Even though they weren't directed at her, the words spoken through Neshava's distorted voice struck Nysa like a hammer. It reminded her of her mother's sermons—the endless lectures during which she would carve Nysa's status as a tool in both her mind and body.
This feels familiar.
She looked at the headless corpses of Zimra and Yasrur, then at Giron's quivering body.
Despite his size and hardened expression, he seemed on the verge of collapse, trembling under Ophir Yannai's admonishment. His fear of disappointing his superior was something Nysa could easily understand.
We are the same—tools to be discarded after use. Our existence is tied to a single purpose.
With that out of the way, let me introduce myself again. Neshava said, still translating the words transcribed into the tablet.
I am Ophir Yannai, an Alchemist of the Mekkubal Order. Who are you, child?
Nysa immediately knew that he was addressing her. Lying wasn't an option in front of such a figure. Hence, she swallowed her creeping fear and answered in a clear voice:
"My name is Quinctillia Levidis. I'm a magus from the Sethian Empire."
Did you say Levidis? Are you affiliated with the Court of Shadows? The Alchemist asked as if it held some sort of significance.
"No. As I understand it, my family branch was exiled shortly after my birth. We've merely held onto the name and a modicum of wealth we salvaged while fleeing to Hierapetra," she answered truthfully.
I see. Why do you want us to attack the Henosis Seekers on the 15th of December specifically?
"I plan to assassinate the Celestial Offering before the day of the Sacrificial Ceremony," Nysa said without missing a beat. "For that to happen, I need a large enough distraction to occupy the Temple of Stars while I infiltrate the Great Sanctuary."
The clay tablet's shifting lines paused for a moment.
Nysa sensed Jonam and Giron's puzzled gazes landing on her, as well as the black-haired girl's confused frown. Even Neshava's neutral expression had slightly changed.
After a few seconds of silence, new words appeared on the mystical relic:
Why do you want to kill the Celestial Offering?
Nysa picked on his perplexed tone even through Neshava's flat delivery.
As she thought, the Mekkubal Order didn't care whether or not they were used as a distraction or bait so long as they got to fight the Henosis Seekers, which would help set up an easy foundation for their cooperation.
"I'm not privy to the specifics," Nysa replied, "As you see, I am a tool not unlike these Homunculi you employ. This is the mission I was tasked with, and it is my sole purpose of existing."
Unwavering dedication to one's life goal will always be worthy of my respect. The fact that ours align is a fortunate happenstance. From your earlier conversation, I assume you're a Shadowbinder.
After hearing that, Nysa's instincts urged her to silence him and murder everyone in the apothecary. However, she managed to bury the teachings instilled in her and remain perfectly unfazed.
For a magus to have their brand of magecraft so easily guessed was shameful, and it was common sense to dispose of anyone aware of their abilities. It was especially true for Nysa's Sorceries, whose tricks worked best when the opponent knew nothing about them.
Ophir Yannai most likely dealt with such magi in the past, confirmed by his familiarity with the Court of Shadows—one of the Sethian Empire's Ennead and a powerful occult order that held control over the Night Sorceries.
You can liberate Bianor's shadow. We shall accept your offer to cooperate if I deem his knowledge useful. I may ask you for further help, however. Does that suit you?
Nysa silently bowed her head in response, loosening her grasp over Bianor's awakened shadow. It slid from under her feet, meekly moving to the center of the shop, right between its captor and Neshava.
"I...- I suppose I can speak now, right?" The shadow's senses were sharp, accurately gauging its dangerous situation. It appeared much more subservient than when Nysa had first captured it. "What do you wish to know?"
"Where is the Henosis Seekers' base?" Nysa's question was straightforward, leaving no room for the shadow to play with words.
"They have more than one base in Priene." The shadow said, uncharacteristically helpful. "The one I'm familiar with is in an abandoned warehouse next to a half-crumbled, half-burned building that faces River Phanias."
"Does the building have a melted statue of Her Divine Majesty?" The black-haired, twelve-year-old girl suddenly interjected. "It should be five stories high, with a crooked spire overlooking it from the northside, across the river."
