entrance criteria for this elite institution, and despite everything he had been through¡ªlike that one time when he had a sword in his chest¡ªhe was determined not to let anything bring him down.

    After asking for directions a few times, he was led to a massive building. The entire structure served as the administration office, an imposing sight with its tall columns and grand, arched windows that gave it the air of a government building or a courthouse.

    The sheer size of it made Ali feel small for a moment, a reminder of the bureaucratic redtapist nonsense he was about to navigate.

    He needed to submit his eptance letter, handle a bit more paperwork, and set up his student ount, among other formalities. Stepping inside, he was greeted by a high ceiling with intricate designs that spoke of the building''s long history. The floor was a polished marble, echoing the footsteps of countless students who had walked these halls before him.

    After speaking to the receptionist, he took the elevator to the third floor, where he was further instructed to wait until his name was called. There were two other students waiting there with him, but after five minutes, he was the only one left.

    He regretted not having tried to make conversation with the others.

    ''They were probably freshmen in the same department or faculty,'' he thought, chiding himself. Still lost in his thoughts, he almost missed it when his name was called, but something was off.

    "Alicarde Asad," the voice announced.

    He didn''t answer for a moment, unsure of what to do.

    ''That can''t be right,'' he thought, but then he realized he was the only one left in the waiting area.

    ''It has to be me.... right'' Carrisa had been calling him Alicardetely, so he figured there must have been some mix-up. Determined to clear the misunderstanding, he walked into the office.

    The room was well-furnished, with dark wood furniture and plush chairs that made it feel more like the office of a high-ranking executive than a university administrator. Thedy behind the desk greeted him with a polite nod as he handed over the envelope containing his documents.

    As she reviewed the paperwork, Ali noticed something that made his heart skip a beat¡ªall the documents were assigned to the name Alicarde Asad.

    The birth certificate, the eptance letter, even his old school records¡ªeverything bore the name Alicarde instead of Ali. The documents weren''t new; he recognized the smudges and wear on his birth certificate.

    ''What the hell?'' he thought, his mind racing. ''This has to be Carrisa. She''s the only one who calls me Alicarde. But how did she manage this?''

    His legs froze up for a moment, but after a deep breath, he found his voice.

    "Sorry to bother you, ma''am, but I think there''s been a mistake. My name is Ali Asad, not Alicarde Asad."

    Thedy looked up from herputer and gave him a reassuring smile. "Mr. Asad, I assure you there is no mistake. The name on all your documents, including the ones you just gave me, is indeed Alicarde Asad. So I don''t see where the issue is."

    He stared at her, his mind racing. She handed him back the envelope, and he opened it to examine the documents more closely. To his shock, every single document listed his name as Alicarde Asad. The birth certificate, the eptance letter, every school certificate from elementary to high school¡ªit was all there, but with the wrong name.

    ''How is this possible?'' he thought, his heart pounding.

    ''Carrisa must have done something¡ªsome kind of trick or magic to change my name. But why?''

    Controlling his growing anger, he thanked thedy and left the office. She stopped him briefly to give further instructions on what he needed to do next. For the next three hours, he went through the motions,pleting one task after another¡ªsubmitting forms, attending orientation sessions, setting up his student ount¡ªuntil he was finally done.

    Exhausted, he looked over the list of courses he could take, bothpulsory and elective. His mind was drained, not physically, but mentally.

    ''Guess that she-devil Carrisa was right; my body really isn''t human anymore,'' he thought. And thinking of Carrisa, he realized that most of his anger had faded during the three hours he had spent running around.

    He sat down on a bench and sighed, not noticing the girl sitting beside him until he had already sat down.

    "Hello," she said gently, waving her hand a bit.

    "Are you new here too?" she asked.

    "Too?" he inquired, picking up on her phrasing.

    "I''m Anne Amicus, a freshman in the Department of Psychology. Nice to meet you," she introduced herself.

    "Oh, hi Anne. It''s nice to meet you. I''m Alicarde Asad, also from the same department," he answered, not even realizing he had referred to himself as Alicarde.

    "It''s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Alicarde Asad," she said, smiling as she repeated the name.

    Ali quickly became aware of his own words. "Oh, sorry. Um¡­ you can call me Ali. No, please call me Ali," he stammered, feeling a bit embarrassed.

    The girl adjusted her sses and pushed her short blonde hair behind her ear. She was average-looking, with a petite build that suggested she was a bit shorter than him. She couldn''tpete with Carrisa in terms of looks, but Ali found her to have her own unique kind of charm.

    "So, are you new to the city?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

    "Yeah, is it that obvious?" Anne replied.

    "No, not really. I mean, I''m new here too, so I just took a guess," he said with a shrug.

    "So, you''re new too, huh? Guess we''re in this together then," Anne smirked.

    "Guess we are," heughed.

    They ended up having a long conversation, getting to know each other better. Theyughed and joked, quickly bing friends. It was easy to connect, given that they were both new to the city and the college. Before parting ways, they exchanged contact information to stay in touch.

    As Ali left, agreeing to call or text if anything came up, he felt a bit lighter. But that relief was short-lived. He called a car through his ridesharing app and headed straight to confront Carrisa. He had no idea what kind of magic or voodoo she had used to change his name, but she had better undo it.

    When the car stopped on the main road, he opted to walk the rest of the way. He didn''t want to involve anyone else in whatever mess this was.

    After a while, he reached the gates of the mansion. They swung open as if to wee him back, but he wasn''t in the mood to care. Keeping his temper in check, he stormed into the mansion, heading straight for Carrisa.

    He eventually found her on the fourth floor.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Wee back home," she greeted him calmly.

    "What the hell, Carrisa? What the actual hell? Why did you change my name on my official documents?" he demanded, his voice hard.

    "I didn''t," she replied steadily.

    "You''re the only person who calls me Alicarde. Who else could it be?" he asked, trying to stay calm.

    "I didn''t change your name on your documents. I changed your name on a more fundamental level," she said, rising from her chair.

    "That day, the person known as Ali Asad died. He was dead in every sense of the word¡ªthe Grim Reaper had already imed you. But I brought you back. However, the one I brought back was not Ali Asad; the one I brought back was Alicarde Asad," she exined, her tone calm.

    "So, what you''re saying is I''m a different person?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

    "No, you are the same person. I simply rewrote your name. This must have affected how the world perceives your existence, leading to this oue. You could think of your return as a kind of rebirth, which is why the influence of your new name is so powerful," she rified.

    "So, what, I''m supposed to just ept this?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

    "Yes, you are. Besides, your name would have changed eventually as you grew more powerful and earned titles to add to your true name," she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

    "What nonsense are you spouting?" he asked coldly.

    Carrisa sighed, showing the first signs of weariness. "So, what do you want, Ali?" she asked, her voice aloof but tinged with exasperation.

    "Change it back!" he snapped.

    "I cannot. What is done cannot be undone," she replied, her tone unyielding.

    ring at her menacingly, his eyes began to glow with a violet hue as he locked gazes with her. But Carrisa remained unfazed, her expression as aloof as ever.

    As Ali''s anger simmered, the presence of a maid emerged from behind him. She moved with the quiet grace typical of her station, her voice calm as she spoke.

    "I assure you, my mistress did not intend to change your name. Rather, by bringing you back, she was put in a situation where she had no choice but to give you a new name, as the individual known as Ali Asad had already died. Therefore, the new name was necessary.

    My mistress also took care to give you a name that closely resembled your original mortal name," she exined with a measured tone, almost mechanical in its precision.

    Ali turned to look at the maid, herposed demeanor contrasting sharply with his own turmoil. Then his gaze shifted back to Carrisa, who still showed no sign of emotion. Her expression remained as unreadable as ever. Despite his frustration, he found himself calming down a bit.

    The maid''s exnation, while clinical, did make some sense¡ªat least as much as anything in his current situation could. He didn''t fully understand the mystical or supernatural forces at y, but he had no choice but to ept her words for now. She also assured him that while his documents might have been affected, he could still go by the name Ali, as a shortened version of Alicarde.

    She further rified that his family wouldn''t notice the difference in his name on the documents; to them, and to any other mundane person, it would be as if nothing had changed.

    Reluctantly, Ali let go of his anger. There was something instinctual, a deep-seated feeling, that kept him from directing his full wrath at Carrisa. No matter how much he tried, he couldn''t maintain his fury towards her. And given his efforts to keep a cool head in the face of everything he had been through, he found himself slowly resigning to the situation.

    ''Maybe this is just part of my new reality,'' he thought, feeling the weight of the situation begin to settle on his shoulders. Ali decided, at least for now, to put the matter to rest and contemte what his new reality would look like moving forward.

 Chapter 9 Slow Life

    Two weeks had passed, and Alicarde hade to terms with his new reality. Though disheartened by the unexpected change in his name, he considered it a minor inconvenience. As long as his parents didn''t mind or notice, it was fine.

    To test the waters, he had called his mother, greeting her with, "It''s your favorite son, Alicarde."

    He repeated his new name a few times during the conversation, yet she didn''t seem to notice anything unusual.

    Alicarde was still somewhat bothered by the change, but he had epted his circumstances.

    "After all, it''s not man who makes the circumstances; it''s the circumstances that make the man," he sighed deeply, feeling as though he had been cornered into bing a philosopher.

    In the days that followed, he adjusted to life at the university, registering for electives andpulsory courses, and had begun to settle into his college routine.

    He hadn''t made many new friends, except for Anne, who had eventually be the ss representative. It seemed more like she had been pushed into the role by the rest of the ss; it was a stressful job, and no one had volunteered. Anne had been nominated and won by andslide.

    "She shouldn''t have bombarded the professor with so many questions," he smiled, remembering her exasperated expression.

    His life was surprisingly going well. He had finally explored most of the mansion, if not all of it, enough to find his way around. If he had to give a detailed description, it would be:

    "The First Floor had a Grand Entrance Hall¡ªa spacious foyer with high ceilings adorned with a chandelier and intricate molding. Next were the reception rooms: multiple elegant living rooms and a formal dining room furnished with plush sofas, antique furniture, and artwork, which, ominously enough, mostly consisted of weapons."

    "Carrisa sure does love her weapons," he mused.

    Still on the first floor, the entertainment areas included arge home theater with a state-of-the-art sound system, a billiards room, and a library filled with books and leather armchairs that stretched all the way to the third floor. The library caught his interest the most, well, second to the Game Room.

    The kitchen was every chef''s wet dream, with fancy gadgets, marble countertops, and arge ind for casual dining. There was also an indoor swimming pool, alongside a fitness center and spa facilitiesplete with a sauna and jacuzzi. Staff quarters with separate living areas for the household staff. If he wasn''t living here, he might have cursed the rich and their luxurious lifestyle.

    Then there was the equally fancy Second Floor with suites¡ªa luxurious retreat with a king-sized bed, a sitting area, firece, and a balcony overlooking the estate. Guest rooms and other posh amodations filled the floor.

    The Third Floor was mostly simr, although he hadn''t checked all the rooms. The library extended all the way there, so there had to be ces he hadn''t seen yet¡ªall in due time.

    The Fourth Floor was where the real fun began. Carrisa seemed to favor this floor, which included an art gallery, a game room equipped with arcade games, PCs, and all sorts of other digital games¡ªVR and some he didn''t even recognize.

    The true highlight was the Full Dive VR set, which he hadn''t known existed. Although he could y with it, Amena prevented him from connecting to thework. After exploring a fully immersive world, he grew somewhat bored and switched to the regr games he knew, ying online.

    Non-digital games included a ping pong table and other recreational activities, along with a sophisticated bar and lounge area with a selection of wines and spirits. Alicarde didn''t particrly care for this part¡ªhe didn''t drink, not at all.

    The luxurious balcony that Carrisa favored was also on this floor.

    The Fifth Floor housed an observatory¡ªa domed room with telescopes for stargazing and panoramic views of the mansion''s grounds, an alchemy room for Amena''s maintenance, a music room, and a few more rooms he didn''t bother opening.

    Finally, the Sixth Floor featured the Master Suite¡ªa cozy retreat where he lived with Carrisa. He had explored most of it, and there were many rooms, all posh and luxurious, befitting of a princess. Although he still couldn''t see why he had to share a suite with her, he wasn''tining¡ªwhy would he when he was living the dream of every weeb, living with a beautiful woman?

    Overall, the mansion was a marvel, boasting high-quality materials such as marble floors, rich wood paneling, and intricate moldings. Smart home technology seamlessly integrated systems for lighting, climate control, security, and entertainment, with a touch of something mystical¡ªa feeling Alicarde couldn''t quite put his finger on.

    The elevators conveniently connected all floors, while the outdoor areas included meticulouslyndscaped gardens, a greenhouse, and two helipads for arrivals¡ªtruly extravagant in every sense.

    During these days, Carrisa had been putting him through the basics ofbat, teaching him how to sense his mana with breathing exercises. The mansion grounds were where he had been beaten up repeatedly during training.

    ''I would be dead if I could die'' Alicarde wanted to curse

    Alicarde didn''t care to check the underground facilities, rumored to house an armory and sparring room built with reinforced and enchanted materials, along with a cer and, deeper still, a dungeon.

    He never bothered asking the maid where she parked the car. Carrisa had assured him he would be her immortal champion forever, so time was inconsequential¡ªapparently, he had plenty of it.

    Yet, amid all the grandeur, Alicarde couldn''t shake a lingering sadness. Did this immortal existence mean he would oust most of his human family¡ªhis parents, sisters, and other loved ones? Forever seemed like a lonely prospect.

    Alicarde sighed, looking into the night.

    He remembered what Carrisa had taught him. She had given him a basic rundown of the life he would now be living. She was from the Demine, a world different from Earth.

    She had informed him that the world was divided into Earth, also known as the mundane world, and the Demine, argely unexplored dimension inhabited by a myriad of supernatural creatures and fraught with dangers.

    ''The mundane world is influenced by various powers exerting their influence from the shadows, including the Orderprising all religious factions, the Magicians'' Guild which is mostly mages¡ªseriously, what did I expect? Of course, magic is real too¡ªandst but not least, the Truth Association, predominantly alchemists.

    They''re more neutral, though, considering they trade with both worlds and are quite wealthy. There''s also the World Government, ndestinely managing esper powers, along with various magic cabals, rogue esper groups, and lesser-known factions.''

    She had taught him about innate abilities, moremonly referred to as esper powers in the mundane world. He had seriously considered them nothing but urban legends, including racial traits, fear, magic, ki, and finally, ether¡ªsupposedly his natural bane since it could affect the mind and soul.

    She warned him that even if his body and soul were immortal, his mind was still his weakness.

    Destroy that, and he would be as good as dead. She also mentioned enchanted weapons, potions, armor, trinkets, and charms with wondrous abilities. Whitewood Ash Tree and holy water, among other things.

    "What a mess," he sighed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He had been sitting on the balcony overlooking the estate grounds; his tea had already gone cold. Carrisa was also with him¡ªit was, after all, the balcony on the fourth floor, a ce she favored. He looked over the stone rails and spotted something moving in the mansion grounds. At first, it looked like a dog, but upon closer inspection, it seemed different¡ªbigger, akin to one he had seen recently.

    "Is that a wolf?" he asked, addressing Carrisa and the maid by her side. Upon hearing his words, Carrisa rose to her feet, followed by the maid, and soon stood by his side. Looking down at the approaching creature, she said,

    "Amena, initiate a scan of that entity."

    Her eyes shed a light green hue, and a few secondster, she answered,

    "My scans have detected the presence of a supernatural entity, moremonly referred to as a skinwalker."

    "Activate the defensive barrier," ordered Carrisa, her gaze never leaving the creature below.

    Immediately, a thin, translucent blue light shed around the mansion. Sensing this, Alicarde felt as though the mansion had been cut off from the outside world. Down below, the wolf stopped and sat on its hind legs, raising its head to look up at them, smiling eerily in a way a wolf should never be able to.

 Chapter 10 Skinwalker

    The eerie smile of the wolf remained as unsettling as ever. Alicarde couldn''t shake the feeling of unease that crept up his spine, the creature''s gaze piercing through the darkness. It was the first time he had encountered another supernatural being since the werewolf, and his anxiety was palpable.

    "Now what do we do?" Alicarde asked, his voice wavering slightly.

    Carrisa sighed softly. "Do not fret. I have already devised a n," she replied, her tone calm andposed.

    "Oh no, I wasn''t fretting at all. It''s all up to you, ma''am," Alicarde said, feigning confidence with a sycophantic tone. If she was going to fight this skinwalker, he''d dly y the supportive sidekick.

    Carrisa turned her gaze to him. "Alicarde, what do you know about skinwalkers?"

    Alicarde frowned. "I know they''re not supposed to be real, and I definitely have no business being around one," he quipped, his sarcasm drawing a slight smile from Carrisa.

    "Well then, since they do not exist, I trust you can handle that one by yourself? Clearly, that disturbing smile belongs to nothing more than an ordinary wolf," she remarked with a hint of mockery.

    "Apologies, ma''am. I was merely joking. In fact, I''ve been a firm believer in skinwalkers since childhood. My friend''s cousin''s uncle swore he encountered one on his way to Dreamvalley City," he replied, his words spilling out in a nervous rush.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Truly? And did the authorities not dismiss it as a mere moose?"

    "They did, but I was absolutely convinced it was a skinwalker. I was the first to say so!" Alicarde continued, his voice nearly cracking under the pressure.

    Carrisa''s lips curved into a small, amused smile. "We must certainly deal with this one, then."

    She turned her gaze back to the wolf below. "A skinwalker is most well-known among the Navajo people, an abominable creature that can assume the form of various animals and people. Tell me, Alicarde, do you know how the Navajo people traditionally deal with skinwalkers?"

    Alicarde shook his head, his ignorance evident.

    "They do not," Carrisa replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "Rather, they prioritize avoidance, steering clear of confrontation."

    "So, how are we supposed to deal with it? I don''t suppose we can just avoid it to death," he asked, a note of sarcasm slipping into his voice.

    Over the weeks they had spent together, Carrisa had grown ustomed to his snark.

    "We are not the Navajo people, Alicarde," Carrisa responded with a touch of arrogance.

    "Their mundane methods involving herbs and avoidance would do us no good. Besides, this wretched creature was sent to kill me and has dared to intrude upon my domain. Its fate is already sealed."

    Alicarde watched her warily. ''This woman¡ªwhen is she going to tell us how to deal with it?'' he thought, frustration bubbling up inside him.

    "So, are you going to exin how to kill it, or are goingto keep acting mysterious?"

    Carrisa shot him a sidelong nce, a mischievous smile ying on her lips. "To kill most supernatural creatures, Alicarde, what do you require?"

    Alicarde paused, thinking back to her earlier lessons. "You need enchanted weapons or any weapon coated with Whitewood ash. Holy water is effective too, but only against creatures with evil or dark affiliations. And fire, that works as well."

    "Correct," Carrisa nodded approvingly. "Now, the n is simple. We need to provoke its aggression, lure it into a trap, and then eliminate it. Amena, you know what to do."

    The silent maid nodded, understanding Carrisa''s intentions, though Alicarde remained clueless about the specifics.

    Carrisa turned her attention back to Alicarde. "As for you, your task is to capture its attention."

    "Capture its attention? How on Earth am I supposed to do that?" Alicarde asked, bewildered.

    "Insult it. It''s a highly intelligent creature," Carrisa suggested with a serene smile that only made Ali more uneasy. She looked almost ethereal, but her words were anything butforting.

    Alicarde swallowed his fear, reminding himself that the skinwalker was out there, while he was safely up here. Summoning his courage, he began with crude insults.

    "Oi, doggy! Do you see that sculpture over there?" He pointed to a statue on the mansion grounds. The wolf slowly turned its head towards the statue, its eerie smile never fading.

    "Do you wanna know what I did over there?" Alicarde continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "Well, let''s just say your mother and I got really busy. When I first saw you, I almost thought you were my bastard son of a whore, but then I realized you were too ugly to be mine."

    Amena''s cheeks flushed crimson at the vulgarity of his words. Alicarde didn''t stop there; he went on to insult the skinwalker''s father and then its entire lineage, sparing no detail in his creative vulgarity.

    After three minutes of relentless insults, the skinwalker''s eyes glowed with malevolent intent, and its smile widened unnervingly. Sensing that the situation was escting, Carrisa intervened, cutting him off before even she started to feel a bit of sympathy for the creature''s supposed mother.

    "Alright, I believe you have its attention now. Let us proceed to the next phase. Amena, extinguish the lights and lower the barrier, we split up." Carrisamanded.

    Alicarde''s face turned pale. "Wait, what? Split up? Are you insane? Have you never watched a horror movie? Splitting up always means death!"

    Carrisa chuckled softly. "What are you worried about? You are immortal, remember? Besides, what happened to the bold man who bravely imed to have¡­ ravaged the skinwalker''s mother?" Her voice held a teasing lilt.

    Alicarde looked at her, his bravado crumbling. "That was the old me. The me from a few minutes ago. This is the new mepletely different people."

    He clung to her waist in desperation. "Please don''t leave me!"

    Carrisa ignored his pleas and continued walking, the heartless maid already disappearing into the hall. "Does that girl have no sense of camaraderie?" Alicarde muttered under his breath.

    He followed Carrisa into the corridor, still holding onto her. She finally stopped and turned to him, smiling, her proximity sending an involuntary shiver down his spine.

    "Arm yourself. The enchanted weapons will harm it," she instructed calmly.

    Alicarde nodded, turning away and reaching for a sword mounted on the wall. As his fingers wrapped around the hilt, the lights went out, plunging the hallway into darkness. His heart skipped a beat. When he turned back, Carrisa had vanished.

    "What the hell! So it''s every man for himself, you heartless jerks!" He cursed under his breath, gripping the sword tightly as he ventured into the darkened corridors.

    Despite the darkness, he could still see clearly, his supernatural senses guiding him. Yet, the oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on him. The screeching sound that suddenly echoed through the hall made his blood run cold, his grip tightening on the sword as his entire body trembled.

    As he rounded a corner, the fear in his heart intensified. The darkness seemed to grow thicker, more suffocating. Suddenly, he spotted a figure in the distance, her dark hair unmistakable. Alicarde lowered his sword, relief washing over him.

    "Carrisa?" he called out, his voice shaky.

    The figure approached, her face bing clearer. "Ali, are you alright?" she asked, her tone gentle.

    Alicarde tried to rx, but the air remained heavy, therge windows and draped curtains creating an ominous silhouette in the dim light.

    "Yeah, I''m fine. But why did you ditch me?" he asked, still uneasy.

    "My apologies, Ali," she said, extending her hand towards him. He hesitated briefly before taking it, desperate for any sense of security in the darkness.

    As they walked together, Alicarde couldn''t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Her voice¡­ it was different, subtly so, but enough to raise rm bells in his mind. Then it struck him¡ªCarrisa had called him Ali, not Alicarde. She had never used that nickname before, and she had done so twice tonight.

    His heart pounded as he recalled a crucial fact about skinwalkers¡ªthey were shapeshifters. His fear spiked. Without a moment''s hesitation, he raised his sword and swung it downwards.

    But the skinwalker was too fast. It released his hand and let out a sinisterugh, its form dissolving into the shadows as it darted into an adjacent room. The hunt had begun, and now, Ali was the prey in a deadly game of hide and seek.

 Chapter 11 Haunted Mansion

    Alicarde''s heart was engulfed with terror so suffocating he could barely breathe. His whole body trembled as if he were in a fever dream. The mansion felt colder than usual, the air thick with an unsettling stillness that sent shivers down his spine. He could hear the whispers of the creature in the dark, its menacing presence shrouding his mind with dread.

    He paced nervously through the dark halls, each step echoing like a warning in the oppressive silence. A chill wind howled through the open windows, causing the curtains to dance like ghostly specters. Alicarde tried his hardest to remain quiet in the darkness of the mansion, though he doubted it would do him much good.

    Suddenly, a low growl reverberated through the hallway, freezing Alicarde in his tracks. His heart pounded against his chest as he widened his eyes, staring into the darkness ahead.

    Shadows danced ominously on the walls, twisting and contorting into grotesque shapes that seemed to watch his every move. Despite his enhanced vision, it felt as if the shadows themselves were moving, ready to pounce on him at any moment. His legs felt weak beneath him.

    A flicker of movement caught his eye¡ªa silhouette darting across the hallway, fleeting yet unmistakably real. Alicarde''s breath caught in his throat as he realized the skinwalker was still watching him.

    Panic surged through him as he stumbled backward, tripping over a rug and crashing to the ground with a dull thud. He rolled around warily, gasping for air, then scrambled to his feet, his eyes frantically scanning the hallway.

    But there was nothing¡ªjust the oppressive silence and the faint scent of fear that hung in the air. He cursed under his breath, his mind racing with fear and confusion.

    Then, a blood-curdling scream pierced the silence¡ªa sound so visceral and agonizing that it seemed to tear through Alicarde''s very soul. He instinctively covered his ears, trying to block out the horrifying noise that echoed through the mansion''s halls. The scream was followed by sinisterughter, echoing from somewhere within the mansion.

    It was a chilling sound, devoid of humanity¡ªa cruel mockery that sent chills down Alicarde''s spine, highlighting his own weakness.

    And then he saw it¡ªa figure standing at the end of the hallway, bathed in the dim light streaming through a nearby window. The creature was tall and lean, its body contorted and unnatural. Its pale skin was stretched tightly over a skeletal frame, and a wicked grin stretched across its face, revealing sharp, jagged teeth that seemed to glisten in the dim light.

    The smile was eerily human, yet utterly monstrous.

    The creature''s eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, fixated on Alicarde with an intense malevolence that chilled him to the core. Its mouth twisted into a more sinister grin, revealing rows of jagged teeth stained with darkness. In its hand, it held a bone, its origin unknown but undoubtedly sinister.

    He turned around and fled; the skinwalker didn''t hesitate to follow. Clutching the sword in his hand, he sensed it was closing in on him as it ran along the walls of the corridors.

    Turning around, he swung the enchanted weapon as hard as he could. The fiend dodged,unching superhuman attacks of its own before retreating into the shadows. In that brief instant, it had struck him thrice, the pain severe as blood soaked his clothes, and he groaned in agony.

    Alicarde''s gaze fell to his own body¡ªa ghastly sight met his eyes. Deep gashes marred his flesh, oozing blood that stained his clothes and pooled around his trembling feet. Every movement sent waves of pain through his body, but fear kept him rooted to the spot.

    He regenerated quickly, his wounds closing as he backed away slowly, eyes fixed on the creature.

    The creature moved closer, its movements unnaturally silent as it glided across the floor towards him. Alicarde''s breath came in ragged gasps as he backed away, his mind racing with terror and despair.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    He searched desperately for an escape route, but the mansion seemed to twist and shift around him, trapping him in a nightmarishbyrinth of fear.

    He was enveloped in suffocating ckness, his heart pounding so loudly he feared the creature could hear it. He fumbled for a nearby wall; his hands shook violently as he struggled to find his bearings.

    Keeping his eyes wide open, he steeled his heart and suppressed his fear. Maintaining hisposure was one of his few talents, and he needed every ounce of it now.

    A piercing screech echoed through the darkness¡ªa sound so horrifying that Alicarde''s blood ran cold. The creature''s voice whispered in his ear, taunting and mocking him with promises of eternal torment.

    "Heeehehehhehh," itughed with demented glee, its voice a mockery of humanity.

    Alicarde''s mind reeled, horrified, as he fought to maintain his reason. He knew he was trapped in a deadly game with a malevolent entity that relished in his fear and suffering. Every shadow seemed to conceal the creature''s twisted form, waiting to strike when he least expected it.

    Despite the terror gripping him, he remembered Carrisa''s words; this was the creature''s fear¡ªa supernatural ability to fill an opponent''s heart with horror. He was afraid, but fear wouldn''t save him. So he resolved to do what he always did when he was afraid: steel his heart and kill the source of his fear and unease.

    He knelt on the floor, sword in hand, taking deep ragged breaths as he tried to control his fear. He focused on his heartbeat, slowly letting his terror be reced by resolve.

    He sprang forward, running towards the main hall on the first floor. Ignoring the stairs, he simply jumped down, crashing straight to the next floor. The creature shrieked upstairs, and Alicarde braced himself, forcing his trembling body to stop. The creature jumped down after him, hiding itself in the darkness.

    Steadying his breath, he raised his sword and pointed into the darkness.

    "I can see you, you bastard. You aren''t the only one with night vision," his sword aimed at the corner of the room. The hideous creature emerged, still clutching its bone de.

    It didn''t bother hiding anymore, noticing that its prey had resisted its fear. It charged forward with a chilling screech, and Alicarde charged with a roar, his eyes briefly glowing with a violet hue as he rammed his body into the hideous fiend.

    The impact left him momentarily disoriented, but he fought through it, kicking towards the skinwalker, who returned the attack with a snarl and dug its ws into his side. Alicarde shed his sword at its arm, and both their weapons were knocked away from the impact.

    It was a brutal, unsophisticated battle; Alicarde didn''t need it to be anything else. He didn''t have the skills for refined swordy anyway, and getting the creature unarmed was better.

    It still had its ghastly ws, but so what? He had immortality. He would have thestugh.

    Grabbing its hideous blood-soaked body, he roared to suppress the fear and disgust and buried it in a flurry of punches and kicks, putting it in a chokehold. It dug its ws into him, and he gritted his teeth through the pain as he struggled to suppress the screaming skinwalker.

    The creature finally rotated its body around and grabbed his arm, tossing him away like a rag doll. Not giving him any breathing room, it unleashed a few ghastly attacks that should have left him dead. But too bad¡ªhe was immortal, so he regenerated, covered in blood.

    Grasping a wooden chair, he mmed it into the creature, and it screeched in pain and reeled in shock. Alicarde remembered that Amena had told him the mansion''s wooden furnishings were made from Whitewood Ash. He repeatedly mmed the chair on the reeling creature until it broke, still full of dark fury.

    He jumped on it, driving his elbow into its body and once again going for a chokehold. His fighting style was that of an untrained amateur, but his superhuman strength, reflexes, and, most of all, his fury in the face of fear made him something of a berserker.

    The creature struggled below, lifting itself despite his weight, leaving Alicarde wishing he were heavier. But wishes weren''t horses, and he was no beggar. He tightened his grip even more and roared.

    As the creature lifted him, disregarding his hold, a boom filled the hall, followed by the scent of gunpowder. The bullets grazed Alicarde, but they had not been intended for him; rather, they struck the skinwalker dead on.

    Screaming in agony, it threw Alicarde off, but that was a mistake because Carrisa, who was holding the shotgun, simply cracked it open, reloaded, and fired, letting the spray of bullets tear into the creature again.

    The skinwalker fled in pain, retreating further into the mansion''s darkness. Alicarde stood up from the ground, found his sword, and endeavored to follow, but Carrisa stopped him, wordlessly dragging him through the mansion''s grand entrance. She shut the door behind her, running while holding his hand. They stopped when they noticed the maid, Amena.

    "Amena, seal the mansion now," Carrisa ordered. The translucent blue film once again covered the mansion, trapping the skinwalker inside; it must have noticed the barrier being erected.

    Alicarde heard its deafening scream.

    "We need to kill it, not trap it! We missed our chance when you let it go."

    "I released it intentionally," Carrisa said with calm authority. "It will meet its end here today." She nodded to the maid, who responded with a solemn nod and tapped her wrist, summoning a blue hologram. After a few more taps, she spoke again.

    "All gas chambers have been activated, Mistress. I am now engaging the furnace." Momentster, the mansion erupted into mes, the congration soon followed by the agonized screams of the skinwalker.

    Alicarde stared in shock. "So, your great n was to burn down the mansion?"

    "Do not concern yourself," Carrisa replied with unwavering confidence. "We can always reconstruct my citadel. It is of little consequence. Prepare yourself; the barrier will soon bepromised due to the damage sustained by the mansion''s magical circuits. Once the creature emerges from the inferno, we shall deal with it."

    He nodded, gripping his sword and observing her. She carried a gun and a greatsword sheathed on her back.

    "Wait, since when did we have a gun?" he inquired.

    "From the beginning; you simply never inquired. We possess an armory stocked with various weapons," she answered matter-of-factly.

    "How was I supposed to know that?" he retorted, his fear diminishing now that he was inpany. As the mansion''s barriers dissipated, they faced the horror engulfed in mes. It was time for retribution, and this time, he would im its life.

 Chapter 12 Opulent Ashes

    The congration zed through the night, casting long shadows as the mansion burned. The heat was intense, nearly overwhelming as they drew nearer, but it was of little concern¡ªthey had no need to get closer. Their adversary was already on the move, desperate to flee the inferno. The creature, disoriented and panicked, charged straight toward them.

    Carrisa stepped forward with purpose, her shotgun sting round after round into the skinwalker. Each shot forced an agonized screech from the creature, its movements bing increasingly erratic. With a swift, decisive motion, she discarded the gun and unsheathed her sword, charging forward with lethal intent.

    Alicarde and Amena followed her lead, nking the creature and surrounding it on three sides.

    Amena''s hands morphed seamlessly into twin axes, her expression unchanged as she readied herself forbat. Alicarde, momentarily surprised, realized he had underestimated her all along.

    The skinwalker, sensing an easier target in Amena, lunged at her with feral speed, thinking her the weakest. How mistaken it was. Before the creature could strike, Amena closed the distance in an instant, her twin axes slicing through the air.

    One axe embedded deep into the creature''s side, drawing a pained howl. She didn''t stop there; with a swift, brutal kick, she swept its legs out from under it, sending the creature tumbling. Not allowing it a moment to recover, she followed up with another vicious kick,unching the skinwalker through the air like a ragdoll.

    Carrisa was ready. As the creature hurtled toward her, she positioned herself with precision. Without hesitation, she plunged her sword into the creature''s skull with a sickening crunch, driving it into the ground and pinning it there. The skinwalker writhed and thrashed, but its fate was sealed¡ªthe de was already buried deep in the earth, with its skull trapped between.

    After a few final death throes, the creature went still, its life extinguished.

    Alicarde barely had time to react before the battle was over. The two women had dispatched the skinwalker with ruthless efficiency, and only now did he realize the true purpose behind Carrisa''s n. She had used him as bait, knowing his immortality would protect him. The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth.

    ''They made it look so easy,'' he thought, ''Why did we even need to split up in the first ce?''

    As the adrenaline faded away, Alicarde finally allowed himself to rx, sinking to the ground. Carrisa approached, her violet eyes glowing softly in the firelight. She crouched beside him, her gaze intense yet oddly gentle as she cupped his face in her hands.

    "Your efforts weremendable. The victory is yours as much as ours. I must admit, I did not anticipate you would conquer the creature''s fear so swiftly," she murmured, her voice almost a whisper, carrying a tone of quiet approval.

    Alicarde, still processing the events, couldn''t hide his irritation.

    "So that''s why you made us split up? Just so I could ovee its fear?"

    Carrisa offered a small, almost apologetic smile. "Indeed. I wished to provide you an opportunity to put your training to the test."

    He sighed, still slightly annoyed but unwilling to dwell on it. The creature had been after Carrisa, something she had told him before¡ªa consequence of the conflicts among her many siblings vying for the throne. He knew the stakes were higher than just his own safety.

    "Did you experience fear?" she asked, her tone curious.

    "Of course I was afraid," Alicarde admitted. "But I have thispulsion... I can''t rest until I''ve eliminated whatever is causing my fear if it''s close by."

    It was a truth he had carried since childhood. Even now, he harbored an irrational fear of rats, though no one knew of it. Whenever one managed to sneak into the house, he would stop at nothing to hunt it down. To him, fear wasn''t something to be endured¡ªit was something to be eradicated. The skinwalker had just been arger, more intense rat, and he couldn''t bear the thought of it lingering nearby.

    Carrisa, unaware of his thoughts, continued to hold his face, her smile warm and sincere.

    "This marks the third time you havee to my rescue," she began, hesitating briefly before continuing.

    "I have been meaning to ask you... Why did you save me that day, from the truck? You didn''t even know me, yet you pushed me out of the way."

    She had wrestled with this question for days, unsure how to approach it. During the nights they shared in the master suite, she would sit quietly beside him, contemting how to ask. Now, she waited anxiously for his response.

    Alicarde looked into her violet eyes, searching for the right words. "Honestly, I don''t know. I didn''t really think about it. You didn''t seem to notice, and I... I just moved without thinking. I guess I just did."

    "I never properly thanked you," Carrisa said, her voice softening. "And I know words can never fully express it, but... thank you, Alicarde. Twice in one night, you saved me. You''ve given my life new purpose." She caught him off guard with her heartfelt gratitude.

    What was this sudden vulnerability? Had she really just thanked him?

    "I can''t offer you much," she continued, her voice trembling slightly. "But you have me. I promise that for centuries, even millennia toe, I will stand by your side. So... please, stay by mine."

    Her words, a deration of unwavering loyalty, left him at a loss for words. He trusted her, if only because he had no one else to rely on. The battle with the skinwalker had solidified his ce in this strange new world, and he vowed to keep his family far removed from it. He had crossed a threshold, fully embracing his involvement in Carrisa''s world.

    At least now he had a capable and beautiful guide.

    Turning his gaze away from her, he gestured toward the burning mansion. "Your n worked, but where exactly are we supposed to live now?"

    Carrisa smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Ah, myst citadel... It appears we may be living on the streets."

    "The streets?" he repeated, incredulous.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Just joking," she replied with a chuckle. "The mansion will restore itself within an hour or two. It is enchanted to do so. You didn''t think Amena was truly responsible for keeping the entire ce spotless, did you? While she is a homunculus, she is still a biological lifeform, not a machine."

    Her words were reassuring, and Alicarde found himself believing her. As the mes gradually subsided, the three of them stood amidst the ashes of their once-opulent home, now reduced to cinders.

    They remained on the mansion grounds, waiting. The expected arrival of the fire department never came¡ªno one had noticed the ze. Alicarde spoke with Carrisa, feeling that the night''s events had drawn them closer. He began to see the she-devil in a different light, recognizing a hidden depth ofpassion beneath her reserved exterior.

    It took longer than Carrisa had anticipated¡ªfour hours instead of one or two¡ªfor the mansion to fully restore itself. Amena had exined that the extent of the damage determined the restoration time. The mansion''s enchantment, known as [Auto Keep], not only restored it but also maintained various wards and traps.

    Alicarde had wondered why they hadn''t used those traps against the skinwalker, but he refrained from asking. He was too tired and far too hungry. Healing always left him ravenous.

    "Why do I always get so hungry after healing?" he asked as they entered the now-restored mansion.

    Carrisa nced at him, offering an exnation. "It is due to your weak mana. With time, as your body sustains damage and regenerates, you will grow stronger. Your mana will increase, and if you are fortunate or diligent, you may even awaken an innate ability."

    "Oh, fine," Alicarde muttered, his thoughts turning to his immediate needs. "Amena, I''m starving."

    "As you wish, Ali," Amena responded with her usual calm demeanor. "I shall have your meal prepared posthaste."

    As she departed, Alicarde and Carrisa made their way to the elevator and ascended to the fourth floor. The maid soon returned, bearing enough food to satisfy his hunger. Carrisa excused herself to wash up on the sixth floor, leaving him to eat in peace. As he devoured his meal, he wondered if this life of battles, mysteries, and unexpected dangers would be his new normal.

 Chapter 13 Alicardes New Routine

    A few days had passed since Alicarde''s encounter with the skinwalker. During that time, he hadn''t attended any of his sses, preferring to stay within the safety of the mansion. His new routine was both intriguing and unsettling.

    In his heart he even like the main character of some fantasy.

    Each morning, or whenever he happened to wake up, he sometimes caught a glimpse of Carrisa emerging from her bath, her figure wrapped in a towel or concealed by a bathrobe.

    It was a sight he had grown ustomed to, though he tried to time his sleep to avoid these encounters. Carrisa, initially startled, eventually ignored his presence, and Alicarde, as a final act of gentlemanliness, decided to sleep in until she was gone.

    This morning, he awoke to find the sword again on his bed. It had be an increasingly bothersome presence, appearing wherever he stayed for more than thirty minutes, following him throughout the mansion.

    The sword''s mysterious behavior had started after the battle with the skinwalker, evolving from merely appearing in his bedroom to materializing randomly.

    The sword was now a permanent part of his life, a constant reminder of his new reality. He no longer attempted to discard it, especially after Carrisa exined its history.

    The sword had once belonged to Beowulf, the  werewolf who discovered it in an ancient ruin. The sword had been worshipped by an ancient civilization as a totem of a forgotten god. Carrisa had mentioned that Alicarde could give it a new name now that he was its master, but he hadn''t decided on one yet.

    His life had taken a strange turn since that fateful night. He continued to receivebat training from Carrisa, focusing on swordy, honing his senses, and mastering his meager magical abilities. His progress was slow, but he could now sense his mana, a small victory in his otherwise chaotic new existence.

    Among the other changes in his life was a new phone, thetest gship model from his preferred brand, customized for security and connected to the mansion''s systems.

    He had to say goodbye to his old phone, which had served him well for two years. Additionally, he was given a luxurious ck card with his name, "Alicarde Asad," embossed in gold.

    This card was part of a shared ount with Carrisa, usable in both the human and supernatural worlds.

    Officially, "Ali Asad" was dead. Carrisa had provided him with a death certificate, ensuring that his human family wouldn''t find out about his new life.

    This realization made him wonder if he wasmitting some sort of crime, but there was no turning back now. He had to return to ss today, despite the sword''s constant presence.

    Alicarde had been avoiding calls and texts from Anne, unsure of what to tell her. He would cross that bridge when he came to it. For now, he needed to focus on getting through the day without drawing attention to himself.

    As he made his way to the fourth-floor dining room, he couldn''t help but recall the humiliating defeat he''d suffered in the game room at the hands of Amena. Despite her stoic demeanor, she was a gaming prodigy, consistently besting him in every game they yed.

    It had be a regr part of his routine to challenge her, trying to break her stoic expression and sometimes even some childish teasing.

    asionally, Carrisa would silently watch their matches, adding to the strange dynamic between them.

    Upon reaching the dining room, he found Carrisa waiting for him. As he ate breakfast, he couldn''t resistining about the sword.

    "I can''t go back to school with this ... this cursed thing always following me. It''s not like I can just put it in my pocket," Alicarde grumbled.

    "That would indeed be problematic," Carrisa replied thoughtfully. "Why not carry it in a guitar case?"

    "Okay, I guess that works," he replied sarcastically. "I only have to carry a huge guitar case everywhere. Very convenient."

    Carrisa ignored his sarcasm, instead changing the topic. "Why don''t you just take a car?"

    "I would, but we only have one car. I''m fine using a ride-sharing app," Alicarde replied, recalling the luxury sedan he''d seen Amena asionally use.

    Carrisa raised an eyebrow. "What? No, we have more than one car. Wait, did you not explore the entire mansion?"

    "What? We do? I didn''t know..." Alicarde trailed off, realizing his mistake. "This one''s on me. I didn''t ask."

    "I honestly thought you just didn''t want to take a car," Carrisa remarked, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

    "Let''s go, Amena. Get a guitar case for Alicarde and meet us in the garage," she ordered.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He followed Carrisa into the elevator, the sword in hand. The de had changed since it came into his possession, shrinking in size to match its new master. It no longer felt as unwieldy, but its presence was still unsettling.

    When the elevator doors opened, they stepped into a room he hadn''t seen before. The space was underground, illuminated by bright fluorescent lights. As the lights flickered on, Alicarde was stunned by the sight before him.

    The room was a massive garage, filled with an array of luxury cars. It looked more like a high-end showroom than a personal garage. Sleek sports cars, fancy sedans, and even a few rare vehicles he had only seen in movies were parked in neat rows.

    ''Damn, it sure pays to be rich,'' Alicarde thought as he surveyed the collection.

    Amena arrived with a guitar case, and he ced the sword inside, feeling a bit more at ease now that it was concealed. After spending a few minutes admiring the cars, he finally picked one, only to find himself struggling to open the doors.

    Amena, ever the helpful maid, stepped in to assist, showing him how to operate the car''s features, including its voice-activated AI.

    "I took the liberty of cing a copy of your license in the cars since your first day here, so you should be good to go," Amena informed him, her tone as stoic as ever.

    He was curious about how they had managed to obtain a copy of his license, but considering the other documents that had been altered, including getting his own death certificate, he wasn''t surprised.

    With the engine purring beneath him, he watched as part of the wall slid open, revealing the exit. He drove off, the mansion disappearing behind him as he headed back to his student life in style, the sword his silentpanion.

 Chapter 14 Tall tale

    The car had a luxurious interior, a luxury sports brand. He drove out of the mansion in style. It was times like this that made him realize that dying had its perks, and this was one of them.

    As for downsides, well, there were too many. He looked at the guitar case and imagined it was Carrisa sitting by his side. He quickly squashed the thought; she was really getting to him these days.

    Excluding the fact that she was devilishly beautiful and alluring, he couldn''t really handle hertely. Since they shared one part of the master suite, they usually stayed out of each other''s rooms.

    But Alicarde usually stayed up to watch TV at night, and when he did, he would do so in therger room in the suite, which was technically a living room of sorts. And when he did, Carrisa usually sat with him on therge sofa.

    "But that''s not the actual problem. Goddammit," he muttered.

    The problem was what she wore. Sometimes a light nightdress, often the short kind that revealed a bit too much of her skin.

    But he was not about to give her the satisfaction of knowing he was leering at her exquisite body. So he just pretended to watch his shows as best he could. It didn''t help that she always looked so vulnerable, awakening some weird protective instincts in him.

    He quickly reached the gates, did the usual security checks, and zoomed off. He was runningte; he really shouldn''t have been picky about the type of car he wanted to go with.

    Finally, he got to his department, found a ce to park, and scurried off. Almost forgetting the sword, he grabbed it; if he left it alone, he wasn''t sure it would stay put.

    He entered the halls and reached the doors, making sure he was in the right ce. He noticed through the transparent ss of the blue double doors that the professor was already in. Knowing he wouldn''t be allowed in, he was about to give up but decided to try the door at the back of the hall.

    Reaching the doors at the back, he noticed the professor through the ss; he was not looking, and the room was dark thanks to the use of projectors for the lecture. Lightly pushing the door, it didn''t budge. So he tried pulling, but nothing happened; it was locked from the inside.

    Noticing movement from the inside, a beautiful silver-haired girl stealthily stood up and unlocked it. Hearing the clicking sound, Alicarde sneaked in, whispered a thank you to the girl, too tense to even look at her face.

    As he passed her, the girl''s exquisite nose twitched a bit, and her grey eyes widened a little.

    Alicarde was too nervous, afraid of being caught by the professor and put on the spot. He snuck into one of the seats in the back, keeping the guitar case by his side.

    The girl with silver hair was originally in another seat with a few other girls, but she moved to a seat not too far from Alicarde. As she did, her nose twitched again, her eyes widened, and she smiled seductively.

    Alicarde didn''t notice; his heart was drumming up a lot of noise in his chest. But after a few seconds, the professor didn''t realize a stealthy student had joined the ss.

    The ss eventually ended. Afterwards, the professor left, and the room brightened up. Before Alicarde could stand up and move to his next ss, he was spotted by an aggrieved Anne, and she looked like she was about to let him have it.

    "Alicarde," her voice was stern, but her gaze was sharp enough to cut iron.

    Alicarde smiled warily; he knew why she was ring. He did miss a few days, after all, and his friend had been worried. She called and texted so many times, but the human garbage had left her on read, too busy suppressing lecherous thoughts about Carrisa.

    "Wow, who is this beautifuldy approaching? Why, if it isn''t my kind, sweet, forgiving friend. Oh, and did I mention forgiving?" The sycophant Alicarde reared his ugly head.

    "Friend? You still consider me a friend? Where have you been all these days? I called you a gazillion times. Dude, what gives?" she eximed.

    "Yeah, sorry about... if I told you what happened, you wouldn''t believe me," his tone didn''t sound serious, but she could sense a degree of guilt.

    ''Good, at least he still has a soul,'' she thought.

    "Fine, go ahead, wow me with your amazing excuse." Anne said cing her hands on her waist.

    "Excuse? I assure you it''s not an excuse, but fine," he continued, putting his hand on his face in an exaggerated manner.

    "There I was, alone in a dark, gloomy mansion after my heartlessdy friends had mercilessly abandoned me, alone in that darkness... oh, the misery. I was being hunted by a skinwalker."

    Looking at her to make sure she was paying attention, she looked at him with skepticism.

    "Wait, but my story isn''t done yet. Well, he had a grudge... well, I may or may not have said some things about his mother. Well, I think he was a he or it anyway. We fought, and of course, I had him running," he boldly added to his story.

    "Was it scary? Yes, yes it was. But I am awesome, so I won. Can you even believe he turned into a pretty girl?" Alicarde said with an exaggerated smile.

    Still full of skepticism, she rolled her eyes. "Were you drinking or just being delusional?"

    "What? I am not... I don''t drink, really. True story, in the end, I even got to live with a princess," he added.

    "So, while I was calling all this time worried that something happened to you, you were ying video games," she sighed, putting her hand on her temple.

    "Well, I, um, I only yed games a little. I was actually training my mana and learning swordy," he smirked proudly.

    Anne did not believe a word, but that was fine. Alicarde had told her in such an unserious tone because he knew it was unbelievable.

    "While you were gone, I had to falsify your attendance. Professor Malefica had grouped us and had given the whole ss an assignment. I had to bend the rules to save your skin," she whispered through gritted teeth.

    "And no one appreciates that more than me. You''re the best, Anne," Alicarde ttered, hoping to get on her good side.

    She sighed, about to start a lecture when a young man with auburn hair called her name, or rather her title.

    "ss Rep, I have the papers we talked about, and I talked to Professor Franklin about..." He stopped, noticing Alicarde.

    "Oh, hello, nice to meet you. I''m Mark Green, the assistant ss Rep," he introduced himself.

    "Alicarde Asad, but you can call me Ali," he returned the greeting. He had no idea there was an assistant ss rep, but it is what it is. Guess Anne won''t be ving away for the ss alone anymore.

    The next lecture was in another hall; it was a fair distance away. He really should have taken the car. He decided against it opting to walk there with Anne.

    "I didn''t know you yed," Anne asked, staring at his back where the guitar case was.

    "What? What are you talking about?" he asked forgetting he had a guitar case on his back.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Looking at the guitar case, Anne continued "The guitar, don''t you y?"

    "What? No, I don''t. I don''t even own one," Alicarde chuckled.

    "But you''re carrying one right now," she gave him a deadpan look. Realizing what she was talking about, he scratched the back of his head.

    "Oh, that. Well, I just... well, I try to, but I can''t really. It''s embarrassing,"  Alicarde smiled trying to hide his embarrassment.

    He went to the next ss, being dragged by Anne; she didn''t let him out of her sight. So he sat with her in the next lecture hall.

    They were followed by the assistant ss Rep Mark, but he was silent all the way. Anne sat next to Alicarde, and he kept the guitar by his side, keeping it between himself and Mark Green.

    Mark looked at the fun banter they exchanged and frowned a little, but Alicarde didn''t notice, his expression.

    He observed the ss; right in front of him was the familiar silver-haired girl, but he couldn''t see her face from behind, surrounded by so many other girls. She was like the queen bee. To his right were some other students, but only a trio of guys, leering at an R18 magazine, caught his eye.

    Alicarde really admired their confidence to kill their social life so thoroughly. These boys... no, ''men''. They had the level of confidence that the shy Alicarde desired. The girls who noticed certainly weren''t giving them friendly looks, but this was the pain of being a pioneer.

    The professor came, and the lectures began. After a day of lectures, he finally said goodbye to Anne. He went back to his car; the evening sun was already starting to set. He had to get home post-haste.

 Chapter 15 Urban Chase

    Alicarde was mentally exhausted. His body felt fine, but his mind, not so much. His mind was, after all, his only weakness; his body and soul were immortal.

    The stress of the day was catching up to him. Sitting and listening to lectures was a hassle, so his mind was worn out. He never forgot a simple truth that anyone would know: "The mind is a powerful ce, and a small cebo could even send the body spiraling." Alicarde muttered to himself.

    He had finally gotten back to his academic routine, and absolutely nothing was going to get in his way now.

    On the upside, Alicarde was in a splendid mood. How could he not be? It was every guy''s dream to be sitting in a luxury car; in fact, it was on every guy''s bucket list. Now, Alicarde had a whole garage to choose from. In his heart, he swore he was going to try out every single one of them at least once.

    Today, he chose a car based on speed and luxury¡ªa sleek ck machine with about 1,578 horsepower. The interior was impressive, with smooth ck leather seats, a state-of-the-art touchscreen interface, and ambient lighting that subtly changed with his mood.

    The dashboard was sleek and minimalistic, with only the essentials disyed on a digital screen that bathed the cockpit in a cool, futuristic blue glow.

    The more he looked at it, the more pleased he became. The vehicle was apparently heavily customized, with every detail meticulously designed for bothfort and performance.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    He drove out of the university and onto the streets. The road was a bit busy, but it was wide enough that the vehiclesing and going didn''t cause a hold-up. The sun was setting in the sky, its pale light giving way to the darkness of the night.

    Alicarde steadily drove the car in a leisurely manner. While he was driving, the car''s interior lights began to sh red. Alicarde was momentarily confused; he didn''t feel anything wrong with the car itself, but the screens soon began to disy warnings.

    He still didn''t find anything wrong with the car. While he was fumbling with the controls, the screen changed to call mode, and he soon heard the voice of Amena.

    "Ali, are you okay? A distress signal was sent from your location," her voice echoed through the vehicle.

    Alicarde was confused. He hadn''t sent a distress signal.

    "I didn''t send a distress signal... but this car just started to sh these red lights..."

    "The data I''m receiving shows that you are being followed. The artificial intelligence has detected the presence of an unidentified rider trailing behind you," she announced.

    The screen disy changed, showing him the image of a ck-d rider on a powerful motorcycle following behind him steadily. The bike was a beast of a machine, with a roaring engine and a sleek, aggressive design. It looked like it was built for speed and maneuverability, the perfect vehicle for someone who didn''t want to be caught.

    Seeing this, he tensed up a bit, trying his best to stay calm. "So what do I do?" he asked.

    "You must evade and return home as soon as possible," Carrisa''s voice came through the speakers, her tone aloof andmanding.

    "Amena will support you remotely. You just need to drive as best you can."

    "And what happens if... you know, the rider follows me? I imagine the cops won''t just let it slide," Alicarde asked worriedly.

    "There won''t be any cops in your way. We will make sure of that. Even if they find the vehicle, they won''t be able to trace it back to you," Amena answered in her usual stoic voice.

    Alicarde took a deep breath, and then, without a moment''s hesitation, he stepped on it. The tires screeched on the asphalt as his speed increased.

    He instantly shot past a few vehicles. The rider must have realized that Alicarde had noticed them, so they pushed their ride and followed him.

    The sun was gone, and the night had begun. Alicarde weaved between any cars that got in his way, his mind racing with anxiety but, at the same time, there was a faint excitement from racing the car.

    He held the steering wheel tight. However, he soon noticed a problem, the traffic light had turned red on the road he was supposed to take. That wouldn''t have been a problem if a few vehicles hadn''t already stopped, blocking the road.

    Alicarde didn''t hesitate, turning the wheel to another road. He drove into a turn, barely avoiding a truck that was about to hit him.

    It was a close call, but he managed to avoid the hit. His heart was pounding loudly in his chest, his hands trembling slightly. He looked back through the rearview mirror, hoping he had lost the rider.

    He didn''t. The rider executed a humanly impossible maneuver, lifting the massive metal frame of the bike off the ground and soaring right above the truck,nding safely.

    "Ooh shit, you have got to be kidding me," Alicarde''s eyes widened.

    He stepped on the elerator harder, hoping to put distance between himself and whatever freak of nature could do that. The ck bike was like a demon of speed, its petite-looking rider chasing after the car with masterful precision.

    "You are not catching me today. This is literally the fastest car in the world. Amena, what now?" Alicarde said through gritted teeth.

    "Follow the map. I have calcted a route," her stoic voice was quiet, reassuring.

    The chase continued. Alicarde turned the car into a narrow road meant for pedestrians. His speed and the sound of the engine instantly made people dive out of the way as Alicarde whispered, "Sorry," to those he passed.

    He drove the car into a public park. It was nightfall, so the park didn''t have many people there. The trees and grass were devoid of anyone rxing; most of them had already departed or were doing so. Even then, he had to be careful not to hit anyone.

    He drove onto a golf course, his car mming onto the pristine slopes. Its sleek body wasn''t built for such terrain. He wasn''t alone; the rider was undeterred by the rough ground and followed, its ck frame easily crossing the park as they made it back to the road.

    Their chase had not gone unnoticed, as a few sirens were already ring into the night, but a ssic cop car could hardly keep up with them. Alicarde made a turn. As he did, he narrowly avoided hitting a road sign.

    The rider passed by the sign and ripped it right off the ground. Holding the sign with one hand, they threw it at his car like a javelin. It pierced right through the ss at the back and stopped on the car''s dashboard, crushing hismunication line with Amena.

    Alicarde cursed, "Shit, damn it, God damn it."

    The rider closed the distance to Alicarde, reaching the side of the car. Raising one hand, they smacked the vehicle. Alicarde lost control as the car drifted aplete 180 degrees, turning back the way it came.

    The rider, not expecting the car to make such a unique turn, drove past. Alicarde didn''t waste the chance and drove back the way he''de, hoping to find his way back to the mansion.

    Alicarde drove forward, hoping to make a quick turn to shake off the rider. s, he wasn''t so lucky. A blockade of police vehicles suddenly came into view, their red and blue lights shing like an imprable wall.

    With no other choice, he had to head straight for the bridge ahead, his heart pounding in his chest.

    The rider was still on his tail, and now the police were in on the chase too. Alicarde mmed his foot on the gas, but his luck seemed to have run out.

    He noticed that the bridge was rising from the center, splitting open to create a gap. There wasn''t a single ship in sight, so it didn''t take a genius to figure out that the cops had deliberately lifted it to trap him.

    The bridge was now raised like a steep ramp, daring him to make a move. The rider was close behind, and the police weren''t far off either.

    "Ahhh, what the hell, guys? You told me not to worry about the police!" Alicarde gritted his teeth, his mind racing.

    If he stopped now, the rider would catch him¡ªand worse, the police would too. He could kiss his student life goodbye.

    But he had no intention of stopping. He didn''t mind if he plunged into the deep, dark sea¡ªafter all, he was immortal. What he really feared was getting caught by the cops.

    With a cold determined re, Alicarde pressed the pedal to the floor. The car sped toward the bridge, its tires screeching against the asphalt. As the vehicle reached the apex, it soared into the air, flying over the gap.

    The rider, not hesitating for a second, followed suit, their bikeunching into the air behind him. They bothnded on the other side with a bone-jarring thud, leaving the police cars stuck behind the rising bridge as they zoomed off into the night.

    The car was badly battered and scraped from the roughnding, but Alicarde kept going. After a few more tense minutes, he finally found his way back home.

    The road leading up to the mansion was in sight, but the rider was still too close forfort. Desperate to shake them off, Alicarde veered off the road and cut through the forest that bordered the mansion.

    The tires protested against the uneven terrain, but he had no other choice.

    The mansion finally came into view, but he wasn''t out of danger yet. The rider, relentless as ever, leaped off their bike andnded on the car with a thud. wed hands dug into the roof, ripping it off like it was made of paper.

    "What the¡­ what the actual hell?" Alicarde was stunned. Seeing no way out, he grabbed the guitar case from the passenger seat, kicked open the door, and jumped out just as the car crashed into a tree.

    He quickly opened the guitar case and drew his sword, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he tried to make a run for it. But the rider, d in a ck helmet, wasn''t done. They leapt into the air,nding several meters ahead of Alicarde, blocking his path to the mansion.

    "You''ve led me on quite the chase," he heard a woman''s voice say as she removed her helmet, revealing a pair of amber eyes that glowed with silver light. She was a werewolf.

 Chapter 16 Strong Hearted One

    Alicarde stood in the dimly lit clearing, the silhouette of the mansion visible in the distance. However, he couldn''t reach it¡ªnot until he got past the beautiful, red-haired werewolf who was out for his blood.

    She was striking, her features framed by wild red hair, and her piercing amber eyes reflected the moonlight. The light glinted off her long, deadly ws, a testament to her werewolf heritage.

    ''It''s times like this that Carrisa''s lessonse in handy,'' he thought, knowing there was no talking his way out of this one.

    "Who are you, and why are you after me?" Alicarde asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

    She looked at his sword, her amber eyes narrowing as she frowned. "I''m the one who''s going to kill you," she said coldly.

    The tension in the air was almost tangible. Alicarde gripped the hilt of his sword, a ck de with a red edge that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. He had trained for moments like this, but the reality of facing a werewolf intent on killing added ayer of gravity he hadn''t fully anticipated. And the bigger question still was¡ªwhy?

    "You''ve led me on quite the chase," she continued, her voice smooth and menacing. Her gaze lingered on his sword, and her fury only seemed to deepen.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Who are you?" Alicarde demanded, trying to buy time and gauge his opponent''s next move.

    She smirked, revealing a hint of fangs.

    "I''m Argint. You took something from me, and I''m here to collect."

    Without another word, Argint lunged forward with supernatural speed, her ws aimed straight for Alicarde''s chest. He barely managed to parry the blow, the force of the impact sending vibrations up his arms and pushing him back several meters into a tree. The sh of steel against ws echoed through the clearing.

    Alicarde scrambled to his feet, barely avoiding another blow that eviscerated the tree, leaving it as a pile of wooden splinters. Argint moved with fluidity and ferocity, her attacks relentless and precise.

    Each strike was aimed to incapacitate, and Alicarde could barely keep up, his weeks of training evident in the way he deflected and dodged her attacks.

    But he could feel her strength pushing him to his limits. His training was not enough¡ªnot against her.

    As they fought, Argint''s eyes glowed with a cold intensity. She leapt into the air, her transformation partially triggered, ws extending further.

    Alicarde rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding her sh and delivering a swift counterattack, slicing through the air where she had just been.

    Argintnded gracefully, unharmed.

    "You''re weaker than I expected," she growled, a hint of doubt in her voice.

    "But you can''t keep this up forever." She referred to his healing ability, not hisckluster skills.

    "Regeneration has its limits. Once Ind a fatal hit, I win."

    "Tch. I''m a lot harder to kill than I look," Alicarde replied, taking in a deep breath, covered in his own blood.

    Alicarde knew she was right. He needed to buy more time. Summoning all his focus, he advanced with a series of rapid strikes, pushing Argint back.

    His de shed, a dance of steel and desperate focus. But Argint was not easily subdued. She retaliated with a vicious swipe, her ws grazing his side and drawing more blood.

    He felt the warmth as the blood gushed out, the pain of her ws digging into his flesh.

    The pain sharpened Alicarde''s resolve. He feinted left, then spun right, delivering a powerful kick to Argint''s midsection. She blocked it effortlessly and seized the opportunity, shing at him with a precise, controlled strike. Her ws cut through his defenses, leaving a deep gash on his chest.

    Alicarde howled in pain. She lunged again, this time with wild, uncontrolled rage. Alicarde braced himself, deflecting her attacks and looking for an opening. Finally, he saw it¡ªa moment of overextension in her fury.

    With a swift, decisive movement, Alicarde attempted tond a fatal blow, but Argint was quicker. Her ws struck his chest, and she held them to his throat, her breath heavy, eyes locked onto his.

    "Die," shemanded, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her. Crushing his throat, she threw him to the side.

    Alicarde stayed still, refusing to move. He was smart enough to know there was no point in getting up¡ªhe would lose all over again. The best course of action would be to wait until Carrisa came to back him up.

    The mansion''s gates creaked open behind her, and Argint turned, ready to face her next adversary. But she knew one thing for certain, the night was far from over. This was just the beginning¡ªshe would kill the man who killed her brother, and then she would deal with Carrisa.

    "Have youe to dishonor Beowulf even more, Argint?" Carrisa asked, her voice carrying the weight of authority and cold indifference.

    "Dishonor my brother? Hah. I came to avenge him and reim his honor by killing his treacherous liege," Argint gritted her teeth, ready for her second and final battle. Carrisa would not fall easily, and neither would the maid standing silently behind her.

    "Argint Beowulf, we have not met before, but your brother spoke of you often. It is a shame to see you dishonor his final wish in this manner. Your actions will only serve to make him a traitor," Carrisa said in a measured tone, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    "Shut up! My brother would never betray anyone¡ªhe was an honorable warrior of the War Wolf n!" snapped Argint, her voice trembling with rage and sorrow.

    "Indeed, he would not. Not of his own volition," Carrisa replied, her tone calm and deliberate.

    "However, he did so for you."

    "What are you implying?" Argint roared, her fury rising.

    "Well, I suppose you would not know. You were, after all, the unwitting hostage. For your sake, he raised his de against me, his liege. A shame, really¡ªhe was caught between honor and love, so he took the third option, the path of self-sacrifice, saving you and preserving his honor." Carrisa sighed deeply, a rare expression of emotion as she thought about her former subordinate.

    Argint''s legs went weak for a moment before she continued, "I do not believe you."

    "You need not," Carrisa replied, aloof as always. "But regardless, follow me."

    "Alicarde, please cease your dramatics and rise. I believe I have cleared the air sufficiently," Carrisa said, ncing at Alicarde, who was still shamelessly ying dead on the ground.

    Alicarde got up, and as he did, Argint''s eyes widened. "No way... I killed you... wait, are you¡ª" She looked back at Carrisa, her voice trembling.

    "Is he an Undying... did you create an Undying?" she asked again, her voice tinged with disbelief.

    Carrisa nodded. "Indeed, I did. But that is a secret for now, so I trust you will keep it to yourself," she said, her tone calm and unwavering.

    Alicarde walked up to Carrisa''s side, holding his sword and ncing at Argint cautiously. Her ws were painful, and even though he could heal, he was not immune to pain. Having his throat crushed was not a pleasant experience.

    As they walked back toward the mansion, Carrisa gestured for Argint to follow. The werewolf girl hesitated, her gaze lingering on the ck sword Alicarde was holding.

    Her expression darkened with sadness, but she followed them, her steps cautious, as if expecting a trap.

    "How did you learn of your brother''s death and Alicarde''s involvement?" Carrisa asked, her tone curious but detached.

    "Words Through The Grapevine," Argint replied, her voice tinged with bitterness as she looked at Carrisa.

    Alicarde, slightly unnerved, spoke nheless. "Words Through The Grapevine? So you came to kill me based on rumors and hearsay?"

    "Not rumors and hearsay. Words Through The Grapevine is an information agency. They sell information for a price. The organization''s full name is Words Through The Grapevine, but it is moremonly referred to as the Grapevine," Amena exined, breaking her silence.

    Alicarde didn''t fully understand but nodded all the same. The more he looked at the werewolf girl, the more uneasy he felt. She had said he killed her brother. He remembered the werewolf from the night he died, but he had never really thought of him as a person... just a monster he killed.

    After a few minutes, they stopped in a small patch of forest on the mansion grounds. There, Alicarde saw a tombstone with the name "Aiden Beowulf" written legibly. His legs felt weak, but it was even worse for Argint, whose only brother had died.

    Her eyes dimmed as she looked at the tombstone. She staggered forward and fell to her knees, her face a lifeless mask of despair.

    "Why did this happen?" she muttered to no one in particr.

    "Why... why did this happen?"

    "Wh... why ... why did you kill my brother?" she whispered.

    As she did, Alicarde was consumed by a terrible feeling of regret. His hands trembled a bit, and his face became despondent with a look of utter guilt. He lowered his head, unsure how to answer the question.

    Carrisa''s reply came as soon as she asked, "It seems one of my siblings targeted me and used you as a hostage."

    Carrisa then proceeded to recount the entire sequence of events that led to Beowulf''s death, detailing the circumstances that forced his hand.

    She spoke of Beowulf''s final will, how he had left everything to Alicarde¡ªhis honor, hisdy, and his sword¡ªtrusting that Alicarde would uphold them in his stead.

    As Carrisa finished, Argint turned her head to look at the now forlorn Alicarde, then back to the tombstone. Clenching her teeth, she tried her best not to cry, but it was pointless. Silent tears fell as she bowed her head in grief.

    Carrisa turned away, taking Amena with her. As she left, she nced back at Alicarde, who stood motionless behind Argint in the darkness of the night.

    Argint''s sobs turned into whimpers before she cried even louder, unable to contain the pain. Alicarde remained still, his heart crushed under the monstrous realization that he had murdered someone''s brother. All he could do was watch as his victim''s family cried over the tombstone.

    He still couldn''t answer her question.

    He felt horrible but couldn''t bring himself to say anything¡ªnot even an apology. He knew that no apology could undo what he had done or bring her brother back.

    Time flew by as the two of them remained¡ªthe victim and the guilty party. Argint eventually stood up, her eyes filled with fresh tears. She walked up to Alicarde, grabbed his hand, but he didn''t dare look at her.

    "You... you''re weak. Someone like you should never have been qualified to kill my brother," her voice was hoarse.

    "So you have to be stronger. You... have to be strong enough not to let down the name of Aiden Beowulf. Promise me that, promise!" she screamed through her tears.

    "I promise," he replied, his voice low and despondent. But nevertheless, he made the promise, not knowing what else to say or do.

    "Good. I''ll make sure that you are strong, and I swear I will get my revenge. I''ll kill the bastards... the bast... bastards who did this," she swore as she huped.

    She continued to cry, her hand remaining on his. Her legs must have felt weak, or perhaps she saw him as a kindred spirit,  she leaned her head on him and continued to cry, soon falling to her knees. Alicarde remained standing, her tears digging deep holes in his heart, leaving him with only the realization that he was now a murderer.

 Chapter 17 Depressed Immortal

    Alicarde did not remember how he got to his room or how he found himself on his bed; all he knew was that he did. Hey in his sheets as time flew by around him. He was left in a daze, his heart settling with a deep sinking feeling. He could not forget the amber eyes of the red-haired Argint, as she wept at her brother''s tombstone.

    Her tears hurt Alicarde more than any wound he had ever sustained. Not even the fleeting pain of being run over by a truck couldpare to how he felt. Alicarde had taken small lives before¡ªrats, chickens, goats, and even, more significantly, a cow.

    But never a person.

    "Guess it''s like that, huh," he muttered to himself under the covers of his bed.

    "Humans are somewhat hypocritical beings. Always preaching about the value of life, yet being the ones who take the most lives every day. When humans take a life, they subconsciously weigh the value of that life by the size, significance, and magnitude of the creature. A subtle revulsion starts to surface when they kill something around the size of a rabbit."

    "Killing is just the way of people," he added, the words bitter in his mouth.

    Even knowing that, Alicarde still felt horrible¡ªhe couldn''t let it go. How could he?

    Seeing how he was feeling, he couldn''t help but think back to something he had stupidly told his grandmother when he was younger.

    He still remembered the residence of his paternal grandmother, a moderately sized house filled with religious artifacts she imed had belonged to histe grandfather, a man he never knew.

    Alicarde recalled what he had told her back when he was at the height of his eighth-grade syndrome, deluded into thinking the world revolved around him.

    He had told her, "All life was born for a singr purpose, and that purpose is to die. Everything that happens in between that process proves to be meaningless before the absolute finality that is death."

    His kind grandmother had smiled and put on a thoughtful expression¡ªhe still remembered the wrinkles on her face as she indulged him.

    He did not remember what she had said that day, but she had told him that life wasn''t meaningless.

    Death came and took his grandmother all but a monthter. Alicarde remembered going to her funeral, surrounded by rtives¡ªhis father, his mother, his sister, his uncle, his cousin, and so many others.

    Yet, Alicarde found himself in a situation where he couldn''t shed a single tear for his grandmother¡ªnot a single drop. His heart was sad but not so much that he would cry.

    Alicarde had enough mental awareness to know what was expected of him, so he had hidden, rubbed his eyes with his hands until they turned red, and then returned with a forlorn expression.

    He recalled being surrounded by sympathizers who knew how close he had been to histe grandmother, all trying to console him, even though his sadness was merely an act. That hurt Alicarde more than anything, and the ugly guilt dug into his heart.

    He did not understand his own heart or his own mind. It was part of the reason he had chosen toe to Evergreen and major in psychology, hoping to find an answer to a question he would never dare to ask or tell anyone.

    And then he came here and got his just deserts for his hypocrisy¡ªhe died on his very first day.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Alicarde''s eyes were tired; he hadn''t slept in the past few days, weighed down by the burden in his heart. The mournful cries of Argint were a perpetual haunt in his mind; she could cry for a loved one. That made it hurt even more because he couldn''t¡ªhe had not shed a tear for anyone.

    He heard a knock on his door, followed by the familiar footsteps of Amena entering his room. His nose caught the familiar fragrance of food as Amena stopped by his bed.

    "Ali, you haven''t eaten anything in two days. You should..." Amena''s normally stoic voice carried a note of worry.

    "I''m not hungry," Alicarde replied in a low voice.

    "Do you know that werewolves are of a warrior race? The strong are respected, and those who die in battle are considered to have met a noble fate," Amena said.

    "Beowulf was a great warrior. I''m sure you remember how he died. He did not die with any resentment, only gratitude. If you ever feel weighed down by his death, know this  you did not kill Aiden Beowulf; he let himself die." Amena left after saying those words.

    She left the food behind and pushed away a room service cart before closing the door behind her.

    Alicarde remained unmoving, ignoring the food and just lying there.

    The door opened again, and the gentle footsteps of Carrisa entered the room.

    She walked to his bed and sat down. She didn''t say anything for a while.

    "How long do you intend to sulk?" she asked, her voice calm and measured.

    Alicarde ignored her, opting not to say a word.

    She stood up and pulled the covers off his body.

    "How long are you going to sulk?" she asked again, her tone more insistent yet still calm.

    "As long as it takes. Now leave me alone," Alicarde grumbled.

    "I''m afraid I cannot do that. You are bound to me for eternity," Carrisa replied, her voice holding a solemn finality.

    Alicarde turned away from her.

    "Now, get up and eat," she said sternly, her voice leaving no room for argument. She grabbed the food tray Amena had left and decided to spoon-feed him.

    Alicarde tried to resist, but after receiving a cold re from her, he acquiesced, epting the fact that there was no refusing her.

    After she had made sure he had eaten enough, she looked at him.

    "How are you feeling now?" she asked, her tone softening slightly, though still formal.

    "Like shit... but somewhat better... I think," Alicarde answered.

    "Argint will be living with us from now on. She will be working with us to identify the real culprit. Among my siblings, I cannot be certain who it was, but whoever it is will certainly make a move again," Carrisa informed him, her words carefully chosen.

    "Hmm, I see. Sure," Alicarde said.

    "I... I am sorry," Carrisa whispered.

    "Huh? Why are you sorry?" Alicarde asked, surprised by her sudden change in tone.

    "Because you killed Beowulf because of me, and now I do not believe I possess the right words to console you," Carrisa said, her voice tinged with regret.

    "I wish to tell you, if you feel that Beowulf''s death is your fault, then know this, it is not. It is mine, so the me falls on me. No one mes you for his death¡ªnot even Argint. She understands that you are carrying her brother''s mantle, and she wants me to express her gratitude for carrying on his legacy," Carrisa''s words echoed deeply in his heart.

    "She wants to... thank me?" Alicarde asked, a note of surprise in his voice.

    "Yes, she does. She wishes to speak with you, but you are secluding yourself in here," Carrisa said.

    "Worry not; the chance wille. Tomorrow, you should rise early. I have decided to take you out for a change of scenery¡ªa small healing trip, if you will. Argint will being as well, so you may converse," Carrisa continued.

    "Really... huh... alright... Besides, you don''t have to worry about me. My heart has a short-term memory, so all the things that hurt are usually forgotten in a few days. So I''ll be fine if I sleep it off," Alicarde forced a smile.

    Carrisa nodded. "Very well then. Get some rest. I shall see you tomorrow."

    She leaned forward and gently kissed him on the cheek.

    Alicarde''s eyes widened in surprise as she rose to her feet and left the room.

    Alicarde''s heart felt a little lighter.

    "Huh, she says thank you... I don''t understand that," he whispered to himself.

 Chapter 18 Healing Trip

    The morning came, and Alicarde''s heart felt lighter than the day before. The dark circles under his eyes had more or less vanished, and he dressed quickly, ready for the trip.

    By the time he reached the ground floor, where he could faintly sense the presence of the threedies, they were already prepared and waiting. Despite being the only man in the group, he was, somewhat embarrassingly, thest to be ready.

    As he entered the grand hall, the first person he noticed was Carrisa. She wore a ck dress adorned with faint, intricate ornamental patterns that extended to her ankles.

    The dress hugged her figure elegantly, highlighting her slender waist and graceful posture. Simple, yet sophisticated, dangling earrings added a touch of refinement to her look, drawing attention to her long, graceful neck.

    Carrisa''s dark hair was styled neatly in a braid and bun, which only served to enhance her striking violet eyes. The hairstyle highlighted her beautiful face and gave her an air of both captivating allure as well as poised authority. Every inch of her appearance spoke of a woman in control, effortlesslymanding attention with her mere presence.

    Standing faithfully by her side was Amena, the ever-dutiful maid whose beauty was no less striking. Amena''s curvaceous figure was d in a ssic maid''s outfit, her ck dress fitted perfectly to entuate her form.

    The dress had short, puffed sleeves and a crisp white cor, over which she wore a pristine white apron adorned with ruffles along the edges. The apron was tied at the waist with arge bow at the back, and the dress red into a short, frilly skirt that added to her doll-like appeal.

    Amena''s lustrous brown hair was styled into an elegant updo, with soft tendrils framing her delicate face.

    Herrge, expressionless blue eyes gave her an air of innocence and charm, making her seem almost like a beautiful porcin doll.

    When she noticed Alicarde, she gave him a curt nod, a gesture that was so characteristic of her. He recalled how she had spent the better part of three days trying tofort him in her own unique, stoic way.

    Though she maintained her professional demeanor, he could sense that she wanted to smile at him but chose to keep to her station as a maid.

    His gaze then turned to Argint, who had now moved into the mansion. His heart felt a bit heavier at the sight of her, but he had promised himself to stop sulking and move on.

    He would stand proud and, one day, be liberated from his guiltpletely. However, today was not that day. Today, he couldn''t help but appreciate the beauty of the women around him, even if it felt wrong to do so.

    Argint''s outfit was both practical and stylish, perfectly suited for someone with her adventurous spirit. Her fiery red hair cascaded in wild waves around her shoulders, a stark contrast to her amber eyes that gleamed with an untamed spirit.

    She wore a fitted olive-green crop top that hugged her torso, showcasing her athletic figure while allowing for ease of movement. High-waisted, dark blue leggings entuated her shapely legs, adding to her already stunning appearance.

    As Alicarde approached them, he noticed that Argint seemed to be doing fine. She had cried her heart out, and now she was the picture of lightheartedness.

    He half expected her to say something to him, but she didn''t. She didn''t even nce his way, focusing solely on her breakfast. She ate with a gentle poise that reminded him of Carrisa, leading him to wonder if their refined table manners were a product of their upbringing.

    After a light breakfast, they set off. Argint followed on her bike, while the others rode in a luxurious sedan. The sight of her on the bike brought back memories of theirst need for speed encounter,  or it would be better to call it a Fast and Furious one.

    "In the sense that I was fast and she was furious, furiously trying to kill me," he mused to himself.

    The fact that he could joke about it meant that he had indeed gotten better, finally oveing the emotional hurdle.

    The journey took them out of Evergreen City, heading towards the mountains and forests thaty beyond the coastal city. Evergreen was nestled between the sea and the mountains, and their destination was a secluded retreat high in those mountains.

    The scenery gradually shifted from the bustling cityscape to the tranquil, verdant wilderness. Dense, towering trees nked the road, their leaves casting dappled shadows as the morning sun rose higher in the sky.

    Alicarde sat in the back seat of the posh sedan, with Carrisa beside him. He stole nces at her, still processing everything that had happened over the past few days.

    "Where exactly are we going?" Alicarde finally asked, breaking the silence.

    "We are heading to a small retreat in the mountains. It''s more of a camping site than anything else. A change of scenery should do you some good, far better than staying cooped up in your room," Carrisa replied, her tone aloof andposed.

    "I wasn''t cooped up, I... I was contemting my life choices," Alicarde said, trying to justify himself.

    "I suppose the dark circles under your eyes yesterday were part of those life choices," Carrisa remarked, her wordsced with a subtle, teasing tone.

    "Yeah, I make it a point to look as dead as possible on purpose. It really helps me rx," Alicarde replied dryly.

    Carrisa smiled softly at his response. "It''s good to see you returning to your normal self. Though, I am sure you''re aware, Alicarde, this won''t be thest time you take a life."

    Alicarde lowered his head, the weight of her words settling in.

    "Yeah, I know... I figured there was a reason you always trained me until I was all bloodied up, and why you put me through all those weird mental exercises. They were meant to make me more adjusted to the idea of taking a life, weren''t they? It''s kind of like how soldiers are trained for war."

    "Yes. In this world, hesitation can mean death, and weakness is the greatest sin. It is, in fact, the original sin¡ªthe root of all suffering," Carrisa said, clenching her fist as if to emphasize her point.

    Alicarde nodded in agreement. Her words carried a truth he could not deny. She looked at him intently, her gaze searching.

    "Alicarde, do you regret pushing me out of the way that night?" Carrisa asked, her tone more serious.

    "Huh? No, why would I?" Alicarde replied, genuinely puzzled.

    "Even now that you know the truck couldn''t have killed me?" Carrisa''s voice was calm, but there was a hint of something deeper, something almost like concern.

    "Nope, not at all," Alicarde said, shaking his head.

    "Even after what happened with Argint?" Carrisa continued, her gaze never wavering.

    "Nah, I think I''m almost over it. I did tell you I have a crazy high EQ. My heart is made to not give a damn," Alicarde smiled faintly.

    "Is that so? Then why were you so depressed?" Carrisa asked, her smile mirroring his. Her words, however, were more pointed, as if challenging his previous statement.

    "High EQ is a double-edged stat," Alicarde quipped, trying to deflect her probing.

    As they traveled deeper into the woods, the sedan finally reached their destination: a mountainous forest retreat.

    The retreat was nestled high among the peaks, surrounded by dense, towering trees that seemed to touch the sky. The crisp mountain air was refreshing, a wee change from the city''s smog and noise.

    The retreat itself was nothing short of luxurious. It had a helipad and inte connectivity despite its remote location, a library filled with books, a lounge area with high-spec gaming setups, and sr panels for power.

    The rooms were spacious andvishly furnished, each one offering a stunning view of the surrounding wilderness.

    There was even a pristineke nearby, its surface reflecting the vibrant greens of the forest and the blues of the sky.

    Alicarde was impressed, to say the least. He took some time to explore the retreat, marveling at the luxury and wondering just how many millions had been spent to create such an oasis in the middle of nowhere.

    It was only as the sun began to set that he returned to the main area, where he ran into Argint, who was leaning casually against a tree. The evening sun cast its dying embers on her fair skin, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

    She looked up as he approached, her amber eyes settling on him.

    "Alicarde, right? We need to talk," she said, her tone serious. Alicarde felt his heart stir but nodded in agreement. She turned and began walking into the forest, and he followed, uncertain of what she wanted to say but ready to face it regardless.

    They walked in silence for about thirty minutes, the only sound being the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant calls of birds settling in for the night.

    Alicarde''s mind raced with thoughts, wondering what Argint wanted to discuss. However, she remained silent, her pace steady as they moved deeper into the woods.

    Finally, she broke the silence.

    "I wanted to talk to you, but you locked yourself up in your room. It''s a bit overdue, but..." Her words trailed off as she suddenly stopped, her gaze fixed on the sky. Her expression shifted to one of shock, and Alicarde, whose heart had already darkened with anticipation, turned to follow her gaze.

    The night sky was filled with smoke, thick plumes rising into the air. The orange hue of mes could be seen flickering in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the trees.

    Alicarde''s eyes widened at the sight, his anxiety overwhelmed by a surge of worry.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''That''s the luxurious mountain retreat where Carrisa and Amena are. What the hell is going on? Is that a fire?'' His thoughts raced, barely keeping pace with the pounding of his heart.

    Argint shot him a serious look, her expression mirroring the urgency he felt.

    "Let''s go," she shouted, already sprinting off into the distance.

    Alicarde didn''t hesitate. He darted after her, his speed unnatural, fueled by adrenaline and a desperate concern for Carrisa and Amena.

    Despite having spent only a short time with them, the bond they''d formed was undeniable. All the thoughts and troubles that had weighed him down before now seemed insignificant in the face of this new crisis.

    They reached the retreat in no time, but the scene before them was harrowing. The once serene and luxurious retreat was now a hellscape of mes.

    The fire raged violently, filling the air with thick, acrid smoke that stung their eyes and made it difficult to breathe.

    The intense heat distorted the air, and the roar of the mes drowned out any sound.

    Alicarde scanned the area, his heart sinking further as he realized he couldn''t sense any presence¡ªno sign of Carrisa or Amena. The retreat, now unrecognizable, was being devoured by the mes, and the usually pristine surroundings were shrouded in a suffocating nket of smoke and ash.

    "I can''t pick up their scent in all this smoke," Argint said through gritted teeth, her frustration evident.

    Alicarde, struggling to maintain his bnce in the chaos, stumbled over something. As he steadied himself, his eyes caught sight of something on the ground¡ªan object that seemed out of ce amid the destruction. He bent down and picked it up, a ck arrow, with ck and white feathers and an arrowhead crafted from an unfamiliar, dark metal.

    "Hey, what''s this?" he called to Argint, holding up the arrow for her to see.

    She rushed over, her sharp eyes narrowing as she inspected the arrow.

    "A clue," she muttered, her voiceced with cold focus.

    "I can track the scent from this. I also found a footprint over there," she added, pointing in the direction she hade from.

    Alicarde tightened his grip on the arrow, a renewed sense of purpose surging through him.

    "Let''s find them," he said boldly, his voice steady despite the turmoil around them.

    His healing trip hade to an end, before it even began.

 Chapter 19 Dark Forest

    Alicarde and Argint plunged into the dark forest, their senses heightened as every sound and shadow became a potential clue. The dense foliage and eerie stillness of the night made him feel uneasy.

    The forest had a twisted maze of roots and gnarled trees, menacing shadows cast under the pale slivers of moonlight that managed to pierce through the thick canopy.

    Argint moved swiftly, her fiery red hair a vivid contrast against the dark backdrop of the forest. Her amber eyes glowed with cold silver light  as she tracked the scent from the ck arrow. Alicarde stayed close behind, his mind racing with thoughts of Carrisa and Amena, his concern for them eclipsing all other fears.

    They moved in silence, the only sounds being the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant crackling of the fire they had left behind. The forest seemed to close in around them, the oppressive darkness almost tangible. Alicarde''s heart pounded in his chest as he followed Argint deeper into the woods, refusing to entertain the idea that they might be toote.

    "I''ve picked up their trail," Argint whispered, her voice stern. "This way."

    They followed the faint scent, weaving through trees and underbrush. Their pace quickened as they grew more certain of the direction. Alicarde''s resolve hardened with every step. He couldn''t afford to lose anyone¡ªnot after everything he''d been through. He would make sure of it.

    Suddenly, they came to a stop in the middle of a clearing. Argint halted, looking around with a frown before she began to circle the area. Her movements were increasingly frantic.

    "I''ve lost the scent," she said, her words sending a chill down Alicarde''s spine.

    "What... What do you mean you lost the scent?" Alicarde asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

    "Exactly what it sounds like. I lost the scent," Argint replied, frustration creeping into her voice.

    Alicarde''s breath caught in his throat as he forced himself to remain calm. They couldn''t afford to lose their way now. He looked around the clearing, his mind racing for a solution. They had to do something¡ªanything¡ªbut no immediate signs of Carrisa or Amena were evident.

    "They must have erased their scent," Argint spected, her voice more controlled now. "My guess is they''re assassins, using a methodmonly employed in the Demine."

    Alicarde swallowed hard, pushing down the rising panic.

    "Let''s head deeper into the forest," he suggested, his voice low and determined.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Argint nodded, and they resumed their search, moving silently through the trees. The forest became even darker as they ventured further in, the air thick with anticipation and the asional eerie call of nocturnal creatures.

    After several minutes of tense silence, Alicarde noticed Argint sneaking nces at him. Her unusual demeanor didn''t escape his attention.

    "What is it? Something on your mind?" he asked, ncing over at her.

    Argint hesitated for a moment before she spoke.

    "I know this isn''t the time, but... I wanted to thank you for carrying on my brother''s mantle. Thank you for allowing him to die with his honor." She took a deep breath, her voice softening.

    "And... I forgive you for killing my brother. I don''t know if I should feel grateful or not, but... I forgive you, and I also wanted to thank you for agreeing to my promise. So, if nothing else, let''s start with a clean te as... as friends." Her voice faltered slightly at the end, the admission clearly difficult for her.

    Alicarde stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide. Her words resonated deep within him, lifting a weight that had burdened his heart since that fateful day. The darkness that had clung to him, feeding on his guilt, began to fade. He felt free¡ªliberated in a way he hadn''t thought possible.

    Argint extended her hand, offering a handshake as a symbol of their newfound friendship. Alicarde epted without hesitation, and as their hands sped, Argint''s lips curled into a smile, one that was breathtaking in its sincerity.

    "Alright, let''s go find the princess. And..." She trailed off, her expression shifting as something urred to her. "Wait, why are we even... No, why am I even sniffing around?"

    Alicarde looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

    "Hey, use your pact to find her," she suggested, her tone almost casual.

    "Pact... What pact? I don''t understand what you''re talking about," Alicarde replied, his confusion deepening.

    "What I mean is the pact she formed with you on the day she made you undying. You know, special magic lights... soul connections... that kind of stuff," Argint exined, her voice tinged with surprise.

    Alicarde shook his head. "Nothing of that sort happened. We didn''t do any of that. This is the first I''m even hearing of it. Carrisa certainly didn''t mention it."

    Argint blinked, clearly taken aback.

    "What is a pact, anyway?" Alicarde asked, genuinely curious now.

    She sighed, realizing he truly had no idea.

    "Fine, whatever, I''ll tell you. So listen. A pact is a type of supernatural contract that binds the souls of the entities involved. There are five types of pacts that I know of. The first is the binding pact, which allows an individual to bind an entity of their creation to themselves, kind of like a ve. They can''t disobey the one who binds them."

    Alicarde listened intently as Argint exined. The concept was new to him, but as she spoke, pieces of the puzzle began to fall into ce. ''Come to think of it, didn''t I go rushing to find Carrisa when I woke up in a morgue?'' he mused silently.

    "The second pact is a subordination pact, which is more or less between a lord and their vassal. It is less dangerous to the soul of the lord. It gives a high degree of freedom, but the vassal is still obligated to obey the lord. Although if the vassal is the one asking for such a contract, it''s usually followed with them making an offering, a gift, or something to show their sincerity."

    "The third pact is the familiar pact. This is a type of pact where you bind your soul to a familiar and it dwells in your body, soul, or shadow. If the familiar is too powerful, it can resist some orders, although trying to tame a familiar way higher than your pay grade is suicide."

    "The fourth type of pact is usually one of equals, also called the equals pact. This type of pact is usually favored by lovers, although these days people don''t do so as much. It used to be favored by married couples."

    "The fifth is like an arrangement pact, between two or more parties. It''s not as closely tied as the others, but it does impose penalties on those who go against the agreed-upon use."

    Alicarde remained silent as Argint finished her exnation. He couldn''t help but wonder why Carrisa hadn''t tried to enve him with the first type of pact. Did she really need to go through all the trouble of convincing him and running around the city with him?

    As they traveled deeper into the woods, Alicarde''s thoughts continued to swirl around the concept of pacts. After what felt like hours of searching, they finally stumbled upon something significant.

    Deep in the mountains, they found a vige nestled between towering peaks, hidden beneath a thick canopy ofrge trees. It was so well concealed that they nearly missed it.

    As they approached the vige, Argint suddenly halted, her nose twitching as she caught a familiar scent.

    "Princess," she whispered, her eyes locking with Alicarde''s.

    Alicarde''s hand instinctively went to his sword, which he carried in the guitar case. He was ready to rush in, his anger and desperation fueling him, but Argint grabbed his arm, holding him back.

    "Hold your horses, genius," she said, her tone sharp.

    Alicarde felt a surge of irritation but managed to rein it in. He knew she was right.

    "We need a n," she continued. "So calm down and let''s think of one."

    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to rx.

    "Alright, I get it. We need information first. We need to know where they''re being kept." His voice was steady, despite the turmoil within.

    "First, let''s observe the perimeter, figure out the guard stations, locate them, and find a suitable escape route," Argint suggested, her eyes scanning the vige below.

    Alicarde nodded in agreement, realizing the wisdom in her words. They couldn''t afford to act recklessly. The two of them might be outnumbered or facing enemies far stronger than they anticipated. They had to be smart about this.

    They moved stealthily, hiding in the foliage and using the trees for cover. They crept through the shadows, suppressing their presence as best they could, hoping to catch sight of Carrisa or Amena.

    After three hours of careful observation, they had a rough idea of the vige''syout. The vige was sparsely guarded, but the guards that were present were formidable. The Night Shades, as Argint called them, were a race of dark elf-like assassins from the Demine. Their presence here was unusual and worrying.

    As Alicarde''s gaze swept over the vige, his eyes fell on one of the Night Shades. A dark thought took root in his mind, and despite having just ovee his guilt over killing Beowulf, he felt a burning desire for blood.

    If those Night Shades or whatever hurt even a hair on the heads of Carrisa or Amena, he would stop at nothing to ughter their entire vige. As his eyes clouded with killing intent, Argint felt his mana grow and the birth of his nascent fear abilitying into existence. The night was bound to be one of blood.

 Chapter 20 Nexus Fragments

    His aura grew dangerouslyrge with his killing intent, his eyes taking on a violet hue, growing colder as a faint fog of ck aura pulsed from within him.

    "Go ahead and announce our presence to them, genius," Argint scowled, jabbing her elbow into his side.

    Realizing he had lost his cool for a moment, he forced himself to calm down again. He red at the few guards in the distance, considering the possibility that they already knew of their presence. He would need to be wary of traps.

    He didn''t voice his suspicions to Argint, assuming she already knew. Ten minutester, they reviewed their simple n and made their move.

