Harold, never one to hold back, chimed in, his tone dripping with disdain. "Not only that but did you hear this bastard?" he said, gesturing towards Fabian.
"He dared to slander the late Emperor. How could a man of such great status waste his time on a whore? I guess you share a lot in common with someone here..."
Harold's words hung in the air, creating a tense pause that allowed him to resume his barrage of words. "Even if we were to play along," he continued, his expression mocking, "you're 36 years old, as Felicity told me over our pillow talk." Harold took a wicked pause, letting his words sting Splinter.
"So, you're trying to convince Lord Nuu that the half-century-bedridden Emperor somehow managed to sneak out of the Palace just to meet with your mother?"
Harold's sarcasm and jabs were palpable, but he forgot one important thing: Splinter was no whipping boy.
"Why do you always have something to say?" Splinter shot back, but his frustration with Felicity's escapade was evident in the way he did his best not to make eye contact. Even so, he loves this loose woman, even if her love will never reach him.
"Could it be Harold, that you also have a mother complex, along with the constant need to have another man's member in your mouth?"
The room seemed to freeze
"You—"
"I will not endure any more talks like these, nor do I have the leisure," Nuu declared, his countenance darkening with a stern resolve.
"Harold, what exactly do you imply by stating that the Late Emperor was bedridden?"
"It is a well-guarded secret among the upper echelons of nobility, but for the past fifty years, the Queen Dowager held the reins of power from behind the scenes," Harold responded, his gaze piercing like a sharp dagger aimed at Splinter. If given the opportunity, he would obliterate this sniveling rat without hesitation.
While he silenced the Knight duo, he couldn't help but concur with their previous analysis of Fabian, "With your remarkable talent, why haven't you applied to an academy?" Nuu inquired
Fabian's response carried a tinge of sadness, "I spent my youth working odd jobs and taking care of my mother and lovers. The years have already passed me by, and my applications to Evernight, Blood Coven, and Abyssal Groove were rejected due to my age."
Nuu turned to Xena, seeking confirmation about the stringent application process. "Across the board, they only consider applicants between the ages of 13 to 19 years old," Xena explained, "unless one applies to a third-rate Institution run by a Rank 3 Acolyte or Grand Knight."
"In that case," Nuu pondered, "could I establish an Academy myself?"
Xena nodded in affirmation, adding, "Certainly, but you'll require resources and a Magus as a voucher from an accredited Institution. You could obtain that by simply gifting a small chest."
Considering this new information, Nuu stored it in the back of his mind. "You don't seem to be 19, so why are you still permitted to roam their halls? Shouldn't you have graduated?" Nuu couldn't help but point out this hole in her answer.
"As you have said, I'm a graduate but remain an Apprentice Assistant under Magus Yvette," Xena clarified.
"Apprentice Assistant?" Nuu asked, seeking further clarification.
"That's just a fancy title for saying I prepare all the course material along with assisting in her experiments and other miscellaneous aspects of her life.
After this mission, my five-year contract would have been over, but thanks to someone, everything has become like this." Xena couldn't help but take a jab at Nuu.
Nuu opted not to respond, causing her to look on in disbelief at such shameless behavior. With a subtle shift, Nuu's attention returned to Fabian. "You mentioned a Grade 4 Aptitude. Have you ever been tested?"
"With the little money I made," Fabian admitted, his tone tinged with resignation.
"Hey, do you happen to have one of those measuring devices?" Nuu asked, glancing at Xena.
"...."
" You've my Holding Bag. Just reach in and grab the sphere," Xena responded.
"But isn't that something that belongs to the Academy?" Felicity interjected.
"I meant to give it back, but it slipped my mind," Xena admitted.
"Could that potentially get you into some trouble?" Felicity wondered.
Xena nodded, her expression solemn. "Yes, it might put my job and final payment at risk. But honestly, that doesn't hold much importance at the moment, considering our situation," she murmured.
Nuu continued, not desiring to waste any more time on Xena or Felicity, "Go on, place your hands. It will not only tell me your Aptitude but also your affinity. Depending on how long your Sea can withstand the pressure, we will know."
"I already know my affinity," Fabian said, but Nuu's stern gaze forced him forward. "Fine!" he relented.
Not long after, everyone's mouth was left agape.
"Not only do you possess a talent that most would covet, but you have such a rare affinity," Nuu praised.
"Grade 4, Weather Shaping!" Fabian didn't seem to care about the prompt being displayed.
Xena's eyes flickered upwards, momentarily overcome with disbelief. Yet, her thoughts swiftly returned to the present as Nuu's robust hands drew her into his embrace.
A medley of emotions played across the faces of the gathered Acolytes and Knights, all mirroring the same incredulity etched on Xena's face.
One singular thought persisted in her mind: 'How could this seemingly lazy beggar possess such an extraordinary affinity and talent?' Only for her thought to be interrupted.