Bianor's shadow tilted its head, though it was barely visible on the flat surface. "Yes. The description fits my owner's memories of the surroundings."
The little girl raised her head, clutching her fist against the ground. "I know the place very well. I could guide us there."
"They have an elaborate network," the shadow continued, "From what I've gathered, it's a transitional hideout. Their main bases are scattered across the Divine Capital, using the same method as you to infiltrate Priene but relying on foreign merchants they could bribe rather than locals."
After a brief pause, the shadow added, "Still, I wouldn't recommend approaching the base in the slums. They keep strange things there... One of their monstrosities infected my owner. It's what allowed them to twist his mind so seamlessly."
"Can you describe it?" Nysa asked.
"No." The shadow's tone was more fearful than stubborn. "That creature's awareness is creepy. It's sure to follow me to the Realm of Shades. I... I prefer fading from the physical world rather than risk facing its wrath there."
I've heard enough. Neshava spoke, translating the clay tablet's content once again. Segment XIV Jonam. You're the leader of Priene's branch, right?
The blue-haired, scholarly shopkeeper raised his head. "Yes, Master Yannai."
Hm... You're Devora Jaffe's masterpiece. I'll temporarily allow you to operate the Emerald Plaque in the Prolocutor's stead.
You'll join up with the Gonnos, Himera, and Delos branches and establish a temporary base on the outskirts of the slums. I've already given them the order to move.
Jonam slowly stood up. "What will happen to Segment X Neshava, if I may ask?"
We'll melt her core as fuel for the transportation device. Neshava dispassionately translated the details of her impending death.
From the shadow's description, the Henosis Seekers have already summoned one or more Nightmare-class Empyrean Eidolons, or Archangels, in simpler terms.
I'm too far away to reach Priene in time, but my disciple should be near an Illiaster Gate.
He'll arrive by tomorrow night at the latest. Follow his orders, and wipe out the stain of those maddened dogs for good.
Jonam, Giron, and even Neshava answered with an aggressive grunt, mirroring their apparent hatred for the Henosis Seekers.
Nysa crossed her arms under her chest, looking at the clay tablet previously referred to as Emerald Plaque.
"This signals the start of our cooperation, I presume," she said.
Indeed. No matter your intentions, whoever contributes to the Henosis Seekers' inevitable eradication, directly or indirectly, is an ally worthy of consideration.
I will still ask you to assist Segment XIV Jonam in performing his duties until our reinforcements reach Priene. Can I count on that?
"So long as the proper assault takes place four days from now, I'm willing to help in the preparations."
Nysa had nothing else to do anyway since she couldn't approach the Great Sanctuary. It was best to ensure that the assault wouldn't be delayed or happen earlier than expected. Missing the narrow window brought by this distraction would crush her hopes of killing the Celestial Offering before the Sacrificial Ceremony.
Excellent. I bid you farewell, then. Let us meet again, if you survive this endeavor.
Nysa found it hard to hide her grimace.
Survival couldn't even be considered a dream at this point. If she wanted to bring her chance of success to an acceptable level, she needed to put her sacrifice as a final yet necessary step in her plan.
"Alchemist Ophir Yannai has ended the communication," Neshava spoke in her normal voice. "Per his orders, the Emerald Plaque is now yours, Jonam."
She extended the Mana-brimming relic towards Jonam, following with a sincere smile as she gazed at the remaining members of her branch.
"It has been a pleasure working alongside you all. I hope that we will meet again in a new life."
The blue-haired apothecary nodded solemnly, taking the clay tablet from her outstretched hand. "Thank you for your service, Neshava."
"To the renascence of the August One," Giron gently kissed his palm before tapping his forehead, likely a symbolic gesture of their faith.
"To the renascence of the August One," Jonam and Neshava mimicked the movement with near-perfect coordination, though the black-haired little girl struggled to do the same.
Nysa observed from the sidelines as the brown-haired Homunculi parted ways with her companions, heading for a room deep inside the apothecary. She looked at her dignified bearing and ecstatic steps, feeling somewhat envious.
How nice it must feel... to finally fulfill your life's purpose.