    Alicarde and Argint infiltrated the vige, moving silently through the shadows. They knocked out a guard with precise, swift strikes, his body copsing soundlessly into the underbrush. As they made their way toward the center of the vige, Argint noted with growing unease that it was far less guarded than they had anticipated.

    "This doesn''t feel right," Argint whispered, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

    "Agreed," Alicarde replied, his grip tightening on his sword. "Stay sharp. It might be a trap."

    "Got it," Alicarde whispered.

    They advanced cautiously, using the sparse cover to their advantage. The vige, nestled in the mountains and covered withrge trees, seemed almost deserted.

    The few guards they encountered were easily dispatched, but the eerie emptiness heightened their sense of dread.

    As they approached therge cabin in the center, Argint picked up the familiar scent of Carrisa. She nodded to Alicarde, signaling that they were on the right track. They moved closer, carefully avoiding any attention.

    Finally, they reached the cabin. Alicarde signaled for Argint to stay back while he peered through a window. Inside, he saw Carrisa and Amena sitting with an elderly, elf-like man. Carrisa was calmly having tea, a serene expression on her face.

    Alicarde crept to the door, confident he could take down the old man soundlessly, motioning for Argint to follow. They entered the cabin silently, moving with the precision of seasoned hunters.

    Carrisa looked up, her eyes meeting Alicarde''s with a mixture of relief and amusement.

    "You''rete," she said, taking a sip of her tea.

    Alicarde blinked, momentarily stunned by her calm demeanor.

    "Carrisa, are you guys okay? What''s going on?"

    The elderly elf-like man smiled gently. "Wee. We''ve been expecting you...six hours earlier."

    "Huh? What?" Alicarde muttered.

    Alicarde and Argint exchanged confused nces. This wasn''t the scene they had anticipated. Argint stepped forward, her eyes narrowing.

    "Is this some kind of trick?" she demanded.

    "Not at all," the elderly man replied. "We mean you no harm¡ªyet. Please, sit and join us. There is much to discuss."

    Alicarde''s grip on his sword tightened, but he nodded slowly.

    "Alright, but no monkey business."

    "And what the hell did he mean by ''yet''?" he grumbled, looking at Carrisa, hoping for answers.

    They sat down, still on high alert. Amena poured tea for them, her movements graceful and unhurried. Alicarde couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to this situation than met the eye.

    "Now," the elderly man began, "let us exin why you were brought here."

    The old man was decrepit, with wrinkles all over his face and a long beard, giving him the aura of a wise old sage. Most notably, his pointy elf-like ears seemed to droop down with age.

    "As per our arrangement with the princess, we will settle this with a duel. Should your party persevere, you are free to do with our tribe as you please, Princess. And should our champions persevere, we will use your lifeblood to restore the Nexus fragments and return to the Demines."

    The old man''s words confused Alicarde.

    "Nexus?" he asked, tilting his head.

    Carrisa sighed, realizing she had to exin it to him.

    "A Nexus fragment is a shard of an interworld travel gate known as a Nexus. These gates are predominantly found within the Demines, where they are controlled by the most powerful races. Possessing one is a symbol of great power, and for good reason.

    The Nexus has immense strategic value, as it affects the area where it is located, protecting it from the encroachment of the wastnd and its countless horrors."

    "So, it''s a magic gate," he replied, still not fully grasping its value.

    "In essence," Carrisa said. "The three greatest powers in this world each possess one Nexus gate. It is the source of their dominance over all other forces in this world, including the world government. With a Nexus, one can even connect to different waypoints."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He still didn''t understand its significance, but she mentioned another new term. Realizing he was about to ask, she continued.

    "A waypoint is a lesser version of a Nexus. Its value lies in its ability to connect to a Nexus as a central source, but that is only secondary. Its primary function is in-world teleportation. It provides minor effects on thend, simr but lesser than a Nexus."

    After a few more minutes of exnation, Alicarde finally grasped its importance. Essentially, in the Demine, thend is usually deadly and cursed, making it too dangerous to be habitable.

    However, these ancient Nexus scattered across thends act as magical purifiers. They allow the lord who owns thend to make it fertile and protect the region from the horrors in the wastnd with a barrier, among other things.

    The Nexus also provides magical energy, so the closer one lives to it, the more powerful they be. Those closer to the Nexus gate are considered the wealthiest or most influential and are also the safest from the abominations of the wastnd should they intrude upon thend.

    Conquering one isn''t easy. You must first locate it, then ce your energy inside. This can be done by the lord or his vassals in his peerage, but only after defeating the creature guarding it, of course.

    By defeating the guardian, you gain ess to the Nexus. Each Nexus has a guardian, and should one be absent, the Nexus will seek one out via summoning.

    As for the waypoints, they are lesser versions of this. Carrisa also emphasized that all Nexus gates are owned by the rulers of the kingdoms or empires they belong to, and the more Nexus gates you have, the more powerful your dominion.

    She briefly exined their mysterious origins from ancient times and the newly created ones that cost vast amounts of resources, even for the Evernight Empire. All that took several more minutes.

    During this short lecture, the old man silently listened without intervening, while Argint gave him looks of disdain, as if this should bemon knowledge.

    Alicarde also learned that the three powers of this world¡ªthe Order, the Magicians Guild, and the Truth Association, who ruled from the shadows¡ªall own one Nexus gate each, which is the true source of their great power and prestige.

    However, he couldn''t forget the elephant in the room. How did this involve Carrisa''s life?

    So he asked, "Why does this involve Carrisa''s life?" His tone was menacing.

    "Because I am an Eternal," she replied. He did not understand what that meant.

    She looked back at him. "It is my race¡ªwhat I am. An Eternal is a powerful entity. Supposing I actually survive to reach adulthood¡ªwhich is highly unlikely considering my circumstances," her tone turned mirthful at the end despite how dark her words sounded.

    "By using my blood and my life, which contain all of mytent potential, they could theoretically repair the Nexus. Although I am quite curious how your small tribe managed to bring a Nexus fragment into this world. It is not impossible, yes, but exceedingly difficult, even for the Empire." She furrowed her brows.

    "The current Nexus gates in this world were a gift from three different races to humanity¡ªthe demons, the angels, and the vampire primogenitors. And that, too, was done collectively, due to their shared interests in humanity''s continued existence." Her words shed some light on secrets Alicarde would never have known if he were still an ordinary human.

    "How so?" Alicarde asked.

    "Demons desire the fulfillment of desires, angels seek faith, and vampires crave human blood," Carrisa stated.

    Alicarde nodded.

    The vige elder sighed, continuing. "Yes, but it was merely an ident. When we were unjustly betrayed and dishonored, we were given two choices, n extermination or exile into the wastnds. We chose exile. More than one hundred thousand of our people were forced into the wastnds within the Empire''s borders."

    He took a sip of tea and continued.

    "Within mere weeks, our numbers began to dwindle due to the harsh wastnds and the horrors that preyed on our people. But the heavens had not abandoned us yet. We found a part of the wastnd that was secluded and hidden, unknown to the Empire.

    Believing we had found a waypoint, our greatest fighters assembled. But it was teeming with countless horrors. Yet we had no other choice, so we fought. One by one, they died."

    His eyes clouded with tears, but he continued regardless.

    We finally cleared them with great sacrifice. Only a few of our warriors remained, having desperately shielded the young from the horrors of battle. When we reached the Nexus, it was guarded by a formidable beast.

    Our warriors fought valiantly, and one of them seeded in marking the Nexus. However, the creature was relentless, disrupting the process at the critical moment."

    "They managed to open the Nexus, but it shattered into fragments, and the creature, wielding space attributes, dragged them into this world. Nearly all perished, but three survived. The creature was left unconscious, and the rest of us, desperate to escape the wastnd, followed with all the survivors. Three dayster, the Nexus closed, leaving only its fragments in this world with us."

    "We captured the creature and sealed it at the heart of the vige. Though we had emerged victorious, it was a Pyrrhic victory. We had lost too much, only the young remained in the vige.

    Now, the Nexus energy has leaked. Many in this realm must have sensed it. The greedy will fight for it. We did our best to conceal it, but hope had nearly faded. Yet with your blood, we can open the Nexus and return to the now monster-free region, out of sight and out of mind. Thus, I say this, Princess, we must sacrifice you for our survival."

    The vige elder finished his story in a somber tone. Alicarde found it tragic, but not so tragic that he would allow strangers to kill Carrisa.

    Carrisa smiled faintly as Alicarde looked at her with concern.

    If they had to die for someone he cared about to live, then it was a price he was willing to pay, although he wished to avoid that. If there was no other way, then so be it. He prayed that their souls would find peace. A duel, so be it. He would not lose today. Let the duels begin.

 Chapter 21 Duel

    The arrangements for the duel were decided, it would be a battle royaleprising teams of two. Alicarde and Argint would be Carrisa''s champions, while the elder selected their best fighters for the opposing team. To ensure fair y, they offered to sign a pact, but Carrisa slyly refused, saying she trusted their honor.

    The vige elder seemed moved by her words, although Alicarde suspected she had a trump card in case they failed. He wasn''t sure, so he resolved not to fail and find out.

    The elder led them out of the cabin and into the vige. As they walked, Alicarde noticed the vige was now bustling with lifepared to earlier when it had seemed deserted. He observed small children, but most of the vigers were young, none older than twenty-five.

    Their eyes followed Alicarde and his group with a mixture of hope, fear, and uncertainty¡ªlooks unfamiliar to Alicarde. Until recently, he had lived a normal life as a high schooler, then started college. Now, his world had been turned upside down, and these gazes were unsettling.

    ''It''s making me feel self-conscious¡ªgreat, I''m already forgetting how to walk,'' Alicarde thought, trying to keep hisposure.

    They arrived at an arena¡ªor rather, a training ground. The ce had a polished, white surface unlike anything Alicarde had seen before, etched with symbols and magic circles that shimmered asionally.

    It featured obstacle courses, training dummies, racks filled with wooden weapons, and arge open area forbat.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Upon their arrival, they were greeted by a man with one arm, dressed in the same ck battle outfits the guards wore.

    Alicarde noticed that everyone in the vige, even the children, wore these outfits and carried weapons¡ªshort des, daggers, bows, and arrows.

    ''What a weird vige,'' Alicarde thought.

    The man bowed in greeting.

    "We have selected our champions, Mercy and Vance. They are the best of our young warriors. I would fight myself, but as you can see, I have but one arm, so I leave it to the youngsters. The fate of our tribe is in their hands now." His voice quivered at the end, but the fire in his eyes never dimmed.

    Not long after he spoke, two young people stepped forward, a male and a female.

    Mercy was a young woman with light skin, dark hair, and dark eyes, with elf-like ears and short dark horns. She wore a dark outfit with armor-like features¡ªa fitted bodice and shoulder guards entuating her form, while a short skirt with high slits allowed for swift movement. She also wore a mask that covered her nose and mouth, and though she had a hood, she hadn''t used it.

    Vance, the male, had simr features, light skin, dark hair, and dark eyes, with elf-like ears and short dark horns. He wore a ck sleeveless tunic with a high cor and shoulder guards, giving him a noble yet robust look. The two looked eerily simr¡ªboth were strikingly handsome, and both stared at Alicarde with killer intent.

    "Just my luck," Alicarde thought, feeling the urge to curse but refraining due to the solemn atmosphere.

    With the duelists ready, they entered the arena. The vigers gathered around as a translucent film flickered into existence around them, sealing thebatants within.

    Carrisa and the vige elder took their seats. Inside the arena, Alicarde and Argint faced their opponents.

    The duel didn''t start immediately, giving them time to devise a n. They decided that each would take on one opponent. Vance appeared stronger, so Argint offered to fight him.

    The n was for Alicarde to buy time with his immortality until Argint secured a win.

    "Wow, d to know you have such faith in me, Argint," Alicarde said sarcastically.

    "I have enough faith that you would not to die¡ªthat should count for something,"  Argint replied with a smile.

    Alicarde didn''t mind the n. All he had to do was dy his opponent using his body. He was used to pain by now¡ªCarrisa''s swordy training had left him caked in his own blood more times than he could count.

    That''s why, when he fought Argint, he had been able to hold his own despite her superior skills. Another thing he had over these young Night Shades was real-world battle experience.

    These shielded warriors had never faced an opponent without someone to protect them. Alicarde tried to reassure himself with that fact.

    They had a decent chance of winning. No, they would win. After their strategy session, the one-armed Night Shade announced the beginning of the duel. The fourbatants sized each other up, and they knew who they had to fight.

    Mercy silently charged at Alicarde, her presence fading as if she were glitching out of existence. But too bad for her¡ªAlicarde saw hering. As she approached, she turned into a cloud of shadows and disappeared, reappearing right behind him.

    She swung her sickle-like de into his back. The pain made him stagger, but the wound wasn''t deep. He turned with a wide swing of his sword, but she backed away, on guard. Ignoring the pain, Alicarde focused on his opponent.

    He thought back to Carrisa''s lessons: ''Never sh your weakness against your enemy''s strengths; sh your strengths against their weaknesses.''

    ''But what the hell is her weakness? Or rather, what is my strength?'' The thoughts raced through his mind.

    She moved to attack again, her de aiming for his midriff. He barely avoided the strike, but she followed up with a kick to his gut that nearly knocked the air out of him.

    She faded into shadows again, grabbed Alicarde, and mmed him to the ground. He rolled and put some distance between them.

    She leapt into the air and drop-kicked him, forcing him back.

    The next few minutes were a blur of dodging and weaving between her deadly attacks. She had several chances tond a killing blow, but Alicarde always evaded at thest moment. He was getting tired, his breaths heavy.

    Then he noticed something, this girl was faintly circting mana through her body, using it in short bursts to enhance her joints. Sheunched another attack, turning into shadows again, and in mere seconds, she had him covered in blood.

    But Alicarde was calm. He had been pretending to be more hurt than he was. Thanks to Carrisa''s heartless training, he was used to this.

    The blood covered his body, but none of her strikes had been fatal.

    He decided to try his hand at mana too, remembering the patterns for body enhancement magic. He rotated the mana through his arms, legs, head, and chest. As he did, he moved it to his heart, and he charged forward. His body zoomed forward like a bullet, blitzing past her and barely stopping before he hit the translucent barrier.

    He smiled, relieved he hadn''t mmed into it. ''I finally got the hang of this body enhancement magic thing, and I have her to thank for it. So I''ll be sure to wreck her as a gesture of my gratitude,'' he thought.

    Trying again, he zoomed forward, doubling his speed. His eyes glowed violet as he tried to catch the girl, but she was too fast. Her ability to turn into a cloud of shadows was annoying; he couldn''tnd a hit. She evaded each of his strikes with feline reflexes.

    He stopped in the middle, lost on what to do.

    Calming down, he focused his hearing to its limits.

    He let her sh him again and again, trying to read her patterns like he would a video game boss.

    After a few more attacks, he discerned a pattern in her movements. He left an opening, and seeing it, she charged forward without hesitation, plunging her des into his heart as she turned corporeal.

    But that was what Alicarde wanted.

    He gritted his teeth, holding back the urge to cough up blood.

    ''I shouldn''t have tried topete with her in speed or technique,'' Alicarde realized.

    ''As Carrisa said, I should use my strengths against her weakness, and my strength is my immortality.''

    Grabbing her hand as her face clouded with shock, he lifted his sword and brought it down on her temple, the pommel smashing into her. As blood gushed out, she lost consciousness.

    Alicarde couldn''t bring himself to use the de; he had been afraid of killing her. Her fall shifted the atmosphere of the duel. The people outside eximed as he pulled the sickle-like de out of his chest. They had been silent for the most part, treating the duel with solemnity.

    The male Night Shade had been fighting Argint, barely on even footing with her, but the girl''s loss and the crowd''s reaction distracted him for an instant.

    That was all Argint needed. Glowing with silver mana, she punched him straight in the diaphragm.

    As he staggered back, struggling to breathe, Alicarde charged and put his sword to his throat.

    "Surrender," hemanded. The young man''s eyes clouded with despair as hey there, struggling to breathe from the impact of the punch.

 Chapter 22 Victor Takes All

    "Cough, cough," the young Night Shade coughed, Alicarde''s sword at his throat and Argint looming over him. Despair was evident on his face as he looked at the two of them, fully aware of his defeat.

    "Kill me, just kill me. I can never let down my tribe by living in failure," Vance gritted his teeth.

    Alicarde frowned. Did they really have to kill him? He wanted to protect Carrisa and Amena, but he didn''t want to kill anyone. While his mind raced with those thoughts, the old elder stood up and spoke slowly.

    "Please, wait. You are victorious; we surrender." He sighed, his sad gaze making him look even older and more decrepit.

    He turned to Carrisa. "Princess, you are victorious. The life of my tribe is now in your hands."

    From the ground, Vance  screamed, "Elder, please!" as tears streamed down his face.

    He stood up and fell to his knees, facing the elder.

    "This was my failure. Let me die for the tribe." His tears stained the arena.

    Alicarde stood to the side, thinking they were all being a bit too dramatic.

    ''Seriously, what the hell is even going on right now?'' Alicarde thought, somewhat confused.

    The crowd was solemn, and an aura of sadness filled the area. From the crowd, Alicarde could hear a little girl asking one of the adults in the vige a question.

    "Are we all going to die now? I don''t want to die... I don''t want... anyone to die like my mommy and my daddy. We didn''t do anything wrong... Why did we have to run from home?

    ...Why did everyone have to die?" she asked a young Night Shade woman.

    Alicarde noticed the girl''s eyes filled with fear as tears appeared on her delicate face.

    The youngdy she had asked smiled at her with tears in the corner of her eyes.

    "It will be fine, I promise. We''ll be alright." Crouching down, she hugged the little girl as tears streamed down her own eyes.

    He didn''t really know how to react anymore.

    Alicarde looked at Carrisa. She was unmoved by this disy. Argint looked away from them, they had lost.

    The vige elder pulled out a dagger from his tunic and spoke,

    "Has the heavens abandoned my Night Shade n?"

    Turning to Carrisa, he held the dagger to his heart, and as he did, all the other Night Shades, even the crying children, unsheathed their weapons and brought them to their chests, only waiting for the orders of the victor.

    Alicarde''s eyes widened, not expecting such a gruesome change in behavior. There was an almost insane amount of discipline in their movement.

    It was like a fanatic cult, even the children had been indoctrinated into their ways.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Alicarde froze. He turned to Carrisa in horror, ready to stop this potentially senseless massacre.

    The elder looked around and smiled. Everyone was ready to return to the hands of the Creator. Vance stood tall, and Mercy, who had regained consciousness, all had their des to their hearts.

    The elder did not expect mercy. The Evernight family had no mercy, even for themselves. Why would they show it to his tribe? They would die with their honor. They were loyal to the end. It was their misfortune to be betrayed.

    They would take their resentment to the Creator, the God of Despair, and He would mete out justice if He saw fit.

    "My tribe is ready, Princess. As promised, our lives are yours. We leave it all in the hands of the Unseen Sovereign God of Despair, may we return to His cycle of life and death." His eyes were sad as he looked at the children, who hadn''t even grown, yet bravely stuck to their ways with their little daggers to their hearts as he said their final prayer.

    "Carrisa... Don''t." Alicarde''s low voice echoed as he looked at her. He shook his head.

    Carrisa stood up, aloof as always. Their sadness did not seem to move her.

    "The Evernight Imperial Family''s dignity shall not be besmirched. However, if I were to y you, My Alicarde would find disappointment in me. Therefore, I shall grant you amnesty on a singr condition, you must demonstrate your worth to me. What have you to offer that could equal the value of your lives?"

    Her voice was even. The elder, old and wise, could read between the lines. She was granting them a chance.

    She did not need to say more. She was not directly demanding it, but she didn''t need to. If they sought her favor by offering their loyalty, it would be different from her demanding it. This was what she meant by proving their worth¡ªby swearing loyalty to Alicarde, and by extension, to her.

    She would benefit in two ways firstly, by having Alicarde be their lord, she indirectly would gain them in her peerage. As Alicarde is her undying, they are practically one and the same. In the process, they offer him tribute, but that was not her primary goal.

    The elder, familiar with the rtionship between an eternal and an undying, suppressed the urge to cry out and dance with joy.

    He pondered her second objective.

    Her second objective was simple, since she had spared them, in hindsight, she gained nothing. So, should they not offer her something as a token of their gratitude, something equivalent to their tribe''s life? In other words, the Nexus fragments that they possessed.

    The elder didn''t think it was a bad deal. It was better than dying, and most importantly, her first option left him with a chance to make his own sly move as well.

    And the Nexus wasn''t something they could keep anyway. By offering loyalty to Alicarde, the undying, they would gain Carrisa''s protection and, by extension, the Evernight Empire, thus ending their exile.

    If she managed to restore the Nexus, even better¡ªthey could benefit from it too.

    Assuming they survived the harsh wars toe. They were a warrior race to begin with, all they had to do was prove their worth.

    The elder put his dagger down, and the others followed suit, following Carrisa''s subtle gesture.

    He turned to Alicarde, walking towards him as the crowd parted like Moses parting the Red Sea. He stopped before the young man and said in a loud voice,

    "My Lord, you are our benefactor and have pleaded amnesty for our tribe despite our sacrilege towards yourdy. I, Elder Fang, as acting patriarch of the Night Shade tribe, representing all Night Shades present in our tribe, hereby swear eternal loyalty to you." He then fell to his knees, and immediately after, the whole tribe bent the knee.

    Argint''s eyes widened, but Alicarde was even more confused. An old man was kneeling in front of him. If his mother found out about this, she''d kill him.

    When the realization hit him, he tried to lift the old man up, but he refused and slyly added,

    "We Night Shades are honorable; we refuse to rise until our benefactor epts to be our lord."

    Alicarde tried to lift him up but failed.

    He was worried that if he put too much strength into his attempts, the old bag of bones would break. Turning to Carrisa and Amena, they only nodded. So without much thought or understanding of the gravity of the situation.

    "Okay, sure, whatever, get up, okay?" And with that, Alicarde had unwittingly be the lord of the Night Shades.

    Carrisa walked up to the elder, who had now stood up and was looking at him with a reverent gaze.

    Alicarde noticed that all of them were like that. He felt a bit like a celebrity, surrounded by adoring fans.

    Carrisa finally spoke,

    "As you can see, Alicarde''s soul is still young, and it cannot yet amodate a pact with your entire tribe. Thus, this shall remain unofficial for the time being. When he learns the first part of his true name, we can proceed with the pact."

    The elder smiled, his old face now full of life, and his dull eyes sparkled.

    "Hahaha, worry not, Princess. We understand. We shall await the day when our lord truly grows into his full potential. Since our lord has epted us, it would behoove us to present an offering truly fitting of his noble standing. After all, as the legends say, the undying such as my lord are crafted in the image of the Creator."

    As he spoke, the other Night Shades began whispering among themselves.

    "Wow, our lord is an undying."

    "No wonder Mercy couldn''t kill him. As expected of our lord, a mere de wouldn''t take his life."

    "Our lord is truly blessed by the Creator!"

    "So powerful, so strong... it is an honor to serve him."

    Alicarde watched as they whispered among themselves, no longer depressed about his victory earlier.

    Carrisa smiled, pleased with the development. "Very well, then. Present your offering."

    "Of course, Princess. We have not forgotten you. You granted us amnesty through your benevolence. Allow us to offer you the Nexus fragments in our care as penance for our insolence."

    She smiled coldly. "Very well, I ept. I suggest you also restore my now-destroyed mountain retreat."

    The elder forced a smile. "But Princess, you were the one who burned it to the ground."

    Alicarde was shocked, and the silent Argint behind him was surprised as well. Carrisa smiled at the elder but said nothing. Her smile was gentle, but the meaning was menacing.

    "Why am I not surprised," Alicarde muttered.

    "Yes Princess, leave it to us. We would happily restore the damages that we so shamelessly and heartlessly caused on your mountain retreat, Princess."  Elder Fang''s words had a double meaning but Carrisa didn''t seem to care.

    Carrisa''s gaze remained cold and aloof as she regarded Elder Fang.

    "Very well, Elder Fang. Present your offering to us," shemanded, her tone aloof and unwavering.

    The elder''s lips curled into a sly smile.

    "As you wish, Princess. Permit me to bestow upon our lord an offering truly befitting his noble stature."

    With that, he walked toward the side of the arena, his movements deliberate. He ced his hand on the ancient markings etched into the ground and channeled his magic into them. The symbols began to glow with an otherworldly light, growing brighter until the space before them shimmered and distorted.

    Alicarde''s eyes widened as the light took shape, forming something he had never anticipated. The air around them seemed to hum with a mysterious energy, and the onlookers held their breath in collective anticipation.

    Carrisa''sposed expression faltered for just a moment as she took in the sight before her. She narrowed her eyes, recognizing the implications of what the elder had just revealed.

    Under her breath, she muttered, "Curse that sly old fox."

 Chapter 23 The Lords Steed

    The arena cracked open with a thunderous roar, sending debris flying as towering pirs emerged from the ground. The chains rattled ominously, and an intense, fearsome aura filled the space. Behind a shimmering blue barrier etched with glowing white runes, a dark creature was revealed.

    The creature''s massive form was draped in a cloak of deepest ck, which seemed to absorb the light around it. Its frame was imposing and foreboding, giving off a tangible aura of dread.

    On its forehead were three sharp horns, twisted like obsidian daggers, pointing aggressively forward. Its violet eyes burned with a rage that felt almost tangible, their fiery intensity enough to make anyone who met its gaze shiver with primal fear.

    Its mouth was filled with sharp obsidian fangs that revealed a pulsating purple glow within. Every snarl and growl from the creature sent shivers down the spines of those present, its very presence driving terror into the hearts of all mortals.

    It''s hooves were sharp and deadly, each step leaving faint traces of violet-tinged embers on the ground. Dark wings, as ck as the void, would appear and disappear in an instant, adding to the creature''s unnerving appearance.

    "What, is that a ck unicorn? Wait, no, not a ck unicorn, that''s a bicorn," Alicarde murmured, recognizing the creature from his knowledge of fantasy lore.

    Despite being sealed behind a barrier, the bicorn''s aura of menace was unmistakable. Alicarde was struck by the realization that his understanding from games and novels hade to life.

    "Yes, my lord, this is our offering," Elder Fang said, his voice filled with a sense of satisfaction.

    "This bicorn was the guardian of the nexus. It is quasi-immortal, which is why we could not kill it but had to seal it while it was unconscious." He stroked his beard, a sly glint in his eye.

    "This bicorn possesses formidable dark magic, enhanced strength and speed, the ability to manipte shadows and space, cast illusions, amplify fear, wield hell mes, fly, and even control minds. With such a steed, you will have a powerful ally at your side."

    Argint''s eyes widened in awe. "Wow, what a powerful bicorn. But taming it as a familiar will be... quite a challenge for Alicarde."

    Alicarde''s face contorted into a frown. The sight of the bicorn, even confined behind a barrier, filled him with a deep sense of unease.

    Carrisa''s inner frustration was evident. She wanted to curse the elder but maintained herposure. She knew the elder''s offering, though grand, was a significant burden.

    The creature''s power was immense, and keeping it sealed would be difficult. The seal was likely to fail soon, and Carrisa would have to deal with the consequences.

    ''There''s no proper ce to confine such a beast... except... yes, that might work. Though it might cause Alicarde some difort,'' she mused inwardly.

    After some contemtion, Carrisa made her decision. Meanwhile, the elder continued his recount of the bicorn''s prowess, rying tales of how it had bested their best warrior and its great intelligence. Argint asked probing questions, showing genuine interest, while Amena remained silently by Carrisa''s side.

    The night shades watched the bicorn with a mix of awe and dread.

    Carrisa approached the elder and Alicarde with a measured smile. "We ept your offering."

    Alicarde, still unsettled, nced sidelong at Carrisa.

    "Something tells me that thing is not going toe willingly. And honestly, who needs a horse when we have cars?"

    Carrisa''s gaze turned to the elder. "Alicarde will form a familiar pact with the bicorn."

    Alicarde''s eyebrows rose. "Oh, so no one is going to ask for my opinion on this?"

    The elder''s face was a picture of shock. "But Princess, you must be aware of the risks. Our lord''s soul is still rather... young. Forming a pact with our tribesmen is already difficult, but this bicorn¡ª"

    "Alicarde can handle the risk. You may have forgotten, but he is immortal, so his soul should be able to endure," Carrisa interjected firmly.

    ''I hope,'' she added silently.

    Alicarde''s unease grew as he considered Carrisa''s words. The implications of his soul being used in such a way were unnerving.

    "Princess, this seems quite dangerous. Are you certain?" Argint asked with concern.

    Carrisa turned to Alicarde, her eyes softening slightly. "Alicarde, do you trust me?"

    Alicarde was taken aback by the question but realized that despite his doubts, he did trust her. He had no choice but to, given his circumstances.

    "I trust you... I suppose it''s better the devil you know than the angel you don''t," Alicarde replied, trying to lighten the mood.

    Carrisa''s face showed a fleeting smile, pleased with his answer.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Elder, prepare the materials for a familiar pact," Carrisamanded.

    The elder''s frown deepened. "But Princess, surely you would not¡ª"

    Carrisa cut him off once more. "I will assist by mixing some of my blood, which contains mytent potential, with Alicarde''s blood toplete the ritual. Present the materials now."

    She gazed at Alicarde " Let us share this burden together"

    The elder, though hesitant,plied. He signaled to the one-armed nightshade, and soon the night shades returned with various ritual materials, including Whitewood Ash.

    Carrisa prepared a magic circle around the bicorn, meticulously cing the ash into a bowl and adding other powders.

    Argint''s worried nces continued as Carrisa used a de to cut her wrist, letting her blood fill part of the bowl. After healing the wound with a vial from Amena, she gestured for Alicarde to step forward. She cut his wrist as well, causing him to flinch in pain.

    Despite his usual tolerance for pain, Alicarde was ufortable. Carrisa kept the de pressed against his wrist to ensure the blood flowed steadily into the bowl. She then used the mixture to inscribe runes around the magic circle, which was at the center of the arena.

    The bicorn, aware of the ritual''s purpose, became increasingly agitated. It thrashed violently, attempting to break free from its confinement. Its wings appeared and vanished in a futile attempt to escape. It kicked and sted beams of violet energy at the barrier, which held firm despite its violent efforts.

    As Carrisapleted the runes, she called Alicarde to the center of the circle. The moment he stepped in, the circle glowed with a blinding light, and the bicorn''s aggression began to wane. Alicarde felt a profound and intense pain as if his soul was being torn apart and remade. The agony was so overwhelming that he couldn''t even scream.

    Carrisa''s face paled as she watched, and Amena moved to support her. Alicarde''s vision blurred, and he fell to his knees, overwhelmed by the excruciating pain. It felt like an eternity before the suffering finally ceased, leaving him drenched in cold sweat.

    The bicorn''s chains disintegrated, and it was now partially freed. Its aura was significantly weakened by the pact sealed. The creature, now aware of its new master, turned its gaze towards Alicarde, who was struggling to rise. The bicorn''s form turned into a blur as it moved with a sudden burst of speed, its intent to attack clear.

    Alicarde braced himself for the imminent confrontation, struggling to regain his footing as the formidable bicorn charged toward him.

 Chapter 24 Wrath

    The bicorn was drastically weakened by the pact, yet even so, it left sonic booms in the wake of its great momentum. In the split second it closed in on Alicarde, who couldn''t even begin to react, its body glowed with the sh of countless runes as it plunged its three malevolent, dagger-like horns toward him.

    The impact should have blown him to bits. Unfortunately for the bicorn, the pact was reducing its great power with each passing moment, and that very pact had protected its new master from its wrath.

    However, the damage was still disastrous as Alicarde''s chest caved in, crushing his lungs and heart. The impact sent him flying, and he coughed up blood as his body wasunched through the air.

    The ground cracked and broke from the impact, sending minor shockwaves rippling through the area.

    Argint and the night shades were about to charge in to subdue the creature.

    "Refrain from interfering. If you attack before it is sufficiently weakened... you will all perish," Carissamanded, her tone cold and authoritative as she stopped them.

    Alicarde tried to stand up but fell back down. His chest was already beginning to heal, but the pain was excruciating. His ribs were crushed, his heart eviscerated, and he couldn''t even breathe.

    His flesh and bones, however, were knitting back together, thanks to his regenerative abilities.

    The bicorn tried to charge at him again, but the runes on its body intensified, causing it to fall to the ground momentarily. Alicarde finally managed to get up. The bicorn charged once more, but it was visibly slower now, and its dreadful aura had weakened.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Now! Strike it now! We must weaken it further," Carissamanded with precision.

    Without hesitation, Argint and tens of night shades charged at the creature. The bicorn was still a force to be reckoned with. It teleported out of the way, weaving between them with precise movements, body-mming against any who stood in its path.

    Argint''s ws could not tear through its hide as it pushed her away with its horns. It blocked des with its fangs while filling the air with violet infernal mes spewing from its mouth.

    Even as it was assaulted by so many, it still held the advantage. But this was a battle of attrition, and with each passing minute, it grew weaker. The pact was beginning to engrave itself into its infernal soul.

    The bicorn was making its way toward Alicarde, teleporting around its attackers. It came face to face with him.

    Alicarde stood still, then with a roar, he dashed at the beast, unleashing his body enhancements and mana as best he could, along with his fear ability. Its power had grown, and now his fear was mildly potent. The bicorn ignored the other "insects" and charged at him.

    As it approached, a small light shed from behind him. The light made Alicarde''s shadow extend and cover the advancing bicorn. As the creature stepped on his shadow, before it could react, it was pulled into the darkness. It roared, trying to resist, but it was futile. The bicorn was dragged into Alicarde''s shadow, now bound as his familiar.

    Alicarde was confused, as was everyone else except Carissa. The truth of the matter was quite simple. Despite her doll-like demeanor, Amena had actually been worried about Alicarde. She did not approve of her mistress''s cruel n, even if it was necessary.

    Realizing she could not stop her mistress, she devised her own n. When the idea of using a pact to tame the powerful beast had arisen, she had put her mind in overdrive, thinking of ways to assist. Amena had been moved by Alicarde''s concern for her, and she felt satisfied with the way he treated her.

    She had employed a simple trick. She knew that if the creature were to touch his shadow, the pact would drag it into its master''s shadow. So she had ignored themotion, using her phone''s shlight to shine light behind him. The creature, which had been intelligently avoiding his shadow, was caught by surprise and trapped in Alicarde''s shadow.

    Alicarde might not have been with them long, but if she had to choose between like and dislike, she would say she quite liked him.

    There was never a time he wasn''t being snarky, but she thought that was part of his charm. She also liked that he got emotional about the things and people he cared about but becamergely indifferent to those he didn''t. Most of all, he didn''t treat her like a tool. She knew it was because he didn''t really understand the concept behind a homunculus.

    But that was fine because she enjoyed hispany, and that was enough. She also liked ying games with him. He always made funny and snarky remarks. He was goodpany, and it made her quite happy to be around him. Seeing him depressed really saddened her. She had no idea what had changed between him and the half-werewolf called Argint, but it was a wee change.

    He had grown, and she was happy for him.

    Alicarde looked at his shadow. There, deep within, he could see malevolent violet eyes gazing at him. The creature was a wrathful one, that was certain.

    And to be honest, he was a little scared of it.

    "Alicarde, bestow upon it a name. It is still too uncontroble, but with a name, you will gain some degree ofmand over it and could summon and unsummon it in time. However, I do not guarantee that it will obey," Carissa advised, her voice carrying an ominous weight.

    "Wow, that is so reassuring. I''m just thrilled to have a demon horse in my shadow. Yay me," Alicarde replied with his usual snark.

    "If you are done being a drama queen, you can proceed to give it a name," Argint remarked.

    "Yeah, sure, whatever," Alicarde grumbled.

    He didn''t think too much about it. Looking into his shadow and remembering its rampage, he decided on a name.

    "Well, this mean bastard is too unhinged. Guess I''ll... call you... yeah, that''s a good name... yeah, your name shall be Wrath."

    As he said that, he felt his connection with the bicorn¡ªno, with Wrath¡ªdeepen. Alicarde was quite pleased with the name he had chosen.

    He turned to Argint. "Pretty sweet name, right?"

    "Wrath? Seriously? What are you, an eighth-grader? Shall I fetch your old middle school uniform?" Argint teased.

    Alicarde felt a twinge of embarrassment. She was right. He had a bit of a penchant for mdaptive daydreaming, and so what if he had been through several story arcs in his head? And so what if he was a little "chunni"?

    "Why do you always have to bust my balls, Argint?" he muttered, gritting his teeth in a low tone.

    The night shades erupted into cheers, hailing their lord who had bested and tamed the foul monster that had in their brethren.

    "The lord has tamed the beast of Dread!"

    "All hail Lord Alicarde, master of the infernal steed!"

    "His might is unmatched! Truly, he is destined for greatness!"

    Honestly, some of the words they uttered made him a bit embarrassed, so he had to lower his head to hide his blushing face.

    "Wow, are you blushing, young maiden?" Argint teased, her tone yful.

    Alicarde realized that the werewolf girl had now taken to teasing him. He wondered if this was divine retribution for all the times he had harassed Amena.

    He red at her, pinching her arm, but that did nothing to stop her. Still, he was happy that he had ovee the obstacle known as guilt and had be friends with Argint.

    The vige elder proposed they feast to celebrate.

    Alicarde was feeling a little woozy and hungry, while Carissa was as pale as a sheet of paper. But they epted nheless.

    They quickly gathered a scrumptious feast. Though not extravagant, the spread was impressive sulent roasted meats, fresh fruits and an assortment of freshly made snacks. Wooden mugs overflowed with mead and other brews, while the night air was filled with the scent of spiced herbs and freshly cut vegetables.

    The elder hosted a banquet, with Carissa and Alicarde''s group as the guests of honor. Each of the night shades addressed him as "my lord" with reverence.

    "Lord Alicarde, your power knows no bounds!"

    "My lord, your victory will be sung in our vige for generations!"

    "Truly, you are a beacon of strength, my lord!"

    "Lord Alicarde will be the victor of wars toe"

    The children looked at him with pure admiration, bragging to one another about his prowess. Their words were so filled with awe that even Alicarde started to believe he was some sort of overpowered protagonist straight out of a work of fiction.

    "My brother said Lord Alicarde could take down a dragon if he wanted!"

    "No way, he could take down a whole army!"

    ''Damn, I''ve never seen anyone ze me this hard,'' Alicarde thought inwardly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and joy.

    The feast continued. Alicarde struggled to stay awake, not because it was boring¡ªon the contrary¡ªbut because he just had difficulty keeping his eyes open.

    He asionally nced at his shadow, where the menacing eyes of Wrath continued to watch him.

    As the celebration wore on, the elder soon called Alicarde and Carrisa to a secluded cabin in the vige, where he presented her with the Nexus fragments.

    They were tworge, obsidian-like stones, each radiating an faint energy signature. Their surfaces were etched with ancient, indecipherable runes that seemed to pulse with a faint, eerie glow. The fragments, though separated, exuded a tangible sense of power, as if they yearned to be reunited with the whole.

    Carrisa examined the fragments with a critical eye.

    "I see, you possess two core pieces here. It is only a matter of time before the other pieces make themselves known and attempt to reconnect with the core."

    The elder nodded solemnly. "Yes, but we know not how many fragments the core shattered into. What we do know is that this fragment sent out a wave, drawing the attention of the other pieces, which now lie hidden within this city.

    Even more concerning, the world''s most formidable forces have sensed this wave. We are also missing one critical core fragment and the Nexus key itself."

    Carrisa sighed, her expression hardening. "It is as I suspected. Evergreen City is destined to be the epicenter of the impending conflict."

    Alicarde, still reeling from the events of the night, was confused. "Why though?"

    Carrisa turned to him, her voice steady and authoritative. "Because, Alicarde, every power in this world will covet the Nexus, and they will stop at nothing to seize it. For now, I expect they will move in secrecy, each wary of revealing their intentions to the others. However, we hold a distinct advantage.

    With two of the three core fragments in our possession, we need only secure the remaining pieces and the Nexus key."

    She then turned back to the elder, continuing her exnation. "Once weplete the core, we will have the ability to summon all the fragments, provided we gather enough of them. Even if another faction obtains a fragment, we will be able to recall or track it. Do you nowprehend the gravity of what lies ahead?"

    Alicarde nodded weakly, his vision blurring as vertigo began to overtake him.

    As dawn broke, casting a warm glow over the horizon, they made their way back to the mountain retreat, only to find it in ruins¡ªreduced to ashes, though the helipad remained intact. The elder assured them that the retreat would be restored and bade them farewell as they boarded the helicopter.

    The Nexus fragments were carefully wrapped in wards and secured within the helicopter. As they lifted off, Alicarde nced down at his tattered, bloodied clothes, realizing with mild annoyance that he was rapidly running out of normal attire. At this rate, he would be forced to wear the brand-name clothes in his walk-in closet.

    Finally, he voiced his frustration. "I really hate how my clothes get ripped up every goddamn time."

    Seated beside him, Carrisa sighed, sounding both amused and exasperated. "Very well, cease your incessantints. I shall arrange for an enchanted armaments, made for you."

    Alicarde narrowed his eyes, feeling somewhat slighted. "I wasn''tining."

    "You were, drama queen," Argint quipped teasingly.

    The helicopter soared higher, and Alicarde could barely keep his eyes open. Before he could muster a retort, his eyes fluttered shut, and his head gently fell onto Carrisa''s shoulder.

    Carrisa''s lips curled into a faint smile, though her violet eyes darkened with a chilling resolve. She leaned in closer to his ear, her voice dropping to a near whisper.

    "Well done, Alicarde. Everything proceeded ording to n, all thanks to your efforts. With this, my goal of acquiring the Nexus has been achieved. Now, the true battle begins."

 Chapter 25 Carrisas Motivations

    The helicopter grew smaller in the sky, disappearing into the clouds. Varian, the one-armed Night Shade, allowed a small smile to form. Their lord had departed, leaving him with the solemn duty of shaping the young Night Shades into formidable warriors.

    Varian gathered the novices in the training grounds, his imposing figure casting a long, ominous shadow over the eager yet anxious trainees. His voice, stern andmanding, cut through the air with the precision of a de.

    "Recent events have made it abundantly clear that you arecking. While you may possess skill, you are devoid of true battle experience. This is uneptable."

    He shook his head gently, yet even with only one arm, he appeared nothing less than formidable.

    "Henceforth, I will escte your training to levels previously unheard of. Some of you may perish... some of you will perish. But those who survive shall emerge as shadows worthy of serving our lord."

    His gaze swept over the determined expressions of the young Night Shades, who stood rigid under his scrutiny.

    "Amongst you, those who prove to be exceptional will earn the honor of bing the lord''s shadows, entrusted with the sacred duty of guarding his very life."

    A collective gasp rippled through the group, igniting their spirits. A singr thought filled their minds.

    Varian, satisfied with their resolve, continued, "Say your farewells to the vige. In seven days'' time, we shall depart for a ce known as the Underground, a hidden danger zone. Your objective will be to conquer a region of the Underground and vanquish any obstacles in your path."

    Meanwhile, Alicarde was fast asleep, his head resting gently on Carrisa''s shoulder. Everything had unfolded precisely as she had anticipated, with only a few minor exceptions.

    Carrisa leaned her head on Alicarde, looking pristine as ever. She could feel Argint''s gaze upon her; the vibrant red hair of the half-werewolf girl was indeed eye-catching. Carrisa could more or less discern that Argint suspected her involvement in the orchestrated events, but she did not react.

    Instead, she silently contemted how best to utilize the half-werewolf girl to her advantage. Her desire for revenge would be the key.

    Carrisa then turned her attention to Alicarde, who was still peacefully sleeping. He was her greatest treasure¡ªnot merely because of personal affection, but because of what he had be. An undying belonged with an eternal, and an eternal without an undying was iplete.

    That rtionship remained unchanged, irrespective of their genders. However, Carrisa believed her Alicarde to be special¡ªfar superior to any other undying.

    First and foremost, he had saved her. Not from the truck¡ªan obstacle that could not have imed her life¡ªbut by giving her renewed hope. From that fateful incident, she had gained three things, Alicarde himself, a true name, and a renewed purpose for living and fighting.

    Carrisa had resurrected him on a whim, knowing she had nothing to lose. In the past, she had attempted to revive powerful warriors to aid her in her wars, but after losing everything, she seeded only in bringing back a mere human.

    He was neither powerful nor a warrior, but somehow, Carrisa wouldn''t have wanted it any other way. She would not exchange Alicarde for anything.

    His transformation had elevated him from a mortal hero to an immortal champion. Her immortal champion.

    Alicarde had be her new hope. Though her goals and ce in the world had not changed, Carrisa remained steadfast in her ultimate objective.

    Carrisa''s earliest memory was not one of joy or naivety, as it is for most children. No, her first memory was of nearly being strangled by a maid.

    On that day, when she was merely five, Carrisa learned that if she did not fight, she would die. And fight she did, killing her own nanny in the process.

    The first person she killed was someone she trusted. From that day, she learned a cruel truth  fight or die.

    This was the first time her life had been in danger, but it was far from thest. Carrisa soon learned of her family''s brutal customs. It was an open secret that most of the emperor''s children would not survive to adulthood, and she was no exception.

    Carrisa did not desire the throne, but she desired survival far more. Pride held no value in the face of death¡ªshe simply wanted to live. Her siblings, however, were indifferent to her desires. It all boiled down to one rule¡ªthe ultimatew of nature.

    ''Survival of the fittest,'' Carrisa reflected, lost in her memories.

    When Carrisa was finally old enough to leave the nursing home, she was summoned to meet her father, the emperor. She was expected to introduce herself¡ªa peculiar custom, she had thought at the time.

    ''How unusual,'' she had mused, ''Do most parents not already know the names of their children? Why must my father require such introductions?'' She was young and naive when she first considered this thought.

    At thirteen years of age, Carrisa was clever but still young. She entered the grand throne room¡ªa marvel of luxury, power, and magic. The emperor appeared majestic, almost godlike.

    Her young heart was filled with shock at the sight before her. The room was filled with more than a hundred children her age, all there to introduce themselves to their father.

    The emperor was so far away that he did not feel like a father¡ªmore like a sovereign. Distant and powerful, Carrisa knew that he would not care if she died, as she was merely one of too many.

    ''All these people are my age, and my siblings. Will I survive with this many people desiring my death? And what of the older ones?'' she thought, her youthful innocence rapidly fading.

    Carrisa''s fears were well-founded. She noticed the wary looks exchanged between her siblings. They would indeed fight and kill. Their father had already set a cruel precedent by eliminating all his siblings.

    The rule had always been that those who survived became elders, while the victor became emperor, ruling over them all. He had in everyst one, forcing the elders of his generation to remain until a new batch was ready. Yet, this ruthless practice was not discouraged; it was subtly encouraged.

    The very real possibility existed that one of her older siblings would reenact such a massacre, and she would be but a victim, dying a meaningless death.

    And so, Carrisa endeavored to survive. The young ones all introduced themselves to the emperor, and with that, they were given equal resources to begin their journeys. If she were to liken it to anything, it would be like the starter packs that Alicarde received at the beginning of the games he yed with Amena.

    Driven by a desperate desire to survive, Carrisa did everything in her power to grow stronger. She had to. Several yearster, shemanded an army of ten thousand. She should have been content, she had outssed the others in her peer group. But in her fear andcency, she forgot that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down¡ªor in her case, ripped out.

    They ignored her until she decided to capture a Nexus. The first capture went smoothly, and she remained unnoticed. However, emboldened by her sess, she quickly went after a second and third Nexus, seeking to increase her chances of survival by acquiring more territory and empowering her followers.

    That was when one of her siblings decided that she had be an insectrge enough to be worth crushing.

    Her army of ten thousand, which she had been so proud of, was obliterated by a single individual. It was not a battle¡ªit was a brutal culling. The enemy was undying. On that day, Carrisa learned firsthand why the undying were so revered in the Empire. She understood the vast chasm of power between an eternal who possessed an undying and one who did not.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Amena, the loyal maid, had foreseen such an oue. When the enemy appeared alone, she utilized a spatial trinket to gather as many valuables as it could hold and prepared their escape. Consumed by rage and despair, Carrisa refused to leave.

    Her soldiers knocked her unconscious when she continued to resist. They handed her to Amena, and together they fled to the mundane world through the Nexus, destroying it behind them to ensure theirdy''s safety.

    Beowulf had his sister taken hostage, and Carrisa knew he would most likely be sent to kill her. She had foreseen this, but by that point, she no longer cared. She had given up. There was no more hope, she would not survive.

    ''I have lost everything. What did I think I was doing? Of course, I would not survive... But I do not want to die...'' she thought in despair.

    Her resentment and despair meant nothing in the face of her inevitable demise. It was in that darkness that a foolish human pushed her out of the path of an oing truck. She had not perceived its approach in her mncholy.

    The impact from being pushed aside was almost like a wake-up call, and that selfless act had given her new purpose.

    The human died shortly after, but Carrisa was curious. Why had he saved her at the dire cost of his own life? So, she attempted something she had failed at hundreds of times before¡ªcreating an undying. This time, she seeded.

    From the actions of this human, she found hope. He reminded her of happier times when she was a child, reading fairy tales. To her, he seemed like someone straight out of those stories.

    ''I swore in my heart that he would be mine. And soon, I convinced him¡ªalbeit with some degree of coercion. When he looked at me with those tired eyes yet agreed to apany me...''

    She looked at Alicarde leaning on her, gently holding his hands.

    ''I was overwhelmed with joy, a joy that filled me with renewed hope,'' she mused, her thoughts steeped in a regal elegance befitting her stature.

    She gently stroked his hair, a few loose strands falling across her fingers. Alicarde''s head slipped from her shoulder,nding squarely on her ample bosom. She sighed softly.

    ''You have brought me immense happiness, though I am not oblivious to your recent, discreet nces at my cleavage,'' she thought, her mind sharpening with aposed and observant demeanor.

    Carrisa recalled the first time she noticed Alicarde''s attempts to maintain an indifferent facade. Initially, she almost believed she had been mistaken, yet with time, she discerned his pattern. To her surprise, she found the entire situation rather amusing¡ªttering, even.

    A delicate smile graced her lips as she whispered,

    "Alicarde, you incorrigible rogue."

    Everything had proceeded ording to her design. The nexus was now in her possession, the primary objective of their venture fulfilled. Though she harbored concern for Alicarde, she was confident he would recover. He had not only grown physically but had also ascended in power. His mana had surged, and he had confronted his guilt.

    The bicorn familiar had intensified his fear, but no bloodshed had been necessary, and no n had been massacred.

 Chapter 26 Internet Sensation

    Alicarde woke up feeling groggy, his head throbbing as though it had been struck by a mountain. He vaguely remembered disembarking the helicopter upon reaching the mansion''s helipad, but the rest was a blur. The adverse effects of forming a pact with Wrath had left him with a severe feeling of vertigo.

    He checked his phone and saw that it was already 5:30 in the evening.

    "Did I sleep through the whole day?" he muttered, scrolling through his phone.

    Several unread messages from Anne, his friend, caught his eye. Among them was an image of a poster. ncing at the date, he realized that two days had passed.

    "Huh, what... I slept for two days? I was out cold for two days," he grumbled, holding his head.

    He clicked on the poster Anne had sent him. It was about the university convocation. He vaguely recalled reading about it¡ªthe convocation ceremony was a formal event held by Evergreen University to wee its freshman students.

    Alicarde wondered why they didn''t hold it before sses started. After the formal events, freshmen and returning students would party and get to know each other.

    What made it more exciting was that they did so at the administration''s expense. They apparently spent thousands of dinars on the event, whichsted all night. Although Alicarde wasn''t one for parties and loud ces, attendance waspulsory, at least for the first part.

    "Seriously, shouldn''t they have done that before we became disillusioned by the harsh realities of college life?" he muttered, getting out of bed.

    Then again, he wasn''t one to talk; he had already missed a few sses and had slept through two whole days of his student life.

    "Does supernatural drama count as an excuse to miss sses?" Alicarde wondered aloud.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    His professors in the Department of Psychology would likely promote him from schr to a patient in need of help,  if he used that as an excuse. While there were myths about demons, djinns, and angels, they didn''t belong in academic circles. In a modern world, no one took such things seriously, they were considered superstition and folklore.

    "They would have an easier time believing me if I said I was attacked by espers," Alicarde remembered. Urban legends about espers had at least some public recognition.

    Despite the existence of such innate abilities among humans, they remained urban legends to the general public.

    Alicarde noticed a truly worrying message about his group assignment with the unbelievably beautiful Professor Malefica Farmazoan?. He remembered her for two reasons, her striking beauty, which could rival Carrisa''s, and her cold, strict demeanor.

    "And there was also her ample chest, but who''s looking, not me," Alicarde smiled to himself.

    If Alicarde could make a wish and get away with it, it would be to tease the beautiful professor just to see her strict exterior crumble. However, he had a feeling that if he tried, she might just get him expelled.

    He sighed,menting how he couldn''t get his wish.

    Tomorrow was the submission date, and he had no idea what the topic was. He considered calling Anne and asking her, but he felt guilty. While he was asleep, it must have felt like he was ghosting her, and he had indeed ghosted her when he was depressed.

    She was the only person he talked to in his whole department, or any department for that matter. To him, the rest might as well be NPCs; he didn''t even remember their names or faces.

    "I''ll just leave tomorrow''s troubles to tomorrow''s Alicarde," he mused dejectedly.

    He felt like he had been through quite a lot in the past few days. He had a death race with Argint, experienced depression after she attacked him and cried about her brother''s death, went on a healing trip that was anything but healing, and ended up fighting in a duel for Carrisa''s life.

    Carrisa had been "kidnapped," only for it to turn out that she had gone willingly. The arsonist princess had set her own retreat aze. Alicarde wondered how much it would cost.

    "Oh God, how many millions of dinars must that have cost? If I owned that, I would rather burn it than see even a scratch on it."

    He walked out of his room, still thinking about the incident.

    "The owner didn''t seem to care much. Damn the bourgeoisie and their luxurious lifestyles." Alicarde knew Carrisa wasn''t bothered by the loss.

    Alicarde recalled the highlight of the battle, he had finally gained a fear ability and grasped the basics of body enhancement magic. And he would never forget the wretched, godforsaken horse¡ªrather, bicorn¡ªhe had named Wrath.

    He looked at his shadow, cast on the ground. He could feel its loathsome gaze on him. The creature was a real monster, but it was trapped in his shadow unless he was mad enough to let it out. It would stay there.

    "Good morning, Wrath. How was your night? Did you sleep well?" he greeted the bicorn with a hint of sarcasm.

    His snarky remarks seemed lost on the bicorn, which swam in his shadow, its gaze appearing in a nearby shadow cast by the evening sun outside. That simple act nearly gave Alicarde a heart attack, but realizing it didn''t attack him, he let out a sigh of relief and smiled smugly.

    "Phew, don''t scare me like that. For a second, I thought you escaped," Alicarde breathed a sigh of relief.

    His doors flung open as he headed toward the luxurious bath, pushing them open without hesitation. He asionally noticed Wrath''s presence in his shadow or that of objects around him. The horned horror didn''t seem able to move into a shadow too far from him.

    "What a relief, that thing is terrifying. I almost pissed myself earlier," Alicarde muttered as he walked into the bath.

    As he walked deeper into the bath, he reached the moisture-filled room. It was warm and filled with fog.

    There, before him, was ady in the bath. Her dark, wet hair clung to her body like that of a beautiful mermaid as she turned to Alicarde. Her violet eyes were aloof and cold, her bare body pristine. Alicarde''s eyes unconsciously traveled to her chest, trying to maintain hisposure.

    This was the part where she was supposed to scream.

    "Ahh, pervert!" she would have shouted, sting him with whatever attack she could muster.

    But nothing of the sort happened. She merely looked at him with her violet eyes, and he at her, trying hard not to look at her half-revealed body. With a forced indifferent expression, he turned around, attempting to ignore her piercing gaze. He felt extremely awkward, more so than if she had been in a bathrobe or towel.

    From start to finish, Carrisa hadn''t said a single word nor changed her expression, she merely looked at him while he felt his heart pound in his chest.

    "Damn it!" He cursed his luck and returned to his room.

    Upon entering, he grabbed his head in embarrassment, wishing for a hole to bury himself in. He needed to forget this incident before his subconscious mind turned it into strange dreams.

    He went back to bed, hoping to distract himself from thoughts of her alluring physique.

    With nothing better to do, he picked up his phone and started perusing what was trending on the inte.

    After a few seconds, he saw a video featuring a familiar car¡ªa super sports car racing across the city, being chased by a powerful bike. The highlight was the rider''s superhuman strength as she ripped out a road sign and threw it like a javelin.

    That wasn''t all, someone had edited the video to showcase spectacr feats of strength, including pping a supercar into a full 180-degree turn.

    He dreaded looking at thements section but did so anyway, knowing it wouldn''t change anything.

    @RealJames5: "lol guys, cool edit."

    @MiracleGrotto: "This was totally real. I was there in District 17 when it happened."

    @FascistScum: "Wake up and remove your delusional sses. Ain''t no way that''s real, fr fr."

    @MiracleGrotto: "I think I finally get your username. No point in arguing with a fascist scum."

    @Ansuper: "Guys, espers are so real, and this is one of the proofs. Thisment section has a limited character count, check out my page for more details. [LINK]"

    Alicarde was shocked, to say the least. He held off on checking the link and rushed to more formal media tforms. Luckily, there was nothing there, so he rxed a bit. He returned to the link and tapped it.

    The site was typical for fringe beliefs¡ªone where people discussed Bigfoot and other unproven phenomena. It focused mainly on the unproven belief in espers and other supernatural elements like vampires, witches, and werewolves.

    He found a post about the incident, which imed that the whole death race with Argint was an esper battle.

    They weren''t exactly wrong, esper powers were real. Carrisa referred to them as innate abilities, and all creatures had the potential to awaken them. Though she did say he wasn''t ready for it yet, he might eventually get them if he was lucky.

    "The ''lucky'' part was not helpful at all, Carrisa," Alicarde whispered desperately, trying to keep his thoughts off her.

    He bookmarked the page, thinking that social media trends would likely die down soon. He read thements a bit more before growing bored of the ongoing arguments about espers.

    He decided to leave his room. By now, Carrisa should have finished her bath. He took his own bath and made his way down to the fourth floor. As the elevator doors slid open, he encountered Argint, who seemed to have been waiting for him.

    "You''re up. Good, now it''s time for some intense training," she said, her smile carrying a sinister edge. Her amber eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "Don''t worry, I''ll try not to kill you."

 Chapter 27 Principles Of Combat

    Alicarde had no idea what Argint had in mind, but her promise to "try not to kill him" brought back a vivid memory of her ws crushing his throat. The sensation of choking on his own blood still lingered in his mind, making him swallow uneasily.

    His eyes flicked down to her outfit, pausing at her bare midriff before quickly returning to her amber eyes.

    "What do you want?" he asked cautiously, his voice tinged with unease.

    Argint''s smile turned sweet, a stark contrast to the warning signals his instincts were sending. His heart thumped a bit faster despite himself¡ªshe almost looked cute, but something in him screamed to flee.

    "I''m here to train you, duh. Or did you forget your promise?" she said, her happy smile belying the mischief in her eyes.

    Alicarde smirked, though his gaze drifted down to her cleavage. "Ohhhh, my promise. So, do I really have to keep that? Training with you sounds like a hassle¡ªand dangerous," he quipped, unable to resist admiring her figure.

    Argint''s smile vanished, reced by a frown as she noticed his not-so-subtle gaze. "My face is up here, you bastard. Stop staring at my bust. You wanna die?" she growled, her teeth gritted in irritation.

    Alicarde looked away, a bit flustered but managing to maintain hisposure. He med his slip-up on Carrisa''s alluring body. If he hadn''t seen her earlier, he wouldn''t be acting like a degenerate right now.

    "What... what are you talking about? And besides, I can''t die, remember? Kind ofes with the territory of being immortal," he retorted, trying to steer the conversation away from his blunder.

    Argint''s smile returned, though it was more predatory than before.

    "Good, that means I don''t have to hold back," she said, cracking her knuckles menacingly. Without another word, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along.

    Alicarde couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed. Her outfit was undeniably risqu¨¦, and despite himself, he stole another nce. Argint''s striking appearance was hard to ignore. Her long, flowing red hair cascaded down her back, and her unique amber eyes gave her a wild, captivating look. He had a sinking feeling she was going to pummel him for leering.

    ''Should have kept my eyes on her face, but there was nowhere else to look, damn it,'' he thought to himself, his gaze once again drifting over her.

    She wore a form-fitting gray crop top that highlighted her athletic build, and yes, her bust, which the fabric clung to like a second skin.

    ''Well, I am a dude, so... oh God, help me,'' he prayed, feeling her grip on his hand tighten as they walked. He noticed something else that almost made him snicker¡ªher outfit included a ck harness with various small pouches and a dagger strapped across her chest. Her arms were wrapped in bandages, giving her a slightly rugged, battle-ready appearance that struck him as a bit edgy.

    ''And she calls me an eighth-grader. Is she sealing some evil dragon with those bandages?'' Alicarde thought inwardly, amused by the thought.

    She essorized with ck fingerless gloves.

    ''Probably for her ws. It would be pointless to wear any other type of gloves when her fingers can elongate into killer wolf ws,'' he observed. She was really beautiful¡ªhe hadn''t had the time to appreciate her looks before, but now he did.

    As they reached the ground floor hall, he noticed it was already getting dark. Normally, he trained with Carrisa outside on the mansion grounds, not in the underground training room. Apparently, Carrisa preferred the fresh air. When they arrived, he found Carrisa waiting there.

    ''Are these two conniving against me? No weapon raised against me shall prosper,'' Alicarde thought, growing increasingly wary. Was this Carrisa''s revenge for him seeing her naked?

    He noticed Carrisa looking at him, and suddenly, the image of her without clothes shed in his mind. He quickly put on his best poker face, not wanting to be caught off guard.

    Carrisa was as stunning as always. Her ck hair and captivating violet eyes wereplemented by a sophisticated outfit. She wore a form-fitting beige top with intricate ckce details and sheer sleeves adorned with floral patterns.

    The top was paired with a high-waisted ck skirt that had a stylish slit, revealing elegant ckce stockings. Gold earringspleted her ensemble, making his heart beat faster, though he was too cool to let his poker face slip.

    Alicarde was just a college freshman, and at his age, boys were particrly susceptible to the charms of beautiful women, especially those older than them. In a sense, he was living with three beautiful big sisters, including the doll-like Amena.

    Carrisa smiled knowingly. He was putting on a poker face, desperately trying to avoid looking at her. He was good at it¡ªshe wouldn''t have noticed if she hadn''t spent so much time with him.

    ''Now then, shall I tease him a bit?'' she mused to herself.

    "Alicarde, what do you think of my appearance this evening? I feel as though my attire might be... inadequate. But what are your thoughts?" she asked, gesturing toward her cor with a touch of yfulness.

    Alicarde smiled, scratching his chin thoughtfully, as if appraising a masterpiece with professional indifference.

    "Well... if I had to say, you look good regardless of what you wear... but I don''t really care. You do you," he replied with a polite tone,ced with a hint of forced indifference.

    Argint looked at him with a deadpan expression. "Keep your eyes off her cleavage, genius. You aren''t fooling anybody," she said dryly.

    Alicarde looked at her, still maintaining his poker face.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about. And besides, weren''t we going to train or something? Hurry it up, I''m starting to get hungry," he shot back, his tone slightly aggressive.

    Argint didn''t care about his attitude, she simply pulled him away. Carrisa trailed behind them with a smile on her face.

    "He is truly amusing," she murmured to herself.

    They made their way outside, and soon he was standing face-to-face with Argint. Her presence had shifted, and he noticed a sh of silver in her amber eyes. His body instinctively went into abat-ready state.

    Carrisa and all his recent battles had honed his instincts¡ªespecially with Carrisa, who never held back during training and always used a real sword. If he left an opening, she would drive her de straight into his heart.

    This rigorous training had elerated his skill development, as Carrisa always simted real battles, constantly exploiting his weaknesses.

    Argint observed his stance and smiled. "Good, it seems the princess has taught you a thing or two. I''m d she didn''t coddle you."

    Carrisa, who had seated herself in a pavilion to the side, returned the smile.

    "Indeed, I did not. That would not serve him well. And Argint, you may call me Carrisa. I shall permit it."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Argint nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to Alicarde, her expression serious.

    "Alicarde, can you recount the principles ofbat that the princess taught you?"

    Alicarde nodded, recalling what Carrisa had drilled into him.

    "Sure, but you can call me Ali. That was sort of my original name, and I don''t want people forgetting it," he added, with a hint of pride in his voice.

    Argint raised an eyebrow but nodded. Alicarde smiled, then continued.

    "Swordsmanship has a few fundamentals, but the core principles are maai, which is about understanding and controlling the distance between yourself and your opponent. There''s also sen, which is about timing¡ªknowing when to attack, defend, or counter. Then there''s strength, precision, and more importantly, flow. A swordsman must be fluid, able to adapt.

    A failed swordsman is one who cannot adapt in body and mind, hence the need for focus and awareness."

    Argint listened attentively as he exined, noting that he had a solid grasp of the principles of swordy. The princess had taught him well, and he was clearly adaptive.

    "No wonder he managed to survive so long against me despite hisckluster skills," Argint mused.

    Carrisa, who was sitting in the pavilion not far away, smiled as Amena joined her, dressed in her usual maid outfit.

    Argint finally spoke, raising a finger to her chin. "The principles ofbat are simr, regardless of the weapon. Minor differences aside, the basics form the foundation for all techniques."

    Alicarde couldn''t resist teasing her. "Why do you sound like some wise old geezer?" he asked with a smirk.

    It seemed like a good idea at first, but perhaps he shouldn''t have, because she was ring daggers at him. Her look was one of pure menace, promising retribution.

    "Oh, Ali, you sweet thing. I was going to half-kill you before, but now, after your bold statement, even your immortality won''t save you," Argint said, her voice melodic yet her words as harsh as winter.

    Her tone shifted to seriousness as she continued, "For hand-to-handbat, the principles share some simrities with swordsmanship, but they also differ. The key aspects are bnce, timing, distance, breathing, and awareness. You must embody these principles, with control and adaptability being crucial."

    She took a battle stance, her eyes locking onto him with a cold focus. "I shall now teach you the basic movements... oh, and by the way, my n believes that before you learn to beat up someone, you must first learn to take a beating yourself."

    Her smile deepened.

    "I was originally just going to rough you up a bit, but you just had to provoke me. Now I''ll really enjoy this. Let''s throw hands¡ªor rather, catch these hands."

    Alicarde paled as he saw her fingers turn to ws, as white fur grew on her arms.

    "Hands? What hands? You mean ws? Wait... wait..." Alicarde tried to stop her with words.

    She never gave him time to finish as a silver hurricane of brutality covered him. She must have been angrier than she let on because she used mana¡ªand lots of it.

 Chapter 28 Happy Supernatural Life

    "The night sky looks so beautiful, the countless stars that gaze upon me. What beauty, what magnificence! The heavens above are truly fantastic... yet why is my life so full of pain?" Alicarde''s voice echoed out from the pool of his blood where hey looking at the sky.

    His clothes were shredded by her sharp ws, and Alicarde had broken a lot of bones, but he regenerated, so no harm done.

    Except to his ego, being beaten by a girl was one of those things guys never wanted to talk about.

    Alicarde had been beaten soundly in the name of training. True, she had corrected any mistakes he had made and had shown him the basics. She had guided him through different basic movements.

    Yet something felt off. Why was she so ruthless? He had only said a few teasing words. He had a feeling his tant harassment was the reason he got such harsh treatment.

    Turning to look at the red-haired wildflower standing a few meters away, she looked as pristine as ever. Beating him was not even difficult.

    "Tell me, Argint... just curious, do you perhaps have a boyfriend?" Alicarde asked, still lying in a pool of his own blood.

    She looked at him with some degree of impatience, her eyes narrowing.

    "No, I do not," she replied with a cold edge.

    ''Did I touch a soft spot or what?'' he thought.

    He sighed and then asked again, deciding in his heart he was going to risk it all and go for broke.

    "Did you ever have one?"

    She was getting annoyed with his questions. She looked like she was ready to give him a beatdown for the second time, but after looking at him with a thoughtful expression, she decided to answer him.

    "No, I''ve never dated," she answered irritably.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He looked to the sky and let out a deep sigh, wondering if he should continue. In the end, he decided to risk it after all.

    "I can see why... I had been wondering if you had one and he ran away... but seeing how you never had one, it means they weren''t stupid. I mean, I''m immortal, but even I feel like I''m going to die, and I''ve only known you for, what, a few days... Crazy!"

    Argint clenched her fist, her face turning red with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

    "Do you wanna die?" She clenched her fist, ready to eviscerate him.

    Alicarde sat up, looked at her, and smiled, her expression was worth the amount of pain he was about to receive.

    "You already said that today. Don''t you have any more original lines? Or are you just a one-trick pony... guess it''s true what they say, you can''t teach an old dog new tricks," Alicarde teased.

    Argint looked like she was on the verge of giving this snarky bastard another round of beating... or rather, another round of training. Fortunately, someone interfered, saving him from another round of pain.

    Amena walked up to them. Dressed in her usual maid outfit, her brown hair in a bun with a few loose strands adding to her charm, she wore a taciturn expression as if unfazed by everything.

    "Please refrain from damaging him further, as my mistressmanded. Starting now, I will be teaching him how to control his mana and fear," Amena said with a curt bow.

    Alicarde was relieved he had been saved. Realizing Amena would stop Argint from pummeling him, he became bolder.

    "I''ll let you go this time, woman. If I weren''t such a gentleman, I might have identally hurt you during our little spar... you are lucky I am a true feminist," Alicarde said, getting bolder by the minute.

    Argint looked like she was about to pop a blood vessel.

    "This bastard is just a fox borrowing the might of a tiger. Did he conveniently forget that I would still train him tomorrow?" Argint muttered through gritted teeth.

    Amena gave him a hand and helped him stand up. His shamelessness was fun to watch as he proceeded to pick on Argint some more, all while hiding behind her.

    "I am a man, so I won''t hurt you, Little Red. Run along now, I am merciful, shoo shoo," he held onto Amena''s maid outfit just in case Argint moved to grab him. He would wrap his hand around Amena and beg her to save him.

    "How very manly of you," Amena''s stoic expression remained unchanged.

    "What? I''ll have you know it takes a real man to hide behind a woman," Alicarde said shamelessly as he puffed his chest with pride.

    Alicarde didn''t want to fight Argint. She was a real tyrant. Her technique was all about speed, agility, and power, eviscerating her enemy with her lethal ws. Fighting her was closer to fighting a beast than a human. She effortlessly blurred the line between having four legs and having two.

    Her technique mixed in a series of rapid strikes with a blend of acrobatics, which made hitting her almost impossible with how rapidly she was moving. She only stopped to show him pointers and allow him to replicate her moves. It wasn''t long before he was in pain.

    These days, he was growing increasingly used to physical pain. A flesh wound didn''t really matter that much, he would feel pain and soon after, he would heal. No biggie.

    His lessons with Argint were on hand-to-handbat. With Amena, it was power control, mana usage, and fear aura, and with Carrisa, it was brutal swordy.

    All in all, the girls took turns with him, although not in the way he would have wanted. These days, he got less and less hungry after regenerating. Amena had taught him that it was because his overall magic power had increased.

    After a few hours, the training regimen eventually ended, and they finally set the table for dinner. He was famished, the spread was amazing. Amena outdid herself as always.

    Afterward, they hung out on the fourth-floor balcony as usual, talking about the most mundane or supernatural things. Alicarde couldn''t help but start to enjoy his new life. He hadn''t spoken to his human family in a while, and he wanted to keep it that way. The less involved they were with him, the better.

    It waste, so he decided to hit the sack, only to end up watching TVte into the night. Somewhere along the line, Carrisa came back to the suite, went into her room, and changed out of her clothes before sitting right next to him on the sofa.

    Alicarde was determined not to look at her. He did not want to get any ideas sote at night, so he mindfully focused on the TV. The night gotter, and he decided to go to sleep. He pushed the button on the remote and turned off the TV.

    He turned around to Carrisa, who had leaned on him earlier, only to find that she had fallen asleep and she was wearing a risqu¨¦ ck nightgown. The gown was silky and form-fitting, with delicatece trimming along the edges, emphasizing her curves and hinting at her smooth, pale skin beneath.

    Thin straps hung loosely over her shoulders, and the fabric draped elegantly over her, leaving little to the imagination.

    He gently nudged her, but she only stirred a little. She looked so serene while she slept, almost like a princess.

    ''Right, she is a princess,'' Alicarde thought as he watched her sleep.

    Not knowing what to do, he decided to just carry her to her room.

    "Excuse me," he whispered, then wrapped his arms around her slender body. Lifting her up effortlessly, he carried her like a princess. Her body felt soft, but he tried not to let his mind wander. He reached the doors, and they gently opened as if they did not wish to wake the master of the mansion.

    The hallway was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the ornate floor, and the cool air carried a faint scent ofvender from the gardens below.

    He walked into the room, which was now dark, but he paid it no mind. He could see in the dark to some degree, far more than a human should. He soon reached the bed of therge room and gently ced her on it. The bed wasrge and covered with plush, white sheets, surrounded by heavy curtains that gave it a regal, almost throne-like appearance.

    Carrisa must have been just as tired as he was. After all, he had no idea if she even got any rest. The whole Nexus Fragment incident seemed to be on her mind, so she must have spent thest two days securing it somewhere safe.

    He turned and left the room. As he did, Carrisa gently opened her eyes and smiled.

    "I suppose he wouldn''t have left me there after all," she muttered softly.

    Alicarde returned to his room. He picked up his phone. He thought about calling Anne or texting but realized it was kindate, so he let it go. He lowered his head to look at his shadow and noticed the familiar gaze of Warth looking menacingly at him.

    He surfed the inte a bit, checked out some trending topics, andstly checked on that website. The topic this time was about some missing people in Evergreen City. Seeing it had nothing to do with him, he put down his phone. He had sses tomorrow, so some sleep would be nice.

    The morning came, and he trained with Argint and Carrisa, practiced with Amena, had breakfast, a bath, and stopped in his walk-in closet filled with brand-name clothes, all for him, procured by Amena before he even started living here.

    He discovered that he only had a handful of his original clothes left, most had turned into rags thanks to his battles and training.

    He got dressed in one of the brand-name clothes, went to the garage, and saw the familiar vehicle he had drivenst time, the damages were extensive.

    Amena had somehow fixed it. It looked as good as new, or perhaps it was another car altogether. He decided to take a different car this time, opting for pure luxury. He drove off to his university.

    When he arrived at his lecture venue, he sensed a familiar aura¡ªfaint, as you would expect from a mundane human. Smiling, he turned around, only to find Anne giving him a piercing re.

    "Looks like you might actually fail your sses, Ali," Anne said, adjusting her sses with a stern look.

 Chapter 29 Unstealthy Ninja

    Alicarde had nothing to say for himself. The countless missed calls from Anne weighed heavily on his conscience. He had been too depressed to even look at his phone, and once he emerged from that dark cloud, he left all her messages on read. The guilt gnawed at him, far more potent than any excuse he could muster.

    Anne was not just his first friend here; she was his only friend. The blonde girl with a heart of gold had always been there, worrying about him, wondering why he hadn''t beening to ss. In truth, if the roles were reversed, Alicarde would have likely stopped caring after the first call¡ªassuming he even made one.

    But Anne had grown on him in a way he hadn''t expected, her kindness prating the hardened exterior he''d built around himself.

    "So, Anne... right... so I had this thing, and I... well... I wanted to text back, but honestly, I felt really guilty for ghosting you for so long. It was sort of my bad." His words were awkward, the guilt more than apparent.

    Anne looked at him, her eyes narrowing. "You show up after a few days looking like you just crawled out of a luxury magazine, and that''s your excuse?" Her re was sharp, cutting through any pretense.

    "My bad, Anne. Forgive me, Anne-sama," Alicarde replied, trying to lighten the mood with a yful tone, bowing his head slightly.

    Her expression softened, but the re remained. "Hey, am I being a nuisance to you by calling and texting?"

    Her words stung, making his heart sink further. "No, never... you are literally my only friend, and I appreciate it. Knowing that you have my back means a lot to me." He spoke with sincerity, hoping she could feel the truth in his words.

    Anne''s eyes brightened, her smile like a rainbow after a storm.

    "Really, I''m your only friend? Geez, you need a social life. Well, I guess I''ll tough it out with you for a little while longer. After all, I am your only friend," she teased.

    Alicarde felt a wave of relief wash over him. She had let it go, at least for now. Anne gently ced her hands on his shoulders, locking eyes with him, her expression serious.

    "Ghost me again, and I''ll kill you and be the only person at your funeral. You get me? Capish?" she whispered, her voice taking on the tone of an Italian gangster.

    Alicarde nodded quickly, a yful smile creeping onto his face.

    "Are you an Italian gangster now... Capish?"

    Anne gave him a cold re, balling her fist and holding it up to his face.

    "Yes, ma''am, understood. But it would be hard to kill me with that cute and dainty body of yours. I''m sort of immortal, you know," he said, trying to keep the mood light.

    Anne''s face reddened slightly as she adjusted her sses.

    "I''m... I''m not cu... cute," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Seeing her flustered state, Alicarde leaned in, using his finger to lift her chin.

    "Wow, are you blushing? That''s so cute... you are the sweetest thing in existence," he whispered softly.

    Anne must have had enough of his nonsense, as she suddenly punched him in the gut. It didn''t hurt, but he pretended to double over in pain.

    He gazed at her noticing the faint shimmer of a chain on her neck.

    "Nice chain, I didn''t know you essorized," Alicarde said, attempting to change the subject and gesturing toward her neck.

    Anne paused, the annoyance fading as she reached for the pendant around her neck.

    "This old thing? You wouldn''t believe it, but this is a magic charm given to my gran by a witch, and my gran passed it on to me." Her voice held a note of excitement as she shared the story.

    The pendant was small, silver with a round, almost oval-shaped gem embedded in its center. It dangled delicately from a thin chain, its surface reflecting the light in a subtle shimmer.

    Alicarde wore a deadpan expression, unable to sense any magic from it.

    "I think your grandma was scammed. Charms and magic aren''t real, you know," he said dismissively, despite knowing otherwise.

    Anne rolled her eyes, unfazed by his skepticism.

    "Yeah, I know, but I believe esper powers are real. They have to be. And if they are, then magic must be real too, by that measure witches too." Her gaze drifted off as if lost in a daydream.

    Alicarde looked at her, feeling a pang of guilt. He had just denied the existence of something he knew to be true. The world she imagined wasn''t all rainbows and sunshine more often, it was hell. Though Alicarde hadn''t personally witnessed it, he had heard enough from Carrisa to know the truth.

    "So, you didn''t believe my heroic battle against a skinwalker, but you believe in an urban legend?" Alicarde teased, recalling her disbelief.

    Anne smirked, turning around and walking to a nearby bench. She sat down, a knowing smile on her face.

    "Who on earth would believe in monsters? If you had said a witch or an esper, I''d totally believe you. Speaking of espers, there was footage from a supernatural battle in the city."

    Alicarde''s heart skipped a beat as she recounted the incident with Argint in Evergreen City, though she didn''t know it was him.

    "I believe this city''s underworld was behind the cover-up. After all, we live in a coastal city, and lots of trade happens here, so the underworld and mafia must have covered it up, and the cops were bought out."

    "Yeah, sure," Alicarde replied nonchntly, trying to hide his unease.

    "That''s not all, Ali. These days, people have been going missing left and right, and no one is talking about it. Like, it''s mind-boggling. No news outlets are covering it, at least not the formal ones," Anne continued, her voice tinged with conspiracy.

    Alicarde listened to her theories, trying to maintain a skeptical expression. He always remembered the faces he made in different scenarios. His mother was good at catching lies, so he had learned to make his lies more believable.

    The trick had been to let her catch some lies and create a pattern for her to use for detecting falsehoods. When she believed her pattern was working, she wouldn''t catch him when he didn''t use the patterns.

    "Anne, dear, do you need some cold water? You look stressed. Maybe I can call our professors and tell them that the ss rep is about to be a loon," Alicarde interrupted, feigning concern.

    Anne stopped, her tone indignant. "I am not a lunatic... and speaking of which..." She leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered.

    "We already submitted Professor Malefica''s assignment, and, oh, by the way, don''t tell anyone, but she''s conducting a little test today to see how much of the topic we understand and to weed out those who cked off, like you."

    Smiling like a seductress, she continued, "You don''t need to worry, though. Mommy Anne settled it all for you. I did your part of the work, and I also kept a copy for you. But now that I''m a... loon, I guess you don''t want it. Oh, and the test starts in ten minutes when Malefica shows up."

    Alicarde was about to tease her for calling herself "Mommy Anne," but refrained. His future was in the hands of this little mommy.

    "Madam Anne... no, Mommy Anne, I believe! I believe in espers. In fact, I was the first person to believe in espers, and your grandma was definitely not scammed by a shady character. That charm works like a charm," he said, his tone dripping with sycophancy.

    Anne looked at him, stifling augh at his ridiculousness.

    "Fine, I''ll let it go. Oh, and by the way, I believe in the existence of monsters too... I just don''t believe you fought one and lived without a scratch. Next time, show up with a broken bone or two, okay?" she said, reaching into her bag.

    She handed him a thick stack of papers, and Alicarde stared at it in disbelief. He was supposed to study this in under ten minutes and expect not to fail?

    Anne stood up from the bench, giving him a look of pity.

    "I''ll go now. I still have ss rep work to do, and also, I cannot believe the hoops I had to jump through for you. You owe me lunch or something, but I could totally take your soul if you offer it," she teased.

    Alicarde ced his hand on his forehead, falling to one knee in mock despair.

    "Fair maiden, I would dly offer my soul. A shame my folly has cost me my soul and my life, now owned by a wicked she-devil."

    Anne chuckled at his dramatic ir, always amused by his antics. She said her farewells and walked toward therge building where their ss was held, leaving Alicarde on the bench.

    Alicarde looked at the thick stack of papers with a serious expression and began to skim through them. The topic was interesting enough to hold his attention, so he read on, absorbing as much information as he could.

    When he finally raised his head and checked the time on his phone, his heart sank. He waste¡ªby a whole twenty minutes.

    "Oh God, I am so screwed," he muttered, jumping up and sprinting towards the building.

    Of all the professors in the psychology department, Alicarde had heard the most about Malefica. She was the kind of professor who made students tremble in their seats¡ªnot just because of her strictness, but because of the stories that followed her.

    Even though he barely attended sses, he knew she was ultra-strict, notorious for catching students off guard. But the rumors didn''t stop there, some said she had the beauty of an angel but the soul of a demon.

    As he approached the lecture hall, Alicarde noticed with some relief that the side door was slightly ajar. ''Perfect,'' he thought. It had workedst time, it should work again. He slipped through the door, which creaked ever so slightly, and entered the room as quietly as he could, trying to be as soundless as a ninja or a nightshade moving through the darkness.

    As he crouched and began to move closer to the other students, he caught sight of his familiar, Warth, looming on the wall beside him. Warth seemed to have a presence all its own, its form darker and more defined than mere shadows should be. Its eyes, seemed to re at him with that ever-present menacing look.

    It was a reminder of the darkness that lingered in his life, always watching, always waiting.

    ''I don''t have time for this,'' he thought, pushing the dark presence out of his mind. He rolled into a crouch behind some seats, then slowly began to edge forward, hoping to blend in with the other students before anyone noticed him.

    Just as he started to rx, thinking he might have actually pulled it off, a voice rang out, cold and precise.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "The student that just came in, the one that fancies himself a stealthy ninja... I have a question for you."

    Alicarde froze, his heart sinking. Malefica was facing the other way, but he could feel the weight of her words pressing down on him.

    She turned slowly, her gaze locking onto him with aser-like intensity that made his blood run cold. Her hazel eyes were like shards of ice, her expression as unreadable as ever.

    He stood up, feeling the stares of all the other students drilling into him. He was the center of attention, and at that moment, all he wanted was for the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

 Chapter 30 Malefica

    The ss was deathly silent, all eyes were on Alicarde. In one corner of the room, Anne face-palmed herself. She had been busy and hadn''t had time to go back for him, despite expressly telling him to be there in ten minutes. Her frustration was palpable as she watched him make yet another mistake.

    Alicarde felt the weight of every stare in the room, his mind racing with embarrassment and regret. The professor, standing more than twenty meters away, studied him with an icy silence that made him wish he could sink into the floor. Despite his anxiety, he couldn''t help but notice her striking appearance. She was, undeniably, a beauty¡ªher presence bothmanding and alluring.

    Her fitted blouse perfectly entuated her ample bust, which she carried with a confidence that only added to her mature allure. The high-waisted skirt she wore emphasized her hourss figure, drawing every eye in the room to her elegant form.

    "Wait... Why the hell is her bust the first thing I noticed? There''s no way Argint... no way she was right about me," he mumbled inaudibly to himself, trying to shake off his thoughts.

    Her sses, perched delicately on her nose, added a touch of intellectual charm. Her long, dark hair, styled in an elegant updo, cascaded softly over her shoulder, framing her high cheekbones and full lips. Despite her undeniable beauty, there was an unmistakable strictness in her demeanor.

    She carried herself with the disciplined posture of someone who brooked no nonsense, her piercing eyes as cold as they were observant.

    And Alicarde was nothing if not full of nonsensete, prone to fighting, and frequently absent from ss, he was the textbook definition of a delinquent.

    ''What the hell, why am I selling myself short? I was literally fighting inhuman monsters. I''ve got to cut myself some ck,'' heined in his head, though it did little to ease the tension.

    The professor frowned, her gaze dropping momentarily to the long shadow he cast at his feet. Adjusting her sses, she addressed him with a voice that cut through the silence like a de.

    "Introduce yourself to the ss."

    Alicarde didn''t think too much about it, he just wanted this to be over with as soon as possible, preferably with his dignity intact.

    "Emmmh, hello. I''m Alicarde Asad," he introduced himself, his voice barely steady.

    The professor''s gaze remained imperious, her eyes mirroring the strictness of her tone.

    "Alicarde Asad, I have a question for you. Are you by chance familiar with the story of Icarus?" She asked, adjusting her sses as she did.

    Alicarde nodded, his mind scrambling to recall the details of the Greek myth.

    "Yes, ma''am, I am," he replied, relieved that he at least knew the story.

    She ced one hand on her waist, her gaze never leaving him.

    "Can you tell me why the young Icarus died in the story?" Her question wasced with an obvious intent¡ªshe was testing him, trying to make a point about his behavior.

    Alicarde could see where she was going with this. She was basically telling him that, like Icarus, he wasn''t following instructions¡ªsneaking into her ss being thetest example. He felt a pang of indignation, after all, he was in this situation partly because of the harsh and dangerous life he didn''t sign up for. But here he was, being questioned by a super hot... super strict professor.

    In his frustration, Alicarde gave an answer that reflected his sense of injustice.

    "The reason Icarus fell to his death was... because his father gave him poorly made equipment," he responded, his voice tinged with defiance.

    The ss, which had been deathly still earlier, now erupted in murmurs at his reply.

    "Did he really just say that?"

    "Man, he''s digging his own grave."

    "Poor guy, he''s so dead."

    Malefica turned her gaze to the ss, and the murmurs were immediately silenced. She seemed aware that Alicarde knew the answer she wanted to hear¡ªthat Icarus had disobeyed simple instructions¡ªbut she let his answer slide withoutment.

    Instead, she issued a coldmand. "Take a seat, Alicarde Asad... You will all be writing a test in five minutes, and afterwards, see me in my office at once, Alicarde, assuming you still intend to pass this course."

    The ss erupted in murmurs once more, this time filled with pity and dread for Alicarde.

    "He''s definitely getting expelled."

    "There''s no way he''s surviving that meeting."

    Alicarde, suppressing his unease, rxed a little¡ªhe had avoided a public massacre, at least. "Yes, ma''am, I understand," he replied, though his mind was racing with worry.

    ''Where the hell is her office?'' he wondered, already dreading the meeting.

    Her words had left him nervous, so he found a seat and quietly sat down. It took him a few minutes to calm down as he prepared for the test.

    When the test began, he realized Anne had been right¡ªit was all about the paper he had barely read. He answered as best he could, though the clock seemed to drag on forever.

    Finally, it was over. As Malefica left the room, Anne rushed over to where he sat.

    "Dude, what the hell? I told you ten minutes! Why the hell were you... ahhh..." She seemed visibly frustrated, clutching her head as if to ward off a headache.

    "Alright, you go to her office and do whatever it takes. Malefica is cruel... I mean strict, not heartless," Anne continued, trying to give him some advice despite her exasperation.

    Her words only deepened his sense of dread.

    "Anne... you almost said cruel. Just hit me with the facts. I''m screwed, aren''t I? My older sister told me college was cruel and the professors were demons in human skin... why didn''t I believe her?" Alicarde muttered, recalling his sister''s warning after her first year in college.

    Anne looked away, trying to force a smile. "Don''t worry, I''m cheering you on," she said, giving him a thumbs up that did little to lift his spirits.

    "I hope you can do the cheering from a distance. ss rep, we have work to do," Mark''s voice echoed from the side, interrupting the conversation.

    Alicarde looked up, recognizing Mark Green, the assistant ss rep.

    "Hey, Mark, what''s up?" he greeted, lucky he remembered the guy''s name.

    Mark nodded in acknowledgment, giving him a pitying look.

    "I''ll be taking Anne. Good luck with Malefica. You''re going to need it," he said, trying to drag the reluctant Anne away.

    Anne frowned and red at Mark. "Stop trying to scare him. Don''t worry, Ali, you''ll be just fine," she tried to reassure him, though her words rang hollow.

    Alicarde watched as Anne was dragged away, feeling a mix of gratitude and dread.

    "And I forgot to ask where Professor Malefica''s office actually is," his voice was despondent.

    "I can help you with that," a serene voice chimed in from behind him.

    He turned around to find a silver-haired girl standing there. He hadn''t sensed her approach, but that was no surprise given how distracted he was. He recognized her¡ªshe had helped him sneak in once before. Only now, as he took a good look at her, he couldn''t help but think, wow.

    Her long, flowing silver hair framed her face and extended down her back, her piercing grey eyes standing out vividly against her paleplexion.

    The red dress she wore entuated her figure, adding a sense of elegance and seductive allure to her appearance. Around her neck was a choker ne with a pendant, adding a touch of mystery. Despite her confident and somewhat seductive aura, Alicarde found himself oddly flustered.

    She smiled at him, her voice refined and polite.

    "Greetings, I am Elizalina Crimson. It is a pleasure to meet you."

    Alicarde was determined not to be dazzled by her. He lived with three beautiful and dangerous women already, and this noble, seductive-looking girl would not get to him. No... he would not allow it. With a poker face firmly in ce, he introduced himself.

    "Alicarde Asad, but you can call me Ali."

    Elizalina smiled, a hint of embarrassment coloring her expression as she sped her hands together yfully.

    "It is an honor to meet you, Ali. You may address me as Elly if you prefer."

    Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, and her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. Alicarde felt a pang of guilt for thinking this innocent girl gave off the aura of a seductress.

    Trying to steer the conversation back to his original problem, he asked cautiously, "So you know where Malefica''s office is? I''d appreciate it if you showed me the way."

    She nodded, her gaze averted as she answered, "Certainly, I shall guide you. Her office is within our department, but this venue is a bit distant, so it may take some time."

    "Don''t sweat it, I''ve got a car. We''ll be there in a jiffy," Alicarde said, trying to sound nonchnt.

    As Elizalina took a step forward, she suddenly tripped and fell straight into his arms. Her body felt soft, just as much as Carrisa''s, and the thought made his mind race.

    ''Why the hell am I thinking of Carrisa at a time like this?'' he scolded himself.

    Alicarde thought Elizalina would quickly jump out of his arms in embarrassment, but instead, she remained there, her head resting against his chest.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''She must be quite embarrassed,'' he reasoned, so he gently asked, "Are you alright, Miss Elizalina?"

    Elizalina slowly lifted her head, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "I... I am well. Thank you for catching me," she replied, her voice soft and formal.

    She met his gaze, her eyes steady and sincere, and added, "You may address me as Elly."

    Alicarde, despite his nervousness, managed a small smile.

    "Alright then, Elly. And thank you for the assistance," he said, though he didn''t mind calling her Elly¡ªhe had made people call him Ali even though he knew that name no longer truly fit him.

    Elizalina smiled in return and withdrew from his embrace. "Shall we proceed? The professor is likely expecting you at this moment."

    He nodded in agreement and followed the silver-haired girl. He was determined to find out what the professor wanted and face whatever was toe, one way or the other.

 Chapter 31 You Smell Weird

    As Alicarde and Elizalina made their way out of the building, they attracted more attention than he had anticipated.

    During the short walk to his car, Elizalina tripped not once, not twice, but five times¡ªhe was counting. Each time, she ended up leaning her body against his, her head gently resting on his chest as she tried to steady herself.

    The students around them couldn''t help but notice the repeated incidents, and each stumble brought a fresh wave of whispers and giggles. By the time they reached his car, Elizalina''s cheeks were a bright crimson, the color deepening each time she nearly fell.

    Alicarde couldn''t shake the suspicion that Elizalina might be doing this on purpose, but he didn''t voice his thoughts. Instead, he focused on reaching his car with her still by his side. As they arrived, Elizalina stopped, casting him a sidelong nce, her embarrassment clear as she apologized, her voice low and her face burning red.

    "I... I must apologize. I can be rather absentminded at times... How very mortifying," Elizalina said, her tone refined despite the stammering, clearly struggling to maintain herposure.

    Alicarde looked down at the blushing girl, trying to ease her difort.

    "It''s alright... really. Everyone has off days, so there''s no need to worry."

    In truth, Alicarde wasn''t bothered at all. Having a beautiful girl like Elizalina stumble into his arms repeatedly wasn''t something he wouldin about.

    Some guys would consider themselves incredibly lucky in his position. However, the problem was the attention they had garnered from everyone they passed by. Every time she slipped, and he caught her, the onlookers grew louder, and some were even bold enough to voice their thoughts.

    "Look at that lucky bastard!"

