Looking at my core I notice the change it has been through after I used Canine Divinity.
I could see the cracks on my core seeping yellow light, indicating I was ready to break through, but that wasn't the most surprising change.
My core now has a very faint black shell surrounding it.
I have no idea what it could be, only that it is connected to the black mana I used in that state
I'll have to be careful about using it in the future.
Come to think of it, I need a name for it, can't exactly call it black mana forever.
Umbral?
Nah.
Skygge?
Doesn't sound too bad.
What about Nacht?
It does have a ring to it.
What do you say Zeke?
Nacht sounds better than the other options Dad.
Alright then, Nacht it is.
(A/N: Thanks a ton Dragoner for the list of suggestions.)
That brings me here, meditating and purifying mana in hopes to break through soon.
My prayers were answered within a few hours when I finally broke through into the Solid yellow stage.
Only 5 more stages before I reach white core.
I wonder if there's a stage beyond white, and how strong would that make me.
Maybe strong enough to use my will without severe drawbacks.
Speaking of my will, what was that voice?
It sounded so old, so wise, and yet, so ominous.
It was male, that much was obvious.
Well whoever he is, I was grateful to him. I don't know what the outcome would've been otherwise.
But why did he help me?
Before I could ponder on this any longer, I heard footsteps coming our way, human footsteps.
Hearing this I put my mask back on
A few medics and guild workers came along with Kaspian.
The medics immediately start working on Samantha's wounds while Kaspian makes his way to us, "Good Evening, Mr. Note, Mr. Bolt . I never expected meeting like this. I have been informed of the situation by Ms. Flamesworth, and I realize how you must feel."
"Oh, you do? So could you kindly relay his location to me so that I may repay the debt our party owes him?" Arthur spat, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists.
"I must advice you against that for now," He replies.
"And why not? My identity is unrevealed, and I am more than capable to end his existence. Do you think you have the power to protect him?"
"Of course not, I know I do not possess the power to fight against you at your full strength, but I still can pose a threat to you Mr. Note." He replies straightening his glasses, only to stop midway as he is bombarded by the sheer bloodlust I was emitting.
"And do you think you could survive against the two of us?" I say with a dangerous smile on my face.
He regains his composure before saying, "Your involvement wont change anything-"
I interrupt him before he has the chance to finish, "Oh really? Do you think I would've survived if I was weak? At this point in time I can say without any form of arrogance that I am at an equal level of strength with Note."
"O-of course not, I was merely warning you, even if you don't believe it I have an obligation to care for you two as you are affiliated with Ms. Flamesworth. The Wykes are a family who will carry out revenge in an extreme manner. Even if you kill Lucas Wykes, you do not have the power to kill his entire household. Even if they don't know your identity they will kill anyone anyone connected to you. That includes Ms. Flamesworth, and the people she is associated with, the twin horns. They would even go so far as to kill everyone close to the Twin Horns party, including Reynolds Leywin and his family."
At that moment I knew, he had suspicions that either of us were connected to them.
I gave no reaction, refusing to give him that satisfaction.
He continued, "As I said, I'm on your side. What I said about the Wykes is all from previous events, therefore until you hold the power and authority to keep your family safe I must advice you from taking any rash decisions. With that I take my leave, the adventurer Samantha needs to be taken back to a proper medical facility,"
Saying that he leaves.
I hear the drip of something liquid hitting the floor and look down to see my clenched fist, leaking blood from the cuts my nails left.
Turning towards the rest I speak, "I have a feeling that Lucas will be in the guild, so it would be best if I stayed outside. I'm pretty sure I would attack him if I see him anytime soon."
Placing a sympathetic hand on my shoulder Jasmine says, "It's alright, you can stay outside."
I nodded in gratitude as we began our journey back to the guild hall.
_________________________________________________________________________________
A few hours had passed after we had reached the hall.
What are they doing?
A few more minutes later the doors opened, I turned fully expecting to see Arthur and the others but it was someone else, someone I had hoped I could avoid.
Looking at his damaged ear I instantly realize what could've done that.
Well if he lost his cool, I probably would've killed him right there.
As he sees me he gains a smirk, "Oh, you're here as well. You feel grateful don't you? If I had not mentioned about your weakness you would've come with us and died. Say, if you beg me right now I could help you become strong enough to take on Note. So, interested."
"Leave, Lucas." I say, my voice colder than ice.
"Why don't you make me?"
Blinded by anger I grab his collar, releasing my 1st phase unknowingly, "Listen here you little shit, I don't give a damn about your house. If you do not leave right now the Wykes family will lose a member!"
He was absolutely terrified, and I think he even shat his pants judging from the smell.
After my outburst he stammered out some incoherent words and scurried off.
Arthur arrived a few minutes later, as he approached me he scrunched his nose in disgust, "What happened here?"
"Lucas came here and tried to provoke me," I respond, "...and I may have released my will in my anger."
"So, wait, you made Lucas shit his pants?" Elijah asked.
I nodded in response and he burst out laughing.
Arthur chuckled in response and Jasmine just shook her head, a smile on her face.
"Lets go home," Arthur said, and we made our way to the teleportation gate that would take us to Xyrus.
On the way Elijah asks, "Do you not want to go visit Samantha?"
"I think it would be best not to visit her anytime soon," Arthur replied before turning to Jasmine, "You on the other hand should go see her though."
Seemingly satisfied by his answer Elijah turns to me, "Hey, don't look at me I'm not gonna visit her. We barely know each other, I wasn't a part of the party remember. And she might just blame me for not appearing earlier."
"You don't know that," Elijah replies.
I shrug at him before continuing on the journey.
As we reach the teleportation portal Elijah speaks up once again, "I guess we should part ways now,"
Arthur seemed startled, "Wha- Ah, you're not from Sapin."
Arthur looks at Jasmine who nods before looking at me, to which I just shrug.
I know what he's planning. I don't have any problem with it. Our parents and the Helstea's might.
"If you don't have any plans, you could stay with us before we go to school," Arthur said to Elijah.
"School?"
"Yes an institution where children and teens are taught-" Arthur was cut off mid way as Elijah spoke with annoyance visible on his face.
"I know what a school is! I just have no plans of going to school,"
"If I remember correctly you mentioned part of the reason you're trying so hard to climb the ranks as an adventurer is to make a name for yourself. What better way to do that by graduating from the most prestigious school in Sapin."
"I still do not follow. How would I even get into Xyrus academy? I might have the qualifications but the massive amounts of money and connection?" He says.
Arthur places an arm on his shoulder bringing him into a headlock, "Just let your big brother worry about that. You just need to bring your body and I'll handle the rest!"
Arthur said that with a wink and a teasing tone.
You sure you're straight brother?
Seems like Elijah had a similar thought process, "Can you not say it in such a tone?"
Arthur ignored him and turned to Jasmine, "Jasmine can you take him back home? I have something I need to take care of."
So he noticed too huh?
As he left Elijah he started rubbing his neck, "I still haven't agreed to it you know."
"Well you have a lot of time to think, a few weeks ought to be enough to make up your mind." I say.
"Lucas is also going to be attending Xyrus academy, are you okay with leaving me with someone like him?" Arthur added the final straw.
Like the little bitch can even take you on.
Instantly Elijah made up his mind and started wondering out oud about what subjects he should take.
I sweat dropped at how easily he was swayed.
While they were leaving Elijah spoke once more, "Note, Bolt, Thank you for everything,"
After they left I feel the person who was hiding all this while make himself known.
"Why are you here Kaspian?"