"Singularity?" I echoed, intrigued by this new revelation.
Alexei nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, in the tier system, arcanists are classified according to their capabilities and levels of power. The tiers within each pathway range from 8 down to 6 as low-tier human-grade arcanists. Beyond that, at Tier 5, you reach Monarch status, and Tier 4 are Bishops, both considered mid-tier. Tier 3 arcanists are called Singularities, then Tier 2 as Angels, and finally, at the pinnacle, Tier 1 are Lords, all as high-tier arcanists."
I absorbed the information, contemplating the significance of these tiers and the hierarchy they represented. "So, Michaels is rather formidable. Why would a high-tier arcanist be at the auction?"
Alexei shook his head slightly. "I'm not certain. Although it's quite unusual for a Singularity to be involved in such simple events."
Intrigued by the idea of advancement, I delved deeper. "How does one advance as an arcanist?"
I had already talked to Darius about advancing further, but hearing from Alexei, who seemed more open to discussing such details, was also worth asking.
Alexei considered my query. "It's a significant undertaking. Advancement is a delicate process. Some can take weeks, months, or even years to advance. Rushing the process can be perilous; losing control becomes easier, and even conducting the advancement ritual could turn you. Most unofficial arcanists don't go past Tier 8 for safety reasons."
Although that was what Darius had told me but in a different way, it made me feel more optimistic about advancing. Darius seemed more restrictive about advancement whereas Alexei is more open about it.
His words resonated with caution, yet an unshakable determination brewed within me. "How will I know if I'm ready?"
"You'll feel it with 'Glass Bowl,'" Alexei explained cryptically, already walking toward the door. "You'll just know. Once you know, you can get Darius to file a report to the Church and they'll bring me back here to conduct the ritual for you again personally."
As he reached for the doorknob, he glanced back at me. "Until next time, Elias. Take care."
Alone in the Chemistry Room, the weight of the conversation lingered, stirring a flurry of thoughts within me. Alexei's departure left behind a realm of contemplation, a canvas of possibilities and uncertainties waiting to be explored.
The urge to advance surged even more within me, a relentless tide pushing against the confines of my current tier, a meagre Tier 8 of the Watcher Pathway. The elusive promise of power, autonomy, and the freedom to navigate the intricate maze of the world beckoned.
Yet, a knot of reluctance tugged at my resolve. Would I be able to progress while tethered to the team? The Huntsmen?
Darius's protective nature and the collective concern of the group could potentially become hindrances in my quest for not only advancement but eventual success and comfort. The weight of their presence threatened to impede my journey toward higher tiers, toward the ultimate goal of autonomy.
Self-doubt seeped in, a faint twinge of regret brushing against my consciousness. The failure to secure the pages from the auction gnawed at my determination. My hesitance, and my inability to seize the moment, contributed to our collective failure.
Not only had I failed at succeeding in this task that Fleur gave to me, but this was now the second time, as the battle with Fritz didn't go as expected either. Blame, however unjustified or fair, burrowed its roots within me.
With Michaels's and other higher-tier arcanists' presence looming as an obstacle, the necessity to ascend, to carve my path unhindered, became an urgency. Becoming a high-tier arcanist was not just an aspiration; it was a requisite, a means to ensure no entity, no individual, would stand between me and my ambitions.
To further advance I would need to learn the rituals that would require one to advance, the ones Alexei had conducted for others. There were details about such rituals in the books he had given me, but still not enough to begin at this very moment. Not only that, but I would have to feel and know that I was ready as Alexei had indicated. I didn't want to go through the symptoms of turning again.
And letting Darius know, to send the message to the Church about my advancement. To bring Alexei back to conduct the ritual. With Darius in the way of this, I wouldn't have a chance of advancing so soon. I would have to learn and conduct it without others knowing. This was my own path, not theirs.
The remnants of blood around my eyes were a stark reminder of the events that had transpired. I wiped away the last vestiges, cleaning myself up. It was time to rejoin the others, to confront the reality of our failure and contemplate the new path ahead.
