In the outskirts of BoneHaven, close to Evergarden forest, a rip in space suddenly appeared.
At first, it appeared as a thin line but moments later, it widened until it took the shape of a circular portal, revealing an alternate dimension.
"The Spirit world is quite wonderful," Alex said as he stepped out of the portal with Victoria following closely behind with her head down.
Victoria was partially satisfied as she replied. "I'm glad that Master was able to enjoy the journey, unfortunately, I was unable to complete the task."
"That…" Alex trailed off as he scrutinized his surroundings. "This place…"
"It is just outside BoneHaven."
"Hmm." Alex furrowed his brows.
He planned to ask a question but stopped himself as he turned toward the direction of BoneHaven only to find that a dark curtain hung over it, completely obscuring what was happening inside.
His expression changed as he inquired. "Is it because of that curtain you can't enter?"
"Indeed, master. Currently, BoneHaven coordinates have been distorted."
"This is troublesome." As he spoke, Alex made his way over with Victoria still following him.
Upon getting closer, Victoria suddenly paused before calling out to Alex. "Master!"
"What?"
"I cannot go any further than this."
Though thankful he would be rid of her, Alex was curious to know why.
"Is there a problem?"
"That curtain… I dare not approach it."
"Why?"
"... I don't know. But my guts are telling me not to come any closer and they have never lied to me."
Alex raised a brow. "Is that so?"
"That…"
"It's fine." Alex cut her off before moving closer to the curtain.
He couldn't deny that he felt a strange sensation the closer he got to the curtain.
But it wasn't unpleasant.
A sense of familiarity lay that caused him to wonder if he had come across the curtain at any point in time.
"I don't think so…" he trailed off as he came within arm's length.
Closing his eyes, he could sense something within the curtain but it was hidden behind a thick mist.
"You said this curtain distorted BoneHaven's coordinates in space, yes?"
"Yes, master!"
"It's almost like it's in another dimension altogether," Alex muttered while eyeing the curtain.
Taking a deep breath, he reached out and slowly placed his palm on the curtain.
Expecting to be repelled, Alex was shocked to see his hand pass through the curtain without any form of resistance.
It seemed to be welcoming him.
He couldn't help but stop after going in a bit further.
"If this curtain was made to keep people from coming in or going out… why isn't it doing its job now?" Alex asked no one in particular.
It felt like there was something he was missing but try as he may, it was always a bit further from his grasp, leaving him at a loss as to what to do.
But considering Ana was still waiting for him and the appearance of the dark curtain clearly showed the situation in BoneHaven to be dire, Alex decided to do away with the questions for now.
Taking another step forward, He planned to go in only to be stopped as Victoria called out to him.
"Master!"
Pursing his lips, Alex inquired. "What?"
"...Will I see you again?"
"Is there a need?"
"Yes, master!" Victoria exclaimed as she dropped to her knees. "Please, allow me to serve you."
"..." Alex remained silent leaving Victoria to wonder if she might have said the wrong thing.
As she planned to apologize, Alex slowly pulled away from the dark curtain and glanced at her.
"Why?"
"Master?"
"Why do you wish to serve an unknown entity you just met for the first time today?... Do you Vampires just sell your loyalty to anyone that catches your fancy?"
"That…" Victoria trailed off before slowly replying. "Vampires are a noble race, Master. We would never treat our loyalty so lightly."
"So why?"
"Because you are the one."
"Hmm?" Alex raised a brow. "What are you talking about?"
Victoria seemed to struggle for a moment before she finally spoke up. "...My kind has a legend. A legend of a great entity born of darkness that will rise in this world and lead the creatures of the night to greatness. His name is unknown but we call him… the Dark Lord."
Alex frowned. "And you consider me to be this dark lord?"
"I would be a fool not to see it, Master. You are that great figure."
"And if I am not?"
"Then…" Victoria hesitated, unsure of what to say.
However, it didn't take long for her to make up her mind as she raised her head to meet Alex's gaze.
"You are, Master. You are the Dark Lord… so please, allow this measly soul to be the first to serve you."
Her eyes were resolute and her heart unwavering.
If not that this was their first time meeting, Alex would have wholeheartedly accepted her request.
What was bad about having another subordinate in the first place?
However, he still had his reservations.
"Then I accept your request." He said after brief contemplation.
"Thank you, master!"
"But!"
"..." Victoria quickly grew tense as she waited for his next words.
"You will have to prove yourself useful."
"What will you have me do?"
"Take care of Emily and ensure her safety," Alex said before adding. "And for Douglas… train him to become a powerhouse just like you. Can you do that?"
Victoria quickly bowed. "As you wish, master. I will carry out your orders."
"Good enough. Now leave…I have work to attend to." Alex turned to leave only for Victoria to stop him yet again.
"How do I communicate my progress to you, master?"
Alex pursed his lips. "I will find you."
"But…"
"Do you mistrust my decision, Victoria?"
"No master." She planted her head down in apology.
Alex glanced at her. "Then go… I will find you."
With a solemn expression, Victoria slowly got to her feet. "As the master wishes."
With that, she turned and walked back into the forest.
Watching her retreat, Alex sighed. "It won't be right to abandon such a subordinate if she turns out useful. Thankfully, I've more or less grasped how the whole shadow marking thing works."
"Anyway." He muttered as he turned back to the dark curtain. "Time to complete this blasted trial."