"No way!" exclaimed Harold and Harrison in unison.
"Why is life so unfair?" If anyone had looked closely, they could have seen a tear forming in the corner of Splinter's eyes.
None was more thrilled for Fabian than Tessa.
So far everything Fabian's state has been truthful, so why couldn't he be the deceased Emperor's bastard, one could only dream, right?
Nuu's demeanor took a sudden shift towards Fabian, "Release his restrain, Amin!"
Why, one might wonder, would Nuu care about a Royal bastard? The answer lies in his desire to extract the young man's precious blood essence.
Whether there was a familial connection or not, Nuu was determined to find out, especially with the existence of the two remaining essences of the Ninth Prince.
However, he knew that now was not the opportune moment to reveal his intentions. Even if Fabian turned out to be unrelated, he would still be a valuable asset, a potent breeder capable of producing children with exceptional aptitude.
Such a union could eventually give rise to a formidable force, strong enough to challenge the Khan's dominion.
'Let's wait until brother returns.' Although Nuu would like to speed up the process by tossing Fabian with Micah and Priscilla's lad, he's not the Head of the House. This decision requires both of them to come to an agreement.
"Alright, that's settled. Is there any Alchemist among you?" Nuu inquired, his voice carrying an air of suspense.
"You kill her…" managed to escape Xena's lips from below.
"..."
"Who knew that little brat was such a talent," shamelessly scratching his head, only for Xena to once more find her neck free.
Nuu's attention shifted back to Xena, a sudden and unexpected moment that caught her off guard. With curiosity, Nuu inquired about the precise arrival time of Magus Yvette, leaving Xena in a state of silence and suspicion.
How could he possibly be aware of the life lamp? The notion of a traitor among them flashed through her mind, but it seemed absurd; after all, this was the first encounter they had with Nuu.
However, the fact remained that this man didn't possess extensive knowledge of Academies. Despite this, he mentioned the Life Lamp. Could he be pretending not to know? Countless thoughts raced through Xena's mind.
It was evident that this man already possessed the answers he sought, and the question Nuu posed was merely a test.
Moreover, Xena confirmed an essential fact through his actions in killing Jocelyn—he showed no fear at the prospect of their mentor's wrath. This could only be one of two things, he must have some form of leverage or an accomplice to deal with Magus Yvette.
Although Murdock Academy may not command the same awe-inspiring influence as Evernight or the Royal Academy, the act of killing Jocelyn was a grave and fatal misstep.
For Murdock Academy adheres staunchly to their unwavering creed, one that advocates the complete annihilation of all adversaries, a vendetta reaching even unto their descendants for nine generations hence.
Not even their pets or tableware are to be spared from the relentless hand of retribution. Yet, this man dares to slay their once-in-a-million genius, and even death itself would be deemed a respite in the face of the forthcoming wrath.
Xena's heart truly lamented for Nuu, acknowledging the depths of his ill-fated decision with a mournful thought, 'Such a handsome fool!' Yet Nuu, ever composed, caught Xena's expression and calmly interjected, "There is no need to make such a face."
Caught off guard and feeling as if Nuu had effortlessly delved into her innermost thoughts, Xena responded nervously, "What are you even saying? Worry about yourself!" Her foot pounded the ground in frustration.
Nuu was taken aback, struck by her endearing and cute side. 'Is she worried for me?'
Did Nuu truly regret his actions? No.
Even if he had swapped places with Oga, both men would have reacted similarly. The twins had regarded Menos as their own child, watching him grow up and sharing meals and laughter. How could Nuu stand idly by and allow Jocelyn to harm the lad?
Oga had warned Nuu about the dangers of brats like Jocelyn, the "Wisps of Soul" left behind by individuals with Grade 4 and above Aptitude, individuals deemed pivotal for the future by esteemed Academics.
Despite this warning, Nuu believed that Oga would understand and agree with his decision.
Intrigued yet suspicious of his brother's knowledge of such topics, which he really shouldn't know about, Nuu never brought it up.
He had complete trust in Oga, knowing that everything his brother did was for the good of the family. As his thoughts spiraled, Xena's voice brought him back to his senses, reminding him of Magus Yvette's impending arrival in no later than a week or two.
Without hesitation, Nuu beckoned Menos over, "Fetch Sir. Yanis immediately. Ask him to bring a Hupo and ink. Make haste!"
Although Nuu would soon be far away from their current location, he understood too well that his departure wouldn't deter pursuit.
So he needed to buy time. As long as he and Oga's bloodline reached 80% or higher. They might have a chance, that's assuming she doesn't bring helpers.
In the pursuit of stimulating his blood, there existed no better method than indulging in actions befitting Nuu's sadistic nature even the current treatment of Xena was no different than what he did to Roslin, maybe slightly worse.