"Much better, Elias," Darius remarked as I came out to the meeting area of The Den, his voice carrying a subtle tone of encouragement.
The team's focused discussion hinted at the gravity of the situation, the weight of our recent setback evident in their expressions.
"We were just discussing our next steps." Darius continued. "The pages are still out there and it's imperative we don't let go of them considering not only what we know but what others could find out."
Lucas, his brow furrowed in contemplation, interjected with a speculative thought. "Xerces' abrupt disappearance from the auction and the absence of the products could link back to him somehow."
Fleur, ever the voice of reason, injected a note of caution. "But we lack conclusive evidence. We're at a loss regarding his whereabouts and intentions. Not to mention, King is somewhat involved too."
Not only was King involved, but multiple other forces. I had been piecing together the jigsaw that had been forming.
The Black Rose, The Supplier Xerces, Fritz Haand, Inquisitor Michaels. Each force was a part of the chess game that was being played. Where did I, and The Huntsmen, fit into this? Would we only bring chaos?
"He would likely be heading to Araway," I interjected, my voice carrying a note of conviction. "Or already be there by now."
The mention of Araway captured their attention, drawing a collective moment of contemplative silence as my words settled among us like dust in an old library.
"Araway?" Fleur echoed, her gaze shifting between the members of our small group.
The revelation of Xerces's potential whereabouts in Araway seemed to ignite a spark of both urgency and uncertainty within everyone.
Before the lingering silence could stretch any longer, I indicated to Darius my desire for a private conversation. He acknowledged with a subtle nod, rising from his seat, and I followed suit, leading the way toward the hallway just outside the meeting room.
As we reached the relative privacy of the corridor, the tension palpable in the air, Darius prepared to inquire, but I forged ahead, breaking the silence with a revelation that caught him off guard.
The sudden urgency in Darius's movements sent a ripple of unease through the air, prompting a swift reaction from the rest of us gathered in the hallway. Caius, Fleur, Lucas, Jean and Mar exchanged puzzled glances, their expressions reflecting a mixture of concern and anticipation.
"What's happening Eli?" Caius inquired.
Fleur, her gaze focused on the doorway through which Darius had disappeared, turned to me, her concern evident. "Is everything alright, Elias?"
I remained silent, opting to wait for Darius's return before divulging the full extent of the revelation.
Moments later, Darius emerged from his office, a document firmly clutched in his hands.
My gaze flickered to the document, recognition flashing in my mind. It was the very document that Deka had brought. The document containing the information about Pink Stanway being spotted on the pier of Araway. Did this connect to Xerces? Was Pink with him or part of whoever was running this operation?
Darius's brow furrowed as he carefully unfurled the document, the weight of its contents evident in his contemplative expression. He glanced over the words, his eyes scanning the lines with practised scrutiny before finally addressing the gathering.
"I received this letter a while ago," Darius began, his voice carrying the weight of solemn realization. "It contains information about Pink Stanway's appearance in Araway."
"Pink Stanway?" Jean interjected, his voice laced with curiosity. "I've heard that name before. Isn't he part of that organization, the Arcane Group?"
Darius's affirmative nod confirmed Jean's assertion.
"Yes," Darius confirmed, his tone measured. "Pink Stanway is not only a part of the Arcane Group, but the head of them. They operate the illegal Arcanist supplement chain that's been causing disturbances in certain circles."
"And Xerces is connected to Pink?" Lucas asked.
"Considering Xerces's role as a supplier, there might be a connection between him and Pink Stanway. It's plausible that Xerces is either affiliated with or a member of the Arcane Group." Fleur said to validate Lucas's question.
"If Xerces is headed to Araway, he might have a rendezvous with Pink," I voiced my conjecture, the implications painting a bigger picture. The urgency to uncover their intentions surged within me, driving me to delve deeper into the looming mystery.
Darius's eyes bore into mine, a silent acknowledgement of the gravity of the situation. "Elias, if you say Xerces might already be headed to Araway right now, we better follow, and fast."