    "Man, some people have all the luck!"

    "He''s gotta be doing this on purpose, right?"

    "Lucky jerk, if only that was me."

    "Can you believe that guy? He''s acting like it''s no big deal!"

    Alicarde inwardly grumbled at thements.

    ''What the hell is up with these people? It''s just one girl,'' he thought, though he knew he was partlyining.

    He remembered an old saying that beautiful women were often more trouble than they were worth.

    ''Thest otherworldly beautiful woman I got involved with dragged me into a supernatural mess,'' he mused, thinking of Carrisa.

    Elizalina looked up at him then, offering a breathtaking smile that made all his pettyints vanish. He unlocked the car, and they both got in, though he wasn''t gentlemanly enough to open the door for her.

    ''She can handle that herself,'' he thought, momentarily regretting it, then quickly convincing himself he was a true feminist.

    As they drove to the faculty building, the atmosphere was much more rxed. When they arrived, Elizalina led the way, guiding him through the building until they stood before a door. She turned to him, offering a small but encouraging thumbs-up.

    "Best of luck, Alicarde. I have full confidence in you," she said, her voice calm yet supportive.

    Alicarde managed a smile at her words, though a sense of unease gnawed at him.

    ''Why is everyone rooting for me? They''re making it sound like I''m about to face the demon king or something,'' he thought anxiously.

    Steeling himself, he stepped forward and knocked on the door. A faint voice beckoned him to enter, and he opened it to find himself in a luxurious office.

    The room was filled with polished wooden furniture, plush leather chairs, and shelves lined with books. Despite the luxury, his focus was immediately drawn to the captivating professor seated behind the desk.

    "You wished to see me, Professor?" Alicarde asked, his voice low as he approached.

    The professor, Malefica, gestured for him to sit, her expression unreadable.

    "Please, take a seat, Alicarde," she said, her tone calm yetmanding.

    Alicarde sat down, trying to avoid her gaze as he noticed she had undone a few buttons of her blouse. He didn''t dare look directly at her, not wanting to cross any more lines after the awkward encounter earlier.

    Malefica adjusted her sses, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face.

    "Alicarde, what do you know about the recent missing persons incident that has been causing a stir in the city?" she asked, her voice measured.

    He was taken aback by the question. Was she testing his knowledge of current affairs, or was this some kind of psychological trick? After all, she was a professor in the psychology department.

    "Ma''am, I''m not too informed on the details. I only came across an article online," Alicarde replied, recalling the brief mention he had seen and a conversation with Anne about it.

    Malefica leaned back in her chair, her gaze never leaving him.

    "And what do you believe should be done about this incident?" she inquired, her tone remaining neutral.

    Alicarde hesitated, unsure of what she expected him to say.

    "I guess... leave it to the police and hope for the best?" he answered cautiously.

    She turned her chair to the side, casting him a sidelong nce with her piercing hazel eyes.

    "And if this situation proves to be beyond the police, what would you suggest then?" she pressed.

    He scratched the back of his head, feeling increasingly out of his depth.

    "Uh... maybe call in the army?" he replied, clearly unsure of where this conversation was headed.

    Malefica sighed, her expression shifting to one of disappointment. He had no idea what she was hinting at, but he hoped she would stop with the cryptic questions.

    Turning her chair back to face him directly, she continued, her gaze intense.

    "As of now, ny-seven people have gone missing, including children, pregnant women, and men. Although this information hasn''t reached official channels, there are whispers of grotesque monsters abducting people."

    Alicarde''s eyes widened slightly at her words, but he remained calm, still uncertain of what she was leading up to.

    "Now then, Alicarde, I have an assignment for you. You will write a case study analysis, to bepleted by the day of the convocation. Failure to submit this will result in you failing my ss," Malefica stated firmly.

    His heart sank at the news. Was she asking him to write about public hysteria or something simr? He had no idea what she wanted.

    "You will be writing on Hawthorne, in full academic style. You have until the day of your convocation," Malefica said, suddenly changing the topic entirely.

    Alicarde was thoroughly confused but nodded inpliance. "Yes, ma''am, I''ll keep that in mind," he replied, still trying to make sense of her abrupt shift in focus.

    She handed him a piece of paper and a book on Hawthorne, her demeanor as cold andmanding as ever.

    "You may leave," she instructed, dismissing him with a wave of her hand.

    Alicarde got up and headed for the door, but as he reached for the handle, he heard her voice behind him, sharp as ice.

    "Why is her bust the first thing I noticed?"

    He froze in ce, realizing with horror that Malefica had somehow heard his earlier, inaudible mumblings.

    He awkwardly opened the door and slipped out, feeling a wave of relief wash over him as he left the office behind. Outside, he found Elizalina waiting for him, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

    "So, how did it go?" she asked, her tone cool but tinged with worry.

    Alicarde was mentally exhausted and hadn''t expected the clumsy girl to still be there.

    "It went... alright, I guess. And I got assigned some homework as punishment. Just my luck," he muttered.

    Elizalina''s gaze fell on the book he was holding. "Hawthorne, is it? I have been conducting research on that topic myself," she said, her voice retaining its alluring tone.

    She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his skin as she whispered.

    "I would be more than happy to assist you with it. In fact, perhaps we could work on it together?"

    Alicarde appreciated the offer, though he hesitated to ept it. He felt he should do the work on his own but didn''t want to seem ungrateful.

    "I appreciate it, Elly, but I think I should handle this myself. Thank you for offering, though," he replied.

    Understanding his reluctance, Elizalina gently took his arm, guiding him away from the office door.

    "I assure you, it is no trouble at all. I am merely continuing my own work, so let us meet tomorrow and coborate," she suggested, her tone gentle yet persuasive.

    Not wanting to refuse again, Alicarde finally agreed. "Alright, I''m grateful for the help," he said, giving in.

    Elizalina quickly pulled out her phone, unlocking it with a swift motion before pointing it toward him.

    "Excellent. Let us exchange contact information so we may stay in touch," she dered, her calm demeanor slipping for just a moment as she smiled.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Alicarde saw no reason to refuse. He epted, exchanging contact details with her. It struck him that the only other person he was in regr contact with was Anne, and now he was adding another girl to that short list. There was no harm in that, he supposed.

    With that settled, they realized they were runningte for their next ss.

    As they went back to Alicarde''s car, he couldn''t help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension. Elizalina, with her refined presence, made the luxury vehicle seem even more extravagant as she gracefully slid into the passenger seat.

    The short drive to the venue was filled with small talk, yet there was an unspoken tension in the air. Alicarde was aware that this day was anything but ordinary.

    When they arrived at the venue, the reaction was immediate. All eyes turned towards them the moment they stepped out of the car. It was as if time had slowed down, and every conversation halted as students directed their attention to the pair.

    Alicarde was not used to attracting attention, and this was on a different level entirely.

    Elizalina was a ma, effortlessly drawing the gaze of every student they passed. Her long, flowing silver hair sparkled in the sunlight, and her elegant red dress entuated her graceful figure, making her impossible to ignore.

    Alicarde quickly realized that this girl wasn''t just popr¡ªshe was practically royalty on campus. The girls flocked to her, their eyes lighting up with admiration as they called out to her.

    "Elizalina, you look stunning today!" one girl shouted, her voice filled with genuine excitement.

    "Hey, Elizalina! Don''t forget our study groupter!" another chimed in, waving eagerly.

    It was overwhelming how many girls knew her by name, and each seemed eager to get even a moment of her attention.

    Alicarde felt like he was walking alongside a celebrity. However, the attention wasn''t all positive. The boys, in particr, were ring at him with barely concealed resentment.

    One guy leaned over to his friend, whispering harshly, "Who the hell does he think he is?"

    Another muttered under his breath, "He''s got to be kidding¡­ walking around with Elizalina like that."

    Alicarde could feel the intensity of their stares, a mix of jealousy and suspicion burning into him from all directions.

    ''What the hell is their deal?'' he thought irritably.

    He hadn''t asked for this. He was just trying to navigate the day without causing a scene, but apparently, being seen with Elizalina made that impossible.

    During the lectures, he had hoped to sit with Anne, but she was caught up in her duties as ss representative, leaving him to fend for himself.

    However, Elizalina¡ªor "Elly," as he now called her¡ªwas by his side. The title of "campus belle" was clearly not just a ttering nickname, it was a statement of fact. Her presence seemed tomand respect, and he found himself strangelyforted by it.

    They mostly talked about school, exchanging thoughts on thetest assignments and uing exams. Despite the initial awkwardness, Alicarde found himself rxing around her. They chatted easily, and he learned more about her, enough to feelfortable with the nickname "Elly." It felt natural, almost intimate, in a way that surprised him.

    He also noticed that no one else called her that, which made him wonder why she allowed him the privilege. He rationalized it as a simple exchange for him allowing her to call him "Ali." There was nothing strange about it, he assured himself.

    Somewhere along the way, Anne joined them. Alicarde immediately sensed tension in the air, though he couldn''t pinpoint why. Anne had never met Elizalina before, but for some reason, she didn''t seem to like her. The usually friendly andposed Anne was distant and curt, and the conversation between the three of them was stilted at best.

    After the day was over, Alicarde was relieved to finally say goodbye. Anne had managed to steal a few moments with him before they parted ways, her expression still shadowed by whatever had been bothering her.

    "See youter, Ali," Anne said, giving him a concerned look. "And take care of yourself, okay?"

    Elizalina had already left a little earlier, so it was just him and Anne now. He could tell something was on her mind, but she didn''t voice it. Instead, she just gave him a tight smile and walked away, leaving him feeling more drained than he had expected.

    He got into his car and drove straight home, mentally exhausted from the day''s events. The journey back was a blur, his mind reying the interactions over and over. By the time he pulled into the mansion''s luxurious garage, all he wanted was to copse in his room and forget about the confusing day.

    After parking the car, he took the elevator to the fourth floor. As the doors slid open, he was met with a cold stare from Argint, her red hair cascading down her shoulders as she stood in the hallway, arms crossed.

    She looked at him as if she was about to say something but then paused, her nose twitching slightly as she caught a scent in the air.

    She gave him a cold re and sniffed the air with a scowl.

    "You smell weird. I don''t like the smell."

    Before he could respond, she stepped forward and pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him possessively.

    Alicarde''s heart pounded in his chest as Argint''s body pressed against his. The warmth of her skin, the subtle scent of her hair¡ªit was all too much. His body reacted instinctively, blood rushing through his veins and heating his skin.

    His mind screamed at him to push her away, but his body was frozen, every nerve ending hyper-aware of her touch.

    Despite his efforts to keep a poker face, his thoughts were in turmoil.

    ''What the hell is she doing?'' he wondered, trying to will his body to calm down. Argint, however, waspletely unfazed by his difort. She rubbed herself all over him with a single-minded determination, as if she were trying to mark him as her own.

    After what felt like an eternity, she finally let him go.

    "There, all good. The stink is gone," she said, her tone satisfied as she shed him a sweet smile.

    Alicarde stared at her, utterly speechless. He couldn''tprehend the sudden and intense behavior.

    "Except now I have your fragrance all over me, you crazy woman," he muttered, holding his head in exasperation.

    Argint looked at him calmly, her eyes steady as she reached out to brush a few strands of hair away from his face.

    "So what? My scent has been on you all this time, just not as much as now," she said matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    Alicarde sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the day crash down on him.

    ''What the hell is happening to my life?'' he thought, utterly bewildered by the series of strange and overwhelming events that had be his new normal.

 Chapter 32 The Way To A Mans Heart

    Alicarde hurried back to campus, the sheer amount of work ahead of him weighed heavily on his mind. The pressure was immense, and after Elizalina had run him through what "academic style" truly meant, he couldn''t help but mutter curses under his breath aimed at Malefica.

    ''And I would have cursed her if she wasn''t such a beautiful witch,'' he thought, smirking slightly at the irony.

    He was in the elevator heading down to the garage, the smooth hum of the machinery doing little to calm his restless thoughts.

    Behind him, Argint leaned against the wall, her eyes fixed on him. They had just finished a brutal training session half an hour earlier, and despite the quick shower he had taken, he still felt the phantom ache of his muscles.

    As he stepped out of the elevator, he was caught off guard when Argint grabbed him, pulling him into a tight embrace, rubbing herself all over him. Her sudden closeness made his heart skip a beat.

    "What the hell, Argint... the... the hell do you think you''re doing?" he stammered, trying to push her away, though his efforts were half-hearted.

    She didn''t seem to care about his protests. Her icy re locked onto his eyes, making him feel like he was in trouble.

    "Do not get any of that weird smell on you again. I have no idea what kind of creepy thing you touched, but do not do it again," Argint warned, her tone as cold as ever.

    "This is harassment," Alicarde retorted, trying to sound indignant, though secretly, he didn''t mind the attention.

    "Don''t do it again, or else." Argint''s fist balled up, the threat in her voice unmistakable.

    Alicarde looked at her in confusion. "How the hell am I supposed to avoid touching something I don''t even remember touching, you nutjob?"

    Argint didn''t bother responding. She just turned back to the elevator and left him standing alone in the garage, as if her only reason for following him had been to deliver that cryptic warning.

    Shaking his head, Alicarde made his way to one of the sleek luxury cars lined up in the garage. His mind was elsewhere as he drove off, thoughts of the impending workload mingling with the lingering sensation of Argint''s embrace.

    He was headed to campus, where he nned to meet up with Elizalina for some help with his case study analysis.

    He arrived at the faculty and made his way to the faculty library, seeking the kind of research materials he couldn''t easily find online. The library was a treasure trove of up-to-date books, and he quickly found one that seemed promising. Settling into a quiet corner, he waited for Elizalina to arrive.

    She didn''t keep him waiting long. Two minutester, she appeared, her silver hair catching the light as she approached him.

    "Good morning¡­ Alicarde," she greeted softly, her voice almost a whisper.

    She paused for a moment, her nose twitching slightly as if she smelled something unusual. Before Alicarde could ask, she stumbled, tripping and falling¡ªright into hisp. Thanks to his superhuman reflexes, he managed to catch her before she hit the ground.

    Elizalina''s legs seemed to give out from under her, and she clung to him, her face buried in his chest. Alicarde felt a strange mix of amusement and concern as he gently helped her back to her feet.

    "Still as clumsy as always, I see. Morning, Elly," he teased, a small smile ying on his lips.

    Her cheeks flushed a deep red at his words.

    "I¡­ I sincerely apologize for my gracelessness," she stammered, clearly embarrassed by her own clumsiness.

    Alicarde chuckled, waving off her apology.

    "Nah, we''re cool. I don''t really mind it."

    Elizalina quicklyposed herself and sat down beside him, pulling out several books and research materials from her bag.

    "Well then, shall we begin our work?" she asked, her tone bing serious and refined.

    Alicarde had done some preliminary reading on Hawthorn, but the challenge was tranting his thoughts into a coherent academic paper.

    The sheer length required¡ªtwenty thousand words¡ªonly added to the daunting task. As they dug into the discussion, he found himself appreciating Elizalina''s enthusiasm. Her passion for the subject was infectious, and for once, Alicarde felt a genuine connection with someone outside of his usual circle.

    They spent the next hour discussing the subject of the paper, the intricacies of Hawthorn''s settings, and the subjects involved in the original research. Elizalina''s insights were invaluable, making the assignment seem less like a chore and more like an engaging challenge.

    After their discussion, they attended several sses together, a routine that had be familiar over the past few days. Elizalina''s clumsiness persisted, but Alicarde was always there to catch her before she could hurt herself. Over time, she stopped feeling embarrassed by it, and even started calling him her "hero" in a yful tone.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Not everyone was as fond of Elizalina as Alicarde was, though. Anne, for instance, had made her feelings clear with a crypticment about "woman''s intuition," leaving Alicarde puzzled and slightly concerned about the tension between his two friends.

    As the day drew to a close, Alicarde returned home, only to find Argint waiting for him with a menacing re. Her eyes shed with malice as she approached him, once again rubbing herself all over him under the pretense of removing a "stink" that only she seemed to notice.

    Alicarde''s heart sank. ''Dang it, is this going to be my life now?'' he wondered if this was some strange werewolf ritual or disy of affection.

    But he quickly dismissed the idea, considering how often she left him battered and bruised after their training sessions, it seemed unlikely.

    "Except if she was a sadist," Alicarde muttered to himself as he headed to his room.

    The next day, he was once again hanging out with Elizalina. They had made significant progress on the paper, though most of the credit went to her. She did the heavy lifting while he typed away, trying to keep up with her rapid-fire ideas.

    asionally, Anne would pitch in, offering suggestions that helped rify some of the moreplex points.

    Their time together hadn''t gone unnoticed, and the attention from other students¡ªespecially the guys¡ªwas anything but friendly. Alicarde could feel the res and hear the whispered insults as they walked across campus.

    He was curious about Elizalina''s social life, and in a moment of what heter realized was idiocy, he asked if one of the guys ring at them was her boyfriend.

    The poor girl turnedpletely red, her usual poise crumbling.

    "I¡­ I do not speak with boys often, much less have a boyfriend. Such a thing would be most difficult for me, considering my circumstances," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

    "Besides, I was an outcast in my hometown. The other girls were unkind to me, and I had no friends¡­"

    Alicarde felt a pang of sympathy. He wasn''t exactly a social butterfly either, having failed to make any close male friends since his arrival on campus.

    Most of the guys had already formed tight-knit groups, and while he could try to ingratiate himself, he didn''t see the point.

    "But you aren''t alone now. I¡­ I think we''re friends," Alicarde said earnestly, hoping to lift her spirits.

    Elizalina''s eyes lit up, and she smiled¡ªa genuine, sweet smile that warmed his heart.

    "Truly? You¡­ you consider me a friend? That¡­ that pleases me greatly."

    Alicarde couldn''t help but feel protective of her. Who wouldn''t, when faced with that vulnerable look in her eyes?

    The rest of the day passed quickly as they walked together through the university grounds. At one point, Alicarde identally bumped into a man dressed in a long coat and hat, his white hair peeking out from under the brim.

    The man wore dark sses, obscuring his eyes, but Alicarde could still smell the faint scent of ethanol and antiseptic clinging to his clothes¡ªsomething he had noticed more frequentlytely.

    "Sorry about that, sir. Are you okay?" Alicarde apologized, but the man simply nodded and walked away, leaving Alicarde to wonder about the strange increase in medical scents around him.

    Later, after parting ways with Elizalina, Alicarde found Anne and spent the rest of the evening bantering with her. But when he returned home, Argint was there again, ring at him with the same intensity as before, before aggressively rubbing herself all over him, iming he had picked up a bad stench.

    Alicarde cursed inwardly.

    ''Is this going to be my life now?'' he thought, unable to shake the feeling that Argint''s behavior was bing more aggressive and possessive. He briefly entertained the idea that it might be mating season for werewolves, but quickly dismissed it, not wanting to risk her wrath by voicing such a thought.

    The days flew by quickly, and as Alicarde spent more time with Elizalina, their bond only deepened. He found himself relying on her more, especially for his assignment, which they eventuallypleted together.

    They had be close friends, meeting up almost every day, even when they didn''t have sses. They explored the city, watched movies, and enjoyed each other''spany. The more Alicarde thought about it, the more it felt like they were dating.

    Elizalina''s klutziness persisted, leading to frequent and sometimes awkward physical contact. Alicarde didn''t mind, though, in fact, he was growing used to it. It reminded him of his interactions with Argint, whose new habit of rubbing herself on him had be more aggressive.

    Every morning and evening, Argint would press her body against his, iming that he had a bad stench she needed to get rid of. Alicarde wondered if it was mating season for werewolves, but he didn''t dare voice the thought, not when he had seen what she was capable of when angry.

    The rumors of missing people had grown, spreading through the college and even the city. Everyone was talking about it, though there was no mention of it in the mainstream media. Alicarde shrugged it off as just rumors, but the unease lingered in the back of his mind.

    One day, as Elizalina arrived to meet him, she reached out and held his hand. From a distance, they almost seemed like a couple. She exined that holding his hand helped her maintain her bnce, and Alicarde didn''t mind at all.

    Why would he? Only a sociopath would reject holding hands with the most beautiful girl in their university. Elizalina, with her long, flowing silver hair and gentle demeanor, was the epitome of grace and beauty. Her soft hand in his felt natural, almostforting, as they walked together through the campus.

    As they strolled, Alicarde heard a voice from the crowd. "Who the hell is that bastard?"

    Another guy chimed in, his tone filled with disdain. "I don''t give a rat''s ass who he is. A girl like her is way out of his league."

    "Probably some rich prick who thinks he can buy her affection."

    "Bet he doesn''t even know how to treat a girl like that. Pathetic."

    "Look at him, thinking he''s hot shit just because he''s with her."

    "He''s got to bepensating for something."

    "Maybe he''s just herpdog, following her around like a lost puppy."

    "Must be nice having daddy''s money to throw around. That''s probably all he''s got going for him."

    ''Shows what they know, I actually have sugar mommy Carrisa''s money instead'' Alicarde mused

    The insults grew more vulgar, but Alicarde didn''t let them get to him. If he stooped to their level, he''d end up wrecking them, and that wouldn''t help anyone.

    Elizalina, however, wasn''t asposed. She let go of his hand and marched over to the group of foul-mouthed guys.

    "How dare you speak of him in such a manner? None of you know anything about Alicarde, so you have no right to speak ill of him. I demand that you cease this insolence at once," she dered, her voice stern and refined, though her hands trembled slightly.

    The guys shrunk back, taken aback by her outburst, but one, emboldened by the dazed looks of his friends, sneered.

    "What the hell? Shut the hell up, princess."

    Alicarde could sense Elizalina''s surprise and instinctively pushed her aside before she could respond, causing her to yelp as she lost her bnce.

    He caught her effortlessly, his reflexes honed from his battles, and steadied her before turning his attention to the guy who had spoken.

    He walked over to the guy, his eyes narrowing in anger. The guy''s friends moved closer, their eyes zed over as if they were in some sort of trance.

    Alicarde''s irritation boiled over. His eyes shed a brief violet glow, and he unleashed his fear ability.

    A dark, insidious aura radiated from his body, seeping into the minds of the group. Their bodies froze, paralyzed by the sheer terror that gripped them. Their eyes welled up with involuntary tears as Alicarde''s presence bore down on them like a monstrous shadow, suffocating them with an overwhelming sense of dread.

    The guy who had spoken earlier began to tremble uncontrobly, his bravado shattered by the invisible force crushing his spirit. Alicarde stared him down, his gaze cold and menacing, until the guy and his friends could do nothing but stand there, paralyzed by fear, their minds screaming for them to flee but their bodies unable to obey.

 Chapter 33 Eve Of The Convocation

    The ability known as Fear was a supernatural power that radiated an aura of terror, affecting all those within its range or focusing on specific victims.

    Thoughmonly associated with supernatural creatures, humans with considerable power could also wield it.

    The effect of Fear was not unlike a tiger''s roar, which could paralyze its prey, stopping them dead in their tracks, rendering them helpless. The ability to invoke such terror heightened significantly with supernatural beings.

    In various cultures, when a human encountered a supernatural entity, they might experience a terror so profound it resembled sleep paralysis¡ªa sensation where the victim is fully aware but utterly incapable of moving or escaping.

    When the power of Fear reached its zenith, it could even shatter the minds of its victims, driving them to insanity or worse. Alicarde was using this ability on mere humans, but he was holding back, only applying just enough to intimidate them.

    Yet even this restrained use sent a wave of horror through their mundane hearts, seizing their minds and locking them in a state of sheer panic.

    From the humans'' perspective, Alicarde transformed into a creature born from their darkest nightmares. They couldn''t move, they couldn''t breathe¡ªall they could do was stand there, paralyzed by an overwhelming dread. The sensation was eerily simr to sleep paralysis, their minds screamed for them to flee, but their bodies refused to obey, trapped in a vice of fear.

    Alicarde lowered his gaze, and as if a spell had been broken, the fear that gripped them dissipated. They copsed to their knees, their faces etched with confusion and lingering terror.

    Alicarde red at them, his expression cold and unforgiving. Behind him, Elizalina smiled faintly, her eyes glowing with a subtle red hue that he did not notice. He turned around and gently took her hand.

    "Elly, are you okay?" His voice wasced with concern, his eyes scanning her for any sign of harm. The very thought that these men could have hurt her, even slightly, filled him with a protective fury that he struggled to contain.

    Elizalina nodded, though her eyes were filled with remorse.

    "Yes, I am fine... I... I am so sorry, this was kind of my fault." She looked down, her voice trembling slightly.

    Alicarde ced his hand under her chin, lifting her face so she could meet his eyes.

    "It''s not your fault, Elly. These guys were just jerks." His tone was gentle, yet firm, as he tried to console her.

    Elizalina forced a smile, though her sadness was still evident.

    "Yeah, guess you''re right. I shouldn''t have paid them any mind. I was just so angry when they said mean things about you." Her voice, usually so refined and poised, had softened into something more vulnerable.

    Alicarde smiled back. He had noticed that Elizalina sometimes adopted his way of speaking, dropping her usual formal tone for something more casual, more like him. It made him feel closer to her, as if they were influencing each other in subtle, yet meaningful ways.

    He let go of her hand and clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

    "If they ever bother you again, I''ll give them a beatdown. So you don''t have to worry about me¡ªI can hold my own against jerks like these." He flexed his muscles, trying to lighten the mood.

    As he turned his gaze back to the men still trembling on the ground, Alicarde couldn''t help but marvel at the effectiveness of Fear on humans.

    It was almost too easy. He quickly pulled Elizalina away, worried that she might notice something unsettling about them. As they walked away, she cast a seductive smile back at the men, her innocent demeanorpletely vanished, but Alicarde was too preupied to notice.

    The rest of the day passed uneventfully, with Anne asionally appearing in the background. Poor Anne was overwhelmed with work, preparing for the convocation day that was fast approaching.

    She didn''t have as much time to spend with Alicarde, and he missed herpany. Yet, there was something strange he couldn''t shake¡ªthe familiar smell of ethanol and hospitals seemed to linger around him, among the people he encountered.

    They didn''t appear to be students, yet he was certain there was no medicalb or department nearby. It was bing more frequent, and he couldn''t help but wonder why he was encountering so many of these peopletely.

    In the back of his mind, he noted that the rumors of people going missing were dying down. People seemed to lose interest quickly, only the nerds on urban legend blogs kept discussing it. Alicarde didn''t care much either¡ªhis training with Carrisa and Amena was intense enough to keep him upied.

    Carrisa had recently mentioned that she hadmissioned enchanted armor for him, designed to protect him during training and battles, so his clothes wouldn''t get ruined or stained with blood. She had even hinted that she wanted to surprise him with the design she had chosen.

    Despite this, he still had to lug around the guitar case with a sword hidden inside it. Both Elizalina and Anne had asked him to y for them, but he always refused, knowing that the case held a de, not an instrument.

    He hadn''t contacted his family at all, and they hadn''t bothered him since he had settled into his new life. asionally, he exchanged texts with his sisters, but nothing more. Until recently that is, when they called.

    On a side note he had Warth forpany. The evil horse had grown weaker while residing in his shadow, but it was still a creature too dangerous to release. Carrisa had told him that if he could defeat the monstrous bicorn in a fight, it would start to obey him¡ªreluctantly, she had added¡ªor if he gained a true name, it would acknowledge him.

    ''Telling me it would obey reluctantly doesn''t exactly assure me, Carrisa,'' Alicarde thought to himself. ''And I''m not in the mood to suffer more than I already do. I think I may need a therapist.''

    As the day drew to a close, he was heading to his car with Elizalina by his side when she spoke up.

    "So... ahhm, Ali... I wanted to, ehm, thank you for helping me today." Her usual refined tone was absent, and she seemed to struggle with her words.

    Alicarde noticed her hesitation but waited patiently for her to finish.

    "It''s no trouble, Elly. What are friends for?" He smiled, giving her a reassuring thumbs-up.

    Elizalina moved closer to him, standing directly in front of him.

    "Even so... I should give my hero my thanks." She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, her face turning beet red before she fled the scene, leaving him standing there with a wide grin on his face.

    Alicarde was no stranger to receiving kisses on the cheek¡ªhis mother had showered him with them as her only son, and Carrisa had recently done the same. But Elizalina''s little peck had a different effect on him, it left him grinning like an idiot. There was no one around to see him, so he didn''t bother hiding his happiness.

    He got into his car and drove home, still smiling like a fool. His happiness was short-lived, though, as he soon ran into Argint, the werewolf menace.

    "Why the hell are you grinning like an idiot?" Argint''s voice snapped him out of his reverie.

    Her words brought him back to reality. "Leave me alone, I haven''t the time for your antics," he muttered, trying to brush past her.

    But Argint wasn''t having it. She grabbed his arm, raising an eyebrow.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "Haven''t...? Youe back smelling weird, and now you''ve started talking like someone''s grandpa."

    Alicarde trembled slightly¡ªhe had unconsciously picked that up from Elizalina. While she had adopted his manner of speaking, was he subconsciously adopting hers?

    Before he could retort, Argint grabbed him and began her usual ritual of rubbing against him.

    "You are not going into this residence smelling like that. I have to sanctify you from all unclean things," she dered, her body heat seeping into his skin.

    Alicarde tried to protest, but his voice came out muffled as he found himself buried in her ample chest. It felt as though she was going to suffocate him.

    In his mind, he could only think, ''When I said I wanted to be suffocated with them, this was not what I meant.''

    Argint was oblivious to his thoughts. She finished her ritual and let him go, her thin, skimpy clothes not helping his situation. Alicarde, after all, was a hot-blooded young man.

    ''We really need to start setting boundaries here,'' he mused as he followed her into the mansion.

    Despite this, his mood remained buoyant. He found Carrisa and Amena together on the fourth-floor balcony.

    "What is the asion, Alicarde? You seem unusually pleased today." Carrisa''s voice was smooth and measured, her expression one of curiosity.

    Alicarde was baffled¡ªhe had stopped grinning ages ago, so how did she know? He wasn''t about to tell her that he had been grinning like an idiot because of a mere kiss on the cheek.

    "Nah, nothing. It''s no big deal," Alicarde replied dismissively, trying to y it cool.

    She didn''t believe him. She made her own conjectures.

    "I suspect the forting convocation ceremony stirs more excitement in you than you are willing to admit. It is, after all, tomorrow."

    Alicarde wasn''t surprised that she knew. This was Carrisa, after all. He had no idea how long her arms actually were or how far they reached.

    ''But if she''s going to make her own guess, there''s no need to embarrass myself by correcting her,'' he contemted.

    "So what about it?" Alicarde answered cool-headedly.

    She smiled at his words. "You may indulge in whatever you wish, save for fornication with strange women. Infidelity is something I find intolerable," she remarked, sipping her tea. "Of course, should your potential mistress possess the fortitude to engage me in a battle to the death, I may reconsider."

    Alicarde was a bit taken aback. He sighed, giving her a tired stare.

    "I''m not your husband, and you aren''t Hera. Most importantly, we aren''t dating; we just live together. But I do admit that was a nice attempt at being humorous. I kinda like dark humor."

    She sighed, cing her teacup down gently. "I suppose we shall see in time. I have little patience for worthless people encroaching upon what is mine."

    Her voice was reminiscent of a winter that would never end. He turned to Amena.

    "She''s kidding, right?" he asked Amena.

    The doll-like maid ignored him. He turned to Argint, who was doing push-ups on the far end of the balcony.

    "You heard her, right? She''s joking, right?" he asked Argint.

    "Guess you''ll have to fuck around and find out, won''t you?" Her reply was not reassuring.

    In the end, he chalked it up to them pulling his leg. Tomorrow was his convocation day, he hatedrge crowds. He really wished he didn''t have to go, but he had promised Anne they would spend the day together. If he missed it, she would end him, immortality be damned.

 Chapter 34 Confession

    The day of the convocation arrived, and with it, a mixture of anticipation and dread for Alicarde. Wanting to avoid standing out too much, he chose a simple yet cool outfit¡ªa crisp white button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves, dark blue slim-fit jeans that highlighted his figure, and a ck leather jacket for an edgy touch.

    Hepleted the look with sleek ck boots and a silver brand-name watch he found in his room-sized closet, secretly hoping the stones stud weren''t actual diamonds. Sadly, they were. His hair was slightly tousled, and he slung his guitar case over his shoulder, though it ominously contained his sword instead.

    The campus was bustling with activity, filled with decorations, food stalls, and the buzz of students preparing for the big day. Alicarde made his way to Malefica''s office, the weight of his assignment in his hands growing heavier with each step.

    ''That damn evil witch,'' he thought, still sore from the grueling work she had demanded. With help from Anne and Elizalina, he had managed to finish it, but he still feared it wouldn''t meet her sky-high standards.

    Reaching Malefica''s door, he took a deep breath and knocked.

    "Enter," her cold, imperious voice called from within.

    He stepped inside to find her seated behind her desk, her sharp eyes locking onto him immediately. She gestured for him to sit, and he handed over the assignment, his hands trembling slightly.

    "Good morning, Professor," he greeted, trying to keep his voice steady.

    Malefica began flipping through the document, her expression unreadable. After what felt like an eternity, she looked up. "Mr. Asad," she began, her tone icy.

    "Please, you can call me Alicarde. It''s no problem at all," he replied nervously.

    She nodded with indifference.

    ''Geez, it''s not like you haven''t been calling me Alicarde already, you witch. Calling me Mr. Asad now could give me a heart attack,'' he thought, his indignation kept safely hidden.

    After a few more minutes of perusing his work, she finally spoke.

    "Your written work is adequate. However, you must also present your findings. Be in my office at 8 PM sharp."

    Alicarde''s heart sank. Public speaking was his worst nightmare, and presenting in front of Malefica made it even worse. But he had no choice. The worst part? 8 PM was when the real fun would start, and he''d be stuck here instead.

    ''She really is a witch, a heartless one at that,'' he felt utterly wronged.

    "Yes, Professor. I''ll be there," he agreed, trying to mask his dread.

    She set the paper aside but didn''t dismiss him. Instead, she looked at him, her gaze piercing.

    "As of today, there have been three hundred and fifty-two cases of missing people in this city. What are your thoughts on this, Mr. Asad... or rather, Alicarde?"

    His expression stiffened. He didn''t understand where she was going with this.

    "I still stand by my beliefs. This is a problem best left to the police," Alicarde replied, eager to escape her office.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    She tapped her finger on her desk, her strict expression unchanged. "Tell me, if you had the power to prevent a tragedy unrted to you, would you do it? This is purely hypothetical, of course."

    Alicarde was exhausted from her mind games. He''d had enough of her already.

    "If I had the power... sure, I would. But since this is purely hypothetical, I don''t have any such power," he answered, trying to keep his cool.

    Malefica smiled¡ªa rare sight, and it unnerved him.

    "So, you''re saying that if you had the power to help prevent a tragedy, you would do it, no questions asked?" she asked, her smile strangely beautiful.

    Her words felt like a trap, but he answered anyway. "Yes, I would. If I can prevent a tragedy with my limited abilities, I would."

    "Very well, then. You may leave... but remember, I''m not done with you yet. My office, 8 PM, don''t bete," she dismissed him.

    He cursed her in his mind, ''Witch, demon, spawn of hell... why do you torture me so?'' But he kept his curses silent, knowing better than to let them slip.

    As he left her office, he texted Anne, knowing she''d kill him if he waste. After finding her, they made their way to the most crowded parts of the campus.

    Arge stage had been set up, with lights, banners, and everything in between. The campus was packed, with some family members even joining in the celebration. His parents had offered to fly in for the asion, but he had shut that down quickly.

    Carissa had also offered toe, but he told her to stay away. She was too much trouble. She had pouted, almost making him feel guilty, but his resolve to keep her out of his normal life was stronger.

    The campus was alive with excitement. The stage was adorned with the university''s emblem, and a sea of students, faculty, and proud family members filled the area. The administration had really gone all out for this event, even inviting some celebrities to perform.

    As the boring formalities finally ended, the real party began. The sun was setting, and the energy of the event grew. He and Anne tried every food stall they could find, yed games, and returned to the now even more bustling stage area.

    The crowd was lively, and a popr music group took to the stage, their performance electrifying everyone.

    Then, to his surprise, Elizalina stepped onto the stage. Her silver hair caught the lights, and the crowd hushed, curious. Her eyes scanned the crowd,nding on him. She was clearly nervous, her face flushed, and her legs trembling.

    "Alicarde!" she called out, her voice booming through the speakers. "I... I... I''m in love with you. Please go out with me. I''ve been head over heels for you since we first met," her voice shook, and her eyes glistened with tears.

    Alicarde''s eyes widened not expecting this sudden revtion.

    The crowd immediately turned to him, everyone around him scattering, leaving him feeling isted and exposed. Only Anne remained by his side. The murmurs grew louder, and the guys in the crowd didn''t seem happy for him at all.

    "Is she serious?" someone muttered.

    "That lucky bastard," another voice grumbled.

    "She''s the campus belle, why him?" a third voice questioned.

    "I hate him" another expressed.

    Rich bastard, getting all the hot girls" some else chimed.

    "I love you Alicarde" Elizalina screamed into the mic with her alluring voice, her words silenced everyone.

    The silence that followed her confession was brief but intense. The crowd soon erupted into cheers and apuse. "Say yes! Say yes!" they chanted, their voices blending into a thunderous roar. Alicarde felt the pressure. If he said no, Elizalina would be socially ruined.

    But if he said yes... did he really want to date the campus belle?

    He didn''t have much time to think. The crowd''s cheers grew louder, and he felt trapped. Anne stood beside him, ring coldly at Elizalina.

    With no other choice, he nodded through the noise. Someone handed him a mic, and he felt all eyes on him. Taking a deep breath, he spoke into the mic.

    "Ehmm, Elly... I''m d you feel that way about me... I errrh feel the same way too," he lied, trying not to sound as panicked as he felt.

    Anne''s eyes narrowed, and she walked away, leaving him to deal with the chaos. On stage, Elizalina''s face lit up with a breathtaking smile, stunning everyone as she leapt off the stage and into his arms. The crowd cheered, but Alicarde was already looking for a way out.

    A few minutes passed after he noticed that attention was no longer on them.

    He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Elly, I need to go. Malefica wants me to make a presentation on my paper."

    She nodded, releasing his hand, and he slipped away to find Anne. He knew she didn''t like Elizalina, and he needed to exin things.

    Meanwhile, Anne had walked to a more secluded part of the campus, needing to be alone. She was frustrated, feeling betrayed. She had never trusted Elizalina, always on guard around her. Now, seeing her friend unable to say no, and worse, actually saying yes, hurt her more than she expected.

    The quiet area was covered by a few trees, giving it an eerie silence. As she stood there, she heard a growl behind her. Turning around, she froze, her eyes widening in terror at the grotesque creature before her. She couldn''t breathe, her body paralyzed by fear.

    Her heart raced as the creature reached out with long, sickle-like ws and grabbed her. Before she passed out, she faintly heard Alicarde''s voice, yelling her name. She couldn''t turn to him, though, and as the creature pulled her away, she saw a blurry image of her friend running towards her.

    The wind rushed past her as the creature carried her off to an unknown destination, and then everything went ck.

 Chapter 35 Taken

    Alicarde nced at his phone. It was 7:30. That demanding witch Malefica wanted him in her office by 8 PM sharp, and he couldn''t bete. He had to find Anne first. He didn''t understand why Elizalina had suddenly confessed to him, but he would settle that problemter. For now, talking to Anne came first.

    Anne was a smart girl. She would have figured out he was just intimidated by therge crowd and didn''t want to hurt Elizalina. He was well aware that she didn''t like Elizalina one bit.

    He ced his phone in his shallow jacket pocket and held the straps of his guitar case, which contained his sword. He always carried it with him. As he searched the deserted area, far from the crowd, he kept his senses alert.

    After leaving the crowd behind, he finally found Anne. She was alone and hadn''t noticed him, her expression tense, suggesting she was in a sour mood.

    Before he could call out to her, his voice choked in his throat at what he saw.

    Anne had just turned to face it, and her face mirrored the fear that hit Alicarde''s chest like a hammer. The creature was the incarnation of dread. Its hunched, muscr body, grotesquely powerful, loomed over her. Elongated limbs ended in sickle-like ws, sharp enough to carve through flesh with ease.

    Its head was a nightmare, twisted and gnarled, with pointed ears and a maw filled with jagged fangs. A sinister snarl was permanently etched into its hideous face, dripping with menace.

    As it unleashed its aura of paralyzing fear, Anne froze, her body trembling as pure terror overwhelmed her. Alicarde didn''t hesitate¡ªhis legs moved before he could think, adrenaline pushing him into action.

    "Anne! Anne! Get away from there, Anne!" His voice cracked with urgency, but it was useless. The monstrous figure gripped her in its wed hands and, with a horrifying leap, bolted off into the darkness.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The ring music drowned out his scream, and no one in the distant crowd noticed as the creature snatched his friend. Desperation surged in his veins. He activated his body-enhancing magic, sprinting after it with reckless abandon.

    The twisted creature, with its hideous legs, sped through the campus grounds, holding Anne''s limp body.

    Evergreen University was massive, and most of its grounds were still left to nature. The creature shot into the dense woods, its movements almost like an animal, leaping from tree to tree as the darkness swallowed it whole.

    But Alicarde was not one to give up easily. His body was pushed to the limit, weaving through the trees, his training with Arginting to life. She had taught him how to move with speed and agility¡ªwerewolf techniques to mimic their natural grace and raw power. And he used every ounce of that now.

    The creature was a blur, its limbs slicing through the foliage like a scythe through grain. Its glowing red eyes zed with malevolence as it carried Anne deeper into the woods.

    The terrain became rougher, and the creature moved with frightening speed, leaping over rocks, sliding under fallen logs, and darting across streams.

    Branches whipped across Alicarde''s face, tearing at his clothes, but he pressed on, every cut and scrape healing almost instantly due to his magic-enhanced endurance.

    The gap between them was growing. Alicarde''s desperation deepened, fear for Anne''s safety gnawing at his core. He grabbed a stick, intending to hurl it like a spear at the creature, but quickly abandoned the idea. One wrong move, and Anne would be the one paying the price.

    He grit his teeth and pushed his body harder, the sound of his breath ragged in his ears. They emerged from the woods onto the outskirts of the forest, where the ground sloped downward toward the city.

    The creature didn''t hesitate. With Anne clutched in its grip, it leapt off a cliff, disappearing into the dizzying drop below. Alicarde followed without thinking, diving after them.

    The wind howled in his ears as he fell, his body spinning midair. Gravity pulled him down fast, but not fast enough. He stretched his arms out, desperately trying to close the gap between him and the creature.

    The moment of impact was brutal¡ªhis feet mmed into the ground with a loud thud, and he rolled across the rough terrain. His bruises began healing almost immediately, his body''s regenerative abilities already working to patch him up.

    The creature had already gained ground, sprinting toward the city, but Alicarde was right behind it. He could see the distant glow of the city lights as the creature climbed the sides of buildings with rming speed, gouging deep marks in the brick and concrete as it ascended.

    Alicarde jumped onto the nearest building, his fingers scraping for purchase on the jagged edges. His muscles ached with magic-fueled strength, but he pushed on, driven by the thought of saving Anne.

    They moved like phantoms through the city, the creature darting over rooftops, slipping through narrow alleys, and leaping across streets in a blur of motion.

    Alicarde was relentless in his pursuit, his eyes locked onto the fiend, knowing he couldn''t let it escape with Anne.

    At one point, the creature stopped, seemingly annoyed by his persistence. With a snarl, it ripped arge metal water tank off a rooftop and hurled it at Alicarde.

    He barely managed to roll out of the way as the tank crashed down, sending shards of metal and water spraying across the rooftop.

    The creature leaped into a dark alley, running along the walls with terrifying agility. Alicarde followed, adrenaline surging through him.

    "Damn it, goddammit," he cursed under his breath, frustration boiling over.

    In a moment of improvisation, he snatched the lid of a trash can and flung it like a Frisbee at the creature. It connected, sending the creature tumbling onto a pedestrian street below. The few passersby who caught a glimpse were frozen in shock and confusion, but Alicarde didn''t stop to exin.

    The creature dashed into another alley, climbing the walls of a smooth skyscraper as if gravity meant nothing. Alicarde cursed again as he tried to leap after it, but his human hands found no purchase on the slick ss. He could only watch in horror as the creature vanished over the rooftop, taking Anne with it.

    "NO! NO!" His voice cracked as despair wed at his throat. He reached the top of the building, but the creature had disappeared. His knees buckled, and he copsed to the ground, gasping for air.

    "No¡­ no¡­ Anne¡­ no, no, noooo¡­" His fists pounded the ground with fury, cracking the concrete beneath him as his screams echoed through the empty rooftop.

    "I can''t give up. I won''t give up." Alicarde forced himself to his feet, his resolve hardening. But as he reached into his jacket pocket for his phone, panic set in. It was gone¡ªlost in the chaos of the chase. His only means of contacting anyone had slipped away.

    He felt the walls closing in around him. Alone. Lost. His heart raced with dread as his mind filled with the worst possibilities for Anne. But he couldn''t let those thoughts consume him. There had to be a way.

    As he stood, scanning the rooftop for any sign of the creature, a thought struck him.

    "The marks..." He whispered, his eyes narrowing.

    The creature had left w marks everywhere during the chase. He could follow them.

    With renewed determination, he scoured the rooftop, searching for any sign of its trail. After a tense ten minutes, he found it¡ªa faint but unmistakable set of gouges leading in one direction.

    Toward the docks.

    "Hold on, Anne, I''ming." His voice was cold with resolve as he drew his sword from the guitar case. His heart beat steadily, not with fear, but with purpose. The Alicarde who once feared monsters was long gone. He had grown, and nothing would stand between him and saving his friend.

    Without another moment''s hesitation, he sprinted into the night, following the creature''s trail, vowing to hunt it down¡ªno matter what.

 Chapter 36 Den Of Monsters

    Alicarde made his way to the docks, the air thick with the salty scent of the sea and the distant hum of machinery.

    Shadows crept behind him, stretching long and ominous as the night deepened, his familiar''s glowing violet eyes visible within the inky darkness that clung to his form.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The steady rhythm of waves crashing against the docked ships was a constant backdrop, in the salty night.

    His steps were slow, deliberate. His eyes, dark and gloomy, scanned the area with a sharpness that belied his outward calm.

    Every muscle in his body tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the familiar weight of his sword as he closed the distance.

    "Anne will be fine... she has to be," he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. His voice was quiet, swallowed by the sea breeze as the tension hung in the humid air.

    The scene ahead was dimly illuminated by a faint vehicle light in the distance, casting long shadows over thendscape.

    The area was otherwise shrouded in darkness, thick and oppressive. As he drew nearer, the low murmur of human voices reached his ears. He slipped into the darkness, bing one with the surrounding crates and debris, moving with the grace of a stealthy Nightshade.

    Arge truck was in the middle of the dock, its trailer standing open and empty. Mafia thugs were dragging terrified people out of view, herding them like cattle toward an abandoned building nearby.

    Alicarde''s gaze swept over the scene, noting the dark shapes flitting between the humans and the guttural growlsing from the unseen creatures that lurked in the shadows. His heart sank as the realization hit him, the thing that took Anne wasn''t alone.

    He watched in silence as thest of the victims were shoved inside, the mafia grunts mming the door shut behind them.

    Alicarde clenched his teeth in disgust, his mind reeling from the sight of humans feeding other humans to monsters. But he couldn''t act rashly. Anne came first.

    ''Hmm... seems like the city''s underbelly is neck-deep in this mess,'' he mused, recalling Malefica''s warnings and the persistent rumors that had circted throughout the city.

    ''They must''ve been behind all the other kidnappings.''

    He crouched behind a stack of crates, observing the mafia men as they huddled together, talking in low voices, their fear palpable.

    "Do you think the boss knows what he''s doing?" one of the men whispered, ncing nervously at the surrounding shadows.

    "He better," another replied, his voice trembling. "These things give me the creeps. But the boss says these deals keep our pockets full."

    "Shut up," a third man hissed. "You wanna end up like those poor bastards inside?"

    "Yeah, my bad," the first man muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

    Another man, standing apart from the group, lit a cigarette, the glow of the me briefly illuminating his scarred face.

    "I don''t know about you sons of bitches, but I think this is easy money. All we gotta do is grab some people off the streets. Kidnapping those pregnant women was even easier. Heh, just punch ''em in the gut, and they go quiet real fast."

    "Geez, man, you''re a piece of work, you prick" the first thug grumbled in disgust.

    "Well, they don''t call him the Mad Dog for nothing," the second man chuckled. "We''ll just call him a rich prick when this job''s done."

    "Yeah, and maybe next time, we''ll grab a couple of rich girls. We y with them a bit then feed them to monster" another thug chimed in,ughing darkly.

    Alicarde''s stomach churned. These men were trash, reveling in their cruelty. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, the urge to ughter them all nearly overwhelming him. But he couldn''t. Not yet. Saving Anne came first.

    He slinked around the side of the building, searching for a less guarded entrance. Moving like a shade, he avoided the mafia guards and the prowling creatures until he found a narrow passage leading into the building.

    The closer he got, the louder the sounds of screaming and inhuman growls became. His skin crawled with unease. He couldn''t allow himself to imagine the worst. Anne had to be okay. She had to be.

    Inside, the scene was far worse than he had expected. The floor was slick with blood, and dismembered bodiesy strewn across the room, intestines and organs piled in grotesque heaps. The walls were smeared with dark, congealed blood, and the nauseating stench of rot filled the air.

    Alicarde fought the urge to vomit, forcing himself to breathe through his mouth.

    Every step he took crunched underfoot as he identally stepped on human bones, skulls cracked open and flesh half-chewed. His heart pounded in his chest, abination of fear and rage, as he pressed forward, determined to find Anne.

    A faint noise from one of the rooms ahead caught his attention. He froze, sword drawn, every muscle ready forbat.

    The building was vast, and from the sounds of it, the creatures were scattered throughout. He moved slowly, making his way toward the source of the noise. It wasing from behind a closed door.

    Sword ready, he pushed the door open slowly, his violet eyes glowing in the dark as he prepared to strike. He moved toward the sound behind the desk. But instead of a monster, he found a little girl crouching behind a desk, clutching a small figurine of a superhero.

    Alicarde blinked, his stance loosening as he took in the sight. The girl couldn''t have been more than ten or eleven, dressed in a dusty pink shirt and blue skirt, her face streaked with soot and tears.

    She trembled, her tiny form shrinking into the corner of the desk as if she could make herself invisible.

    "Hey, little girl... what''s up? How did you end up here?" Alicarde asked softly, trying to put on the gentlest expression he could muster, though it was difficult, given the circumstances.

    The girl remained silent, her tear-filled eyes wide with fear. She clutched her figurine tighter, clearly not trusting him¡ªperhaps with good reason. Alicarde sighed, understanding her hesitation.

    His gaze drifted to the figurine she held. "Is that Storm Man? And it''s a limited edition, too. I love Storm Man. He''s the strongest superhero out there."

    The girl''s eyes flickered between her figurine and Alicarde, still wary but a little less scared.

    "Don''t worry. I''m not one of the bad guys. I''m here to help," Alicarde assured her, his voice soft.

    Her eyes brimmed with tears again, but this time, they were apanied by a flicker of hope.

    "Really? You''re here to rescue me and my mommy and everyone else?"

    Alicarde''s heart clenched at her words. ''Her mother... she was brought here too?'' he thought, but kept silent about it.

    "Yes, I''m here to help. The bad guys took my friend, too," he said with a faint smile.

    "Then you''ll save my mommy?" she asked, her voice trembling with desperation.

    "I''ll do everything I can," Alicarde promised.

    "Promise?" The word came out as a shaky whisper.

    "Promise," he nodded.

    "What''s your name kid" Alicarde asked softly

    The girl sniffled, wiping her tears. "My name''s Lily. Lily Walker."

    "Nice to meet you, Lily. I''m Alicarde, but you can call me Ali if you want," he said with a gentle smile.

    "Okay Mister hero" the girl whispered.

    Errgh... I''m not a hero just Ali would be fine" Alicarde reiterated.

    "You''re like a superhero... You came to save me," she said with wide, innocent eyes.

    Alicarde chuckled softly. "I''m no superhero, but I''ll do my best."

    He gently asked, "Can you tell me what happened here?"

    Lily took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper as she recounted the horrors.

    "Bad men took us. They brought us here, and then the monsters came. They took my mommy... I hid, but I could hear her screaming."

    Alicarde''s chest tightened. "I''ll find your mommy, but I need you to stay here and be very quiet, okay?"

    Lily''s eyes widened, and she shook her head fiercely. "Please don''t leave me! It''s scary here, please..." she begged, tears streaming down her cheeks again.

    Alicarde hesitated, torn between the need to protect her and the danger of bringing her along. But leaving her here alone wasn''t an option. He sighed and crouched down, meeting her at eye level.

    "Okay, listen. If youe with me, you need to be very quiet. This ce is filled with monsters, and I''ll be fighting them, so you can''t make a sound. Do you understand?" Alicarde whispered urgently.

    Lily nodded, her fear less visible than before.

    "Promise?" Alicarde extended his pinky finger toward her.

    "Pinky promise," she whispered back, linking her small finger with his.

    "you got to remember a pinky Promise is sacred, so don''t make a peep, okay" Alicarde whispered still unsure if he should bring her along.

    Alicarde  gave her a slight nod and picked her up, settling her on his back. She clung to him tightly, wrapping her arms around his neck but keeping silent, just as he had asked.

    With renewed resolve, Alicarde rose to his feet and moved toward the door. He had to save Anne, Lily''s mother, and anyone else he could. As he crept through the hallways, the sound of feasting grew louder. Rounding a corner, he spotted one of the creatures hunched over a body, tearing into its flesh.

    Alicarde''s grip tightened on his sword. He dashed forward in a blur, slicing through the creature''s neck with a single swing. Its decapitated head fell on the floor, leaving a fountain of its lifeblood spraying out.

    Lily was silent, only holding on to him harder. The ughter had begun. He would kill them all and save Anne.

 Chapter 37 Transformations

    The darkness was eerie, the stench of rot and decay apanied by the disgusting air of blood, flesh, bones, and innards filled the building. Lily couldn''t see in that darkness, all she could perceive were the noises and the moving shapes, unsure if they were the creatures or just the darkness ying at her fears.

    She was afraid, so terribly so. The hero who had found her was strong, and she found somefort in that. He had a long ck sword, and from his back, she could see the faint violet glow of his eyes. She tightened her grip on him and remained silent, closing her eyes, wishing to wake up from this long nightmare.

    She could not see very much, except when they passed by a window and the faint light from the outside dimly lit up the area. Even that only made things scarier as the shadows danced and grew from the faint light.

    Alicarde didn''t have that problem. He could see just fine. His heart was now full of fury, leaving no room for his fears to catch up, and he wouldn''t let them. He kept a cool head, he had to. Anne must live through this nightmare, and he would make sure of that. Holding his sword tightly, he moved past the decapitated head of his foe.

    He avoided the light, even though he knew it meant nothing. These creatures could see into the darkness as well as he could, but the embrace of the shadows still gave him some degree offort.

    The walls felt close, and each step made the air colder, the decay sharper. Lily remained quiet, which was good. If she had made any noise, they would be so screwed. Not that it would matter much¡ªthe building was alive with the grotesque sounds of feeding, the hungry growls of the creatures feasting on flesh.

    Alicarde felt the urge to run like hell, to just get out of there. But he couldn''t. Who was he supposed to call? The police? They stood no chance against these monsters. He could call Carrisa for assistance, but that wasn''t possible without his phone.

    Going back to get help would mean leaving Anne to die.

    ''I can only press on and hope for the best,'' he thought, suppressing his fears.

    Who was he kidding? This ce was an abattoir, a human ughterhouse. The walls seemed to bleed. His nerves were taut, fear snapping at the edges of his mind. He pushed the doubts down. If he ran now, he''d never live with himself.

    Could he abandon his friend just because he was scared? Never.

    He crouched down, spotting three of the creatures. Their grotesque forms huddled over a human carcass, feasting. They raised their heads from their meal, red eyes gleaming in the dark as they turned their sights toward him. He held his breath and hid behind an open door, sword in hand. He could feel Lily trembling, her breath hot against his neck.

    He focused, listening to their movements. One of them was approaching. No point in hiding now. He braced himself. The creature''s long scythe-like ws scraped the ground, sending sparks as it neared the door.

    Alicarde could have hidden in the small room behind him, but it was a dead end, too cramped to fight, so he stayed in the open.

    The creature''s misshapen legs creaked closer, and its grotesque head poked around the doorframe. Without hesitation, he swung his sword, decapitating it cleanly, then dashed toward the other two with a full-speed sprint.

    Lily clung tighter to him as he moved. The creatures growled, their ws shing at him, but he slid under the legs of the first, appearing behind it. With one swift motion, he plunged his sword through its skull. It fell limp, and before the second could react, he thrust his de into its gaping mouth, driving it deep until it copsed.

    Its body hit the floor with a thud, twitching a few times before going still.

    The battle was brief, the sickening quiet following the creatures'' deaths. He exhaled, his relief short-lived. He hadn''t attracted any attention... yet. His eyes flickered toward his shadow. Warth, the bicorn, stared back at him with cold, violet eyes, imprisoned within his shadow.

    Ignoring it, he continued forward, deeper into the building. Three enemies had been easy, but soon he was meeting groups of six, stepping over the increasing number of human bones and rotting organs. Lily grew more agitated, her grip tightening.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    They reached a room filled with the corpses of women. He checked, hoping none were Anne. The gruesome scene seared into his mind. The dismembered bodies, the bloated fetuses that had barely formed, grotesque parodies of human life.

    ''Were these women pregnant?'' he wondered, bile rising in his throat.

    He fought the urge to vomit. Lily couldn''t. She slid from his back and ran to a wall, retching. Alicarde gently rubbed her back, suppressing his own nausea.

    "Are you okay, Lily?" he whispered softly.

    The little girl nodded, silent as promised. She looked into his glowing violet eyes, and he motioned for her to get back on his back. She did, and he quickened his pace, heart pounding with urgency. He had to find Anne before she became just another corpse in this nightmare.

    Ahead, he spotted a small horde of creatures feasting by a massive metal door. Human screams echoed from behind it. He couldn''t fight them all at once, not in the open with Lily on his back. He needed to lure them into the corridors, where their numbers would mean nothing.

    "Hey there, you ugly sons of bitches," he yelled, immediately regretting the words, not because the creatures charged at him, but because he remembered Lily could hear him curse.

    Still, it kept him calm as they barreled toward him. He retreated into the narrow corridors, where their size worked against them.

    The first creature lunged, and with an upward swing, he severed its head. The next came swiftly, but his sword struck the wall in his haste. He cursed inwardly, wishing it were shorter. To his surprise, it shrank in his hand, morphing to match his needs.

    He didn''t have time to marvel. He thrust the de into the neck of the third, following up with a swift kick to its corpse, sending it crashing into the others.

    They tumbled under its weight, and Alicarde didn''t hesitate. He leaped forward, shing through the remaining creatures with swift, precise strikes, each swing finding its mark. Blood sttered against the walls as their lifeless bodies copsed.

    The fightsted minutes. Lily had wrapped herself tightly around his waist and neck, her fear palpable. He had kept them from surrounding him, and it worked. They were safe for now.

    "Let''s go, Lily. We''re close to finding your mom and my friend," he whispered. She nodded again, her small body trembling against his.

    He made his way back to the metal door, walking past the dead. Blood soaked his shoes, and he was sure both he and Lily were covered in it.

    He pushed the door open gently, revealing a massive production chamber filled with machinery. The faint sounds of the sea reached his ears. Creatures lurked within the machines, toying with the few remaining humans. A massive magic circle stretched across the floor, its symbols glowing faintly. He saw her.

    Anney unconscious among the huddled survivors. His heart sank. The people he had thought were being toyed with stopped moving, one man grabbing his head and screaming as his skin exploded. His hands grew into ws, his face morphing into a monstrous form.

    The others followed, their bodies twisting grotesquely, some failing and exploding into pools of blood. Alicarde turned Lily''s head away from the carnage.

    His eyes scanned the room. Most of the victims were pregnant women and children, the men either turned or dead, with a few exceptions. Anne was there, unconscious, moments away from bing a monster or worse.

    He didn''t have time to hesitate. He had to act now.

 Chapter 38 Alicardes Choice

    Alicarde watched as he stepped into a scene straight out of a nightmare. Therge production chamber was a grotesque disy of death and despair, with the smell of misery heavy in the air. Fear gripped him, but he knew he couldn''t turn back.

    The heavy machinery loomed like silent sentinels, their surfaces coated in dried blood and chunks of flesh.

    The sheer scale of the horror around him made his stomach churn, but he swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Lily was trembling beside him, her unease growing stronger by the minute.

    The floor was a grotesque carpet of human remains¡ªdismembered bodies, shattered bones, and thick pools of coagted blood. The stench of decay was almost unbearable.

    Bodiesy scattered across the room¡ªmen, women, even children. Some had been partially devoured, while others had been twisted into grotesque, half-transformed monsters. The walls were smeared with dark, dried blood, and the sickening metallic scent filled the air.

    It was almost too much for him to bear, but Alicarde steeled his nerves. He couldn''t falter now.

    Dozens of creatures roamed the chamber, their grotesque forms illuminated by the faint light streaming through therge ss windows high above.

    They were a mix of once-humans, now twisted and deformed, and fully inhuman beasts with long ws, rows of jagged teeth, and eyes glowing with a sinister light.

    They prowled the room, toying with whatever humans had the misfortune to survive.

    "Lily, you need to hide here," Alicarde whispered urgently, guiding her toward a small space beneath one of the machines.

    "Stay quiet and don''te out until Ie back."

    Lily nodded, eyes wide with terror, and crawled into the hiding spot. Alicarde stood up, sword in hand, and prepared to move forward.

    "Which one is your mom?" he asked.

    Lily''s voice was shaky as she pointed at a pregnant woman, her long auburn hair matted, and her clothes torn.

    The woman''s face was a mask of exhaustion and despair, her swollen belly a  reminder of the life she still carried.

    Alicarde nodded. ''I can''t leave her like this.''

    "Okay, stay here. I''ll get them out." He had no real n¡ªjust a desperate drive to try.

    He moved stealthily, keeping to the shadows. The people trapped inside the chamber began to notice him, their voices low but filled with both hope and fear.

    "Who is that?"

    "Is he going to help us?"

    "Oh God, please let him save us."

    "Help us¡­ please, somebody¡­"

    "Where''s my child? Have you seen my baby?"

    Alicarde raised his index finger to his lips, gesturing for silence, but it was toote. Their whispers had drawn the creatures'' attention.

    The monsters'' eyes snapped towards the humans, their ears twitching as they searched for the intruder. The first one spotted him, its glowing eyes narrowing with malice before it lunged, ws extended.

    The creature, used to helpless prey, underestimated him. Alicarde sidestepped the attack and swiftly sliced its arm off. With a quick decapitation, the beast fell to the ground, blood pooling beneath its limp body.

    The others turned to him, growling, and began to swarm. The sight of so many closing in at once was terrifying, but Alicarde held his sword tight, his breath steady.

    He swung his sword downward, cleaving through the first creature with ease, then charged into the horde with superhuman strength. His body enhancement magic surged through his limbs as he rammed into them.

    A series of rapid stabs followed¡ªhis sword acting like a rapier, leaving thin, precise holes in the chest of one of the beasts. He rolled swiftly across the blood-soaked floor, dodging lethal strikes with the graceful techniques he''d picked up from Argint.

    He leapt onto one of their heads, driving his sword deep into its skull beforeunching into a backflip, narrowly avoiding the shing ws of another.

    Despite his agility, the sheer number of enemies began to overwhelm him. His clothes were torn, and shallow gashes appeared across his body, but his wounds healed rapidly. Still, they were too many.

    Backing away to catch his breath, Alicarde watched the creatures regroup, their eyes glowing with a sinister intelligence.

    ''They''re learning¡­ adapting.''

    He moved forward again, slicing through another creature, his sword carving a bloody path. His movements were a deadly blend of Carrisa''s precision and Argint''s raw speed and power, though hecked the finesse to fully utilize their techniques. Still, he fought on.

    "He''s fighting them!"

    "Please, save us!"

    "Dear God, we''re going to die!"

    Despite his efforts, the monsters were relentless. As he fought, they began to coordinate, attacking in unison and forcing him on the defensive.

    Then, they changed tactics, targeting the remaining humans.

    "Nooo! Stay away from them, you bastards!" Alicarde shouted, his heart pounding in his chest.

    One of the creatures charged toward Lily''s mother, while another lunged at Anne, whoy unconscious on the ground. His eyes darted between them¡ªhe could only save one.

    "Damn it!" he roared, choosing Anne.

    He charged, driving his sword into the creature mid-lunge and pulling Anne into his arms. A piercing scream echoed through the chamber.

    Lily''s mother was dead. Her severed head hit the floor with a sickening thud,nding at her daughter''s feet. The girl''s scream was pure agony.

    The factory fell silent as all the creatures turned toward Lily. Alicarde''s heart sank as he clutched Anne tightly, his mind clouding in despair. The lifeless expression on Lily''s face ate away at him.

    He held on to Anne and leaped up, soaring a few meters into the air. The vile wind rushed past him, and time seemed to slow as he looked down at the massive beast responsible for the carnage.

    His muscles tensed as they dropped, and he brought his sword down with all his strength. The impact was catastrophic. The ground beneath the monster cracked and buckled, shattering under theirbined weight and force, exposing the dark, swirling sea below.

    Waves crashed against the rocks, the sound muffled by the chaos surrounding them.

    The creatures continued their bloodlust, tearing through the helpless humans. Their screams filled the air, but Alicarde''s focus was only on one person¡ªLily.

    Her hollow, lifeless stare made his chest tighten in guilt. He moved before another creature could reach her, his body a blur of motion. Grabbing her by the waist, he hoisted her onto his back with one arm, while still cradling Anne protectively in the other.

    His hands trembled as they clutched his sword. Fear wed at his mind, but he bit down hard on his lip, focusing on the task at hand. Sweat ran down his brow, mixing with the blood that smeared his face.

    He found himself back at the spot where her mother had died, the same ce where he had first felt the weight of his own powerlessness.

    ''Damn it,'' he cursed silently. The hollow tears in Lily''s eyes made him feel even smaller. Her sorrow was like a physical weight on his shoulders. Regrets flooded his mind¡ªhe should have been stronger, faster.

    Gently cing Anne and Lily by the edge of the hole, the sea now roaring just below them, he stood tall. The weight of their lives now rested squarely on his shoulders. His eyes were locked on the creatures, especially one¡ªthergest and clearly the leader. Which had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

    It stepped forward, towering over the others. Its eyes glinted with a cruel intelligence, and a jagged scar ran from its brow down to its cheek. Rows of sharp, jagged teeth were revealed as it grinned, a sickening sight that made Alicarde''s stomach churn.

    "You''re a brave one," it hissed, its voice dripping with venom. "But bravery won''t save you here, boy."

    Alicarde''s heart pounded, but he wasn''t surprised the creature could talk. Something this monstrous must have been leading them. Carrisa had taught him about creatures like this. He didn''t respond, just tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, bracing himself for what wasing.

    The creature moved with unnatural speed, faster than Alicarde had anticipated. Its wsshed out, barely giving him time to block. The first strike he managed to deflect, but the second caught him across the chest. Pain exploded through him as its ws tore into his flesh.

    The creatureughed, its voice a chilling, guttural sound that echoed off the walls.

    "You''re no match for me," it sneered. "Just another meal."

    Alicarde grit his teeth, staggering back but refusing to fall. He couldn''t. Not now. Not here. With a fierce shout, he lunged at the creature, their weapons shing in a deadly dance of ck steel and white ws.

    But the beast was faster. Stronger. It sted him with a ball of magical energy, and Alicarde''s body was hurled back like a ragdoll, mming hard into the ground beside Anne and Lily.

    His skin sizzled, his chest charred and smoking. He coughed, blood spewing from his lips.

    ''I did my best,'' he thought. ''But it wasn''t enough.''

    The creature stalked toward him, each step filled with sinister intent. Alicarde struggled to push himself up, his arms shaking, but his body was betraying him. His vision swam with darkness.

    Despair gripped his heart as the reality of his failure set in. He couldn''t die¡ªbut Anne and Lily, they would.

    The creature stood over him, ws glinting in the dim light

    . "You fought well," it mocked, its voice dripping with false admiration. "But this is where it ends for you."

    Alicarde forced himself to stand, raising his sword again, but the creature casually stopped the de with one finger.

    "I was certain myst attack should''ve finished you. But it seems we have an undying in our midst," it sneered, stabbing Alicarde with its ws.

    The pain was excruciating. Alicarde gasped, blood bubbling from his mouth as the creature lifted him up like a broken doll.

    "A human undying. How quaint," it mused, throwing him back to the ground like a piece of trash. "Carrisa Evernight wasted her one chance at creating an undying on you. What a joke."

    Alicarde struggled to stand once more, but the creature was relentless. It kicked him back down with ease, sending waves of agony through his body.

    His bones felt like they were made of ss, cracking with each impact. His ribs shattered, shards piercing his heart. He felt utterly broken. Weak. Helpless.

    Fireballs struck his chest, knocking him to his knees.

    ''I tried. I really did.'' His mind raced with desperation. ''Why isn''t it enough? I''m scared. I don''t want Anne to die. I can''t save Lily.

    I''m so useless¡­''

    He stared down at the sea below, dark and menacing. He was quite literally between the devil and the deep blue sea.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    But Alicarde wasn''t ready to give up. Not yet. His mind scrambled for a n¡ªanything that might save them. With a final burst of desperation, he hurled his sword at the creature, buying himself a few precious seconds.

    He grabbed Anne and Lily, hoisting them up, and without hesitation, he leaped into the dark, churning waters below. The icy sea swallowed them whole, their fate unknown.

 Chapter 39 Mysterious Professor

    The night was cold and very cruel, and the dark depths were even deeper. Jumping into the sea was a dangerous gambit, the likelihood of death was extremely high for the young Lily. Anne was also not in good shape¡ªshe hadn''t regained consciousness despite the chaos of the battle.

    He was afraid, terrified, unsure of himself. A feeling of weakness and helplessness gnawed at his heart, like icy tendrils coiling tighter around his chest.

    His breaths came in shallow gasps, his mind racing with self-doubt. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him like an anchor, dragging his confidence deeper into the abyss.

    The icy grip of the dark waters dragged Alicarde down, each stroke a desperate fight against the unforgiving sea. With Anne cradled in one arm and Lily clinging weakly to his back, he struggled to keep their heads above the surface.

    Every wave crashed over them, threatening to pull them under, the sea merciless as he fought to get them to safety. Salt water burned his throat, his muscles screaming for rest, but he pushed on, driven by sheer willpower.

    He had never been the best swimmer. Lily held on to him, her frail arms slipping as the cold weakened her grip, forcing him to support her with every few strokes so she wouldn''t slide into the dark embrace of the cruel, icy, unforgiving sea.

    The weight of the two lives clinging to him felt like lead pulling him under, but he refused to give in.

    ''Just a little further,'' he thought, teeth chattering from the cold. ''I can''t let them die here.''

    Lily''s grip ckened, her small body growing limp, her fragile fingers sliding from his shoulders. Panic surged through him as he realized she was losing consciousness, her body bing dead weight in the frigid waters.

    "Stay with me, Lily," he gasped, spitting out a mouthful of salty water as another wave crashed over them.

    "Please, stay with me... please hold on just a little longer... don''t... don''t die." His voice trembled, cracking under the weight of his desperation.

    His violet eyes, usually so sharp and intense, now reflected only fear and despair. Each shallow breath he took was a struggle, the freezing water sapping his strength with every second.

    Her head lolled against his shoulder, unresponsive. The sight of her pale, lifeless face sent a fresh wave of terror coursing through him. He was losing her¡ªhe was failing them.

    ''Why... why am I so useless? I can''t even protect one little girl,'' his mind spiraled into darkness, the cold and exhaustion amplifying his doubts.

    ''I''m failing them,'' he thought, the realization cutting deeper than any de or ws. ''I can''t save them. I''m not strong enough.''

    ''Why am I so weak?'' Alicarde''s doubts caught up to him like a relentless tide threatening to drown him.

    With a final, herculean effort, he kicked against the current, his muscles burning with exhaustion. The distant lights of the docks seemed like a beacon of salvation, but they were still so far away.

    He pressed on, doubts creeping into his heart¡ªwas the girl on his back dead already? He had to get there fast.

    ''Please, just a little more,'' he begged silently, forcing himself to keep swimming, his body running on pure adrenaline.

    Finally, his feet found the rough texture of the dock''s edge. He hauled himself up, using thest reserves of his strength to lift Anne and Lily onto the cold, hard ground. His arms felt like lead, his lungs burning as he gasped for air. Copsing beside them, he shook with exhaustion, his body trembling uncontrobly from the cold and exertion.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Anne... Lily..." he whispered, his voice barely more than a ragged breath. Anney still, her chest rising and falling shallowly. Lily was unconscious, her face pale and cold, her breath so faint it barely stirred the air. He leaned closer, his heart thudding in his chest, just to make sure they were in fact alive.

    He cursed himself under his breath, his failures crashing over him like the relentless waves that had nearly swallowed them. The sight of their fragile forms haunted him¡ªhis heart felt like it was being crushed under the weight of his own inadequacies.

    ''I''m useless. I couldn''t protect them. I couldn''t save them.''

    His mind reyed the horrors of the factory¡ªthe screams, the sight of Lily''s mother being torn apart before her eyes. The despair in Lily''s gaze as her world shattered. He had promised to save them, to be her hero, and he had failed.

    ''Pathetic, useless...'' his dark thoughts suffocated him like the sea had moments ago.

    ''What kind of hero am I?'' he thought bitterly. ''I couldn''t even protect a child. I couldn''t save her mother. I made the cruel choice of abandoning her.''

    He couldn''t even cry. Once again, his curse of being unable to shed a tear returned. Was this pain an illusion? He wondered if this meant he cared less, if the sorrow he felt was any less real without the cathartic release of tears.

    His heart felt like it was breaking under the weight of his guilt, the pressure squeezing it like a vice. He wanted to scream, to rage against the cruel fate that had brought them to this point. But all he could do was sit in the darkness, watching the fragile bodies of those he had failed.

    The distant sounds of the city were a cruel reminder that life went on, indifferent to their suffering. Alicarde closed his eyes, his body aching, his spirit shattered.

    ''I''ll never forgive or forget this failure. I will never forgive. I swear... I swear,'' he vowed silently. ''Never.''

    He wasn''t quite broken yet, but his heart nursed a growing grudge, a festering wound that fueled his bitterness. He sat there on the cold, unforgiving concrete, despondent, staring at the distant building where he had tasted humiliation, tasted defeat. The bitter taste of it lingered in his mouth like bile.

    Burying his face in his thighs, he sat there, overwhelmed by his despair, unable to move forward or backward.

    "Reality is so cruel," his voice low, a sad echo of his misery.

    He had flung his sword at the enemy earlier. He wasn''t worried¡ªit would return. It always did. That was its one redeeming quality. Until it did, he was unarmed, vulnerable. But he didn''t care.

    He was too lost, too broken in that moment to feel anything but the hollow weight of his failures.

    The crates on the docks stood silent, an uninterested audience to his suffering, the light from distantmps casting long shadows that seemed to mock him, to remind him of his insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

    "What do I do now? Where do I go next?" he asked no one in particr, his voice empty and devoid of hope.

    Yet someone answered.

    "I suppose we get out of here for starters." The familiar voice cut through the cold silence like a knife, imperious and strict.

    He turned, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Professor Malefica Farmazoan?. She stood there, unruffled by the chaos around her, her expression calm andmanding.

    Malefica was dressed impably, as always, in a stylish dark off-the-shoulder blouse that highlighted her elegant corbones, paired with a long, flowing green skirt that entuated her figure. Her sses framed her sharp eyes, and her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of midnight. Large hoop earrings swung gently with her every movement.

    He only gave her a despondent nce. He had already seen her in this outfit today. Normally, he would admire her beauty, but right now, he was in no mood.

    "Who are you really?" he asked, his voice hollow butced with suspicion.

    "You were hinting at this in your office before, weren''t you? And now you show up out of nowhere... are you involved in Anne''s kidnapping?" His despondent eyes flickered with a spark of cold usation.

    Malefica was silent for a moment, her eyes sweeping over Anne and Lily before she sighed softly.

    "I am not, believe it or not. I followed you with a spell. You didn''t show up in my office, so I used a tracking spell," she answered calmly.

    Alicarde''s eyebrows rose in surprise, but his voice grew more aggressive. "Spell? What are you talking about?"

    From the corner of his eye, he noticed a familiar ck metal not too far from him. His sword had returned.

    He swept his hand along the ground, feeling the cold, familiar sensation of the de beneath his fingers. He picked it up, standing to his full height and pointing it directly at Malefica.

    Her expression remained calm, unfazed by the sharp edge now aimed at her.

    "Having one''s professor at de point¡ªthat''s a cause for expulsion, or did you not read the student handbook?" she said sternly, her voice carrying a note of dry amusement.

    Alicarde''s patience was running thin, his emotions on edge.

    "Quit your BS and answer my goddamn question, or you won''t live to see my expulsion."

    Malefica turned to face the sea, her expression distant and thoughtful.

    "I am a witch, a daughter of the soil if you would. I was born on thesends," she adjusted her sses slightly, "so rest assured, I am not your enemy, neither am I allied with those strigoi."

    Alicarde lowered his sword a little. He remembered the word ''strigoi'' from his conversations with Carrisa¡ªsubss vampires, servants to higher-ranking vampires.

    "So... that''s what they are," he muttered. "Tell me what you know, Professor."

    Her expression was unreadable as she met his gaze again. "Seeing as this is no longer an academic matter, you may call me Malefica."

    "Fine... Malefica," he spat her name, his tone cold. "Talk."

    She adjusted her sses, the movement precise. "We can talk elsewhere. First, we must leave. We aren''t safe here. Carry Miss Amicus, and I will take the girl."

    With thest of his energy, Alicarde lifted Anne, following closely behind Malefica as they made their way to her luxurious car. He hesitated for a moment, taking in the sleek design. This woman... she wasn''t just any professor. His doubts only deepened.

    As the car sped off into the night, Alicarde stared into the darkened city streets. He would get his answers, one way or another.

 Chapter 40 The Witch

    Alicarde sat rigidly in the passenger seat of Malefica''s luxurious car, his sword held tightly in his hand, its de pointed directly at her as she drove through the city. He was an emotional wreck at the moment, and he didn''t put it past the professor to be up to no good. After all, he had seen humans aiding the monsters before.

    The neon lights outside shed intermittently, casting fleeting shadows across his face, further darkening his thoughts. The bustling city continued its life, uncaring for the anguish that filled his heart.

    "Who are you, really?" he demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.

    "You hinted at something back in your office, and now you show up out of nowhere. Are you involved in Anne''s kidnapping?"

    He repeated the questions he most wanted answers to.

    Malefica''s eyes remained on the road, her expression calm despite the sharp de threatening her.

    "My name is Malefica Farmazoan?, a witch," she reintroduced herself. "Allow me to reiterate, I am not your enemy. I have been on thesends for a thousand years," her tone shifted slightly, carrying a touch of sadness.

    Alicarde didn''t care about her sob story; he just wanted answers.

    "Until four hundred years ago, when the first settlers built what would be Evergreen City. Ever since, I have watched over this ce," she continued.

    "Watched over it? Really now, you seem to be doing an excellent job... no wonder this city is monster-infested," his sarcastic voice barely masked his resentment.

    Malefica frowned but continued, sensing what he was getting at.

    "A certain incident has left me bereft of my power. The most I can manage are three spells a day and a few parlor tricks," her voice grew more despondent.

    "I am not involved with the Strigoi," she said firmly. "I followed you with a spell because you didn''t show up in my office."

    "A spell?" Alicarde''s grip on the hilt tightened.

    She sighed, adjusting her sses. "Yes, a spell. I used the paper you left on Hawthorn as a catalyst for a tracking spell. I wanted you in my office to enlist your help in dealing with this incident."

    Alicarde''s eyes narrowed. "Why me? And why would I want to help you?"

    "Because," she replied, her voice steady, "I am not your enemy. I have no allegiance to the Strigoi. In fact, I oppose them as much as you do. More importantly, this whole incident began because of you¡ªor rather, that Evernight girling to this city."

    He didn''t lower his sword. "What are you on about? If that thing was after us, it would havee directly for us. Why involve innocent people?"

    "He has another objective, or perhaps he''s just preparing for an offensive," Malefica spoke calmly.

    She turned her face towards him, her gaze intense. "I have no reason to lie to you, Alicarde. I know what you''ve been through tonight, the horrors you faced. I first found out about you because of your familiar when you tried to sneak into my ss."

    She turned her eyes back to the road. "I was startled, to say the least. I looked into you but found nothing. Eventually, I discovered you lived in a certain mansion. I put two and two together, realizing you were an undying. Not just any undying, but one who used to be human."

    She adjusted her sses again, a knowing expression on her face. "The Evernight girl who turned you doesn''t care about humans. Why would she? Her family is known for their ruthlessness, even to one of their own. It''s their nature. The Strigoi behind this is called Zagarath.

    He was sent here to assassinate her. Something changed, and now he''s building power for reasons I don''t fully understand."

    Alicarde silently listened, making his own conjectures, but he didn''t voice them. He just listened.

    "Alicarde, I need you. You are from this world. You understand humans better than they do, and you would want to protect them from supernatural threats. As we speak, more than seven hundred people are dead or transformed. I have no power," her voice was forlorn.

    "That''s why I need you to be my sword, to right this injustice," her eyes were intense.

    "I promise I will make it worth your while. I may not be able to fight, but I can support you. If you assist me, I will trade the knowledge of magic in my grimoire."

    "A human, yeah right. I''m not the only human around. What about the Order, the experts in killing the supernatural? Or the magician''s guild? Any of them would be a better choice."

    "No, they would not. Each of these organizations has their own personal interests. I would much rather stay far away from the Order and their knights," Malefica''s expression turned cold.

    "Why not?" Alicarde asked.

    Malefica frowned, "It''s personal. I''d rather not say."

    "Fine, whatever," Alicarde muttered, dismissing the witch.

    Alicarde felt the weight of his exhaustion, the trauma of the night pressing down on him. His instincts screamed to be cautious, but something in Malefica''s eyes¡ªa sincerity, a shared sense of purpose¡ªgave him pause. He wasn''t interested in helping her just yet.

    "Are you interested?" Malefica asked.

    He stayed silent, pondering the possibilities. He nced at his charred clothes, still wet from the sea, remembering how Zagarath had bombarded him with fireball spells.

    "I''m not interested," he finally said, lowering his sword, though keeping it within reach.

    "You will be. Your eyes say so," Malefica nced at him briefly.

    "First, we need to get to a safe ce. The Strigoi may still be hunting you, and we need to prepare for what''s toe."

    Alicarde nodded, though his mind was still a storm of doubt and distrust. "Alright. But one wrong move, and I won''t hesitate."

    "Understood," Malefica said, her voice unwavering. "Let''s focus on surviving the night. We''ll need each other for what''s ahead."

    As the car sped through the city, Alicarde''s grip on his sword loosened slightly, though his vignce remained. He had no choice but to ce a tentative trust in Malefica, hoping that she truly was the ally she imed to be.

    The humiliation of his defeat was still a ring scar on his heart, the neon city lights casting fleeting shadows on his face, deepening his doubts and fears. Anne remained unconscious, her breathing steady, and Lily too was soaked to the bone from the icy embrace of the sea.

    They drove through the night until Malefica stopped at a hospital parking lot. Something about this ce felt eerily familiar to Alicarde. Malefica opened the back door and waved her hand, a dim sh of light illuminating the still-unconscious Lily.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Alicarde felt a faint wave of mana. The girl stirred a little, and he tightened his grip on his sword, ready for any threat. But his fears were unfounded, the light merely healed her. Her clothes were now undamaged, free from bruises, blood, dust, or soot.

    Malefica nced at him as she finished her magic. "Alicarde, I don''t think you need to worry about me. As I said, I am not your enemy. I''m going to take her to the hospital. This one will be the safest from Strigoi attacks, I can promise you that."

    Alicarde watched as she carried Lily into the hospital. He sat back in the car with the unconscious Anne, finally allowing himself to rx a little. His doubts about Malefica lingered. She was still an enigma. For now, he believed her, but he couldn''t fully let his guard down.

    His heart, already burdened by exhaustion, now carried a deeper pain. It was different, but familiar¡ªlike the one he had felt watching Argint cry at her brother''s grave. He was tired of seeing people die. He raised his hand, looking down at his palms.

    ''Some of the monsters I killed today were once people,'' he thought, recalling the ones who had transformed, while others died halfway through their change.

    His emotions caught up with him. He clenched his fist, unsure of what to do. Killing had be a necessity in this new life. Carrisa had trained him to be less averse to taking lives, preparing him for this.

    Even so, the guilt lingered. He wondered if the people he had killed had families who would mourn them, standing by their tombstones. Was he supposed to care for every life now? No, that wasn''t possible. He had to protect what mattered to him most. He lowered his head, his thoughts spiraling into a dark ce.

    His thoughts were interrupted when Malefica returned, alone. She had dropped Lily off at the hospital. The police would eventually get involved, as would any family she had left. Alicarde knew all too well that the mental scars would take much longer to heal. He was a student of psychology, after all.

    Malefica drove them to another district, not far from the university or the mansion. Alicarde thought of Carrisa. She must have found out by now, she had told him that his phone had a tracker installed. They stopped at a luxurious house in an upscale neighborhood. He wasn''t surprised anymore¡ªno way a professor could afford this, but a thousand-year-old witch could.

    If she couldn''t, it would mean she had wasted her millennia.

    Alicarde stepped out, staring at the house. He hoped he and Anne wouldn''t end up like Hansel and Gretel.

 Chapter 41 Uneasy Alliance

    Alicarde followed Malefica into her home, a luxurious house nestled in a posh neighborhood. It was the type of residence one wouldn''t expect from a university professor, more suited to a socialite or a figure of immense wealth.

    Its grandiose architecture andvish decor hinted at something far more old and arcane beneath the surface, reflective of Malefica''s true nature as a witch. The door clicked softly shut behind them, sealing them off from the outside world and its many troubles.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The entrance hall was grand, with high ceilings and a collection of artifacts and decor that spanned multiple eras and cultures. Alicarde''s gaze roamed over the intricate details, from old statues to odd trinkets, each seeming to whisper secrets of the past.

    The faintest trace of magic hung in the air, almost undetectable yet present. It was a modern house if one ignored the antiques, a curious blend of elegance from eras long gone and the conveniences of modern life.

    Alicarde was still cautious, holding Anne in his arms. Her faint breaths assured him of her safety, though she hadn''t woken up, making him suspect she was a heavy sleeper. They walked down a hallway lined with tall, arched windows that gave a splendid view of the outside. The ambiance was serene, natural, and oddly rxed.

    Malefica led him into arge living room with a grand firece, though it was unlit. Shelves lined the walls, filled with mundane books and research papers typical of a professor''s home. Yet, hidden among them were ancient parchments and tomes that likely contained powerful magic. A fewfortable chairs surrounded a low table, adding to the room''s sense of modernfort.

    Alicarde remained on edge, his sword within reach as he took a seat, cing Anne on arge sofa.

    Malefica settled into an armchair opposite him, her movements graceful andposed. She met his gaze with cold focus, her expression unreadable.

    "You have questions," she began, her voice steady. "I will answer what I can."

    Alicarde leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers.

    "You say you''re not involved with the Strigoi, but how can I trust you? You''ve admitted to using magic to track me. For all I know, you could be manipting me."

    Malefica sighed softly. "I understand your skepticism, Alicarde. In your position, I would feel the same. But we share amon enemy. The Strigoi are a threat to everything I have protected for centuries. They are your enemies too, are they not?

    The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

    "Protected?" Alicarde scoffed. "Lily and Anne were certainly protected. Trying to im Carrisaing here was the reason for this bloodbath is a stretch."

    Her eyes shed with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I told you, my powers are not what they once were. I am bereft of the strength I oncemanded. The most I can manage are a three spells a day, and even those drain me. While I could take on one powerhouse, I can''t fight many weaker ones."

    Her eyes brimmed with indignation. "If I had even a tenth of my original power, we wouldn''t be having this conversation."

    Alicarde frowned, the skepticism still evident in his voice. "Then why me? Why go to such lengths to involve me in this fight?"

    "Because," she replied, her tone softening, "you are unique, Alicarde. You are a former human who has crossed into the realm of the undying. You have a perspective that neither fully human nor fully supernatural beings possess. And you care about this city, its people. I saw it in your eyes when you saved the little girl and Miss Amicus."

    She adjusted her sses. "This is also your fault. I can see that you are trying to y the victim by ming me. My powerlessness doesn''t mean you can push all the me on me. This is the responsibility of that Evernight girl, she involved this whole city in her conflict."

    ring daggers at him, she continued, "If you had even the slightest ounce of kindness in you, it would be wise for you to clean up after your callousdy."

    Alicarde''s grip on his sword tightened. "If you are trying to guilt-trip me, then guess what? It''s not working."

    He lowered his gaze to the table between them. Her words stung, and thinking that he was partly to me made his heart sink.

    "However, I can''t stand those monsters, so... I may be open to the idea of helping you... as long as it keeps my friends safe."

    Malefica leaned forward, her gaze intense. "Very well, that was what I was hoping to hear. I want you to keep in mind, this arrangement is only between us. I cannot trust the Evernight girl."

    He looked away, the weight of his failures pressing down on him. "What''s your n, then? What do you expect me to do?"

    "I need you to be my sword, Alicarde," Malefica said, her voice cold.

    "I can provide you with knowledge, guidance, and what little power I have left. Together, we can stand against the Strigoi and protect this city. In the future, should there be any more supernatural threats, you would aid me in protecting the city, even if they do not involve the Evernight girl."

    Alicarde met her gaze again, his mind a whirlwind of doubt and mistrust. "I don''t know if I can trust you, Malefica. But right now, it seems I don''t have much of a choice, do I?"

    "You don''t. You are free to do as you please," Malefica continued.

    "Trust is earned," she replied. "And I will earn yours with time. For now, we can seal the deal with a pact stating our terms."

    As they sat in the dimly lit living room, the sheer magnitude of the task at hand weighed on his heart. Alicarde knew that this alliance was fragile and fraught with danger, but it was a step towards understanding and perhaps even redemption.

    More importantly, revenge. He felt sour, and he wanted payback. The road ahead would be difficult. As for the pact, he still needed to ruminate on the matter.

    Malefica leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving his. "Well then, shall we sign a pact? You''ve been awfully quiet."

    Alicarde wasn''t open to the idea. The task was enormous, yes, and a pact would guarantee securing loyalty on both sides. If he wasn''t careful, he could sign himself into a contract he couldn''t keep.

    Alicarde drew a deep breath, his gaze traveling over Malefica''s alluring body, soliciting a deep frown from her.

    "We''ll have to hold off on the pact or anything else. I need to think about it," he said, turning to Anne on the sofa.

    "For now, shees first. What are we going to do about Anne?"

    Malefica turned to the unconscious Anne, cing her hand on her chin.

    "Very well then. I suppose we should return Miss Amicus to where she belongs. It''s almost midnight. The festivities should still be ongoing, so if we return her, we can have her transferred to a medic in the name of being one of the many drunk students."

    Alicarde frowned but didn''t oppose the idea. He didn''t want Anne getting more involved in this mess any longer than she had to.

    "Sure. How do you suppose we exin the blood on her body? And there''s also the fact that she was sober when she was taken. Anne doesn''t even drink, like at all."

    Malefica smiled coldly. "We don''t exin anything. We were never there. As for the blood and anything else, I think I can manage one more spell today."

    She walked up to Anne, waving her hand over the unconscious girl. She cast a spell, and a soft light suffused her body, restoring her clothes to their original state. The blood disappeared, leaving her as pristine as she had been before the incident.

    Alicarde turned to Malefica. "So now what? Are we just going to return her to campus, hoping someone finds her?"

    Malefica maintained her imperious expression.

    "I ced a spell on her that should keep her asleep until morning."

    Alicarde watched as she left the room, walking deeper into her residence. She returned a minuteter with a bottle of obviously expensive alcohol. She opened the bottle, dripping some of its contents on the sleeping Anne. Then she carefully lifted her up and let a bit of the liquid enter her mouth. Tilting her head to the side, she ensured Anne spit it out before it reached her throat.

    Alicarde silently observed. He understood what was happening. When Anne woke, her breath would stink of alcohol, and she''d reek of it. Anyone who found her would assume she had passed out drunk.

    With that done, Alicarde carried Anne back to Malefica''s car. They drove past the campus gates without incident, the security guards not even bothering to check. Malefica''s car was obviously well-known.

    When they reached a less-crowded area of campus, Malefica pulled out an enchanted artifact that dispelled any lingering students. She parked the car, and Alicarde ced Anne on a bench near the campus center.

    "That artifact," Malefica exined, "is mostly for you. You''re covered in dried blood, and your stench would raise too many questions."

    "Nice too know i stink so much" Alicarde couldn''t miss an opportunity to be snarky but nevertheless.

    Alicarde nodded, appreciating the gesture as they watched from the car. A few minutester, the assistant ss rep, Mark Green, found Anne. He quickly called for help. Alicarde sighed in relief.

    "Take me to my car," he muttered.

    When they reached his car, he opened the door and stepped out of Malefica''s vehicle without so much as a farewell. He didn''t bother looking back at the witch. He sat in his own car, grateful to see the blinking lights of messages from Carrisa and Amena, on the screen of the car''s dashboard. At least something was still normal.

    Exhausted, he drove home, the weight of the night''s events pressing down on him like a boulder. Defeated, but not broken. Not just yet.

 Chapter 42 Emotional Undercurrents

    The night was a dark one, save for the neon city lights that intermittently reached Alicarde. He was in tatters, his body caked in blood, his clothes eviscerated from every angle, barely holding together.

    The watch on his wrist had survived for the most part, though the opulent essory was now a Rorschach of blood and grime, with a thin line of cracks on it.

