NightNova Mansion
In the grand hall, the sound of shattering glass echoed, and Remus stood on the top stage in anger, demanding, "Where is Regis?"
Ten elders of the Nightnova clan knelt hurriedly, pleading, "My lord, please calm down."
Remus, even more furious, retorted, "Calm down? It's been one night since he disappeared! How can I calm down? Where is my son?"
Calista stepped forward to her father, trying to assure him, "Father, if you don't calm down, how will you make wise decisions?"
Hearing Calista's words, Remus finally managed to calm down and took a seat on his throne.
Suddenly, the doors of the hall swung open, and a guard rushed in, reporting, "Lord, two guards were found unconscious."
Remus asked urgently, "Where?"
The guard hesitated for a moment and replied, "Near the rundown house."
Remus pondered, "The rundown house? Isn't the first dimensional channel located there?"
The guard confirmed, "Yes."
Remus gestured for the guard to leave, and the guard obeyed, exiting the hall as per Remus's orders.
Remus contemplated, "But the dimensional channel can't be opened without my permission. Why would anyone go there?"
The first elder interjected, "Only the young master is missing, but even if he wanted to enter, he couldn't."
Remus questioned, "Right! So who and why?"
The fifth elder responded, "There is one way to enter the dimensional channel without needing the channel owner's permission."
Everyone grew curious, and Remus inquired, "How?"
The fifth elder explained, "When I attended the conference banquet last time, I overheard the eternal nobles talking."
[Flashback begins]
At a lavish banquet, a group of people conversed with each other, while the fifth elder sat exhausted in a chair. His interest was piqued when he heard a black-haired man say to a golden-haired man, "Hey, don't joke with us. You claim to know a method to enter the dimensional channel without needing the channel owner's permission. Do you take us for fools?" The room erupted in laughter, but the fifth elder quietly chuckled to himself.
The golden-haired man asserted, "Believe it or not, Eminence also has some control over the dimensional channel. The channel can be opened with Eminence's permission as well."
Another man amidst the laughter remarked, "Do you think it's easy to obtain Eminence's permission? He doesn't meet with us unless necessary, and you're talking about using the channel."
Then, a man with blue hair changed the subject, cautioning the group, "Enough of this talk. We shouldn't gossip about him. If he hears about it, it won't end well." Everyone grew scared, and they quickly agreed, saying, "Yeah, you're right. We should stop now."
The fifth elder remained doubtful, while the other group continued chatting about random things.
[Flashback ends]
The elders shared their doubts with each other, and both Remus and Calista were left in shock.
Remus immersed himself in deep thought and murmured, "Eminence can control the channel." The revelation shook them all.
The second elder spoke up, his voice filled with curiosity and anxiety, "Lord!"
Remus asked sternly, "Why didn't the fifth elder inform us earlier?"
The fifth elder explained, "I didn't believe it at that time, but given the current situation... I just couldn't help but think of it."
Remus, placing his hand on his forehead anxiously, said, "In the letter that came, I thought Eminence's permission meant we could send our people as we wished. But the true meaning was that any Risen could enter." He looked worried.
The second elder speculated, "My lord, doesn't this mean that every channel is fully open for everyone?"
Calista tapped the armrest of her chair, causing the walls to tremble slightly. Her eyes glowed with a black shimmer as she declared, "No one must know about this conversation. No one should have heard it!"
The elders bowed fearfully and chorused, "We will not speak of it, we will not."
Remus gestured for the elders to leave, and they exited the hall accordingly.
Calista approached Remus and said, "Father, it must be Regis."
Remus nodded, agreeing, "Yes, I think so too. But how did he find out before us?"
Calista, after deep contemplation, suggested, "Father, Regis was often absent these past few days."
Remus recalled, "I remember he said he was just wandering in the back mountain."
Calista countered, "How can that be? He used to go there before, and he already knows every spot in the back mountain. He once even mentioned being bored with it."
Remus wondered aloud, "If what you say is true, why did he go there frequently?"
Calista continued, "Father, you mentioned in the prophecy that he would meet two powerful individuals at his first banquet. He also told us about encountering a strange girl during the banquet."
Remus asked, "What are you trying to say?"
Calista elaborated, "What about the second individual?"
Remus realized, "Your brother didn't mention meeting someone else."