His words snapped me out of my thoughts, the weight of responsibility descending upon me. I nodded in silent agreement, acknowledging the urgency that underscored our next move.
Turning to the gathered team, Darius's voice carried a sense of urgency. "Prepare yourselves, we're heading on a short trip." His directive was clear, his gaze sweeping over Fleur, Lucas, Caius, and myself. "Fleur, Lucas, Caius, and Elias, you're coming to Araway with me. The rest of you, hold down the fort. Jo and Mar, you're in charge while we're gone."
The urgency in Darius's voice resonated through the room, igniting a flurry of motion as we hastily prepared for the impending journey. Rain lashed against the windows of the dark night, a relentless downpour that mirrored the urgency of our new mission.
Quickening my pace, I darted to my quarters, intent on changing into my all-black uniform. The disguise I had previously worn for the auction proved inadequate against the likes of King and Inquisitor Micheals anyway.
Shrugging off the nondescript clothing that would no longer serve its purpose, I swiftly donned the black ensemble—a uniform that offered both stealth and protection amidst the arcane intrigues that awaited us.
My fingers brushed against the silk gloves as my fist tightened, a reassuring touch that signalled preparedness. Tucking a few hollow marbles into my pocket and securing the golden brooch and pocket watch around my person, I ensured I was equipped for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Emerging from my quarters, I found Lucas, Fleur, and now Caius clad in their designated uniforms, their expressions a blend of determination and readiness. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as we stood united, geared up for the task at hand.
Darius appeared in the doorway, dark rain jackets in hand, a sign of foresight against the relentless deluge outside.
"Take these," he declared, distributing them with a calm efficiency that echoed his experience. "We don't need to attract any unnecessary attention. I've just sent Mar off to the Church of the Keeper of Time to let the Priest know of our little excursion. They'll make sure Leode is well-kept for the time being."
With a combined silence and the heavy drumming outside, we replied. Accepting what we must do.
Slipping on the rain jacket, I felt a sense of readiness envelop me, a shield against the elements that mirrored the readiness within. As the team adjusted their gear, our collective focus narrowed on the imminent journey to Araway—a destination laden with secrets and potential revelations.
"The Church should hopefully have a private boat ready for us by the time we get to the pier. If not, we'll have to catch the public one." Darius affirmed as they began to all walk to the Den's entrance.
Lucas nodded. "Hopefully."
As we exited The Den, the night was shrouded in darkness, the relentless downpour adding to the cloak of obscurity. A lone carriage, illuminated by a single flickering lamp, awaited us amidst the torrential rain. The team gathered, our figures cast in shadows against the dim glow.
"Boss?" The driver called out over the sound of the rain, his voice barely audible amidst the downpour.
"Get in!" Darius bellowed, gesturing us urgently towards the carriage, the pelting rain masking his voice.
With a sense of urgency, we scrambled into the carriage, the relentless rain permeating our rain jackets, the dampness seeping into our clothes despite our attempts at protection. I could feel the discomfort of wet trousers, the cold seeping in slowly, though thankfully my socks remained relatively dry for now.
The pitter-patter of the rain created an incessant rhythm against the carriage roof as it began its slow journey forward.
Through the rain-streaked windows of the carriage, the world outside was a blur of movement and illumination coming from each building that was still active on this stormy night.
Through the rain-soaked window up ahead, a faint pink hue emerged against the backdrop of the night, and I squinted through the glass to see closer. The Entertainment District was just up ahead and was on the way as we made our way towards the Pier.
As the carriage lumbered forward, the pinkish glow seemed to intensify, revealing hazy figures dispersed across the streets around the district, each holding a flickering lamp.
"Look at all those people out in this storm," Caius remarked, his gaze shifting between the window and our surroundings. "Doesn't make sense, does it? Why would they be out in this weather? Why aren't they all inside instead?"
"Enforcers are out tonight," Fleur interjected, and I immediately knew what that meant.