    The Strigoi, by the name Zagarath, as Malefica had identified him, was a true freak. The way he moved demonstrated mastery over himself and the principles of battle. His strength was already above Alicarde''s, yet the fiend had so elegantly used body enchantments of different kinds along with spells, bombarding Alicarde with fireballs in quick session.

    He didn''t recall much from the battle because it had been just that short. It wasn''t even a battle¡ªjust a one-sided beatdown. He was toyed with, looked down upon, and made to submit to his own weakness. He fled like a rat.

    Alicarde gritted his teeth, his eyes full of fury and indignation.

    ''Magic. I need to learn magic... I need to get stronger'', he clenched his teeth.

    Alicarde hadn''t rejected Malefica immediately because of her simple offer to teach him spells from her grimoire.

    The weight of his failure loomed over his heart¡ªthe fear, pain, and humiliation. He had to set things right, otherwise, he would be consumed by his own trauma, forever unable to face Zagarath.

    ''I must keep moving forward,'' his thoughts drew him in as his body led him back to the mansion, a testament to his homing instincts built by daily routine.

    Alicarde returned home, the night''s events weighing heavily on his shoulders. He stopped the car outside the mansion''s grand entrance, opting not to park it in the garage. As he entered the fully lit mansion, he was greeted by the quiet,forting presence of Carrisa. She stood in the entrance hall, her usually aloof eyes full of concern.

    Alicarde stood there, his body and spirit in tatters, torn apart by the vicious ws of his enemies. He was charred, burned by the cruel mes of his defeat.

    In his heart, he felt like a soldier who had returned from a vicious war, scarred and broken by its horrors, to his kind and loving family. He didn''t say a word¡ªhe didn''t need to. His eyes said too much.

    Without a word, she stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. Her embrace was warm and steady, providing a sce he hadn''t realized he needed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    He hugged her back, feeling a momentary sense of relief as her arms tightened around him. The scent of her familiar fragrance mixed with the faintest traces of magic lingering in the air. It was a small, quiet moment of connection in the midst of his inner turmoil, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel safe.

    He did not want to admit it, yet he could not deny it¡ªhis bond with Carrisa had grown far more quickly than he had ever anticipated. He hade here reluctantly, but as the weeks passed by, he hade to see this as home.

    Carrisa didn''t ask any questions. She didn''t need to. Her silent support spoke volumes. When they finally pulled apart, she gave him a gentle nod and stepped back, allowing him the space to process his emotions.

    Amena and Argint soon arrived. They didn''t say anything either. The taciturn maid merely stepped forward and handed him his phone. He didn''t ask where she found it, he only needed to look at the mud stains on her usually pristine maid''s outfit to know that she had done more than just look for his phone.

    Argint was also silent. She had a few leaves in her dazzling red hair, and her eyes betrayed how worried she was about Alicarde. He had not forgotten the fact that her brother was killed by him, and tonight he had killed even more people. Did they have siblings too, he wondered?

    Alicarde didn''t say much. He merely smiled, "Wow, you guys look like crap. Were you out ying in the garden thiste at night?"

    "Yes, something like that," Argint forced a smile. "A certain perv I know didn''te back home, so I went out to beat him up."

    Amena was silent, clearly in no mood for a joke. Her stoic face looked unchanged, but her eyes betrayed the note of worry.

    "Ahhh, I''m beat, so imma hit the sack," Alicarde walked away to his room before they could even reply.

    "Wait, I''ll get a meal ready for you," Amena finally spoke as she scurried off to the closest kitchen.

    Later, in the solitude of his room, Alicardey on the edge of his bed. He had taken a bath, and Amena had insisted he eat a meal. It was delicious as always, except his appetite was so poor he couldn''t take more than a bite. How could he, when he had dived into a nightmarish sea of blood and gore, hearing the screams of many as they drowned in their own blood.

    The events of the night reyed in his mind like a haunting, relentless reel. He rolled on his bed, looking at the luxurious ceiling, resting his head against the pillows, and closing his eyes, trying to make sense of the turmoil within him.

    Every time he closed his eyes, the haunts returned¡ªa cruel mockery of his weakness, the hollow eyes of the little girl he hoped he never had to see again, and the creature Zagarath, its mocking words as it toyed with him.

    The door to his room opened. He felt the familiar presence of Carrisa. It waste at night, so she must be wearing her usual nightwear. His intuition was right. She loomed over him as hey there. She sat by his side, leaning over with her head on his chest, as she eventuallyy on the bed by his side, leaning ever so slightly on him.

    The act surprised him, almost making him jump out of his dark reverie. He felt the familiar warmth of her body¡ªtoo much of it. What she wore was far too thin. He gazed at her as sheid her head on his chest, her familiar scent filling his head.

    She turned her head, her violet eyes peering into him. She was quiet, he wouldn''t even have known she was there if not for the weight of her body pressed against his own. She said nothing, she asked no questions¡ªshe justy there. So he was silent too. His heart was beaten too much to be in the mood to ogle her.

    The silence remained for a few minutes. Afterward, he recounted the night''s horrors to Carrisa, save for the part about meeting Malefica. He told her about rescuing Anne and Lily, the encounters with the Strigoi, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness he felt.

    The choice he had made to abandon Lily''s mother to save Anne. As he spoke, Carrisa listened attentively, her eyes never leaving his. She offered no judgment or empathy, her eyes were as aloof as always.

    "I couldn''t save everyone... my actions only made them die quicker," Alicarde said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    "No matter how hard I tried, it was never enough... I was so weak."

    Carrisa reached out and ced a hand on his. "You have done what was within your power, Alicarde. You have saved two lives, and that is a far greater achievement than you realize. Do not overlook that you set out to save one, and yet, you saved two. Such a result is a victory, no matter the circumstances."

    He shook his head, frustration and guilt bubbling to the surface. "But at what cost? I had to kill... so many people. Some of them might have been innocent once."

    Carrisa''s eyes held his gaze, steady and unwavering, an anchor for his heart. "Weakness does not equate to innocence. You were never meant to be their guardian or protector. They belong to the world, to its governments andws, not to you. If you can assist them, then do so. If you cannot, so be it.

    No one can fault you for that, nor can anyone ce such burdens upon you."

    Carrisa squeezed his hand gently. "This world is merciless, and the decisions we are forced to make are seldom clear. But your heart is noble, and that, my dear Alicarde, makes all the difference. Safeguard what is precious to you, even if it necessitates others'' suffering. And never forget those who have wronged you. Their debts must be repaid, Zagarath especially...

    you must ensure he pays with his blood for the pain he has caused."

    Her words resonated within him, harsh but true. They stirred something deep within his soul.

    "Do not let the wrongs done unto you go unanswered, Alicarde. Let your grudges fester, let your hatred simmer, and in time, that fire will be the pyre upon which your enemies burn."

    Carrisa''s words were not cheerful norforting. They did not offer the soft light of kindness, but they were exactly what he needed to hear. He longed for vengeance, and she gave him the push he required to pursue it.

    Alicarde''s eyes changed at her words. He felt something shift.

    ''Make him pay with his blood.'' Her words filled his mind with a crimson hue for vengeance.

    Feeling the weight of her words, he knew she was right, but the burden of his actions still weighed heavily on him.

    "I am just another weakling. I don''t even matter."

    Carrisa moved closer, her presence a steady anchor. "You are Alicarde. I know who you are, even if you do not yetprehend your full potential. Should you transform into something unrecognizable, I will still see the essence of you. I shall stand by you for all eternity, no matter what you be.

    Though you are not yet strong, you will be, just as a bird is born without the gift of flight butter grows to soar high above the earth. I have no doubt that you shall rise in the same way."

    She shifted even closer. "I will remain by your side today, tomorrow, forever, and always."

    He looked into her eyes, finding a flicker of hope amidst his despair. "Even if I were weak, if I were wrong, cruel, or a coward, would you sti¡ª"

    She cut him off, smiling¡ªa rare, genuine smile that warmed his heart. "Always. Even if you were to descend into the depths of depravity, to be the vilest creature upon this earth, I would still stand by your side. I would never forsake you. This, I swear, as it is the promise I made long ago."

    "Whatever maye, remember this forever and always," Carrisa said, her tone resolute.

    "Their deaths are not yours to bear; they are not your burden. Only your vengeance is of consequence now. Nurture your grudge and annihte your enemies."

    Her words were like a faint light illuminating his darkened soul. They weren''t the sentiments of a good person; they were indifferent to the suffering of others. Her message was simple: only he mattered, and the lives of others were insignificant in the grand scheme.

    The curtains in the room swayed like silent phantoms, the violet of her eyes the only clear thing in the dim light. They conversed some more, but eventually, exhaustion overtook him. He drifted into a deep slumber,forted by the warmth of the violet-eyed woman beside him.

    Carrisa smiled, her eyes gleaming with a sinister glow.

    ''Impressive as always. He has grown far more rapidly than I anticipated. His mental fortitude has reached a critical juncture. Just a little more... and the first fragment of his true name may awaken. As for that which Imissioned...

    it must be nearingpletion. It will serve as the perfect gift for his hunt.''

    She delicately toyed with the stray hair on his face, her thoughts unknown to him, her gaze filled with an icy malice.

    ''Sleep well, my Alicarde. Zagarath shall be yours to destroy this time... only because it is necessary for your growth. Otherwise, I would have hunted down that wretched beast myself and made him suffer for eternity for the unforgivable crime of daring toy a hand upon you.''

    Her smile twisted into one of sinister delight¡ªthe kind of smile that only a beautiful yet terrifying demoness could wear.

    Yet her eyes burned with fury. The violet glow in them was so cold, it seemed to drop the temperature in the room.

    ''Zagarath shall perish by Alicarde''s hand, but the one who sent him... they are mine. I will extract my blood debt for the sin of ever thinking to harm what is mine.''

 Chapter 43 My One Girlfriend Is A Beautiful ....

    Two days passed. Alicarde remembered his conversation with Carrisa and waking up with her by his side. He had no idea when he fell asleep, all he knew was that the mental anguish subsided as he dozed off.

    The room had been dim, bathed only in the soft glow of morning light peeking through the curtains. The bed felt unusually warm, the fabric heavy andforting.

    He had thought his conversation with Carrisa was a dream until he woke up with her in his arms. She seemed so vulnerable when she was asleep, her breathing slow and rhythmic, her features soft and rxed. Not much of the calcting and aloof beauty remained.

    Her hair spread like a halo across the pillow, her fingers curled slightly on his chest. In that brief moment, she seemed almost fragile, worlds apart from the indomitable aloof presence she carried when awake.

    Time went by in a blur, but he was mostly alright. He had avoided talking to Malefica since he hadn''t decided on his course of action. There was also Carrisa, he hadn''t said anything about Malefica.

    Worst of all was Anne, who was in the hospital. She was fine for the most part, or so he heard. The halls  of the university buzzed with the usual gossip, and word around the campus was that the ss rep got so high she started seeing monsters.

    The rumor spread like wildfire, mutating into a tale of Anne being out of her mind on some kind of super drug. He''d overheard it in themon room, his ssmatesughing and specting about what could have pushed her that far. It made his stomach churn with guilt.

    Today, he decided to visit Anne, with Elizalina tagging along. The hospital was ahead, a sterile, modern building with ss windows reflecting the clear sky.

    His footsteps echoed in the hallways, the antiseptic scent of the hospital clinging to his nostrils. He didn''t have the courage to visit the little girl Lily. He tried going to the hospital to see her but couldn''t find the strength to enter.

    He only silently watched her from afar like a sentry, standing by the door, staring through the ss pane. She did not react to anything, she said nothing, seeming so empty. Her small formy still, her eyes vacant, staring nkly at the ceiling, lost in a world he couldn''t reach.

    Her father was even worse. He was a young man in his mid tote twenties, in the golden age of his life, still full of life. Yet, he would asionallye out of the hospital room where his daughter stayed, bury his face in his knees, and cry.

    The sight of him huddled on the floor, shaking with sobs that he muffled into his hands, tore at Alicarde''s chest. His silent tears born of his agony, as he pulled his own hair, that made Alicarde''s heart sting. He had lost his wife and unborn child. Worst of all, the daughter that remained was a shell of her former self. There was nothing he could say, nothing he could do to take that pain away.

    The scene of the incident was cleaned up. It was reported as a minor movement by a strange cult, with the number of deceased mentioned in the news being less than twenty.

    The whole thing only got a one-liner in the newspapers, nothing more. The cold indifference of the report gnawed at him, the casual dismissal of lives lost as if they were nothing more than an afterthought.

    Alicarde was a storm of rage and indignation when he saw that. All that death was only worth a one-liner, nothing more. Their lives were inevitably meaningless in the grand scheme of things. They were just that insignificant, no one cared.

    "Curse those bastards, they let this happen to people they were sworn to protect yet they won''t even own up to it...they deserve to die," Alicarde cursed the government that covered everything up.

    He did not know who was involved with Zagarath but considering that monster had no social influence, it was obvious that it wasn''t just the underworld working with him, even the government, Alicarde wondered how deep the conspiracy went. The lives of those lost didn''t matter.

    ''Their deaths were not even worth being a statistic,'' Alicarde mused, his frown deepening as he thought of where to go next.

    The sterile, white halls of the hospital made him feel like he was walking through a dream, everything too clean, too orderly, as if the outside world''s chaos couldn''t touch this ce. Evergreen University was prestigious and seeing the well-equipped hospital within the campus reminded him of that fact.

    When they arrived, Anne seemed relieved to see him. She held his hand as she gave Elizalina a cold re, Elizalina took that as her cue to give them some room. Anne was fine for the most part. She was seated on the hospital bed, her face pale but her eyes as sharp as ever. The tension in the air eased slightly as Elizalina stepped out.

    She quickly pulled Alicarde to her side, her grip firm.

    "Hey... it''s been a while... you look like crap."

    Alicarde forced a smile, cing his hand on her blonde hair.

    "What a lovely way to greet a friend. And yeah, I feel like crap. I feel like I got hit by a shit storm."

    "I''m in the hospital but you look worse off somehow. What, figured out being the boyfriend of the campus belle came with too much trouble, far more than it''s worth?" Anne smiled, her tone teasing but her eyes searching his face for the truth behind his tired expression.

    "Right now all the guys hate me more than they used to. At this rate, I am never gonna make a dude friend." Alicarde smiled at her words, though it didn''t quite reach his eyes.

    "Good thing you have me then. You know what they say, what a man can do a woman can do better. I''ll be the best guy friend you ever had," Anne quipped, her smirk softening the weight in his chest.

    "Wow really, miss guy friend? It''s true what they say¡ªit takes a real woman to be the best man." He gazed at Anne up and down, pretending to scrutinize her.

    "No wonder you''re looking extra muscr these days, that Adam''s apple is finallying in," Alicarde teased, earning a soft chuckle from her.

    "Hey, don''t make me beat you up with my great manly muscles. When I get serious, I''m like One Punch Man, don''t mess with me, young man." Anne smiled as she pinched his arm, her yful energy momentarily lifting the heavy atmosphere.

    They joked around for a few minutes, the ease between themforting.

    "So, wanna tell me about it, why you''re in the hospital, I mean?" Alicarde asked, his voice softening.

    Anne smiled at his words, her expression bing somewhat thoughtful. "I saw a monster, Alicarde. But no one believes me. They say I was just drunk."

    Her words felt somewhat sad yet doubtful. "Well, who knows, I must have been hallucinating. I mean, I thought I saw a monster, and when I woke up I thought you had rescued me like a damsel in distress. Guess I was just drunk, huh?"

    He looked into her eyes, seeing the fear and frustration she was trying to conceal. "No, I believe you."

    "Why?" she asked, her voice trembling.

    "Because we''re friends, and you don''t drink. That much I know about you," he replied with a reassuring smile.

    "So what happened then? I don''t have an answer." Anne asked, giving him an inquiring look.

    Alicarde kept a calm expression, ready to lie his way through.

    "I should be getting that info from you. I was looking for you all over. I thought you got mad at me and went home. After that, I went to Malefica''s office and then home. I wished I had called you instead of hesitating, thinking you were mad at me for being such a coward. I''m sorry, Anne, I wish I had been there for you when you needed me."

    Anne originally had a look of skepticism, but after his words and his somber tone, she seemed to believe that he was being honest.

    Anne looked at him, her expression softening. "You really look down in the dumps, Alicarde. I wasn''t joking earlier when I said you looked like crap."

    Heughed it off, trying to lighten the mood. "It''s nothing. Just a rough few days. I did have to put up with that witch Malefica, and you are in the hospital, which means I have to attend my sses without my corrupt friend to help me forge my attendance."

    Anne pinched his arm, a mock re on her face. "Corrupt friend, huh? Calling a good, fair-loving individual like me corrupt is just mean, you asshat. I wouldn''t be forging your attendance if you attended your sses like a good student."

    Alicarde smiled at her, d she was okay. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you, ss rep. You know, people suddenly kept asking me to let them in on the kind of strong stuff you took. Well, mostly the junkies."

    Anne scowled, her face reflecting her indignation. "There goes my good name. Now I''m the junkie ss rep... Oh right, Ali... thanks."

    Alicarde was confused. "Errrh, for what?"

    She leaned in, whispering to his left ear, "For being my friend." She leaned back and smiled. "But mostly for believing me. I mean, you may not have rescued me like I originally thought, but thanks for being here for me."

    Anne hugged him, and Alicarde held her petite figure in his arms. He leaned back, looked into her eyes,

    Alicarde rolled his eyes, pinching her cheeks. "You are such a dummy. Of course, I''d believe you."

    After a few more minutes, he left the university hospital where Anne was staying. She would be leavingter that day. She imed the food was great, which was why she stayed so long, but mostly because she was wondering how long it would take for him toe see her.

    Alicarde believed she just didn''t want to go out into a world where no one believed her. He could have tried gaslighting her into believing what she saw was just a hallucination, but he chose otherwise¡ªone lie was more than enough. Anne was finally ready to say goodbye to the cushy hospital bed.

    Outside, Elizalina waited for him. Ever since she officially became his girlfriend, he had been too busy to tell her to call the whole thing off. He tried to leave, but Elizalina insisted oning with him.

    "I am genuinely concerned for your well-being," she stated firmly, her tone filled with sincerity.

    "I''m going home, though. You can''t just follow a man home," Alicarde tried to dissuade her.

    She shook her head, her eyes unwavering as she met his gaze. "You are not just any man. You are my boyfriend. I have every right to be concerned, and no matter what you say, I will apany you."

    Alicardeid out several reasons why she shouldn''te, but she remained resolute.

    He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I appreciate your concern, but I need some time alone to sort things out."

    Tears welled up in Elizalina''s eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke.

    "I cannot leave you like this, looking so despondent. It would weigh on my conscience forever... please, allow me to stay by your side."

    Alicarde felt a pang of guilt as he saw the tears trailing down her cheeks. "Elly, it''s not that I don''t want your help. It''s just... there''s so much going on that I need to figure out on my own."

    She stepped closer, her voice soft but resolute. "I understand that, but you need not carry this burden alone. I wish to be by your side, to support you."

    He hesitated, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. "Elly, I... I just don''t want you to get hurt."

    She wiped her tears, her voice steadying as she replied, "I am already in pain, Alicarde. Watching you suffer without understanding why causes me great distress. Please, allow me toe with you."

    Alicarde sighed deeply, his resolve faltering. Girls'' tears brought back bad memories¡ªhe couldn''t help but think about thest girl he had made cry.

    He couldn''t bear to see Elizalina so upset, and he knew she genuinely cared about him. "Alright, Elly. You cane with me."

    A smile broke through her tears as she hugged him tightly. "I promise, I shall not be a burden."

    He hugged her back, feeling a small sense of relief. "Okay, let''s go then."

    As they walked to the car, a thought nagged at him. Carrisa had jokingly mentioned killing any woman he brought home the night before the convocation. Her exact words had been ''fornication,'' but Alicarde couldn''t help but wonder,

    ''she was joking, right? She''s not going to kill such a harmless, seductive... klutz,'' he thought, growing anxious about having a girl over.

    They arrived at the estate, and as they passed the mansion''s grand gate, Alicarde pulled up near therge double doors that marked the entrance. He acted the part of a gentleman, opening the car door for Elizalina before leading her to the entrance. However, as he crossed the threshold, he noticed Elizalina had stopped at the doorway, standing just outside.

    Assuming she was shy, he turned back to her. "What...e in, Elly," he invited with a weing smile.

    She smiled back, but this time, her usual innocence was nowhere to be seen. There was a seductive edge to her expression as she crossed the threshold. Approaching Alicarde, her arms wrapped around him in a gentle embrace, but something felt off. Her eyes shimmered red, and before he could react, her canines elongated. In one swift motion, she sank her fangs into his neck.

    A sharp pain shot through him, but before he could even process what was happening, Carrisa''s aloof voice cut through the moment.

    "Alicarde, move aside!"

    He barely had time to register themand before Elizalina threw him out of the way. He rolled across the floor, his neck already regenerating from the wound, but the shock left him momentarily dazed. As hey there, a shadow loomed over him¡ªArgint, her gaze filled with anger.

    "You''ve really done it this time. What kind of idiot invites a vampire into his home?" She wrinkled her nose, ring down at him.

    "No wonder you smelled strange these past days. I knew something was off."

    Alicarde raised a hand, gesturing for help. Argint hesitated for a moment before begrudgingly pulling him up. Still disoriented, he rose to his feet, his eyes scanning the scene.

    "Once we deal with this parasite, I am personally giving you a full purification. You reek of that vampire''s stench, and I won''t have it," Argint growled, her amber eyes gleaming with killing intent.

    Alicarde nodded and turned to face the girl who had just betrayed him. Despite everything, he didn''t feel the overwhelming sting of betrayal he would have expected. His heart had umted so much emotional baggage that even this felt like just another burden to carry.

    "My three... I mean, my one girlfriend is a beautiful vampire."

    He watched as the silver-haired vampire, now with her red dress fluttering and her eyes glowing a deep crimson, stood before him¡ªterrifyingly beautiful.

    ''I guess Carrisa''s tasteless joke about killing my girlfriend wasn''t really a joke after all,'' he thought grimly, knowing that this betrayal might truly seal Elizalina''s fate, or they might die.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 44 Vampire

    Alicarde watched as Elizalina held her face with a sultry expression, her eyes half-lidded. She seemed to experience a strong sense of euphoria coursing through her body, her aura briefly intensifying.

    "Oh, Alicarde, your blood is simply exquisite. It is akin to a rare wine¡ªrich, intoxicating, and utterly captivating. I could indulge in it forever. I daresay, I shall keep you all to myself," she purred, her voice dripping with seduction.

    Carrisa''s voice turned icy and controlled, her gaze sharp as she stepped forward.

    "What reason do you have for intruding upon my citadel, vampire? Speak quickly before I exact retribution," she demanded, her words cold and full of disdain.

    Elizalina sighed, her demeanor unapologetic. "It is nothing personal, Princess. I was merely drawn by the irresistible scent of Alicarde''s life force. Beyond that, I seek a taste of your blood to propel myself to the next stage of my evolution. Surely, you understand¡ªpower, transcendence... it is the natural course of those like us.

    Though, I will admit, I was somewhat heartbroken," she said casually, her arrogance veiled beneath a thinyer of civility.

    Turning her gaze to Argint, Elizalina''s eyes narrowed with disdain.

    "When he returned, one day, marked with the scent of a bitch... it was impossible to ignore the stench."

    Argint sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "The feeling''s mutual. I despise parasites like you just as much. Were you blind, or did you not see he was marked with my scent? Then again, what can I expect from someone who dresses like a prostitute?"

    "Dude, can you chill a bit? I was dating that chick. You''re making it sound like I date hookers," Alicarde chimed in, though he didn''t seem too bothered by the escting tension.

    Alicarde''s eyes narrowed as he pieced together the betrayal.

    "So, this whole time, you were just manipting me. Acting all innocent, pretending to care. Or was I just your next meal ticket?"

    Elizalina shrugged, her expression unbothered. "You do not sound particrly surprised, Alicarde. Perhaps I wasn''t as charming as I once believed. But yes, it was necessary. You were my entry point into greater things, and I assure you, you did not make it easy.

    Truth be told, it was a necessary measure. Trust me when I say, I did grow fond of you. However, ambition has its price," she replied, her voice now more formal, her tone betraying a hint of sorrow. "I did genuinely care for you."

    Alicarde smirked as the realization set in. "Yeah, I get it now. If I really think about it, the signs were all there. You started by building rapport, getting close, being helpful so I''d rely on you. You even mirrored my speech and habits. Geez, I thought we had something special.

    Well, I guess it is what it is."

    Though his tone was light, his words carried a sting.

    "It must''ve been fun for you, ying the damsel in distress by manipting everyone. Now that I think about it, those guys talking trash about me¡ªthey acted weird too. You just wanted to give me the satisfaction of swooping in as the hero, huh?"

    His heart ached at her betrayal, but Alicarde was strong enough not to let it break him. He sighed, putting the pieces together.

    "The most obvious giveaway was the whole confession. You knew I couldn''t reject you in front of the whole university. Or were they just your mind-controlled drones, eagerly chanting ''SAY YES''?, now that I think about it, that was weird, most guys hate me. So why did they start chanting in support.

    Elizalina stood silently, listening to himy it all out.

    "Indeed, you have uncovered the truth," she replied, her voice devoid of warmth. "That was, as you might say, my entire modus operandi. Or my whole M.O as you would put it."

    Elizalina let out a humorlessugh. "You made me feel guilty for nothing. That''s just cruel. You find out your girlfriend''s been lying to you, and this is all I get? Where''s the heartbreak?" She asked, her tone mocking.

    "Give me seven business days to process all this, and I''ll give you the emotional breakdown you deserve." Alicarde replied mockingly

    Elizalina responded with mock sadness, clutching her chest as if heartbroken. "How could you do this to me? I expected you to be devastated, heartbroken even! But here you are, giving me such a lukewarm reaction... truly, have a heart!" she cried melodramatically.

    As they bantered, Argint, impatient and fed up, charged at the vampire with blinding speed. But Elizalina''s form shifted into a mist, evading the attack with ease. She reappeared behind Alicarde, a wicked seductive smile spreading across her lips as blood-red tendrils snaked from her fingers, slicing through the air with lethal sharpness.

    Amena, standing nearby, had her twin crossbows at the ready, their unique design allowing for rapid fire.

    Elizalina waved her hand toward Alicarde, smiling seductively, her face flushed.

    "Dearest Ali, do you know what makes vampires truly terrifying?" she asked, her voice soft yet chilling.

    Alicarde stayed on guard, backing away cautiously. "What? Your giant tits and your thirsty attitude?"

    She giggled, her amusement evident. "No, darling. It is hemomancy, the power to control blood. And with it, I can do this."

    With a flick of her wrist, Alicarde''s chest caved in as blood violently exploded from his body in a morbid fountain, streaming toward Elizalina.

    The blood twisted and coiled, forming grotesque shapes that danced around her. Alicarde was flung backward, crashing into the mansion''s walls, leaving a spiderweb of cracks upon thevish surface.

    Dazed and weak, Alicarde struggled to stay conscious, the rapid blood loss making him dizzy. His vision blurred as he tried to make sense of the chaos, barely registering Carrisa preparing for her next move. Disoriented, he slumped to the ground, too weak to stand as he sat there, trying to process the whirlwind of events.

    "Ahhh when am I gonna learn, to .... not talk about women''s tits to their face" he slumped down.

    The battle raged with chaotic intensity. Carrisa''s dark mes erupted like a volcanic inferno, engulfing the room in scorching heat and casting dark shadows on the walls. Her mana surged into the ze, each wave aimed to incinerate Elizalina.

    Yet, the vampire countered swiftly, summoning blood shields and spears with her hemomancy, deflecting Carrisa''s fierce magic with feline grace.

    Amena moved like a shadow, her strikes precise and deadly as she circled the vampire. Her crossbow bolts tore through Elizalina''s defenses, shattering the hardened blood constructs.

    Despite her skill, Elizalina was forced to retreat into her ethereal mist form, dodging attacks with supernatural agility, only to return with devastating blows when corporeal.

    Argint, a blur of red and silver, charged with ws outstretched. Her strike barely missed, as Elizalina''s mist form allowed her to evade. In a sh, Argintnded, her ws carving deep grooves in the floor as the impact sent shockwaves through the room. She wasn''t done yet.

    Argint leaped to the high chandelier, her agile body twisting mid-air, severing it from the ceiling with a ferocious swing of her ws. The massive fixture crashed down, shattering into pieces as it struck the floor beneath Elizalina. In an instant, the vampire dissolved into mist, evading the destruction.

    But Argint wasn''t about to let her slip away again. Timing her next move with predatory precision, she waited until Elizalina began to revert to her corporeal form.

    The moment her ample chest solidified, Argint lunged with blinding speed, ws extended, slicing across Elizalina''s chest. Blood sttered across the marble floor as the vampire gasped in pain, her elegant face contorting with shock.

    "Got you"  Argint whispered with cold fury.

    Elizalina tried to wave her hand, manipting the blood around her in defense, but Amena was faster. With a swift motion, her arm morphed into a de, slicing through the blood shields with ease. The split second of confusion threw Elizalina off, giving Argint the opportunity she needed.

    Before the vampire could retreat into mist form again, Argint''s ws dug deep into her chest, unleashing her devastating technique.

    "War Wolf First Form [Grimgrowl] !" Argint roared. The wind howled like wolves as the power of the technique sent a sonic boom through the room, striking Elizalina with full force. The impact hurled her across the room, crashing towards Carrisa.

    Carrisa seized the moment. With a surge of speed, she appeared behind Elizalina, her ymore in hand. In one clean motion, she sliced the vampire in half at the waist, blood spraying into the air.

    Amena followed up with a deadly barrage of crossbow bolts, each one embedding itself into Elizalina''s back. And as if to seal her fate, Argint leaped into the air, delivering a powerful kick that sent the vampire crashing into the marble floor, causing the ground to shake and the pirs to copse around them.

    Smoke and dust filled the air. The mansion, once a ce of grandeur, was now in ruins. Yet even as they cornered Elizalina, Alicarde couldn''t help but think of Carrisa, the arsonist who had once again set her own residence aze.

    ''Carrisa, that crazy arsonist, had set her own residence aze... again,'' he mused, recalling the times she''d done it before.

    He hadn''t interfered since Elizalina''s blood control attack. Why would he? The girls were doing fine. But something bothered him¡ªElizalina''s restraint. She had the power to use her hemomancy to devastating effect, yet she didn''t. Was it out of mercy, or was it because of him?

    Why was she hesitating?

    Carrisa stood over Elizalina''s battered body, pulling out a Whitewood stake from her dress. Alicarde had no idea where she kept it, but he wasn''t about to ask.

    She approached the fallen vampire with cold, ruthless eyes.

    "It is not often that I have the opportunity to kill a purebred vampire. Your life force is indeed tenacious, but I fear this is where it ends."

    Elizalina closed her eyes, a small, resigned smile forming on her lips. She was ready to face death with the dignity of a noble. Carrisa raised the stake, ready to deliver the final blow. But as it descended, flesh and bone met resistance. The stake did not pierce Elizalina''s heart¡ªit was Alicarde who stood in the way.

    The pain was unbearable, the Whitewood Ash burning into his flesh, and his regenerative abilities failed to heal the wound. He gasped, his chest heaving from the agony. Carrisa''s face, usually unreadable, flickered with a brief moment of shock. She withdrew the stake, allowing him to copse beside Elizalina.

    "Ouch¡­ that¡­ that really hurt," Alicarde groaned, struggling to speak. "I should''ve just cried out first¡­ Why did I think this would be cool?"

    "What do you think you are doing?" Carrisa''s voice wasced with exasperation, though her aloof tone remained intact.

    "I have no idea," Alicarde coughed, forcing a smile through the pain. "I think¡­ I''m just trying to save my friend."

    "Get out of the way so we can kill this parasitic bitch!" Argint growled, her voice filled with fury.

    Alicarde''s heart sank at her words, the venom in her tone unmistakable.

    From behind him, Elizalina''s voice, weak yet resolute, whispered.

    "Why? Why did you protect me? I do not understand." Her words held a weight of confusion, as though she couldn''tprehend why someone would spare her.

    Ignoring Elizalina for a moment, Alicarde turned to face Carrisa. "Oh, shut up," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

    "I''m tired of it. I''ve seen more blood this week than ever before, and I can''t take it anymore. I just don''t want you to die¡­ not like this. Yeah, you lied to me, and that sucks big time, but I''m not exactly the most honest person either. I don''t have a good reason to stop them from killing you, but even then, I can''t just let you die."

    Elizalina''s eyes were filled with mistrust. "If you intend to humiliate me, I would rather perish. If imprisonment is your goal, end my life now, for I shall never endure chains again."

    "Geez, why would I want that?" Alicarde sighed. "I just don''t want you dead. Now, shut up and let me fight and grovel for your life to be spared. This time, I''ll be the hero while you y damsel in distress."

    He stood protectively over her, ring at Carrisa and Argint. Carrisa hesitated, uncertainty shing in her eyes.

    "Alicarde, she is dangerous. She may very welle after us again."

    Alicarde shook his head. "She won''t."

    Argint, however, was less forgiving. "No, I won''t allow it. You can''t let this parasite live, especially after everything she''s done. My tribesmen¡ªdo you know how many her kind has ughtered?"

    "Argint," Alicarde said softly, his voice pleading, "I don''t know about the feud between vampires and werewolves, but Elly didn''t kill your people."

    "She hurt you, and that''s reason enough for me to hate her," Argint spat. "Reason enough to kill her."

    Alicarde could see the anger in her eyes, mixed with suppressed pain. "I''m not hurt, though, so let''s call it even. Please, Argint."

    "I will kill her, no matter what you say," Argint dered coldly.

    "Then¡­ I''ll fight you."

    Argint scoffed, "You''ll lose."

    "Then I''ll kneel and grovel."

    Frustrated, Argint punched a nearby pir, shattering it into rubble. Silence fell over the room, the mes flickering around them. Carrisa sighed, resigned.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Very well. She may leave. As you wish, Alicarde."

    Argint scowled, turning her back. "Do whatever you want, idiot."

    Alicarde''s heart lightened. Even Amena, silent as ever, gave a slight shrug of eptance. Elizalina, her body regenerating, stood up slowly, her eyes never leaving Alicarde. Her grey eyes sparkled with an intensity he had never seen before.

    "A noble never forgets their grudges¡­ or their debts."

    ''Huh, what does that mean.... is she cool or is sheing back for more'' Alicarde thought

    Before Alicarde could ask what she meant, she dissolved into mist, disappearing into the night. The mansion was in ruins, but Alicarde knew he had made his choice. He needed to get stronger, not just for himself, but for those he cared about.

 Chapter 45 Alicardes Resolve

    Elizalina left the residence, the once beautiful mansiony in ruins, ash shrouding thevish flooring, cracks on the floor and shattered pirs and walls. Therge chandeliery half destroyed with shards littered everywhere.

    Alicarde knew the mansion would restore itself, thanks to its impressive mystical restorative functions. The enchantments [Auto Keep] would return the mansion to its original form.

    He sighed, noticing the smoldering ruins. He was d Elizalina didn''t die. He wondered if she had overestimated her own power or underestimated Carrisa. Whatever it was, she must have been quite reckless or desperate to even think of challenging them in their home base.

    He turned to Carrisa with a yful glint in his eye. "You know, Carrisa, you really have a knack for burning down your own residence. At this rate, we''re going to need a full-time construction crew just to keep up with you, Madam Arsonist."

    Carrisa was caught off guard by his words. When she realized what he had said, she crossed her arms and pouted.

    "It is not as though I do it intentionally. Besides, such measures are necessary to rid ourselves of those pests. Referring to me as an arsonist is rather unkind."

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow, still smiling. "Oh, so arson is just part of your extermination n? You should put that on a business card, ''Princess of Arson.'' What a very gentle name."

    She huffed, turning her head away. "You are fortunate that I am also quite adept at restoration."

    Alicarde rolled his eyes, full of mirth. "I don''t recall you restoring anything. Last time, you coerced the Night Shades into fixing your mess."

    Carrisa red at him yfully. "They were the ones who initiated it."

    "That''s not what I heard. I leave you alone for a few minutes, and you burn the whole house down," Alicarde smiled, letting all his worries fade to the back of his mind.

    Alicarde was in a good mood, as good as he could be after the events at the docks. Argint stormed in between them, eyes zing with fury. Before he could react, shended a solid punch to his gut, making him double over in pain.

    "That''s for inviting a vampire into the house!" Argint growled, her voice low and menacing.

    "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? What if she had killed one of us?" She followed it with a kick. "She was your girlfriend, no less."

    Alicarde winced, straightening up slowly. "I know, Argint. I thought... wait a minute. Are you jealous... no way, someone is jelly..."

    Argint''s frown deepened as she kicked him again, her eyes cold.

    Alicarde was bathed in ash. "Ouch, my back. I think you just killed me."

    Argint''s expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained fierce. "Do not make the same mistake again. We cannot afford it, you fool! And I am not jealous."

    She held her head as if to ward off a headache. "I cannot believe I allowed a vampire to go free. At this rate, I might actually be the worst werewolf alive."

    "No, you won''t. Did you forget you are half-human? So only half of you would be the worst werewolf alive," Alicarde teased.

    Argint sighed. "I feel like I get brain rot the more time I spend around you."

    "Good to know I''m such a positive influence," Alicardeughed.

    Argint sighed, ignoring him. She must have known if she yed along, he''d never stop.

    It wasn''t long before the ruined mansion, a marvel of magic and architecture, soon restored itself back to its pristine visage. Alicarde was always confused about how the restoration worked, but it didn''t matter. It was back. The magical secrets behind it weren''t something he cared to learn about.

    Alicarde didn''t dwell too much on the events of the day. He had to confront his demons and decide which path to take going forward. The path of an avenger was the choice he had made. He had joined Carrisa in a bid to keep his human family away from the inhuman threats of the new world he found himself in.

    However, for the most part, he had epted going with the otherworldly beauty known as Carrisa because, in his mind, he had acknowledged that he had no other choice, and somehow on a subconscious level, he wanted to go with her. It was almost like an intuitive response.

    Alicarde thought back to his choices. They had led him here.

    ''Life is just a series of choices and decisions. A choice I made yesterday affects my today, and today''s choices affect my tomorrow,'' he pondered.

    He came to the inevitable conclusion that he could no longer procrastinate. Some people just deserved to die. He would have to be the one who did the killing. He couldn''t allow those animals to live. With that, he decided he was going to meet her atst.

    The next day, Alicarde walked through the sterile halls of the hospital, the scent of antiseptic filling his nose. He paused outside a room, seeing Lily''s father sitting despondently in a chair, staring at nothing. The poor man was a miserable sight to behold. Alicarde''s heart turned colder at the sight of her father, another victim. He hated them even more.

    Alicarde slipped past him silently, entering Lily''s room.

    Lilyy in bed, staring into space, her eyes empty and unseeing. Alicarde approached her quietly, his heart aching.

    "Lily," he whispered. She didn''t respond. The girl remained still, just looking into the distant nothingness before her.

    "I came here to tell you...ahhh.. I had a whole speech and everything. I spent the whole day running this through in my head... now that I see you, I can''t even say the words."

    He sat on her hospital bed, his expression forlorn. "I''m so sorry, Lily. I failed you. I should have protected you. I should have saved your mom."

    She didn''t respond. She seemed lost, observing something in the distance he could not see. But as he turned to leave, her hand shot out, grabbing his sleeve.

    "Mr. Hero," she said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

    He turned back, surprised. "Lily."

    Her unfocused eyes regained focus, the deep blue felt like the sea. Her auburn hair was kept neat, a testament that she was cared for.

    "You... you''re alive. I''m so happy you''re fine... I was... so scared the big monster got you too."

    "I am. I didn''t die. We made it out together, but... I''m sorry I couldn''t save your mom. I''m so sorry," Alicarde whispered.

    The young girl had tears in her eyes, her lifeless visage regaining the hues of a young girl.

    "It''s not your fault, hero. You tried to save mommy. You saved me too," she said, her eyes slowly focusing on him, tears streaming down her face.

    Her little hand wrapped around his own.

    "The bad guys won this time, but the hero alwayses and beats the bad guys, just like Storm Man. Right, Mr. Hero? You aren''t going to give up, right? So don''t lose. Make the bad guys pay...

    for my mommy," her voice turned into a muffled sob. "You can defeat the monsters."

    Alicarde shook his head, tears in his eyes. He held them back. "Yeah, I can. No... I will, so you''ve got nothing to worry about. I''ll get revenge for us and make them pay."

    Alicarde ced a hand on her head. "So you have to be strong for your daddy, okay?"

    Lily managed a weak smile, her grip on his sleeve tightening. "Okay... I''ll be strong."

    He nodded, determination hardening his features. "I promise you, they will pay. I won''t stop. Not until everyst one of them is gone. So let''s make one final pinky promise for revenge."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Alicarde raised his little finger toward her. The girl''s tears fell like waterfalls as she raised her hand, locking it into his pinky.

    "You... you''re a really strong girl, Lily. Your mom would be proud of you," Alicarde whispered.

    The girl was silent, her blue eyes staring into him. She silently held his hand as if afraid that if she let go, the monster woulde back.

    They sat in silence for a minute. Alicarde silently observed the young girl¡ªshe had seen so much horror, yet she was still here. He decided to lighten the mood, telling her some jokes, teasing her.

    At first, she seemed confused, her brows furrowing as she tried to understand. But he kept going, refusing to give up until he finally managed to make herugh. The sound of her giggle was like a balm for his somber mood. It made him feel better, as if herughter was the cure for the weight he carried.

    ''Kids these days aren''t just smarter, they''re stronger,'' he thought. ''That little girl was tough stuff.''

    Finally, Alicarde stood up and left her hospital room after assuring her they would see each other again.

    She was reluctant to let him go, her small hand hesitating to release his, but he couldn''t stay. He didn''t want her father to see him¡ªit would be too difficult to exin how he knew the girl. he also hadn''t attended any of his sses today. He had skipped them all just to be here.

    As he stepped into the hallway, the hospital felt different¡ªdestitute, with the lights flickering unusually. He didn''t pay much attention to it. What did catch his eye was that Lily''s father was no longer outside the room. In fact, no one was there. The halls were quiet, almost unsettlingly so.

    Alicarde walked past a man and felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him. He tried to ce where he had seen him before, but after a few seconds, he gave up. There were more pressing matters¡ªhe had business to handle with the city''s underbelly, with all the human garbage involved. No time to figure out who was who.

    He walked deeper into the hospital, trying to find the exit. But after several minutes of wandering, he realized he had been walking in circles. He frowned, frustrated, and turned his gaze downward, where something strange caught his eye.

    A pattern on the floor, barely visible, camouged to blend in with the hospital''s color scheme. His eyes widened in realization¡ªit was a magic circle.

    As soon as he recognized it, the circle illuminated, its light flooding the halls and washing over him. His body immediately felt weak. The air around him became thick with an unknown gas mixed with a substance he was all too familiar with.

    "Whitewood Ash," he whispered, feeling his heart drop as the fog filled his lungs.

    His legs gave way, and he copsed to his knees, the sensation of vertigo crashing over him in waves. The world spun violently, making it nearly impossible for him to stand.

    He tried to push himself up, but his strength was gone. Through blurred vision, he caught sight of the silhouette of the man he had passed earlier.

    Forcing himself back to his feet, Alicarde swayed unsteadily.

    "Who... who the....hell.. are you...?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

    Before he could get a response, the hospital doors flew open, and people in hospital uniforms wearing oxygen masks rushed in. They fired projectiles at him. He managed to evade a few, but his body was too weak to dodge them all.

    Most of the projectiles hit their target, and as they pierced his skin, he realized they were syringes filled with unknown chemicals. Whitewood Ash burned in his veins, further weakening him, its searing pain making him wince.

    The assants charged at him, hoping to take him down. The first person reached him, only to be met with a punch to the diaphragm. They copsed, gasping for air. The second followed shortly, barely catching a punch before crumpling to the floor. But with each movement, Alicarde''s strength waned further.

    Despite his weakened state, he held back, careful not to kill. He only wanted to incapacitate them. But they weren''t deterred. Realizing he was still too strong, they fired more projectiles at him.

    His eyelids grew heavy, half-lidded from the exhaustion setting in. The vertigo worsened, and in his haze, he fell onto his back. He struggled for a moment longer, but the weight of weakness overtook him. He closed his eyes and let go, sumbing to the darkness.

 Chapter 46 Deranged Doctor

    Alicarde awoke to the cold bite of steel restraints against his wrists and the dull hum of fluorescent lights overhead. His vision blurred, and the room swam before his eyes, slowlying into focus.

    ''Where the hell am I? My head hurts like hell.'' He thought, disoriented.

    The stark white walls of the underground facility made for a vividly sharp contrast with the sterile, clinical smell that permeated the air. The ce seemed like a researchb¡ªor rather, it was ab.

    He tried to move, but his body was too weak, the effects of the Whitewood ash and the unknown chemicals still coursing through his veins. The restraints had some kind of magic engraved into them. His gaze fell on the shadows to the side, sensing the familiar yet ever-aggressive presence of Wrath.

    "I don''t suppose you want to help me get out of this restraint, Wrath ol'' buddy?" Alicarde spoke to his familiar.

    The familiar merely gazed back at him coldly, its violet eyes still filled with its unshakable wrath.

    "Guess not, another time then" Alicarde said to the bicorn on the shadows.

    Alicarde heard a door open and close, forcing him to turn his eyes to the sound, followed by the sound of footsteps. A figure in a whiteb coat approached, their face obscured by the harsh overhead light. The figure stopped at a table, picking up Alicarde''s phone and examining it with meticulous care.

    Alicarde tried to think of where he had seen this man. After mulling it over for a few seconds, it finally clicked.

    He finally recognized him¡ªthis was the guy he had bumped into on campus. He had the scent of ethanol, so he was a doctor after all.

    The doctor was a deranged yet disturbingly focused figure. His wild, white hair defied gravity, and his wide, intense eyes magnified by thick sses. The stainedb coat adorned with straps and metal contraptions hinted at bizarre unhinged experiments. And he was about to be the nextb rat.

    "Just my luck," hemented under his breath.

    The doctor finished inspecting his phone, flipping it over a few times before attaching a round, metallic device to its back.

    "Take this. I''ve tampered with the tracker. Drop it at the location I specified," the figure instructed a subordinate, who promptly took the phone and left the room. Alicarde remained calm¡ªsomething this minor wouldn''t shake him, not after everything he''d been through.

    Turning his attention back to Alicarde, the doctor''s expression was unreadable.

    "I''ve taken precautions to ensure no one finds you. Your friends will be led on a wild goose chase, far from here, so don''t expect any help."

    Alicarde ignored him, his gaze steady on the deranged-looking man.

    The doctor busied himself with his instruments, talking more to himself than Alicarde.

    "You remind me of my sister, you know. She was about your age when she died. Except unlike you, she stayed dead. Imagine my surprise¡ªI had just dered you dead, and like a miracle, you woke up."

    ''Hmmm, dered me dead? Was he the doctor from the night of my death?'' Alicarde thought, piecing the details together.

    Scratching his wild hair and adjusting his sses, the doctor continued. "I watched you for many days. A cadaver... no, my Frankenstein."

    Alicarde felt more creeped out than afraid, tugging at the restraints. But the material was far too strong, and worse, he was still weak. He needed time to regain his strength.

    "Who are you, and why the hell did you kidnap me?" Alicarde''s voice carried cautious curiosity.

    The doctor scratched his head, an embarrassed smile crossing his face.

    "Ah, where are my manners? I am Doctor Victor Stein. Or so the world knows me. My real name, however, is Victor Frankenstein the IV."

    Alicarde attempted to break free again, but his body felt heavy, still searing with the heat of the Whitewood Ash injected into him.

    "Is that supposed to mean something to me... wait, Frankenstein, like the monster?" Alicarde asked.

    The doctor smiled, a deep sadness in his eyes.

    "Yes, like the monster my ancestor created. No, he saved him. Yet he was rejected by the people, but most of all by the Truth Association," the doctor sighed, his voiceced with bitterness.

    "We lost everything. But you... you are the key to restoring my family''s name."

    Alicarde didn''t quite follow, though the mention of the Truth Association piqued his interest.

    ''Did this guy really have a connection to Frankenstein from the books? His name is the same. And he mentioned the Truth Association¡­''

    As he pondered, the doctor patiently waited, his deranged smile never fading.

    "So you work with the Strigoi, then? Is this revenge?" Alicarde''s tone grew sharp, filled with resentment.

    The doctor looked puzzled. "The Strigoi? Ah, you mean that creature that made its way to Evergreen recently. No, I have no affiliation with them or the their associates."

    He ced a hand on his chin. "Although you seem to harbor resentment toward them. My advice? Let it go. That creature has already bought out the government and the underworld''s upper echelons."

    Laughing, the doctor adjusted hisb coat. "You''re better off staying here with me, making the ultimate scientific breakthrough."

    He poked Alicarde''s cheek yfully, a sinister smile on his face. "So young, just eighteen¡ªthe same age my dear Helen was when she died."

    There was a sorrowful look in his deranged eyes.

    The doctor''s voice became distant and mncholic. "She was everything to me. My only family after our parents were killed. Brilliant, kind, and so full of life. But then... she was taken from me.

    A victim of amon disease."

    He paused, his eyes darkening as he relived the memory. Alicarde remained silent, listening.

    "I threw myself into my studies¡ªalchemy, medicine. I believed that if I could unlock the secrets of life and death, I could bring her back. Restore our family''s honor. But every experiment, every discovery, led me nowhere.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    I wanted to prove to those scum in the Truth Association that my ancestor was right. To spite death. I was teetering on the edge of madness, just about to give up."

    The doctor''s gaze returned to Alicarde, filled with a strange mix of sorrow and obsession.

    "And then you appeared¡ªa miracle. A man who came back from the dead. You are the key, Alicarde. Strange, though, I don''t remember your name before... did you change it? Hmmm...

    no, I must be mistaken."

    The doctor looked at him, almost hungrily. "What a wonder you are. With you, I can finally uncover the secrets of life and death."

    Alicarde''s eyes narrowed, his voice weak but defiant. "You''re insane, you damn nut job. If I get out of these restraints, you''re dead¡ªold man or not, I''ll beat the shit out of you."

    The doctor giggled, a high-pitched, derangedugh. "If you get out," he replied smugly.

    Alicarde felt his blood boiling. He didn''t have time to dwell on his hatred for the Strigoi¡ªnot with this lunatic looming over him.

    Victor shook his head, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "You don''t have a choice. I will unlock your secrets, even if I have to tear you apart to do it."

    Turning away, the doctor''s thoughts drifted back to his sister.

    "She was so young, so full of promise. I wonder every day if I could have saved her¡ªif I had just been a little smarter, a little faster. But I was powerless then. I refuse to be powerless now.

    We lost everything. But now, I will regain it all, and more. I owe everything to the master for his kindness. And you are the key."

    Alicarde struggled harder. He needed to escape this madman. Though relieved that Victor wasn''t working with the Strigoi, he wasn''t about to let himself be used in this twisted experiment.

    Victor walked to a shelf lined with vials and syringes. Carefully selecting one, he examined the iridescent liquid with satisfaction.

    "This will help keep youpliant," he said, approaching Alicarde with the syringe.

    "I can''t have you resisting. Let''s begin by testing the limits of your body. I''ve developed an elixir that awakens innate abilities¡ªstill a work in progress."

    He nced at Alicarde, his eyes gleaming with madness. "The only issue is that everyone who''s used it has died. But don''t worry¡ªyou won''t. So, it''s a win-win."

    His maniacalughter echoed through the room.

    The doctor caressed Alicarde''s hair lovingly, making his skin prickle with disgust. The look in Victor''s eyes didn''t help.

    "Shush, my dear Alicarde. The trial will be over before you know it. So, rx¡ªI''ll just be collecting all the data."

    Alicarde''s skin crawled. "You damn creep! I''m not your dear! Stop calling me that!"

    Despite his weakened state, Alicarde struggled, but Victor''s grip was firm as he injected the glowing liquid into Alicarde''s arm. A cold numbness spread through his body, his vision darkening.

    As the world faded, he heard Victor''s voice, soft and distant. "Heheheh, time for some experiments. Someone, move him to the next room."

    Alicarde could feel the magic in the substance coursing through his veins, along with the burning sting of the Whitewood Ash. Those were thest sensations he felt as he slipped into unconsciousness once more.

 Chapter 47 Anxious Flowers

    The night was dark, the umbra cloak of the night only being cast away by the illumination of the mansion. The gentle night breeze brought with it the scent of the small forest surrounding the mansion. The luxurious walls were silent, the sounds of absent life, with the exception of the fourth floor, where three beautiful women awaited the return of Alicarde.

    Carrisa sat on the luxurious chairs of the fourth-floor balcony, worry etched across her exquisite face. It was past midnight, and Alicarde had not yet returned.

    She knew he was a college student; frankly speaking, for someone his age, this should be the norm.

    Except Alicarde didn''t like crowds or the noisy ces more popr with his peers. He had told her as much, and he had never been outte. Sure, he didn''t go to sleep early, but he mostly spent that time on the games he yed or those animations he watched.

    He always came back home early, the only exception being the convocation; that was a special asion, so she had expected him to be outte into the night. He had returned that day with a dead expression, trying his best to force a smile on his despondent face.

    She had not asked him at first, knowing he would tell her what became of him that night. Amena had gone to find him, based on his phone''s location that night. She had found his phone in the hand of a homeless vagrant, who apparently picked it up in an alley. They had begun searching for him when he had returned.

    Carrisa sighed. ''Should I be more concerned now?'' she thought, though the worry had already taken hold.

    While Carrisa hadn''t ordered it, Amena had taken the liberty of tracking his GPS location. Apparently, he had moved from ce to ce, all frequented by college students.

    ''Has he made a new acquaintance of whom I am unaware? He did express dissatisfaction with knowing only women here¡ªsomething about desiring a malepanion,'' she mused silently, though the development left her feeling somewhat uneasy.

    Carrisa did not wish to invade his privacy at every turn. While he tolerated the tracker, she didn''t want to push him too far. There was a limit to how much of his life he would permit her to oversee. If she crossed that line, he would surely be displeased.

    The taciturn maid, Amena, stood silently by her side, her usual stoic expression tinged with concern. She picked up a device the maid had handed her¡ªround with a touch screen. Carrisa nced at it, noticing the location on the tracker had shifted¡ªAlicarde was now at a bar.

    ''ording to this, he is presently at a bar. Yet, therein lies the issue Alicarde, in a bar? What could possibly be his intention¡ªdrinking water? I am quite certain he abstains from alcohol, regardless of the asion," Carrisa pondered, recalling the time she had attempted to tempt him with a bottle of finely aged wine.

    She had even procured two sses, hoping they could drink together, but he had firmly declined.

    Then there was Amena. She had taken the liberty of keeping tabs on Alicarde, not because she was ordered to, nor because she had any doubts about his behavior¡ªno, not in the slightest. The reason was more personal, an unfounded affection for the snarky young man. Carrisa had realized this over time, her maid had be rather taken with Alicarde.

    Carrisa could more or less guess what Amena was thinking. Her thoughts would be along the lines of He''s fine. He''lle back with one of his ridiculous tales. He''ll try to make meugh with his nonsense. We''ll y video games, and he''ll lose. He''s alright.

    Carrisa sighed and turned to the other woman present, the half-werewolf sister of Aiden Beowulf.

    Argint paced back and forth across the room, as she had been doing for the past three hours. Though Carrisa and Amena remained quiet, not showing much outward emotion, Argint must have noticed Carrisa gently tapping her finger on the table in an incoherent rhythm.

    The taciturn, porcin-doll-like maid asionally squeezed the sides of her dress. Carrisa knew she wasn''t the only one worried about him.

    Argint had tried calling Alicarde earlier. He didn''t pick up at first, but when he finally did, his voice had sounded off.

    He only said, "Busy, call youter," in what seemed to be a crowded room. It was undoubtedly his voice, yet something about it felt strange, unsettling.

    Argint muttered under her breath, "Where is he?"

    Her expression betrayed her worries.

    Amena finally broke the silence, her voice soft but insistent. "Mistress, should we not go and check on him? Surely, you must agree that something is amiss, especially judging from the tone of his voice?"

    Carrisa hesitated, chewing her lower lip. "We should, but his current location is at a restaurant frequented by college students. If we appear there, we risk intruding on his personal life. I am certain you are aware that Alicarde values his semnce of normalcy and prefers that we remain distant from it."

    She knew all too well how much Alicarde wanted to keep her and the others away from his mundane life, and she also knew that if she intruded too much, he would grow frustrated with her.

    As the tension in the room thickened, a figure appeared on the balcony¡ªa drifting mist slipping effortlessly through the shadows. Elizalina materialized, her presence as ethereal and seductive as ever. She leaned casually against the balcony rail, a faint smile ying on her lips.

    "Good evening, everyone. It seems I''ve arrived just in time. Huh... Alicarde isn''t here? Did he retire early for the night?" Elizalina greeted them in her sweet, sharine tone.

    Argint scowled, her eyes brimming with evident hostility toward the silver-haired vampire. Elizalina ignored her, still facing Carrisa.

    "Why the long faces?" she asked, her tone light but curious.

    Without missing a beat, Argint lunged at her, anger shing in her eyes. But Elizalina, expecting the hot-blooded lycanthrope''s attack, simply turned to mist, letting Argint pass through her harmlessly. Carrisa quickly intervened, cing a calming hand on Argint''s shoulder.

    Carrisa had anticipated Argint losing her patience, which was why she had risen from her seat beforehand.

    "Have you seen Alicarde?" Carrisa asked, her voice betraying her rising anxiety.

    Elizalina reformed, her expression now more serious.

    "I came to find him myself... I wanted to offer an apology for my previous indiscretion. Hold on... he hasn''t returned yet? Did Ie all this way in vain?"

    "No, he hasn''t. His current location, ording to the tracker, is a restaurant often visited by students for affordable meals. I am reluctant to disturb him and intrude upon his normal life. However, if you could, would you¡ª"

    Before Carrisa could finish her request, Elizalina pulled a phone from her cleavage, smiling seductively.

    "Shall I make a few calls and find out who he''s with? I know far too many people at the university. I could uncover who''s there in a matter of seconds," Elizalina said smugly.

    Argint red at her. "Could you not ce something we''re going to use in there, you parasite?"

    She turned to Carrisa. "Can we really trust this parasite?"

    Carrisa nodded thoughtfully. "We do not need to ce our trust in her. We merely need to ensure that she does not act against us."

    Amena rxed slightly. Soon, they would have their answers. Elizalina wasted no time and made several calls, her tone shifting to that of a concerned girlfriend, much to Argint''s increasing fury.

    The phone rang a few times before someone picked up.

    "Hey there," Elizalina purred sweetly into the phone. "I heard you were out at burbank tonight? Oh, really? That''s wonderful. Say, could you do me a favor? I''m looking for someone...

    Tall, handsome, with dark hair... a bit of an attitude. Have you seen him around?.... my boyfriend Alicarde"

    She waited, her eyes narrowing slightly as the voice on the other end responded. Her smile faltered. "No? You''re sure? He was supposed to be there tonight."

    Elizalina''s expression grew more concerned as the conversation continued. "Are you certain?"

    When she finally hung up, her face had lost its smugness entirely. She turned to the others, her voice grave.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "He''s not there. No one''s seen him at the bar, nor at the restaurant. It seems... he never arrived."

    Argint''s expression darkened, her fists clenched tightly. "Then where is he?"

    Carrisa felt a cold chill run down her spine. "We''ll need to act immediately," she said, her voice nowced with urgency. "Something is wrong."

    Elizalina nodded, her earlier smugness reced with genuine concern. "I can reach out to a few more people¡ªstudents who might know where he''s been recently¡ªbut we shouldn''t wait too long."

    After a few more rounds of questioning with various student cliques, it became clear¡ªAlicarde hadn''t visited any of the locations where he was supposed to be.

    Amena''s frown deepened, her eyes narrowing with cold fury. It wasn''t often that someone managed to deceive her, and the fact that it had happened now stoked an almost palpable rage within her. Without a word, she marched toward Argint, snatching her phone from her hand. Argint, surprised but too stunned to react, watched as Amena swiftly checked thest call made to Alicarde.

    Amena''s resolve hardened as she activated her innate ability, [Calculus]. Her eyes took on a green glow, filled with rapidly flickering, indecipherable numbers and code. In moments, she had her answer.

    "Tampering..." she whispered, her normally stoic demeanor now betraying an icy fury. "Someone tampered with my tech."

    She clenched the phone tightly, her expression darkening further. Whoever this "mad genius" was, they had dared to infiltrate her systems, a feat few could even dream of. Amena''s lips curled in disdain. They would need to find Alicarde''s phone or car; with either one, she was confident she could trace his exact location.

    She clicked her tongue in irritation, a rare show of emotion that caught everyone off guard. "Tsk, I don''t know who did this, but they will pay dearly."

    Carrisa''s eyes widened in surprise¡ªAmena never clicked her tongue. The disy of rage from her usuallyposed maid unsettled her. Argint, too, raised an eyebrow. The silent and expressionless Amena they had known seemed to have vanished, reced by someone with a cold, burning vengeance. No wonder Alicarde enjoyed teasing her so much.

    She actually had such vibrant expressions.

    The room fell into a tense silence, the gravity of the situation pressing heavily on everyone. Carrisa met Elizalina''s gaze, and a silent understanding passed between them. They all knew that something had gone terribly wrong. Elizalina nodded, sensing the weight of Carrisa''s unspokenmand.

    Carrisa met Argint''s gaze. "Prepare yourself. We may need to search for him ourselves."

    Amena, already anticipating Carrisa''s decision, quietly stood, ready to act.

    "Well then,dies, shall we go and retrieve Alicarde?" Carrisa said, her voice formal but steely, eyes sharp.

    "Hmph, I can''t stand vampires," Argint muttered under her breath, her gaze cutting toward Elizalina with obvious disdain. "But I''ll tolerate this one until we find Ali."

    Her tone was cold, and she made no attempt to hide the threat in her words. "Try anything, and you die," she added tly, her eyes locking onto Elizalina''s.

    Elizalina smirked, unbothered by the warning. "Fine by me."

    No more words were wasted. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut, but they moved with purpose, entering the mansion''s depths to make their preparations. It wasn''t long before they found themselves in the luxurious garage, their weapons and equipment in tow, stepping into a sleek ck SUV.

    The hunt for Alicarde had begun.

 Chapter 48 The Labs

    Alicarde''s eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the harsh white light that illuminated the room. He found himself inside a transparent capsule, the cold ss encasing him in a sterile, high-tech prison.

    His body felt odd¡ªlight as a feather, yet heavy at the same time. A low, almost inaudible droning sound filled the air, making it hard to focus.

    A strange shift in his perception unsettled him, as if he were floating, his body creating its own center of gravity, independent from the earth. The alien sensation gave him a mild feeling of vertigo, coupled with the lingering weakness in his limbs. Though the burning sensation of the Whitewood ash still remained, it was far less intense than before.

    Something was wrong inside his head too, a strange presence lurking in his mental scape, but he couldn''t put his finger on it.

    ''What the hell did that psychotic doctor do to me?'' Alicarde thought, his mind racing. He decided it would be better to first assess his surroundings before jumping to conclusions.

    Theb he was in was different from the one he had seen earlier. The air was filled with the hum of advanced machinery, and around him, grotesque experiments floated in various capsules and tanks.

    The sight made his stomach churn. A morbid fusion of genes and body parts from different creatures swirled in greenish fluid, monstrous chimeras crafted from twisted imagination and science.

    He quickly shifted his focus away from the experiments and examined the overallb. Clean metallic panels lined the walls, their surfaces broken by glowing screens and diagnostic equipment disying strange charts and data.

    The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air, but beneath it, something more organic and unsettling lingered. It felt illegal, dangerous even, he would call the police but who could trust thew in times like these?

    Rows of capsules lined the room, each housing a different creature. The sight brought back a memory¡ªAmena.

    She had once told him she wasn''t human, iming she was nothing more than a tool. He''dughed it off, teasing her, but she had painted a grim picture of an alchemist''sb, describing creatures not unlike the ones before him now.

    He remembered telling her he didn''t care what she was, much to her chagrin.

    ''Yeah, so these are chimeras. They feel quite powerful,'' Alicarde thought, assessing the creatures'' strength.

    The creatures, suspended in their fluid, were abominations¡ªpatchworks of different animal parts stitched together with brutal precision. One had the powerful limbs of a bear, the wings of an eagle, and the eyes of a snake.

    ''How the hell would that even fly?'' Alicarde wondered.

    Another had the body of a lion, the tentacles of an octopus, and the tail of a scorpion. Each one exuded a sense of power, but despite their grotesque forms, they weren''t as terrifying as Zagarath.

    Alicarde clenched his fists, his defeat at Zagarath''s hands still fresh in his mind.

    He shifted his gaze to the shadows, feeling the presence of something familiar¡ªthe bicorn. It was here, watching. He considered using the beast to break free, but it was a dangerous gamble. If he released it while still restrained, he''d likely be its first target.

    ''Is this really the best n?'' Alicarde thought, his heart racing. ''Am I still going to be afraid? A coward? A weakling?''

    His eyes returned to the chaotic workstation. Vials, syringes, and notebooks filled with mad scrawlings littered the table. Monitors disyed real-time data from the capsules, alongside live feeds of the chimeras.

    Wires and tubes snaked from the capsules torge machines that hissed and clicked rhythmically, maintaining the life support and monitoring systems.

    That''s when he noticed his guitar case¡ªity open, empty. His sword was nowhere to be found, and a sinking feeling of unease set in.

    At the center of theb, arge holographic disy projected a 3D model of Alicarde''s body, highlighting areas with pulsing red markers. It wasn''t just unsettling, it was grotesque and creepy. Various severed limbs and organs that resembled his own floated in jars, preserved in a morbid disy.

    ''What did that creep do to me?'' Alicarde thought, anxiety bubbling inside him. ''How long have I been here?''

    Before he could dwell on it, a voice cut through the air¡ªthe doctor''s voice, gleeful and manic.

    "Heeeheeee hahhahaaaahha! You''re finally awake. Marvelous, wonderful, spectacr! Your body is the most excellent specimen I''ve ever seen. When we captured you, we used a massive dosage, yet now, a few hourster, a continuous dosage ten times stronger can''t even keep you unconscious."

    A few hours? Alicarde''s eyes widened. Only a few hours? Relief washed over him, but it didn''tst long.

    Victor stepped forward, cing his hands on the ss of Alicarde''s capsule.

    "Your body adapts too quickly, using the damage to grow stronger while building resistance. Your mana levels increase with every cycle¡ªit''s fascinating!"

    The deranged doctor leaned in, his tongue flicking out to lick the ss, making Alicarde grimace in disgust.

    "So, did you like my gift? My elixir has unlocked new abilities within you. The first allows you to manipte gravity within a certain radius. The other, well, we''ll have to discover that one together¡ªit''s rted to the mind." Victor giggled, spinning on his heels like an excited child.

    "And I''ve got big data! I''ve made a minor breakthrough on my esper elixir!"

    The sound of his manicughter echoed in theb, mixing with the hiss of the machines. Alicarde''s mind raced as he processed the doctor''s words, dread creeping up his spine.

    ''I really need to the hell get out of here... before it''s toote.''

    Alicarde just watched the mad scientist. He was too weak, the supposed new power he got was not in use. He had tried to activate it as soon as the doctor mentioned it, but the capsules were filled with a distracting frequency that threw him off.

    Doctor Stein smirked, rubbing his hands together in mockery. "Oohhh, oops, did my little baby think you could escape just because you got some new tricks up your sleeve?"

    The doctor cackled, hitting his chest as he broke into a wheezing cough.

    "This capsule is enchanted, and the low sound frequency prevents mental focus, which means no esper powers. Muhahahahaha. I am such a mad genius!"

    ''At least he knows he''s nuts'' he mused unnerved by the mad man.

    Alicarde''s heart pounded in his chest. He had to escape, but the enchanted restraints and the capsule''s thick ss made it nearly impossible. As he scanned the room, his mind raced with thoughts of how to outsmart the doctor and evade the terrifying chimeras that surrounded him.

    He considered many possibilities. He hadn''t told Carrisa where he was going, or why. He hade here without attending his sses, which meant he hadn''t met Elizalina or anyone for that matter. He shouldn''t expect rescue anytime soon.

    He smiled at the doctor. The capsule he was in was empty, so he could speak he just chose not to.

    "So, what''s up, doc? Are you enjoying mypany? Just curious, what type of experiment do you intend to perform now? No, what do we intend to perform?"

    "We... did you just say ''we,'' as in both of us?" the deranged doctor asked, his interest piqued.

    "Yes, we... we''re in this together," Alicarde smiled.

    The doctor''s face lit up with an excited grin. "Ahhh, wonderful, you''ve finally seen the light. Yes, why don''t I show you, young cadaver, the true beauty of science?"

    That was exactly the reaction Alicarde was hoping for. He didn''t want to see anything¡ªhe just needed to buy time. He revised his n as the doctor rambled.

    "Err, doctor, you haven''t given me the details on my mana yet. Did it improve by a lot? Because I feel like I have way more mana."

    The doctor''s smile grew even brighter. "Ohhh yes, after I cut you to pieces a few times, your mana kept increasing. Hope you like the hospital gown, your clothes got shredded with your flesh when we put you through the meat grinder."

    "Huh...what th..." Alicarde quickly stopped himself and forced a smile.

    His body trembled slightly. ''These assholes didn''t just cut off a few limbs¡ªthey literally shredded me.''

    Alicarde forced another grin. "Ohhh, don''t worry, doc, we''re cool. It''s all for the good of humanity." He smiled as he recalled a name the doctor had mentioned before. "Let''s do it for Helen."

    The doctor''s deranged eyes welled up with tears. "Ohhh, cadaver, you are... you are a good man, a dead one, but still good."

    "I''m not actually dead, but sure, whatever," Alicarde muttered.

    "What...?" The doctor blinked in confusion.

    Alicarde quickly forced a smile again. "It''s nothing, doc. So, kind of wondering, can I get some food? Regenerating makes me really hungry. I can''t help it."

    The doctor didn''t seem to mind. "Is that so? How interesting. We''ll have food delivered."

    Alicarde felt a surge of hope. "Ahhh, thanks. But doctor, it''s a bit hard to eat in here. Mind removing the restraints while I eat? And, uh, maybe bringing me out of this capsule thingy?"

    The doctor''s face darkened with suspicion. He mmed the ss with a serious expression. "Did you think you could pull a fast one on me?"

    Alicarde had expected that. The doctor wasn''t stupid. "But doctor, we are literally in yourb, and you''ve got those chimeras. I wouldn''t even dream of escaping, how could I? We have a dream, for Helen."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Alicarde smiled, changing his tone as he addressed him. "You have to believe me, Victor... you meeting me is fate, all so we can save Helen."

    The doctor''s manic eyes softened at the mention of Helen. "With your strength, the odds of escape are low. Very well, then. We shall remove the restraints while you eat."

    Alicarde grinned slyly. "Thanks, Vic, you''re the man. No, the G.O.A.T. We do this for science."

    Hearing Alicarde call him "Vic," the doctor''s eyes widened with surprise, and a tear rolled down his cheek. He nodded his head slowly, ovee with emotion, and left theb room.

    Alicarde let out a sigh of relief. Good thing the doctor was so deranged, and overconfident in their security measures. But they couldn''t keep him restrained forever¡ªthis was ab, after all, not a prison.

    They would have to let him out eventually, though they''d likely have measures in ce even if he was unrestrained. Either drugs or tech. He would find out soon enough, but not before he unleashed his trump card.

    Then it''s every man for himself.

    Although mostly undecided, Alicarde didn''t want to be the weak, pathetic man who needed to be saved by Carrisa. He wanted to be powerful.

 Chapter 49 Ruthless Maid

    The night was deep and quiet, with only the asional flicker of a distant streetlight piercing the darkness. Tranquility was soon disturbed by the low, rumbling growl of an engine. Emerging from the dark gates of a grand residence, a military vehicle cruised down the deserted forest road leading out to the city.

    Its ck finish gleamed under the moonlight, luxurious and ominous. The high ground clearance andrge, multi-terrain tires rolled effortlessly over the asphalt. As it passed beneath a streetlight, the gleam illuminated its armored body, revealing sharp lines and reinforced panels.

    The vehicle''s tinted, bulletproof windows were imprable, hiding the upants inside. Amena, the beautiful but taciturn maid with brown hair, gripped the steering wheel, her expression betraying the foul mood she was in.

    Beside her sat Argint, her red hair tied into a ponytail, her expression grim and focused. In the back, Carrisa and Elizalina were equally tense, their thoughts consumed with finding Alicarde, who was still missing. Armed with tools and equipment, the group had chosen this military SUV for its power, speed, and maneuverability.

    Carrisa broke the silence, her voice cold and formal. "We shall begin our search at a hospital. Alicarde mentioned something regarding a young girl at one, though he never borated. I regret now that I did not pry further into the matter."

    "As you wish," Amena replied curtly. "Afterward, we can check the bar and restaurant where his tracker is currently located."

    Argint frowned. "Okay, but which hospital are we heading to?"

    "There are numerous hospitals within the city, and identifying the one Alicarde visited would prove challenging within a short timeframe," Elizalina remarked, her voice equally formal as she chimed in from the back.

    Argint scowled, clearly not wanting to engage with the vampire but acknowledging the truth of her words.

    Carrisa nodded. "Indeed, we are pressed for time. Evergreen City boasts over ny hospitals and medical centers, each spread across various districts. It is improbable we could locate him without narrowing our search."

    Amena remained calm, her stoic demeanor barely concealing the anger simmering beneath the surface.

    "We must consider all possibilities, but the odds are slim," she said evenly.

    Argint sighed. "She''s not wrong. Looks like we''ve got our work cut out for us."

    "In that case, we do not search for the hospital itself, but rather for the patient," Elizalina suggested thoughtfully.

    "Quite right," Carrisa agreed, her hand resting on her chin. "Amena, run a search for the patient¡ªLily Walker. Based on Alicarde''s description, she should be between the ages of ten and thirteen."

    With a quick nod, Amenaplied, and soon after, they arrived at their destination.

    The hospital, arge structure nestled in an affluent neighborhood, towered over the surrounding high-rise buildings. The luxurious nature of the area was undeniable, but it made Elizalina uneasy for reasons she couldn''t quite ce.

    Inside, they approached the reception desk, where Argint wasted no time.

    "We''re looking for someone," she said, holding up her phone to disy a picture of Alicarde to the nurse on duty.

    The nurse, a young woman with her hair tied in a bun, smiled. "Oh yes, I recognize him. He''s been here several times this week, always by himself. Poor guy looked downcast most days. He was here earlier today, but he left not long after."

    Elizalina''s voice was calm and measured. "What time, precisely?"

    "Shortly before noon," the nurse replied. "Is he a friend of yours?"

    Argint nodded, her face softening briefly. "Yes, he is. Thank you for the information."

    Amena, who had been silently observing, leaned toward Argint and whispered, "Buy me some time."

    Without hesitation, Argint continued the conversation. "Do you mind if I ask a few more questions?"

    The nurse seemed unfazed. "I don''t mind, but I can''t disclose any patient information."

    Argint waved it off. "It''s nothing of the sort. Just a few more general inquiries."

    While Argint kept the nurse distracted, Amena quickly hacked into the hospital''s security feeds. The footage confirmed the nurse''s statement¡ªAlicarde had indeed been there earlier and had left shortly afterward.

    Amena studied the images closely, but something gnawed at her. The nurse''s words lined up with the footage, yet something still felt off.

    Carrisa nced at Amena, who gave her a subtle nod, confirming the nurse''s story. Yet, despite the apparent validity of the information, doubt lingered in Amena''s mind.

    ''Could this footage have been forged?'' she pondered. Given her tech had been tampered with before, creating false imagery wasn''t beyond the realm of possibility.

    Without waiting for further discussion, Amena turned on her heel and headed out of the hospital, leaving her mistress behind. She was eager to uncover the next clue. While her suspicions remained, she wasn''t ready to blow the hospital to kingdome¡ªnot yet, at least. All she needed was a reason to doubt them. That alone would be more than enough.

    The bar was a dingy establishment, nestled deep within the heart of the district. Amena parked the SUV, and the group entered, the air thick with the stench of alcohol and stale smoke.

    The bartender, a middle-aged man with grey hairs peeking through his disheveled mop, eyed them warily as they approached.

    He had good reason. The women before him were deadly flowers, their beauty otherworldly. They would have been a feast for the eyes if not for the hostile aura they radiated.

    "We''re looking for this guy," Argint said, holding up a photo of Alicarde on her phone. "Was he here?"

    The bartender squinted at the picture before shaking his head. "Nah, never seen ''em. What, did he y you beautifuldies and flee or somethin''?"

    Argint smiled, her eyes alight with a dangerous glint. "Yeah, something like that."

    "Sorry,dies, never seen the guy. Happy hunting," the bartender said, offering them a small, nonchnt wave.

    With a nod, Argint led them out of the bar.

    Their next stop was a popr restaurant near the university. The cheerful chatter of students filled the air, blending with the rich scents of food and drinks. The lively atmosphere and bright lights created a vivid contrast to their task.

    Elizalina, cautious of her and Alicarde''s reputation, discreetly showed the photo of Alicarde around to avoid stirring rumors.

    After receiving nothing useful, the frustration began to set in as they returned to the SUV.

    "His car should be around here somewhere, at least that''s what the tracker shows. We should search the area," Amena said coldly.

    "There''s also a chance it''s been tampered with, and we''ll find nothing," Argint added, her skepticism evident.

    Ignoring her, Amena strode toward the distance. After thoroughly scanning therge parking lot, they were about to give up when Amena''s sharp eyes spotted something in a nearby alley.

    Alicarde''s car was there, parked and seemingly abandoned. They approached it cautiously. Despite her attempts to track both his phone and car, the coordinates had bounced erratically before leading them here.

    "His car," Carrisa whispered, her eyes cold.

    "Amena, check for any clues¡ªfingerprints, DNA, anything we can use."

    Amena''s eyes glowed faintly green as she methodically opened the car door, essing its systems. Inside, she found Alicarde''s phone resting on the passenger seat. But before they could investigate further, a violent explosion rocked the alley.

    The car erupted into mes, throwing them backward. But before the fire and shockwave could touch them, Elizalina swiftly waved her hand, encasing them in a sphere of blood.

    Uninjured, thanks to Elizalina''s hemomancy, they rose from the ground as the smoke cleared, revealing the charred remnants of the car¡ªand Alicarde''s phone.

    "Damn it!" Argint cursed, brushing dust from her clothes.

    Amena surveyed the wreckage with her cold, calcting gaze. "There goes our only lead, along with months of Ali''s game data."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Undeterred, Amena knelt down, examining a piece of debris. "This might give us something." She produced a portable scanner from her apron, morphing part of her hand to connect with the device. After a tense moment, it beeped.

    "I''ve got a match. The print belongs to a middle-aged doctor. Whether it''s a coincidence or not, he works at the hospital we visited earlier. He has the answers we seek."

    "Very well. Find his current location, and we will proceed from there," Carrisamanded with icy calm.

    Amena quickly found the doctor''s home address, and they drove to a modest neighborhood. Upon arriving, they were greeted by a teenage boy, no more than fourteen years old. The moment heid eyes on the beautiful group ofdies, he stumbled backward, falling to the floor in a daze.

    Carrisa took the lead, holding a rapier,  entering the house uninvited with Amena behind her, lugging a massive Gatling gun. Elizalina and Argint followed. Argint, an expert in unarmedbat, needed no weapons, and Elizalina''s blood magic could produce weapons as needed.

    A man''s voice echoed from deeper within the house. "Who is it? Are we expecting guests?"

    Amena wasted no time, barging through the doorway. She grabbed the man¡ªclearly the doctor¡ªand mmed him face-first into the wall.

    "Where is Alicarde? What have you done to him? Tell me now, or I will make you wish you were dead," her voice was even, but her eyes held a murderous glint.

    The doctor stammered, his face pale with fear. "I-I don''t know who you''re talking about. Please, I''m just a doctor! Let me go!"

    Amena tightened her grip on his cor, her patience worn thin. "We know you''re involved. You''ll tell us everything, or I will take your family hostage. No, better yet¡ªI''ll kill them all, one by one. Your choice."

    She hurled him onto a nearby table, which splintered under the force. Without hesitation, Amena turned her Gatling gun toward the boy. The barrel began to rotate slowly, the ominous hum filling the air. Paralyzed with fear, from the weapon and Amena''s  fear ability. The boy could do nothing but watch as his fate drew closer.

    "No, please! Don''t! He''s just a boy!" the doctor begged, struggling to rise.

    Argint tensed, prepared to intervene if things escted. Carrisa and Elizalina, on the other hand, remained indifferent to the scene unfolding before them.

    Before the gunfire could begin, the house''s interior door swung open, revealing a blonde woman and a little girl. The woman, upon seeing Amena aiming the massive weapon at her son, rushed forward and fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

    "Please! Spare him! Take everything we have¡ªjust don''t kill my son!" the woman pleaded, her voice raw.

    Amena kicked the woman aside, sending her crashing into the wall. "I''m not interested in anything you have," she said coldly.

    The doctor''s resolve finally crumbled. "Please, don''t hurt them. I''ll tell you everything. Just don''t harm my family."

    Amena approached, her expression stoic. She pulled a pen from her maid outfit and pressed it into his hand. "You''reing with us. And if you try anything, this pen will ensure you never see your family again. It''s rigged with a bomb powerful enough to take out this entire block. One wrong move, and you go boom."

    Argint scowled at the sight, her anger barely contained. Elizalina remained detached, while Carrisa regarded the proceedings with aloof pity. But none of them could deny one thing¡ªwhoever crossed Amena would deeply regret it.

    With the terrified doctor in tow, they drove to the hospital where he worked. The building loomed ominously against the night sky, its sterile facade hiding the dark secrets within.

    They entered through a side door, the doctor leading them down a series of dimly lit corridors to a secluded wing of the hospital.

    "This way," he said, his voice trembling. "He''s being held in one of the undergroundbs owned by Director Stein."

    Amena pressed her hand against the doctor''s back as they walked. "Remember, no tricks. If you make one wrong move, you''ll live to regret it. But your family won''t."

    They reached a vaulted elevator. After knocking the doctor unconscious, Amena connected to the hospital''s systems, essing it through her wrist device. A hologram flickered to life, showing ayout of the facility.

    "This ce is heavily secured," she said. "There are six underground floors, and Alicarde is on the fifth. Security is tight, and there are chimeras. A lot of them."

    Carrisa''s lips curled into a smile. "Then it''s settled. Ladies, we shallmence a bloodbath and rescue our dear prince in distress."

    Argint clenched her fists. "Oh, I''ll make sure Alicarde never hears the end of this."

    "Don''t get in my way you lowly parasite" Argint added ring at Elizalina.

    Elizalina shot Argint a disdainful look. "That is my line, you bitch in heat. Step aside, or I''ll handle you myself."

    Amena, her eyes glowing blue with chilling resolve, morphed her hand into a de and sliced through the metallic doors with ease. The hunt for Alicarde had begun.

 Chapter 50 Grim Determination

    Alicarde waited impatiently for the doctor to return, taking another cursory look around theb. The sterile, white room was filled with various instruments¡ªmetallic tables gleaming under the bright fluorescent lights, vials of strange liquids bubbling in the corners, and advanced machinery whirring softly in the background.

    His eyesnded on his sword lying on one of the tables, its dark gleam standing out among the cold, clinical environment. Heughed quietly to himself, a bitter edge to his tone.

    "I can always trust that wretched thing to stick with me," he murmured, somewhat relieved that the sword had made its way back to him once more.

    A few minutester, the door drifted open, and the doctor returned, carrying a tray of food. His movements were slow, confident, deliberate, and filled with an unsettling air of deranged self-satisfaction.

    He approached Alicarde with a twisted smile, his pale eyes partially obscured by his thick, sses.

    "You must be hungry. Let me feed you." The doctor''s voice dripped with mockery as he smiled wider.

    Alicarde''s lip curled in disgust. "Release me and I''ll eat on my own," he snapped, already on edge about the thought of being spoon-fed by the deranged old man.

    ''The hell is wrong with this nut job,'' he thought, his frustration building. ''As if being strapped to this thing isn''t bad enough.''

    The doctor chuckled, shaking his head slowly. "No, no. We are friends now, Alicarde. I''ll spoon-feed you myself. We have a dream, after all... we''ll do it for Helen."

    The mention of the name didn''t help. Alicarde''s irritation was barely contained now, his jaw clenched tight. ''This deranged fool isn''t falling for it. I don''t have time to win his trust...''

    "No, I don''t want that. Let me out," Alicarde demanded, his voice colder.

    "Hmmm, I can''t do that just yet," the doctor replied, suspicion lurking behind his eyes as he studied Alicarde''s face, searching for hidden intent.

    "Now, now, don''t resist." The doctor''s grin widened as he pressed a button. The ss of the capsule slid open with a soft hiss, and the doctor leaned in closer.

    He picked up a fork, carefully scooping up a small portion of food before bringing it to Alicarde''s lips.

    "I said I can¡ª" Alicarde''s words were cut off as the doctor forcefully shoved the food into his mouth. The taste was vile, bitter and metallic, and Alicarde''s mind swam in a haze almost immediately.

    Everything after that was a blur¡ªhis vision blurred, his body numb. He felt defiled on so many levels after being force-fed by the old man, a deep sense of degradation settling in.

    When the doctor finally left, his footsteps fading away, Alicarde was left feeling more humiliated than ever. He stared at the ceiling, dazed, his thoughts spiraling. ''I just got spoon-fed by an... an old man.''

    His patience shattered entirely. ''Enough of this. That was the final straw. Shred me? Fine. I was unconscious anyway.

    Drug me? Still fine. Use some super elixir on me? Whatever. But spoon-fed by an old man? Unforgivable, deplorable, retributional.''

    The more he thought about it, the more his anger festered. ''Suffering I can ept, but my dignity? Never... never... There had to be a hot nurse here somewhere... unforgivable.''

    He took a deep breath, his anger now smoldering into resolve. ''Time to risk it all. Wrathing out was inevitable anyway... it''s either now or never. I am done feeling sorry for myself.''

    He knew releasing Wrath, his demonic steed, was dangerous. The creature woulde after him, driven by its own savage anger, but it would have to break the capsules first. And if it seeded, it would tear him to shreds.

    Yet, Alicarde hoped that in the process of being ripped apart, he would regenerate out of his restraints. It was a gamble¡ªa risky, excruciatingly painful one¡ªbut it was his only shot at freedom.

    ''This is going to hurt... a lot.''

    He mentally listed the pros and cons. ''Wrath will break me free, and in the chaos, it''ll be seen as my ally by the doctor and his chimera minions. They''ll fight, and I''ll get the hell away.''

    His muscles tensed as he mulled over his decision, the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ''Right. Nothing too dangerous, except the part where I''m literally ripped apart. And then there''s the issue of dealing with Wrathter... he''s weaker now, though. I''ve got a decent chance.''

    His eyes narrowed, determination burning within. ''I am not weak. I am not afraid. Not of Wrath, and not of Zagarath.''

    With a grim smile, he whispered to himself, "Okay, let''s do this. No pain, no gain."

    His voice echoed faintly in the sterileb as he braced himself for what was toe.

    He kept an eye on where his sword was, plucking every ounce of his courage, then unleashed Warth. The shadows around him twisted, rising with a life of their own, congealing into the towering form of a dark destrier.

    Its infernal hooves burned with violet mes, casting an eerie glow in the bright room. Three dagger-like horns jutted from its forehead, each one sharp and menacing, pointed forward as if eager to skewer anything in its path.

    The bicorn, a creature born from its own dark fury, wasted no time. With a snarl of pure rage, it charged toward the capsule that held Alicarde captive, its violet eyes glowing with demonic intensity. The beast''s hooves thundered against the ground as it raced forward, leaving behind a trail of smoldering mes.

    As Warth''s fury collided with the capsule, the ss shattered in a deafening explosion, fragments raining down like deadly shards.

    The creature''s horns plunged deep into Alicarde''s chest, the force so overwhelming that it ripped his body free from the restraints, leaving his hands still tied to the remnants of the capsule.

    Alicarde felt the excruciating pain before he even had the chance to process what was happening. His bones were shattered with such force that he couldn''t even muster a scream. The agony was so sudden and all-consuming that his mind barely had time to react.

    His flesh tore apart as if it were paper, revealing the raw, bleeding muscle beneath. Shattered bones poked through his skin, and his limbs, grotesquely bent and mangled, hung at sickening angles.

    Blood flowed freely from the gaping wounds, pooling around him in a thick, dark red puddle that slowly spread across the floor.

    His chest was a horrifying sight¡ªripped open to expose the glistening bones of his ribcage, his heart pounding violently against the walls of his exposed body. Each shallow breath sent waves of unimaginable pain coursing through him.

    His face, now unrecognizable, was a mask of blood and suffering. One eye dangled loosely from its socket, while the other remained open in shock, a reflection of the torment surging through him.

    His teeth were missing, and his jaw hung ck, broken and twisted from the brutal assault. He convulsed in agony, the pain so intense that it threatened to send him into unconsciousness, though he knew that would only offer a fleeting reprieve.

    Warth''s onught didn''t cease. The creature continued to m Alicarde''s mangled body against the remains of the capsule, each impact driving shards of ss and twisted metal deeper into his torn flesh.

    His regenerative abilities tried to heal the damage, but the wounds were reopened just as quickly, creating an endless cycle of agony.

    Alicarde clenched what remained of his broken teeth, his mind a maelstrom of suffering and desperation. Each second stretched into an eternity as he fought to stay conscious, knowing that if he sumbed, Warth would not stop.

    The bicorn was a manifestation of pure rage, and it would not rest until its target was utterly destroyed, even if that target was its master.

    Somewhere in the swirling madness of pain, Alicarde clung to a grim sense of determination. His entire body was screaming for mercy, but in the back of his mind, a voice urged him to endure. To fight through the agony. To survive.

    As he teetered on the edge of consciousness, his mind sought refuge in a memory. A conversation with Carrisa, a moment when she had shared the brutal truth of his new existence.

    She had told him this life was no game. Weakness would bring suffering. But even strength came with its own pain. When he had asked her for the solution, her response had been cold, but clear: "Be strong. That way, your enemies will suffer with you."

    In his mind, he saw the mocking face of Zagarath, sneering as he uttered the words

    "A human undying, how quaint."

    Alicarde gritted his broken teeth, the memory fueling his resolve.

    ''I won''t be weak. I won''t be afraid. They will bow before me,'' he swore to himself. ''Carrisa didn''t waste her one chance on a useless man.''

    The sound of ring rms pierced through his haze of pain, the noise deafening and disorienting. Warth, relentless as ever, poised itself for a another, devastating blow. Alicarde stared at the three obsidian horns gleaming menacingly as the bicorn lunged forward, ready to tear him apart.

    But Alicarde wasn''t ready to give in. Not today.

    ''Not today, you bastard,'' he thought through the agony, his rage igniting something deep within him. ''Not today.''

    He stood up, trying to put distance between himself and the chaos as he found his body defying gravity, floating helplessly against his will. Alicarde desperately tried to control the sensation, attempting to force his feet back to the ground, but he wasn''t quick enough.

    Wrath moved, the dark steed''s hooves rumbling against the ground as astral winds swirled around its form. It struck him like a supersonic flyer, the impact shattering his bones, which were blown from his body in an instant. Agony washed over him, his blood soaking the sterile floor as he gritted his teeth, barely able to contain the searing pain.

    Suddenly, the vaulted doors burst open. Three grotesque chimeras charged in, their twisted forms snarling as they spread out across the room. Behind them came the doctor, his face contorted in a crazed rage.

    "You betrayed me, Alicarde!" the doctor screamed, spit flying from his mouth. "After everything, you still betray me! We had a thing... why, why, whyyyy? We were going to do it for Helen!" His voice cracked with unhinged hysteria.

    "Shut up!" Alicarde growled through clenched teeth, forcing himself to ignore the pain. He had to focus. He spotted his sword lying just a few feet away, but Warth was already closing in. Desperation surged through him as he rushed toward it, his mind racing.

    "Stop them! Stop them both!" the doctor shrieked, misinterpreting the chaos as something he could still control.

    Alicarde gritted his teeth, dodging through the growing carnage.

    ''Just as I predicted. Guessdy luck is on my side.'' He wasn''t out of the woods yet, though. The chimeras lunged at Warth, their grotesque forms shing violently against the dark steed. Warth retaliated with a ferocity unmatched, tearing through them with savage force. Alicarde rolled, narrowly avoiding the madness, and grabbed his sword.

    Just as he tried to stand, the weightless sensation returned, and he found himself floating again, as though gravity had simply ceased to exist. He struggled, his body twisting in mid-air, wishing he was heavy again. His wish was granted, and he plummeted headfirst to the ground, crashing into the sterile floor and leaving a deep, circr dent.

    ''This isn''t some external force,'' he realized, ''this ising from me. So this is my innate ability. I can''t control it... no time to revel in how cool superpowers are. Gotta go.''

    With this newfound power surging within him, Alicarde felt a moment of awe, but there was no time to admire the spectacle. He was still caught in the chaotic battle between Wrath and the hideous chimeras, their powerful blows shaking the entire room.

    ''Should I be grateful or angry? The doctor did mention something about his elixir... but for now, I need to escape.''

    Wrath was busy tearing into the chimeras, their monstrous forms more daunting than Alicarde could handle in his current state. The doctor, still clinging to some shred of control, rushed over to a nearbyputer and began furiously tapping away. More chimeras were released from their capsules, their snarls echoing in the cold, sterileb.

    "You think you can escape?" the doctor screamed, tears now welling in his eyes. "You won''t get far!"

    Alicarde didn''t care about his words. He had one goal, get out of this hell. Turning toward the doors, he bolted. The doctor, in ast-ditch effort, tried to stop him, conjuring a magic circle in his hand and aiming to unleash a spell. But Alicarde was quicker, grabbing the doctor by the coat and throwing him into the air. Despite his weakened state, Alicarde was still too strong.

    The doctor was flung toward the ongoing battle, narrowly avoiding a direct hit from the chimeras and Wrath. Still, he was grazed by the fury of the fight, mming into a broken capsule. Hey bleeding and unconscious, slumped against the shattered ss.

