The man in black followed a weak pencil of light and walked towards the couch, where he sat down without a word.
Through the darkness, the same deep, mild voice chimed out.
"You failed to find something, isn't it?"
The voice asked. In an ambiance of such low visibility, it was as though the voice had originated from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint the exact location of its source.
Finally, the man in black opened his mouth and broke his silent spell. "Yes," he rasped, "I'm sorry, Master."
"No need to blame yourself," The man-called master said, "I knew your chance of finding something was slim."
There were faint traces of a smile on the man's countenance, though they were so vague that they cast doubt on whether he had actually smiled at all. His deep voice echoed in the room. The voice had a lightness to it, as if it was floating in the air.
Skin sighed and reported what they found; afterward, he calmly waited, but as expected, his master didn't react at the death of a few subordinates.
''Don't worry, even though nothing is found, I still gained something. It's the doing of a powerful origin master.'' the man said, but he didn't go into the details; he didn't say it was probably that person doing, the reason being he was not sure yet. If he did indeed come back, it must be his doing. Thinking about his cold crimson eyes, he felt chill, yet at the same time, he was excited, excited because he would show him, he would be free.
Shaking his head, the man threw something toward Skin, who caught it.
''What you I do with this?" Asked Skin.
''Deliver it to that person. Tell him to send her into the academy.'' the man ordered.
Even though he was afraid of the handsome young man with golden hair of unknown origin, he could not afford to refuse the mission as he was their ally, someone their master valued greatly.
''Understood." Skin said as he bowed.
"Go fulfill your mission," the man called Master said nonchalantly. For the entire time, his figure had remained hidden in the darkness.
Skin stood to his feet. Carefully, he retreated from the dark study.
Within the dark study, Master remained rooted in his seat, silently nursing his thoughts.
Back or not, it doesn't matter.
As for the golden-haired man of unknown origin, he was not afraid as he could infer to some extent about his background. They are using each other; the only thing that mattered was who's the smartest.
Chuckling, Master lit a cigar. "The more chaotic it is, the better," he said quietly.
The end of the cigar flickered in the dark. The meager light pierced through the darkness, revealing a handsome, cold, and young visage, a pair of piercing red eyes like a ruby.
He leaned back against the couch, ''This world has been too peaceful lately. Time for some action.''
•••••
The following morning.
The morning sun was like fire.
The blazing red sun rose from the eastern sea, and the darkness began to fade before sunrise. Numerous rays of light thrashed through the clouds. Light and darkness intertwined with each other. As the sun rose, all the clouds in the sky were illuminated into a brilliant picture of light and darkness.
Orpheus and Amber had left their small mansion and headed to the train station. Compared to a thousand years ago, many things have changed, such as the apparition of the origin car and other awesome things; the super origin train was one of those things.
To quickly head to Wratharis Empire, the two decided to take the super origin train. He could have traveled to the empire easily by tearing apart space, but Orpheus didn't do that. It would be too boring, something it was better to relax this way, besides today would be his first time taking such transport method.
The train station was bustling with people more than usual, probably because most of those who were about to take the super origin train were heading to Wratharis to enroll; the two super academies were in Wratharis Empire, after all, the strongest empire.
Holding Amber's hand, Orpheus walked silently between the people, and they didn't seem to notice their presence.
Amber was curious about what skill her master was using to hide their presence completely; she wondered if she would have the chance to learn this skill as well but knew better than anybody that she must rush things. If she performed well, her master would eventually let her learn this awesome skill.
While Amber was lost in thoughts, imagining a certain future where she was an invincible assassin killing as she pleased under her master's order, she even thought of a codename: Reaper. Orpheus suddenly stopped because someone bumped into him, which shouldn't have happened.
The other party even raised her voice even though she was the one at fault.
''Are you blind?"
Frowning, Amber tried to know the identity; she spun to look at the other party but soon froze; Orpheus also turned in that instant, four people froze simultaneously.
To Amber, it was her second time seeing them face to face.
For him, it had been thousand years he saw her face this close.
And for them, it should have been their first time seeing him, yet somehow it doesn't sound like that.
Finally, they met.