The unknown robed figure exited the building, leaving no trace of his footprints on the snow- covered streets.
As he made his way to his next destination, he looked around at the filth and squalor of the slums and thought, Decades of planning will finally bear fruit. Soon, the souls will be harvested and Ravenfell will lay in ruins. The ti when we move is soon approaching.
The Acadian Empire won't know what hit them. And once the Ulier Continent is taken care of, the whole world will be in the palm of the cult leader's hand!
After making several turns in the maze-like streets of Corvid, the robed Magus entered a secluded alleyway. The other side of this alley, however, was a dead end. But this was exactly where he wanted to be.
He walked to the other end of the alley, turned around, and patiently waited in the darkness. Only the ethereal light of the twin moons illuminated his surroundings, casting an eerie glow. Minutes passed and soon two more robed figures appeared in the alleyway. One of them was a short man of no more than 1.6 ters. He was wearing a white hooded robe that concealed his identity.
The other person was more than 1.8 ters tall. He wore a gray robe and had a muscular and stocky build. He, too, had concealed his identity.
For a few monts, the three robed n were as silent as the grave. The black-robed figure coldly observed the gray-robed man. He didn't pay much attention to the white-robed man for he already knew him and had been working with him for years.
"My friend," the white-robed figure suddenly spoke up, diffusing the tension in the air. He pointed to his side, at the gray-robed man, and introduced, "This is the man I told you about."
The black-robed man remained silent. Two green orbs lit up inside the shadows of his hood, staring at the gray-robed figure with blatant hostility, "What is it that you're after... Councilor?"
"Sa thing as him," the gray-robed man pointed at his partner beside him. "The path to Mana Core."
The black-robed man sneered, "You think it is so easy to advance to the Mana Core Rank, eh? Besides, how do I know you're not a spy from Saratoga?"
"You don't, but I'm not," the gray-robed Magus flatly stated. "I wouldn't have helped you with the matters regarding the Red Fists and the Corvid Quarter had I been a spy for Ravenfell."
"I can vouch for him!" The white-robed man chid in. "I've known him for a long ti, and his strength is admirable. He will be a good ally."
The black-robed man turned silent, his green eyes darting between the two newcors. He gazed at the gray-robed man and asked, "Are you willing to work for us even if the city burns?"
A terrifying wave of energy pulsated from the gray-robed figure, and the mana pressure radiating from him cracked the ground underneath him. "Let's get one thing straight," he said. "I will not be working for you. I will work with you."
He paused for a mont, retracting the mana back inside his body. "And as long as the Mana Core Rank is within reach, forget Ravenfell, I won't care even if the world burns."
Hearing his response, the black-robed cultist was silent for a long ti. Then, in the shadows of his hood, his lips curled up into a wide and maniacal smile.
...
Common Room, East Wing, Saratoga Castle.
Adam sat languidly on a high-back leather chair facing the fireplace. The last couple of days had been very tiring for him as he had to complete all the assignnts that he had missed during his absence.
Only now did he have so room for a breather. His work with the mbers of the Twilight Brotherhood was progressing smoothly. His academic work had also now beco streamlined.
He was thankful to Professor Whitaker for not making him sit for tests that he had missed in the past year and a half. All he had to do was complete his pending assignnts and submit so research papers pertaining to the Spirit World.
As the youth gazed at the firewood burning inside the opulent fireplace, he thought to himself in a daze, The Duskfall masquerade is in a few days. Everything should be ready by then. I can only hope nothing unexpected occurs. I must plan for all possibilities.
Thankfully, I was able to find a plus-one who'd attend the ball with . But she...
His expression turned complex. Adam had initially thought of inviting Elysande to go to the ball with him. After all, he considered her his good friend and had also fought many battles side-by-side with her. So he naturally trusted her to have his back.
However, it turned out that Elysande had left the city for so family business and wouldn't return until a few weeks later. It was then that he realized that he had no other female friends that he could ask out.
Adam almost always spent his ti buried in arcane research, and the few friends that he'd made in Saratoga were all from the Departnt of the School of Summoning. Out of them, almost none of them were won.
The truth was that he did know a lot of won from Saratoga, but all of them were acquaintances. None of them could be considered close enough for him to invite them to a
ball.
Although Adam did feel that his request wouldn't be denied if he asked so of these won out, but for the upcoming event he needed soone who was strong and could take care of herself.
He didn't know anyone like that except for Elysande. Thus, he had no other option but to pull in a favor from one of his clients. But unexpectedly, this also ended up working out in his
favor.
Moreover, there was also another reason why he had chosen this woman. If everything unfolded as he predicted, it would perfectly align with his grand plan-two birds with one stone and all.
Adam started to massage his temple as he grumbled inwardly, Though, I can't believe it's going to be her... Sigh, forget it. This is only going to be a one-ti thing. I shouldn't bother so much with trivialities. What matters is that her father will finally-
His thoughts ca to an abrupt halt when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching him from the side. Adam already knew who it was.
"Speak of the devil," he muttered under his breath.
A beautiful blonde elf wearing a tailored tunic and leggings, adorned with vibrant embroidery walked up to Adam in a furious manner. She wore a short cape with the insignia of Saratoga Castle that fluttered behind her as she stood right in front of the youth.
Seeing the look of frustration and even anger in her eyes, Adam couldn't help but force a smile. "Qamara, what brings you here—"
"Adam Constantine!" Qamara Feno interrupted him with a deep frown on her pretty face. "How dare you try to court ?"
User Comments
0 comments from readers