    Alicarde nced at him briefly. He didn''t care if the doctor survived, his mind had already set itself on the cold-blooded path of vengeance. Zagarath was all that mattered now. One death more or less wouldn''t change anything. Still, a small part of him whispered.

    ''Although I hope you survive, Victor.''

    Contradictions swirled within Alicarde. Despite the doctor''s actions, something told him the man wasn''t purely evil¡ªnot like the monsters Alicarde had faced before. But there was no time for reflection. He had to escape.

    Alicarde fled into the hallway, his footsteps echoing as he ran. He wasn''t as worried about the chimeras now¡ªWarth was more terrifying. The thought of being caught by that beast was far more concerning than the creatures the doctor had unleashed.

    ''I need to get out of here,'' he thought, his breathing in ragged gasps.

    ''This ce is a death trap.''

    Behind him, the sound of battle raged on. Warth was tearing through the chimeras with unstoppable fury. The rms continued to re, red lights shing across the white walls, casting a sickly, ominous glow over the facility. Alicarde''s heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing as he searched for an exit, hoping to find a way out before it was toote.

 Chapter 51 Fight Or Flight

    He turned a corner and found himself in a corridor lined with reinforced doors. The facility was white and sterile, even more so than the hospital above it.

    The surfaces were illuminated by white fluorescent lights, leaving no room for darkness or shadows to linger. Theb halls were empty, as if the researchers had vanished into thin air, leaving only the chilling silence behind.

    Alicarde pressed against the wall, moving cautiously. He had no cover, and worst of all, he was running out of time. It was only a matter of time before Warth eviscerated those chimeras and came after him with the intention of not only tearing his body apart but also pulverizing his mind.

    He needed distance between them. As embarrassing as it seemed, the idea of running back to Carrisa and hiding behind her skirt, was bing increasingly tempting.

    The thought was a bitter pill to swallow. Zagarath''s words echoed in his mind, filling his heart with a newfound resolve. He couldn''t be weak¡ªnot after everything. He didn''t want to rely on Carrisa anymore, not when he desired to be strong enough to protect her. The urge to prove Zagarath wrong boiled in his chest.

    He moved quickly, ncing around for an exit.

    "One of these must lead outside," he whispered, opening door after door.

    Most of them revealed research rooms or dead ends. Finally, he found a stairwell that led up. Without wasting time, he bolted up the stairs, the sound of distant battles growing fainter behind him.

    Reaching the upper floor, he burst through a heavy metal door and found himself in a deserted hallway. His breath came in quick, shallow gasps, the tension gnawing at him.

    ''Faster. I need to get out of here faster.'' He constantly nced back, worried that Warth would soon be right on his heels.

    Oddly enough, it wasn''t the doctor or his deadly creations that haunted his thoughts¡ªit was the terrifying familiar chasing him. Alicarde knew firsthand what Warth was capable of. A whole n of Night Shades, at their prime, couldn''t defeat it.

    The only reason they''d survived that encounter was because of luck and the Nexus. Warth had copsed, and Amena had used Alicarde''s shadow to seal it away the second time. Even then, the beast was intelligent and relentless, and he could never forget its power.

    ''All I need to do is make sure it touches my shadow,'' he reminded himself, eyes scanning for any advantage.

    Suddenly, the door at the far end of the hallway swung open, and a horde of grotesque chimeras poured in. Alicarde''s grip on his sword tightened, the familiar surge of adrenaline flooding his veins.

    "Come on, then," he muttered through gritted teeth, eyes narrowing with cold determination. "Bring it on, you freaks of nature."

    The chimeras rushed at him, their twisted bodies and snarling faces a nightmaree to life.

    Alicarde''s sword shed as he met them head-on, slicing through the head of one chimera with precision. Rolling to the side, he kicked another in the jaw, causing it to stagger back. Despite his weakened state, his enhanced body moved faster than ever, boosted by his mana. If not for the drugs still affecting him, he knew he could''ve been even stronger.

    He leapt to the wall, using it as leverage to dodge a swipe, then plunged his de through the warthog-like head of another chimera. The beasts had limited mobility in the tight space, something he used to his advantage.

    Still, their numbers were overwhelming. For every chimera he cut down, another snarled and charged forward. He dodged a wed strike from a bear-like creature, countering with a precise sh that severed its arm. Blood sprayed in all directions, and the chimera roared in pain before copsing.

    Alicarde spun, barely avoiding another attack, and drove his sword through the chest of yet another. His movements were a blur¡ªeach attack fueled by survival and desperation. Combat principles and body enhancement magic fused together, pushing him to his limits.

    But stamina was bing an issue. His body was exhausted, muscles screaming, lungs burning with each breath. If he got swarmed, it would be the end. He couldn''t keep this up forever.

    Suddenly, a lizard-headed chimera lunged at him, its jaws snapping mere inches from his face.

    ''That was close. I almost got kissed by a lizard.'' Even in danger, he couldn''t help but quip. Humor was his way of keeping his sanity intact.

    Alicarde sidestepped the chimera''s jaws, bringing his sword down on its neck with a sickening crunch. It gurgled and copsed, but more chimeras surged forward. He barely had time to react when a winged chimera swooped down, ws shing at him. Pain shot through him as its talons scraped across his scalp.

    He winced, regenerating quickly through the pain, then retaliated with a vicious upward sh that tore one of the chimera''s wings clean off. The creature screamed, crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.

    The blood-soaked ground had be slippery, making movement more difficult. Alicarde felt his body shift, a strange sensation of weightlessness washing over him.

    ''Not again,'' he cursed as his ability started to activate.

    He fought to control it, willing himself to stay grounded. Just in time, too, as a lion-scorpion chimera leaped at him, its scorpion tail aiming for his heart. He rolled to the side, the stinger grazing his arm. The pain was brief but sharp, a reminder of his momentary distraction.

    With a growl, he swung his sword, slicing through the chimera''s midsection. Its dying roar filled the hallway as its blood joined the growing pool on the floor.

    Alicarde was panting heavily now, his strength waning.

    ''I can''t keep this up forever,'' he thought. He was running on fumes. His muscles ached, his vision blurred slightly from exhaustion.

    Desperate, he focused on controlling his strange floating ability.

    ''Come on, make me lighter.'' To his relief, his body responded, and he leapt over the remaining chimeras,nding behind them with surprising grace. Without a second thought, he sprinted toward the door they''de through, ignoring their shrieks as they scrambled after him.

    Suddenly, shes of magic streaked past him, exploding against the walls. His eyes widened in surprise.

    ''Wait, magic? They can use magic?'' His heart raced. He had been lucky before, but now things had changed. The chimeras had been holding back, likely to avoid harming each other in the cramped space.

    He dove through the door, finally giving them the slip. The sounds of the chimeras echoed behind him, but at least for now, he was out of their reach.

    Above, a rumble reverberated through the structure, followed by a massive impact. ''That''s not Warth¡­ must be something else,'' Alicarde deduced. Whatever was happening, it was on the upper floors.

    As the chimeras continued rushing upward, it became clear they were being drawn to some new threat. Alicarde hesitated but knew that time was running out. Warth would find him soon¡ªit was his familiar, after all.

    He was well aware it could teleport, along with an arsenal of dangerous abilities.

    After resting for a little while and catching his breath, he left the room, fighting one chimera after the other, trying to get a grasp of his new innate abilities.

    The first one was easy¡ªit activated on its own if he wasn''t focused enough, either making him heavier or lighter, he could control gravity within a set spherical radius around him, with himself as the center.

    The other one didn''t do anything, or Alicarde hadn''t figured out how to use it.

    His body was still not at full power, and the rumbling sounds from above were bing more disconcerting.

    Worst of all, there was Warth below, going on a rampage. At this point, he began to feel sorry for the chimeras.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The researchers were nowhere to be found, they must have escaped. He had to follow too.

    He finally reached the next floor, opening arge door. As it shut behind him, he found himself in a massive room with arge, industrial elevator filling the space.

    The elevator was a towering structure of metal and cables, designed to transport heavy equipment and personnel. Its reinforced doors and thick steel frame suggested it was built for heavy-duty use, possibly for transferringrge specimens or machinery.

    His escape was at hand. He ran towards the elevator, but before he could get there, the space rippled. The adamantine hooves of Warth stepped out, its violet eyes filled with infernal fury.

    Alicarde skidded to a halt, his heart pounding. "Ohhhh shit. Not now," he muttered, gripping his sword tighter.

    The creature''s fear ability hit him like a storm. Shimmering runes covered its body, weakening its assault on him.

    Warth''s eyes locked onto him, and it snorted, a plume of ck smoke escaping its nostrils. The air around it crackled with dark energy. It roared, its voice echoing with malevolent glee.

    Alicarde squared his shoulders, forcing himself to stand tall despite the exhaustion gnawing at his limbs.

    "I''m your master, so obey me, goddammit. Stop now, Warth. I order thee, obey me."

    Warth charged, ignoring its weak master. The ground shook with each thunderous step. Alicarde barely had time to react, leaping to the side as the bicorn''s hooves gouged deep furrows into the floor.

    ''Shit, shit, shit, I am so screwed.''

    Rolling to his feet, Alicarde shed at Warth''s nk. The de met resistance, sparks flying as it scraped against the creature''s tough hide. He felt like he had hit a steel te rather than flesh and blood.

    ''Is that thing even made of flesh and blood?''

    Warth roared in rage, kicking out with a hind leg. The blow caught Alicarde in the chest, sending him sprawling into the walls, leaving deep cracks and dents.

    Coughing up blood, he staggered to his feet in agony.

    Gasping for breath, Alicarde pushed himself up.

    ''I need to think. I stand no chance against this monster. It took hundreds of night shades to even hold it back, and it was weakened... huh, right, it''s still weakened.

    No, it''s grown even weaker, so I have a chance to escape. I just need to cover it with my shadow, then say his name to capture him again. I can try to use my new abilities. That should work,'' he ruminated quickly.

    He focused, trying to make himself lighter. The sensation spread through his body, and he felt a strange buoyancy. He leaped into the air, soaring over Warth''s next attack. He felt weightless, just like an astronaut in space.

    As hended behind the beast, he grabbed a heavy chain hanging from the elevator, ripping it off and swinging it with all his might. The chain wrapped around Warth''s neck, and Alicarde yanked it tight, trying to use his weight to pull the creature off bnce.

    Warth thrashed, trying to shake him off. It snarled, enraged.

    "I don''t need to win," Alicarde gritted his teeth, his arms straining with the effort.

    "I just need to survive. You ain''t so tough now."

    He was wrong, so wrong. Warth grabbed him, pulling him closer and mming his body into the ground. Its mouth spewed infernal purple mes, bathing Alicarde in the heat as he screamed in pain. The agony surged through him, his entire body wracked with torment. The mes licked at his skin, searing and blistering, turning his world into a roaring inferno.

    Despite the excruciating pain, Alicarde''s survival instinct red. His vision was a haze of fiery violet and ck smoke. He fought to keep his focus, desperate to stay conscious amidst the searing pain.

    The chain around Warth''s neck was still there, holding fast, but the creature''s ferocity was overwhelming.

    Alicarde struggled to his feet, the searing pain making every movement a challenge. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each inhale burning his lungs.

    He had to find a way to turn the tide or be consumed by the infernal rage of Warth.

 Chapter 52 Doubts and Suspicions

    The four women entered thebs, the rms ring crazily as soon as they crossed the threshold. The facility was a maze of cold, sterile corridors illuminated by harsh, fluorescent lights.

    Metal tables and various pieces of scientific equipment cluttered the rooms on either side, many covered in bizarre, half-finished experiments. The scent of antiseptic mingled with the faint, earthy aroma of magical ingredients, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

    Argint looked to be in a foul mood. The doctor had been left behind now that he had outlived his usefulness. She stopped abruptly, turning to Amena with a stern look.

    "Did you really have to take a family hostage, even the children?"

    That question had been lingering in her mind for quite a while. She refrained from asking when the doctor, who had been their hostage, was present, knowing it could undermine their control over him.

    Amena fired back, her eyes cold, taciturn, and unyielding.

    "The doctor was guilty. He deserved it. The sins of the father should fall upon the child. If he hadn''t gotten involved, we wouldn''t even be here."

    "That doesn''t justify using children as hostages!" Argint countered, her voice rising. She was mortified by the cruel wordsing from the indifferent expression of the maid.

    "I don''t care," Amena said tly. "Define what a child is. If you go by the standard that is age, I am very much a child myself considering my chronological age is just a little over eight years."

    Argint was at a loss for words. She gritted her teeth. "That still doesn''t justify pointing that weapon at an innocent child," she said, gesturing to the Gatling gun Amena held with one hand.

    "You being a homunculus is different from a normal child. You can''t just do that."

    Amena''s taciturn expression did nothing to betray how she felt. She remainedrgely unconvinced. Once again, it came back to her being a mere homunculus, a life form created in ab.

    What did she expect? The only person who didn''t treat her like just a homunculus was Alicarde. She felt justified doing whatever it took to save him. Plus, it was also her duty as a maid to aid her master no matter what.

    With that thought in mind, she gave Argint an indifferent look.

    "Allow me to reiterate, I do not care. If he had not acquiesced, then I would make him pay the ultimate price. A maid''s duty is to serve her master. I am merely fulfilling my duty."

    Argint pressed on, her expression dejected. "Alicarde would care. You know he would."

    Amena faltered, her expression shifting from defiant indifference to worry. "I... I just wanted to get the doctor. I didn''t think..."

    Her taciturn visage was now fraught with mixed emotions.

    Carrisa and Elizalina silently observed the argument, their expressions unreadable.

    Argint turned to Carrisa. "How do you feel about this?"

    Carrisa shrugged. "I would do whatever is necessary to protect Alicarde. Amena was merely trying to find her master, which counts as fulfilling her duty."

    Argint expected as much from her, she could never get a proper read on the princess. "But Alicarde wouldn''t want her hurting children. He would not approve if he ever finds out."

    Carrisa didn''t seem to mind at all. She was still wearing an aloof expression, her words seeming to have made Amena somewhat relieved. Her mistress supported her, so it should be fine. Although, Alicarde finding out was something she didn''t want.

    On the other hand, Elizalina smirked. "I don''t really care about humans. They are only food to me. How I feel about them is the same as how a shepherd feels about their sheep. The sheep spend their life being protected from the wolf by the shepherd, only to be eaten by that same shepherd."

    Argint snapped, visibly irritated. "Shut the hell up, parasite. No one asked you."

    Carrisa interjected with a serene tone. "That is to be expected from a vampire. Your kind has been secretly protecting the Truth Association in the Demine for centuries."

    Elizalina replied coldly, her expression darkening. "I have no hand in that. You should take it up with the old ghouls in the council."

    Before the conversation could continue, they were besieged by dozens of macabre chimeras. These grotesque creatures were a horrifying amalgamation of various animals, their bodies twisted and deformed.

    Some had the heads of wolves with reptilian scales, others had the wings of bats fused with muscr, human-like torsos. Some had two heads¡ªthose of tigers apanied by shark fins¡ªand all of them moved with predatory intent.

    The sight of such a massive horde would have been terrifying, but the women didn''t seem bothered by it at all.

    Carrisa drew her rapier, her body glowing as she used enhancement magic to boost her strength. She darted forward, her de a blur as she cut through the chimeras with precision. Her violet eyes glowed as she weaved between her enemies like a lethal dancer, reaping lives as she moved.

    Argint''s arms transformed into wolf ws covered in white fur, a wolf''s tail sprouting from her back. She shed and tore at the chimeras, her movements wild and feral. Her rage was all turned toward the unfortunate chimeras who dared to oppose her. She was a swift cyclone of fangs and ws.

    Elizalina''s eyes turned red as she began to use hemomancy, making her enemies explode into a blood mist. She manipted the blood, forming it into deadly weapons that she hurled at the remaining chimeras. Her grey eyes, now blood-red, gleamed as she used the very blood in their grotesque bodies against them.

    Amena wielded her Gatling gun with deadly efficiency. She let her hair down, the tips transforming into des that sliced through the enemies. She was quick and efficient, her battle style akin to a well-developed android, each move a calcted prelude to the next.

    The battle was intense and chaotic, each woman fighting with a ferocity that filled the area with the sounds of disastrous impacts and shocks, along with terrifying shes of light and the horrifying stter of flesh and blood.

    Carrisa''s thoughts were focused and methodical, analyzing each move to ensure maximum efficiency. Argint fought with raw, unbridled rage, her thoughts a whirlwind of anger and frustration. She unleashed a brutal assault, using the battle style she had learned from her n. She was fast, bringing death upon her prey like any predator would.

    Elizalina''s mind was cold and cunning, every action precise and deliberate. She manipted the blood in her enemies, leaving them as hollow, desated corpses or exploding them into a crimson mist.

    Amena fought with a mix of long-range barrage and deadly de strikes, her movements cold, ruthless, and calcted, with the precision only a machine could possess.

    The first wave of chimeras was destroyed, their broken bodies littering theb. Blood, ichor, and desated corpses coated the broken floors and walls, the aftermath of their carnage a testament to their lethal capabilities.

    They continued deeper into thebs, dismissing the brief ughter as insignificant. Eventually, they reached a fork in the road. After a brief discussion, they decided to split up to cover more ground and find Alicarde. The n was to rendezvous at the same locationter.

    Argint crossed her arms. "I''m fine splitting into groups of two as long as it''s not with the parasite."

    Elizalina sneered, her tone venomous yet refined. "I would rather perish than subject myself to thepany of a werewolf. If Alicarde''s life weren''t at risk, I would dly burn under the sun than tolerate your presence, wretch."

    Sensing the brewing conflict, Carrisa intervened with calm authority. "Elizalina will apany me. Argint, you shall go with Amena. This is not the time for petty grievances."

    Argint frowned but nodded, reluctantly epting Carrisa''s decision. "Fine. Just stay far from that bloodsucker. We still can''t trust her. She did attack us, after all."

    Elizalina rolled her eyes, her disdain palpable. "As if I would ever wish to be near you. Your trust is meaningless to me. I have my own reasons for being here, and they are far beyond the trivial concerns of a lowly bitch."

    Carrisa observed the entire exchange with a hint of amusement. The inherent enmity between vampires and werewolves was well-known, and yet, they refrained from outright violence.

    It was curious, though likely fleeting. She wondered if there was any potential in leveraging their animosity to her advantage, though cooperation between the two seemed highly improbable.

    Still, pairing Amena with Elizalina wasn''t an option either. Amena had been unusually vtile ofte, and Elizalina''s views on humans, particrly those in their group, were far from favorable. The two would not hesitate to spill innocent blood, and Alicarde''s wrath would be swift if they did. He would be greatly displeased.

    ''If Amena kills too many humans, Alicarde will be livid. I must let her think for herself, though she often allows her emotions to cloud her judgment. It is the first time I''ve seen her so unrestrained¡ªa nuisance indeed,'' Carrisa mused, her thoughts sharpened with concern and strategy.

    Once the teams were decided, they each chose their respective paths. Carrisa and Elizalina ventured one way, while Amena and Argint took the other.

    As they parted, Carrisa nced at Elizalina, a subtle smile ying on her lips.

    ''I wonder, what is her true goal? Her apparent affection for Alicarde cannot be her sole reason for being here. There is more beneath the surface, and I intend to uncover it,'' Carrisa pondered, suspicious of the vampire''s motives. Trust was not something she granted easily, least of all to someone like Elizalina.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Though Carrisa admired Elizalina''s ruthlessness, she was fully aware of the potential danger the vampire posed. With the right guidance, she could prove a powerful ally, but equally, she could be a perilous adversary. For now, however, the focus remained on rescuing Alicarde. Carrisa would decide Elizalina''s fate after.

    Walking alongside Elizalina, Carrisa felt the weight of the looming threat. Their future was fraught with danger, and they needed to be prepared for the worst.

    ''Elizalina is strong¡ªperhaps even stronger than she appears. When she fought us in the mansion, I am certain she did not unleash her full power. Why hold back, even when her life was at risk? Could she have anticipated Alicarde''s intervention?'' Carrisa''s mind raced, her suspicions growing.

    Elizalina nced at her, curiosity flickering in her cold gaze. "What upies your mind, Princess?" she asked, her voice edged with suspicion.

    Carrisa smiled faintly, masking her true thoughts. "Merely contemting how much I despise this wretched ce. Let us continue. We cannot afford to linger."

    Elizalina''s eyes narrowed. "Do not insult my intelligence with such trivial deflections. I am well aware that you conceal much more than you reveal, so I shall humor your pretense¡ªfor now."

    Carrisa''s smile deepened. "Perhaps. But for the time being, our priority is finding Alicarde. Our disagreements can be settled at a more appropriate time. Although, I would think you might show a little gratitude to the one who spared your life¡ªunless, of course, you have forsaken your dignity as a noble?"

    Her tone was light, yet Carrisa''s words carried a deliberate weight, meant to provoke a reaction from the vampire. She remained wary of Elizalina''s intentions and sought to use her as a tool, despite the risks involved. Bringing her into their fold was a calcted gamble, but one Carrisa deemed worth the potential reward.

    ''Every move I make must be carefully measured. Elizalina could be a key asset, but only if I can ensure herpliance,'' Carrisa resolved, her thoughts cold and calcted.

    With her resolve hardened, Carrisa strode forward, her mind never straying far from her ultimate objective¡ªrescuing Alicarde and securing their future. In this dangerous game, they were not even worthy of being yers. But that would change soon, she would make sure of that.

    As they walked, Carrisa''s mind continued to weave intricate strategies. ''Elizalina''s affection, if genuine, could be exploited. Should she truly care for Alicarde, I will use that to my advantage.''

    ''If her emotions are real, I will manipte them, making her believe that his safety depends on her loyalty to me. I will engineer situations where she requires my assistance, fostering dependence within our group. Her rivalry with Argint will further serve my purposes, as I can pit them against each other while reinforcing my position as the irreceable leader.''

    Carrisa''s eyes gleamed with the makings of her insidious schemes. ''Yes, that will suffice. Even the clever are ves to their emotions. This gratitude of yours, Elizalina Crimson¡ªI will nurture it into a fire so great it will bind you. Those mes will be the strings by which I control you.''

    Her thoughts were as sharp as ever, her focus unshakable. Carrisa would ensure that no matter the oue of their mission, she remained in control. And by the end of it all, Elizalina would either prove her worth¡ªor fall into irrelevance, discarded like so many before her.

 Chapter 53 Deathly Flowers

    Amena and Argint traveled down the deserted hallways of theb, their senses heightened as they moved through the eerie silence. Each kept her thoughts to herself. The aftermath of gruesome experiments surrounded them, with grotesque, non-human creatures disyed in various states of dissection and mutation.

    Amena''s eyes darkened as she scanned the grotesque disys.

    ''This ce is too familiar, their technology is quite impressive considering they managed to create false footage of Ali leaving the hospital,'' she thought, somewhat irritated.

    The memories of the alchemist''sb where she was created surfaced in her mind. She remembered the sterile coldness, the constant sense of unease as she adjusted to her new body, with false memories and knowledge imnted into her head, and the cruel realization that she was merely an artificial being.

    "You are a tool," was the first thing her creators had told her.

    "You only exist to serve. Your wishes and desires are of no consequence. Lifeforms like you, we can mass produce by merely pushing a button." Amena remembered these words, the simple truth that summarized her existence.

    In the Demine, homunculi like her didn''t have anything close to rights. In fact, they were treated worse than ves and held a very low status. After all, they were biological dolls fashioned with alchemy. Though they had feelings, emotions, and their own will, none of it mattered to anyone. No one had ever treated her like she mattered. Except one person.

    Alicarde had never cared about her origins. He had called her beautiful, a masterpiece. She subconsciously smiled, recalling his words.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Someone actually thought of her as more than just a tool. Someone actually saw value in her life. It was a novel feeling. She hadn''t liked this special treatment at first, but she couldn''t stop him either. For all intents and purposes, he was her master.

    Amena truly hatedbs. Why must she subconsciously put herself in the shoes of all these failed parodies of life? Perhaps she was just one step away from bing one of these grotesque creatures.

    Argint, on the other hand, found the scene disgusting. She wrinkled her nose at the sight of the twisted creatures.

    ''Geez, this ce is an alchemist''sb. Those assholes are always searching for their ultimate truth or whatever,'' she thought, her disgust fueling her determination to find Alicarde. She hoped he hadn''t been turned into ab rat.

    They continued on in silence, asionally running into chimeras. Each battle was swift and brutal.

    Amena wielded her gatling gun with deadly precision, her movements efficient and calcted. Argint''s ws tore through their enemies with raw, feral power, her skill evident in every strike.

    The path seemed deceptively easy until Argint broke the silence.

    "Why are you so angry about Alicarde being taken?" she asked. She had never thought the taciturn maid was capable of such emotions, after all, she was just a homunculus.

    Amena''s eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions.

    "I hatebs, and I like Alicarde," she replied shortly.

    But her mind was a whirlwind of memories as she ignored any further questions from the half-werewolf.

    ''I was created artificially, a product of alchemy. He didn''t care about how I was born. He told me I was beautiful, a divine masterpiece.''

    Amena felt frustration bubbling in her chest as she recalled all the things Alicarde had said to her. ''I tried so hard to convince him that I wasn''t a real person, and he just didn''t care.''

    His snarky words on the day he forced her to y video games with him because he didn''t have anyone to y with, his somewhat childish attitude, and how serious he got about the most ridiculous things¡ªAmena couldn''t help but love all these things about him.

    ''It was really frustrating, yet I... I came to... I came to enjoy the special treatment I got from him. Even if I was artificial, he didn''t care. Why did he keep treating me like that? The hours we yed games together were the most alive I have ever felt.

    I may be just a tool, with a bomb strapped to my chest, an expendable trump card of my mistress. I don''t mind because, in my short existence, I was more valued than any homunculus. For a brief time, someone gave value to my pathetic existence.''

    She thought, the words echoing in her mind like a soothing balm, her silent thoughts never reaching the werewolf girl.

    Argint tried making conversation, but the maid just ignored her, lost in her own world. Sometimes her eyes sparkled, sometimes they dimmed. While her face didn''t reveal much, her eyes showed all the emotions her face couldn''t afford to reveal.

    As they pressed on, they encountered a horde of chimeras led by a monstrous bear-like creature with a bull''s head and a scorpion''s tail, wreathed in mes. The creature was me incarnate, with a powerful presence and arge amount of magic power. The Inferno Chimera controlled fire, creating a hellish battlefield. The congration was just the prelude to things toe.

    Amena was a little worried it might burn the oxygen supply with those wild mes. Other than that, it wasn''t much of a threat.

    Meanwhile, in another section of thebs, two cunning women, Carrisa and Elizalina, moved silently, leaving a trail of lifeless bodies behind them. Elizalina manipted a sea of blood, her hemomancy creating a grisly disy of her power.

    Her silver hair remained pristine and beautiful, while Carrisa''s midnight locks were equally captivating¡ªtwo deadly flowers in full bloom.

    Carrisa, ever the strategist, subtly attempted to gather information about Elizalina during their exchanges. Their conversations were filled with veiled questions and guarded responses.

    ''I must learn more about her,'' Carrisa thought, her mind racing. ''This one harbors secrets.''

    Elizalina, equally shrewd, deflected Carrisa''s inquiries with practiced finesse. She sensed the princess''s probing but had no desire to reveal her painful past. Although her earlier assault on them had failed, it had provided her with something more valuable.

    Before either could contemte further, they were ambushed by a massive chimera, a grotesque fusion of creatures with the body of a lion, bat-like wings, and a reptilian tail. Its eyes glowed with a hypnotic light, dragging them into vivid illusions of their worst fears.

    They had been caught off guard, too focused on each other, vastly underestimating the creatures lurking within thebs.

    Elizalina found herself trapped in a high tower, an opulent bedroom with arge ss window overhead. The enchanted frame allowed sunlight to pour in, burning her skin under its merciless rays. Her flesh blistered and cracked, agony overwhelming her as she was forced to scream, the chains binding her glowing hot.

    ''This... this cannot be real. I have already escaped this ce. No... this is not possible,'' she thought, the pain intensifying with every moment as she relived her torment.

    Carrisa, meanwhile, stood on a battlefield, the stench of death and decay thick in the air. The ground was littered with the armored corpses of warriors from various races, each bearing a crest she recognized all too well. At the center of this carnage stood a familiar figure, d in ck armor with dancing ck fabric with a sword by his side, his brown eyes cold and lifeless.

    She stumbled, her heart wrenching as she approached the motionless warrior lying atop the heap of bodies.

    "No... Alicarde," she whispered in despair, sping his face with trembling hands. Tears streamed down her face, but before she could react further, a cold presence loomed behind her.

    She turned to face a figure with violet eyes, an Undying, his gaze filled with cold malice.

    Carrisa screamed in rage, her sorrow fueling her fury as she fought against the illusion.

    Elizalina, now free from the mental prison, trembled as she hugged her arms, her pale face haunted by the agonizing memory that had given birth to her true name. She could not endure that pain again¡ªnever.

    Carrisa too had broken free, though the shock still lingered. Neither acknowledged their shared moment of vulnerability, both regaining theirposure instantaneously. The chimera had crossed a line, and now their wrath would be its undoing.

    With renewed determination, theyunched their assault. Elizalina manipted the blood of the lesser chimeras, crafting des of shimmering blood that tore through the air with deadly uracy.

    Carrisa, using her unmatched agility, targeted the chimera''s weak points, her strikes precise and lethal. The creature roared in frustration, summoning wind magic to create deadly des of air. Yet, the women evaded with ease, their movements graceful and lethal.

    Elizalina seized control of the battlefield, her eyes gleaming dangerously as she turned the blood of their foes against them.

    The once cohesive horde of lesser chimeras fell into disarray, overwhelmed by the sheer power of her hemomancy.

    Carrisa danced through the chaos with the grace of a seasoned warrior, her every move calcted. Her des sliced through the chimera''s hide, each strike finding the chinks in its armor.

    The chimera, enraged by the relentless onught, thrashed about, its lion''s head gnashing its teeth while its lizard tail whipped violently. Its magic created razor-sharp wind des, but they were nothing before the fury of these women.

    Despite the chimera''s formidable abilities, the battle was one-sided. Elizalina''s control over the blood disrupted the creature''s concentration, preventing it from regenerating.

    The blood-des shed with its wind magic, sending shockwaves through the air and tearing theb apart.

    Amidst the destruction, Elizalina and Carrisa''s synchronized attacks wore down the beast, each strike further dismantling its monstrous form. The ground was littered with the remains of lesser chimeras, and the chimera itself, once fierce, now showed signs of fatigue.

    With its body broken, its tail severed, and blood covering its eyes, the chimera let out a final, pitiful roar. Its organs dangled from its ravaged torso, and fear filled its gaze as it faced its end.

    Carrisa delivered the finishing blow, her sword piercing through its chest. The chimera copsed in a lifeless heap, leaving behind nothing but carnage.

    Without a word, Carrisa and Elizalina pressed forward, deeper into thebs. Neither woman spoke of the illusions they had just escaped¡ªa silent understanding passed between them.

    Back with Amena and Argint, the battle against the Inferno Chimera was just as intense. The creature''s mes made it nearly impossible to approach, and its scorpion tail threatened to poison anyone who came too close.

    Amena''s gatling gun proved ineffective, her enchanted bullets bouncing harmlessly off its armored hide. Frustrated, she abandoned the weapon, her mind racing for a new strategy.

    "We need a n," Amena said, urgencycing her calm voice.

    Argint nodded, shing through the lesser chimeras with her ws.

    "I''ll handle the horde. You buy me some time, then we''ll take down the big one together."

    Amena agreed, her arms morphing into des as she danced around the chimera. Her hair, too, transformed into ded whips thatshed against the creature''s armor. She pounded the chimera with blunt weapons¡ªmaces, hammers, and clubs¡ªseeking a weak spot. But the chimera regenerated rapidly, howling in pain but refusing to fall.

    ''Its regeneration is to fast. At this rate....'' Amena thought somewhat annoyed by the pest before her.

    As Argint finished off the remaining lesser chimeras, she turned her focus to the Inferno Chimera, taking the offensive while Amena retreated to prepare her attack.

    They moved with a silent understanding of what had to be done.

    Amena''s arms morphed into a high-precision railgun, and she charged it with a massive amount of energy, focusing on the chimera as it tried to regenerate. Meanwhile, Argint dashed around, shing through its tendons and breaking its bones, ensuring it couldn''t escape.

    Finally, Amena took her shot. The railgun discharged with a blinding light, the energy beam striking the chimera with devastating force. The metal walls around them melted from the sheer heat as the chimera was obliterated, leaving nothing but its wed toes.

    "Regenerate from that," Amena said with a stoic expression, surveying the remains.

    Argint chuckled, impressed. She wiped sweat from her brow, a satisfied smile crossing her face.

    "Good job," Argint said, her eyes gleaming with respect.

    Amena, though visibly drained from the energy expenditure, nodded. Straightening her posture, she walked forward with an indifferent air, while Argint followed, the bond between them subtly strengthened by their battle.

 Chapter 54 The Good Doctor

    Dr. Stein woke up amidst the ruins of hisb, the aftermath of Wrath''s rampage. The once-sterile environment was now a chaotic battlefield. Broken ss, twisted metal, and the remains of his strongest chimeras were scattered around him in a discarded pool of dismembered flesh and blood.

    Blood caked his body, seeping from deep gashes and bruises. His right arm was mangled, barely usable, and a deep cut across his forehead blurred his vision with a steady stream of blood.

    "Why... Alicarde... why did you betray me?" he whispered, tears mixing with the blood on his cheeks.

    His voice was hoarse, filled with the agony of betrayal and the weight of his injuries.

    Stein struggled to sit up, leaning heavily against the wall. Each movement sent waves of pain through his body, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. He nced around theb, his heart sinking at the extent of the damage. The machines he had spent years perfecting were now twisted wrecks, and the chimeras he had meticulously created were nothing more than lifeless heaps.

    He made his way into the hallway, a trail of blood in his wake. The sterile halls were no different, now ravaged by battle.

    "I hope... I hope the human researchers made it to the safe rooms," he murmured.

    Despite his own suffering, he felt a pang of gratitude toward the researchers who had stayed loyal to him. He imagined them huddled in the hidden bunkers, away from the chaos. The thought gave him a sliver of sce in his otherwise forlorn state.

    As he dragged himself through the wreckage, he felt the edges of his vision blur, his consciousness slipping. Blood loss was taking its toll, and he began to see shes of his past, memories surfacing from the depths of his mind. This was a sweet escape.

    "Master," he groaned, a whisper too quiet for anyone to hear.

    Victor''s mind drifted back to his childhood. He remembered the days now long gone. His family had lived in a quaint town, nestled in the hills. The small mansion on the outskirts was a solitary figure against thendscape. His family''s legacy was a source of pride and pain.

    Descended from the illustrious Victor Frankenstein, his family bore a name both revered and reviled by many. They had too many enemies, but it was more scorn than hate, so they had kept to themselves in a hidden town, changing the family name to hide their past.

    "When did it all begin?" he wondered, his father''s stern faceing to mind.

    His father had named him Victor, a heavy burden meant to restore the family name.

    "You must be perfect, Victor. You are a genius, Victor. The family name rests on your shoulders," his father had often said, pushing him relentlessly.

    From a young age, Victor was immersed in alchemy, his days filled with study and research, isted from theughter of other children. If he dared to y with them, he would be considered a disappointment, and that came with its own toll.

    On days he disappointed his father, the punishments were severe. Beaten and locked in the attic, he would often go without food, his onlypanion the cold and the rats that called the attic home. He recalled the pain of the bruises and the rats nibbling at his feet when he slept.

    Forbidden from ying with other children, his life was a cycle of relentless study and harsh discipline. But Victor convinced himself he loved research, that it was his calling, even if it was merely a coping mechanism¡ªthe delusions of a child trying to survive. Thinking about it now, did he truly love alchemy as a child?

    Now, those memories were faint and distant, overshadowed by his struggle to reach the elevator before death reached him first, his bloody trail an omen of what was toe.

    The rumble of battles echoed through thebs, shaking the ground beneath him. He took deep breaths as he gritted his teeth, struggling to move.

    Victor wasn''t alone in his childhood misery. His younger sister, Helen, was his only light in the bleak world. He remembered she had beautiful long blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She had the scent of summer and the air of freedom and joy.

    Helen was a sweet girl, always there to console him after their father''s beatings. She would sneak food through the attic window, climbing the mansion roofs in rain or shine to reach him.

    She spoke of the town, the people, bringing a piece of the outside world to her isted brother. Herpany was everything to him, he loved her more than anything in the world, his only lifeline.

    But those days were long gone. Victor''s knees buckled, and he fell, his strength waning. He needed to reach the sixth floor, where the master was. There he could also find healing potions. Pushing through the vertigo, his mind was dragged deeper into the sea of memories.

    His family''s alchemy collection was mostly lost, so he didn''t have all the required knowledge, and alchemy was quite expensive. Even so, he remembered his father spent what little they had on procuring ingredients and better books. He would study relentlessly day and night, all for the family''s name.

    When he was fourteen, everything changed. The town was struck by a gue, iming lives one after another. His family remained untouched, which only fueled the vigers'' suspicion.

    Fear turned to anger; it wasn''t hard to begin a witch hunt. All it took was one person pointing fingers. The mysterious family on the outskirts became the target. The good neighbors his sister had talked about brought death and suffering to their doorsteps.

    mes and pitchforks came with rage and usations. The supposed kind neighbors Helen had spoken of set their home aze. His father, despite their strained rtionship, risked his life to save Victor and Helen.

    He remembered as the man held both of his children as he found a way to sneak them out, his usually strict eyes filled with worry.

    "Restore the family name, Victor. Please forgive me for passing on my failures to you. I want you to know, I love you both very much," his father''s final words echoed in his mind.

    Those words pushed Victor more than any beating ever had. As he fled with Helen, the screams of his parents being consumed by the mes haunted him, as his childhood home was left in ash and ruins.

    They fled the town to destinations unknown, all they had was each other, and nothing else. For two children that had lost it all, it was plenty.

    For two years, they were street rats, surviving on scraps and sleeping in alleys. Victor did whatever it took to protect his sister¡ªbegging, stealing, but never crossing the line into murder. Perhaps he hadn''t felt the dire need, or perhaps it was the embers of his morality. He just felt if he crossed the line, he would never be able to face his sister.

    After years of hardship, they secured a small, rundown room. Victor remembered it was small and cramped, and when it rained, the roof leaked, soaking them most of the time. In winter, it was quite drafty, but they found small happiness there.

    But street gangs soon evicted them, and they were back on the streets.

    Winter was harsh, and Helen fell ill. Victor tried everything, but no doctor would help them without money. Helen, always kind, smiled tenderly at him, even in her suffering. It all came down to money¡ªa doctor caring more about money than a person''s life. His sister''s kind words were a constant echo in his now despairing mind.

    "Vic, when I''m gone, you need to be okay. Don''t give up on yourself. You need to live without a burden like me, okay? Promise me," she had said.

    Victor would always reply with hopeful lies, "Don''t worry. There has to be a doctor who will help poor street urchins like us. You''ll be fine."

    But in his heart, he cursed his limited alchemy skills. If only they had practical use, his sister wouldn''t be suffering. He hated the books he learned from¡ªit had no practical knowledge. If only he could turn iron to gold.

    The old doctor reached the elevator, copsing inside. "Helen," he whispered.

    A year had passed in such hardships, and one day, Helen didn''t wake up. He didn''t want to believe his only sibling had died, so he kept trying to wake her.

    "Helen, you need to wake up... it''s already noon... please wake up... you''re scaring me.... Helen... Helen," the young Victor forced a smile, his voice trembling.

    "Are you angry that I keeping backte? I promise... I wasn''t involved with the local gangs, so please... don''t be angry," he whispered as tears streamed down his face, his heart refusing to ept what his mind already knew.

    But no matter how he begged or pleaded, Helen would never wake again. She would never make broth and eat it with him, nor scold him for getting involved with the dangerous members of the local gangs just to make a quick buck. The reality was suffocating, an unbearable weight.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Victor held her cold, pale corpse for hours as he wept, his tears falling onto her lifeless skin. Dawn turned to dusk, and as night fell, he knew he had to face the cruel truth¡ªhis sister was gone forever.

    He had no money for a funeral. With no other choice, he carried her into the woods, his heart heavy as he gathered wood for a cremation. Bitter tears streamed down his face as he cursed the heavens, man, and even the devil for not saving his sister.

    As the mes rose, a desperate urge to burn with her nearly consumed him. But he pressed on, pushing the dark thoughts away. Once the fire had turned to ash, he carefully gathered her remains into a small sack made from his own clothes. He wore it around his neck, a constant, painful reminder of his failure. Helen would always be with him now, in death as in life.

    Victor kept her ashes close to his heart, a silent witness to his despair. But instead of sumbing to the overwhelming grief, he found a grim motivation. He remembered his ancestor''s goal¡ªthe resurrection of the dead¡ªand made it his own.

    Returning to alchemy, he knew it would require resources. Though he was brilliant, a spitting image of the original Victor Frankenstein, genius alone wasn''t enough. His despair twisted into determination¡ªhe would perfect his ancestor''s work and bring Helen back to life. He would aplish what even the first Frankenstein could not.

    Yet, he was only a broke 24-year-old. Helen had died at 18, leaving him alone in poverty. He hated the ignorant masses who had destroyed his family, and the doctors who had refused to help without payment. Their cold indifference only fueled his resolve.

    One day, he swore, "I will be a doctor who saves lives without asking for money." He thought back to what he had promised Helen so long ago.

    "I believe in you, Victor. I know you can do it," Helen had once said, her faith in him unwavering.

    His days of despair couldn''tst forever. He fell into petty crime, driven by survival. One day, desperate and starving, he tried to pickpocket a man whose appearance reeked of opulence¡ªexactly the kind of person he despised. The man was dark-skinned, wlessly beautiful, not a single blemish on his radiantplexion.

    The man caught him with ease. Victor expected anger, but instead, there was surprise, almost curiosity, on the man''s refined face.

    "My goodness, what do we have here? Any rtion to my old acquaintance, Frankenstein? Yes, there''s an uncanny resemnce," the man spoke with a cool, refined tone, stepping closer to study him further.

    "Even your blood... it carries the same essence. You are undoubtedly a descendant of that loveable entric," he said, the faintest trace of amusement in his voice.

    Victor didn''t trust the man, but resistance was futile. He was taken away by force, marking the beginning of the second wave of his tragic life.

    The elevator dinged, pulling Victor back to the present. He dragged himself out, every movement a painful reminder of his injuries. The sixth floor was dark, cold, and unweing, but his goal was near.

    He pressed on, the memories of his struggles trailing behind him, propelling him into this new phase of his tormented existence.

 Chapter 55 The Good Doctors Master

    The man took Victor with him, and for reasons unknown to him, took him under his wing.

    After being swept into the care of the mysterious benefactor, Victor Stein''s life took a dramatic turn. His benefactor, a mysterious figure with vast resources and knowledge, provided Victor with opportunities he had never even dared to imagine.

    Suddenly, he had ess to state-of-the-artboratories, rare alchemical texts, materials and an education far beyond the limits of his previous life better than what he had growing up. It felt like a dreame true¡ªfinally, he had a chance to pursue his deepest ambitions.

    Victor harbored doubts about this mysterious man who imed to be an old friend of his ancestor''s, yet seemed untouched by time, full of youth and vitality. Still, Victor was willing to risk everything. For Helen, nothing was too great a price.

    ''It matters not,'' Victor thought, ''I will reach my dreams... for Helen.''

    For the first time, his dreams felt within reach. He poured himself into his research, consumed by the desire to honor his family name and resurrect his sister. His new mentor, though supportive, remained cryptic, often vanishing for long periods and leaving Victor to his own devices.

    Undeterred, Victor pressed on, attending college, graduating as valedictorian, and leaving his professors and peers awestruck by his genius.

    As he got deeper into the secrets of alchemy and medicine, Victor made groundbreaking strides, touching every field of study imaginable.

    ''Knowledge is power, and I will use that power to bring back my sister, Helen,'' he thought, driven by a fierce passion.

    At some point, he joined the Truth Association to further his research under the name Victor Stein. Even there, his entric brilliance was undeniable, earning him both admiration and an invitation to a special academy shared among the other great powers of the world.

    In the mundane world, Victor became a renowned doctor, saving lives and curing illnesses with astonishing skill. He was not just a good doctor, he was a great one, a hero in the eyes of the people. Yet despite his sess, his true focus remained his research.

    He was on the verge of a breakthrough, one that would revolutionize alchemy, medicine, and science as a whole. Confident in his findings, he decided to present his work to the world.

    However, Victor quickly learned that the path to recognition was fraught with opposition. The academic circles he sought to impress were resistant to change, a quagmire of outdated ideals and entrenched dogma.

    Still, he refused to be discouraged. He presented his research on cures for various mundane illnesses, but forces far beyond his control interfered¡ªthose profiteering from incurable diseases sought to stop him.

    They seized upon his controversial findings about resurrection to defame him.

    When Victor unveiled his work, he was met with disbelief and scorn, not only in the mundane world but within the supernatural academicmunity as well.

    "Preposterous!" a renowned alchemist spat.

    "Resurrecting the dead? This is the stuff of fairy tales and madness!"

    "He''s gone insane," another alchemist sneered.

    "This is heresy. Mortals have no right to meddle with death."

    "Better you focus on perfecting the homunculus we all study," they mocked, and with that, Victor left the alchemist''s association in disgrace.

    "Thest madman who pursued such folly was Frankenstein, and we all know how that ended."

    "He''s let his minor sesses delude him into thinking he can do anything¡ªfoolish!"

    "Even the alchemists of the Demine, with their vast resources, have never dared attempt such absurdities."

    Disheartened but undeterred, Victor turned to the mundane scientificmunity, believing that men of reason would understand his vision. But even they had been swayed by those with vested interests¡ªthose who profited from disease and the sale of medicine.

    "This isn''t science; it''s a dangerous obsession!" one academic scoffed. "A perversion of nature''sws."

    "You''re deranged. To think you were once hailed as a great scientist," another added, insultingly.

    "Why is this lunatic still a doctor? His certification should be revoked immediately!"

    "He might start experimenting on human subjects¡ªwe must stop him!"

    "How can we trust the safety of the medicines he''s already developed?" came another usation.

    Someone had orchestrated his downfall, all for the one thing Victor despised most, money. It was greed, in and simple, that had turned the world against him.

    Rejected by both the alchemical and scientific worlds, Victor found himself isted, his reputation in tatters. But even in the depths of his despair, he pressed forward, clinging to his research with the silent, distant support of his elusive master.

    Despite his meticulous research and promising results, Victor was rejected by the verymunity he had hoped would embrace him. His proposals were dismissed, and his reputation was tarnished.

    The rejection was a bitter pill to swallow, a stark reminder of the prejudice and ignorance he had hoped to ovee. They were no different from the ignorant masses that had set his home aze.

    Victor''s mentor remained a mysterious figure during this period, offering littlefort or advice.

    "The world recoils from that which it cannotprehend. You must endure, Victor. True greatness is seldom attained without the utmost sacrifice."

    His support held the doctor together.

    Victor continued his work in istion, driven by a relentless determination to prove his detractors wrong. He fell deeper into lunacy.

    He became more secretive, wary of those who might steal his ideas or sabotage his progress. The rejection from the academicmunity only fueled his obsession, pushing him further into madness.

    His experiments grew more audacious, often crossing ethical boundaries. He began to experiment withbining human and animal DNA, creating chimeras in his quest to unlock the secrets of life and death. These experiments, while groundbreaking, were also gruesome and perilous. He had many failures, but still, he pushed on.

    All he could do was push forward.

    He walked along the edges of the wall, struggling to keep his eyes open. He did not want to sumb to death.

    As he was now, the blood loss had worsened. He understood what was happening to him¡ªhis life was shing before his eyes, his brain searching through his memories for any records on how to survive this ordeal.

    He let it drag him back to the past, reminiscing about the events that had brought him here.

    Victor''sb became a ce of horror and innovation, filled with the results of his pursuit. The once-promising alchemist had transformed into a figure of legend and fear, a modern-day Frankenstein whose name was whispered in hushed tones within supernatural circles.

    He sold his alchemical creations to fund his research, as the materials he needed could only be obtained through the supernatural world.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    It was only a matter of time before the Order and their pious rhetoric came to raid him. The knights of the Order arrived, denouncing him as a heretic. They destroyed hisbs.

    The doctor watched everything crumble in despair. He was not a fighter; he wielded no weapons and had harmed no one. So why were they bringing him such suffering?

    In his darkest moment, he was once again saved by his benefactor, the master who fought off the holy knights and spirited Victor away.

    He fled with the help of this mysterious benefactor, who always shielded him. Victor eventually came to Evergreen with nothing. He was found by old friends and acquaintances whom he had helped in the past, and with their aid, he founded a hospital, saving lives as best he could.

    He came to be trusted by the people as the best hospital around, with affordable medication and care. This much was for Helen, and the young and helpless Victor of the past¡ªthose memories fueling his desire to do good by others.

    He fell deeper into his research, now with a hospital full of supporters and people whose lives he had touched with his benevolence. That goodness brought him followers who believed in him.

    Yet as Victor''s work continued, he became more isted, consumed by his obsession. His health deteriorated, his mind frayed under the weight of his ambition and the haunting memories of his sister. His hair turned a dull white despite his middle age, a stark reminder of his troubled youth.

    "I just need to bring one person back from the hands of death," he muttered, his words deranged but carrying a faint glimmer of hope.

    The rejection from the academicmunity had left deep scars, but it had also forged a steely resolve within Victor. He would prove them wrong, no matter the cost.

    He would achieve the impossible¡ªnot only to restore his family''s name but to bring Helen back. Failure after failure, he despaired until one day, the remains of a young boy were brought before him. The boy''s body was mangled and crushed, with eviscerated organs¡ªnothing new, just another corpse he could not help.

    Victor tried to lighten the heavy mood at the sight of the young man''s corpse and the sadness of his untimely death.

    He was chastised by the nurse for his poor sense of humor.

    But that night, the dead rose again as the boy vanished into the night in his blood-soaked clothes. Victor''s hopes were renewed. For theing weeks, he observed the boy, studying everything he could about him, devising a n to bring him in.

    Fortune smiled on the doctor, as the boy made frequent visits to his hospital. After much preparation, Victor contrived the perfect trap. It seeded, and he captured the cadaver. All events had led him here.

    The boy was young, and somehow, Victor grew fond of him. When the boy called him "Vic," it reminded him of his sister. She alone had ever called him by that name. But the young cadaver had betrayed him.

    Victor crawled deeper into the dark sixth floor, reaching a door. He copsed, his eyes closing as darkness imed him. His blood pooled on the cold floor, seeping into the room.

    A momentter, the vaulted door opened, and a young man approached, his eyes glowing crimson. He waved his hand, and the blood that had escaped Victor''s body returned. The man crouched down next to him, turning the injured doctor onto his back.

    He opened a vial and emptied its contents into Victor''s mouth. Instantly, his wounds began to heal. The man smiled, his glowing eyes casting an eerie light in the shadows.

    "You have done well, Victor. I am most pleased that you did not perish, young one."

    The man lifted Victor and carried him into the dark, vaulted room. The doctor, now safe but unconscious, had survived against all odds. His dreams would not die with him. Perhaps he might yet find a way to bring the dead back to life and usher in an era where mortals no longer feared death.

 Chapter 56 Price Of Immortality

    Alicarde rolled on the cold floor of theb. The infernal mes burned not just his body but also his soul and mind. Their insidious effects sent him into agony, as if every nerve ending was being scorched and every thought seared by the relentless heat, he felt a part of his mind greatly diminish from the effects of the violet mes.

    The pain was indescribable, an all-epassing torment that wed at his very being¡ªbody, soul, and mind¡ªan itch he had no way to scratch. His flesh blistered and peeled away, leaving raw, exposed tissue that sizzled under the mes.

    His bones felt like they were cracking from the intense heat, and his blood boiled within his veins. He screamed in agony, his voice reverberating across the walls.

    Wrath followed with a series of vicious hoof strikes. Each impact shattered bones and ruptured organs, leaving Alicarde''s body a broken mess. His body was mangled and misshapen, his innards spilling onto the floor, his blood sizzling as it boiled on the heated floor.

    The next kick sent him flying across theb, crashing into the walls and damaging equipment. His ribs were crushed, and his spine cracked under the force. The impact caused him to lose more blood, and a strong sense of vertigo overtook him from the blood loss. While his body could regenerate lost blood, it took longer than healing flesh, so he was still subject to the effects of blood loss.

    "Ahhhh, that...hu...hurts," he groaned in pain, as his body tried to regenerate away from the broken walls.

    He needed to find a way to get Wrath to step on his shadow¡ªthe only way to gain a fleeting moment of control.

    ''I have to think, have to move, have to survive...'' The thought pounded in his mind, mingling with the cacophony of pain.

    Wrath wasn''t going to wait for him, and with a movement in the form of a ck blur, it teleported towards him with strong momentum.

    Alicarde maneuvered out of the way of the teleporting bicorn and its sharp, spear-like horns. Using his innate ability, he made himself weightless, reaching the ceiling in hopes of using the lights to cast a deeper andrger shadow. He positioned himself above, calcting the angles, trying to outsmart the relentless beast.

    Yet Wrath noticed it. The creature roared as infernal shadow wings grew from its back, making it look akin to a Pegasus if the Pegasus had raven-ck wings.

    The wings beat with supernatural power, filling the room with a dark, oppressive wind. Wrath''s eyes glowed with malevolent intelligence as it took control of the shadows.

    All the shadows in the room moved toward Alicarde, converging on his position. They didn''t attack but merely covered his own shadow, oveying and ovepping it with Wrath''s dark power. His face paled as he watched the bicorn control the shadows.

    ''Shit, what an asspull... since when did it have that power?'' Alicarde thought, distraught by the sight. His one hope was now dashed.

    Wrath snarled in mockery, as if to say, That won''t work this time. His face paled, knowing he was in for the fight of his life.

    Alicarde cursed in his heart. ''Damn it, how is this monster so intelligent? I''m running out of options, out of time... the longer I waste, the more damage I will take. It won''t let me escape.''

    He thought back to its mes, they had the ability to damage both mind and soul, and of course, his physical body wasn''t spared either.

    He was frustrated and in pain, mentally exhausted. His soul and mind had taken brutal abuse from the bicorn''s infernal mes.

    The agony on his soul was unimaginable, a gnawing, relentless torment that eroded his very essence. Yet his soul regenerated. The problem was his mind was being slowly shredded, each piece lost to the consuming mes. If he wanted to survive, he had to avoid the mes or any mental attacks.

    He gritted his teeth as he observed the bicorn. Despite literally sprouting wings, Wrath remained on the ground, its eyes full of rage and mockery.

    Alicarde frowned. ''This creature is too intelligent. If I don''t find a way out, it will fly up here and burn me again.''

    He couldn''t keep floating forever. Even if he could, Wrath could fly and leap that high with ease. Worse, all he could do was float, he couldn''t actually control his movements in the air. Even so, he didn''t want to go down. He would rather stay in the air.

    He was wrong again. Wrath''s obsidian horns glowed violet as an energy beam shot out from them toward Alicarde. Half his body was blown away, from the right hand to his chest. Flesh and bone disintegrated in an instant, leaving a gaping, smoking wound.

    "Ahhhh!" Alicarde screamed in pain, as he felt his mind take damage from the attack.

    He fell towards the ground in shock, or at least he would have if Wrath had let him. The bicorn charged into him before he hit the ground, impaling him with its horns.

    The creature moved with terrifying speed, Alicarde barely processing the charge before the sharp obsidian horns speared through his body. The first horn tore through his abdomen, rupturing his internal organs in a vicious disy of power.

    Blood sprayed violently as his body convulsed in midair, muscles twitching as they reacted to the immense trauma.

    The second horn drove straight into his ribcage, shattering bone on impact. His chest heaved as the jagged bone fragments punctured his lungs, causing him to cough up blood. His vision dimmed momentarily, his consciousness flickering from the brutal injuries.

    Wrath roared in triumph, lifting its head as Alicarde''s limp body hung from its horns like a rag doll. The creature shook its head violently, flinging him across theb. Alicarde''s body was torn free from the horns with a sickening crack, his blood sttering in a wide arc across the room.

    Alicarde crashed to the floor with a wet thud, his body broken and mangled, barely recognizable from the repeated abuse. Blood pooled around him as he gasped for air, his lungs struggling to draw breath through the pain. His regeneration was working, but the damage was too severe, his healing slow and agonizing. Every breath was a battle.

    ''I... need... to... move...'' His thoughts were sluggish, the violet mes having burned through more of his mind than he had realized. Wrath wasn''t giving him any chance to recover.

    The infernal bicorn stomped toward him, its hooves echoing like a death knell across theb.

    Wrath zoomed forward like a streak of ck shadows, mming Alicarde against the cold steel walls of theb with terrifying force. The impact was so immense it sent shockwaves through the structure, and the wall cracked and crumbled beneath the assault.

    Alicarde''s body, already broken and battered, bore the brunt of the attack. The tremendous force caused his ribs to snap under the pressure, while his organs were jostled violently, sending waves of nauseating pain through his system.

    As the wall finally gave way, the forceful collision sent Alicarde crashing into a hidden room on the other side, smashing into shelves and scattering supplies across the floor.

    Medical kits, hospital robes, and various other supplies tumbled around him as he hit the ground hard, creating a chaotic mess of shattered ss, stic, and torn fabric. His body, despite its seemingly endless resilience, had been broken down to the point where even standing became a monumental challenge.

    The room, once sterile and pristine, was now a gruesome scene, blood and organs smeared across the floor and walls, his own flesh mangled beyond recognition. But his body was slowly, agonizingly, knitting itself back together.

    Alicarde barely had time to process this before Wrath''s savage form descended upon him again. With a demonic snarl, the bicorn wrapped its massive jaws around his throat, its sharp fangs digging into his flesh like serrated des.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The pressure was unbearable as it crushed his windpipe, sending fresh waves of excruciating pain radiating from his neck. Alicarde gagged and gasped for air, blood spurting from the wound as his body fought to heal the grievous damage.

    Before he could even react, Wrath flung him through the air with violent force,unching him back into therger elevator room like a ragdoll.

    He mmed into the ground with a sickening thud, his body skidding across the blood-streaked floor. His throat, though already healing, throbbed with the memory of Wrath''s bite.

    Each breath he took wasbored, strained by the crushed tissue desperately trying to regenerate. The agony was relentless, and it felt as though every fiber of his being was screaming in protest.

    This was the price of immortality.

    Alicarde coughed, choking on blood as he staggered to his feet. His body, despite being repeatedly destroyed, had no choice but to rebuild itself again and again. He was trapped in this cycle of torment.

    The price he paid for his undying nature was not just in physical pain¡ªit was the psychological torture of knowing that no matter how much suffering he endured, he would always regenerate, only to face the next wave of torment.

    In the Evernight Empire, the undying feared capture more than death, knowing their enemies had perfected the art of inflicting unimaginable pain to break their will. Immortality did not spare them from suffering, instead, it became a tool for their tormentors, a way to break their minds, piece by piece.

    Regaining his bearings, Alicarde forced himself up, ignoring the searing pain in his throat. His eyes flicked to his sword lying just a few feet away.

    Without hesitation, he darted toward it, rolling just in time to avoid a burst of infernal mes that erupted from Wrath''s maw. The violet fire scorched the ground where he had stood moments before, leaving a smoldering crater in its wake.

    The sword felt heavy in his hand, almost useless against the monster he faced. Wrath was more than a beast¡ªit was an infernal force of nature, and Alicarde''s attacks had done little to slow it down.

    His mind was on the verge of breaking, the endless cycle of pain pushing him to the edge. He could feel the burning of his immortal soul, the violet mes searing not only his flesh but also his very essence.

    The room was a grotesque canvas, painted in streaks of blood, charred flesh, and mangled organs. His organs spilled from his body, blood sttering the floor in vivid sprays as he struggled to hold himself together.

    The macabre scene would have been enough to break a lesser man''s mind, but Alicarde was long past the point of shock. He was numb to it now, his mind too worn down to react with anything more than a hollow sense of dread.

    His body healed, but it was his mind that suffered the most. Each time he was torn apart, something in his soul cracked a little more.

    The mes weren''t just burning him¡ªthey were eroding his will to fight, his very desire to live. Yet, even as he teetered on the edge of giving up, he was forced to regenerate, forced to endure more pain.

    Wrath stomped forward, its hooves crackling with violet mes. Alicarde barely had time to react before Wrath brought its hoof down on his skull with a sickening crunch. His head shattered like ss, blood and brain matter sttering across the floor.

    The mes licked at his exposed flesh, searing the remains of his brain as his skull began to slowly reform. But Wrath gave him no reprieve. Again and again, the bicorn stomped down, crushing his skull into a pulpy mess.

    Each stomp was brutal and unforgiving, splintering bone and sending fragments of his skull flying in all directions. Alicarde''s brain was reduced to a mushy paste, sizzling under the heat of the mes.

    His body, despite its incredible regenerative power, took time to heal, leaving him vulnerable to the repeated attacks. For brief moments, there was nothing but a bloody pulp where his head had been, only for it to painfully reconstruct itself before being obliterated again.

    Wrath''s infernal mes continued to scorch his mind, corroding his thoughts, his memories. Alicarde tried to think of something¡ªanything¡ªto fight back, but the pain was too much. His mind was being chipped away, piece by piece. The violet mes ate away at his will, reducing him to nothing more than a vessel of agony.

    "Why... why can''t I just die?" Alicarde thought, his mind a blur of disjointed memories and searing pain. "Please... someone... make it stop."

    Each thought was fleeting, barely forming before it was consumed by the mes. His soul, though regenerative, couldn''t shield his mind from the torment. It was being broken down, shattered into tiny fragments, each one fading into the dark abyss of his suffering.

    Wrath roared in satisfaction as it stomped again, and Alicarde''s vision blurred. His consciousness was slipping away, but Wrath wouldn''t let him. Each time he tried to sumb to the darkness, to give in, the bicorn dragged him back, forcing him to experience the pain anew.

    His memories shed before him¡ªmoments of happiness, of sadness, of a life he could barely remember. He saw himself as a child, ying,ughing, and in the distance, a young girl''s voice called out to him.

    "Ali... Ali, stop that..."

    Who was that? Whose memory was this?

 Chapter 57 Prelude

    Alicarde watched the young girl. She was an adorable little girl with dark hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders and vivid green eyes that sparkled with life. She looked about ten years old, her small frame dressed in a simple dress. Her eyes showed signs of cunning and mischief.

    She kept yelling at the little boy with dark hair and brown eyes, who was obviously her little brother.

    "Ali, stop ying with a ser ball in the living room! Stop! You''ll break something, and Mom is going to be so mad when she gets back," she warned, her voice a mix of worry and irritation.

    The little boy, Ali, seemed equally irritated. "Shut up, Sarah, and mind your own business," he snapped back, kicking the ball with even more vigor. "It''s not like I''m going to break anything."

    "Yes, you will!" Sarah insisted. "Rememberst time? You broke Mom''s favorite vase, and we all got in trouble!"

    "That was an ident," Ali retorted. "It won''t happen again."

    "It better not," Sarah said, folding her arms. "Because if you break something, I am so going to rat you out to Mom."

    "Traitor... I''m your only brother," the boy seemed indignant.

    "So what? You never listen to anything I say," the girl replied angrily.

    They went back and forth for a few more minutes, Ali stubbornly refusing to stop despite Sarah''s warnings.

    "I''ll be careful," he kept saying. "Just leave me alone."

    Sarah sighed in exasperation. "Fine, but when you break something, don''te crying to me," she said, turning on her heel and leaving him standing in the living room, sulking.

    She sat on a sofa next to another little girl. Alicarde looked at the second girl, his mind in tatters yet recognizing the little five-year-old as La. She was adorable, with dark hair and brown eyes, quietly ying with a sketchbook and paying no mind to her arguing older siblings.

    Alicarde was in so much agony, yet he silently watched the siblings, wondering about them. Who were they? His mind wavered between pain and rity. The scene before him was both familiar and distant, like a half-remembered dream¡ªone instant he knew them all too well, and the next, he was lost on who they were.

    Not long after, he heard the sound of ss breaking. He turned around to find that the ser ball had shattered one of the house''s decorations.

    Sarah''s face lit up with a triumphant smile. "You finally did it, didn''t you? I am so going to tell Mom, in detail, how you didn''t listen to your big sister," she said, her tone gleeful at her brother''s misfortune.

    Ali''s face went through multiple shades of fear, and then he gestured for Sarah toe closer. She walked over, her expression smug.

    "So, what do you want this big sis for, little Ali who stupidly disobeyed his big sis?" she asked, hands on her hips.

    Ali forced a smile. "Say, big sis, best big sis in the world, won''t you help a little brother out?" he pleaded, his voice dripping with false sweetness.

    Sarah looked at him, thinking her brother had no shame. Her expression remained indifferent, her eyes gloating at her brother''s sycophant attitude.

    "So, sis, you have to help a little brother out, and I''ll give you two weeks'' worth of my allowance. What do you say?" he offered.

    She smiled. "Hmm, not gonna do. I have to be paid some special fees¡ªemotional and psychological trauma from having to deal with you, and my voice is kinda sore from trying to tell you to stop. All in all, your billes down to three weeks. Pay up."

    Ali twitched a bit, then reluctantly agreed. "Fine, three weeks. Shall we have it on paper?"

    "Don''t you trust your big sis, Ali? I would never betray you," the girl said.

    The boy was having none of it. "Actually, you will."

    She smiled. "Fine, you win. Huh, so little trust in your sister... your blood sister."

    "Just get the paper already, I don''t have all day," the boy said.

    Sarah nodded. They went back to the sketchbook La was ying with, took it from her, and tore out an empty page, earning themselves her ire and some cold words.

    "Hey! That''s my sketchbook!" La protested. "You can''t just take my stuff like that!"

    "Shut up. We''ll get you another one," Sarah said dismissively. "This is important."

    They used one of La''s sketching pencils to draw up a childish contract, which they both signed. Seeing the agreement on paper, young Ali smiled.

    "You know, sis, I would have been willing to pay five weeks," he jeered.

    Sarah smirked. "I would have done it for three days'' worth of your allowance. Who''s stupid now?"

    Ali scowled. "Touch¨¦, sis... touch¨¦."

    They moved to another corner of the house, Ali on edge. "What''s the n? I am literally selling my liberties to you, you kitchen wench."

    His sister took no offense. She smiled, turning to their little sister in the distance, ying with her sketchbook.

    "In life, baby brother, you need a scapegoat, a sacrificial offering to appease the ire of our mama. In dark times, someone must step up," Sarah said with mock sadness.

    "Wow, really? You would sacrifice yourself for me?" Ali said, moved by his sister''s words.

    "Me? No, goodness no. Who else would we use but our dear La? She can take the fall, and I would be a few dinars richer," Sarah continued, surprised he would even think that.

    Sarah smiled adorably. Ali looked at her, appalled.

    "You would use our dear little sister as a scapegoat for something I did? You have no fear of God in you. I am so appalled that you could be so heartless for money," he said, sounding indignant.

    He put his fingers together and smiled nefariously.

    "Morally speaking, you are devastating," Ali continued.

    "The word is disgusting, genius," Sarah corrected.

    "Right, sorry about that... where was I? Oh, right. Personally, I like it. A pleasure working with you," Ali said with a smile.

    Alicarde watched the two siblings plotting with a tender smile on his face. Their little sister was quite oblivious to their scheme.

    As he watched, a wave of pain hit him. His body was engulfed in infernal purple mes as ck smoke emerged from his body. The space began to crack and break as the voices of the three siblings echoed out. Violet mes engulfed everything, and Alicarde sank into a deeper part of his mind.

    A new memory surfaced. It was a house in a quiet neighborhood. Alicarde recognized the windows. He recalled what happened after their mother had returned. She had asked who broke the decor. Ali and Sarah had tried to frame La, but the little vixen had presented a solid argument, leaving their mother at a loss for words.

    She had suspected Ali, yet no one hade clean, so she scolded all three of them, and it ended there.

    Alicarde smiled as he reminisced about the days now gone, the pain of the mes now seeming as distant as his memories¡ªjust a fleeting illusion.

    ''Those were simpler times,'' he thought. ''Times when the biggest worry was avoiding Mom''s wrath.''

    This memory was of his grandmother''s residence, a ce adorned with religious artifacts from different faiths. He noticed a boy tussling with an olddy, trying to snatch her purse in her own living room.

    "Grandma, stop being stingy and just give me a few dinars. Sarah scammed me out of all my money. Come on, old hag," the boy whined.

    The old woman seemed indignant. "Old hag, huh? I''ll have you know, little brat, in my prime I was stunning. When you be old yourself, your grandkids will tell you how uncute you are."

    The boyughed. "That''s right, I''m cute, so give me all your money."

    "Never," the old woman replied with yful defiance.

    The door burst open as a young girl with pink hair entered. The boy paled at the sight of her and tried to run, but the pink-haired girl gave chase across the house.

    Alicarde watched their exchange with a smile. He remembered the girl¡ªhis cousin. In this ce, all his memories seemed so vivid. Once again, a violet spark created mes as he was engulfed along with the memory.

    The pain came again, and he burned as the ck smoke left his body, floating as a dark cloud above him.

    "Guess I won''t get a chance to be an uncute old man now, Grandma. And I won''t be seeing Aisha again either," Alicardemented as he sank deeper into the sea of his memories.

    The scene shifted to his high school. He was among a circle of guys in the school hall, their faces blurred. They were recounting stories of their teenage exploits with girls. Alicarde couldn''t remember any of their names or faces, the assault on his mind was finally taking its toll.

    "Bro, you won''t believe how many rounds I went. I was a real beast," the first boy bragged.

    "After what you did to get there, I think you recovered some aura points. The Rizz points you lost had been regained," young Aliughed.

    The boys'' conversations turned vulgar. "Man, she couldn''t get enough," one boasted. "I''ve got her hooked."

    Another chimed in, "Yeah, but did you see her friend? She''s even hotter."

    A girl passed by, and Ali found himself staring. His friendsughed at him.

    "Dude, I can''t believe you''re so into her. What happened to our Casanova?" one teased.

    "I thought you only liked the hot ones with the fat tits. Why the interest in our resident cutie?" another added.

    The teenage Ali shut them up. "Oh, go to hell, guys. This is love."

    One of the guys ced a hand on his shoulder. "Should''ve said something sooner, ''cause we''re totally going out."

    Ali''s heart sank. "So that''s how it is. Oh well, doesn''t matter now," he said, trying to sound nonchnt.

    His friends were just trying to be supportive, but to the girls, they probably seemed like ssic assholes. His friend smiled. "Should I break up with her? Bros before hoes, you know."

    Young Aliughed. "Nah, dude, I''d be over her in like a week."

    Alicarde remembered he did get over her. He had told her how he felt, and her face turnedpletely red. Though he kept his best poker face, he distinctly remembered his legs trembling. That was his first love.

    "That was your first love," a voice said from behind him.

    "How pathetic. What a pathetic life you''ve lived," the voice continued.

    Alicarde turned around to find the ck smoke had congealed into a familiar human silhouette¡ªhis own shadow.

    "Who are you?" Alicarde asked.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "It''s quite obvious if you weren''t so stupid. I am you," the shadow answered.

    Before he could respond, the violet mes consumed him again, pulling him into the next memory. This one was of his grandmother''s death. While everyone cried, Ali felt nothing. He didn''t shed a single tear. He remembered his sisters and cousin crying their hearts out. All he could do was fake it to avoid standing out.

    He had rubbed his eyes until they turned red, pretending to be overwhelmed with emotion, even though he felt sad. But why couldn''t he cry?

    The ck smoke conjured itself into a mist-like figure. "Yes, that''s exactly how you felt about death," it taunted in a sinister voice.

    "Not only are you pathetic, but you''re callous too. You don''t deserve to live. Why are you even struggling, you maniacal hypocrite?" the voice mocked.

    Alicarde looked at the mist, which sounded exactly like him. "Who are you?" he asked, his mind unraveling.

    The shadow moved closer. "Admit it. Admit how you really felt, you trash bastard."

    Alicarde felt part of the mist flow into his body, breaking his mind further. His voice echoed out as he looked at his grandmother''s tombstone.

    "You''re wrong. I wasn''t callous. I wasn''t indifferent. I just couldn''t cry. I tried, I really did, but the tears wouldn''te. I did care...

    I did," Alicarde muttered, falling to his knees.

    "Is that right?" the shadowughed as more of its foggy figure seeped into Alicarde.

    His eyes grew cold as the ck mist consumed him. The mist floated away, leaving him as a lifeless corpse on the street. This memory was of the day he died¡ªthe day Ali Asad ceased to exist, and Alicarde Asad was born.

 Chapter 58 Aeternus

    Ali was a mangled mess on the streets, after being hit by the truck. His body was barely recognizable, limbs twisted unnaturally, bones jutting out through the skin, blood pooling around him. A short distance away, an aloof dark-haired woman watched him as he died. That was the end of Ali Asad''s life.

    Alicarde remembered Ali Asad. He had wanted to study psychology to understand why he couldn''t cry when he lost his loved ones. It became the primary reason he enrolled in one of the best universities in the world.

    He had even discreetly asked his mother about it, jumping through several conversational hoops to do so. She had told him, "If your mother dies, you would cry."

    Yet Ali wasn''t so sure about that. The thought of his mother dying scared him, but he wasn''t convinced he would cry. He wondered if something was wrong with him. Maybe he was a sociopath. In his case, he was more of a psychopath¡ªhe had the telltale signs lying, delusions of grandeur, and a low amount of empathy and remorse.

    Still, he couldn''t bepletely sure. Maybe he''d need to be more violent, perpetrate a few crimes to be certain.

    That was the sum of the reason he had chosen Evergreen to study psychology. Not to understand other people''s minds, but to understand his own, because he was afraid of being different.

    Alicarde watched as his mangled body was taken away by an ambnce. That was the day Ali Asad died for good. The deranged doctor had announced it. Alicarde sighed. Ali Asad had lived a worthless, mundane life. When he died, Alicarde was born.

    He looked at himself objectively. The shadow stood by his side, wearing a mocking expression.

    ''I think I adapted to this bullshit far too quickly. I was afraid, but somewhere deep inside, I was excited at the novel idea of being in a fantasy world. The more I learned, the more curious I became, the more I wanted.''

    "You think, and that, my dear me, is called delusions of grandeur. As you already figured out, the signs of a psychopath."

    "It was every boy''s dream, almost like saving your school from a terrorist attack," Alicarde said to the shadow.

    "I felt like the main character. Hell, I even had an otherworldly beautiful woman who promised me everything. I knew this world couldn''t be all good, yet I stupidly put on my rose-colored sses and ignored the ugliness."

    "Take them off, you bastard. Take them off and look at the hideous truths you''ve been ignoring," the shadow said, its voice sinister.

    Alicarde fell to his knees, covering his face with his palms. The mes came, and the ck smoke grew.

    ''I don''t want to. I... didn''t want to.''

    "You can''t run away from the truth forever."

    "I''m afraid. I''m scared... I don''t want to fight," Alicarde whispered.

    "Then let me do the fighting. Let me kill all our enemies," the shadow urged.

    "You would?" Alicarde asked.

    "Yes, I would. I am you, after all," the shadowughed.

    The world burned as the violet mes engulfed everything. The next memory was of his brief battle with Beowulf, Argint''s brother. Alicarde had killed him, but he felt nothing. It was like killing a monster from a video game.

    "Ahhh, indifference to killing. If that isn''t a psychopath, I don''t know what is," the shadowughed.

    The next memory was his worst nightmare, the red-haired werewolf girl, Argint, falling to her knees and crying at her brother''s tombstone.

    "I was depressed, so it''s obvious that I cared," Alicarde said, trying to deny the shadow''s words.

    "Don''t tter yourself. We both know you weren''t sad about killing her brother. You were only bummed about being called out. You wanted to preserve your image in the group. You didn''t really care. If you did care, it would be because she could cry for her brother''s death, but if Sarah died, you wouldn''t shed a single tear."

    "I...I..." Alicarde stuttered.

    "Admit it," the shadow pressed as it moved closer, part of its foggy form absorbed by Alicarde.

    He felt the agony gnawing at his chest. It hurt even more because she could cry for her loved ones while he could not. Her tears hurt more than her ws ever did, and he spiraled into depression, hoping, like the selfish coward he was, that he would be forgiven.

    "I... I admit... I hate that it''s the truth, but I admit," Alicarde whispered.

    "Good. Finally, we''re getting somewhere," the shadow said.

    He was forgiven, and he moved forward like a fool. His rose-colored sses cracked a little more, yet through the broken lens, he ignored the ugly truths.

    He moved on, even getting a cool horse¡ªhow very main character-like.

    "This world was a dream. Dying was so worth it. I even felt like one of those cheesy harem protagonists I hated so much, living with beautiful girls. I was happy."

    "Of course you were. Only a madman would not want to be spoiled by a beautiful woman," the shadow remarked.

    The mes engulfed everything, leaving nothing. His mental scape was reduced to a violet inferno. His mind blurred further, and he asked himself a question.

    ''Who am I? Who am I?'' His mind faded from the pain as his body continued to be destroyed by Wrath and its infernal mes, its fear infecting his very core.

    The shadow became indistinguishable from Alicarde, its eyes gleaming with madness and rage. In this haze, a memory surfaced¡ªone that made Alicarde despise himself even more.

    He cursed his very existence, his pathetic weakness, as he recalled the promise he had made to a little girl to save her mother. But he hadn''t. He had left her mother to die, choosing to save his friend instead¡ªnot out of love or loyalty, but because,

    "Her death would be a bigger inconvenience to me." Alicarde whispered coldly.

    The shadow grinned at his words, moving closer.

    ''Who am I? Who...?'' Alicarde''s thoughts fragmented as memories yed before his mind, while violet mes engulfed him.

    He imagined himself in the years toe, watching as his family aged¡ªhis mother, father, and sisters growing old, while he remained unchanged. He would be eternal, untouched by time.

    "I would be all alone," Alicarde whispered, realizing that his immortality had condemned him to outlive everyone he loved.

    "And why is that?" the shadow asked with a sneer.

    "Because... I am an eternal an undying being," Alicardemented. Confusion and pain twisted his soul, but the agony in his heart far surpassed any physical suffering.

    "I would be alone forever because I am Aeter... huh, who is Aeter?" he murmured, copsing as he tried to hold his fractured mind together. The shadow''s smile widened as the broken shards of his consciousness turned to ck mist, melding with the dark figure.

    He remembered Carrisa, his constant support. She had promised him that his immortal existence would not be a lonely one.

    "Forever and always," Alicarde muttered, clutching onto that memory.

    He thought of Amena, the taciturn maid whose kindness had always felt unshakable. He remembered her stoic expression, always steady, always capable.

    And Argint. He missed her fiery spirit, her unwavering strength. She never looked at him as her brother''s killer, something he both envied and admired.

    He missed Anne, his steadfast friend. And Elly, the sly, stunning woman whosepany he always enjoyed, despite the chaos she often brought. She wasn''t all bad, he thought. Or at least, he couldn''t bring himself to believe she was.

    The world around him was quiet. He was letting go, only saddened by the thought of never seeing them again.

    "Now that you''re about to be erased, any regrets?" the shadow asked mockingly.

    "Yeah... never made a guy friend in college. Toote now."

    The shadow''s expression was unreadable, but its grip tightened.

    Another memory shed before him¡ªZagarath, the powerful creature who had toyed with him, mocking his helplessness and immortality. Alicarde had been spared by luck and circumstance, but the humiliation festered within him, stirring a deep-seated rage.

    The shadow''s form grew, tendrils of darkness pouring into Alicarde''s very pores.

    "What now? Zagarath humiliated you, and here you are, fading away," the shadow taunted.

    "I''m going to kill them all," Alicarde growled, consumed by fury. "I''m going to make them pay."

    "How, when you don''t even remember your own name?" the shadow mocked.

    A moment of rity flickered in Alicarde''s dazed eyes. "I... I don''t know."

    The shadow circled him, its voice chilling. "Then tell me... what are you?"

    "I... I am immortal," Alicarde stammered, unsure.

    "And now, who are we?" the shadow pressed.

    "We... I am Aeternus," Alicarde whispered, his voice gaining strength.

    The shadowughed as it fully merged into him, its form dissolving into Alicarde''s soul. His body became a vessel of shadows, eyes burning violet.

    "They will pay... in blood and misery," Alicarde murmured, the transformationplete.

    In the darkness, a voice echoed in his ear:

    [Aeternus.. *e**r.. Eternal... ****e* your fable has begun.]

    [The ****** sends his boon, Aeternus. You have received the boon of the ******.]

    Alicarde screamed as the shadow fused with him, his mind a whirlwind of regained memories and chaotic emotions. His once-fragmented consciousness sharpened, rity returning to his thoughts. The world around him seemed different¡ªchanged.

    He was no longer Ali Asad.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He was Alicarde. Aeternus. The Eternal. He was Reborn, his eyes opened.

 Chapter 59 Laughing In Pain

    He opened his eyes¡ªor he would have, if his eyes still existed. His head had been pulverized beneath the unrelenting hooves of the bicorn, and what was left of his face was a nightmarish pulp.

    Jagged shards of bone jutted out from the exposed remains of his skull. His eyes, once sharp and vibrant, were now empty, blood-soaked pits. His cheeks hung open, barely clinging to his jaw, exposing splinters of teeth and fragments of his mangled tongue.

    With a slow, almost mechanical movement, Alicarde turned his head to the side, narrowly avoiding another deadly strike from the bicorn''s hooves.

    His body groaned with the strain, as if even his immortal form had reached the limits of its endurance. But as the beast''s hooves pounded the ground beside him, Alicarde''s face began to regenerate at an unnatural speed.

    Flesh and muscle knit themselves together with a sickening wet crack, bones aligning beneath the re-growing skin. His broken jaw snapped back into ce, and the empty eye sockets filled, his eyes reappearing with an cold violet glow.

    He pushed himself off the bloodstained ground, his movement slow and unhurried, a dark expression etched across his now-regenerated face. His hands, bruised and battered,tched onto the muscr form of the bicorn towering over him.

    The beast, massive and rippling with strength, fought back, its dark, sinewy muscles straining beneath its slick, ck hide as Alicarde forced it aside. Its fiery eyes zed with primal fury, but there was something else flickering in them now¡ªa hint of fear.

    A low, gutturalugh bubbled up from Alicarde''s throat, distorted and twisted by the madness that had taken root in his fractured mind.

    "Hahaha¡­ HAHAHAHA!!" Hisughter boomed against the sterile walls, echoing with an unholy resonance.

    He stood, fully upright now, but was this still Alicarde? His body may have been restored, but his mind¡ªshattered and broken¡ªhad been reshaped into something far darker.

    His true name, Aeternus, had been awakened within him, binding his identity into something eternal, something far more sinister.

    The fractured pieces of his consciousness had reformed, but they were cracked and jagged, held together by nothing more than a vengeful rage and a twisted sense of purpose.

    What remained was no longer a man, but a wrathful, depraved figure, a shadow of his former self. His once vibrant violet eyes were now cold and hollow, the warmth gone, reced by a deep, wintery cruelty that chilled the air around him.

    His smile, twisted and unnatural, sent a shiver down the spine of even the intelligent bicorn. It took a step back.

    Warth, the bicorn, pawed the ground, mes licking at its mouth as it prepared to reduce the deranged immortal to ashes.

    Alicarde grinned wider, ignoring the searing pain as he reached out and grabbed the bicorn by its horns. The creature''s horns were razor-sharp, cutting into his palms as blood poured from the wounds, but Alicarde seemed unphased. If anything, the sight of his own blood excited him. His grin widened, dark and menacing.

    The mes in Warth''s maw grew hotter, engulfing Alicarde in searing agony. But this time, something was different. Alicarde did not scream. He did not flinch. Instead, he weed the pain, a twisted sense of joy flickering in his eyes.

    "The pain... it feels good now," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the roaring inferno that consumed him.

    The mes wrapped around his body, searing his flesh, melting it down to the bone. His muscles burned away, his skin bubbled and cracked, yet his expression remained serene, almost content.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    The torment that had once driven him to madness was now something he relished. His true name''s power surged through his veins, healing him as fast as the fire could destroy him, regenerating the mind and body as the mes tried in vain to tear him apart.

    Warth, sensing something was terribly wrong, tried to pull away, but Alicarde''s grip tightened. Blood continued to drip from his mangled hands, one of his fingers torn offpletely, but his grasp remained strong.

    With a sudden, violent movement, Alicarde yanked the bicorn upward. Despite the massive beast''s weight and power, Alicarde hoisted it with a single, monstrous hand. He roared with manicughter, lifting the enormous bicorn into the air and mming it into the ground with earth-shattering force.

    The floor beneath them cracked and splintered with every impact as Alicarde smashed the bicorn repeatedly, bone and muscle giving way to the relentless barrage. The beast''s body contorted and twisted, its flesh tearing as the brutal force ripped it apart.

    "I could have obey just from hearing my true name," Alicarde said, his voiceced with cruel delight.

    "But that would be too easy. I want to break you, force you to submit under my strength, under my rage. I want to see fear in your eyes as you realize your ce."

    The bicorn thrashed weakly beneath him, its once fiery gaze now dimming with the creeping realization that it was outmatched.

    "I am Aeternus, the eternal," Alicarde continued, his voice filled with twisted pride.

    "My body is unbroken, my soul is unyielding. I will make all who oppose me kneel, and I''ll start with you."

    He turned his gaze away from the weakened creature, scanning the room. The walls and floor were drenched in blood, scattered with bone fragments, entrails, and smoldering debris from the battle. His eyesnded on his sword, half-buried beneath the rubble, and a dark grin spread across his face.

    Warth, sensing its moment, charged once more, its hooves thundering across the ground as it lowered its horns, aiming directly for Alicarde''s heart. But Alicarde did not move, his eyes fixed on the sword. He activated his ability, drawing the sword toward him with a gravitational force. He felt the sword reach his hand.

    The bicorn''s charge connected, its horns driving through his chest, crushing his ribs and puncturing his heart. Alicarde''s back snapped audibly from the force, his body bending grotesquely under the pressure. Yet, in an instant, his body regenerated, bones realigning, skin knitting back together, his spine snapping back into ce.

    He nced down at the horns protruding from his chest with mild annoyance.

    "Ouch, that kind of hurts," he remarked casually, a soft, almost bemused smile crossing his lips.

    Without warning, he lifted his sword, now humming with mana, its edge gleaming as he swung it toward Warth''s shoulder. The de, infused with unimaginable power, sliced through the beast''s thick hide like it was paper, driving deep into its flesh. Warth roared in agony, biting down on Alicarde''s left hand, severing his wrist in a brutal snap.

    Alicarde barely reacted, watching with yful fascination as blood gushed from the wound. His exposed bone was sharp, jagged from the break.

    Without a second thought, he drove the sharp bone into Warth''s eye, twisting it with a cruel smile as the creature howled in pain, its body convulsing from the excruciating wound.

    "What, I was just ying with you. Be a good boy and take the pain, Warth!" Alicarde taunted with a grin as his arm grew back, pristine and strong. He wasted no time in lifting the creature by the neck, mming its massive body into the floor with a thunderous crash, the force breaking the ground beneath them.

    Crack!

    Both Alicarde and Warth plunged through the copsing floor, debris raining down around them as they fell into a brightly litb room below. Alicarde hovered above the bicorn, his eyes glowing with a sadistic thrill.

    "Ha! Brace yourself, Warth. This is just the beginning," he whispered as he gently descended, his body gliding effortlessly down while the bicorn scrambled to its feet, horns crackling with violent energy.

    Warth roared, firing a violet beam of concentrated magic. The attack was too fast to avoid, and Alicarde made no effort to dodge. The beam tore through him, splitting his body in half from the waist up. Flesh and blood scattered, but almost immediately, the torn halves of his body wriggled and sewed themselves back together, leaving Alicarde standing fully regenerated.

    "That was kinda dumb," he muttered, flexing his newly reformed hand, "I probably should''ve dodged that."

    The bicorn wasted no time. Warth lunged at Alicarde with brutal ferocity, fangs bared and hooves ready to shred him apart. But Alicarde was prepared. He swung his sword upward, the tip piercing through the bicorn''s tough hide, just enough to draw blood but not deep enough to deal a fatal blow.

    Warth howled in pain, thrashing as Alicarde kicked it back, yanking his sword free. The beast retaliated, spitting a wave of violet mes that engulfed the entire room.

    "Really?" Alicarde groaned, unimpressed. "I''ve already seen that. Can''t you do something new?"

    The mes dissipated, but Warth had vanished. Alicarde stood still for a moment, scanning the room.

    "Hmm¡­ where did you¡ª"

    Suddenly, a violent impact mmed into Alicarde''s back, sending him crashing into a nearby wall. The force shattered the concrete, and the ceiling copsed on top of him in a cloud of dust and debris.

    "Right, he can teleport," Alicarde grumbled, pushing the rubble off himself. He stood up slowly, shaking the dust from his hair, and grinned at the sight of the bicorn standing across from him, ready to strike again. "Almost forgot about that."

    The bicorn panted heavily, its energy waning as Alicarde''s words pierced through its mind.

    "Fine then, be like that. I''ll just wear you out. The pact puts a strain on you the more you fight me. Just give up and obey me, like a good little pony."

    Warth snarled in defiance but couldn''t mask the exhaustion that had begun to set in. Every time it attacked, Alicarde endured it without a flinch. His wounds, no matter how deep or lethal, healed within seconds.

    The more Warth struggled, the weaker it became. The magic of the pact was draining it of strength with each passing moment.

    Alicardeughed, a dark sound that echoed through the ruinedb. He swung his swordzily, making no effort to defend himself as Warth charged again, shing at him with burning ws. The bicorn''s attacks grew more frantic, but Alicarde''s expression never wavered.

    "Just give up already," he teased, his voice dripping with malice. "We both know how this will end."

    Warth staggered back, its legs trembling beneath its enormous weight. Alicarde''s eyes glinted with cruel satisfaction. He will break countless opponents someday, and Warth would be the beginning.

    Finally, the beast''s head drooped, its once proud horns lowering in submission. Alicarde''s smile widened. The sight of the once-powerful bicorn bowing before him filled him with a twisted sense of triumph.

    "All this trouble for something that was already inevitable," Alicarde sneered, stepping closer to the defeated creature. "Lower your head."

    The bicorn, nowpletely subdued, copsed to its knees, exhausted and broken. Alicarde''s cold, calcted voice seemed to strip away what little defiance remained in the beast. He ced his hand on its massive forehead, sealing the pact with a sinister grin.

    ''Today is the day I shed my weakness,'' Alicarde thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with madness. ''I will never be humiliated again. I will make others bow to me, just like this.''

    Alicarde dismissed the battered bicorn, letting it vanish into the shadows. He nced down at his body¡ªcovered in dried blood, soot and torn flesh. His tattered hospital robe was long gone, leaving him nearly naked.

    "I can''t let anyone see me like this," he muttered, his tone light despite the violence in his eyes. "Not even those useless chimeras, no fan service from me. Speaking of the chimeras why didn''t any of them show up when I was fighting Wrath."

    He nced around the destroyedb, spotting a discardedb coat and hospital robe on a nearby table.

    "Tsk, Victor''s minions are so useless" he muttered.

    He quickly donned the garments, smirking as he admired his reflection in a shattered piece of ss. "Heh, I kinda look like a doctor now."

    He floated upwards, effortlessly ascending toward the elevator. His newly discovered ability to control gravity was still raw and imprecise, but he was getting better at it with each use. As he reached the elevator room, he paused, surveying the area where he had nearly met his end.

    "I was so weak," he whispered to himself, his fists clenching tightly. "Never again."

    The vault-like elevator doors were dented from the earlier chaos, but they appeared functional. Alicardended on the debris-strewn floor, walking slowly toward the doors as they began to creak open, signs someone or something wasing.

    He sighed, sword in hand, swinging itzily in the air. His violet eyes glowed with an unholy coldness. "Can''t a guy catch a break around here?" he muttered, ready for whatever new obstacle awaited him.

 Chapter 60 Unraveling Darkness

    Carrisa''s heart remained still as she and Elizalina moved swiftly through thebyrinthine corridors, their footsteps echoing in the cold, deste halls.

    They ventured deeper, encountering chimeras along the way, but none proved as formidable as the one that had used its hypnotic effect on them earlier.

    A smoldering fury burned within Carrisa''s chest. What she had experienced had exposed a side of herself she hadn''t anticipated, leaving her pensive.

    The chimera had dredged up her deepest fear¡ªthat her enemies would not forget her simply because she had sought refuge in the mundane world. Now, with Alicarde entangled in her conflict, any misstep could doom them both.

    ''I must not allow my emotions to cloud my judgment. A single careless error, and it would be over for us. I must adopt a pragmatic approach, using any means at my disposal. While this world may offer us some safety, our resources remain painfully limited,'' Carrisa pondered, her thoughts cold and calcting.

    On the other hand, Elizalina walked in near silence, lost in her own thoughts. She did not wish to dwell on what had happened.

    She had left that wretched ce behind, and she vowed never to return. She had sworn it on her true name. The misery of her past was exactly that¡ªthe past. She had resolved to embrace the light of the present and move forward.

    They pushed open a vaulted door, revealing a vast, deathly silent chamber. Elizalina advanced, with Carrisa close behind.

    Despite the heavy vault doors, the room was surprisingly empty, save for a few dormant machines. Its fortified appearance had led them to believe they would find something of importance, yet there was nothing.

    Carrisa was not so easily fooled. She strode to one side of the room and, without hesitation, thrust her rapier into the wall. A crackling sound of electricity followed, apanied by a thin trail of smoke. The wall shifted, sliding open to reveal a hidden room stocked with various supplies¡ªand a few startled humans inb coats.

    Carrisa smiled coldly as her gaze fell upon the researchers.

    "What have we here? It appears we''ve stumbled upon some of your sheep, Elizalina. Be a kind shepherd and coax them into conversation."

    Elizalina''s lips curled into a faint smile, her grey eyes darkening into a glowing crimson as she approached the now trembling researchers.