During the month spent apart from Oga, Nuu had finally come to the realization that Blood Spawns, indeed, accelerated the maturation of their bloodline through the unrestrained fulfillment of their desires, as proof of this Roslin.
The man pleaded for forgiveness, but Nuu found himself compelled to perform an act that would intensify his bloodline's power.
He took it upon himself to parade Baron Roslin's mother and wife from the interior of the castle to the slums of Durk Town, and the Baron sat front role seat in his birthday suit for the entirety of the ordeal.… Roslin was overtaken by an unwanted arousal.
As the whip cracked relentlessly, he compelled the man's mother and wife to address him as "daddy" with each agonizing snap.
This act elevated his bloodline's potency from 73 to 75 percent.
This revelation opened Nuu's eyes to the sinister truth behind Blood Spawn.
At present, his bloodline stood at an impressive 77%, a result owed much to the unforgettable night of debauchery.
One could argue that the Blood Spawn's passive ability to increase blood flow and stamina, aimed at providing a slight advantage in procreation, had become a hidden bug they could exploit to reach breakthroughs faster, an advantage rarely found in other Bloodlines.
Heaven seemed to maintain balance in all things, so those with bloodlines suffer for a longer period to break through, now with a bug like Blood Spawn, the twins can remove the shackle around their neck.
[If the standard time for a Grade 5 Acolyte to achieve Rank 1 is typically two weeks. However, individuals possessing a bloodline, regardless of their inherent Aptitude, can exhibit a comparative pace akin to an average Grade 3 Acolyte.
Consequently, within a single month, they would attain the same rank as a regular Rank 1 Acolyte. As they ascend further, the waiting period progressively lengthens, a consequence of their increasing elevation. It matters not if they follow the path of Magic or Aura.]
________
As the uncertain onlookers watched, Menos swiftly returned with a handsome blonde hair man and the requested items.
'Is this a paradise of handsome men,' Felicity and Tessa couldn't help salivating.
Nuu feverishly jotted down notes while commanding, "Preserve the head!"
Yanis, with a subtle nod, acknowledged the request. Suddenly, a mysterious tendril emerged from the tip of Yanis' finger, resembling a grand straw greedily siphoning the blood and flesh from Jocelyn's lifeless body.
Yanis' lips released a guttural moan, a hauntingly delightful symphony resonating in the air, as he surrendered to an exquisite feast. Before him lay a Grade 5 corpse, tantalizingly close to a breakthrough.
It was a feast of knowledge, a sumptuous banquet unfurling, granting him unrestrained access to the most intimate details of the departed.
Each morsel of information, from their tender age to their deepest secrets and clandestine desires, now lay bare under Yanis' penetrating grasp.
Yet, this rare gift bore its own restraints - its power could only be harnessed on a corpse no older than a day.
Once the Blood Search had reached its completion, Yanis leaned in, his voice a soft murmur carrying newfound revelations. "Who could have foreseen that Xena would be the offspring of both Elf and Nymph?" Nuu's mind became a swirling pool of thoughts, now inundated with insights into the late Jocelyn.
Not only was she a talented acolyte, but an exceptional Alchemist. Nuu felt a bitter taste in his mouth, but on a positive note, he gains a library of useful information on Magus Yvette.
"Take these four to the Dining Hall, and deliver this woman to Micah." The four in question were none other than Xena, Fabian, Splinter, and Felicity.
As Xena readied herself for departure, a sudden touch seized her hand, and to her astonishment, it was none other than Nuu. He drew nearer, his words falling like a gentle caress, sending a shiver down her spine and causing her legs to waver momentarily.
"Do not indulge in any foolish notions," he whispered, his voice carrying a hint of mystery, "for if you conduct yourself well, a reward may await you, my little Sylvanids." Her eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but inquire, "How?" She Inquired
"It's our little secret," Nuu replied, gently parting her ink-black hair.
"You–" The surrounding onlookers were left in awe, witnessing Nuu and Xena locked in a passionate embrace, their lips coming together in an almost mesmerizing display of affection.
Not long after the group was led into the airship. Tessa found herself guided to a separate room. Stepping past the threshold, Tessa comprehended her predicament. She could only bitterly bite her lips, and accept her fate, as her gaze fixed upon the back of the man cloaked in flower petals.
Once Yanis had explained the situation to Gregor, the latter assumed responsibility for Tessa, clarifying her duties and the anticipated rewards that awaited her…Where she became pregnant.
Gregor shot Yanis a quizzical glance when he heard about the rank of the acolyte, deeming it rather peculiar for a mere slave to be rewarded like this. He was perplexed, unsure of what his master and Lord Oga found so exceptional about this man. However, Gregor knew better than to question their judgment, not daring to overstep his boundaries.
With a nonchalant shrug from Yanis in response, Gregor's confusion only deepened.
"Why are you still standing there, undress and get in there!" Gregor commanded