    Without a word, she unleashed her fear- ability, filling their hearts with a palpable, soul-crushing terror.

    The five researchers, caughtpletely off-guard, stood paralyzed by the vampire''s gaze. Fear consumed them, rendering them helpless as Elizalina began her methodical interrogation.

    She was thorough, extracting every detail she could over the course of an hour. Unfortunately, the information was disappointingly sparse.

    These researchers knew little of significance, and to make matters worse, they had regrly consumed Whitewood ash, granting them some resistance to herpulsion.

    The entire exercise had proven a waste of time, but thoroughness had its merits. In the end, they learned only what they already knew¡ªAlicarde was on the fifth floor. Rather than kill the researchers, they left them unconscious.

    Disappointed but undeterred, Carrisa and Elizalina resumed their journey, cutting through wave after wave of chimeras.

    Elizalina couldn''t help but marvel at the relentless dedication of the alchemist behind these creations.

    "It seems all they are doing is dying us further," she said to Carrisa, her voice now more measured andposed.

    Carrisa nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It is astonishing to think anyone would devote such time and effort to chimeras. There must be hundreds down here¡ªenough to form a small army."

    "Now, what do we do?" Elizalina inquired, her tone questioning, though tinged with irritation.

    "We will ughter them all. If onees, we y one. If ten approach, we kill ten¡ªuntil everyst one of them is eradicated," Carrisa replied coldly.

    "An agreeable n," Elizalina conceded with a calm smile.

    Elizalina paused, ncing at Carrisa with a hint of concern. "I wonder how Amena and the mutt are faring?"

    "Let us find out," Carrisa said, producing a smallmunication device from her dress.

    After contacting Amena, they agreed to rendezvous at the fourth-floor elevator, regardless of who arrived first. Resuming their travel pace, the two women fought their way through countless hordes of chimeras.

    Though the creatures posed little true threat, their sheer numbers made the task exhausting and time-consuming. By the time they reached the elevator, they had in hundreds, their path soaked in blood. Thanks to Elizalina''s hemomancy, however, neither of them bore any trace of the carnage.

    They arrived at arge, vaulted chamber, with a massive, chain-bound elevator designed for transporting heavy machinery. The room was filled with chimeras¡ªseemingly the final stand of these creatures.

    For a moment, all was silent, as though both sides were steeling themselves for the inevitable battle.

    Carrisa''s voice broke the tension, calm but with a note of weariness.

    "I sincerely hope you are thest of them, for I am growing rather tired of this tiresome chore."

    "Let us simply dispatch them and be done with it," Elizalina said, her irritation barely concealed.

    The battle erupted in a cacophony of magic and violence. The chimeras surged forward, but Carrisa and Elizalina charged headlong into the fray. Carrisa''s rapier danced in her hand, slicing through the air with deadly precision, each strike felling enemies in graceful arcs.

    Elizalina conjured weapons from the blood of the fallen,unching them at the weaker chimeras, which crumbled into desated husks under her control.

    The floor rumbled beneath them from the intensity of the battle. As Carrisa reached the center of the room, she felt a powerful magical presence¡ªone she knew all too well.

    "Alicarde..." she whispered, her heart quickening.

    Despite the overwhelming number of chimeras, his magical aura stood out like the light of the moon amid the stars. It was stronger, darker¡ªmore potent than she had ever felt from him before.

    Elizalina, too, sensed the change in Alicarde. His presence was heavy, ominous¡ªa tainted purity that sent a chill down her spine. She frowned. This was not a development she liked, especially not when she had yet to fully settle her debt to him.

    Carrisa and Elizalina fought with renewed vigor, shing and cuting through the seemingly endless waves of chimeras. Carrisa''s rapier cut through the air, sending arcs of magical energy that sliced enemies from a distance.

    Elizalina filled the room with a veritable storm of blood-forged weapons, each finding its mark with deadly uracy.

    After what felt like an eternity, thest of the chimeras fell. The room was a grisly scene, the floor slick with blood and littered with mangled corpses. Towers of carcasses surrounded them, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of death.

    Carrisa, somewhat winded, sent out a few more powerful spells¡ªice, fire, and wind¡ªclearing the remnants of any lingering enemies. Elizalina, standing beside her, gathered all the blood she could, using it to create a final barrage of lethal projectiles.

    Finally, the battle was over. The room, ankle-deep in blood, was littered with the remnants of their foes. Some chimeras had their blood drainedpletely, while others had exploded from within. Elizalina waved her hand, effortlessly cleansing herself and Carrisa of any remaining blood.

    Carrisa nced at the destruction around them before addressing Elizalina.

    "We cannot afford to waste any more time. Let us find Alicarde, then regroup with the others."

    Elizalina nodded, her expression serious, as they approached the elevator.

    The doors slid open, and the sharp scent of blood assaulted their senses. Outside, Alicarde stood amidst a gruesome scene, drenched in partially dried blood, his sword in hand, and a twisted smile on his lips.

    Elizalina''s eyes widened in horror. Alicarde''s eyes, cold and distant, met theirs as he turned. His smile grew wider, unnervingly cheerful.

    "Well, well, look who finally found me. Funny story¡ªI was so ready to kill whoever came through those doors. But hey, it''s just you two. Lucky you, I suppose."

    His voice was disturbingly lighthearted, but the coldugh that followed sent shivers down their spines.

    Without hesitation, Carrisa rushed to him, her heart aching at the sight of his bloodied form. Ignoring the grime, she enveloped him in a tight embrace. Gently, she cupped his face in her hands and asked, "What has happened here? Are you unharmed?"

    Alicarde shrugged, letting out a dark chuckle. "Nothing, just ran into a pole."

    "You are covered in blood," Elizalina remarked, her voice steady yet filled with concern.

    "It was a very mean pole," he replied with a crooked smile.

    Elizalina stepped closer, her piercing gaze scanning his face. "You are not well, are you?"

    A flicker of something unreadable passed through Alicarde''s eyes, but he forced another grin. "Do I not look well to you?"

    "You are bathed in blood¡ªthat hardly speaks of sound well-being," Elizalina said sharply.

    "No I''m not"

    "You are" Elizalina frowned.

    Carrisa reached out, her fingers lightly grazing his arm. "You have awakened a true name. Pray, what transpired?" Her voice, though calm, carried a weight of concern.

    For a fleeting moment, Alicarde''s mask of bravado slipped. Pain and madness shed through his eyes, swirling emotions barely contained as he gritted his teeth, seemingly trying to suppress the memory of something horrific. But in an instant, he concealed it all with a forcedugh.

    "Thanks, guys, but as you can see, I''m fine. We should get out of here."

    Elizalina tried to speak, but Carrisa stopped her with a gentle shake of her head. The vampire sighed, her grey eyes betraying an unspoken worry.

    The ceiling rumbled as a beam of light shattered it, and two beautiful women descended from above. Alicarde immediately recognized them.

    The first was a red-haired woman with a wild, almost feral beauty, her amber eyes glowing faintly with a silver hue.

    The second was an expressionless maid with brown hair and deep blue eyes, her features as delicate as an exquisite porcin doll.

    "Wow, you two sure know how to make an entrance. This ce does have doors and elevators, you know," Alicarde''s snarky voice cut through the air.

    Amena''s eyes locked onto him, and she instinctively sprinted toward him, only to stop herself halfway, remembering her station as a maid.

    Argint had no such reservations. She leaped into the air,nding directly in Alicarde''s arms. Anticipating her, he used his innate ability to increase his weight, catching her effortlessly without stumbling.

    As he gently set her down, she clung to him, inhaling deeply. "You smell different. Angrier... more hateful. Are you... alright?"

    Alicarde rolled his eyes. "Why does everyone keep asking me the same goddamn question?"

    With a yful smirk, he added, "So you can smell emotions now, huh? Had no idea dogs had that kind of talent."

    Argint frowned, her expression hardening. "I am not a dog."

    Elizalina, who had been quietly observing, let out a soft, mockingugh.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "Well, it appears even Alicarde can see you for what you are¡ªa filthy creature. Perhaps a leash would suit you better."

    Argint''s re was sharp as she shot back, "Shut up, you lecherous parasite. Maybe if you weren''t so indecent, you''d pass for a proper woman."

    Alicarde sighed, watching their bickering unfold with a weary gaze.

    Amena stepped forward cautiously, stopping just before him. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came.

    Smiling softly, Alicarde walked toward her and pulled her into a gentle embrace, whispering, "I''m d to see you too, Amena."

    Though her expression remained stoic, she buried her face in his blood-soaked robe, finding sce in his presence.

    Alicarde nced around at the grotesque scene surrounding them and exhaled. "Let''s go home, guys. I can see all your questioning looks. I''ll exin everything on the way, alright?"

    They exchanged nces before silently agreeing.

    Carrisa and Elizalina''s eyes met briefly, both sensing the shift. They could tell that something had changed¡ªAlicarde had changed. Though his snarky demeanor remained on the surface, there was a coldness and madness in his eyes that he couldn''t fully hide.

 Chapter 61 Path Forward

    Alicarde walked out of the elevator to a scene of absolute carnage. Corpses were piled high, and broken, ravaged bodies littered the area.

    "Well, I have to say, I like what you''ve done with the ce," Alicarde said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he surveyed the destruction.

    He nced back at the women and muttered under his breath, "Fear women."

    Carrisa raised an eyebrow, her voice calm and poised. "Fear women? That is hardly an appropriate thing to say to thedies who came to your rescue."

    Alicarde shrugged, his tone cold. "Yeah, except I didn''t need to be rescued. I''m not some damsel in distress." Internally, he made a vow to never allow himself to be in a position where he needed saving.

    Argint, visibly tired, stretched her arms. "Ugh, we''ve been here for hours. Can we just go already?"

    Elizalina sighed, her tone dripping with condescension. "How unfortunate that the reliability of dogs these days leaves much to be desired."

    Argint growled, her wolf-like nature surfacing as her fists clenched. "Call me a dog one more time, and¡ª"

    Carrisa stepped in, her tone firm yet elegant. "That will be quite enough,dies. There is no need for such bickering."

    "She was growling though" Alicarde muttered earning himself a re from Argint.

    As the group trudged through the winding corridors, the oppressive silence was asionally broken by the distant echoes of surviving chimeras. Alicarde led the way, his mind a whirlwind of dark thoughts.

    Carrisa followed closely behind, her eyes locked on Alicarde''s back, concern flickering across her face. Elizalina nced at Argint, her usual disdain tempered by an unspoken agreement to maintain a fragile peace. Amena walked silently beside Alicarde, her expression unreadable but her presence a steadyfort.

    "We must discuss what transpired back there," Carrisa''s voice sliced through the silence, her words measured and deliberate.

    Alicarde chuckled darkly. "Oh, you mean the mess you made of those poor chimeras? Quite the show."

    Carrisa''s tone remained steady. "That is not what I wish to discuss."

    Alicarde didn''t bother to turn around. "Fine. Later. When we''re safe and far from this nightmare."

    Carrisa sighed softly, epting his response for the moment.

    As they continued through the bloodstained corridors, a chimera appeared before them¡ªan abomination with the head of an eagle, the body of a human, and the tail of a serpent. It glided toward them with predatory intent.

    Without hesitation, Alicarde unsheathed his sword in one swift motion. His de gleamed under the white light as he severed the creature''s arms in a single, clean slice.

    The chimera screeched in agony, but before it could react further, Alicarde''s eyes shed with a glint of cruelty.

    He extended his hand, channeling his gravitational power, pulling the creature toward him only to kick it viciously. The impact sent it crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.

    Blood sttered across the floor as Alicarde repeated the action, dragging it back with gravity only to send it flying again. The chimera''s screams became weaker with each blow, its body convulsing under the relentless assault.

    Alicarde''s smile widened, a dangerous gleam in his eyes, as he continued his cruel game, tormenting the creature with precise, calcted kicks.

    Carrisa''s frown deepened, uncertain if she should intervene.

    Argint approached Alicarde, her hand resting on his shoulder. "That''s enough. Just finish it. We don''t have all day."

    Alicarde blinked, his smile vanishing. "Right. My bad," he muttered, his tone distant.

    With a final, crushing blow, Alicarde stomped on the chimera''s skull, his gravitational power amplifying the weight of his foot. The creature''s head burst into a grotesque mess of brain matter and gore. He stared at the remains for a moment before turning to the group.

    "Let''s go."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Carrisa''s frown remained as she followed, her gaze lingering on Alicarde. Amena, still expressionless, walked by his side, her steps as silent as ever.

    Elizalina and Carrisa exchanged a look, both understanding the same unsettling truth¡ªAlicarde had changed. He wasn''t just yful anymore, there was a coldness in him, a madness lurking beneath the surface.

    As they made their way to the first floor of the undergroundboratory, they encountered a few unfortunate stragglers. Alicarde dispatched them swiftly, but unlike before, their deaths were deliberately brutal, as if he took pleasure in making their suffering as painful and graphic as possible.

    Elly Surprised to actually see you. I haven''t seen you since you sucked my blood and tried to kill Carrisa."

    Elizalina, walking beside him, spoke softly. "Considering ourst encounter. After all, it wasn''t too long ago that I drank your blood and attempted to kill Carrisa."

    Alicarde gave her a sideways nce. "Yeah, I remember. Doesn''t bother me much, though. So, I guess we''re cool."

    Elizalina smiled, lowering her head slightly. "I am relieved to hear that. As for my presence here, how could I note? I still owe you for sparing my life. Besides, what kind of self-respecting girlfriend would abandon her beloved when he''s been kidnapped?"

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow. "Girlfriend, huh? We''re still doing that whole charade? Fine, I guess it''s useful on campus. Don''t want to give people more reasons to hate me than they already have."

    He nced at her again, his voice calm but serious. "But Elly, you know you''re not actually my girlfriend. We''re just pretending for convenience. It would be a problem if rumors spread about us ''breaking up.'' Nothing more."

    Elizalina pouted slightly. "So, we are ''cool,'' as you put it, but I still retain my privileges, correct? As your half-girlfriend, surely I still have my rights to your blood?"

    Alicarde looked puzzled. "Blood rights? What the hell does that mean?"

    Before Elizalina could exin, Argint snickered, her voiceced with disgust. "Unbelievable. This parasite is beyond shameless. She just got dumped but still wants to swallow his body fluids."

    Elizalina''s eyes darkened as she stepped toward Argint, her tone venomous. "Watch your mouth, you insolent bitch. Perhaps a leash would remind you of your proper ce."

    Argint''s sneer deepened as she clenched her fists, her growl echoing through the corridor. "A leash? At least I''m not a blood-sucking whore, clinging to someone who clearly doesn''t want you."

    Elizalina''s voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. "You have no idea what I''m capable of, mutt. Keep talking, and I''ll dly show you."

    Sensing the escting tension, Alicarde stepped in. "Elly, Argint, this really isn''t the time¡ª"

    Argint cut him off, her eyes locked onto Elizalina''s. "Stay out of this."

    Alicarde sighed, muttering under his breath. "Fine, whatever. Just¡­ if you two fight, at least rip each other''s clothes off for the entertainment value."

    Argint''s eyes red with fury. "Is that a threat, parasite? Because if it is, you better be ready to back it up."

    Elizalina''s cold smile returned. "Oh, it''s far more than a threat. One more word, and I''ll show you why the name Elizalina Crimson is feared among my kind. You''ll wish you had stayed silent, mutt."

    Their argument grew more heated, insults flying back and forth. Elizalina''s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Argint''s eyes shed with barely contained rage, her body tense and ready to pounce.

    Alicarde sighed, his attempts to mediate lost in the whirlwind of their verbal battle. Carrisa stepped between them, her voice ringing with authority.

    "Enough! We must prioritize retreat over senseless bickering. You may continue this dispute once we are safely out of danger, but not a moment before."

    Carrisa''s gaze sharpened as she added, "And more importantly, is this the manner in which ady of noble birth ought to conduct herself?"

    Elizalina and Argint red at each other for a moment longer before reluctantly stepping back, their hostility still simmering beneath the surface.

    "Can''t believe that worked. There goes my chance to see some action," Alicarde muttered, earning himself a sharp re from Carrisa.

    They soon reached the path leading to the surface, causing the arguments to die down. Elizalina squinted at Alicarde, her eyes narrowing as she took in his blood-soaked clothes.

    "Alicarde, the surface is a hospital. If you emerge covered in blood, they may summon the authorities, or worse, assume you have robbed the blood bank."

    Alicarde nced down at his ensemble. The robe and coat, marred with stains, were far from presentable. "Hmmm, well, I suppose there''s no helping it."

    Elizalina smiled gently, brushing a few stray strands of his hair away from his face.

    "Fear not. That is why I am here. Allow me to rid you of all this blood."

    With a wave of her hand, the blood clinging to Alicarde responded to her will, shifting and sliding away, leaving behind only the grime that hemomancy could not remove.

    "Thanks, Elly," Alicarde said, smiling. "But I am still covered in filth. Any chance you have a solution for that?"

    "I do not," Elizalina replied, a faint smile ying on her lips. "Unless, of course, you are inclined to return home soaked from a water spell?"

    Alicarde sighed in resignation. "No, thank you. I''d rather deal with the grime than be drenched. I can take a bath once we return."

    By the time they reached the surface and exited the hospital, the first light of dawn began to touch the battle-worn group.

    Alicarde nced at the rising sun, the memories of his near-death experience shing before his eyes. The pain had been a revtion, a reminder that while he was immortal, he was not invincible. This new day was a chance to settle old scores.

    ''I almost didn''t make it to see another sunrise. This little misadventure taught me something. Immortality doesn''t mean I''m invulnerable. I''m not a constant. If I get careless, I''ll be destroyed, and everything I care about will be lost with me.''

    He watched thedies walk ahead toward a military-type SUV.

    ''Carrisa was right, that much I''ve learned. This world isn''t kind to the weak. If I don''t have the strength or resolve to take from others, I''ll be the one who loses. My guilt won''t erase the sins I''m bound tomit. I''ve epted that I''m not a good person¡­''

    Alicarde turned his gaze toward the sun. ''Those I care about are worth the suffering. They''re worth killing for. They''re worth going to hell for. After all, if I don''t go to hell, who will? And when I do, I''ll be sure to take everyst one of my enemies with me.

    I won''t be going down alone.''

    A cold glint settled in his eyes as he nced at the vehicle, the battle with Wrath weighing heavily on his mind. It had changed him in ways he had not anticipated, and perhaps even broken him further.

    Yet in that destruction, he had found new strength, piecing together the shattered remnants of who he once was. The truth was bitter and painful, but necessary. Ali Asad was dead, and in his ce stood Alicarde¡­ Alicarde Aeternus Asad.

    ''I only learned strength through my brokenness, through disillusionment. That truth, though harsh, has made me stronger.''

    Despite this newfound power, Alicarde couldn''t help but question whether this change was for the better. It left him feeling different, perhaps even disturbed, but the undeniable fact remained¡ªit had made him stronger.

    Exhaustion washed over him. He realized that whatever issue might be awaiting him, it paled inparison to his desires. And right now, that was all that mattered.

    "Alicarde, you would do well to hasten your pace. I realize the sunrise holds a certain novelty for you, but we truly must depart now," Carrisa''s ethereal voice cut through his thoughts, drawing him back to reality.

    With a light smile, he turned to her. "As you wish, mademoiselle. I wouldn''t dream of keeping you waiting."

    He approached the vehicle, climbing inside with Carrisa following closely behind. The interior was luxurious, though he had neither the time nor the energy to admire it.

    Seated between two captivating women, Elizalina on his right and Carrisa on his left, Alicarde decided to make the most of the situation. The adrenaline of the night had begun to wane, and fatigue finally caught up to him.

    ''I''ve only been fighting for an entire night. No big deal.''

    He leaned his head on Carrisa''s shoulder, takingfort in the fact that she wouldn''t mind. The car sped off, leaving the hospital and the horrors of the night behind, bathed in the soft glow of the rising sun.

 Chapter 62 Recollection

    Alicarde sighed, relieved that none of the hospital staff had tried to stop them, especially considering he was carrying a sword. It was early in the morning when they left, so there wasn''t much movement from people¡ªjust a few nurses and cleaning staff. He was thankful there was no drama.

    Carrisa''s shoulder feltfortable. He could hear her breathing and enjoy her fragrance. In contrast, he reeked of blood and sweat.

    ''Wasn''t she in a battle? How does she smell like rainbows and sunshine despite everything?'' Alicarde thought to himself.

    Since she was already letting him rest on her, he decided to take a little more liberty and wrapped his arm around her waist. She didn''t seem to notice, or perhaps she simply didn''t mind.

    "Alicarde... could you please exin what transpired back there?" Carrisa finally asked after some hesitation. She had deliberated on how best to approach the subject and eventually decided to be direct.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "What happened, huh? Let''s see. Not much, really. So, do you girls want the long version or the short one?" Alicarde raised his head from her shoulder, ncing at the other women seated with him.

    "I can see the anxious expressions on your faces. Listen, I''m fine. So please, stop giving me those pitying looks. It''s annoying."

    Carrisa turned to face him. "We are not offering you pity, as you so eloquently put it. We are concerned. Each of us here has a vested interest in your well-being," she replied, ncing at Argint and Elizalina. "Some more than others."

    Alicarde frowned slightly, feeling confused and somewhat irritated.

    "I have no idea what that''s supposed to mean, but whatever. You guys want to know what happened? Fine, I''ll tell you."

    The maid driving the SUV nced at him through the rearview mirror, curious about what he was going to say. Argint was also paying close attention; they had searched for him when he disappeared, and they all wanted to know what had led to the events that had unfolded.

    Alicarde sighed. He had a feeling there was no way he could avoid exining everything.

    "I went to the hospital to visit someone. A little girl. Her mother was killed by a Strigoi, and I had promised to protect her. But then, I let her die."

    His eyes shed with a brief but intense fury as memories of that day resurfaced. It made him want to tear Zagarath to pieces.

    "I failed her. All I could do was run from my enemy¡ªpathetic and weak. Anyway, I was pretty depressed, as you''ve probably guessed. But after tonight, I honestly don''t care anymore. I just want revenge, and I''ll get it, no matter the cost."

    Alicarde''s face twisted with rage, his lips curling as he bit down until they bled.

    Elizalina, her attention focused on his angered expression, asked, "And what, pray tell, does this have to do with you being kidnapped today?"

    Alicarde''s gaze grew cold as he met her eyes. "It has everything to do with it. Today was the day I realized how naive I had been. It''s my responsibility to protect my interests, and it was in my best interest for her mother to live. I had promised... and they made a liar out of me.

    That, Elly, is unforgivable."

    His voice quivered with deep resentment, a bitterness that filled the air around them.

    Argint, growing more impatient, interjected, "You still haven''t said what actually happened today. How did that lead to this? Stop dodging the question."

    Alicarde sighed, visibly annoyed. "I was getting there, genius. Let me think for a moment."

    After gathering his thoughts, he continued, "I went to see Lily after the whole incident with Elly. I couldn''t stay depressed forever. I tried not to let it affect me, but I did me myself."

    He recounted the events of that humiliating night, adding details he had not shared before. Carrisa already knew much of it, but Alicarde was careful to omit his encounter with Malefica.

    That was his secret to keep, and Malefica had made it clear she didn''t want to be involved with Carrisa, though Alicarde knew it was only a matter of time before she found out if he continued working with the witch. And right now, he had every intention of doing so¡ªMalefica had power he desired. Magic. Spells.

    Elizalina ced her hand on her chin thoughtfully. "I understand. This incident led to our ss representative being mistaken for a delusional drug addict who imed to see monsters."

    Alicarde shot her a stern look. "Yes, it did. After your whole vampire reveal, I almost suspected you. I did some research on Strigoi at the mansion''s library. It''s a subss of vampires, so my suspicions were not unfounded."

    Elizalina furrowed her brow, her tone calm but firm. "I take offense at the mere suggestion that you would suspect me of associating with such lowly creatures. It is beneath my dignity to be involved with beings of such low stature."

    Alicarde raised his hand, an apologetic look crossing his features. "Right, I know. Sorry about that. You''d never stoop so low. If you were involved, you certainly wouldn''t have hesitated during your initial attack."

    His voice carried the confidence of someone who no longer harbored doubts about her allegiance.

    Argint scoffed, crossing her arms. "I refuse to believe she was holding back. Obviously, she just couldn''t win."

    Her dismissive tone carried her usual sharpness.

    Alicarde nodded, considering her words. It was possible that he had been subconsciously looking for a reason not to kill Elizalina, a justification that might have clouded his judgment.

    Elizalina giggled softly, wrapping her arms around Alicarde''s shoulders. "I am d you recognize the superiority of vampires over such rabble, so you must know, without a doubt, that I am far better in every regard."

    Her voice was sweet butced with a hint of pride.

    "Tch, shut up, you woman of ill repute. If we weren''t stuck in this moving vehicle, I''d make you swallow those words." Argint''s cold voice cut through the air, her indignation palpable.

    Elizalina turned to retort but was immediately silenced by Carrisa, who interjected, her voice calm yetmanding.

    "Let us return to the matter at hand. What transpired after you visited the hospital?"

    "Right. I had visited a few times but never mustered the courage to see her... until today¡ªwell, yesterday. She was utterly despondent, silent tears running down her cheeks. Her tears were a harsh reminder of my own failure." Alicarde clenched his fists, his voice tinged with frustration.

    "I made her a new promise, one I intend to keep. I swore that I would destroy them all."

    He paused, a darkness settling over his expression. "But I know it''s more about my revenge than hers. Killing them won''t bring her mother back, but it''ll make me feel heck of a lot better."

    Carrisa listened intently, her focus sharp. They were nearing the heart of the matter, and she was keen to understand what had led to such a drastic change in Alicarde''s demeanor.

    His face twisted with a somber expression as he continued. "I was ambushed by the deranged doctor who ran the hospital. Oddly enough, it had nothing to do with the Strigoi. Turns out the doctor who dered me dead waspletely insane."

    Carrisa''s brow furrowed as she clenched her fist slightly.

    "The doctor, you say? How interesting. I had not expected him to be of any significance. It seems this city harbors many secrets that remain unknown to me, the doctor being one of them."

    Alicarde shrugged. "Yeah, the doctor. Apparently, he''d been watching me on campus for a while. When I started making repeated visits to the hospital, he saw it as a chance to trap me."

    Argint interjected, her eyes narrowing. "How could they have captured you so easily? You''re not weak enough to be taken down by a small group, even if they had those massive chimeras."

    Alicarde sighed, shaking his head. "They used a magic circle and knockout gas mixed with whitewood ash. When I weakened, they injected me with some drugced with more whitewood ash."

    Amena, who had remained quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke.

    "Abination of whitewood ash and a potent alchemical soporific would indeed prove effective against you, particrly if you haven''t built up any resistance to it."

    Carrisa sighed, her voice carrying a tinge of regret. "Perhaps I should have followed through with my original n of introducing small doses of cyanide and ataraxic into your food to gradually build resistance. However, Amena was most insistent that such a method would erode any trust you have in me."

    Alicarde''s eyes widened, his shock evident. "Wait, what? Why am I just now hearing that you were considering poisoning me? That''s terrifying."

    Argint and Elizalina exchanged nces but seemed unsurprised by Carrisa''s ruthlessness. Such actions were expected from an Evernight princess.

    Alicarde sighed, moving on from the unsettling revtion.

    "Anyway, I got captured. The doctor ran a few experiments on me, mostly to gather data. It wasn''t too painful, all things considered."

    Carrisa''s gaze sharpened, her voice filled with concern. "Not too painful?"

    Alicarde nodded. "The real issue was how I escaped. In my naivete, I unleashed Wrath. He tore me apart in my bid break free from the restraints. Literally, he ripped me to pieces, but I managed to escape while the doctor sed his chimeras on Wrath."

    His voice grew quieter, more distant, as he continued. "Wrath caught up to me. He killed me. Repeatedly. I was burned alive, crushed, torn to shreds, over and over again. My mind broke.

    The pain... it was unbearable."

    Argint''s eyes widened in shock. "He killed you repeatedly?"

    Alicarde''s voice took on a steely resolve, his gaze cold and unwavering. "I was lost in my own mentalndscape, consumed by fear, in the end, I came to a decision. I could either fight for something or die for nothing."

    Elizalina leaned in closer, her concern evident. "And what did you decide?"

    Alicarde took a deep breath, his tone filled with newfound certainty. "I decided what I wanted to fight for. I realized who I truly am. Ali Asad is dead. I am Alicarde, and I am Eternal. My true name has restored my mind, and now I know my purpose."

    He leaned back, his expression cold and indifferent. "I''m going home. I''ll take a bath, get some sleep, and when I wake up, I''m going to bathe this city in blood."

 Chapter 63 Truename

    Alicarde sighed. "Well, you heard it here first, folks. That''s how I awakened my truename."

    "By getting my ass kicked by a horse." He chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood like he usually would. Thest thing he wanted was to give them any reason to worry.

    "Your truename," Elizalina''s voice was soft but cold, her distant gaze piercing into him. "I imagine it was a harrowing ordeal to achieve such a thing."

    Leaning back against the cushioned seat, Alicarde let the soft hum of the car engine soothe him. The early morning light spilled through the windows, casting long shadows across the streets. His mind wandered as he reflected on the strange new sensation.

    "What even is a truename, anyway?" He finally asked. "I''ve felt... different since I got mine. And I swear, I heard a voice announcing it. Something about a boon or whatever."

    Carrisa''s voice broke the silence. "A truename is far more than a simple title. It is the embodiment of your very essence, the core of your being. To possess a truename is to be acknowledged by the world itself, and those who are Named are recognized as more significant than the nameless. The voice you heard was likely the will of the world affirming your existence."

    She turned to face him, her expression unwavering. "Having a truename means you are no longer invisible to the grand forces that govern all. You are now known to the world."

    Alicarde tilted his head. "So, how do you awaken a truename?"

    Carrisa''s gaze remained steady. "There is no singr path. A truename can be revealed under various conditions, but once the right moment presents itself, the truth of your name will be unveiled."

    Alicarde appeared more intrigued now. "So, knowing your truename gives you power, right?"

    Carrisa''s brow furrowed slightly, a sign of mild annoyance.

    "Yes, it grants immense power. But do not be deceived by that alone¡ªit is a double-edged sword. While the power is significant, the true danger lies in its exposure. If someone learns your full truename, they could wield control over you."

    She crossed her arms. "A person''s truename consists of four parts. As you may know, the number four is often associated with misfortune¡ªeven in certain human cultures where the number is tied to death. Conversely, three is considered a blessing. Yet, every individual has four fragments of their truename."

    Alicarde''s brows furrowed. "Four parts?"

    "Indeed," Carrisa continued, her tone measured. "Three fragments are blessings, each bestowing a boon. The fourth, however, is a curse. It is your bane, not a gift."

    Elizalina, ever curious, leaned in. "That is the inherent danger. One must guard their truename closely. You have only awakened the first part, but to reveal the entirety of your truename is to invite disaster."

    Carrisa''s expression darkened. "The most significant risk lies in vulnerability. If an enemy knows your truename, they can manipte or destroy you. It is akin to handing them the very key to your soul¡ªyour bane can be exploited by your foes."

    Alicarde felt the urge to inform them he had another cryptic name, it was partially revealed and he did not know if it was supposed to be his bane. but he decided to wait until he got the gist of the situation.

    Argint, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "So, how did you figure out your truename?"

    Alicarde sighed, his face darkening with the weight of the memory. "It wasn''t easy. I had to face the darkest parts of myself¡ªfears, regrets, truths I wanted to bury. It was... brutal. But when it was over, I felt stronger.

    Like I had tapped into something deeper within me."

    Lost in his thoughts, Alicarde absentmindedly brought his finger to his mouth, crushing the bone between his teeth. The loud crack startled the women, but Alicarde seemedpletely unaware. He repeated the act over and over, his finger regenerating as quickly as he destroyed it.

    Carrisa''s eyes narrowed, cold and distant as she watched his mind drift away.

    Elizalina shared a concerned nce with Carrisa, while Amena opened her mouth to speak but quickly shut it, uncertain of what to say.

    Argint scowled, breaking the ufortable silence. "What the hell are you doing, you fucking idiot?"

    Alicarde blinked, snapped out of his trance. "What? What''d I do now?"

    Argint''s expression darkened further, her patience thinning.

    Carrisa finally broke her silence, her tone sharp. "Your finger, Alicarde."

    He looked down at his hand, pulling his mangled pinky from his mouth and waving it in the air. It had already healed without a trace of injury.

    "Oh, right... uh, my bad." He gave them a sheepish look before trying to refocus. "Anyway, back to what we were talking about. I''ve still got some questions."

    But the faces around him showed a variety of emotions, all tinged with worry. The tension in the air was palpable as the women looked at him with concern, their wless expressions betraying the weight of their unease.

    Alicarde leaned back against the plush cushions of the SUV, his gaze drifting out the window.

    "I still have more questions. What other benefits do truenames have, anyway? Or is it just some kind of power buff?"

    Amena, ever patient, decided to answer. "The amplification isn''t the same for everyone. A truename grants an overall enhancement¡ªstrength, speed, mana, agility¡ªall aspects of a person are increased." She turned the steering wheel with ease, taking a smooth turn as they made their way home.

    "Then there''s the truename-specific boon," she continued. "That''s an ability unique to the truename itself. For instance, a truename that means ''rock'' could bestow the power to be as solid as one or even to manipte mountains. It varies based on the truename."N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Carrisa, sitting elegantly beside him, added to the exnation, "Though I may not use terms like ''buff,'' I can affirm that the effects of a truename are far more profound than physical improvements. It influences every aspect of your existence. My older brother, Kaiser, bears the truename ''destroyer.'' His power increases significantly when he engages in acts of destruction."

    Alicarde nodded, starting to grasp the gravity of it all. "So, someone with a truename that means ''luck'' would have an abundance of it. But if someone had a truename that signified ''misfortune,'' they could either bring misfortune upon themselves or others, right?"

    Elizalina''s lips curved into a soft, seductive smile. "Indeed. One of the most basic advantages a Named One possesses is protection. A truename can shield an individual from various threats¡ªmagic, soul, mind, and physical attacks. Even curses can be rendered ineffective. It is a considerable blessing."

    Not wanting to be left out, Argint added her own insight, herpetitive spirit evident. "Named Ones are revered because their truename reflects their potential andtent abilities. Even if onecks talent, their truename alone ensures their growth."

    Her smirk deepened as she shot a smug nce at Elizalina. "What that vampire slut failed to mention is that a truename can bind others to your will. However, be cautious¡ªif someone learns your entire truename, they could exert control over you or make you more vulnerable to certain magical or spiritual assaults."

    Argint''s stern warning hung in the air, and only after Alicarde nodded did she finally offer a  smile.

    "Good. Don''t forget it," she said, her mocking gaze never leaving Elizalina, who red back.

    Carrisa, taking a more measured tone, addressed Alicarde directly.

    "A truename also provides rity and purpose, guiding you toward your destiny. Perhaps your newfound desire for vengeance stems from the intery of your boons and your bane. The curse of one of your truenames may be influencing your actions in ways you have yet to realize."

    Her piercing gaze met his. "Remember, once all four fragments of your truename are revealed, you must discern which is the curse and which are the blessings. Uponpletion, you will receive a final gift called a fantasia. But before we go into that, what is your truename, Alicarde?"

    Without much thought, Alicarde replied, "Oh, right. My truename is Aeternus. It means eternal or immortal."

    Carrisa''s gaze hardened, her tone sharp. "Did you conveniently forget what we mentioned about not revealing your truename to others?"

    Alicarde blinked, looking at the others. Each of them wore an expression of disbelief, as if he hadmitted some grave error.

    "What? She asked me. Are you serious right now? You guys are messing with me, right?"

    Carrisa''s lips curved into a faint smile at his indignant response.

    "Rx, dear Alicarde. We were merely teasing. However, it is vital that you guard your truename carefully. The closer someone gets to piecing together the entirety of your truename, the more perilous it bes for you."

    She smoothed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "That said, revealing the first part of your truename is not necessarily unwise. In fact, it can earn you respect. A Named Onemands far more reverence than the nameless. However, your truename, Aeternus, is particrly rare. No eternal or undying has ever possessed a name that means ''eternal.''"

    A brief frown marred her wless face as she continued.

    "You are the first. Depending on how things unfold, you may be venerated within the empire¡ªor hunted mercilessly. Be cautious about whom you trust with this knowledge. While a Named One can lie about their status, a nameless individual cannot feign having a truename. This fact alone makes it dangerous if someone clever enough attempts to deduce your name."

    Unfazed by the ominous warning, Alicarde shrugged. He had little fear of death, and if someone tried to take his life, he would fight back with all he had.

    "Ah, right," he added, "I think I might have a second truename too, but I haven''t figured it out fully yet¡ª"

    Before he could finish, the car jolted as Amena mmed the brakes, bringing the SUV to an abrupt stop.

    A stunned silence followed.

    "What? What''s going on? Are we under attack?" Alicarde asked, confusion written all over his face.

    The others stared at him, wide-eyed. Even the normallyposed Amena seemed momentarily shaken.

    "You... you awakened not just one but two truenames at the same time?" Carrisa''s usualposure faltered for a moment, her voice betraying her astonishment.

    Alicarde tilted his head, seemingly oblivious. "Yeah, I think I got a second one, but I don''t know all of it¡ªjust a fragment."

 Chapter 64 Nuances Of Truenames

    Amena regained control of the SUV and continued driving, though the atmosphere inside remained tense. Alicarde looked around at hispanions, their expressions a mix of shock and concern.

    Carrisa was the first to break the silence. "Alicarde, you must grasp the gravity of awakening not one but two truenames. The power and potential you possess are vast, yet equally perilous."

    Elizalina nodded, her voice soft but serious. "Indeed, while truenames grant significant strength, they are not without considerable risk. It is imperative youprehend the dangers they present."

    Argint crossed her arms, her expression stern. "Let''s start with the most obvious vulnerability. If anyone learns yourplete truename, they can control you¡ªbend your will, influence your actions, or worse. They could subject you to unspeakable pain or even death. We''ve already made that point clear."

    Carrisa added, her tone grave, "It is of utmost importance that you guard your truename closely. Even those you trust implicitly could turn against you should they gain possession of it."

    Alicarde leaned forward, taking in their words. "Yeah, you''ve said that enough times. So, why''s having a second one such a big deal for me?"

    Carrisa sighed in slight exasperation. "It is not inherently a bad thing, but it is unprecedented to awaken two truenames simultaneously. There is no known precedent for such a phenomenon."

    ''Guess I''m better than most,'' Alicarde thought with some amusement.

    Carrisa ced her palms on his face, her eyes locking with his. "You may currently be changing more due to the influence of your second truename than the first. Alicarde, I must know¡ªwhat is the strongest desire you feel at this moment?"

    Alicarde tried to avoid eye contact, offering a yful smirk. "Honestly? I feel like I need some sleep. If you''d let me use your thighs as a pillow, I wouldn''t mind."

    Carrisa, unimpressed, maintained her cold and serious gaze.

    Alicarde sighed, forced to answer earnestly. "I want... I want to kill them. I want to end their lives. The very thought of taking them down makes my heart race. Knowing they''re still alive fills me with darkness.

    It''s wrong, I know, but the urge is undeniable. I just want to kill them. And, well, maybe make them bow before me, but that''s not as strong as the desire to end them."

    Carrisa''s eyes narrowed slightly as she gently let go of his face. "A truename can indeed have dangerous effects. Your truename could influence you in ways detrimental to the general popce. That is why truenames are both a gift and a curse."

    Elizalina ced her hand in his, gently sping them. "You must understand, the name shapes the bearer as much as the bearer shapes the name. This sudden desire to kill may be the result of your second truename. As for why it remains iplete..."

    She tightened her grip on his hand. "It is likely because you have yet to fulfill a condition required for its full awakening. Once the condition is met, you will know yourplete name."

    Argint turned from the front seat, her tone more serious. "Until that happens, your truename will continue to influence you, driving you toward the condition for its full awakening. This urge to kill might just be part of that. And trust me, there are far worse consequences than that."

    Alicarde looked at her cautiously. "How much worse are we talking?"

    "Identity crisis, corruption, exposure of your soul, magical bacsh¡ªthe list goes on. But in your case, corruption and identity crisis are the most concerning," Amena''s calm voice cut through from the driver''s seat.

    "The others can be mitigated with caution. However, resisting the desire to kill is akin to resisting your truename, which is to deny who you are," Carrisa warned, her voiceced with concern. "That can lead to defilement of your identity."

    Alicarde nodded. "I get it. So I just have to ept it. Honestly, I wasn''t nning to reject it. Plenty of people out there deserve it."

    Carrisa sighed, knowing this was his nature. She had vowed to stand by him, no matter how dark the path he took.

    Elizalina gently poked his cheek. "You''re forgetting something worse. Corruption is still a possibility, especially after the mental trauma you''ve been through. If your resentment grows too strong, you could fall into the abyss or, worse, be a demon."

    Alicarde was puzzled. "Corruption? How do I end up as a demon... or fall into an abyss?"

    "Not an abyss, the abyss," Argint rified, her tone blunt. "It means bing a corrupt entity. Once you fall into the abyss, you be mindless. No one can maintain their sense of self after sumbing to corruption. Byparison, bing a demon is the lesser evil¡ªyou may lose your morals, but at least you''ll still have some sense of self.

    Though, in your case, you''re already halfway there, you breast-obsessed perv."

    Alicarde clicked his tongue at her words.

    Amena, her eyes still fixed on the road, summarized, "In essence, knowledge of a truename can corrupt its user, especially if one is mentally or morally unprepared for the power it brings."

    She continued without turning. "Additionally, your truename makes you a target. Those who seek power wille for you. There are countless individuals and organizations who would do anything to control or eliminate a Named One¡ªparticrly one with a truename as unique as ''Aeternus.'' My mistress has many enemies in the empire, and your name only makes us a more enticing target."

    "Heh, is that so? Well, at least the future won''t be boring," Alicarde chuckled.

    Elizalina sighed before continuing, "Furthermore, the awakening of a truename can attract the attention of formidable beings. Entities of great power, whether mortal or otherwise, are often able to sense the emergence of a new truename, particrly one as distinctive as yours. You may find yourself pursued by those who perceive you as either a threat or a valuable asset.

    Do not expect your future to be uneventful or free of hardship¡ªit will not be."

    Alicarde''s expression grew more serious, but he remained silent, absorbing her words.

    Carrisa''s gaze softened as she spoke, her tone measured.

    "There is also the matter of your own strength. The awakening of a truename can be overwhelming. The influx of power and abilities may prove difficult to manage. If you are not cautious, you could inadvertently harm those around you, or even yourself, especially with your unknown, aggressive second truename. Controlling its effects will not be easy.

    You must temper your will and exercise self-control, or you risk bing a ve to your own power."

    Argint chimed in, "And let''s not forget the psychological toll. The process of awakening often forces one to confront deeply buried fears, memories, and truths about oneself. It can be mentally and emotionally draining, even for the strongest individuals. While some awaken their truenames effortlessly, others struggle, as you did.

    I''ve even heard of a housewife who went to sleep and woke up the next morning with her truename, having experienced no hardship. Each person''s awakening is different."

    "Just waking up with a truename? That''s unfair. I went through some serious B.S to get mine," Alicarde muttered indignantly.

    Argint chuckled. "Do you understand now?"

    Alicarde nodded slowly, his mind racing with the implications.

    "Yeah, having a truename isn''t just about gaining power. Ites with responsibilities and brings its own challenges and dangers."

    Elizalina smiled gently. "Precisely. It is a double-edged sword. A truename can elevate you to unimaginable heights, but it can also bring you to your knees if you are not cautious."

    Amena nced at Alicarde through the rearview mirror. "You must remain ever-vignt, Ali. The power you wield is both a blessing and a curse."

    Carrisa leaned back, her expression contemtive. "A truename is a part of who you are. It defines you, but it does not control you. You hold the power to shape your own destiny, but you must tread carefully."

    "What about this ''fantasia'' you mentioned earlier?" Alicarde asked.

    Carrisa nodded. "When one fully awakens their truename, they are faced with a choice. They must decide which of their four names will be a bane. Upon making this decision, they will receive a final boon, which¡ª"

    "They decide?" Alicarde interrupted.

    "Yes, they decide. Among the four names, the right to determine which will be a curse lies with the individual who bears the truename. You can only choose one, and once it is acknowledged as your bane, it bes your weakness. No one ever discloses which name they have chosen as their bane."

    "A fantasia is the final boon granted¡ªa unique ability thates with its own distinct chant, allowing you to wield formidable power," Carrisa exined.

    "A chant, like a spell?" Alicarde asked.

    "Not precisely a spell, but simr in nature. It grants you the ability to distort and influence the world within your sphere of power, creating a domain under your control," Elizalina added.

    "I still don''t get it," Alicarde admitted.

    Amena sighed. "It''s basically a domain expansion, nothing more."

    "Really? We get that? Awesome." Alicarde turned to Elizalina and then back to Carrisa.

    "You could''ve just said that! Sometimes I swear I don''t understand half of what you say in that fancy, princess-like tone."

    Carrisa smiled faintly. "I am sorry if I caused you confusion. That was not my intent."

    "Yeah, you better be," Alicarde teased, half-jokingly.

    Elizalina smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

    Alicarde leaned back, deep in thought. The weight of their words pressed down on him. His journey was far from over, and the road ahead was certain to be hellish. But he was resolute, determined to face whatevery ahead with the knowledge and power of his truename.

    "Thank you," he finally said, his voice steady. "Despite everything I''ve said and done, I appreciate your guidance. I will be careful."

    They all nodded in acknowledgment, sensing the sincerity in his words. While Alicarde was often yful, he was no fool. Ignoring their advice would be a dangerous mistake.

    "Out of curiosity, do any of you have truenames?" Alicarde''s question seemed to catch them off guard.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "I do not yet possess a truename," Amena responded calmly.

    Argint turned her head, scowling. "You really shouldn''t pry into others'' names, genius."

    Alicarde nodded. "Fair enough, but I already told you all mine. Knowing the first part isn''t a big deal, right?"

    "I don''t have one yet..." Argint muttered, her voice low and tinged with embarrassment.

    Alicarde nodded, but Elizalina seized the moment, smirking.

    "How pathetic. Not only are you a dog, but you''re a nameless dog as well."

    "Silence, you parasitic whore!" Argint shot back, her temper ring. "I don''t suppose you have a truename?"

    Elizalina''s smirk widened. "As a matter of fact, I do possess one."

    "Liar!" Argint snapped, her frustration boiling over.

    "If I didn''t have one, I wouldn''t be able to lie about having it. Or have you forgotten that little fact, you nameless cur?" Elizalina taunted, her smile deepening.

    "So, what is your name?" Alicarde asked, his curiosity piqued.

 Chapter 65 The Way Home

    The tension in the SUV was palpable. Amena kept her eyes on the road while Alicarde nced at hispanions, their expressions shifting between curiosity and apprehension.

    Elizalina''s smile deepened, though Alicarde noticed a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, an unsettling undercurrent that betrayed herposure.

    She leaned in closer to him, her voice soft but deliberate, just loud enough for the others to hear. "Would you care to know my truename, Alicarde? Hmmm... very well. I suppose it is only fitting. You were kind enough to share yours."

    She leaned even closer, her breath brushing against his ear. Alicarde caught the subtle fragrance that apanied her, his heightened senses alerting him to how quiet her whisper truly was.

    Even with super hearing, he barely caught it. He assumed the others hadn''t heard a thing.

    Leaning back into her seat, Elizalina cast a mocking nce at Argint and added with a smug tone, "Unlike some, I am fortunate enough to possess a name of significance."

    Argint''s irritation was instant. She attempted to lunge into the back seat, aiming to strike the vampire, but Alicarde quickly intervened, grabbing onto the half-werewolf in an attempt to halt her aggression. However, in his haste, his hands inadvertentlynded on her chest.

    Argint red at him coldly. "What do you think you''re doing?"

    "Sorry, I... I was trying¡ª" Before he could finish, her fist mmed into his diaphragm, cutting off his breath and leaving him momentarily winded.

    Despite her brief outburst, Argint returned to her seat, simmering in silent fury.

    Alicarde, still recovering from the impact, was intrigued after hearing Elizalina''s truename. "Carrisa, do you have a truename?"

    Carrisa nodded gracefully. "Indeed, I do. It was bestowed upon me on the very day you sacrificed yourself to save me. My truename is Vindicara, which trantes to vengeance."

    "Vengeance... that''s pretty damn cool," Alicarde muttered, genuinely impressed.

    Argint burst intoughter, pointing mockingly at Elizalina. "Look at you, acting all mysterious about your name, while even the princess doesn''t hide hers. How pathetic."

    Elizalina''s smile faltered, her eyes darkening. "You should be silent, you lowly, nameless bitch."

    Her words stung, and despite her hesitation, she continued.

    "Very well, since the princess has shared hers in good faith, I shall do the same. My truename is Sol, the word for the sun."

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The sun, huh? That''s fitting. Carrisa''s truename is Vindicara, and yours is Sol... No wonder you''re so hot," he added, teasing her with a grin.

    Before Elizalina could respond, Argint chimed in sarcastically, "Stop trying to flirt with her. You''ll inte the parasite''s ego."

    The two women were soon bickering again, leaving Carrisa watching with a bemused smile. ''She revealed her truename to us without hesitation... Is this an attempt to earn our trust, or is there more to this gesture?''

    Unaware of Carrisa''s silent thoughts, Alicarde pressed Elizalina for more details. "So, how did you get it, Elly? Your truename. Carrisa got hers when I... well, when I died. I''m curious about your story."

    Carrisa frowned slightly at the mention of his death, but said nothing.

    Elizalina''s expression darkened as painful memories flickered across her face. She hesitated, but Alicarde''s presence softened her resolve. Her body trembled slightly, but she masked her difort with a seductive smile.

    "In my case, it was far from noble. I was burned by the sun. Nothing as extraordinary as your awakening."N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "I knew it. You were holding back when you attacked the mansion, weren''t you?" Alicarde recalled the assault vividly.

    "You didn''t use any sun-based powers from your truename," he noted.

    Elizalina seemed momentarily unsettled, her voice faltering. "Ah... yes... I did not."

    "What kind of powers did you get from your boon, anyway?" Alicarde asked, clearly curious.

    Before she could answer, Argint scoffed. "Bet she didn''t get any. Sluts don''t get boons."

    Elizalina red. "I gained the ability to manipte the sun and wield its power... among other things."

    Argint rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. You''ve all got your fancy truenames. Just don''t expect me to be impressed."

    Elizalina''s eyes shed with contempt. "Mock me all you want, Argint, but our truenames are part of who we are. They define us in ways your limited understanding cannot grasp. Do I expect you to be impressed? No. I expect you to be consumed with envy."

    Alicarde winced internally, feeling the tension rise once more. He tried to lighten the mood with a yfulment.

    "Shall I fetch you some ice for that burn, mdy? Looks like the sun''s bringing the heat."

    Argint shot him a cold re, silencing his attempt at humor. He shrank back, not eager for another punch.

    Amena, still focused on driving, added calmly, "Remember, knowledge of a truename is not merely about power. It carries a heavy responsibility as well. It''s a double-edged sword."

    Alicarde nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. Truenames grant us power, but they also expose our vulnerabilities."

    Elizalina smirked, her voice carrying a note of warning. "Precisely. Now that you know ours, guard them well. They are more than mere words¡ªthey are the very core of our existence."

    ''Don''t these names also give bragging rights or something'' Alicarde thought.

    The atmosphere in the SUV remained thick with tension after the recent revtion of truenames. Alicarde sat in silent contemtion, his mind turning over everything that had been discussed.

    Breaking the silence, Alicarde spoke up, "I should probably tell you all about the innate abilities I developed even before my truename awakened. They''re a result of one of the drugs Victor used on me when I was captured. The first is the ability to control gravity, and the second... well, it''s something rted to the mind, though I haven''t quite figured it out yet."

    Carrisa''s interest was piqued. "Gravity control, you say? Would you kindly borate on its workings? That was the power you were wielding against the chimera, I initially assumed it was a boon, but now I see it was an innate ability after all."

    Alicarde nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, I can manipte the gravitational field around me. I can make objects lighter or heavier and even change the direction of gravity''s pull within a certain radius. That''s what I''ve figured out so far."

    Argint, her expression thoughtful, leaned in. "What are the limitations of this power?"

    Alicarde sighed. "It''s tied to my emotional state and concentration. If I lose control of my emotions, the power bes unpredictable, erratic even. Overusing it also drains me quickly¡ªleaves me exhausted, dizzy, and weak."

    Elizalina narrowed her eyes slightly. "And the mind-rted ability? What does that entail?"

    Alicarde let out a longer sigh. "I''m still in the dark about that one. I can feel it, like it''s there, passive. But I haven''t fully figured it out. Could be something like mind control, influencing thoughts, maybe even creating illusions. Who knows?

    It''s a total superviin power."

    Carrisa''s expression became more serious. "A superviin, you say?"

    "Imagine what someone morally bankrupt could do with mind control," Alicarde exined. "Society wouldn''t stand a chance. Hypothetically speaking, of course. Not that I''m saying I''d do anything weird."

    Argint leaned back, crossing her arms. "We don''t need to imagine. We already know you''re morally questionable. If that power does allow you to control minds, don''t even think about doing anything weird, or I''ll make sure you be a eunuch."

    Alicarde clicked his tongue. "Even if I wanted to do something weird, why would I pick you, you damn furry?"

    Argint smirked, leaning closer. "I thought nerds liked animal-eared girls. Is that why you can''t take your eyes off me, lecher?"

    Maintaining his poker face, Alicarde replied, "I did no such thing. You have no evidence I was looking at your bust."

    Argint''s smirk widened. "Funny, I didn''t mention my bust, but it''s good to know where your eyes were."

    Alicarde fumbled for aeback, but before he could respond, Carrisa interjected, her tone cool andposed.

    "Using these abilities in conjunction must be incredibly taxing. Have you attempted that yet?"

    "I haven''t," Alicarde admitted. "Just controlling gravity is tough enough as it is. Every time I push it too far, I get dizzy. Adding an unknown power on top of that would just cause chaos in my head."

    Carrisa''s gaze turned thoughtful. "It is widely understood that innate abilities often draw upon mental faculties. Excessive use may result in cognitive strain or even deterioration of the mental state. You must exercise caution and ensure you do not lose control."

    She silently pondered further. ''An elixir capable of awakening innate abilities¡­ this could be quite the discovery. The potential applications are endless. I must uncover its secrets.''

    Alicarde nodded, considering her advice. "I''ll be careful. Don''t want to lose my mind just yet. Thanks for the sage wisdom, grandma... I mean, thanks."

    Carrisa frowned slightly at the mention of "grandma." "I am not old," she muttered under her breath.

    Alicarde didn''t bother reacting, continuing to ignore her mild irritation. Elizalina, meanwhile, smiled at Carrisa''s disy, enjoying the rare glimpse of the princess''s vulnerability.

    She then turned her attention back to Alicarde. "It''s essential that you maintain control of your emotions. Losing control could have catastrophic consequences."

    Carrisa added, her voice gentle yet firm, "Indeed. Rest assured, we will be here to assist you. And for thest time, I am not an old woman."

    With that, Carrisa gently pulled Alicarde''s head onto herp, stroking his hair. He looked up, slightly bewildered. "Why am I suddenly receiving fan service?"

    Carrisa smiled warmly. "Did you not express a desire to use my thighs as a pillow earlier? Or have I misremembered?"

    She leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper. "Do I still look old to you?"

    Alicarde straightened up with exaggerated urgency. "Old? Who called you old? I''ll hunt down that mad bastard right now! The audacity of it!"

    The others rolled their eyes at his transparent attempt to tter her, while Carrisa beamed with satisfaction.

    "By the way," Alicarde said suddenly, "what happened to my car? I haven''t seen it since I parked it outside the hospital."

    Without taking her eyes off the road, Amena chimed in calmly, "It blew up."

    Alicarde''s heart sank at the thought of losing such an expensive car. He turned to Carrisa, who appeared entirely unconcerned about the loss of a luxury vehicle worth at least three million dinars.

    ''Damn, that car was a luxury brand¡­ how many dinars just went up in smoke?'' He wasn''t sure of the exact value but knew it was significant.

    Amena wasn''t finished. "And there''s more. Your phone was inside the car when it blew up. Along with all your unsaved gamey data."

    Alicarde''s eyes widened in horror. "My phone... and my game data?!"

    Amena''s voice carried a hint of amusement. "I did warn you to back up your data, master."

    His expression darkened. "Amena, turn this car around. I''m going back to kill that doctor. He ruined everything."

    The others watched in confusion. Did a lost game really mean that much to him? Amena, however, seemed to find his reaction amusing, her eyes glinting with subtle mirth.

    "There''s no need for that," she said smoothly. "I foresaw this possibility and took the liberty of backing up your data. You''re wee, master."

    Alicarde lifted his head from Carrisa''sp, ring at Amena. "Amena, darling... what the fuck? Couldn''t you have led with that? You damn heartless maid! Heartless kitchen wench.

    "

    Amena''s stoic expression barely shifted, though her eyes held a hidden smile. This was the Alicarde she knew well.

    Argint interjected, shaking her head. "That''s no way to speak to ady."

    Alicarde shot back, "Shut up, you feral wench."

    Argint''s eyes narrowed. "Feral? Oh, you''re dead when we get out of this car."

    Sensing his impending doom, Alicarde decided to go all in. "So you''re more offended by being called feral than by being called a wench? Typical."

    Argint''s tone was slow and deliberate. "I am going to kill you."

    Elizalina seized the moment, siding with Alicarde. "It seems Alicarde sees you for what you are."

    Before Argint could reply, Alicarde spun on her. "Nobody asked you, thirsty wench."

    Elizalina blinked, confused. "What? I was on your side."

    Alicarde raised his chin, smirking like a thug. "You think I can''t fight my own battles? I''ve got a mouth, and I''m not afraid to use it."

    The low-brow banter continued, with Alicarde managing to irritate every woman in the car. Even Carrisa, who had initially stayed out of it, found herself dragged into his relentless teasing. Yet, despite his shamelessness, she let him get away with it¡ªfor now. After all, she had her own reasons for observing him closely. She needed to fully gauge how his awakening had affected him.

 Chapter 66 Beginning Of An Era

    The tension from the night before gradually evaporated under the childish banter between Alicarde and thedies. The gentle hum of the vehicle as it approached the mansion was soothing as Carrisa''s mind sifted through the potential risks and possibilities Alicarde''s transformation might bring.

    She needed him to be in control of himself, yet subtle hints had shown he was far from that state.

    Carrisa looked out the SUV''s window. Numerous worries gued her mind, Alicarde''s mental state, the Nexus, which still had one more missing core fragment and an unknown number of lesser fragments, along with the key to the Nexus.

    More importantly, potential enemies in the mundane world would stop at nothing to obtain the Nexus. And finally, her inevitable looming conflict with her siblings. Fleeing to the mundane world would not be enough to escape.

    Carrisa sighed. ''I have no hope of victory against them. I seek only survival. At this moment, it is crucial that I maintain a clear mind. I cannot afford to fail, not just for my sake but for my Alicarde as well. To achieve this, I will have to stand against the three great powers of this world.

    Additionally, I need to steal the magic core they possess on Academy Ind.''

    Her resolve hardened, her eyes aze with conviction. Carrisa was determined not to fail. First, she needed toprehend the nuances of Alicarde''s current mental state. Then, there were the numerous other challenges ahead, all demanding her attention.

    She couldn''t move forward without Alicarde, his well-being was paramount. She silently counted the assets she had at her disposal.

    ''I have control of the Night Shades, which grants me numbers. Argint Beowulf, the half-werewolf, is a capable ally. Elizalina Crimson, the vampire, can be useful, and there is the explosive magicite I had embedded into Amena''s heart a few years ago. Still, this is insufficient... I must y my cards carefully... I cannot afford any missteps.''

    Tuning out the chatter from the others, she remained deep in thought.

    Amena, also quiet, observed her mistress through the rearview mirror, wondering what herdy was strategizing. She felt concerned for her mistress, knowing that the future was fraught with conflict, with the odds stacked against them.

    Amena resolved to assist however she could, even if it meant enduring untold hardships. After all, her purpose was to be herdy''s support, the very reason for her existence.

    They finally arrived at the mansion grounds and exited the vehicle. Alicarde smiled as he gazed at the mansion''s grand entrance, seemingly lost in thought. Argint, watching him, could not discern his thoughts. The scent of his previous negativity had mostly dissipated, leaving behind only a faint trace of resentment.

    Argint took somefort in his apparent improvement. Nheless, she remained worried, unsure of what undercurrents might be stirring in his mind. She could only hope that he would be alright.

    Her gaze shifted to the vampire. While she held a deep disdain for vampires in general, Alicarde had been correct¡ªthis particr one had done nothing to her... yet. Argint realized that the vampire had restrained herself during the earlier battle. If she had truly wished to, she could have escaped even after her defeat, meaning the vampire''s intentions remained unclear.

    Was she attempting to ingratiate herself with the group?

    Alicarde had chosen to overlook her initial attack, so, in deference to him, Argint would let it go for now. The vampire had returned and even aided in their search for Alicarde. Though she neither epted nor trusted her, Argint was willing to tolerate her presence, for the time being.

    Alicarde''s expression remained distant, a touch of wistfulness in his eyes, as they watched him enter the elevator, undoubtedly heading toward the sixth-floor master suite.

    Elizalina, after ensuring Alicarde was as well as he could be given the circumstances, decided to depart. Carrisa had exchanged a few words with her before she left.

    Elizalina hade to the mansion with two objectives, to apologize and to repay her debts. Her noble lineage would not allow her to leave a debt unsettled. And perhaps there was a selfish third reason¡ªshe had wanted a taste of Alicarde''s delicious blood. The thought made her cheeks flush.

    She drifted through the air, her form bing an ethereal mist.

    "You were of assistance in resolving this minor issue. I suppose you may consider your debt repaid," she recalled the princess''s words.

    Carrisa''s statement irritated the vampire. It implied that Elizalina''s entire existence was valued solely on the events of that single night. More importantly, her words carried an undertone of suspicion.

    "I have not yet repaid my debts, and there is still more to gain from this alliance. I cannot hope to win my battles alone," she whispered, her voiceced with frustration.

    Night had fallen, and Alicarde, having taken a long bath, slept the day away. Given how utterly drained he had been, he thought he would remain asleep for several days, but to his surprise, he recovered quickly. He attributed it to his boon, passive abilities that enhanced his regeneration¡ªboth physical and mental.

    His mind, once frail inparison to his body, was now beginning to heal just as rapidly.

    He leaned back on the sofa, feeling the weight of recent events crushing him. The room was dim, illuminated only by the glow of the tv. Carrisa, seated next to him with a stack of papers, asionally nced his way, her curiosity piqued by his silence and distant gaze.

    "What troubles your thoughts?" Carrisa inquired, her tone calm, butced with concern. Her eyes briefly left her papers, focused on him with intent.

    "Nothing specific... I don''t even know what to feel anymore," he replied, his voice low, reflecting a deep-seated turmoil.

    Carrisa sighed softly. "Is this about your truename or the bloodlust you''ve been battling?" she pressed, her words carefully chosen, yet probing.

    Alicarde''s expression darkened. "Bloodlust... you make it sound so twisted. What I aim for is the eradication of vile human filth. I call it justice."

    Her gaze shifted to him, her voice measured. "And how do you define justice, Alicarde? Justice is, after all, a fleeting concept with no permanent definition." Her tone was firm, carrying an undercurrent of wisdom.

    His jaw clenched, and a glint of barely-contained rage surfaced in his eyes.

    "Justice is only considered just because it holds power. Without power, it''s nothing more than the delusion of fools. I will kill them, not because it''s right, but because I have the power to do so. My justice doesn''t require fairness, after all, justice was never fair. It''s only justice when it serves just us. "

    His voice carried a bitterness that echoed through the room.

    Before Carrisa could respond, the television flickered. The screen shifted to a shadowed figure standing in a dim room, partially obscured. The words at the bottom of the screen read: [Hacked Broadcast: Unauthorized Transmission.]

    "Good evening, citizens of the world," the figure began, his voice smooth and calm. "My name is Caden, and I am the leader of a now rogue group of Espers."N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Alicarde''s eyes narrowed with interest. "Well, now... this should be good," he murmured, leaning forward slightly.

    Carrisa, noticing the shift in mood, put aside her papers and focused her attention on the screen.

    "We have taken control of all broadcastworks to reveal the truth," Caden continued. "For years, we have been hunted, experimented on, and treated as less than human by the very governments you trust."

    The screen transitioned to chilling footage of sterileboratories, where men, women, and even children were bound to tables, enduring unspeakable experiments. The screams of the victims contrasted with the cold, methodical efficiency of the scientists overseeing their suffering.

    "This is the reality that has been concealed from you," Caden said, his voice grim. "We have been used as tools, stripped of our humanity for the sake of power and human greed."

    The footage shifted to a live feed from a city square¡ªidentified as Central City¡ªwhere Caden and a group of Espers stood, their faces obscured.

    "We will no longer hide in the shadows," Caden proimed. "Today, we reveal to the world who we are, and what we are capable of."

    As his words echoed, a squad of heavily armed soldiers approached the Espers. The camera caught the tension as the soldiers raised their weapons, ready to engage. Caden raised his hand, and objects around him began to float.

    The battle erupted. One Esper manipted fire, sending waves of searing mes toward the advancing soldiers. Another erected a shimmering force field, deflecting the hail of bullets. Caden himself, disying formidable telekic abilities, disarmed the soldiers with a flick of his wrist.

    The camera captured the chaos¡ªthe sheer overwhelming force of the Espers versus the helpless soldiers¡ªand the fear that gripped the onlookers. The soldiers, despite their training and equipment, were no match for the raw power being unleashed.

    Alicarde watched with mild amusement. "I have to admit, that''s pretty damn impressive," he remarked, though his tone remained detached. "But it''s got nothing to do with us."

    Carrisa nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the screen. "Indeed, but it changes thendscape. The mundane and the supernatural have collided in a manner more tant than ever before. We must be vignt, for the repercussions could reach us in time." Her words were measured, as if already considering future oues.

    The broadcast ended with Caden''s final deration "We are the Rogues, and we demand recognition and justice. The world will know who we are."

    The screen went dark, and the news anchor appeared, visibly shaken, struggling to maintain herposure. Alicarde, with a look of mild irritation, switched off the television, plunging the room into silence once more.

    "Well, that was something," he muttered, his voice thoughtful yet unconcerned.

    Carrisa set her papers aside, her expression contemtive. "The world is about to grow far moreplicated," she mused, her tone cold yet somber.

    Alicarde shrugged, as though dismissing the gravity of the situation. "Let them deal with their own mess. We''ve got enough on our te without adding their problems."

    Carrisa agreed with a curt nod, though the flicker of concern remained in her eyes.

    "Let us hope the chaos stays contained," she remarked, though her mind continued to churn with the implications.

    ''Curious¡­ How did such a group of Espers escape from control? Do they have a benefactor hiding in the shadows?'' she pondered silently. ''There is far more to this than meets the eye.''

    Carrisa''s mind raced through the mounting problems. The nexus, Alicarde''s unstable mental state, potential enemies lurking in the mundane world... the challenges seemed endless. And now, the rising threat of rogue Espers, openly defying the powers that be.

    ''Regardless of what lies ahead, we will survive. Even if I must fall, it will be bathe in the blood of my enemies" Her conviction solidified as she took Alicarde''s hand in her own, feeling the coldness in his distant gaze as he stared at the now-ck screen.

    It was the beginning of an era, a turbulent new era.

 Chapter 67 New Month, New Me

    The mansion was silent under the eerie night sky. Shadows flickered across the broken walls, and the curtains swayed lightly in the gentle breeze, barely disturbing the heavy, tense air within.

    The pirs stood fractured, their once grandiose forms now mere ruins, with shards of broken ornaments scattered across the cold floor.

    Carrisa tightened her grip on the katana, her lithe form moving with the grace of a seasoned warrior. Each step was deliberate, soundless, her sweat-slicked hair clinging to her porcin skin. The tension between her and the unseen enemy hung thickly in the air.

    She lifted her hand, the silentmand clear to the three women nking her. Argint, her piercing eyes glowing with cold determination, was poised to strike.

    Her ws extended, glinting in the pale moonlight filtering through the shattered windows. Elizalina, wielding a de forged from her own blood, stared ahead with unwavering focus, ready to defend at all costs. Amena lingered in the shadows, her torn maid uniform revealing delicate skin, yet the naginata in her hand signified her readiness for battle.

    With a subtle nce, Carrisamunicated her n to them. Each woman offered a brief, resolute nod, affirming their unity.

    "Reveal yourself at once. I assure you, any attempt to best us will be in vain. It is in your best interest to surrender now and spare yourself unnecessary suffering," Carrisa''s voice echoed through the mansion, aloof andced with calm authority.

    Her words stirred a new wave of tension among the group. The assant, responsible for tearing Amena''s attire in such a humiliating manner, was lurking nearby, watching them from the darkness.

    Argint''s eyes red, her ws at the ready. Before she could act, a voice slithered through the air, resonating like a sinister chant. It was dark, yet charismatic, dripping with malice that sent shivers down their spines.

    "You cannot stop me... submit to my will," the voice hissed, reverberating through the decayed mansion. A massive magical presence apanied the voice, suffocating the atmosphere as they braced for what was toe.

    Their backs were to the mansion''s grand entrance, the final barrier between the intruder and the outside world. The oppressive energy in the room grew as a figure materialized from the darkness, as if the grim reaper himself hade forth from the abyss.

    Carrisa smiled, raising her katana slightly. "So, you''ve finally decided to grace us with your presence. I implore you, do not make this any more difficult than it needs to be. Surrender, and I assure you, your end will be swift and painless."

    Her aloof words carried no weight with the figure cloaked in the shadows.

    "Pain is nothing. I seek only victory," came the cold response.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    The figure was d in an imposing ck outfit, the dark fabric absorbing the dim light around him, turning him into a living shadow. His hood was drawn low, casting his face in deep darkness, but his piercing violet eyes shone through, gleaming with malevolence. Intricate dark metals adorned his gauntlets, their sharp, w-like fingers gleaming wickedly as they caught the moonlight.

    His cloak, flowing like the reaper''s shroud, trailed ominously behind him,pleting the terrifying figure.

    Argint scowled, her lip curling in distaste. "Seriously? That edgy look? Let''s just get this over with already."

    Her voice was low, but her intentions were clear. Her body tensed, ready for the fight toe.

    "By all means, try," the figure spoke without urgency, his voice dripping with condescension.

    With a sudden roar, Argint surged forward, her ws slicing through the air with astonishing speed.

    "After what you did to Amena, I''m going to rip you apart!"

    Their sh was immediate and thunderous. The hooded reaper met her attack head-on, his metallic fingers intercepting her ws, creating a blinding shower of sparks. The force of their impact sent shockwaves through the mansion, splintering the already cracked floor beneath their feet.

    Argint snarled, pushing harder. "You better not be smirking under that hood," she growled, ring into the shadow where his face should be.

    The figure remained silent, but his violet eyes gleamed with a cruel glint. He twisted his body, avoiding Argint''s follow-up strike just as Elizalina and Carrisa coordinated their own attack from his blind spots. The reaper anticipated their moves, his cloak swirling as he spun to grab Argint by the arm, hurling her towards the other two women.

    Argint, however, grounded herself, pulling against him with all her might. Rather than being thrown, she dragged him closer, swinging her ws toward his face. He moved with her momentum, his sharp fingers tearing through her crop top, revealing a sliver of baster skin.

    He chuckled darkly as her face flushed with embarrassment. "Such a shame," he sneered, his voice tinged with amusement.

    Behind her, Elizalina stifled a giggle while Carrisa pressed a palm to her forehead, visibly exasperated by the situation.

    "Focus,dies. We cannot afford distractions in this battle," Carrisa''s tone was stern, cutting through the momentarypse in concentration.

    The hooded figure took advantage of the brief pause, stepping back to reposition himself. Argint growled lowly, her eyes narrowing with fury. She was done ying games.

    "Let''s try that again," she muttered darkly, her simmering rage barely contained as she prepared for another strike.

    Elizalina and Carrisa nodded in unison, regrouping and ready to renew their attack. The hooded reaper remained a menacing silhouette, his violet eyes the only thing visible beneath the shroud of darkness. The battle was far from over, and each of them knew it.

    Carrisa took point once again, her katana raised with precision. She sighed inwardly, noting the absurdity of the situation¡ªyet another skirmish where torn clothing exposed the women''s delicate skin, adding unnecessary embarrassment to an already tense fight. Battles like these had be all toomon over the past month, but none could allow this opponent to escape.

    As the women regrouped, the reaper''s eyes gleamed with malevolent anticipation, knowing full well that this fight would not push them all to their limits.

    Amena leaped down from the chandelier with a graceful yet deadly precision, her naginata slicing through the air with expert control. She targeted the hooded reaper''s head, but he dodged with an almost supernatural reflex, countering with a powerful punch aimed at her midsection.

    Amena twisted her body midair, bringing her knee up to block his strike, the impact reverberating through her leg as she absorbed the blow. Without losing momentum, she flipped backward, spinning in the air with a fluid motion, her other legshing out in a sharp kick toward his ribs.

    He narrowly evaded her attack, twisting out of reach just as Elizalina''s blood projectiles rained down on him. The reaper moved with swift agility, dodging the deadly barrage of crimson needles that whistled through the air, only to be met by another assault from Amena.

    Carrisa surged forward next, her katana gleaming as it carved a deadly arc through the air. The reaper deflected her strike with a flick of his wrist, but Amena was already nking him from the opposite side, swinging her naginata with a speed that forced him to defend on two fronts.

    Their synchronized attacks kept him on the defensive, his movements fluid yet increasingly desperate as he struggled to fend off the relentless assault from both women.

    Elizalina seized the opportunity, manipting her blood into an array of fine, needle-like projectiles that she sent speeding toward the reaper. Each needle was a precise strike aimed at weak points in his defense.

    However, his mysterious, shadowy attire absorbed most of the damage, the fabric shimmering as it withstood her attacks. His evasive maneuvers continued, but Carrisa''s katana pressed in with a deadly rhythm, slicing at him with speed and precision.

    Argint, growing frustrated, dashed forward andunched a powerful punch. The reaper countered, blocking her attack with a swift upward motion of his elbow.

    In a shocking and bold move, he grabbed her chest, causing her to gasp in surprise before he threw her backward with unnerving strength.

    Argint flew toward Amena, who quickly sidestepped, allowing her to regain her footing. Rising swiftly, Argint red at the reaper, her body tense with anger.

    "What the hell¡­ You guys saw that, right? This bastard is obsessed with touching my breasts!" she shouted, her frustration boiling over.

    "That''s it, you''ve crossed the line," Argint snarled. "Rules be damned, no more holding back."

    She dropped into abat stance, her muscles tensing as energy surged around her. "War Wolf First Form: [Grimgrowl]!" she roared, mming her fist in the air.

    The impact was devastating, a sonic boom tearing through the mansion as the force rippled outward. The ss windows shattered in an ear-splitting chorus, and the floor beneath them buckled under the immense power of her attack.

    The reaper, sensing the iing devastation, rolled swiftly along the ground, narrowly dodging the catastrophic blow as the shockwave decimated everything in its path.

    Elizalina, her expression darkening, muttered, "You could at least watch where you aim with your battle techniques. You almost hit me, foolish bitch."

    The reaper, now standing amidst the debris, chuckled darkly. "Grimgrowl, huh? Too bad your aim wascking. You almost got me," he taunted.

    Before he could finish his mockingugh, Argint''s fist collided with his face in a savage, point-nk strike, sending him crashing into a nearby pir.

    "I know. I wasn''t aiming to hit you," she said coldly as the reaper groaned in pain.

    Covered in debris, the reaper stood, his face under the hood contorted with rage.

    "You''ll pay for this¡ªevery one of you¡ªwith your flesh!" he hissed, charging toward them in a fury.

    The battle became a chaotic flurry of movement as the women closed in, each unleashing their respective abilities with lethal precision. Carrisa''s katana gleamed in the moonlight, each strike perfectly timed and executed, aiming for the reaper''s vital areas.

    Amena moved with incredible agility, her naginata spinning in her hands like a whirlwind of steel, probing the reaper''s defenses with calcted precision. Elizalina''s blood projectiles continued to assault him from a distance, each needle aiming to pierce through his armor''s defenses.

    Argint, using her acrobatic skills, kept the reaper on his heels, dodging his sword swings and countering with her sharp ws, which parried his strikes. Despite theirbined efforts, the reaper remained frustratingly resilient, his movements fluid and calcted, keeping them at bay.

    Yet, his retaliations left their clothing torn in suggestive ces, a testament to the intensity of the skirmish.

    "Now,dies," the reaper sneered, his voice dripping with malice, "it seems I may yet escape tonight. I will not be foiled by the likes of you."

    Argint growled, her patience wearing thin. "Foiled? You sound like some old geezer! After groping my chest seven times in this fight alone, I swear you''ll pay dearly!"

    The reaper''sugh was twisted. "Will I now? If you must know, I''ve been holding back. Now, behold my sword."

    With a swift motion, a dark de flew into his hand, the air around it humming with energy. "Come at me," he taunted, raising the sword in a menacing challenge.

    Carrisa met him head-on, her katana shing against his sword in a rapid exchange of strikes. Each blow sent sparks and magical energy into the air, lighting the room with the intensity of their duel. Amena swiftly joined in, her naginata slicing at his nk, forcing the reaper to divide his attention between them.

    Argint entered the fray with her fists flying, her ws parrying his sword strikes as she weaved through the battle with acrobatic precision. Elizalina, not letting up, continued her relentless barrage of blood projectiles, the crimson needles whistling through the air as they aimed for his weak points.

    Carrisa saw an opening and shed at his midriff, but the reaper managed to block it¡ªjust as Argint and Amena moved in to halt his de, locking him in ce. Seizing the moment, Elizalina summoned blood chains that shot from her hands, wrapping tightly around the reaper''s body, binding him in ce. He struggled, but the blood chains held firm, glowing with a sinister red hue.

    With a final punch, Argint sent the reaper crashing into the walls, his body still restrained by Elizalina''s blood. He groaned, but the fight had left him unable to resist any further.

    "That''s enough for today," Carrisa dered, her tone calm andmanding. "We have triumphed once again."

    Argint, covering her torn clothes, red down at the reaper. "We''ve got you now, sleazeball."

    The reaper, his body chained, chuckled darkly. "Oh, and I would''ve gotten away with it too if it weren''t for you meddling women."

    Carrisa approached him, crouching by his side. "Alicarde, while Imend your self-control, there are areas where you have undoubtedly gone too far."

    The dark outfit vanished in a shimmer, revealing Alicarde''s mildly irritated expression. "I have no idea what you''re talking about. I was just trying to leave, but you keep getting in my way. All my enemies are out there."

    He lowered his head, his frustration evident. "Yet, here I am. You won''t even let me leave the mansion after sundown."

    Elizalina undid her hemomancy, releasing him with an air of calm.

    "You must understand, Alicarde, that we prohibit your departure because you are prone to seeking out conflict. We cannot allow you to jeopardize your safety."

    Alicarde rolled his eyes. "And I''ve told you all before, I''m fine. I passedst week''s psychological evaluation, didn''t I? I''ve been meditating, learning self-control. I''m not going to look for trouble; I''m just going to deliver justice."

    He cast a quick nce at them. "This time, I showed enough restraint¡ªI didn''t lose control, didn''t give in to anger or negativity. I even held back on my attacks, didn''t use any innate abilities."

    His gaze shifted to Argint. "If anything, you all had the wild card¡ªusing a battle technique."

    Argint ced her hand on her chest, shooting him a sharp look. "Lust is a negative emotion. And for the record, why the hell were you trying to strip us, you pervert?"

    Alicarde scoffed, unbothered. "You won''t let me leave. You won''t let me die. I had to relieve my frustration somehow."

    Argint red at him, confused. "I have no idea what that even means."

    "He''s referencing a movie," Amena said calmly, stepping forward, her naginata still in hand.

    "The condition was clear. If you could defeat us and make it to that door, we would allow you to pursue the underworld and Zagarath."

    Elizalina sighed, her stern gaze unwavering. "Your mental stability was understandablypromised, but attempting to strip us¡ªhowever it came about¡ªis utterly depraved."

    Carrisa extended her hand, helping Alicarde to his feet. Her voice was soft but aloof.

    "Despite tonight''s events, I must admit you have shown some progress. While your mental state is far from ideal, you have gained sufficient self-control. After tonight, you are free to do as you please."

    Alicarde''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, really? I can go after them, and you''re not going to treat me like I just escaped an asylum?"

    Amena, ever stoic, nced at him. "We never treated you as though you were an escaped mental patient."

    "Yeah, right. It felt like you were one step away from shoving me into a straitjacket," Alicarde retorted with a smirk.

    Argint, still covering her torn clothes, eyed him with suspicion. "Did you really have to grope me?"

    Alicarde shrugged nonchntly. "I have no idea what you''re talking about."

    Argint''s eyes narrowed, but she decided to drop the matter, deeming him not worth the effort.

    Alicarde grinned at her retreat. "I''ve got to admit, the Reaper''s vestments are even more powerful than I thought. Every day I discover a new enchantment, and now I don''t even have to worry about my clothes getting ruined."

    Carrisa smiled lightly, her words measured. "I am pleased that you are satisfied. The armor is enchanted, after all. It will grow with you and develop new properties as you do."

    "When do I get to learn battle techniques like Argint''s [War Wolf] or your [Eternal Edge]?" Alicarde asked eagerly.

    Argint gave him a serious look. "When you''ve mastered the basics properly. Do not put the cart before the horse. Once you''re ready, I''ll teach you."

    Alicarde shrugged, still impressed by her fist technique, [Grimgrowl]. "Sure, okay."

    He let out a long breath, relieved that he was finally free to venture out at night. His mental state had always been worse after sundown, as though some murder-obsessed madness gripped him after his encounter with Warth. But now, a monthter, he was doing better.

    The events of the past month had been surprisingly peaceful. Alicarde felt as though he had crossed a significant milestone in his growth and had be a better version of himself.

 Chapter 68 Inner Demons

    Alicarde was relieved he had finally shown enough mental stability for his curfew to be lifted. It had been a month since the incident with Warth, and Carrisa had begun closely observing him.

    She had concluded that his mental state deteriorated significantly after sunset. When night came, it was almost as if his mind became a breeding ground for his inner demons.

    To ensure his well-being, Carrisa made it a point to always have eyes on him before dusk. She even assigned Elizalina to monitor him throughout the day, so for the past month, it had been as if he and the vampire were joined at the hip. The guys on campus still hated him, though.

    He surveyed the mansion, now in ruins after their recent battle¡ªa sight that had be all too familiar. The trauma from that fateful day with Warth had left his mind scarred, causing him to experience nightmares whenever he tried to sleep. His true name had restored some semnce of sanity, but cracks remained, driving him to the brink of madness.

    Recovery was a gradual process. Carrisa had subjected him to numerous types of mental therapy, and his daily routine had changed drastically. He was permitted to go to campus, where Elizalina monitored him closely. After campus hours, Carrisa and the others took over his supervision.

    Carrisa had convinced him to stay put, exining that while he possessed colossal mana levels, he was still untrained. It was essential for him to train more, learn advanced sword andbat techniques, and master his innate ability to control gravity.

    Alicarde stayed put to further his training. He learned etiquette and dancing from Elizalina, history from Carrisa, and, surprisingly, war strategies from Argint, who was a master strategist. His month wasn''t boring. However, the main reason Alicarde stayed put was the bribe Carrisa had offered him¡ªa formidable enchanted armor.

    The Reaper''s Vestments, the armor he had worn during their battles, made Alicarde feel like a true Grim Reaper. The dark design and armor-like parts provided both intimidation and protection.

    The gauntlets were the real prize. With sharp fingers, theypensated for Alicarde''sck of natural ws,plementing Argint''sbat techniques perfectly.

    Alicarde had named the armor the Reaper''s Vestments due to its shadowy design. The armor was concealed within his shadow, allowing him to equip it instantaneously, anytime and anywhere. For the past month, he had been practicing his lines for when he actually went out into the world.

    The mansion may have been in shambles, but Alicarde felt he had crossed a significant milestone in his personal growth. Despite the chaos, he had shown enough mental stability to be granted more freedom.

    Although he was still a bit sour, Alicarde had fought hispanions virtually every night. While it was true he held back, they didn''t go all out either, yet he kept losing to them. He was starting to feel like a bum, but then again, it was only natural¡ªthey had possessed their powers since birth and had been training ever since with the best teachers around.

    How could his short training timepare?

    As the battle concluded, the mansion began to restore itself to its pristine condition.

    The cracks in the walls vanished, the flooring repaired itself, and the lights flickered back to life. The decor, a mix of weapons and traditional ornaments, returned to its proper ce, creating a blend of elegance and intimidation.

    Swords, spears, and shields adorned the walls, while crystal chandeliers and rich tapestries added a touch of sophistication.

    Alicarde was in a good mood, and nothing could ruin it. He smiled, his eyes cold as ice, as he imagined what he would do to his enemies.

    Carrisa sighed. "If you intend to pursue the city''s underworld, be aware that our support will be minimal. Simply put, you will be on your own, but we are willing to grant you ess to the database."

    Alicarde scowled. "Huh, why? That''s not fair..." He gave it some thought, then finally acquiesced. "Fine, whatever."

    Carrisa sat gracefully on a sofa. "It is fair. We have numerous responsibilities, whereas you wish to y the vignte. I am willing to assist with Zagarath if¡ª"

    "No, Zagarath is mine. Do not interfere," Alicarde cut her off, his eyes cold.

    Carrisa regarded him with a stoic gaze. "Very well then, proceed as you wish."

    Argint, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Now then, it''s time for payment. You bastard, you''d better have a damn good reason for touching my breasts."

    Alicarde could tell she was furious. "What are you talking about? I did no such thing. Why are you still on about that? You dare use me of something... awesome¡ªsomething I didn''t do."

    Amena, his first victim, spoke up. "As a matter of fact, you did. My maid uniform is in shambles master."

    Alicarde smirked,ughing evilly. "Heheeeeh, you guys have no evidence against me."

    Carrisa ced her fingers on her temples, feeling a mild headache from the childishness at y.

    Elizalina responded, "Indeed, we do. Our garments remain in disarray." Her tone carried an air ofposed indignation.

    Seeing their ring expressions, Alicarde realized he was trapped.

    "A lesser man would yield under such scrutiny, but you have no evidence. How dare you presume that I, Alicarde Aeternus Asad, would have any interest in touching your soft bosoms? Why would I evermit such an act? And even if I did, it would be an act of divine intervention¡ªan act of providence!"

    Carrisa sighed, knowing all too well what was about to unfold. He wasn''t even trying to deny it anymore.

    Argint''s ws extended, Elizalina conjured weapons of blood, and Amena''s hand morphed into a de.

    They advanced on him with fury, and Alicarde offered no resistance. Argint''s ws shredded his clothes, Elizalina''s blood weapons struck him with precision, leaving bruises, and Amena''s de-hand delivered sharp, painful cuts.

    "Alicarde, you pervert!" Argint yelled, her strikesnding with unrestrained anger.

    "Apologize, you scoundrel!" Elizalina demanded, her blood whips cracking through the air.

    "If you think I won''t defend myself, you''re wrong! I am a true advocate of feminism ¡ªequal fights for all!" Alicarde shouted defiantly.

    "You brought this upon yourself, master," Amena remarked coldly, her de slicing through the air with precise intent.

    Realizing he couldn''t win, Alicarde groaned theatrically. "This is an outrage! You have no evidence¡ªthis is assault! My legal team will be in contact with you!"

    Carrisa massaged her temples, now nursing a full-blown headache. "This is bing a nightly ritual," she muttered under her breath.

    "You¡­ you win. I''ll let you off the hook this time," Alicarde finally conceded.

    Argint didn''t relent. "And you had better mean it, Alicarde! If I catch you doing it again, I''ll rip more than just your clothes!"

    Alicarde rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, I get it. No more acts of God¡­"

    Elizalina narrowed her eyes. "You would be wise to heed our warning. We are quite serious, Alicarde."

    He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I give. Happy now?"

    Carrisa sighed, the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders. "Alicarde, we tolerate your antics because it shows you''re engaging with us, but there are limits. If you cross the line again, there will be repercussions."

    Alicarde nodded, looking slightly chastened. "I understand."

    Carrisa continued, "Your audacity is preferable to the alternative. When you sit and stare into the distance, uttering curses, it is deeply troubling. When you inflict harm upon yourself, it is even worse."

    Elizalina added, "The more Ie to know you, the less of a gentleman you appear to be. It seems the version of you I first encountered was but an illusion."

    Amena''s expression softened slightly. "We care about you, Alicarde. We want you to be well."

    He looked at them, a mixture of guilt and gratitude in his eyes. "I know."

    Carrisa nodded. "We see that. And that''s why we allow some leniency. But do not test our patience."

    Alicarde smiled sheepishly. "Understood. No more acts of God. I''ll be on my best behavior."

    Argint, still clutching her torn clothes, muttered, "You better be."

    Carrisa massaged her temples again. This had be their new routine. Around them, Alicarde didn''t pretend to be a refined gentleman. He acted like a hormone-driven teenager with no sense of propriety. But this much was tolerablepared to the alternative.

    The past month had been challenging. Alicarde had been struggling with the aftermath of his encounter with Wrath. During the day, he was more or less stable, albeit with bursts of aggression, but at night, he was far worse. Sometimes, he would sit and stare into the distance with a twisted smile, muttering curses and vowing to destroy his enemies.

    Those moments, though disturbing, were manageable. What truly rmed them were the instances of self-harm.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Alicarde had developed a disturbing fascination with testing his regenerative abilities. He would carve deep gashes into his arms, watching the blood flow freely before the wounds healed.

    Sometimes, he would burn his skin, observing as the charred flesh regenerated. He had even gone as far as stabbing himself in the chest, only to pull the de out and let the wound close within seconds. The sight of him covered in his own blood, only to heal almost instantly, was harrowing.

    When dawn broke, it was as if he were freed from demonic possession. He became hyper aware of his actions and was often filled with regret and, at times, embarrassment.

    Carrisa had tried everything to set him straight, from magical interventions to more mundane methods. After a month of turmoil, he finally seemed to regain some semnce of normalcy. He was now in control of his inner demons¡­ for the most part.

    Reflecting on the past month, it had been a difficult journey, but Alicarde was showing signs of improvement. They were grateful for any progress, no matter how small.

    Elizalina had grown ustomed to the way things were. Alicarde was mostly stable during the day, with asional outbursts, but he was manageable. She had been visiting the mansion daily, and at this point, she might as well have been living there.

    Elizalina had no friends or allies in this world¡ªor any other world, really¡ªso being here with them, engaging in such childish antics, was a new experience for her.

    Alicarde groaned as he sank into the sofa, his phone ringing. It was a new device, upgraded by Amena, who had gone to great lengths to ensure he had no privacy left. For the past month, she had tracked his location in real time.

    He answered the call with a dismissive tone. "Yes, what is it?"

    Elizalina overheard the voice of a young woman on the other end. She was certain it wasn''t Anne Amicus. Alicarde didn''t know any other women besides those present. After a brief exchange, he ended the call.

    Curiosity got the better of her. "May I inquire who that was?"

    Alicarde, visibly irritated, replied, "It''s my damned older sister, calling for no reason."

    Elizalina, intrigued by this glimpse into Alicarde''s mundane life, chose not to pursue the matter further. Instead, she shifted her focus to something morepelling. "Alicarde, might I request a taste of your blood?"

    "You absolutely may not," Alicarde replied, his tone leaving no room for debate.

    Argintughed mockingly. "Oh,e now, parasite. Are you that desperate for a sip? Can''t you find a willing donor elsewhere?"

    Elizalina''s eyes narrowed. "It is not desperation, I assure you. Alicarde''s blood is unique. You would notprehend."

    Argint smirked. "Oh, Iprehend perfectly. You''re just being your usual creepy, parasitic self."

    "Better to be a refined parasite than a mindless bitch who cannot control her temper," Elizalina shot back, her voice calm yet cutting.

    "At least I don''t have to beg a man for his bodily fluids," Argint retorted, eyes gleaming with mischief.

    Alicarde observed them, tempted to interject but ultimately deciding against it. He would only add fuel to the fire.

    As the two continued their exchange, Alicarde''s thoughts drifted to vengeance. The image of Zagarath and the mafia shed in his mind, reigniting his desire for retribution. Soon, he would have his chance.

 Chapter 69 Foward

    The morning air was cool and gentle, the shimmering sunlight reaching the pavilion. The air was crisp, and winter seemed not too far off.

    Amena had prepared a luxurious breakfast spread, standing dutifully by the side, her pristine and elegantly tailored maid outfit reflecting her impable standards.

    The table was adorned with freshly baked croissants, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, assorted cheeses, and a selection of fresh fruits. A pot of rich, aromatic teapleted the feast. Alicarde sat with Carrisa and Argint, savoring the divine vors of the meal.

    "Well done as usual, Amena. I can never get over how great you are at cooking," he praised, a mischievous smile ying on his lips. "I could totally marry you with cooking skills like that."

    Amena''s eyes sparkled at his thoughtless words, but before she could respond, Argint decided to stir up some trouble.

    "Why on earth would she want to marry you? Do you think a woman''s worth is only in her cooking skills?"

    Alicarde sighed, hiseback ready. "I don''t expect you to understand. You couldn''t cook to save your own life. You''d be single forever."

    Argint forced a smile to mask her irritation. "I can cook. Besides, I am a strong woman."

    "Amena is strong too, but you can go ahead and marry your strength. No wonder the guys from wherever you''re from didn''t want to date you," he retorted mockingly.

    Argint tightened her grip on her fork, holding back her urge to strangle him. Their banter was the foundation of their friendship, and Alicarde had a knack for teasing anyone.

    Carrisa decided to intervene, her tone formal andposed.

    "There is no need for marriage to enjoy Amena''s culinary talents. She is, after all, a dedicated maid in service and will remain so for the foreseeable future."

    Alicarde, undeterred, shrugged. "I know that, but she''d still make a great wife. Any guy would have to max out their luck to have her."

    Amena''s hands tightened on her apron. Praising her in front of Carrisa felt disrespectful, but Alicarde seemed oblivious. Carrisa, understanding his innocent intent, brushed it off, though a hint of sourness lingered. She chose to shift the conversation.

    "Now that your curfew has been lifted, and it has been established that you are mentally fit to venture outside, how do you intend to confront Zagarath?" she inquired, her voice calm and formal.

    Alicarde''s expression hardened. "I n to start by tracking down the mafia. I''ll catch that bastard by following the trail he''s left behind."

    "It will not be a simple task. They are deeply entrenched and possess significant global influence," Carrisa cautioned, her tone measured and deliberate.

    "Zagarath likely has another objective, one that has prevented him from attempting to eliminate me. I also need to focus on locating the fragments of the nexus that are bound to surface in this city."

    Alicarde took a deep breath. "I know it won''t be easy, but I have to try."

    "Perhaps I can be of assistance," Amena offered, her expression stoic.

    Alicarde nced at her. "How do you intend to help?"

    "I can help you acquire data from the city''s databank, although gaining ess without being on the inside will be challenging," she exined calmly.

    Alicarde turned away. "I''ll manage on my own."

    Amena wasn''t finished. "There is a way that ispletely secure. If you were to enter the building where the data is stored and install this program," she revealed a ck sh drive from her hand.

    Alicarde''s eyes widened. "A program? Can''t you just hack into the system or something?"

    "I cannot. That only happens in movies. Even with my innate ability [Calculus], it would be challenging without direct ess," she rified.

    Alicarde leaned back in his chair. "Which building am I supposed to infiltrate?"

    "The Bureau of Intelligence, located in the central district. It is heavily guarded, so please, exercise caution," Amena advised.

    "You make it sound like I''m going there with guns zing," Alicarde replied nonchntly.

    "You are, and I have a feeling you''ll cause trouble too," Argint interjected.

    "I''m shocked you''d think that of me. I''m a rtively peaceful guy," Alicarde responded, feigning offense.

    "A peaceful guy doesn''t think of starting a hit list," Argint grumbled.

    Carrisa foresaw the conversation veering into childish bickering. She intervened swiftly.

    "Let us focus on the task at hand. Amena, prepare the necessary tools for the infiltration. Alicarde, gather your strength and be ready. You will move tonight."

    "With his strength and skills, the sh drive will suffice," Amena noted.

    "Remember, you will be on your own. Exercise restraint and be cautious," Carrisa warned, her voice firm.

    Alicarde nodded. He had ns to meet someone tonight anyway.

    As breakfast concluded, Alicarde decided against training today, choosing instead to rx in the pavilion, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

    "A month has passed since you bested Wrath. Now that you intend to move against your enemies, Wrath''s ability to control space could be of great use. Having subdued it, its obedience should be absolute," Carrisa reminded, her tone calm.

    Alicarde frowned, the painful memories surfacing briefly. He had conquered Wrath, and now it would serve him.

    "Sure, I will," he replied, standing and stepping away from the pavilion. He summoned his familiar with amanding tone, "Come, Wrath."

    A dark steed materialized, its three long, dagger-like horns protruding menacingly from its forehead. Its eyes burned with a deep violet light, and its mouth and hooves radiated an infernal glow.

    The creature was a harrowing sight, its mane a cascade of shadows, and its muscles rippling under a midnight-ck coat. The ground beneath its hooves sizzled, leaving traces of violet mes.

    Alicarde stepped forward, his heart calm andposed. He had no need to fear a defeated opponent, especially one that now submitted to his will. Wrath stood tall and proud, its defiant nature quelled by Alicarde''s sheer force of will.

    The once-proud creature had conceded that Alicarde was a worthy master, and it now resided obediently within his shadow, fearful of the madman who had subjugated it.

    Carrisa and Argint approached, observing the bicorn with interest, while Amena stood back, her gaze analytical.

    "This beast is formidable. How did you manage to tame it so thoroughly?" Argint asked, impressed.

    "Nothing much. Just had to endure some burning and suffering. No biggie," he shrugged.

    Carrisa''s eyes softened as she looked at Alicarde. "You should be proud. The creature disys only respect and submission. It is truly marvelous. You continue to exceed my expectations," she remarked, her voice aloof andposed.

    Her words and the respect in her eyes, mirrored by Argint, filled him with a quiet sense of aplishment.

    "Guess you aren''t just a pervert. It''s easy to forget you''re a powerful warrior with how you act around us," Argint teased.

    Alicarde blinked, genuinely surprised. "I can''t believe I''ve finally reached the level of being acknowledged as a warrior by you. That kinda makes me happy," he admitted, his voice low and tinged with mixed emotions.

    Before Argint could reply, a voice descended from above.

    "Alicarde, I''m here to escort you to our sses," Elizalina called out sweetly as she gracefully descended from the sky.

    "Great timing, bitch. Why the hell are you even here? Alicarde''s curfew has been lifted, so you don''t need to stick with him for sses," Argint''s tone was sharp and hostile.

    Elizalinanded gently, a soft mist swirling around her. "No one asked you, lowly nameless mongrel," she retorted icily.

    "Sup, Elly. You missed breakfast," Alicarde greeted, but the vampire seemed more interested in bickering with the half-werewolf than responding to him.

    The tension in the air was palpable as the two girls red at each other, while Alicarde sighed, wondering how he always found himself in the middle of their conflicts.

    Elizalina and Argint argued back and forth, their voices rising with each retort.

    "Why do you always have to butt in, vampire? Can''t you see you''re not needed here?" Argint snapped, her eyes narrowing in annoyance.

    Elizalina rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with disdain. "Maybe because I have a responsibility to ensure Alicarde''s well-being, unlike you who only seems to care about causing trouble."

    "Responsibility? Please. You''re just here to show off," Argint shot back, crossing her arms defiantly.

    Caught between the two of them, Alicarde could feel a headache forming. He raised his hands in an attempt to defuse the situation. "Alright, that''s enough. There''s no need to¡ª"

    "That''s enough,dies. We have more pressing matters to attend to," Carrisa''s stern voice cut through the bickering like a knife, bringing an immediate end to their quarrel.

    Over the past month, Alicarde had noticed Carrisa had be something of a de facto leader, her authority seemingly effortless.

    Arguments were swiftly settled, tensions dissipated with just a word or two from her. Even Elizalina, initially reluctant, had fallen into an unspoken hierarchy, obeying Carrisa''s directives without question.

    ''Women are terrifying. Fear women.'' Alicarde thought, suppressing a shudder at the realization.

    "Alicarde, what are you waiting for? Mount the destrier," Carrisa''s voice, now tinged with curiosity, snapped him out of his thoughts.

    Elizalina''s gaze shifted to the bicorn, her expression contemtive as if lost in her own thoughts.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Approaching Warth, Alicarde noted the absence of a saddle. As he reached out to mount, the bicorn shifted restlessly, its hooves scraping against the ground, eyes wild with unease.

    Alicarde''s gaze turned icy, his presence washing over the creature like a cold wind. Warth''s agitation stilled, the beast calming under his piercing stare.

    With deliberate movements, Alicarde swung onto the bicorn''s back.

    The girls watched with rapt attention, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Carrisa, usuallyposed, seemed almost apprehensive, her eyes betraying a hint of concern he had never seen before.

    Settling himself, Alicarde gave themand. "Forward."

    The reaction was immediate and startling. Warth copsed to the ground, its powerful legs buckling as if a great weight had been thrust upon it. The creature''s body shimmered with sweat, its breathsing inbored, ragged gasps, steam rising from its nostrils as ity beneath him, utterly spent.

    Alicarde sat there, bewildered. He could feel that the bicorn was unharmed, so why was it acting like this?

    Carrisa''s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with a peculiar mix of suppressed joy and amusement.

    "Why is he acting like this?" Alicarde demanded, frustration seeping into his voice.

 Chapter 70 Pure Maiden

    Alicarde''s frustration climbed to its zenith. The bicorn copsed weakly to its knees, gasping for air as he sat atop its broad back. The steed growled feebly, its dark body trembling under the weight of Alicarde''smand. Its eyes, usually fierce, were now dull and strained, reflecting the intense exertion it felt.

    Carrisa smiled at the sight, her eyes still aloof. Despite the smile akin to a naive young maiden who had just discovered her first love, there was a hint of satisfaction in her gaze. The other women observed quietly, confusion apparent on their faces as they tried to understand the situation.

    Alicarde scowled as he dismounted the dark bicorn. The beast struggled to stand, its legs wobbling weakly. Fury ignited in his chest, and without warning, he spun around, delivering a forceful kick to the bicorn''s side.

    The impact sent the creature skidding across the ground, its massive body crashing against the pavement and tearing up chunks of stone as it rolled. Dust and debris filled the air, and the ground trembled under the force of the collision.

    The bicorn struggled to its feet, its dark coat now covered in a thinyer of dust, but remarkably, it showed no signs of injury. Itsrge, gleaming eyes were focused solely on Alicarde as it hesitantly made its way back to him.

    The creature''s head hung low, submitting to the Undying''s fury, and it stood by his side, trembling slightly. Alicarde''s anger was palpable, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes burning with barely suppressed rage.

    Thedies watched in silence. Alicarde''s outrage was not surprising to them, they were well aware that his mental state was precarious at best. For the bicorn, they considered it fortunate that things had not escted further.

    "Why the hell are you smiling, Carrisa? This isn''t funny. I don''t see the point of having a horse I can''t ride," he spoke through gritted teeth.

    He had gone to great pains to tame it, only for the bicorn to prove useless. The more he thought about it, the more his anger soared.

    Carrisa''s smile faded, her expression turning serious.

    "I was smiling because I am in a pleasant mood. Your inability to ride the bicorn is more your failing than the steed''s."

    Argint''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "How so? What does that even mean?"

    Alicarde also wanted the answer. "Yeah, what she said."

    Elizalina ced a delicate hand on her chin, appearing contemtive.

    "I do believe the princess and I share the same perspective. I suspect that Alicarde has not fulfilled the fundamental prerequisite for riding a bicorn."

    "What prerequisite? I already tamed him. What more do I need to do?" Alicarde''s frown deepened.

    Amena, who had been standing to the side, sighed before stepping forward to offer her perspective.

    "A bicorn is the opposite of a unicorn. You merely need to meet the condition," she stated enigmatically, answering his question indirectly.

    "Why the hell are you all speaking in riddles? Just say it already," he retorted, irritation clear in his voice.

    "Alicarde, a bicorn cannot be mounted by one who is pure," Carrisa finally answered, a yful smile returning to her lips.

    "What? So I need to be evil to ride one?" Alicarde asked with a trace of sarcasm.

    Argint''s eyes widened as she pieced together the meaning behind Carrisa''s words.

    Elizalina sighed softly, her tone more calm. "She does not refer to purity of heart or mind. She speaks of a pure body. In simpler terms, you cannot ride the steed because you are, in essence, a virgin."

    Alicarde''s eyes widened, his expression freezing in shock. The realization hit him like a brick wall¡ªthe bicorn had unwittingly dealt a significant blow to his ego.

    Argint burst intoughter, clutching her sides as she struggled to contain her mirth.

    "Oh my goodness, we should get you a unicorn, Miss Pure Maiden! You always tease me for never having dated anyone, but look who''s the real virgin... that''s right, you!"

    "Perhaps we ought to enroll you in a different kind of schooling," she teased, her voice filled with mock sympathy.

    ''Someone kill me now, ohhh someone please kill me,'' Alicarde thought, his internal turmoil suppressed.

    "Maybe you should dig into some romance novels, Ali. You might acquire some valuable insights. I could provide you with several rmendations, should you desire them," Argint continued with a smirk.

    "Imagine that, the fearsome Alicarde, too pure to ride his own steed. This is truly priceless," Argint''sughter echoed across the mansion grounds.

    "After all those hours perfecting your grim reaper persona, you won''t even get the chance to put it to use," she taunted.

    Alicarde wished for the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He stood there, attempting to maintain a semnce ofposure, but his smile was strained, betraying his embarrassment. Normally, he would have a retort ready for such situations, but today, he found himself utterly speechless.

    Elizalina''s gaze turned contemtive. "That would elucidate why he was persistently attempting to disrobe us," she remarked thoughtfully.

    ''Someone kill me now,'' Alicarde silently pleaded once more.

    Her observation made him desire for the skies to fall on him.

    Carrisa''s gaze lingered on him, an inexplicable satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. For reasons unknown to him, while Alicarde was enduring his personal torment, she appeared to be in high spirits, her mood seemingly buoyant.

    "Enough of this. We have more important matters to attend to," Carrisa''s voice was firm andmanding, cutting through the teasing.

    Alicarde had not merely been teased; he had been utterly roasted. His pride felt scorched in ces a man should not feel such wounds, and his heart ached.

    Despite the urge to give in to his emotions, he kept hisposure, maintaining his indifferent facade.

    "Now then, Alicarde, there are two ways to address our little bicorn predicament," Carrisa continued, her voice taking on a seductive edge that ensnared his attention.

    "And what might those be?" Alicarde asked, his curiosity piqued despite his efforts to maintain an air of indifference.

    Carrisa''s voice flowed softly, every word measured, yet imbued with an unmistakable allure.

    "The first option is quite simple, you must decide which one of us you would like to... deflower."

    "De-deflower... what are you talking about?" Argint stammered, the words tumbling out awkwardly as her usually confident demeanor wavered.

    Elizalina''s face was beet red. "I-I must protest. Such actions should only be considered within the bounds of a serious andmitted rtionship," she stammered, her voice almost breaking.

    Amena was silent, her face beet red, only sneaking nces at Alicarde.

    Alicarde still wore his poker face, but his heart didn''t have a poker face. As he looked at thedies in front of him, his heart stirred in a way it never had before. His blood flow increased, though his face remained calm.

    "Yeah, so what?" he asked coolly.

    Carrisa ced her hand in front of her chest, highlighting her curves in her ck dress. Her movements were slow and deliberate, emphasizing her figure.

    He looked at the other women, equally beautiful. His body hardened, and Alicarde took a deep breath to calm himself.

    "Yeah, right... no way it''s that convenient," he said, his tone full of disdain.

    ''Do they think I would fall for such a simple prank? No, not today. It''s obvious they are colluding against me,'' he tried to keep his thoughts clear.

    Carrisa moved her hand around her body seductively.

    "I see you have reservations. You are astute. There is indeed a stiption. Should you choose to deflower any among us, you must ept responsibility and enter into matrimony. It is only just."

    She continued, her toneced with allure. "Or perhaps you wish to indulge in all four of us at once? That is quite an avaricious desire. Do you believe you possess the fortitude to manage it?"

    Alicarde was even more convinced that they were plotting against him.

    Argint almost choked, Elizalina was as red as the dress she wore, and Amena was even worse, her hands grabbing and releasing her maid outfit continuously.

    He looked at them. ''They sure can act. I think they deserve an Academy Award. It''s obvious Elly used hemomancy to make her face red. I''m not buying it.''

    Even with his doubts, he suppressed the urge to gulp. His heart stirred, and he felt something rising, and it definitely wasn''t the shield hero.

    Noticing his body about tomit an outrage on his social life, he turned around to face the bicorn, gently stroking its mane to hide his secret shame.

    ''Think of rainbows and sunshine, Alicarde. Think of the sky. Ah, yes, good sleep... little brother, sleep.''

    "I choose the second option. Tell me what it is. I have sses today, and I''d like to be there if you don''t mind," his voice was calm, his face seemingly indifferent.

    Carrisa sighed. "Very well then. I am astounded that you would relinquish such an opportunity. I assure you, my offer was genuine."

    "Uh-huh. Sure you were," Alicarde said.

    "The alternative choice is to utilize an enchanted saddle. I anticipated this oue and therefore had one crafted alongside the Reaper Vestments," Carrisa said, adopting a more serious tone.

    Alicarde wasn''t surprised. Carrisa was the type to be a few steps ahead.

    She turned to Amena, who was still somewhat red, and nodded. The maid walked off hurriedly as if she had just been liberated.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Wow, they really went all out with this act. Have they been practicing in secret?" Alicarde whispered, watching Amena scurry off in a hurry.

    Argint and Elizalina were quiet. Argint had an angry re with a face almost as red as her hair. Elizalina was shyly stealing nces at him.

    Alicarde felt the urge to smack some sense into them, especially Carrisa. He would have if he thought he could take all four of them... This was a hectic morning.

    Amena soon returned, effortlessly lifting the weight of arge ck saddle. It was far too big for her to be carrying alone, yet she managed with a stoic expression. The saddle gleamed with intricate patterns and a slight shimmer that hinted at its enchanted nature.

    She walked past the others, handing Alicarde therge saddle. He turned around and attempted to ce it on Warth but quickly realized he had no idea how to properly secure it.

    Seeing his struggle, Amena stepped forward, her face still somewhat flushed.

    "Here, let me help you. First, you need to make sure the girth is tight enough so it won''t slip," she exined, showing him the proper way to buckle and adjust the straps.

    Alicarde watched carefully, mimicking her actions until the saddle was securely in ce.

    After the saddle was set, Alicarde mounted the dark destrier. The bicorn''s eyes glowed with violet infernal mes, its horns sharp and menacing.

    Its mouth glowed with the same infernal light, highlighting its razor-sharp fangs. The powerful muscles of its sleek, obsidian body rippled under his touch.

    "Forward," Alicardemanded. The world blurred as the bicorn surged forward at a terrifying speed. Alicarde held on tightly as the wind struck him like des, making it difficult to see or breathe.

    "Stop," he ordered in his mind, and the bicorn halted instantly under the telepathicmand. He found himself outside the mansion grounds, the distance covered in mere seconds.

    The speed was unbelievable, and he knew this wasn''t even the bicorn''s top speed. Additionally, his familiar contract had sealed away most of its powers.

    "Let''s return," he ordered. This time, space rippled like water as they returned to the pavilion. He found Argint looking at him with wide, sparkling eyes.

    "That was so cool! We should totally race," she eximed, her enthusiasm unmistakable.

    "Screw off," Alicarde cursed, still somewhat indignant about her teasing.

 Chapter 71 Watchful Eye

    Carrisa and Amena stood silently by the pavilion as Alicarde left with Elizalina for campus. Argint had gone to train, leaving the two of them alone.

    "Mistress, if I may be so bold as to inquire, why do we not offer our assistance to Alicarde in his quest to eliminate Zagarath?"

    Carrisa turned her gaze towards Amena, her expression calm.

    "That is rather presumptuous of you, Amena. Alicarde most likely does not wish to rely upon us in his confrontation with Zagarath. Moreover, we are currently preupied with our own affairs. Even if we were to obtain the Nexus, our resources remain limited. In addition, we must prepare to contend with the Three Powers."

    "Hmmm, acquiring the magic core and unraveling the secrets of Academy Ind will indeed prove challenging. We would need to engage them directly, and even then, unless we eliminate them entirely, such a goal remains unattainable."

    "We cannot afford such a loss," Carrisa sighed. "The rewards of a mere White Magic Core do not justify the risks. If only we had a means to infiltrate their ranks."

    "That would be exceedingly difficult. Academy Ind is governed by the Three Powers and only admits the elite among their youth¡ªthe very best or the exceptionally fortunate."

    "We can forego the magic core if necessary," Carrisa stated.

    "Zagarath has been discreet, avoiding significant movements. He likely does not wish to provoke the Order into dispatching their knights here. Moreover, they are observing this city closely, waiting for any pretext to intervene. We must not provide them that opportunity," Carrisa continued.

    "Do you believe that is the reason Zagarath has been more restrained, manipting the mafia and the government for his own ends? Although we are still uncertain as to what he hopes to aplish," Amena mused.

    "Indeed. We must also locate the final missing core, the other Nexus fragments, and, most importantly, the Nexus Key."

    Amena nodded thoughtfully. "We can only offer Alicarde minimal assistance while we prepare for the events toe."

    "Precisely. We must ensure that all is in order. Our role is to observe, strategize, and intervene only when absolutely necessary. We can proceed with our primary n as soon as Alicarde grants us ess to the government databank," Carrisa replied, her tone measured.

    Amena agreed, "Then we shall continue to monitor and support him from the shadows, ensuring that his path aligns with our objectives."

    A luxurious vehicle glided along the urban streets of the city. The car''s sleek design and polished exterior exuded wealth, with tinted windows shielding its upants from prying eyes.

    Inside the vehicle, Alicarde sat in the driver''s seat with Elizalina beside him. The interior was a blend of leather and polished designs, the seats plush andfortable. A state-of-the-art dashboard disyed various controls, and the ambient lighting gave the space a serene atmosphere. Alicarde''s guitar case, which concealed his sword,y in the back seat.

    For the past month, Elizalina had been entrusted with keeping an eye on Alicarde. She would arrive at the mansion and apany him to their college sses. As they drove, Elizalina kept sneaking nces at him, her cheeks lightly blushing.

    "I wonder if you would permit it... may I..." she began tentatively.

    "No, don''t even think about it," Alicarde cut her off, knowing exactly what she wanted.

    "It is merely a small amount of blood, you would hardly notice it," Elizalina assured him, attempting to sound persuasive despite her shy tone.

    "I would, and the answer is still no. Keep your fangs to yourself," Alicarde retorted.

    "I assure you, I would only take a small amount," Elizalina persisted.

    Alicarde shook his head firmly. "I said no. We''ve been through this already. Focus on your task, Elly."

    Elizalina sighed but relented, turning her gaze back to the road ahead, though her thoughts remained on Alicarde.

    Alicarde was still a little bummed about earlier. The saddle Carrisa had given him was called the [Saddle of Deceit], a utility-type enchanted gear. Its purpose was to deceive the instincts of the bicorn, allowing the pure Alicarde to ride it without issue. This alleviated his embarrassment, but he still felt awkward about the whole situation.

    He gave Elizalina a sidelong nce, noticing she seemed to be in deep thought. He knew she was just being sour.

    "Ahhh, goodness, Elly, you are such a baby sometimes... fine, I''ll let you suck my blood... eventually," he said, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty.

    Alicarde wasn''t actually opposed to giving her his blood, he just didn''t want to do it without a good reason. To him, it was a reward, and if a reward became toomon, it would lose its value.

    Elizalina smiled. "Truly? When might that be? I promise to take only a small amount."

    "Eventually," he replied calmly. He turned the steering wheel, keeping his eyes on the road as Elizalina asked a variety of questions, all of which he dodged deftly.

    Evergreen University was a behemoth, featuring numerous faculties and departments. The Psychology Department was particrly popr, not for its academics, but because it boasted two extraordinarily beautiful women Professor Malefica and Elizalina.

    Alicarde had not had the chance to finalize his deal with the former. Under the strict surveince of hispanions, a shady meeting with a witch was out of the question. Which was fine, he had a whole month to think it through.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He got out of the car with Elizalina holding his hand. On the surface, they looked like a couple, but the actual reason was far from romantic.

    She held his hand to ensure Alicarde stayed under control. During the first few days after the incident with Wrath, there was always the possibility of him going out of control in a fit of rage.

    He had be paranoid, seeing enemies everywhere. Elizalina had to clean up some minor incidents with her vampirepulsion.

    The number of times he almost got into fights was unusually high over the past month. Normally, Alicarde just ignored them, but recently, he had almost beaten some of them up.

    They walked hand in hand, Elizalina''s red dress catching the wind. She was exquisite and exuded a natural seductive allure. Alicarde, by her side, was not exactly the most handsome, but his nature as an undying and his constant regeneration from ghastly wounds had restructured his body to be pristine, giving off a vague otherworldly look.

    Their presence attracted some attention, whispers from passersby, some not so friendly. They were mostly guys who thought Elizalina was too good for any man, with some even calling her their goddess.

    "Can you believe she''s with him?" one guy whispered.

    "She''s way out of his league," another added.

    "I heard she''s some kind of rich princess. No way a guy like him deserves her," someone else muttered.

    "That bastard is just flexing his wealth, damn rich boy."

    "Hey, you didn''t use vampirepulsion on the whole campus, did you?" Alicarde asked, irritated by the attention.

    "I did no such thing. It is simply my natural-born vampiric charm," she replied in a hushed, calm tone.

    The lecture hall was spacious and well-lit, with natural light streaming in fromrge windows that lined the upper part of the walls. Alicarde and Elizalina walked in, drawing a few curious nces as they made their way down the aisle.

    The wooden desks andfortable chairs gave the room an academic yet weing atmosphere, with each row positioned for optimal viewing of the front stage, where a lectern stood next to a sprawling whiteboard.

    Alicarde spotted Anne at the back of the hall, her short blonde hair catching the light. She wasn''t wearing her usual sses today, and Alicarde''s lips curled into a teasing smirk as he approached her.

    He raised his voice slightly as he closed the distance between them. "Anne? Wow, I almost didn''t recognize you without your sses! Did you gain perfect vision overnight or something?"

    Anne had been about to wave at him, but her hand paused mid-air as she noticed Elizalina beside him. Her friendly expression soured instantly, her eyes narrowing in distaste.

    Alicarde felt a twinge of unease at the familiar reaction. First impressions really did stick like glue, and Anne had never quite warmed up to Elizalina since their introduction.

    "See youter, Elly," Alicarde said casually, trying to diffuse the tension. He started to turn, but Elizalina''s grip tightened on his hand, a silent refusal in her grey eyes.

    "I must insist on keeping an eye on you," she murmured, her voice soft but firm.

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow, his voice a gentle but firm whisper. "I''m fine, really. Carrisa said I''m good to be on my own, remember? You don''t need to worry."

    Elizalina''s reluctance was evident, but before she could argue further, a group of girls called out to her from a few rows ahead.

    "Hi, Elizalina! We''ve been waiting for you!" a tall brte said, waving her over.

    "We saved you a seat," another added, her tone overly enthusiastic.

    Elizalina''s expression tightened, a flicker of irritation passing through her eyes as she nced at them. Alicarde noticed the subtle tension in her stance, she seemed more annoyed than pleased by their presence.

    Still, she let go of his hand reluctantly, the touch lingering longer than necessary. To anyone watching, it must have seemed like a typical, if slightly dramatic, parting between a couple.

    Alicarde sighed inwardly. ''This is going to be a long day.''

    As he turned back towards Anne, he couldn''t help but notice her re was now firmly fixed on Elizalina''s retreating figure. He stered on his usual carefree smile and approached her with a casual wave.

    "Hey there, Anne. Loving the new look. Seriously, without your four eyes, I almost didn''t recognize you," he teased.

    Anne rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide her smile. "That''s a little weak, even for you. But I''ll have you know, I''m wearing lenses today."

    "Ah, sneaky. A step up from the usual," Alicarde replied, ying along. "You''ve really outdone yourself."

    Anne pulled a sheet of paper from her bag and waved it at him. "I have your test scores from you-know-who''s ss. Wanna see how badly you bombed?"

    Alicarde''s grin widened. So Malefica had graded their tests already. He was a bit nervous, it had been a month since he''d had a proper conversation with their witch professor, and he wasn''t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

    "Hit me with it," he said, bracing himself.

    Anne handed him the paper, and Alicarde winced as he scanned the results. "Ouch. Well, not as bad asst time, but still not ster."

    "You really need to put in more effort," Anne chided, a yful glint in her eyes. "Stop half-assing your work, or you''ll always be shy of a perfect score."

    "Yeah, yeah, I know," Alicarde muttered, rolling his eyes theatrically.

    Anne''s expression softened. "Speaking of Malefica, have you managed to avoid her res?"

    "Mostly," Alicarde admitted with a sheepish grin. "But I have a feeling she''s going to corner me sooner orter."

    "She probably will," Anne said, smirking. "What did you do to piss her off this time?"

    Alicarde scratched the back of his head, looking slightly guilty. "I¡­ stood her up."

    "Uh-huh. Sure," Anne replied, her voice dripping with disbelief. "Whatever it is, she looks pissed. You should be careful."

    "Great. Just what I needed. More drama," Alicarde sighed.

    Anne chuckled softly. "If you need any help dealing with her, let me know. I''ve got a few tricks up my sleeve."

    "I might just take you up on that, Madam ss Rep," Alicarde said, appreciating her support.

    They found their seats at the back of the hall, and Anne leaned closer, lowering her voice. "By the way, what''s up with Elizalina today? She seemed more clingy than usual."

    "She''s just worried about me," Alicarde shrugged. "But it''s nothing I can''t handle, so don''t worry about it."

    Anne''s gaze lingered on him, skeptical but unwilling to pry further. "Alright, if you say so. Just be careful, okay?"

    "Always am," Alicarde replied, his tone light as he winked at her.

    Despite his nonchnt attitude, Anne knew something was off. Alicarde had been acting strangely for a while now, and though he tried to hide it, she could see the weariness in his eyes. She didn''t want to push, but her concern grew every time they spoke.

    "Seriously, though," Anne continued, her voice more serious now. "If you ever need to talk, I''m here."

    Alicarde''s smile was warm, sincere. "I appreciate it, Anne. Really. I''ll be fine, though. Just a lot on my mind."

    Anne nodded, but the worry in her eyes remained. "Alright. Just¡­ don''t bottle it up too much, okay?"

    "I won''t," Alicarde assured her. "So, what''s on the agenda for today''s ss?"

    Anne pulled out her notebook, flipping to a fresh page. "We''re diving into some advanced theories on psychological maniption. Should be interesting."

    "Sounds intense," Alicarde replied, d for the change in topic.

    "Yeah, it is," Anne said. "But I think you''ll find it useful. Might even help you deal with certain¡­ persistent individuals."

    Alicarde chuckled softly. "I''ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Anne."

    As the professor began the lecture, Alicarde tried to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting. He felt Anne''s asional nces, her concern a palpable presence beside him. He didn''t want to worry her, but he couldn''t shake the feeling that things were only going to get moreplicated from here.

    Across the room, Elizalina sat with her so-called friends, her attention less on the lecture and more on the back of the room where Alicarde and Anne sat together. Her fingers curled around her pen, and she forced herself to look away, trying to focus on the lecture.

    ''Ahhh, women.'' Alicarde mused, ncing between Anne and Elizalina. He was starting to think he''d rather face Malefica''s wrath than deal with theplexities of human¡ª and vampire¡ªrtionships.

 Chapter 72 Influencer

    The ss came to an end. Maniption was hical to begin with, and a college ss wouldn''t really teach you much, but the professor was vivid with his examples, giving Alicarde some strange ideas.

    The lecture had been full of hypothetical scenarios that bordered on the morally dubious, yet it sparked a curiosity in him about the extents of human influence and control. He walked out of the ss with Anne by his side. Elizalina had been taken away by her clique, giving Alicarde some breathing room for the first time in a month.

    ''Elly is really popr, so being around her gets me a lot of unneeded attention,'' he thought to himself. By contrast, walking with Anne made him blend into the crowd.

    All the guys who hated him didn''t even seem to notice his existence. It was almost as if the main highlight of who he was, was being Elizalina Crimson''s boyfriend. Without her, nobody would even notice.

    ''Beautiful women are so much trouble,'' he mused.

    Walking with Anne was better¡ªno unnecessary attention. The air was cooler outside, and a gentle breeze blew through the campus, rustling the leaves of the trees that lined the paths.

    Anne nudged him yfully. "Did the ss give you any grand ideas for taking over the world, Mr. Maniptor?"

    Alicardeughed. "Oh, you know me. Always scheming. But seriously, some of those examples were pretty wild. I mean, using emotional triggers to influence someone''s decisions? Sounds more like mind control than persuasion."

    "Yeah, that was intense," Anne agreed. "But I think it''s kinda scary how subtle cues can sway people without them even realizing it. Makes you wonder how much of our everyday choices are really ours."

    "Exactly. Like, maybe I only chose this path because you nudged me this way with your irresistible charm," Alicarde teased.

    Anne rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. Your path was already set by your oversized ego."

    "Imagine what I can do with this knowledge, all thedies will be eating out of the palms of my hand." Alicardeughed.

    "Or I''ll have toe bail you out of a police station. Ever think about that, huh?" Anne said.

    He chuckled. "Fair point. I would look beautiful in orange."

    "Yeah, you would. Better not drop the soap," Anne replied.

    "Actually, on second thought, I would look horrible in orange," Alicarde said.

    Anneughed, then her tone shifted slightly. "Right, I almost forgot. There''s been an update on the esper situation in Central City."

    "Really now? I don''t really see the hype. I can solo them, they aren''t that cool." Alicarde said with mock arrogance.

    Anne''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Espers are so cool! Imagine having psychic powers. It''s like something out of aic book. But you, defeating them all? Please.

    You''d be toast."

    "Toast? Me? Never. I''d wreck them. I mean, look at me. I''m practically immortal."

    Anne giggled. "Keep dreaming, Ali. Maybe in your next life, you''ll be an esper. Until then, you''re stuck being a regr human. Theme type."

    Alicarde smirked. "Regr? I prefer ''exceptionally ordinary.'' But seriously, it''s crazy how much the world is changing. First espers, what''s next? Monsters? Then what, aliens?"

    Anne grinned. "Who knows? Maybe you''ll be the first to discover them."

    "Or the first to defeat them. Just add it to my list of great aplishments," he quipped, his tone dripping with mock arrogance.

    "I can already see it¡ªa statue of me, the great Alicarde, and legions of adoring fangirls. It would be like the seconding of MJ."

    "Women will be the death of you," Anne said, rolling her eyes.

    "A little toote for that," Alicardeughed.

    Their conversation flowed easily, the teasing banter aforting rhythm that made the walk across campus feel effortless. It was moments like these that made Alicarde appreciate the simplicity of normal interactions, away from the chaos of his otherworldly concerns.

    Anne walked by his side, ncing at him.

    "Hello, boy and girl! Name''s Liam Rothwell, influencer, millionaire, extraordinaire," a well-dressed young man with dark hair in a stylishbover interrupted.

    He was apanied by another guy his age with green hair, who carried a camera, capturing the moment. Liam''s designer clothes and confident demeanor screamed self-promotion.

    Alicarde was on guard from the moment Liam stepped forward. He clenched his fists, ready to fight at any given moment. However, after giving the young man a thorough look, he lowered his guard. There was no need to be paranoid, Liam was mundane. His stylish outfit and confident demeanor indicated he was more interested in self-promotion than causing trouble.

    Anne was confused but calmed down as Alicarde figured the young man was an influencer of sorts, stopping people to ask them questions.

    "Sorry to bother you two lovebirds, but I have a quick question for my followers," Liam continued, his smile never wavering.

    "We''re not¡ª" Alicarde began, but Liam cut him off.

    "Just a fun question! What''s your opinion on espers? Do you think they''re a blessing or a curse for society?"

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow, ncing at Anne. "A bit direct, aren''t we?"

    Anne shrugged, amused by the situation. "I think they''re fascinating. They could really change the world, but it depends on how they use their powers."

    "Interesting take," Liam nodded. "And you, Mr. Strong and Silent?"

    "I think they''re overrated," Alicarde replied nonchntly. "No offense, but all the hype is just people projecting their fantasies. Besides, I''m more of an ''actions speak louder than words'' kind of guy."

    "Can I ask some personal questions" Liam smiled.

    "So, let''s get down to it. The both of you look so cute together. Are you dating or just friends?" Liam asked, not even waiting for their response.

    Alicarde nced at Anne, who returned his gaze.

    "We''re just friends," Anne said calmly, her voice steady and clear.

    Liam smiled, pleased that they were responding. He turned to Alicarde with a curious expression.

    "If you could, would you date your friend?" he asked, a hint of mischief in his tone.

    "He has a girlfriend already," Anne interrupted, sounding a little embarrassed.

    Alicarde grinned, leaning back slightly. "Actually, I totally would. My Anne is a catch. Any guy would be lucky to have her."

    Anne''s cheeks flushed a soft pink at his words, her gaze dropping momentarily.

    "But you have a girlfriend, right? What''s her name?" Liam pressed on, his curiosity piqued.

    "Yeah, I do. Her name is Elly... well, Elizalina," Alicarde responded, scratching his head.

    Liam''s eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what the¡ª? You''re dating that Elizalina? The campus belle? Hold on... now that I think about it, you do look familiar.

    So you''re that guy, the lucky bastard Alicarde."

    "I''m more of an unlucky bastard these days, but yeah, that''s me," Alicarde replied nonchntly.

    Liam stared at him, his mouth slightly agape before heposed himself. "Uh, so your friend here is totally worth dating, right?" he probed, suspicion creeping into his voice.

    "If I were to set up a free date for you two anywhere, would you go?" he asked again, his eyes narrowing slightly.

    "No need to thank me, of course. I do my best to help out the needy, especially the type of guy who''s too poor to have such a ssy girlfriend," Liam added with a smug grin, the disdain in his voice evident.

    Alicarde''s eyes darkened, his expression turning colder. He disliked the arrogant condescension but couldn''t exactlysh out and reduce the guy to a bloody pulp just because he had an opinion. He decided, then and there, that he was going to bring the rich bastard down a peg.

    Anne opened her mouth to refuse, but Alicarde leaned close, whispering something in her ear with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Anne''s face lit up as she giggled, her gaze turning yful.

    "Sure, we''ll go. You''re paying, right?" Anne asked sweetly, her words making Liam narrow his eyes.

    "Anywhere we want, right?" Alicarde echoed, a sly smile ying on his lips.

    "Yes... but aren''t you going to ask your girlfriend first? What if she finds out? She might break up with you," Liam asked, a sly smirk ying on his lips, thinking he could corner Alicarde.

    ''Ahhh, is this guy a low IQ young master or something?'' Alicarde mused inwardly, finding the situation almostughable.

    ''Is this guy for real?'' Alicarde thought, rolling his eyes inwardly. "No need. Let''s go," he said, taking Anne''s hand firmly.

    "Okay, sure," Liam said, turning to the green-haired guy holding the camera. They were all students at Evergreen University, so what could possibly go wrong?

    "Are we taking a car, or should I bring mine?" Alicarde asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.

    Liam shook his head dismissively. "Nah, my car is a luxury brand. We take it. In fact, other than that mysterious guy who shows up with a different car every day, no one else has a better ride."

    ''That''s me, dipshit,'' Alicarde thought, smirking inwardly but refraining from saying anything aloud.

    "A guy like you has probably never even seen a luxury car before. But today''s your lucky day¡ªI''ll give you a ride," Liam mocked, his tone dripping with condescension.

    Rumors of a mysterious guy unting brand-name cars had started circting not long after Alicarde began using the various luxury vehicles from the mansion''s garage. Clearly, this fool hadn''t done his homework. Most of the campus''s envious whispers only red up when Elizalina was with him, otherwise, he was practically invisible to them.

    ''Ahhh, people and their shallow minds,'' Alicarde sighed inwardly.

    "Ahhh, women," Alicarde sighed, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all.

    They approached the car¡ªa sleek, high-end vehicle with a glossy ck finish and a luxurious interior that would have impressed most people.

    But to Alicarde, it was just another toy, far inferior to anything he had ess to. The plush leather seats and advanced dashboard tech were nice, but hardly impressivepared to the cars he drove.

    Liam stood beside his car, a smug look stered on his face as he watched Alicarde. The Undying''s expression remained impassive as he observed the influencer''s attempts at unting his wealth.

    "So, where to?" Liam asked, trying to sound enthusiastic.

    Alicarde and Anne exchanged a quick nce, their eyes gleaming with shared mischief.

    "We want to go to La Belle ¨¦poque," Anne said with an innocent smile.

    Liam''s smile froze. "La Belle ¨¦poque? That''s the most expensive restaurant in the city."

    "Yep, that''s the one," Alicarde confirmed, his gaze daring Liam to back out.

    "What? Can''t afford it?" Alicarde''s tone was almost casual, but the challenge was clear.

    Liam''s jaw tightened briefly before he forced a smile. "Alright, La Belle ¨¦poque it is. Hop in."

    As they drove off, Liam tried to make small talk. "So, what do you guys like to do for fun?"

    Alicarde smirked, his tone dripping with irony. "Oh, you know, the usual¡ªexploring haunted ces, hunting mythical creatures, and asionally, saving the world."

    Liam chuckled awkwardly, clearly unsure whether Alicarde was joking or not. "Haha, you guys have quite the sense of humor. But seriously, why La Belle ¨¦poque?"

    Anne leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It''s the best ce in town."

    Liam nodded stiffly, his smile strained. "Alright, I''ll take you to the best spot in town."

    Arriving at the restaurant, Liam parked the car and turned to them, his expression forcedly cheerful. "Here we are. The best ce in town for a date."

    Alicarde and Anne stepped out, exchanging amused looks.

    "Shall we?" Alicarde offered his arm to Anne.

    "Let''s," she replied, taking his arm with a yful smile.

    Liam followed them inside, his camera still rolling, trying to capture every moment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Inside, the restaurant was dimly lit, with soft, romantic music ying in the background. The d¨¦cor was opulent, from the plush seating to the elegant table settings, the ambiance speaking of luxury and refinement.

    The ma?tre d'' greeted them warmly. "Good evening. A table for three?"

    "Yes, please," Liam replied, his camera man still behind.

    As they were seated, Anne nced around, admiring the luxurious surroundings.

    "Wow, this ce is amazing," she breathed, her voice tinged with awe.

    Alicarde nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "Yeah, not bad at all."

    Liam beamed, trying to appear magnanimous. "I told you it would be great. So, what do you guys think? Ready to enjoy the best meal of your lives?"

    Alicarde and Anne exchanged a knowing look, their eyes glinting with shared intent.

    "Absolutely," Alicarde replied, his voice mockingly solemn. "Let''s make this a day to remember."

    ''The day you go broke,'' he schemed silently, his gaze flicking to the clueless influencer.

 Chapter 73 Dashing

    La Belle ¨¦poque was a luxurious restaurant located in the city''s most developed district. The restaurant didn''t ept anymon rabble, it featured grand chandeliers casting a soft glow over the intricately decorated dining hall, plush velvet seating, and elegantly set tables adorned with fine china and crystal sses.

    The walls were adorned with tasteful art pieces, and a live pianist yed soft, soothing melodies in the background. While there wasn''t a strict dress code, the mantra was clear, you dress the way you want to be addressed. After all, clothes make the man.

    Alicarde and Liam both wore extravagant clothing, though Alicarde''s were of a more niche brand¡ªnotoriously expensive but not well-known enough for the general public to recognize. However, the discerning eyes of the ma?tre d'' could tell the value and prestige of their attire.

    In his heart, there was no doubt that they were La Belle ¨¦poque material, judged by the depths of their pockets. It was for this reason they were allowed to film. An influencer could easily start a witch hunt on the inte, but worse than that, making an enemy of someone powerful, wealthy, and influential was not worth it.

    "You guys don''t mind if I upload the first part I filmed, right? Don''t worry, it''s already been edited, and... tiny favor, mind if we go live?" Liam asked, still worried about the potential price tag. However, after thinking about it, while the food was gourmet, it was not so expensive that it would surpass his allowance.

    "Nah, we''re cool," Alicarde waved dismissively.

    "I mean, you''re already filming, so it''s fine," Anne continued with a sweet smile.

    The menu was presented to them in the most luxurious fashion, bound in fine leather with gold embossing. There were no price tags listed, indicating that patrons were expected to order based on desire rather than cost.

    Alicarde sighed. He had no idea what was more expensive, which meant putting this arrogant young master in his ce without blowing his cranium to pieces might prove difficult. To that end, they ordered based on how fancy the names sounded, Coquilles Saint-Jacques, Filet de B?uf Rossini, and for dessert, Mille-Feuille ¨¤ Vanille.

    Their food was soon presented before them. Liam rxed, these bumpkins didn''t order anything too expensive. It was extravagant but not more than his allowance could cover.

    Alicarde threw Anne a nce. It was a table for three, but only he and Anne were seated. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. She had a thoughtful expression, then she whispered back. Alicarde smiled, signaling the sommelier.

    "Could we please have a bottle of Chateau Margaux 2005?" he asked smoothly.

    Anne followed, adding, "And a bottle of Domaine de Roman¨¦e-Conti, please."

    They proceeded to order several more, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, P¨¦trus, and a rare bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabe Sauvignon.

    Upon hearing what they ordered, Liam''s face paled, his heart sank, and his knees buckled. He tried to call off the whole thing then and there, but he was already live. Cold sweat soaked his back. If he called it off while he was live, then he was going to die a social death.

    He had wanted to get Alicarde and Anne on a date so he could create an edited video and spread rumors about him. Maybe the campus belle would ditch him. As long as she was single, all the guys on campus would be happy. His own reward would be extra fame and clout with the guys who really hated Alicarde.

    Alicarde and Anne knew they were doing something right when they noticed he was sweating.

    Liam didn''t mind the food, quality ingredients, yes, but still within his price range. Even if the two of them were pigs, they couldn''t eat more than ten thousand dinars worth of food. But the wines were all expensive, more than two hundred thousand dinars each, and they had ordered several bottles.

    The wines arrived. Alicarde and Anne each had a ss, but upon bringing it to their lips, they stopped.

    Alicarde turned to the sommelier. "Excuse me, good sir, is this wine alcoholic?"

    ''What is this guy, a bumpkin? You can''t expect fine wine to not be alcoholic,'' Liam looked at him with disdain.

    The man replied, "Oui, monsieur, it is. This is one of the finest selections we have, known for its exquisite bouquet and bnced tannins."

    Alicarde sighed and turned to Anne. "We don''t drink alcohol, but it''s fine... We have Liam here. He can sit with us and have a few sses. I mean, we already opened all these sealed bottles."

    ''What the... wait a minute,'' Liam felt the urge to choke the bastard. It was only now that he realized they had trapped him. He wished he had stopped them, even if it meant losing his views and dignity. s, it was toote.

    "Hey, young master, why don''t you join us? It would be a shame to waste all this good wine." Alicarde gestured to him.

    Alicarde insisted that Liam join them. Liam hesitated, his legs feeling weak as vertigo set in. His thoughts raced, picturing the enormous bill and how he''d cover it. If he called his father, it would be taken care of, but¡­

    ''If I call my old man, I''m so dead,'' he thought despairingly.

    Alicarde, on the other hand, wasn''t particrly concerned. He felt a twinge of pity for Liam but also a dark satisfaction in bringing down those who acted high and mighty.

    Anne hade along because Alicarde assured her it was a harmless prank, and she trusted him. But now, he saw a trace of worry on her face. Despite that, she stuck by his side, her faith in him unshaken.

    "Here, Liam buddy, have a few drinks," Alicarde offered, pouring him a ss.

    Anne joined in. "Come on, Liam, enjoy yourself."

    Liam was cornered, gulping down the entire ss in a graceless fashion.

    "Another," Alicarde said, filling it up again. "Let''s make sure you try them all."

    Anne smiled sweetly. "One ss from each bottle, at least. It''s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

    "That''s right, drink on our behalf," Alicarde added with a dark smile.

    Liamplied reluctantly, drinking far more than he could handle. Alicarde and Anne, meanwhile, stayed sober, only pretending to sip their wine. Their act was so transparent that no one was fooled¡ªthey would clink sses and bring them to their lips but never drank a drop.

    They would asionallyment, "Ahh, good wine, good wine."

    Liam''s live stream was blowing up withments:

    @LuxuryLover92: "This is hrious! Liam''s getting hammered!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    @GourmetGuru: "La Belle ¨¦poque! I can''t believe he''s there!"

    @InfluenceKing: "Liam, you''re a legend!"

    @WineSnob101: "Those bottles cost a fortune! #EpicFail"

    @FashionistaFay: "Who''s the hottie with Liam? ??"

    Alicarde and Anne enjoyed their meal, then called for the bill. Liam had a distant look, and his green-haired cameraman kept shooting him worried nces, his head glistening with sweat.

    When the bill was presented to Liam, he almost fainted. The total came to a staggering seven hundred thousand dinars.

    Alicarde stretched out his hand, taking the bill to see it for himself. He nearly choked on his spit when he saw the number. What started as a prank, he thought, would amount to at most fifty thousand dinars.

    "Ready to make a run for it?" Alicarde whispered to Anne, taking her hand.

    Liam, pale as a ghost, brought out his card to pay, but it was declined. He stared in disbelief, trembling as he spoke to the ma?tre d'', who was now visibly wary. "Uh, I think there''s been a mistake¡­"

    Anne leaned in close to Alicarde. "Ali, do you think they''re going to make us wash dishes?"

    "After seven hundred thousand dinars? Nah... we''re going straight to jail," Alicarde whispered back.

    Anne''s face turned pale. The thought of getting arrested made her stomach drop. If the university found out, they would be in deep trouble with the senate.

    "Don''t worry, I have a n," Alicarde assured her.

    Anne rxed momentarily, then frowned. "Nothing illegal, I hope."

    By now, there was already a minormotion between Liam and the ma?tre d''. The live stream was still rolling, capturing every moment. Comments flooded in, and the cameraman, still filming, was sweating buckets.

    Liam tried to leverage his family name, promising he could cover the seven hundred thousand dinars. But the ma?tre d'' wasn''t having any of it, demanding immediate payment.

    @DramaQueen24: "OMG, are they in trouble?!"

    @RichKidProblems: "Damn, 700k? That''s insane!"

    @LiveForLaughs: "This is pure gold! ??"

    @UndercoverBillionaire: "That card decline tho! ??"

    @LuxuryLover92: "I think Liam''s gonna cry."

    Alicarde decided to intervene before things escted further. He pulled out a sleek ck card, the name Alicarde Asad embossed in gold. He gestured to the ma?tre d'', whose sharp eyes had already locked onto the card.

    Anne''s mouth fell open. Liam, on the verge of tears, saw a lifeline.

    @CuriousCat: "Who is this Alicarde?"

    @MoneyMatters: "ck card? This guy''s loaded!"

    @InfluenceKing: "Mystery man saves the day!"

    @FashionistaFay: "Ali, marry me!"

    @WineSnob101: "Never underestimate the quiet ones!"

    Alicarde handed the card over. "I''ll cover the bill. Add a generous tip for the staff, please."

    The ma?tre d'' took the card with a polite bow. "Merci, Monsieur Asad. Your generosity is appreciated."

    Liam''s live streamments continued to explode with curiosity and admiration. What started as a harmless prank had turned into an unforgettable spectacle.

    The ma?tre d'' was pleased, his intuition justified. Years of experience had taught him when to go the extra mile for guests, and today was no exception. The substantial tip he received was a reward for his trust.

    Alicarde maintained a calm exterior, but inside, his legs were shaking. He had just spent 700,000 dinars¡ªmore than his father''s annual ie of 182,000 dinars.

    ''How much is even in that ount? I was flying blind here. Just how rich is Carrisa?'' he wondered.

    Keeping hisposure, though his heart was racing, Alicarde pulled out his phone and pressed a button¡ªnot to call any human or supernatural, nor Carrisa. Instead, he was summoning his car. The call activated the car''s AI, courtesy of Amena, allowing it to drive itself to his location.

    Alicarde decided they would wait for his car to arrive. During the wait, he engaged Anne in casual conversation.

    "I had no idea you were bourgeoisie," Anne remarked, still reeling from the shock.

    Liam, who had initially looked down on Alicarde, now regarded him with gratitude. "Man, I owe you one. Seriously."

    "Yeah, you do. How about not looking down on people just because you''re rich? In other words, learn some humility," Alicarde said, enjoying the reversal.

    "Right, sorry about that," Liam muttered, looking chastened.

    Alicarde sighed. He wanted to see the arrogant young master humbled, but unlike in cultivation novels, making Liam grovel would just make him look petty. Not to mention, Anne was watching.

    On the live stream,ments continued to pour in:

    @CuriousCat: "Who is this guy really?"

    @LuxuryLover92: "Alicarde is a hero!"

    @InfluenceKing: "That''s how you handle a crisis!"

    @WineSnob101: "Respect to Alicarde."

    @FashionistaFay: "New crush unlocked. ??"

    After a few minutes, the car arrived. Alicarde, though outwardlyposed, was still reeling inside. Carrisa probably wouldn''t care, the amount likely meant little to her.

    Leading the way out, Alicarde was followed by Anne, Liam, and the green-haired cameraman, Marcus. Outside, they found his luxurious car waiting¡ªa heavily customized masterpiece with sleek lines and an opulent interior.

    Thements exploded anew:

    @AutoEnthusiast: "That car is a work of art!"

    @MoneyMatters: "Custom ride? This guy''s on another level."

    @mGoddess: "The car, the card, the charm! ??"

    @RichKidProblems: "Mystery solved¡ªhe''s loaded."

    @LuxuryLover92: "Who''s this guy dating again? Campus belle?"

    Liam, who hadn''t spent a dime, felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Alicarde. Anne, entering the car, was still trying to process her friend''s wealth.

    She had known he was somewhat well-off and owned a car, but she had never connected him with the mysterious guy on campus. Then again, Alicarde had always kept his personal life private, rarely inviting her to ces close to his home or sharing details about his lifestyle.

    "Do we have any more sses today?" Alicarde asked her.

    "No, we don''t. We only had one today," she replied.

    "Then let me take you home," Alicarde offered as the car glided away.

    Liam''s eyes widened. "It''s him, the guy who drives a new car every day... No wonder the campus belle is his girlfriend. He''s a total badass."

    Marcus nodded in agreement. The stream''sment section was still filled with unanswered questions, but for now, they left a stunned audience behind.

 Chapter 74 Pact

    Anne''s apartment was cozy and modest, reflecting the life of a student. The walls were adorned with framed pictures ofndscapes and floral prints, adding a touch of feminine charm.

    Her furniture was a mix of second-hand pieces and charming thrift store finds, arranged in a way that exuded warmth and personality.

    A small bookshelf in the corner was filled with textbooks, novels, manga, andics, alongside a few decorative items, further enhancing the homey atmosphere.

    Alicarde walked Anne to her inside, mentally preparing himself for his uing meeting with Malefica. He had nned to leave as soon as he arrived, but Anne was insistent that he stay.

    "You have to stay," she insisted with a yful tug on his arm. "Our mock date isn''t over yet."

    He smiled, unable to refuse her. "Alright, but just for a little while."

    They settled on her couch, afortable, worn piece draped with a soft, knitted throw. Anne put on a movie about Storm Man, a fictional superhero who defended his city from evil.

    The room dimmed as the opening credits rolled, casting a warm glow from a singlemp on the side table.

    Anne leaned against him, her excitement palpable. "Isn''t Storm Man amazing? His powers are so cool. If only we had someone like him in our city."

    Alicarde chuckled. "Sure, if you like your heroes wearing spandex and throwing lightning bolts everywhere."

    Sheughed, nudging him lightly. "You''re such a cynic."

    As the movie yed, Anne brought up Caden, the leader of the newly revealed esper group. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

    "Did you hear about Caden? The leader of that esper group? He''s incredible! They say he can manipte reality itself."

    Alicarde smirked, knowing it was just spection.

    "Yeah, I heard. But manipting reality? Sounds like someone''s been watching too many movies. Next thing you know, they''ll be iming he can make chocte rain from the sky."

    Anne giggled. "Oh,e on! You have to admit, it''s cool. Just think of the possibilities."

    He shrugged. "I guess. But I''d rather deal with real problems than fantasize about superpowers, madam weeb."

    She rolled her eyes but smiled warmly at him. "You''re impossible."

    As the movie continued, Anne remained engrossed, asionally pointing out details and marveling at the hero''s feats. Alicarde, on the other hand, watched with a mix of amusement and detachment, his thoughts asionally drifting to his uing meeting with Malefica and the looming threat of Zagarath. He had his own special terms to propose to the witch.

    When the credits finally rolled, Anne turned to him, her excitement undiminished.

    "Thanks for staying. It was fun."

    Alicarde stood up, stretching. "Anytime, Anne. But I really have to go now. I need to do something."

    She nodded, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Sure, just... don''te back looking like it''s the end of the world."

    He gave her a reassuring smile. "I''ll do just that, but this time I''ll look like it''s the end of the universe."

    Anne smiled. With that, he left her apartment, his mind shifting back to the task at hand. The battle against Zagarath awaited, and he needed to be ready.

    He drove to Malefica''s posh neighborhood, parked his car, and walked up the steps to her house. The modern, sleek structure was a perfect fit for the upscale area. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

    Almost immediately, it swung open, revealing Malefica dressed casually in a skirt and a simple blouse, her expression a mixture of irritation and impatience. She wore her sses, and her hair was in an updo¡ªshe was as stunning as always.

    "You finally decided to show up," Malefica snapped, her eyes narrowing.

    "Do you have any idea how many people have died because you took your sweet time getting here? Zagarath''s rampage continues unchecked."

    "I showed up, didn''t I," Alicarde replied with some snark.

    His eyes grew cold. "But I''m here now. Let''s talk."

    She stepped aside, allowing him to enter. The interior of her home was just as modern as the exterior, filled with contemporary furniture and a few arcane artifacts that hinted at her true nature. She led him to a spacious living room where they both sat down.

    "I assume you understand what this contract entails?" Malefica began, her tone sharp.

    "Yes," Alicarde replied. "We''re making a pact to protect the city from supernatural threats. In return, you''ll teach me your spells and provide support."

    "Good. But first things first," Malefica said, pulling out a scroll from a nearby drawer. "Let''s go over the terms."

    Alicarde nodded, and Malefica began to outline the agreement.

    "You will actively protect the city from supernatural threats, using both your skills and the spells I teach you," Malefica exined. "You must keep the existence of this contract and my teachings a secret. You will prioritize my interests and consult with me before making significant moves against supernatural beings."

    "To the best of my ability, sure, I will," Alicarde interrupted.

    Malefica nodded, epting his words.

    "You will aid me in finding materials I need. And should the need arise, you would protect me with your life."

    Alicarde''s gaze remained steady. "Agreed, as long as it doesn''t conflict with my own goals."

    Malefica''s eyes shed with a mixture of satisfaction and challenge. "We shall see about that."

    ''With my life would be hard, I kinda can''t die'' Alicarde thought, saying protect her with his life was a funny concept especially to an immortal.

    Alicarde nodded. "That''s eptable. But my priority is destroying Zagarath. Everything else is secondary. While I''m willing to help you find what you need, I won''t do it if it conflicts with what Carrisa or I want or need. I''ll prioritize her first."

    Malefica raised an eyebrow, her voice sharpening. "Destroying Zagarath is important, but so is protecting innocents. You can''t ignore that. As for the Evernight girl, I ept that use. But you will also prioritize saving innocents."

    Alicarde shrugged, his gaze distant. "I''m not their lord. I have no reason to care beyond what''s necessary for my mission."

    Malefica frowned, sensing the coldness in his words. Something about him had changed, and she wasn''t sure if it was for the better. He seemed detached, colder. She decided to challenge him on it.

    "I believe you once said that if you had the power, you would help prevent a tragedy if you could. Do I need to remind you of that conversation?" Her tone was stern, almost usatory.

    Alicarde looked away, irritation shing across his face. Her words stirred a painful memory¡ªLily''s. He remained silent.

    "My obligations include teaching you spells focused on defense and offense, ones suitable for protecting the city. I''ll also provide enchanted items or temporary boosts when needed and share my knowledge about supernatural entities and their weaknesses. In dire situations, I will intervene or send aid."

    "Fine," Alicarde said, his voice clipped. "But make sure the spells you teach me are strong enough to take down Zagarath."

    Malefica sighed. "You''re very single-minded. Fine. But you need to understand the bigger picture. Zagarath is a symptom, not the disease."

    "Our mutual agreements are as follows, we will not harm or undermine each other. We''ll meet regrly to discuss threats and coordinate efforts. This contract is valid for nine years, after which it can be renewed or renegotiated. If either of us betrays the contract, severe penalties will follow."

    "Regr meetings?" Alicarde asked, raising an eyebrow. "I suppose that''s necessary."

    "Yes, it is," Malefica replied firmly. "Coordination is key to dealing with the threats we face."

    She continued, "The safeguards and restrictions are, I will only teach you up to a certain power level. You can gain high-level spells after the defeat of a powerful threat. I may ce a mark on you to monitor your actions, and you may have a means to call for my aid."

    Alicarde bristled at the mention of surveince. "I don''t like being monitored."

    "It''s necessary for trust," Malefica insisted. "And for ensuring neither of us strays from our obligations."

    "No, I refuse to be watched at all times. I''m willing to allow it when we''re working together."

    Malefica paused, considering his words. "Very well, epted."

    "The ethical considerations are, we agree that no innocent lives will be harmed. You will do your best to protect them. You retain your autonomy and moral judgment."

    "No harm to innocents?" Alicarde echoed, skepticism in his voice. "I can''t promise that. If innocents get caught in the crossfire, so be it." He thought of Lily''s mother, how her death had shown him that civilian casualties were often unavoidable.

    Malefica''s eyes shed with anger. "That''s not negotiable. You can''t act recklessly."

    "I''m not reckless. I''m efficient," Alicarde retorted calmly. "I''ll try to avoid unnecessary casualties, but I won''t make it a priority. I''ll protect them if I can, but if I have to choose between a stranger and someone I care about, I''ll protect my own."

    His gaze dropped, filled with a deep sorrow. "Besides, how can I make a promise I can''t keep?"

    Malefica sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Fine. But if any unnecessary harmes to innocents, our pact will be reconsidered."

    "Fair enough," Alicarde conceded. "I also have one more term."

    Malefica looked skeptical but nodded. "What is it?"

    "I want you to ensure my freedom of speech. Under no circumstances are you to vite that. If you do, you will be subject to a penalty of my choosing. That''s my only condition."

    "Hmmm, what type of penalty?" Malefica asked, her voiceced with suspicion.

    "Nothing that would put you in pain or endanger your life," Alicarde rified.

    "I sense ulterior motives," she muttered.

    "The only ulterior motive is that you need me more than I need you. Even then, you impose so many conditions, practically turning me into your errand boy. My one condition is only fair. As long as you don''t vite my freedom of speech, you won''t have to find out what my penalty is."

    Malefica frowned. He was right. There seemed to be no loss to her in agreeing. "Very well. I ept, as long as your penalties aren''t too extreme."

    "Now, let''s make sure this contract is clear. We destroy Zagarath and his allies first. Agreed?"

    Malefica nodded, her expression stern. "Agreed. Zagarath is our top priority."

    With that, she handed Alicarde a dagger. The de was long and sharp, gleaming with a silver sheen. "Sign here."

    Alicarde took the dagger, cut himself, and quickly dropped his blood onto the scroll before the wound healed. Malefica did the same. He felt a surge of magical energy binding him to the contract and Malefica. A ck mark appeared on his chest, signifying their pact.

    "It''s done," Malefica said, her voice calm but firm. "Now, let''s get to work. Zagarath''s days are numbered."

    Alicarde nodded, determination in his eyes. "Agreed. His death has been long overdue."N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "Right, I suppose I should mention, since it''s part of our use, I can''t use magic anymore," Malefica said, looking away.

    "What?"

    Alicarde''s eyes widened. Did he just sign a pact with a witch who couldn''t use magic?

 Chapter 75 Conspirators

    The evening sunset, its ethereal light filtering through therge windows, cast breathtaking, dying embers across the room. The air carried the faint scent of old parchment, magic, and a sweet feminine fragrance that could only belong to Malefica. The sun had finally sunk, plunging the world into darkness. Too bad it took Alicarde''s mood with it.

    "What the hell do you mean you can''t use magic?" His tone was a mix of annoyance and skepticism.

    "I can''t use magic," Malefica stated, looking him directly in the eye.

    "What kind of witch can''t use magic? Doesn''t that just make you a hot, ordinary person?" Alicarde''s confusion was evident.

    Malefica ignored the rudepliment. "I''m not exactly ordinary, and it''s not like I can''t use magic at all. Or did you conveniently forget our conversation on the night of the incident? I told you then I couldn''t use my powers freely."

    Alicarde recalled that night, though the details were hazy. He had been too out of it to pay attention, and his distrust of the witch hadn''t helped.

    "Yeah, I remember something about that. But you seem to be using magic just fine," he said, his skepticism unwavering.

    "Yes, I can use magic, but only three spells a day and only within this city. Outside of it, I would be even weaker," Malefica admitted somberly, her strict, imperious demeanor not faltering.

    "I made a deal with a useless witch. Great, just my luck," Alicarde muttered, rolling his eyes.

    Malefica''s eyes narrowed. "I am not useless. I can still teach you magic, which was part of our agreement."

    Alicarde sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Fine, be whatever. Can I ask how you got that way? I don''t even see a grimoire."

    "I have one, I assure you. Using it is...plicated. As for your question, I was cursed by a witch."

    "A witch cursed by another witch? At this point, nothing surprises me anymore," Alicarde''s tone dripped with sarcasm.

    "We''re not here to discuss my past. We have business to attend to," Malefica said sternly, trying to redirect the conversation.

    "Business? With a witch who can barely use her own magic? That''s rich," Alicarde shot back, crossing his arms.

    Malefica''s expression hardened. "If you''re done with the sarcasm, we can proceed. Despite my limitations, I still possess knowledge and power that can help you."

    Alicarde scoffed. "Knowledge and power? Sounds like a sales pitch. You better not be selling snake oil."

    Malefica sighed, clearly losing patience. "Look, you need my help, and I need yours. Let''s not pretend we have the luxury of bickering."

    "Fine. Let''s get on with it then. But I still don''t get how a witch gets cursed by another witch. Isn''t there some kind of witch code? You know, like honor among thieves?" Alicarde smirked, enjoying having cornered her.

    "Not all witches follow the same rules, Alicarde. Some are more ruthless and cunning. Although, I was cursed more out of love than hate," Malefica said, her voice tinged with bitterness.

    "How so?" Alicarde asked, genuinely curious now.

    "That''s my business. It has nothing to do with you," Malefica replied coldly.

    "It bes my business now that we have a pact. I need to know what I''m working with here," Alicarde retorted, unphased by her cold demeanor.

    The night had fallen, and his nighttime persona was far more aggressive than his daytime self. He was determined to get answers, even if he had to force them out of her.

    "I was cursed by a witch in a bid to protect me," Malefica said reluctantly.

    "Fine, whatever. Your past doesn''t exactly help me now," Alicarde shrugged, losing interest.

    He didn''t push further; her sob story wasn''t his concern, and he doubted she would tell him the whole truth anyway.

    "What''s the grand n? How do we take down Zagarath with your three spells a day?" Alicarde''s tone was dripping with sarcasm.

    "We''ll strategize. Use my knowledge of spells and yourbat skills. It''s not just about raw power; it''s about tactics," Malefica responded firmly.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    "Tactics, huh? Well, you''d better have some good ones up your sleeve, Professor. That wretch has allies everywhere," Alicarde said, leaning back with a skeptical look.

    "I do. And you, Alicarde, need to focus on the mission, not on undermining our partnership," Malefica retorted, her patience wearing thin.

    "Fine. Let''s just hope your tactics are as good as you im. Because if they aren''t, we''re both screwed, all things considered," Alicarde said, finally letting some seriousness creep into his voice.

    Malefica nodded. "Agreed. Now, let''s begin our preparations. Zagarath isn''t going to wait for us."

    With that, the two began to n their strategy, each harboring their own doubts and hopes, bound by a pact that held their fates together in ways neither fully understood.

    Alicarde settled into his chair, eyeing Malefica as she pulled out arge, rolled-up map. She spread it across the table, revealing a detailedyout of the city. Various points were marked with different symbols, indicating ces of interest.

    "We need to start with the key yers in the government who are in league with Zagarath," Malefica began, pointing to several spots on the map. "These individuals have been turning a blind eye to his activities, or worse, actively supporting him."

    Alicarde nodded, making mental notes. "Who exactly are we talking about?"

    "Councilman Garrett is the main one. He''s been bribed heavily," Malefica said, her finger tracing a path from City Hall to an upscale neighborhood.

    "Then there''s Police Chief Ray Richardson. He''s been covering up Zagarath''s activities, diverting investigations, and silencing witnesses. Among many others, I don''t have all the details." She seemed irritated.

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow. "What about the criminal groups? How do they fit in?"

    Malefica''s eyes darkened even more. "The Mafia has been involved in drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing, which Zagarath uses to fund his operations. The Triads are into human trafficking and have been providing him with a steady supply of victims for his rituals and food. They especially prefer pregnant women for their rituals, though the objective isn''t clear yet."

    Alicarde''s face tightened as he felt a greater desire to end them. "And the street gangs?"

    "They''re mostly used as foot soldiers," Malefica exined. "They do the dirty work¡ªassaults, kidnappings, intimidation. These are the ones I have found." She pushed a stack of documents to him.

    There were many of them. Alicarde read through them; some of these were from police records. Their crimes were heinous: drug trafficking, illegal arms dealing, human trafficking, rape, assault, homicide, kidnappings, and intimidation. Yet they walked as free men.

    The data wasn''t detailed enough, especially among the government officials. Some of these officials were superstitious enough to have contact with shady cults and magic cabals, seeking assistance for winning elections in exchange for human sacrifices.

    Malefica''s data had too many holes and spection, with no urate information on their actual locations¡ªonly ces where they had been spotted at different times.

    Alicarde memorized the names of some of them. "Alright, I can get the detailed info by hacking into the city''s databank. With this." He showed her the sh drive Amena had given him.

    Malefica nodded. "You can get most of the information from there, but the police have a separate database. You''ll need to hack into that as well, and you''ll have to sneak into the precinct to ess it."

    Alicarde frowned. "That would be fine, although I don''t think I''m good at sneaking into ces."

    "You''ll manage," Malefica replied confidently. "But promise me one thing¡ªno civilian casualties."

    "Can''t make any promises on that," Alicarde said.

    "Wasting innocent lives needlessly isn''t a sign of strength  it just means you''re weak," Malefica said bluntly.

    "What did you just say?" Alicarde''s tone turned cold, his eyes glowing with a murderous violet hue. He despised being looked down on.

    Malefica was unfazed by his cold look. "If you want to prove your strength, then show me that you aren''t weak. Prove that to me, and make me eat my own words. No innocent lives, and I''d acknowledge your strength."

    Alicarde calmed down, rolling his eyes. "Fine. I promise. No unnecessary casualties. But if ites down to it¡ª"

    "No," Malefica interrupted firmly. "Not if ites down to it. No civilian casualties, period. We''re already walking a thin line here, Alicarde."

    He sighed. "Alright, alright. I get it. I''ll be careful."

    ''Besides, I don''t want to hurt people either, but I don''t want to make a promise and fail... not again,'' he thought to himself.

    "Good," Malefica said, her tone softening slightly. "We can''t afford to hurt them even more. They''re already terrified enough. We need to work on finding the Strigoi nest and eradicating them, saving as many humans as possible."

    Alicarde leaned back, crossing his arms. "So, what''s our next move?"

    "We start by gathering intel. Hack into the city''s databank tonight. Tomorrow, we n the infiltration of the police precinct."

    Alicarde nodded. "Got it. Anything else?"

    "Yes," Malefica added, her eyes locking onto his. "Remember, Zagarath isn''t just a physical threat. He''s maniptive and cunning. Don''t let your guard down, not for a second. We need information."

    Enjoy new tales from empire

    "Trust me," Alicarde said with a grim smile. "I won''t."

    Malefica adjusted her sses. "Good, we don''t know what he is nning."

    Alicarde hesitated. He had a clue but wasn''t sure if he should tell her. Malefica noticed his expression. "Do you have a clue?"

    Alicarde could no longer hide it; their pact dictated he tell her. "I suspect he is preparing for the battle for the Nexus Fragments that will soon appear around the city."

    Malefica nodded. "Yes, I am aware of that. However, I suspect there is another reason, one which I am not certain of."

    "What other reason could there be?" Alicarde asked.

    "The Strigoi eat meat, it doesn''t need to be human. Over the course of a month and a half, they have consumed more than three thousand humans, some of whom have been transformed. This goes to show there is more amiss, they can''t eat that much."

    "Some of the people might still be captives," Alicarde spoke as if it were a matter of fact.

    Malefica sighed. "That still isn''t enough to exin the numbers. Three thousand is just an estimate. Where are they taking the humans they capture? I know the underworld sells some with esper potential to the government, and some are sold to cults for human sacrifices. But the numbers Zagarath is getting are too high for just food and creating minions."

    The more Alicarde heard, the more disgusted he felt with the level of corruption. He knew the government wasn''t exactly clean, but tonight made him lose faith in humanity¡ªthe humanity of these politicians, officials, and underworld scum.

    "So you mean he is nning something big," Alicarde concluded.

    "If we want to catch him, we have to do so at night. Strigoi can''t stand the sun; they will only move when it goes down. For now, we need to break into the city databank. My familiar Wrath can help with his teleportation, but Wrath isn''t exactly discreet."

    Malefica considered this. "We''ll need to be careful. If Wrath isn''t discreet, we risk alerting Zagarath''s allies."

    Alicarde smirked. "Wrath might not be discreet, but he''s efficient. We can use that to our advantage. A little chaos might give us the distraction we need."

    "Chaos is risky," Malefica countered. "We need to strike a bnce between creating a diversion and maintaining control over the situation."

    Alicarde leaned forward. "So what do you suggest? We can''t just waltz into the databank without raising rms."

    "We need a two-pronged approach," Malefica said thoughtfully. "While you hack into the city''s databank, I''ll work on creating a spell to cloak Wrath''s presence. It won''t make him invisible, but it will make him less noticeable. I''ll have a mob outside to get attention."

    "Fine," Alicarde agreed. "But once we have the information, we need to act fast. Zagarath won''t wait for us to catch up."

    "Agreed," Malefica replied. "And remember, no civilian casualties. We need to keep the coteral damage to a minimum."

    Alicarde nodded. "I''ll do my best. But if pushes to shove¡ª"

    "Don''t," Malefica interrupted firmly. "We''re trying to save this city, not destroy it."

    "Alright," Alicarde sighed. "I get it. Let''s just hope this works."

    "It will," Malefica assured him. "We don''t have any other choice."

    As they finalized their ns, Alicarde couldn''t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a muchrger battle. But with Malefica by his side, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. They would find Zagarath, stop his ns, and protect the city¡ªno matter the cost. His enemies would know fear, submission, or death...

 Chapter 76 Into The Night

    "Now then, while I can cloak your familiar, I don''t have enough spell-casting power at the moment. I would rather not waste my spells if I can help it," Malefica''s stern voice was a still melody in the night.

    Alicarde sighed. "I know that. I have a way to hide myself."

    He stood up from his chair, his shadow rising to cloak him in an imposing ck outfit. The dark fabric absorbed the surrounding light, rendering him almost a shadow himself. His hood concealed his face in deep darkness, with a mask covering from his nose to his chin, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.

    Intricate dark metals formed gauntlets with sharp fingers and retractable wrist des, seamlessly connected to vambraces.

    A sturdy chest te guarded his torso, while a long, Grim Reaper-like cloak flowed ominously behind him. Sturdy shin guards added to his formidable presence.

    Malefica watched him intently. "This should do. An enchanted armor, well made, it seems to be a soul artifact. I can sense several enchantment slots that are unused and four existing enchantments." Find exclusive stories on empire

    She nodded approvingly. "It''s well-crafted, one of the best I''ve seen in a thousand years."

    Alicarde nodded but didn''t say a word. He dismissed his gear, and it vanished in a dark shimmer.

    "Now we don''t have to worry about my identity being exposed," Alicarde said.

    "Yes, we don''t. I can use an enchanted charm to distort my appearance as well," she nced at him. "Do you know what the enchantments are? I can appraise it with my power if you''d like."

    "I don''t¡­ wait, I thought you said you can only use three spells a day," Alicarde asked, somewhat befuddled.

    "Yes, I can only use three spells a day, but this counts as a parlor trick," Malefica replied confidently.

    "Fine, sure." Alicarde equipped his Reaper''s Vestments again. Malefica stood up, cing her hand on his chest. She was so close, her fragrance filled his head.

    "I will share sensory perception with you so you can see the enchantments'' names and functions."

    Alicarde nodded, not speaking, knowing the Reaper''s Vestments made his voice cold, dark, and sinister. He felt like Malefica had dived into the soul of the vestments. He soon saw an ethereal glow in front of his eyes. There were words written there:

    [Bloodless] Prevents blood loss, strengthens with exposure to blood, and returns umted damage to the enemy.

    [Union] Regenerates with the user, amplifying all attributes as the user grows stronger.

    [Distortion] Conceals the user''s identity and prevents detection.

    [Aegis of the Mind] Shields the mind, preventing stun and abnormal effects, ensuring rity in battle.

    [Add]

    [Add]

    [Add]....[more]

    Malefica took a step back, looking at him. All she could see was darkness; she couldn''t see his face.

    "It seems it has four enchantments at the moment, with too many enchantment slots, most of which are empty. It must have cost the Evernight girl a fortune to afford this equipment... she must not have had enough funds to add more than four," Malefica spected, impressed with the gear.

    Alicarde remained quiet, silently memorizing the enchantments and thinking of how best to apply them inbat. Carrisa had told him she based the design off an assassin game he loved.

    The gauntlets were added to incorporate Argint''sbat style, giving him ws. The retractable des were for closebat. The mask changed his voice, and the hood amplified his base powers and, most of all, his fear. The overall gear healed with him, among other things.

    Then there were the empty slots. He could add more enchantments, as long as he found an enchanter or enchantress. Malefica pushed aside strands of her hair. She looked breathtaking. Alicarde was d she couldn''t see his face; he didn''t have to wear his poker face under the hood.

    He dismissed the gear, then sat down. "Now then, we break into the databank. Which district is it, and what''s your n?"

    "It''s in the central district. It''s a high-level facility, guarded by military personnel, the Bureau of Intelligence," Malefica replied.

    Alicarde listened intently. "You''ll create the distraction. Something to draw the guards away from the databank while I slip inside."

    Malefica nodded. "I can arrange that. There are a few small-time criminal groups in the area we can use. They''re always looking for a quick score. I can stir them up, with a spell."

    Alicarde smirked. "Perfect. And once I''m inside?"

    "You''ll need to get past several security checkpoints. The first one is just guards, but after that, you''ll face biometric scanners and encrypted locks. Your skills should handle the humans, but the biometric part might be tricky," Malefica exined.

    "I can handle it," Alicarde assured her.

    "And remember, no civilian casualties," Malefica reminded him sternly.

    Alicarde nodded. "Understood. I''ll be in and out without any witnesses."

    "I hope ''no witnesses'' doesn''t mean you''ll kill them," Malefica said in a stern voice.

    "Heehee, you got me. Alright, no deaths," Alicarde smiled.

    Malefica gave him a small smile. "Good. Let''s get this done. The sooner we have that data, the sooner we can figure out Zagarath''s n and put a stop to it."

    Alicarde stood up, readying himself for the mission. "Let''s go. Time to show Zagarath he''s not the only one who can y dirty."

    "How do we get there exactly?" Alicarde asked Malefica, who had changed into a green dress. She held an elegant ck cane adorned with intricate gold designs along its upper section.

    The cane featured arge, mesmerizing gem set into the pommel, which imbued it with various mystical abilities. The craftsmanship of the cane was impable, with swirling patterns and arcane symbols etched into the wood, giving it a sense of ancient power and elegance.

    "We can''t take a car, so how we leave is up to you. I can''t afford to waste my limited spells," Malefica spoke calmly.

    "Fine, whatever. Leave it to me. I happen to have a decent ride," he muttered.

    "Very well, then summon your familiar so I can cast my spell," Malefica ordered.

    Alicarde didn''t like her tone, but he epted nheless. His shadow moved, and a dark bicorn appeared. It had a sleek ck coat, three sharp horns on its forehead, and a ck saddle and reins. Its infernal eyes were menacing, and violet mes flickered around its hooves, casting an eerie glow.

    Malefica was entranced by the bicorn, and Alicarde suppressed the urge to smile smugly.

    "Being able to find, tame, and control such a powerful familiar is impressive. I am amazed," Malefica said.

    ''Yeah, you better be. Your daddy me went through some shit to get here,'' Alicarde thought rudely but remained quiet.

    Malefica began to cast her spell as Wrath gazed at her coldly but didn''t resist, knowing its master had allowed it. A magic seal appeared in Malefica''s hand as she chanted softly:

    "With shadows bent and moonlight torn,

    I call on secrets, veil and form,

    Hide the truth, distort the sight,

    Veil us in the depths of night,n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    A phantom''s guise, unseen plight,

    Lesser Concealment, take flight!"

    Wrath was enveloped in a soft light, and his powerful presence faded. Even the violet mes on his hooves disappeared, leaving no trace of his infernal nature.

    "It''s done. Now, how do you intend for us to get there without drawing attention?" Malefica asked, turning to Alicarde.

    Alicarde equipped the Reaper''s Vestments as he walked toward her. Without a word, he swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms. Malefica gasped, caught off guard by the sudden movement.

    He mounted Wrath with her, gripping the reins as the air around them shimmered like water, and in an instant, they were high above the city.

    "By flying on the bicorn you concealed," his sinister voice echoed through the night.

    Wrath''s shadow wings unfurled, carrying them silently into the sky. Malefica, not expecting to be carried like a princess, was seated in front as Alicarde''s arm wrapped securely around her waist, his other hand steering the bicorn.

    "Hold on tight."

    The cityscape blurred beneath them, the twinkling lights forming a patchwork of stars on the ground. To any observer below, it would seem as though the Grim Reaper himself rode across the sky, a dark steed bearing away a beautiful captive.

    The bicorn''s wings cut through the night air, each beat steady and smooth. Malefica, after the initial shock, found herself easing into the unexpectedfort of the ride. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, and the rhythmic motion of Wrath''s flight was almost soothing.

    She nced up at Alicarde. His face, hidden beneath the hood, was unreadable, his eyes fixed forward, intent on their destination.

    "Where exactly are we heading?" she asked, her voice barely carrying over the rushing wind.

    "The central district obviously," Alicarde replied. "We''ll be there soon. Just hold on."

    A sudden thought crossed his mind, and he cursed under his breath. "Damn."

    "What is it?" Malefica''s tone sharpened.

    "I left my sword at your ce," Alicarde muttered, realizing he''d forgotten his guitar case¡ªthe hidden weapon was ¡ªback at her residence. If Argint or Carrisa ever found out he''d left it behind, he''d never hear the end of it.

    "Should we go back?" Malefica whispered.

    "No, it''lle to me," he said confidently, his voice tinged with a dark certainty.

    The sword''s ability to return to him was one of its most mysterious properties. If he couldn''t go to it, it woulde to him.

    As they flew, the city below seemed to blur into a patchwork of light and shadow. The central district loomed ahead, its towering structures like sentinels against the night sky. The contrast between the serene heavens and the chaotic cityscape below was stark¡ªa reminder of the corruption and secrets they were about to uncover.

    "Ready?" Alicarde asked.

    Malefica tightened her grip on her enchanted cane. "I''ve waited a long time for this. I''m ready."

    The lights of the central district grew brighter, each building distinct against the night''s darkness. Their mission was about to begin, and both Alicarde and Malefica knew they would need every ounce of their strength and cunning to seed.

 Chapter 77 Specter

    The central district was the administrative heart of Evergreen City, bustling with activity at all hours. Towering skyscrapers loomed over the streets like silent sentinels, their sleek ss facades reflecting the neon lights that bathed the city in vibrant hues.

    The streets were lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and corporate offices, all vying for attention in the chaotic dance ofmerce. The sidewalks bustled with a mix of professionals, tourists, and those merely trying to survive in the city''s relentless pace.

    Above it all, the constant hum of traffic and the distant wail of sirens added to the district''s unceasing rhythm, a pulse that never quieted. If you could make it here, you could make it anywhere.

    The night sky, though beautiful, was obscured by the ever-present light pollution that shrouded the stars from view. Instead, the city''s neon lights formed a different kind of constetion, one born of human ingenuity rather than celestial bodies.

    A vagrant sat slumped against a wall, clutching a cheap bottle of alcohol in his grimy hands. His ragged, stained clothes clung to his thin frame, hanging loosely as if they might slide off at any moment. His beard was a tangled mess, streaked with gray, and his bloodshot eyes stared out at nothing in particr as the chill of approaching winter crept into the air.

    He was one of many who had failed to make it.

    He took a swig from his bottle, the alcohol dribbling down his chin and soaking into his beard.

    "Ahhh, fuckin'' bastards¡­ takin'' all the tax money, fillin'' their fat pockets¡­ Ha! This booze¡­ this booze is worth dyin'' for¡­" he muttered to himself, his voice slurring as he alternated between cursing andughing, lost in his own world.

    He looked up at the sky, his gaze unfocused, still ranting. "Look at ''em¡­ up there in their fancy towers, not a care in the world¡­ bah! I''ll show ''em¡­"

    As he rambled, something caught his eye¡ªa dark figure flying above a building, cloaked in shadow, riding what seemed to be a ck steed. Next to the figure was a woman, her beauty evident even from this distance, though he couldn''t make out the details.

    His bleary eyes widened as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. He blinked hard, then looked down at the bottle in his hand.

    "Shit¡­ this is some strong booze¡­" he mumbled, more to himself than anything, shaking his head in disbelief. There was no way he''d just seen a flying horse and the Grim Reaper.

    Up on the rooftop, Alicarde and Malefica dismounted from the back of the dark bicorn. As its shadowy wings retracted, vanishing into the darkness, they both turned their attention to the distant skyscraper.

    Its ss exterior gleamed under the city lights, but what was inside was far more significant. The building was a fortress, heavily guarded by military personnel who patrolled the perimeter and manned several checkpoints, their presence a constant reminder of the treasures thaty within.

    "That''s where the databank is," Alicarde''s voice, deep and sinister, echoed from beneath the Reaper''s Vestments.

    "I can see why it''s so secure. Are you sure we don''t have to force our way through?" Alicarde asked, his eyes sharp.

    "These people haven''t done anything wrong, so you will not kill them. Absolutely no civilian casualties," shemanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

    "These people aren''t exactly civilians; they''re soldiers. So they don''t really meet the parameters of our pact," Alicarde retorted, his tone almost yful.

    Malefica''s eyes narrowed, irritation shing across her face. "No killing. Adhere to that rule," she repeated firmly.

    "Yeah, yeah, I hear you¡ªno killing. Although, this would be so much easier if we just waltzed in there, guns zing," Alicarde said, stepping to the edge of the roof and looking down.

    "Now then, what''s the n?" he asked, turning his attention back to her.

    "I''ll cast a spell on the local gangs to cause a minormotion outside. While they''re distracted, you''ll sneak in. Be as stealthy as a ninja, unlikest time when I tantly caught you," Malefica''s tone was stern, reminding him of his failed attempt to sneak into her ss.

    "Ah, good times." Alicarde chuckled softly at the memory, theny down on the rooftop, staring up at the sky. The city lights drowned out the stars, leaving the sky dark and empty.

    "What are you doing lying on the floor? We have work to do," Malefica asked, her voiceced with impatience.

    "I''m waiting," Alicarde replied nonchntly.

    "For what, exactly?" Her tone was sharp, her irritation growing.

    "For my sword. Remember? It should be here any moment now," he said, tapping his hand on the ground as if urging it to hurry.

    Malefica sighed deeply, her annoyance palpable even through her typically strict expression. "You''re impossible," she muttered.

    Alicarde patted the ground beside him. "Come on over here. The view of the bleak sky is wonderful¡ªromantic, even," he teased, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

    Explore more at empire

    Malefica felt the urge to st him with a fireball but restrained herself, shaking her head as she walked over to the edge of the roof, looming over him with an expression of pure annoyance.

    "Ah, the view just got better," Alicarde said, looking up at her with a grin hidden beneath his hood.

    "I''m going to go find the gangs we need for my spell. When themotion reaches the second wave, sneak in and get the data. Meet me back here." She tapped her walking cane on the ground, disappearing into the night without another word.

    As soon as she was gone, Alicarde''s sword appeared in his hand. He grinned, weing the weapon.

    "d to see you made it to the party, nameless sword," he said, his tone dripping with dark humor.

    Wrath stood silently beside him, observing the scene with a calm, almost indifferent expression.

    Alicarde nced at the bicorn. "Looks like it''s showtime. Let''s do this," he said, bracing himself for whaty ahead.

    He stood motionless on the high rooftop, his form shrouded in flowing, shadowy garments that made him resemble a specter of death itself. The cloak swirled around him, moving as if it had a will of its own, its edges merging seamlessly with the darkness.

    His gauntleted fingers, sharp and metallic, caught the faint city light, casting a dark shimmer that added to his sinister appearance. Beneath his hood, only his violet eyes were visible, glowing with a menacing intensity that pierced the gloom, exuding a dark, foreboding aura that seemed to seep into the very air.

    He didn''t have to wait long before Malefica reappeared beside him, her presence marked by a subtle shift in the atmosphere.

    "All set," she said briskly. "Used up my second spell."

    "Second? What about that vanishing trick?" Alicarde asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

    "That''s just a parlor trick," Malefica replied, her voice confident and imperious.

    Alicarde chuckled darkly. "If that''s a parlor trick, I don''t even know what qualifies as magic anymore."

    "You''ll find out soon enough," she promised, her tone brooking no argument.

    Below, a small mob of thugs began to gather at the base of the skyscraper. The building, fortified and surrounded by military checkpoints, was now under heightened security. Yet the thugs seemed unfazed, their faces twisted with anger and greed, eyes gleaming with a wild, feral intensity. It was as though all fear had been stripped away, leaving only a raw, primal urge for chaos.

    The soldiers, recognizing the threat, sprang into action. One of them grabbed a microphone and called out, his voice booming through the speakers.

    "This is a restricted area! Disperse immediately, or we will be forced to take action!"

    The thugs showed no signs of retreat. Instead, they advanced, their movements erratic and aggressive. It was clear they were under some influence, their actions driven by dark magic rather than reason.

    "Last warning!" the soldier barked. "Disperse now, or we will open fire!"

    Still, the mob pressed on, undeterred. Tension hung thick in the air as the soldiers prepared to defend the building.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Finally, a soldier fired a warning shot into the air, the sharp crack echoing through the night. The thugs flinched but continued their advance, seemingly oblivious to the threat of death.

    Alicarde watched with cold detachment. "Hey, Malefica," he said, a hint of reproach in his voice, "I thought you didn''t want civilian casualties. Isn''t this counterproductive?"

    Malefica sighed, her eyes on the chaos below. "These thugs indirectly work for Zagarath¡ªthey''re not innocent. The spell I used affects those with significant negative karma. It wouldn''t work on anyone pure."

    "I see, the more evil you''ve sown, the stronger its effect," Alicarde mused, his tone intrigued. "I''d love to learn it."

    "All in due time. Now focus," Malefica replied, her voice firm andmanding.

    Alicarde''s gaze narrowed. "But what about the soldiers? Won''t they get hurt? You stopped me before¡ªwhy let this happen?"

    "They''re well-trained. They''ll manage. If things go south, I''ll intervene," she answered confidently.

    "And the crowded streets?" he pressed.

    "They''ll be fine. I thought you didn''t care," she said, her tone firm but patient.

    "I care¡ªjust not too much," he replied with a smirk, though it remained hidden beneath his hood.

    Malefica rolled her eyes but refrained from furtherment. They both turned their attention back to the unfolding scene below.

    The situation quickly escted into a one-sided brawl. The soldiers, disciplined and heavily armed, easily overpowered the thugs, who, despite the spell''s influence, were no match for the military''s firepower. Within minutes, the mob was subdued, their aggression extinguished as swiftly as it had ignited. The civilian crowds had long since scattered, retreating at the first signs of violence.

    "Time to go, Wrath," Alicarde muttered, turning to the bicorn, who had been silently observing the spectacle.

    With a fluid motion, he mounted Wrath. The world around them shimmered, rippling like disturbed water. In an instant, they vanished, leaving Malefica to observe the aftermath, her expression inscrutable. She watched as the soldiers, having subdued the first wave, were now blindsided by a second,rger group of attackers.

    The trap had been sprung, and the soldiers, believing the threat over, called for reinforcements from within the fortress.

 Chapter 78 : Shadow Of The Reaper

    The chaos outside continued unabated, but inside the building, an eerie silence prevailed. Alicarde and Wrath materialized in a deserted corner of the ground floor, where the shadows seemed thicker, almost as if they weed his arrival.

    The space was dimly lit, with cold, sterile lighting that barely reached the edges of the room, casting long, ominous shadows. The floors were polished marble, gleaming under the artificial lights, and the walls were lined with minimalist decor that spoke of corporate efficiency rather thanfort.

    Alicarde''s Reaper''s Vestments enveloped him in a shroud of darkness, the fabric absorbing what little light existed, making him appear almost as a walking shadow. His eyes, glowing violet beneath the hood, cut through the darkness like twin beacons of dread. His presence alone was enough to instill fear, butbined with the menacing figure of Wrath, his monstrous steed, it was terrifying.

    Wrath''s ck coat seemed to blend into the shadows, with three sharp horns protruding from its forehead, each one glinting dangerously. Its violet eyes mirrored Alicarde''s own, and sharp fangs peeked from its snarling mouth, adding to its feral, infernal appearance.

    They had bypassed all security checkpoints manned by humans, and most of the building''s personnel were upied with containing the chaos Malefica had incited outside.

    Satisfied with the situation, Alicarde dismounted, sending Wrath back into the shadow from whence he came. As the bicorn faded, the sound of hooves echoed faintly for a brief moment before vanishingpletely. Alicarde began to walk through the building, his footsteps silent against the polished floors.

    The interior was stark and cold, with a modern design that emphasized functionality over form. Tall ceilings loomed overhead, and every corner was perfectly squared, creating a sense of rigid order. The building was remarkably quiet, the only sounds being the faint hum of machinery and the distant murmurs of the chaos outside.

    Security here was minimal, with most personnel concentrated outside. The biometric locks guarding various doors glowed with a faint blue light, standing out against the otherwise muted tones of the interior.

    Alicarde knew these locks could be troublesome, but with the watch room''s attention diverted by the outsidemotion, he was confident he could move undetected.

    Yet, a part of him remained cautious. It was too quiet, too still. His instincts told him there were still a few personnel inside, possibly lurking in the upper levels or deeper within the building.

    Themotion outside might have distracted them, but it wouldn''tst forever. The thought passed through his mind that while the situation seemed under control, any slip-up could still be costly. He couldn''t afford to be overconfident, not with what was at stake.

    The building''s silence heightened his senses. Every creak of the structure, every distant noise, made him more alert. As he moved deeper into the building, he kept his guard up, ready to swing his sword at a moment''s notice.

    His thoughts were focused, calcting the best route to the data bank while minimizing the chances of detection. The fewer interactions he had with anyone inside, the better. He preferred to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, despite his earlier banter with Malefica. But if it came to it, he wouldn''t hesitate to act.

    Although he wanted Malefica to eat her words about calling him weak, he decided to try not to kill anyone just to prove her wrong.

    With every step, Alicarde felt the weight of the mission pressing down on him. This wasn''t just about stealing data; it was a test of his abilities, his resolve, and his growing partnership with Malefica.

    He needed to prove he could handle this, both to her and to himself. After all, the information he sought could be the key to unlocking the mysteries surrounding Zagarath and the city''s corrupt underbelly. He couldn''t afford to fail.

    As Alicarde moved stealthily through the quiet building, he continued to ponder his situation. He had nned everything meticulously, except for one crucial detail, he had no idea where the data bank was located.

    The realization hit him with an embarrassing jolt.

    He had the urge to facepalm but refrained¡ªthe Reaper''s Vestments were far too cool for such an undignified gesture. Instead, he resolved to keep up his mysterious facade. After all, the cameras had likely already caught footage of him, and he needed to ensure that anyone who saw it would think twice before trying to cross him.

    He wanted to create the image of an inhuman demon devoid of any shred of weakness, an advocate of divine retribution and death, created to punish them for their sins¡ªthe reaper who would harvest their souls and deliver them to the deepest abyss of hell.

    Alicarde had a simple reason for this approach. The people he was after were highly superstitious; if they believed something non-human was pursuing them, their fear would magnify exponentially. This fear would serve as a powerful deterrent, and Alicarde had no interest in dealing with any would-be copycats trying to mimic his aesthetics.

    He wanted the legend of the Reaper to grow, to strike terror into the hearts of those who opposed him.

    But the problem remained¡ªhe still didn''t know where the data was stored. He could have asked Malefica before they parted ways, but his pride had kept him from doing so.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    The thought of contacting her through the mark she had ced on him crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He''d rather figure it out on his own.

    He reasoned that the data bank must berge, requiring specialized equipment. Such equipment would likely be heavy, meaning it wouldn''t be ced on the higher floors. That narrowed it down to the ground floor, but the ground floor was vast, and time was running out.

    Alicarde weighed his options. The only alternative was to find someone who could guide him to the data bank. Right on cue, he spotted a young woman walking down the hallway. She had short hair and was dressed in an office suit, her eyes focused on a stack of papers in her hands.

    She seemedpletely absorbed in her task, unaware of the reaper lurking just a few meters away.

    He waited until she was just two meters away. She hadn''t noticed him at all. When she finally looked up, her face went pale as her eyes met the violet glow of his beneath the hood.

    "Hello, mortal," Alicarde greeted her, his voice dripping with sinister intent. He released a small amount of his fear ability, intending only to unsettle her slightly.

    The young woman froze in ce, her eyes wide with terror. A liquid stream suddenly trickled down her legs as she lost control of her dder.

    Alicarde was baffled beneath the hood. ''What the hell? I just said hello. What''s her deal?''

    The woman trembled violently before copsing to the floor, unable to even scream. Her eyes welled up with tears, paralyzed by the overwhelming fear she felt.

    Alicarde was growing irritated. "Stand, mortal. I am not here for your soul," he continued his theatrics, hoping to get her to cooperate.

    But she remained on the ground, too terrified to move. Alicarde sighed inwardly and retracted his fear ability, though the woman''s face was still ashen.

    ''What the hell? I only released a tiny amount of fear.''

    He noticed her name tag as she cowered on the floor. It read "Kim." From the looks of her, she was just a small-time employee, hardly worth his time.

    "Rise, Kim. I have note for your soul. Show me to the data bank," hemanded, his voice still carrying that sinister edge.

    Kim, shaking uncontrobly, managed to nod her head. Tears and cold sweat mixed together as she pointed a trembling finger behind her, stammering, "T-the... the d-d-dat... datata... s-server... r-room...

    back there..."

    Alicarde could barely make out her words, but it was enough to understand. She was trying to indicate that the data bank was in the direction she was pointing.

    Without wasting any more time, Alicarde used his control over gravity to lift her off the ground, causing her to yelp in fear.

    "Show me the way," he ordered, floating her along as they moved through the corridor.

    They soon reached a biometric lock. Kim, still hovering in the air, nervously informed him, "I... I don''t have the right clearance... I-I can''t open it..."

    Alicarde didn''t seem bothered. He had been prepared to punch through the door if necessary. But just as he considered doing so, the sh drive he had received from Amena vibrated in his Vestments. He pulled it out, holding it up to the door''s scanner. To his surprise, the door opened smoothly with a soft beep.

    Behind him, Kim gasped in terror. She hadn''t seen him pull out the sh drive, so in her mind, he had used some bizarre, supernatural power to bypass the lock.

    The fact that he held a ck sword in his hand only deepened her conviction that she was dealing with the Grim Reaper himself.

    They stepped into arger room that was empty except for a massive, vault-like door. The door was metallic, with reinforced hinges and thick steel bars securing it in ce. It looked imprable to most, but Alicarde wasn''t most people.

    He waved the hand holding the sh drive, but nothing happened. The door remained stubbornly shut.

    He turned to Kim, annoyance creeping into his voice. "Why is it not opening?"

    Kim yelped again, her voice trembling as she stammered out an exnation, "Th-the d-door... it''s... it''s not connected to the system. It''s...pletely analog. Y-you need...

    a key... and a pin... which are... m-manually inserted..."

    Alicarde absorbed her words, understanding what needed to be done. He approached therge vaulted metallic door, the weight of it obvious just by looking at it.

    ''So much for being discreet,'' he thought.

    With a simple exertion of his superhuman strength, he grabbed hold of the door and ripped it right off its hinges. The metal groaned in protest, denting under his grip as the walls around it cracked from the force. rms immediately red throughout the building, their shrill wails echoing off the walls as Alicarde tossed the door aside with a deafening thud.

    ''I guess I''ll have to fight my way out now. Sounds like fun,'' Alicarde thought, a twisted smile forming under his hood.

    Kim, still floating in the air, paled even further. She had just witnessed him rip off a door that must have weighed several tons.

    ''This isn''t a person... this is definitely the Grim Reaper... I''m dead... mom... dad forgive your useless daughter...'' Tears streamed down her face as she realized she might not survive the night.

 Chapter 79 Inhumane

    The room behind therge vaulted door was a stark contrast to the chaotic scenes outside. It was filled with the gentle hum of machinery, the sound creating a low, rhythmic drone that reverberated off the walls.

    The space was bathed in a soft, cool light, with a climate control system ensuring the technology didn''t overheat. Servers lined the walls in neat, precise rows, their lights blinking methodically, almost like a heartbeat.

    Each server was encased in sleek, dark metal, and the cables snaked across the floor and ceiling like the veins of a vast, mechanical beast.

    Alicarde marveled at the sight. The sheer amount of data being processed in this room was staggering. The machines here were the nerve center of whatever operations this building supported, their purpose obscured by theirplex design.

    He walked in, maintaining his sinisterposure, the violet glow of his eyes casting eerie shadows in the dimly lit room.

    ''Stay cool, Alicarde, stay cool¡­ be like Batman,'' he thought, a flicker of childishness hidden beneath his dark facade. But his thoughts were a far cry from the terror-stricken mind of Kim, who floated helplessly behind him.

    Her ck hair clung to her face, damp with sweat, tears, and snot. Her eyes were wide with fear, her breathing in short, ragged gasps.

    Kim hadn''t even found the strength to cry out loud, the fear had lodged itself too deeply in her throat. Her mind raced, wondering what would be of her. She was just an ordinary girl who had stumbled into this nightmare.

    She had gotten this job by sheer luck¡ªor perhaps, more urately, by a little underhanded deal. She had given her life savings to an important-looking man in a suit, and in return, she had secured the job.

    Was this her penance for indulging in a bit of nepotism? It wasn''t her fault, really. The system was to me. She had met all the qualifications, but without knowing anyone important, she''d been overlooked. The unfairness of it all gnawed at her, but that indignation quickly dissolved into raw terror.

    Kim had a family to support, her parents worked so hard for her to get to where she was, only for the final obstacle to be the corrupt system that was based on who you know rather than your qualifications.

    Why was she being punished? Why wasn''t the Grim Reaper punishing those who were truly responsible?

    ''Why? I don''t want to die¡­'' Kim wept silently, her wide, tear-filled eyes locked on the man she believed to be the Grim Reaper himself.

    Alicarde moved deeper into the room, fully aware that an armed unit or two would soon be on his trail. He wasn''t overly concerned¡ªa group of humans with guns was hardly a threat to him. However, Malefica''s rule about not killing weighed on his mind. He could take them out easily enough, but he was bound by her rules.

    ''At least let me do it in self-defense,'' he mused, but he knew the witch wouldn''t ept that as an excuse.

    He approached thergest machine in the room, its massive frame dominating the space. However, he quickly realized there were no visible ports to insert the drive. For a moment, he was at a loss, but then an idea struck him.

    He pointed the drive at the machine, hoping for a miracle. To his relief, the drive vibrated in his hand, a green bar appearing on its sleek ck surface. He moved it closer, and to his surprise, it snapped onto the machine like a ma. The green bar began to fill slowly, indicating the data transfer was in progress.

    But as the seconds ticked by, he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. His time was running out. He knew he had to protect the drive while itpleted its task.

    ''Soldiers, quite a few of them too, but not enough to matter. They will either submit or die¡­ hmm, right, I can''t kill them.'' Alicarde thought, thest part making him somewhat irritated.

    Calmly, he walked toward the sounds, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword. Kim, still floating behind him, trembled with a renewed glimmer of hope. Perhaps the iing personnel would save her from this nightmare.

    The corridor outside echoed with the hurried steps of armed men, their boots striking the floor in unison. Alicarde''s violet eyes narrowed beneath his hood as he assessed the situation. He could sense their anxiety, their determination to take him down. He knew they wouldn''t hesitate to shoot, but he had no intention of giving them that chance.

    As he advanced toward the door, his shadow stretched out, flickering ominously under the cold, artificial light. The soldiers were getting closer now¡ªhe could hear the tter of their equipment, the low murmur of their voices as theymunicated with each other.

    Alicarde stood just inside the threshold, his stance rxed yet ready for action. Kim, despite her terror, couldn''t help but cling to the desperate hope that these men would rescue her.

    But Alicarde had no intention of letting that happen. As the first shadow crossed the doorway, he prepared to unleash the full extent of his powers. This would be over quickly¡ªno killing, just incapacitation. After all, he had a data bank to protect.

    He quickly reviewed his objectives. Priority one, protect the server room¡ªone damaged machine could ruin the mission. Priority two, keep the young woman alive¡ªhe wasn''t about to let someone he was supposed to protect die.

    Priority three, have fun and make them submit before him... though he knew thest one was more of a personal preference than an actual priority.

    ''And no killing,'' he reminded himself, begrudgingly.

    The soldiers approached the server room with military precision. The leader stepped forward, raising his weapon and issuing a clear, authoritativemand.

    "Hands in the air! Now!"

    Alicarde remained silent, his posture unnervingly calm. One of the soldiers, his voice barely above a whisper, leaned toward hisrade.

    "Who the hell is this guy in a Halloween costume?"

    Ignoring the remark, Alicarde let the tension build. Then, with deliberate slowness, he released his fear ability, letting it creep through the room like a cold, suffocating fog.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "I am the harbinger of death," he intoned, his voice cold and sinister, carrying a weight that chilled the blood. "Submit to my will, or you will know suffering," he hissed.

    ''Ahhhh, I would have used the submission or death part, but I can''t because I''m on a no-killing rule,'' Alicarde thought.

    A smile tugged at his lips beneath the mask. He had been waiting to use that line for a month, perfecting it during countless hours of practice¡ªmuch to Argint''s mockery.

    She teased him about being a "chunni" with a serious eighth-grader delusionalplex, but seeing the soldiers'' guarded expressions and the flicker of fear in their eyes, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction, as if all his efforts were finally paying off.

    To the soldiers, it was as if horror itself had taken physical form. Alicarde had infused a mild dose of fear into his voice, careful not to overdo it. Carrisa had taught him that too much fear could cripple a person''s mind, rendering them useless.

    "On your knees, mortals," his sinister hiss filled the air, each wordced with malevolence.

    Kim trembled violently, too terrified to even call for help, her body betraying her with uncontroble shakes.

    The soldiers hesitated, the weaker-willed among them dropping to their knees, faces pale and eyes wide with terror. But the rest, driven more by desperation than courage, chose to attack.

    Their fear pushed them forward, clouding their judgment. They opened fire, bullets spraying toward Alicarde and the floating Kim behind him.

    Alicarde''s violet eyes narrowed as the air around him shimmered. The barrage of bullets stopped inches from his body, suspended in mid-air as if they had collided with an invisible barrier. This was his innate ability¡ªcontrol over gravity. The bullets hung in the air, trapped by the immense gravitational force he wielded with ease.

    Kim, still floating behind him, stared in wide-eyed disbelief. The soldiers, their initial bravado shattered, looked on in horror as their bullets hovered uselessly in the air.

    Alicarde stood still, his presence dominating the room.

    ''This is what true power looks like,'' he thought, a surge of satisfaction coursing through him.

    But he had to stay focused. The mission wasn''t over, and he needed to handle these soldiers without breaking Malefica''s rule.

    The next move would be crucial.

    Alicarde raised his hand, the cold, sharp fingers of his gauntlets gleaming under the harsh lights. His violet eyes locked onto a random soldier who was still frantically unloading bullets, futilely trying to prate the invisible barrier.

    With a slight, almostzy flick of his finger, Alicarde bent the gravitational field to his will. The soldier was yanked off the ground, his feet lifting off the floor as he gasped in shock.

    His body hurtled through the air, crashing into the wall with a bone-crunching thud. The force of the impact sent cracks spider-webbing out from the point of collision, leaving the soldier crumpled on the ground, unconscious but still alive.

    The other soldiers froze, their eyes wide with horror as they stared at their fallenrade. The icy tendrils of fear gripped their hearts, rendering them momentarily paralyzed.

    Alicarde gave the soldier a side nce, trying to maintain his inhuman facade.

    ''I didn''t kill him, did I?'' he thought, his gaze cool and detached.

    Seeing the terror in their eyes filled Alicarde with a dark glee. Their fear was intoxicating, a heady rush that made his heart pound with a twisted sense of euphoria. He could almost taste their despair, and it was delicious.

    But the soldiers weren''tpletely broken. Their leader, a grizzled man with a voice hardened by years ofmand, barked out orders.

    "Regroup! Take him down! Focus fire, don''t let up!"

    The soldiers snapped back to action, their fear giving way to the rigid discipline instilled in them. They opened fire again, their weapons rattling off rounds as they tried to overpower the malevolent force before them.

    Alicarde watched them with cold amusement. He wanted to buy time for the drive, but more than that, he wanted to see them utterly crushed by their powerlessness. He could already see the cracks forming in their resolve, and it thrilled him.

    With a deliberate, almost leisurely step forward, Alicarde moved into action. Some of the soldiers had unknowingly positioned themselves outside the radius of his gravitational field, but it didn''t matter.

    He moved with blinding speed, his body a blur as he closed the distance in an instant. His first punchnded with the force of a sledgehammer, striking the nearest soldier in the chest. The impact caved in the man''s body armor, the breath leaving his lungs in a single, pained wheeze as he was lifted off his feet and hurled backward.

    Kim, still floating behind him, watched in silent horror as the bullets halted just before they could reach her. The soldiers were too consumed by fear to even attempt a rescue.

    Alicarde waved his hand, and three soldiers were yanked into the air by the gravitational pull, their bodies lifting as if they were weightless.

    He paused for a moment, letting their terror build, then mmed them down with brutal force. The concrete cracked beneath them, the sickening sound of bones breaking filling the air. Blood flowed freely, but their groans assured him they were still alive, just broken.

    He lifted two more high into the air, their arms iling uselessly as they dangled like ragdolls. Their terrified screams filled the air, a symphony of despair that Alicarde savored.

    ''Man, I hope their health insurance can cover this,'' Alicarde thought.

    "He''s not human!" one of the soldiers cried out, his voice cracking with terror. "What the hell is he?!"

    Another, barely holding it together, shouted, "We''re gonna die here!"

    Alicarde''s smile widened under the hood as he toyed with them, enjoying every second of their panic. He sidestepped another soldier who had tried to intercept him, grabbing the man''s outstretched arm with one swift motion.

    The force of his grip was crushing, the bone snapping with a sickening crack.

    The soldier screamed, his face contorted in agony. Alicarde twisted, and the man''s body spun with the motion. With a flick of his wrist, he flung the soldier into the wall, the impact sending him flying through the room. Blood sprayed from the man''s mouth as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious but alive.

    The room was a cacophony of screams and gunfire, the soldiers'' desperation pushing them to reckless bravery.

    Alicarde moved through them like a force of nature, each step calcted, each motion precise. He grabbed another soldier, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. The man''s eyes widened in terror as Alicarde''s grip tightened, the bones in his arm cracking under the pressure.

    With a flick of his wrist, Alicarde sent the soldier flying across the room, his body crashing into a row of heavy metals. The impact shattered the metal and ss, the man''s body limp as he fell to the ground, unmoving.

    Alicarde turned, his gaze locking onto the remaining soldiers. They were trembling, their weapons shaking in their hands. He could see the fear in their eyes, the realization that they were utterly outmatched.

    He stepped forward, his presence overwhelming, and the soldiers stumbled back, their resolve crumbling.

    "This is the part where you run," he said, his voice dripping with menace.

    But they didn''t run. Instead, they opened fire again, their shots wild and erratic, desperation etched on their faces.

    Alicarde''s eyes narrowed, and he extended his hand. The air around him shimmered as he manipted the gravitational field. The bullets stopped mid-air, suspended by his will. He closed his fist, and the bullets crumpled like paper, dropping harmlessly to the ground.

    He flicked his fingers, and the remaining soldiers were lifted off their feet, their bodies spinning helplessly in the air. With a sharp, downward motion, he mmed them into the ground. The impact shook the room, the soldiers'' bodies bouncing off the concrete before copsing in broken heaps.

    Alicarde stood amidst the carnage, satisfied with the oue. Behind him, Kim''s eyes were wide and trembling, her face ashen.

    ''Well, no one died... I hope,'' he mused.

    ''He isn''t human... This is a monster that enjoys toying with human lives,'' she thought, the realization chilling her to the core.

    Alicarde turned away from the soldiers, leaving behind a trail of blood, pain, and fear. The dark smile hidden beneath his hood was one of triumph as he returned to the server room.

    The drive was now fully loaded, the green bar on its sleek surface glowing brightly. He pulled it off the machine, marveling at the technology.

    Demi-ne technology was truly something else¡ªit had downloaded an immense amount of data from the government system. Bank ounts, personal data, confidential reports¡ªall of it was now in his possession. The only exception was the police records, which were housed in a separate system.

    ''I''ll have to pay the local police station a visit,'' he mused, pocketing the drive.

    The server room was filled with the gentle hum of machinery, cool air circting to keep the tech from overheating. Alicarde admired the rows of servers, their blinking lights casting an eerie glow in the dim room. Everything had gone ording to n, and now all that remained was to make his escape before reinforcements arrived.

    He took onest look at the room, his gaze lingering on the trembling form of Kim. She was still floating mid-air, eyes wide with fear and disbelief. For a moment, he felt a pang of something¡ªregret, maybe¡ªbut he quickly brushed it aside. She was a casualty of circumstance, nothing more.

    With a final nce at the dimly lit room, Alicarde turned and strode through the door, his dark figure melding seamlessly with the shadows of the corridor. Behind him, Kim slowly lowered to the ground, her legs giving out as she copsed onto the cold floor, shaken but alive.

 Chapter 80 Legend Of The Reaper

    Alicarde left the server room, leaving Kim behind, and stepped back into a scene of utter carnage.

    The air was thick with the smell of blood and sweat, mingling with the stifling atmosphere of fear. Groans of pain echoed through the room as the wounded soldiersy scattered on the ground. Blood caked the floor, painting a gruesome picture of his handiwork.

    Broken bodies were strewn about, some slumped against walls, others lying in awkward, twisted positions. Yet, despite the brutality of the scene, not a single life had been lost.

    ''Yay me, a job well done if I don''t say so myself,'' Alicarde thought, a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips as he surveyed the results of his power.

    He walked toward their leader, who was slumped against the wall, his body battered and covered in blood. The man''s breaths were shallow, and his face was pale from blood loss, the fire in his eyes had dimmed.

    "You... you are gonna pay for this... you''ve made an enemy of the world government," the leader whispered, his voice strained and barely audible over the groans of his fallenrades.

    Alicarde didn''t respond. He simply stared at the man, his violet eyes gleaming with cold indifference from behind the hood. T

    he leader''s weak defiance meant nothing to him. With a final, dismissive nce, Alicarde turned and began to walk away.

    ''Geez, I really hope their health insurance can cover this. I think I went a little overboard,'' he thought.

    As soon as Alicarde''s back was turned, the leader mustered thest of his strength, pulling out a small receiver hidden in his bloodstained jacket. His hand trembled as he pushed the button, calling for support.

    "This is Lieutenant Van... requesting immediate backup from High Command," he rasped, his voice cracking from pain. "The target is... a reaper. I repeat, the target is a reaper. We need everything you''ve got...

    this is a true monster."

    There was a brief pause, filled only by the lieutenant''sbored breathing. Then a crackling voice came through the receiver, its tone cold and authoritative. "Lieutenant Van, this is High Command. Confirm the identity and current status of the target."

    "Confirmed... the target is demon, this one.. a reaper.'' He''s... taken down our entire squad. We need reinforcements, immediately," Van managed, his voice faltering under the strain.

    "Understood. Reinforcements are en route. Maintain visual contact and avoid direct engagement. We cannot afford to lose any more personnel," the voice responded, its calmness a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding Van.

    "Roger that... but you don''t understand... this guy... he''s not just some fighter... he''s a monster. We need more than reinforcements.

    We need¡ª" Van''s words were cut off as a violent coughing fit overtook him, blood sttering the ground.

    "Lieutenant, remain calm. Reinforcements will be there shortly. Hold your position and do not provoke him further," High Command ordered firmly.

    Van slumped back against the wall, his strength failing him. "You better hurry... I don''t think we''ve got much time left..."

    Alicarde, oblivious to the leader''s final desperate act, continued on his way. He exited the room and mounted his bicorn in one fluid motion, a dark silhouette against the lights.

    The feel of the powerful beast beneath him was exhrating, and he was beginning to get the hang of riding. There was something intoxicating about it¡ªthe sense of control, the surge of power.

    He couldn''t help but relish the sensation, most of all, it made him look cool. Nothing was more important than his coolness factor.

    He nced back, not sparing a thought for the remaining soldiers inside. His sword was securely fastened to his back, its primary purpose tonight merely to enhance his coolness factor.

    Although he felt it was a waste to hold a sword and not swing it, he knew it wasn''t the time. After all, what was the point of swinging a sword if not to kill? The sword was the king of all weapons, and weapons were made solely for killing.

    His mood was euphoric¡ªthe fear he had instilled in them was intoxicating. The expression on the leader''s face, that mix of defiance and despair, was particrly satisfying. Alicarde''s twisted mind reveled in the idea of facing a stronger enemy, someone who could actually pose a challenge.

    The thought of bringing down someone better than him, watching them fall into the abyss of their own despair, sent a shiver of anticipation through him. Gone were the days when he was the one afraid and weak.

    Aeternus was not weak. He was eternal.

    The bicorn moved with astonishing speed, its hooves barely touching the ground as it crossed the length of the building.

    Alicarde didn''t even bother to teleport, this was his way of showing disdain for his opponents. Since they had already seen him, he might as well show them the extent of his power.

    He was strong now, nearly untouchable, and the thought made him chuckle sinisterly as he zoomed across the building interior.

    As he emerged from the building, different lights hit him, casting his shadow in sharp relief against the ground. The personnel outside had been waiting, their weapons trained on the exit.

    Alicarde may not have known it, but High Command had reacted fast¡ªtoo fast. All the personnel on the ground were deployed with a security alert of DEFCON One, maximum readiness. The Bureau of Intelligence building was just too important.

    Alicarde saw squads of armed soldiers, their faces tense and focused. A few tanks stood ominously in the distance, their cannons trained on him, nked by a couple of armored vehicles with turrets that glinted in the moonlight.

    ''Wow, this ce really is secured. What the hell did I just take?'' he thought, somewhat amused by the show of force. The spectacle before him was almostical in its futility. He was untouchable, and they were about to realize just how outssed they truly were.

    Alicarde was ready to make a spectacle. He noticed civilians in the far distance, hidden behind military personnel, their cameras rolling despite the soldiers'' attempts to shoo them away. Helicopter lights, but not military¡ªcivilian.

    ''Ahh, the press. Looks like your boy Alicarde finally made it to the big screen,'' he mused, a twisted grin forming beneath his hood.

    Suddenly, a vibration in his chest signaled the flow of magic to his mind, establishing a telepathic link.

    "What on earth did you do? I told you to be discreet!" Malefica''s voice thundered in his head.

    "Well, actually, you didn''t. You said not to kill people, and I didn''t¡­" His reply wasced with snark.

    "You... I also told you not to draw attention!" Her voice echoed with growing irritation.

    "We can''t all get what we want. This wasn''t what I wanted either, but when you make an omelet, you gotta break some eggs."

    "Fine¡­ meet me on the roof¡­ now! And try not to get any more attention on us. I''ll use myst spell to conceal us before you arrive," Malefica ordered, her voice tense with urgency.

    "Sure thing, ma''am," he replied, his tone still snarky.

    "I repeat, hands in the air!" a voice shouted, cutting through his mental exchange.

    The soldiers were trying to maintain control, their voices strained with tension. "This is your final warning! Surrender now, or we will open fire!"

    Alicarde didn''t like the lights trained on him. Though his face remained hidden in shadow under the hood, the soldiers were on edge, unnerved by the sight of his monstrous steed.

    Wrath, his bicorn, was a creature of nightmares¡ªfarrger than any horse they had ever seen, with demonic violet eyes, infernal mes flickering at its hooves, three sharp horns jutting from its forehead, and fangs bared in a predatory snarl. The sheer presence of the beast filled the soldiers with a deep, primal fear.

    "Submit to my will," Alicardemanded, his voice deep and sinister.

    With a casual raise of his right hand, Alicarde unleashed his power. The soldiers within a seven-meter radius were suddenly lifted into the air, their limbs iling as they floated helplessly, defying gravity. Panic erupted as they screamed and fired their weapons wildly, the muzzles shing in the darkness.

    Alicarde watched in satisfaction as the bullets, instead of reaching him, hung suspended in mid-air like a deadly constetion.

    Then, with a flick of his wrist, the floating soldiers were mmed into the ground with bone-shattering force. The impact echoed like thunder, their bodies crumpling on the concrete, cries of pain mingling with the tter of dropped weapons.

    The press cameras captured every moment, the carnage unfolding in vivid detail, transmitting it to millions of screens across the globe.

    Alicarde was intent on giving them a show¡ªa demonstration of force that would serve as a clear warning to Zagarath and his allies. He could feel Wrath''s bloodlust, the bicorn eager for a ughter, but Alicarde kept it in check, issuing a firm order not to kill.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    With a swift teleport, he vanished from sight, reappearing behind a group of soldiers near a tank. Their confusion was palpable, eyes wide with terror as they spun around, searching for their invisible foe.

    "What the hell is that thing?"

    "Is he human?"

    "Fall back! Fall back!"

    "Open fire, goddammit!"

    The shouts ofmand were drowned out by the roar of gunfire. But Alicarde was already in motion. He raised his hand, and the tank rose with it, its massive weight defying gravity as it floated into the air like a child''s toy.

    The soldiers stared in disbelief, their panic turning into sheer terror as the tank hovered above them. Alicarde''s eyes narrowed, and he brought it crashing down onto an armored vehicle, the collision creating a deafening explosion.

    The ground trembled under the force of the impact, and a shockwave of dust and debris sted outward, knocking the soldiers off their feet.

    Wrath, sensing its master''s intent, charged toward the next armored vehicle with unbridled ferocity.

    Alicarde leaned forward, his sharp gauntlet digging into the metal frame. Hebined his gravitational maniption with his superhuman strength, lifting the vehicle as if it weighed nothing. The metal groaned under the strain, twisting and screeching as it rose off the ground.

    Bullets ricocheted off the vehicle''s chassis, the futile attempts of the soldiers to halt his assault. With a mighty heave, Alicarde hurled the vehicle through the air. It soared across the battlefield like a missile before crashing into a group of approaching reinforcements, the resulting explosion illuminating the night sky in a fiery bloom.

    Chaos reigned as Alicarde unleashed a wave of fear. The soldiers around him recoiled, their faces contorted in terror, limbs shaking uncontrobly as they dropped their weapons and stumbled back.

    The aura of dread he projected seeped into their minds, overwhelming their senses with a paralyzing fear.

    He moved through their ranks like a phantom, each motion precise and fluid. His handsshed out, hurling soldiers aside like ragdolls, their bodies mming into walls and each other with bone-crunching force. One by one, they fell, unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure he exerted.

    Despite the devastation, Alicarde remained careful not to kill, his attacks calcted to incapacitate rather than destroy.

    "What are¡­ what do you think you''re doing? Hurry up, I''m still waiting!" Malefica''s voice snapped in his mind, pulling him back to the task at hand.

    "Right, my bad," he replied telepathically, acknowledging her impatience.

    He brought Wrath to a halt, the bicorn rearing up on its hind legs as mes erupted from its hooves. Alicarde teleported to the top of the fallen tank, his figure looming over the chaos below.

    From his elevated position, he surveyed the scene. The battlefield was a tableau of destruction¡ªsoldiers sprawled in disarray, vehicles twisted and smoking, the remnants of his onught scattered like broken toys.

    The press, who had been hiding, peeked out from their cover as Alicarde spoke, his voice dark and sinister, reverberating through the night.

    "The guilty will know agony," he dered, his words echoing across the battlefield and reaching the cameras that had been left rolling.

    The world around him rippled like disturbed water as he and the bicorn vanished from sight.

    In the aftermath, the press began to stir, murmurs of disbelief and awe spreading among them.

    "Did you see that?"

    "What the hell was that thing? A demon?"

    "No, no, it was like¡­ more like... a¡­ reaper¡­"

    "Go live! We need to get this out there, now!"

    "Write it up for the morning papers¡ªthis is going to be front-page news."

    "This is crazy, the ratings will be through the roof!"

    "I want our people investigating, I want all the details!"

    The world was stunned by the birth of the Reaper, the ominous figure who had left a trail of fear and destruction in his wake. And as the cameras broadcasted the footage, the legend of the Reaper began to spread, reaching ears far beyond the confines of the battlefield.

 Chapter 81 Government Secrets

    Alicarde materialized on the roof of a skyscraper, the cool night breeze brushing against his hood. The city below was alive with chaos¡ªhelicopter lights crisscrossed the dark sky, some belonging to the press, all searching the roads for the mysterious hooded reaper who had just wreaked havoc.

    The hum of engines and the wail of distant sirens filled the air, creating a tense, charged atmosphere.

    Malefica stood before him, her eyes sharp and cold as they bore into him. She was clearly not pleased with his disy of power. The coldness in her gaze made it clear that she wasn''t in the mood for excuses.

    "What did you just do?" she demanded, her voiceced with restrained fury, though she already knew the answer.

    Alicarde smiled, his expression hidden beneath his hood. "What? No one died, as promised."

    "No one died, but you left people worse off," she snapped, her frown deepening. "Broken bones, crushed spirits¡­ why? Did you really feel the need to make them suffer more than they had to?"

    He shrugged, searching for a defense. "Ahhh, well, I was¡­ urg¡­ well, I held back¡ª"

    "Held back? You call that holding back?" Malefica''s voice rose with her anger.

    "You terrorized a whole squad of soldiers, lifted a tank into the air like it was nothing, and paralyzed people with fear! You crushed their bones, broke their wills, and turned them into quivering wrecks. You weren''t just trying toplete the mission¡ªyou were toying with them!"

    "Toying with them? Goodness, no, I would never. I even gave them a warning," Alicarde said in mock indignation.

    "You call telling them to submit to your will a warning? It was more of a deration," Malefica shot back, her frustration evident.

    "Yes, it was... a deration of their surrender," Alicarde responded nonchntly.

    "You seem to be enjoying yourself. With this, all our enemies will be on high alert," she said angrily, her eyes narrowing.

    Alicarde remained silent, his gaze drifting away from her intense re. The reality of her words settled in, but he couldn''t fully suppress the dark satisfaction he had felt during the chaos.

    "So¡­ like, I think we should get out of here before we''re found," he suggested, attempting to change the subject.

    "You think?" Malefica''s voice snapped, her tone icy.

    "I already have a spell up, and by standing here, you enjoy its effects. But that doesn''t change what you did!" She continued, her voice a litany of frustration and disapproval.

    "You''ve turned a simple extraction into a public spectacle! You were supposed to be discreet, and now half the city is talking about the Reaper! Do you even realize the consequences? The press, the military, the government¡ªthey''re all going to be on high alert now! This isn''t some game, Alicarde. You can''t just waltz into a battlefield and y hero¡ªor viin¡ªwithout repercussions.

    Do you know what they''ll do if they find out who you are? What they''ll do to those connected to you?"

    Her voice rose, each wordced with exasperation. "I''ve spent centuries hiding in the shadows, maintaining secrecy. Your little disy might have just painted a massive target on us!"

    Alicarde sighed, growing weary of her rant. His gaze shifted to Wrath, who stood behind him, the bicorn''s fiery eyes watching the scene with an unsettling calm.

    An idea sparked in his mind¡ªhe had other options. Without a word, he walked towards Malefica, who was still scolding him in that imperious tone she so often used.

    Before she could react, Alicarde wrapped his arms around her and effortlessly lifted her up in a princess carry. Malefica gasped in surprise, her usualposure momentarily shattered.

    Alicarde floated up into the air with the aid of his gravity control, his gaze focused as he maneuvered them both onto Wrath''s broad back.

    "What do you think you''re doing?" Malefica demanded, still in his arms, her voice tinged with both anger and disbelief.

    "Getting us out of here," he replied calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    Malefica huffed, clearly annoyed, but as they soared into the night sky, she fell silent. The cityscape below stretched out like a glittering carpet of lights, disturbed only by the asional sh of sirens and the sweeping beams of searchlights.

    Despite her irritation, Malefica found herself quietly observing him. His grip on the reins was firm, his other hand resting on her hips, securing her in ce.

    In over a thousand years, this was the closest she had been to any living being. The realization made her pause. The feeling was strange, unfamiliar, yet oddly novel, she did not dislike thepany of others despite what her truename would suggest.

    The anger that had fueled her scolding began to evaporate slowly, reced by a quiet contemtion as they soared through the night, the ambiance of the city below them a stark contrast to the turmoil they had left behind.

    The sounds of helicopters and sirens grew faint as they climbed higher, leaving the chaos far below.

    For a moment, neither of them spoke, both lost in their own thoughts as they flew towards the horizon, the cold night air brushing against them, the city a distant memory.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    They vanished from the night sky, reappearing in the warmth of Malefica''s home. The interior was as enchanting as ever, a seamless fusion of the modern and the arcane. Antique decor, clearly of mystical origin, adorned the room¡ªeach piece humming with a faint magical energy.

    The walls of this particr room were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes, their spines worn with age, alongside more mundane books, mostly on psychology.

    The contrast was striking, with volumes on the human mind sharing space with texts that spoke of spells and otherworldly realms. The soft glow of candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room, giving it an almost ethereal ambiance.

    Malefica turned to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    "Did you get it? If you tell me you didn''t and still caused such amotion, I might have to take out my anger on your grades," she said, her tone tinged with irritation but carrying an unmistakable sharpness.

    Alicarde smirked, leaning casually against one of the bookshelves.

    "What? You want to mess with the grades of a good student?" he teased, his voice dripping with mock innocence.

    "A good student doesn''t traumatize military personnel," Malefica retorted, crossing her arms.

    "Wait... Is the reason why my grades are always just shy of perfect¡­ because of you?" Alicarde asked, his tone taking on a mock usatory edge.

    "No, I''m not," she replied with a slight huff.

    "It''s because you only put in half the effort. That''s why you always fall short of a perfect score. If you actually tried, you''d get full marks, but you getzy halfway and just summarize the important details."

    "It''s too much work," Alicarde grumbled.

    "And that''s why you''re always just shy of a perfect score," she replied, sounding every bit like a stern professor scolding a student with untapped potential. Then again, she was a college professor.

    "Now, hand it over so I can examine the data," she demanded, holding out her hand expectantly.

    "Of course, here you go," Alicarde said, producing the drive from his vestments and cing it in her hand. The device had a dark shimmer, and a curious smile touched his lips as he watched her reaction.

    "Follow me," she instructed, her voice steady, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of interest. She led him through the house.

    They walked down a narrow hallway lined with even more bookshelves, finally entering a study where arge, ornate desk sat in the center, cluttered with papers, quills, several arcane instruments, and a sleekputer.

    As she set up the drive, she exined, "The data you''ve obtained is crucial. Most records of government activities are stored on these databanks¡ªeverything from state secrets to citizens'' personal information. Passwords, financial records, ssified operations¡­ almost everything, with the minor exception of a few records connected to the police system."

    Alicarde raised an eyebrow. "So I basically stole state secrets."

    "Yes," Malefica replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "And that''s precisely why your little spectacle outside was so dangerous. You''ve drawn attention to yourself in a way that makes it harder for us to move in the shadows."

    He leaned back against the desk, crossing his arms. "It''s not like I nned on it bing such a big deal. But when I''m in the moment, sometimes things just¡­ escte."

    Malefica sighed, rubbing her temples. "You need to understand that every action has consequences, especially when you''re dealing with the kind of power you have. We''re not just ying games here. This is real, and the stakes are high."

    "I get it, I get it," Alicarde said, waving a hand dismissively. "But you have to admit, it was kind of fun."

    Malefica shot him a stern look. "Fun isn''t the point, Alicarde. You''ve just stolen highly sensitive information. If we''re discovered, the entire world coulde crashing down on us."

    He shrugged. "So, what''s next? Do we crack open the files and see what dirtyundry the government''s been hiding?"

    Malefica inserted the drive into a sleek, ck device that began to hum softly. "We''ll start by examining the data, sorting through it to find what''s relevant to our goals. But you need to stay focused. This isn''t a game, and if you''re not careful, it could cost you more than just your grades."

    "Yeah, yeah," Alicarde muttered, though a small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "But I do love a good challenge."

    Malefica didn''t respond, already deep in thought as she began to sift through the data. As the device''s screen flickered to life, revealing a cascade of files, Alicarde leaned in, his curiosity piqued, his face inches away from hers.

    "So, what exactly are we looking for in this mountain of secrets?" he asked, his tone more serious now.

    "Anything that ties back to Zagarath, his allies, or the government factions working with him," Malefica replied, her fingers dancing over the controls.

    "We need leverage, information we can use to bring them down from the inside out."

    Alicarde nodded, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the screen. "Looks like we''re going to be here for a while."

    "Yes," Malefica agreed, her voice softer now, her earlier frustration reced by a grim focus.

    "But this is just the beginning. If we y our cards right, we could tip the bnce in our favor."

    "And if we don''t?" Alicarde asked, though the challenge in his voice suggested he already knew the answer.

    Malefica''s eyes met his, cold and resolute. "Then we''ll just have to find out the hard way."

    The hum of the device filled the room as they worked in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The screen disyed an endless stream of data, revealing the hidden threads of power and control that wove through the government''s operations. Alicarde''s grin faded as the magnitude of what they were dealing with became clear.

    Malefica nced at him, her expression softening slightly. "You need to take this seriously, Alicarde. This isn''t just about us. It''s about everyone caught in the crossfire."

    He nodded, his gaze fixed on the screen. "I know. And I''m in this, Malefica. Whatever it takes."

    She gave a brief nod, her eyes returning to the data. "Good. Because this is only the beginning. We''re going to need every ounce of strength and cunning we have."

 Chapter 82 Underground

    In a luxurious mansion, therge living room was a blend of modern extravagance and timeless elegance. The room was expansive, with a vaulted ceiling that created an airy, open atmosphere. A crystal chandelier hung from the center, casting a warm glow over the space.

    The floor was covered with a plush carpet that contrasted with the sleek, marble tiles extending into the hallway. The walls were adorned with a mix of contemporary art pieces and a ssic Victorian design, lending a touch of old-world charm.

    Despite the refined decor, there was an ominous edge to the room¡ªstrategically ced along the walls were various weapons, swords, spears, and axes, each disyed as if they were art pieces themselves.

    Three stunning women lounged on thevish sofas that framed arge t-screen TV. The centerpiece of the room, the television, was currently disying the news, though the subject matter was anything but engaging.

    A tall, graceful maid stood quietly to the side, her posture perfect as she awaited instructions. Amena, dressed in a traditional ck and white maid outfit that entuated her slender frame, had her brown hair tied back neatly, and her blue eyes were sharp with awareness.

    The reporter on the screen droned on monotonously, her voice devoid of any real enthusiasm.

    "In local news today, the city council has announced yet another round of talks regarding the budget allocation for public transport. Despite ongoing debates, there has been little progress. Residents express growing frustration with the dys, citing the continued issues with overcrowding and outdated infrastructure..."

    A young woman with fiery red hair shifted restlessly on one of the sofas, her impatience palpable. She was dressed in a pair of loose, boyish shorts and a hoodie that was clearly not her own¡ªit was toorge, the sleeves hanging past her hands. The hoodie bore the unmistakable scent of its owner, Alicarde, and the woman wore it like a prized possession.

    Her vibrant amber eyes shed with irritation as she finally spoke up.

    "Why are we watching the news?" she demanded, her voiceced with frustration.

    This was Argint, a spirited and feisty individual whose temper matched her fiery hair. Her youthful features were striking, though her current expression was one of annoyance.

    A delicate, mockingugh came from the woman seated across from her. This was Elizalina, a silver-haired beauty with piercing grey eyes that seemed to see right through anyone they rested on.

    She was dressed in a form-fitting red dress that entuated her curvaceous figure, the fabric clinging to her like a second skin. Her demeanor was one of calcted elegance, every movement she made exuding a cold, sophisticated grace.

    "It is understandable that someone of your nature may find it challenging toprehend the actions of those who operate on a more elevated level of intellect and sophistication," Elizalina began, her voice dripping with condescension.

    "But even an individual of your¡­ limited faculties should be able to appreciate the importance of staying informed. Knowledge, after all, equates to power, though I fear such a notion might elude your grasp."

    Argint''s eyes narrowed, her fists clenching in herp as she prepared a retort. Before she couldsh out, Amena interrupted with her usual calm efficiency.

    "Mistress, I have just received ess to the databanks. It appears that Alicarde was sessful in retrieving the information," Amena announced, her tone even andposed as she addressed the room.

    She raised her wrist and lightly tapped it to create a floating hologram screen in front of her. Lines of data flowed across the screen, each reflecting a wealth of information.

    The third woman in the room, who had thus far remained silent, finally spoke. She was an aloof beauty with long, dark hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves, her violet eyes sparkling with an intelligence that seemed almost otherworldly.

    She wore a sleek, ck dress that highlighted her seductive figure, the fabric shimmering slightly in the ambient light. Her voice, when she spoke, was smooth andmanding, carrying a tone of regal authority.

    "Excellent," she said, a small smile ying on her lips.

    "I expected nothing less from my Alicarde. With ess to the government''s database, we now hold a most valuable asset. This information will undoubtedly prove instrumental in furthering our ns."

    Argint tilted her head, confusion shing across her face.

    "Wait, what¡­ what are you guys up to?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

    Elizalina couldn''t resist the opportunity to taunt her.

    "Oh, my dear," she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness, "it is almost endearing how you struggle to keep pace. I suppose it is a challenge for one of your¡­ rudimentary intellect toprehend the intricacies of what we are discussing."

    Argint bristled at the insult, shooting back, "At least I don''t spend all my time sitting around like some overgrown ornament, pretending to be a queen. Maybe if you actually did something, you''d know what it''s like to get your hands dirty... parasite."

    Elizalina''s smile didn''t waver, but her eyes darkened.

    "A true queen''s strength lies not in manual toil but in her capacity tomand those beneath her to enact her will. Such a concept, however, is understandably foreign to someone whocks both a name and wisdom."

    Before the tension could escte further, the aloof woman in the ck dress¡ªCarrisa¡ªintervened.

    "Ladies, your bickering is tiresome and beneath you. Let us focus on the task at hand. Amena, continue analyzing the data. We have much to deliberate."

    Amena nodded and continued to tap on the holographic disy, bringing up more detailed files. The room fell into a tense silence as the women shifted their attention back to the task at hand.

    Not long after, the TV screen abruptly switched to a breaking news segment, the words "Breaking News" shing in bold red letters at the top.

    The channel disyed chaotic footage of an ongoing battle in the city. The camera footage, shaky and hastily captured, showed what looked like a grim reaper on a dark, monstrous steed, effortlessly overpowering the military.

    The scene was harrowing, soldiers were thrown aside like rag dolls, bullets suspended in mid-air as if time itself had been halted. The reaper''s figure was cloaked in shadow, his face obscured beneath a hood, but his presence was unmistakably malevolent.

    His mount, a nightmarish creature with three sharp horns and infernal violet eyes, added to the horror of the scene, its hooves leaving a trail of violet mes in their wake.

    The reporter''s voice was strained as she tried to narrate the events, her words barely masking her fear.

    "In what appears to be a surreal and terrifying turn of events, an unidentified individual, resembling the grim reaper, has been sighted engaging military forces. The assant, shrouded in darkness and mounted on an otherworldly beast, has single-handedly decimated the troops.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Eyewitnesses report hearing the figure''s ominous deration, ''The guilty will know agony.'' Spection is rife as experts struggle to interpret the meaning behind this chilling message..."

    As the news anchor struggled to provide context, the broadcast shifted to variousmentators, each attempting to interpret the situation. The reaper''s final words had already be a topic of fervent discussion, with pundits and analysts debating their significance.

    Argint''s eyes widened in shock as she watched the footage.

    "What the hell did that bastard Ali do?" she eximed, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration.

    The other women in the room, however, were much calmer, almost nonchnt about the entire affair. Elizalina leaned back on the sofa, a knowing expression on her face.

    "It was to be expected," she remarked, her toneced with a subtle, cold amusement.

    "Ali going on a rampage was inevitable," Amena added.

    Argint shot her a puzzled look. "What do you mean? Carrisa said he got better."

    Carrisa, the dark-haired woman with violet eyes, spoke up with a sigh.

    "I believe I mentioned that he was merely permitted to leave. His condition may have improved, but it does not imply he has been cured of his aggression," she rified, her voice steady yet carrying a trace of skepticism.

    "We had anticipated this oue," Amena interjected. Her tone was calm, almost detached.

    "That is why he was tasked with retrieving the data from the bank. He would aplish his objectives while we gained ess to the governmentworks."

    Argint looked even more bewildered. "Wait, you knew he was going to cause amotion? Then why did we even bother keeping him confined for a month?"

    Carrisa met her gaze, her expression serious. "His mental state was exceedingly unstable. Now, I believe he is of sound mind¡­ or so I hope."

    Argint wasn''t convinced. "You hope? That''s not good enough," she retorted, her frustration boiling over.

    Elizalina couldn''t resist adding her own pointed remark.

    "Oh, this is sheer folly. Had we not allowed him to leave, his mental state might have deteriorated further, and he would have likely departed on his own," shemented, her tone dripping with condescension.

    Argint red at her but seemed to let the insult slide, instead focusing on the bigger picture.

    "Hmmm, I see. So you used him to gain ess to the databanks. For what purpose? What exactly do you intend to do with the government data?" Argint asked Carrisa.

    Carrisa allowed a small, calcting smile to cross her lips. "The aim is to assert control over Evergreen City," she stated.

    Argint''s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You don''t mean¡­ the nexus. I see. You wish to establish this ce as your territory andy the groundwork for your return to the Demine."

    Carrisa''s n wasn''t difficult to discern. She intended to establish the nexus here in the mundane world, where she could steadily build her forces and reap its benefits. However, there wereplications.

    The Demine, though dangerous, was rich in resources. If Carrisa desired resources here, she would have to acquire them through theft or conquest.

    Elizalina ced a hand on her chin, her expression thoughtful as she spoke in a calm, measured tone.

    "A nexus¡­ I see you are pursuing the one I recently sensed emitting waves. By my estimation, every major power in this world will covet it. Should you secure it, you will require a substantial force to defend it."

    "I have already amassed an army," Carrisa dered confidently.

    "You are referring to the Nightshades?" Argint questioned, her voiceced with both acknowledgment and skepticism.

    Elizalina''s curiosity was piqued. "The Nightshades?" she inquired, her tone stillposed yet tinged with genuine interest.

    "The Nightshades are a tribe of warriors and assassins, banished to the wastnds," Argint exined.

    "They somehow ended up here due to Wrath and the nexus."

    Amena, ever precise and efficient, provided additional context for Elizalina.

    "The incident that led to Alicarde obtaining Wrath involved the Nightshades. They were transported here by the nexus''s power."

    Elizalina nodded slowly, her expression contemtive.

    "I see. I have heard tales of their prowess as assassins. From what I understand, they surpass even the dark elves in stealth and lethality, while also being formidable warriors. Quite a formidablebination."

    Argint, her mind racing with this new information, asked, "Is that why we aren''t assisting Ali with his revenge quest?"

    Carrisa nodded. "Indeed. He has his role to y while we handle the repercussions. His vendetta will likely lead him to target key government figures associated with Zagarath. Our task is to rece them with our own."

    "I understand, but we are still somewhat undermanned," Argint noted. "Unless you bring the Nightshades here. Which raises the question¡ªwhy are they not here already?"

    "The Nightshades have currently ventured to a ce in this world called the Underground to refine theirbat skills," Amena exined, her stoic demeanor unwavering.

    "The Underground? Where is that?" Argint asked, her curiosity piqued.

    Carrisa''s expression was one of calm authority as she borated.

    "It is a concealed realm beneath the earth, where numerous supernatural creatures and flora remain hidden from the mundane surface world."

    Amena tapped her hologram, disying a few images.

    "Have you heard of the novel Alice in Underground, written by a mage inspired by some ounts concerning the Underground?" she continued.

    Argint nodded, recalling the children''s book that had gained poprity in the mundane world.

    Elizalina, ever the voice of cold pragmatism, added in a calm tone, "I have heard some tales. It is akin to the wastnds¡ªdangerous, teeming with many monsters and horrors, though not quite on par with the wastnds. I suspect many of them have already perished by now."

    "My mistress did supply them with the bulk of what little potions we had left," Amena added. "In hopes of increasing their chances of survival."

    "Let us hope they are not all dead. Now then, what is the n?" Argint questioned Carrisa.

 Chapter 83 Manufactured Underworld

    "My n is rather straightforward," Carrisa began, her voice steady andposed.

    "I intend to im ownership of the Fourth Nexus within this world. The emergence of this nexus was a stroke of fortune, one we must seize with both hands."

    She paused, her violet eyes narrowing slightly as she considered her next words.

    "The Nightshades will adhere to the will of their lord, as they have been conditioned to do. My initial objective is to establish dominion over Evergreen City, positioning ourselves as a formidable force in this realm.

    Thereafter, I n to appropriate the resources of the three great powers, specifically targeting a substantial magic core located on Academy Ind¡ªa territory shared between the three factions, given its neutral status. All of this, and much more, lies within our grasp."

    Elizalina, ever poised, inclined her head slightly, her silver hair cascading over her shoulder like a silken veil.

    "Correct me if I am mistaken," she began, her voice cold, yet edged with a subtle sharpness.

    "but rumors suggest the Nightshades were deemed traitors to their lord. However, given tonight''s revtions, I find that narrative exceedingly dubious."

    Carrisa nodded thoughtfully before responding. "Indeed, those usations were baseless. The Nightshades were falsely used. I surmise their former lord sought to eliminate them, either due to paranoia over their growing power or fear that they might uncover secrets he wished to keep hidden. It could be as simple as him wanting to dispose of what he perceived as loose ends.

    The reasoning of fools is beyond myprehension."

    Elizalina''s lips curled into a wry smile, her tone dripping with irony. "Like a lizard severing its own tail, I presume?"

    Carrisa shook her head slightly. "No, I do not believe it is as trivial as that. Whoever their former lord was, he was grossly ipetent. What kind of imbecile would willingly discard a n of such capable assassins, particrly one with a fanatic level of loyalty?"

    Her voice held a trace of disdain, as if she could scarcely fathom the folly she described.

    Elizalina''s eyes gleamed with approval, her thoughts aligning with Carrisa''s.

    "I am inclined to agree," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "The very notion is absurd¡ªdispensing with such a valuable asset. It speaks volumes about the weakness of their previous master."

    Carrisa smiled, her eyes reflecting a shared sentiment. "Indeed."

    Amena, standing nearby with her usual stoic demeanor, added to the conversation.

    "The Nightshades are renowned for their indoctrination. They are bred to be loyal to the extent that they would willinglyy down their lives for their mission. Theirmitment is absolute."

    Argint, who had been listening intently, nodded in agreement.

    "Yes, I remember. They were on the verge ofmitting mass suicide." She held her fingers close together to emphasize her point, recalling the terrifying sight of even the children being prepared to end their lives, all in the name of fulfilling their oath. That level of indoctrination was rming, even to someone like her, who had been raised in a n of warriors.

    Elizalina arched an eyebrow, her expression one of mild curiosity. "And yet, they refrained. What, I wonder, stayed their hand?"

    Carrisa leaned back slightly, her gaze calm as she replied.

    "Alicarde offered them a new purpose, a new lord to serve. One who would not betray them as their previous master did. Perhaps they realized their skills would be far more valuable in the service of someone who truly appreciates their worth."

    Elizalina nodded, her expression one of cold satisfaction.

    "Such loyalty, when directed toward a worthy master, is a formidable weapon. One that could significantly shift the bnce of power in our favor."

    Carrisa''s smile deepened. "Precisely. And that is why we must secure the Nexus. With the Nightshades under ourmand and the power of the Nexus at our disposal, we will be unstoppable, at least in the mundane world."

    Argint, still processing the gravity of the situation, asked.

    "What is the next step? I mean, aside from awaiting the Nightshades'' return."

    Carrisa''s gaze sharpened, her tone decisive. "The next step is to consolidate our control over Evergreen City. We must ce our operatives in key positions of influence. When the time is right, we will act swiftly and decisively, leaving no opportunity for our adversaries to counter."

    Elizalina, her voice tinged with calcted cunning, added.

    "And we must ensure that Alicarde''s actions do not draw undue attention to our ns. His aggression, while advantageous, must be carefully managed. We cannot afford any missteps."

    Amena, ever the voice of reason, interjected. "The Nightshades will return soon. Until then, we must remain vignt. Any miscalction could jeopardize everything we havebored to achieve."

    "No need to worry about him. While he does exhibit some chunni tendencies, I trust him to make the right decisions when it truly matters," Argint stated, her confidence unwavering.

    Carrisa''s smile was a masterful blend of satisfaction and restraint. In the dimly lit room, her violet eyes gleamed with the assured confidence of one who had orchestrated events to perfection.

    For the past month, she had been methodically working on Alicarde''s psyche, subtly guiding him towards a semnce of normalcy. But her machinations extended beyond him.

    Elizalina, with her cunning and pride, was another piece on Carrisa''s chessboard¡ªone she was slowly positioning under her influence. Over time, Carrisa had discerned certain truths and recognized that the vampire could, to some extent, be trusted.

    The constant squabbling between Elizalina and Argint had served her purpose exquisitely. Their verbal exchanges, which had begun as mere disagreements, had evolved into a psychological battleground, with Carrisa subtly positioning herself as the arbiter of their disputes.

    Each time Argintshed out, Carrisa would step in with a few well-chosen words, diffusing the tension and establishing herself as the voice of reason. Gradually, this dynamic shifted, and even the proud vampire began to heed Carrisa''s guidance, often without realizing it.

    Elizalina, with her sharp wit andposed demeanor, had unknowingly started to regard Carrisa as a superior, someone worthy of respect. But what the vampire failed toprehend was that every nod of agreement, every instance ofpliance, was another thread in the web Carrisa was weaving around her.

    The vampire''s astute mind was being steadily subdued by Carrisa''s careful maniption, through subtle cues and psychological nuances that went unnoticed but were profoundly effective.

    Carrisa''s thoughts wereced with a cold satisfaction.

    ''So long as I continue to y my cards with precision, they will all align with my vision. Evergreen, Argint, even Elizalina ¡ªthey shall all serve my purpose.'' The thought brought a slight, almost imperceptible, smirk to her lips.

    "What is our next course of action?" Argint inquired, her gaze fixed on Carrisa, who responded with a gentle smile that softened her otherwise aloof expression.

    "For the time being, it is Alicarde''s move," Carrisa replied, her voice smooth andmanding.

    "He is our vanguard. As he eliminates key figures within the government and the criminal underworld, we shall rece them with our own operatives. We will extend invitations to political rivals, urging them to join our ndestine factions, and establish new underworld syndicates to fill the void left by those that fall to Alicarde''s wrath."

    Elizalina, ever poised, raised an elegant eyebrow.

    "You intend to fabricate an underworld within the city you aspire to govern?" she asked, her tone skeptical yet intrigued.

    Carrisa nodded gracefully. "Indeed. Crime, regrettably, is an inherent aspect of human nature¡ªcertain souls are inexorably drawn to the shadows. Therefore, I shall establish an underworld under my dominion, ensuring that I wield authority over both day and night."

    Argint looked impressed. "I had not considered that. Is such a feat truly feasible?"

    Amena, always the voice of pragmatism, interjected, "It is not only feasible, but it would also enable us to treat the underworld as another branch of governance. The current regime already employs criminal elements to conduct their unsavory dealings. We, however, shall control the entirety of it. Rather than merely coborating with these factions, they will operate directly under ourmand."

    Elizalina twirled a lock of her silver hair around her finger, her tone filled with admiration.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Impressive, Princess. I would expect nothing less from one as astute as you. Such an ingenious scheme."

    Carrisa remainedposed, though there was a hint of modesty in her eyes.

    "I would like to im all the credit, but I cannot. This idea was inspired by an observation Alicarde made in passing. He can be surprisingly insightful at times, though I never know what to expect from him."

    Argint raised an eyebrow, her surprise evident. "Who would have thought that his chunni tendencies would ever prove useful?"

    Carrisa gestured to the holographic projection Amena had conjured, which now expanded to disy a list of names and profiles.

    "Now, based on the intelligence we have gathered, here is a roster of individuals who did not align themselves with Zagarath. These are potential candidates for our new underworld, as well as prospective allies within the government."

    The holographic disy showcased detailed profiles of various figures¡ªpoliticians, influential business leaders, and underworld operators who had not pledged their loyalty to Zagarath. The women began to analyze each one meticulously, evaluating their potential loyalty and utility.

    "This one," Elizalina indicated a profile of a politician renowned for his strategic acumen, "has the connections necessary to influence the media and steer public perception in our favor. With control over the media, we can dictate the narrative and manage the flow of information."

    Carrisa inclined her head in agreement. "Precisely. We shall approach him discreetly, offering him a ce in our new order. As for this one," she gestured towards another profile, "he has affiliations with several criminal organizations. We can leverage his influence to consolidate those groups under our control."

    Amena, everposed, spoke up. "With theprehensive administrative ess we now possess, we can manipte the systems to position our people in critical roles. The minor exclusion of the policework is of little concern, as we can still exert indirect influence through our underworld connections."

    "Excellent," Carrisa said with satisfaction.

    "The n ising together seamlessly. Now, the only remaining obstacle is the rogue espers. I suspect they are acting on behalf of one of the three major factions, the Magicians Guild, the Order, or the Truth Association. Should they prove amenable, I will endeavor to bring them under our banner. If not, it would be prudent to eliminate them.

    I see little merit in tolerating loose ends before I establish my nexus."

    Elizalina tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in contemtion.

    "You suspect they havee to Evergreen City in pursuit of the nexus fragments?" she asked, her voice thoughtful.

    "I do not merely suspect," Carrisa corrected, her tone firm. "I am certain they have already arrived."

    The room fell into silence as the gravity of her words settled over them.

    Argint looked at Carrisa with concern. "If they are indeed here, then what is our next move? We cannot afford to be caught unprepared."

    "We shall not be," Carrisa assured her. "We will monitor their movements closely. Our contacts within the city will alert us to any unusual activity. Once we have pinpointed their location and intentions, we will respond ordingly. We must be prepared to defend the nexus fragments at all costs."

    "We can have Alicarde eliminate them if they be troublesome," Amena suggested.

    Carrisa nodded, understanding that her maid had grasped her intent perfectly.

    Elizalina nodded as well. "I assume you have contingencies in ce, should these espers prove more formidable than anticipated?"

    "Naturally," Carrisa replied, her voice calm but resolute. "We have the Nightshades on standby. Though they are currently positioned in the Underground, they can be summoned if necessary. Additionally, we possess various other assets that can be mobilized to neutralize any threats.

    This city will be ours, and nothing¡ªnot the government, not the underworld, and certainly not these espers¡ªshall stand in our way."

    Argint nced around the room, noting the determination etched on each of their faces.

    "I am amenable to any strategy, provided it does not involve the harm of innocent civilians. Let us ensure we are prepared for whatever maye," Argint said, her voice firm.

    She wasmitted to avoiding unnecessary casualties if possible. Herpanions seemed indifferent to the plight of ordinary humans, and Alicarde, once a staunch protector, had grown colder and less inclined to shield those unrted to him.

    "I ept that condition," Carrisa agreed, her tone measured.

    With that, the women turned their attention back to the holographic disy, meticulously refining their ns and preparations, fully aware that the battle for dominion over Evergreen City was only just beginning.

 Chapter 84 Esper Trio

    The night was bitterly cold by the docks, where the only light came from a few flickering, dim streetlights and the asional glint off the ocean''s surface. The darkness felt oppressive, hanging heavy in the air like a thick fog.

    The docks were eerily silent, save for the distantpping of waves against the hulls of rusting ships and the asional creak of old wood. Stacks of crates loomed like silent sentinels, their shapes barely distinguishable in the gloom.

    The air carried a faint scent of death and decay, a sickly-sweet odor that no amount of industrial-strength cleaning chemicals seemed capable of erasing. The ce felt forgotten, abandoned to time and the elements.

    A tall, dark-skinned young man stood near the edge of the docks, his eyes scanning the shadows warily. His buzz-fade haircut was neat, contrasting with his rugged surroundings.

    He was lean, his build suggesting a mixture of agility and strength, and his sharp eyes gave away his alertness. His clothes were functional, a ck leather jacket over a in white shirt, jeans that had seen better days, and scuffed boots that hinted at a life on the move.

    "Hey, Petra, did you find anything yet?" he asked, ncing at the young woman beside him.

    Petra had dirt-blonde hair that fell messily around her shoulders, her green eyes sharp with focus as she knelt by a stack of crates. She wore a dark hoodie and jeans, the kind of outfit that allowed her to blend into the shadows effortlessly.

    Her small frame and youthful face made her look almost out of ce in the grim environment, but her eyes held a depth of experience that belied her appearance.

    Petra sighed, clearly frustrated. "Shut up, Caden. Psychometry isn''t magic. I need to find the right stuff to touch," she muttered, her voice tinged with irritation as she continued to search the area.

    "Yeah, I hear you," Caden replied, his tone equally annoyed.

    "But we''ve been here for an hour. First, you say you found a trail of a monster, and then you lead me to an abandoned building in the docks. And this ce stinks," heined, wrinkling his nose at the pervasive odor.

    Petra rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up. My [Mind Burst] ability is too cool to fail. I just need a clue."

    "[Mind Burst]? You just copied my esper name and added ''Burst'' to it," Caden retorted, crossing his arms. "My [Mind Force] is way cooler. I mean, useful telekinesis versus yourme Psychometry? No contest."

    Petra shot him a re. "Shut up and let me focus. I didn''te up with the name, remember? It was the white coats in theb who gave us our esper names. And keep talking, and I''ll make you relive your traumas with my power," she threatened, her voice low and cold.

    Caden backed off slightly, raising his hands in mock surrender.

    "I apologize for my outburst¡­ do as you please," he muttered, deciding it wasn''t worth pushing her any further.

    "You better be," Petra said.

    "I take it back, your powers are useless," Caden taunted, a smirk forming on his lips.

    As they continued their bickering, the air around them seemed to ripple, and a young woman with brown hair appeared out of nowhere.

    She had piercing blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence, and she was dressed in a pair of long jeans and a jacket that was a few sizes too big, giving her a slightly disheveled look.

    Despite her casual attire, there was an air of confidence about her, something that made both Petra and Caden instinctively stand a little straighter.

    "Guys¡­ I finally found you," she said, her voice tinged with irritation.

    "You had one job, and that was to buy groceries. Now, I find you guys at the docks, and why did you only send a text? You could''ve at least called the rest of us," she scolded, her eyes narrowing in annoyance.

    "Oi, Christina, sup girl?" Caden greeted her, attempting to sound nonchnt but failing miserably.

    "Ehh¡­ me Petra. It was all her. She saw some w mark in an alley and decided to touch it, saying she saw visions of a blonde girl taken by some monster."

    "Shut up and let me focus!" Petra yelled, her patience wearing thin.

    Christina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she forced herself to stay calm.

    "Right, whatever. Just hurry up and find something useful, this ce stinks," she ordered, clearly not in the mood for their antics.

    "Yes, ma''am," Caden and Petra replied in unison, their tones half-joking, half-serious as they fell silent.

    A few momentster, Petra''s eyes lit up. "I found something. It moved into the abandoned building over there. Come on, let''s check out the clues. This might be our lead to find what that creepy robe guy asked us for," she said, her voice filled with determination as she led the way toward the dpidated structure.

    The building loomed before them, its walls crumbling and covered in dirt, windows shattered or boarded up. The stench of decay and chemicals was stronger here, almost overpowering as they approached the entrance.

    "Are you sure about this?" Christina asked, her voice tinged with doubt as she nced at Petra.

    "Yes, I''m sure," Petra replied firmly. "This is the ce. We need to be careful, though. Whatever we''re looking for¡­ it''s not friendly."

    "Great, just what we needed," Caden muttered, his eyes scanning the darkness warily as they prepared to enter the building.

    "This ce makes me wanna puke," Christinained, her nose wrinkling in disgust as she stepped over a pile of debris, the stench of rot and decay almost overpowering.

    Caden, his expression finally serious, moved to the front of the group. "You guys stand behind me. I''ll protect you in case something shows up."

    "As you wish, fearless leader," Petra teased, though her tone was half-hearted. She crouched down, pressing her hand to the filthy, rotten floor. The moment her skin made contact, her mind was assaulted by a grotesque vision¡ªa twisted coge of human remains, dismembered and scattered across the floor like discarded refuse.

    The horror of what she saw hit her like a physical blow, and she doubled over, retching violently.

    "Petra, you okay?" Christina rushed over, her voiceced with concern, her hand hovering uncertainly over Petra''s back.

    "Calm down, don''t force yourself," Caden added, his voice softer than usual as he knelt beside Petra.

    Petra''s body trembled uncontrobly, her face ashen, eyes wide with terror. The visions continued to sh before her eyes¡ªmen, women, and children, their screams of agony echoing in her mind, their bodies mutted beyond recognition.

    She could barely breathe, the air thick with the stench of death, mingling with the acrid scent of chemicals and blood. She wanted to run, to get as far away from this ce as possible, but her legs wouldn''t move.

    Minutes passed before Petra finally managed to steady herself. Her voice shook as she spoke, her words almost a whisper.

    "This ce is¡­ a human abattoir, a ughterhouse. So many humans died here, eaten¡­ men, women, children¡­ it was horrible."

    Caden ced a hand on her shoulder, trying to console her. "Okay, Petra, it''s okay. We can go now."

    Christina nodded at his words, ready to teleport them out of the hellhole they found themselves in, but Petra slowly shook her head and stood up on unsteady legs.

    "No, not yet. We still need a clue. We can''t fail¡ªour lives and freedom hinge on our sess. So, no," she refused, her voice firmer now, though still tinged with lingering fear.

    "But Petra¡­" Christina''s voice trailed off, worry etched across her face.

    "Petra, stop acting tough. We need to go. You look as pale as a corpse," Caden insisted, his tone urgent, his concern genuine.

    "No, I refuse," Petra repeated, more adamant this time.

    "Let''s go, stop being stubborn," Caden said, his frustration growing.

    "I''m not being stubborn. This might be our only chance. After so much suffering, we finally managed to escape from thebs, and now your life is the leverage for some asshat. If we fulfill the mission, we''d be free, for real this time. So, no, I''m not leaving," Petra said, tears welling up in her eyes.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Caden looked down, knowing her anguish, his jaw clenched with frustration and helplessness. Christina nced at Caden, waiting for his answer.

    "I still don''t agree," Caden whispered, his voiceced with uncertainty.

    "I won''t leave," Petra insisted, her eyes locking onto his with a desperate determination.

    "Damn it, Petra," Caden muttered, his resolve wavering as he nced at Christina, silently asking for her input.

    Christina sighed, her hand reaching up to rub her forehead in exasperation. "Look, I get it. But if this goes south, we''re out of here. No arguments, no heroics."

    Petra nodded slowly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Fine. But let me try. Please."

    "Just¡­ be careful," Caden finally relented, his voice heavy with resignation. "If you feel like something''s off, we''re gone. No arguments."

    "I need to know what happened here," Petra muttered to herself, though the desperation in her voice was evident to the others.

    "What happened to the young woman they brought here? Did she get eaten too?"

    The other two watched her with growing concern, but Petra''s resolve remained steadfast.

    They moved cautiously through the dark, decrepit hallways, the dim light barely illuminating the crumbling walls. Eventually, they reached arge production area. The stench of rot and chemicals was almost unbearable, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood.

    Christina''s stomach churned, bile rising in her throat as she nced around at the remnants of the carnage. The cleanup had been haphazard at best, leaving behind a macabre tableau of broken machinery and dark stains on the floor.

    "What the hell happened here?" Christina muttered, her voice trembling. "From the looks of it, someone tried to clean up, but there were just too many deaths, and they did a sloppy job."

    They pressed on, their footsteps echoing eerily in the silence, until they came upon a gaping hole in the ground. The concrete around it was jagged and cracked, as if some enormous force had torn through it, revealing the churning sea below.

    Petra knelt by the edge, cing her hand on the ground. Her eyes zed over as a vision took hold of her mind.

    "There was a battle here," she began, her voice distant. "Monsters... and another creature... a shadowy figure. I can''t make them out clearly. It was trying to protect the humans, killed the monsters.

    But then¡­ something worse came, something horrible. He fought it, but it defeated him. He made this hole in the ground in a fit of rage when one of the monsters killed a woman... I can''t get all the details... too much time has passed... But he took the blonde girl with him, and a little girl, and they dived into the water."

    She clenched her fists, frustration and helplessness washing over her. "I can''t make out their faces¡­"

    "Calm down, Petra," Christina said gently, though her own nerves were frayed. "If they jumped into the water, they might have survived."

    "Or they died from the cold water," Caden added, ever the pragmatist.

    Petra shook her head, her features hardening with determination.

    "I doubt it. The shadowy figure was strong¡­ I just need a clue, something that belongs to any of them¡­" She gritted her teeth, frustration evident in her voice.

    "Will a strand of hair work?" Caden asked, his gaze fixed on the hole in the ground.

    "Yeah, but where are we supposed to find that? This ce has been cleaned up," Christina pointed out, skepticismcing her words.

    "They didn''t clean up the hole," Caden replied confidently. He waved his hand, and with a slight exertion of his [Mind Force] ability, a barely visible strand of blonde hair floated up from the darkness, illuminated faintly by the dim light.

    "Wow, you really have sharp eyes," Petra said, her surprise genuine.

    "Too bad he''s blind to the really obvious things," Christina muttered, her frustration clearly personal.

    "Hehe, looks like it''s [Mind Force] for the win," Caden bragged, a grin spreading across his face.

    The girls ignored his self-congrattion, their attention focused solely on the hair. Petra took it carefully, her hands trembling slightly as she touched it.

    Her eyes fluttered closed, and she spoke in a hushed tone.

    "I can see her face¡­ but she was unconscious the whole time. The shadowy figure was after her¡­ it was trying to protect her."

    Petra nced at Caden, her brow furrowed in thought.

    "We need to find her. Maybe we can get a clue about who or what was here, and maybe find those magicals¡­ta things¡­"

    "Notta¡ªit''s nexus," Christina corrected her, exasperation clear in her voice. "And we don''t even know what they look like."

    "He said we''d know when we see it," Caden added.

    "Still, that doesn''t make it any easier," Christina muttered, clearly still on edge.

    "For now, let''s go back. We have a clue¡ªwe can track down the blonde this hair came from and see if we can figure out what that shadowy thing was," Caden dered, determination in his voice.

    "Our freedom and lives depend on it. The outside world is too nice to give up without a fight."

    "Agreed," Christina said, her voice firm.

    Petra nodded, her resolve solidifying. "Let''s go back, regroup with the others, and get to work."

    "We can get Ping to do a DNA test and ess the results through his security clearance," Caden suggested.

    They turned and headed back through the dark, ominous halls, ready to face whatever challengesy ahead.

 Chapter 85 lady Killer

    The night dragged on, seemingly endless, as Alicarde and Malefica meticulously sifted through the vast collection of data they had acquired from the government''s databank. The two worked in focused silence, surrounded by stacks of documents and glowing screens.

    Malefica had lent him herptop, though he didn''t consider it an act of kindness¡ªshe was simply putting him to work.

    He briefly considered snooping through herputer for... personal information, but decided against it.

    They categorized each file, cross-referencing names, locations, and crimes, gradually constructing an intricate web of corruption that stretched across the city''s power structures. The room was lit by fluorescent light since Alicarde hadined about not wanting to strain his eyes looking at a glowing screen in the dark.

    The sound of turning pages and the asional tap of Malefica''s elegant fingers on the keyboard filled the room.

    The hit list theypiled was extensive, a catalog of targets that included.

    Councilman Garrett: A key political figure with deep ties to Zagarath, responsible for covering up illegal activities and using his influence to manipte city policies.

    Police Chief Ray Richardson: The head ofw enforcement, who had been funneling information to the mafia and orchestrating the kidnapping of innocent citizens to feed Zagarath''s minions, covering up his crimes, and eliminating witnesses.

    Mafia Boss Vito Carmine: Leader of one of the most feared crime families in the city, deeply involved in human trafficking, specifically supplying subjects for government experiments, most of which were directed to Zagarath.

    Triad Leader Wei Shen:  Another crime lord whosework extended into drug trafficking and espionage, operating under the radar with Zagarath''s backing.

    Each target was linked to Zagarath in some way¡ªeither as a direct aplice or as a pawn in his grander schemes. Although Malefica doubted these individuals would remain in their known locations, their hideouts were meticulously noted.

    As the night wore on, Alicarde found himself asionally distracted, his gaze drifting toward Malefica. She sat beside him, focused andposed, her ck hair swept up in an elegant updo that entuated her sharp features.

    She wore sses that lent her an air of intellectual authority, and her attire clung to her figure, highlighting her mature beauty. Despite the gravity of their task, Alicarde couldn''t help but admire her stunning looks. He wondered how best he could get under the skin of this beautiful professor¡ªnow that he wasn''t her student, he had nothing to fear.

    ''Heheheh, here I am sitting right next to an ultra-hot milf. Life sure takes a man ces,'' Alicarde thought, smirking inwardly.

    The clock ticked on, moving fromte night to the early hours of the morning. They had spent hours poring over mountains of data, and Alicarde was acutely aware of time slipping away.

    He knew Amena, the taciturn maid, could have handled this task in mere minutes, but he hadn''t wanted to call her. He wanted to see it through himself. He didn''t want Carrisa involved with Zagarath¡ªhe would rather die as many times as it took than look pathetic by calling Carrisa every time he got his ass handed to him in a fight.

    When they finallypleted theirprehensive hit list, Alicarde leaned back in his chair, staring at the names and crimes listed before him. The government was darker than he had imagined.

    Beyond those connected to Zagarath, the list revealed a host of atrocities¡ªillegal and inhumane experimentation on children to awaken esper abilities, human trafficking facilitated by the mafia to procure more subjects for these experiments, and the systematic abandonment of loyal soldiers, who were used as scapegoats and discarded when no longer needed.

    The sheer scale of corruption was staggering, with the buying and selling of regr citizens who awakened esper powers, and the termination of families who refused to sell their loved ones for money.

    "The government is dirtier than I thought," he muttered, his voice heavy with disgust.

    "Naturally," Malefica replied, not looking up from her work. "Such things are not umon, especially for a second-rate power that is trying its best to keep up with the other three."

    "Are they really that powerful? The Order, the Magician''s Guild, and the Truth Association?" Alicarde asked, his tone tinged with skepticism.

    "They are certainly more powerful than you¡­ so yes," Malefica said, adjusting her sses with a precise movement. "There are also hidden powers far beyond this world."

    "You mean the Demine?" Alicarde guessed.

    "No, I mean here, in this world," Malefica rified. "ces like Antis the lost kingdom, and other hidden beings. The Underground is also one such dangerous ce. But the three great powers are the foremost human forces¡ªthey wield immense power, wealth, and influence."

    Alicarde was taken aback. This was the first time he had heard of some of these ces.

    "I''ve heard about Antis, but I always thought it was just a myth. I remember watching the cartoon as a kid. Nothing more, and I heard some conspiracy theories too."

    "It''s real¡­ but very difficult to reach. The people there do not wee outsiders, especially humans," Malefica said in her usual strict tone.

    "Well, then it''s a good thing I''m not human," Alicarde chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

    "Actually, you are¡­ While you are an undying, your frame is still mostly human. So, put simply, you''re just an immortal human."

    "Wait, what? But Carrisa said I''m an undying," Alicarde protested, confusion evident in his voice.

    He did not want to be merely human, in his heart, he associated being human with being weak.

    "You are, but your frame is still human¡­" Malefica replied, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered how to exin it.

    "If a vampire saw you, they would think of your blood as the most delicious type of human blood, mixed with abundant life force. The taste may be better, but it''s still human."

    "So basically, I''m gourmet¡­ still don''t understand." Alicarde sighed.

    Malefica sighed too, sensing his continued confusion. She hadn''t expected him to be unaware of something so basic.

    "When the Evernight girl transformed you, she didn''t change your race. She merely added ayer of immortality to your existence. Let''s try this, if a vampire tried to turn you, it would work because..." She grabbed a piece of paper and drew a square.

    "This is your frame. Now, I''ll color half of it, that''s the part that became undying. The other half is still empty, meaning you can fill it with other colors."

    "I see," Alicarde nodded, though it was clear he was still struggling to grasp the concept.

    "You don''t get it, do you?" Malefica asked, a hint of exasperation in her usually stoic tone.

    "No, I do not," he admitted coolly.

    "Good students ask questions. This is why you''re always shy of a perfect score," Malefica remarked, sounding every bit the frustrated college professor scolding her student.

    "Fine," she sighed, resigning herself to hisck of understanding.

    For the next thirty minutes, Malefica patiently exined that while Alicarde was indeed an undying, he was still partially human unless he became something else. She gave examples, exining that if a werewolf became an undying, it would be an undying werewolf. Simrly, Alicarde was an undying human¡ªhis base race hadn''t changed, just his state of being.

    Alicarde sighed, finally epting her exnation. As the sun began to rise, casting a pale light into the room, he realized he had spent the night with Malefica.

    Although, deep down, Alicarde couldn''t help but wish the night had been spent in a more¡­ erotic way.

    ''I could have finally conquered one of life''s hurdles¡ªmessing with my teacher,'' he mused privately, a mischievous glint in his eyes. If she knew what he was thinking, she would undoubtedly roast him with a fireball.

    Malefica stood up, her posture as perfect as ever. "We move on the precinct tonight. Try not to cause a big ruckus this time. For now, we will go our separate ways and meet back at sundown."

    "Yeah sure, it was a fun night out together," Alicarde nodded, rising to his feet as well. Despite the long night, he felt a strange mix of exhaustion and anticipation. As they prepared to part ways, he couldn''t shake the feeling that their mission was only just beginning.

    As Alicarde left Malefica''s residence, she walked beside him to the door, her expression a mixture of concern and sternness.

    The grand hallway leading to the exit was lined with antique artifacts and bookshelves crammed with tomes. Soft light from ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow, giving the space a timeless feel.

    Malefica''s tone was measured, each word carefully chosen as she delivered warnings and advice, much like a professor addressing a particrly troubled student. She paused at the threshold, her sharp eyes narrowing as she looked up at him.

    "Alicarde," she began, her voice carrying an air of authority, "you must be more cautious in how you wield your power. You may have restrained yourself tonight, but the consequences of your actions will ripple far beyond what you intended. The world is watching, and they will not be so forgiving next time. The path we are on will only be more treacherous.

    The forces aligned against us are formidable, and your recklessness will only embolden them."

    She continued, her voice lowering as if to emphasize the gravity of her words. "The government may seem weak, but they are not insignificant. And then there are the others¡ªthe three great powers have kept the secrecy of the supernatural world for years. You may be a threat to them."

    She ced a hand on his arm, her grip firm. "You have potential, but potential can be as dangerous as it is promising. I expect you to think, Alicarde, not just act. We cannot afford for you to be ruled by emotion."

    Alicarde met her gaze, a half-smirk ying on his lips. "I appreciate the concern, professor, but I''ve got this under control. Besides, no one died tonight."

    "No one died," Malefica echoed, "but remember that there are fates worse than death. Be mindful of what you leave behind, Alicarde. Power without wisdom is a curse."

    With those parting words, she stepped back, watching as Alicarde finally exited the house.

    He made his way to his car, a sleek, ck luxury vehicle with tinted windows that reflected the dim light of the early morning. The car was a masterpiece of modern engineering, its engine purring softly as Alicarde slid into the driver''s seat without a care in the world, the supple leather interior hugging him like an old friend.

    The dashboard lit up with a soft glow, disying the time¡ªjust enough time to get home, change, and head to morning sses. He smirked at the thought, despite the chaos of the night, he wasn''t about to let anything interfere with his academic routine.

    "Anne would murder me if I missed my sses."

    As he drove off, the car gliding smoothly down the deserted streets, he remained blissfully unaware that he had been under surveince.

    Across the street from Malefica''s house, parked inconspicuously, was an average-looking car. Inside, a young man sat in the driver''s seat, his hands trembling as he held up his phone, capturing images of Alicarde and Malefica.

    The young man had dark, tousled hair and wore thick sses that he kept adjusting nervously. He was one of the three notorious perverts¡ªor "pioneers" as Alicarde preferred to them ¡ª they were in Alicarde''s ss, known for their obsessive interest in the campus''s female poption. They liked to think of themselves as investigative geniuses.

    His eyes were wide as he reviewed the footage he''d just taken, barely able to contain his excitement. The angle he captured made it look as if Malefica was holding Alicarde''s hand in a more suggestive manner, and the fact that Alicarde had left so early in the morning, before sunrise, was highly suspicious.

    "Did I just discover the campus belle''s boyfriend cheating on her with Professor Malefica? Oh no¡­ what do I do¡­ this is the ultimate scoop!" he muttered to himself, his voice a frantic whisper.

    He nced around, paranoia setting in. A male student spending the night at the residence of a beautiful professor was quite obvious what he thought they were doing.

    "No, I have to keep this on the down-low for now. That guy''s an effing legend. I need to learn his skills¡­ First the ss rep, then the campus belle, now our goddess professor? Unbelievable!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    He continued muttering to himself, barely able to believe his luck. "This could make¡­ or break me¡­ But if I y my cards right¡­ maybe he''ll take me under his wing. I need to bide my time, gather more evidence¡­ yes, that''s it¡­ He has skills with the babes that I can learn. He is a truedy killer, no, he is the boss. I must be hisckey."

    Meanwhile, Alicarde drove on,pletely oblivious to this new development, and so was Malefica, both unaware of the potential chaos that this small slip of surveince might unleash in their lives.

 Chapter 86 Morning Regrets

    As the pale light of the morning sun crept over Evergreen City, the city stirred to life. The streets, once empty, began to fill with the early risers, each one moving with the lethargy of those who had yet to shake off the remnants of sleep.

    Some, however, were only just heading to bed, their nights spent in the vibrant glow of the city''s nightlife. Neon signs flickered off one by one as the daylight reimed its ce, and the buzz of traffic started to grow.

    Alicarde drove through these awakening streets, his car sleek and luxurious, reflecting the dawning light. The interior was spacious, with leather seats that cradled him infort, yet none of it brought him any peace.

    His mind was a storm of conflicting emotions, and his body wished for rest, but he knew sleep would be impossible.

    The nightmares had be a nightly torment, creeping into his mind like an unwanted visitor. He did, however, find some respite in daylight.

    He could not sleep at night without experiencing nightmares, but he felt better during the day. Now that the sun was rising, his aggressive nighttime persona was taking a back seat for the calmer daytime version of himself to take its ce, and Alicarde was filled with regret.

    The sun''s warmth, weak as it was in the early hours, seemed to chase away the darkness that gued his nights.

    He could still feel the chill of the previous night''s actions clinging to him like a shroud. The memory of his rampage yed over in his mind, each scene vivid and unrelenting.

    "Ahhhhgrrr... why did I do all that? Why did I have to break their bones, why did I have to..." His thoughts were fragmented, a mixture of regret and confusion. He gripped the steering wheel tighter, the leather creaking under his hands.

    "Damn it, why didn''t I listen to Malefica? What the hell was I thinking, why did I try to take on so many of them? How much government property did I damage? I hope I didn''t do any permanent damage to any of the soldiers."

    The soldiers he had hurt¡ªno, brutalized¡ªwere merely doing their duty. They were innocent of the sins that drove his wrath, yet he had unleashed his fury upon them without restraint.

    He had the power, yes, but that power had drawn unwanted attention, and he had crossed a line.

    "What was I thinking?" He couldn''t find an answer that satisfied him, only the sinking realization that he had acted out of some twisted sense of satisfaction, and he loved every moment of it. Thinking about it even now gave him some degree of thrill.

    Alicarde shook his head. He needed to drown out these dark thoughts. Reaching over, he turned on the car''s radio, hoping to find something¡ªanything¡ªthat could distract him.

    The interior of the car was silent for a moment, then filled with a voice that was all too familiar, yet distorted, sinister. It was his own, echoing back at him from the previous night.

    "The guilty will know agony."

    The broadcast was a rey of the events that had unfolded just hours ago. The radio hosts discussed it with a mix of fear and intrigue, specting on the identity of the figure they had dubbed "The Reaper."

    They dissected his words, trying to piece together his motivations, and all the while, Alicarde felt his stomach knot tighter.

    "And there you have it, people. The Reaper, as he''s being called, delivered those chilling words before vanishing into the night. But who is he? A vignte? A demon? One thing''s for sure, whoever he is, he''s made his presence known in the most terrifying way possible."

    "Great, I''m now the talk of the town," Alicarde muttered, his voiceced with bitterness. He ran a hand through his hair, pulling at it slightly as if trying to wake himself from this nightmare.

    "Just great¡­ what the hell was I thinking?"

    His eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of his own reflection, shadowed and tired. The sight of his own face, drawn and pale, only deepened his sense of unease. He looked like a stranger to himself, like a man teetering on the edge of something dark and irreversible.

    "This is who I am now huh," he murmured, though the words felt hollow even as he spoke them. "I''m not some monster... am I?"

    He clenched his jaw, frustration boiling beneath the surface. Why did he always end up here, questioning himself after the damage was already done? He knew the answer, of course. The power he wielded, the rage that surged through him, it was intoxicating. But it was also dangerous, consuming him bit by bit.

    "I need to get a grip," he said, almost desperately. "I can''t keep losing control like this."

    He knew he needed to be better, stronger¡ªnot just in body, but in will. He couldn''t afford to let the darkness inside him dictate his actions. Not again.

    But how many times had he told himself that? How many times had he sworn to change, only to fall back into the same vicious cycle?

    "Dammit, Alicarde, get your shit together," he hissed, mming his palm against the steering wheel. The sudden pain snapped him back to reality, if only for a moment.

    Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm the storm raging within him. He had a choice to make to be the man he wanted to be, or to give in to the darkness that seemed to beckon him at every turn.

    He had to keep fighting. For himself, for Carrisa, for the people who still believed in him.

    "No more mistakes," he whispered, the words a promise, a plea, a challenge. "No more, next time, I''ll just kill all my problems"

    Nothing changed, his dark desires still owed his heart.

    Alicarde finally made it to the mansion, parking his car just outside the grand entrance. The luxurious doors loomed before him, but he bypassed them, heading straight into the spacious living room.

    There, sprawled across one of the plush sofas,y Argint¡ªher red hair syed out against the cushion, and her form rxed beneath an oversized hoodie that was clearly not her own. The room, bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, seemed almost surreal in its quietness.

    Alicarde couldn''t help but feel a twinge of irritation mixed with reluctant admiration. His hoodie suited her far too well, and he had to admit she looked like a fairy lost in a dream¡ª''a literal sleeping beauty,'' he muttered under his breath, amused.

    He briefly considered reenacting the original fairytale storyline but quickly dismissed the idea. Argint, though peaceful now, would revert to her spirited, feral self the moment she woke.

    As he loomed over her, watching her serene expression, she stirred. In the past, she would have pounced on him, her usual aggressive self asserting dominance, buttely, she''d settled for stealing his clothes instead. She imed it was to protect him from the "vampire stink" of Elizalina, which he found amusing but did not dare challenge.

    He sighed and turned to leave, but before he could take a step, her hand shot out, grabbing his arm.

    "Hey, wee back home," she muttered groggily.

    "Morning, Argint," he greeted, his tone casual. "Is there a reason you''re sleeping on the sofa? I think this mansion has more than enough rooms," he teased lightly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    "Mhm... must''ve dozed off," Argint grumbled, her voice still heavy with sleep, yet there was an adorable quality to her grogginess that Alicarde couldn''t ignore.

    Seeing her so defenseless, wrapped in his clothes, stirred something primal within him. It was a satisfaction, almost possessive in nature, to see her draped in something of his, like a territorial mark. He tried to shake off the thought.

    "Why are you wearing my hoodie?" he asked, feigning annoyance but genuinely curious.

    "What, afraid I''ll give you cooties?" she teased, azy grin spreading across her face.

    He kept his expression stoic, though his tone took on a sarcastic edge. "Oh no, the great Alicarde brought low by the fear of cooties. However will I recover?"

    Argint chuckled softly, her eyes still half-closed. "Wow, you sound so terrified."

    "Sure, I''m quaking in my boots," he deadpanned, rolling his eyes.

    Before he could continue, she shifted slightly, her expression growing more serious. "Before I forget... you caused quite an uproarst night. You''re all over the news."

    "Yeah, I know," Alicarde admitted, a note of regret slipping into his voice.

    "A warrior must master their strength, or risk bing a ve to it," Argint said, her voice unusually profound.

    He nodded, acknowledging her point. "I know, I''ll be more careful next time."

    Satisfied, she rxed back onto the sofa, her eyes closing once more. It was clear she had roused herself just to deliver that message.

    "Do you want me to give you a goodnight kiss?" Alicarde quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

    Without opening her eyes, Argint replied, "Go ahead, if you have a death wish."

    Alicarde leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper by her ear. "I''m immortal, remember? And it seems worth the risk."

    With that, he nted a quick kiss on her cheek and darted away before she could retaliate.

    Argint''s eyes fluttered open, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she watched him retreat. She shook her head lightly before sinking back into thefort of sleep.

    Alicarde stepped into the elevator and sighed deeply.

    ''I get it now... that''s why she was sleeping on the sofa. How pathetic... I always have people worried about me,'' he thought, clenching his fists as the elevator ascended.

    Reaching the sixth floor, he headed straight to the master suite. He moved quietly, not wanting to disturb Carrisa as he approached the door to the luxurious bath.

    The dark wood contrasted with the sleek, modern fixtures, a blend of luxury and functionality. He dropped the guitar case, which held his sword, onto a plush sofa before stepping inside the expansive bath.

    The room was a marvel of luxury¡ªpolished marble floors, a deep soaking tub surrounded by shimmering tiles, and a chandelier casting a soft glow over everything.

    Alicarde couldn''t help but feel a pang of guilt as he recalled spending seven hundred thousand dinars on his indulgence. It was a foolish whim, born of some twisted desire, and now the regret was almost annoyingly suffocating.

    After a long, rxing soak, Alicarde emerged and headed to the walk-in closet in his room. He selected a casual outfit from a niche luxury brand.

    The soft fabric felt like a second skin as he dressed. He chose a designer watch toplete the look, a subtle touch of elegance. Just as he was about to leave, something on the bed caught his eye.

    It was Carrisa, her lithe form resting atop the silky sheets. Her eyes fluttered open as she sensed his presence, her gaze locking onto his with an unreadable expression.

    Alicarde braced himself, unsure of what she might say. Would she reprimand him for the expense or for his reckless actions the previous night?

    "Good morning," she greeted, sitting up on the bed, her voice calm and measured.

    Alicarde fumbled for words. "If this is about the seven hundred thousand dinars, then, uh... well, I... stuff happened and, um..."

    Carrisa looked at him, puzzled. "What are you talking about? Why would I concern myself with something so inconsequential?"

    Her words instantly eased the tension in his shoulders. ''Seven hundred thousand dinars is inconsequential? I really need to shed this pauper mentality,'' he mused, smiling at the thought.

    "As expected of my sugar mommy, Carrisa," he teased. "You''re not concerned about something so inconsequential. So then, why are you in my room and on my bed?"

    Carrisa''s lips curved into a subtle smile.

    "I was awaiting your return. Your actionsst night, though less destructive than anticipated, still disyedmendable restraint. You did not take any lives... I am pleased with your progress. And as for why I am here... can I noty upon your bed?"

    "Sure, whatever. Do as you please," Alicarde replied, his tone deadpan.

    She opened her arms slightly, her smile deepening. "I believe you deserve a reward... perhaps a kiss?"

    Alicarde maintained his poker face. "Did you acquire the data from the bank? That was the objective, after all," he inquired seriously, though he already knew the answer.

    "I did," Carrisa confirmed, standing up gracefully. "We shall discuss the details over breakfast."

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