Calista pointed out, "Father, there is one thing I didn't consider. The morning after his banquet, he didn't wake up on time. He is usually punctual in everything, but that day, he seemed too tired. However, he didn't tell us anything."
Remus nodded, finding it all very strange. Calista continued, "What if he met the second individual on that day?"
Remus pondered, "But there was a battle at that time. Even if we conclude that, no Risen knew about it, so how did he find out?"
Calista suggested, "What if the other individual is not a Risen?"
Remus was shocked, exclaiming, "How can that be? No one can enter here without the owner's permission."
Calista confidently stated, "They can."
Remus replied, "It can't be. The other individual is from Nirvana Land, but who could that be?"
Calista revealed, "He knew about Eminence's permission and the true meaning of the letter."
Remus stood up from his throne, determination in his eyes, and declared, "We can find our answers at this year's conference. I will personally meet Eminence."
Calista expressed her concern, asking, "Will Eminence say anything if you question him?"
Remus reassured her, "Eminence is a reasonable person. If I don't offend him, he will not take any action."
Calista nodded and said, "Hmm."
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Iguazu city
The next morning, Regis woke up feeling refreshed and ready to explore the city of Iguazu. He quickly got dressed and left his room, eager to learn more about the place and its inhabitants. As he walked through the city streets, he couldn't help but notice the peaceful coexistence between werewolves and humans. People greeted each other with smiles, and there was a sense of harmony in the air.
Regis decided to visit the central square, where he hoped to find some information about the Risens. He approached a group of werewolves engaged in a lively conversation and playing cards. Regis politely interrupted, "Hi, everyone. I'm Rex, I just arrived yesterday. What are you playing? It looks fun."
The werewolves exchanged curious glances before one of them, a middle-aged man with silver hair, stepped forward. "You're the human who arrived with Lilyana, aren't you?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion.
Regis nodded, slightly surprised that his arrival had already become known. "Yes, that's me."
The man's expression softened upon seeing Regis, and he introduced himself as Jareth. "I'm Jareth, a member of the Council."
Regis showed curiosity. "Council? "
Jareth played his card and replied, "everyone have a council, you didn't know?"
Regis shook his head, indicating his lack of knowledge.
Jareth continued, teasingly, "Oh, pitiful guy."
Regis smiled and joked, "Well, you're free."
Jareth responded, "I'm not."
Regis pointed at the cards. "You are."
Jareth sighed and asked, "Why are you asking?"
Regis inquired, "Can you tell me about the city?"
Jareth asked for a reason, "Give me a reason."
Regis questioned, "A reason? To tell me about small things, do you need a reason for that?"
Jareth nodded and said, "Yes, if you don't want to give a reason, then answer my one question, and I will answer all of your questions."
Regis agreed, "Ask."
Jareth requested, "Give me a reason why you're wearing that mask."
Regis wondered, "Is it not allowed to wear a mask?"
Jareth explained, "It's alright, but I just can't trust you like this."
Regis wondered, "Why? Don't you believe Lilyana?"
Jareth clarified, "I believe in our leader, but not necessarily in you. She is kind, and everyone tries to take advantage of it."
Regis responded, "Lilyana is the city leader?"
Jareth was surprised. "You didn't know? You were able to enter without any trouble because of her. Otherwise, we would never let strangers come inside."
Regis admitted, "I didn't know."
Jareth continued, "So, will you tell me or not?"
Regis hesitated and said, "I..." but couldn't find the words.
Jareth became impatient. "It seems you won't. So, leave before I think you're a spy sent from others."
Regis exclaimed, "I'm not a spy!"
Jareth gazed at him sternly. "How can we know?"
Regis, in deep thought, struggled to speak. "What do I do?"
Rejis's eyes welled up with tears, and he managed to say, "I... I..."
Jareth awkwardly said, "Hey! Hey, you're a man. Why are you crying?"
Rejis stammered, "It's not... I don't want to, but I can't say because... because..."
Jareth encouraged him, "Because?"
Rejis finally broke down and sobbed, "It's a long story. It will take your time... I should not disturb you. You are busy. I will go." He tried to hold back his tears.
Jareth held his hand and insisted, "No, I'm not busy. Tell me... Tell me."
Rejis continued sobbing but managed to say, "How can I do that? You are a busy person. How can I disturb you? I don't dare."
Jareth ordered, "You sit down..." in an angry tone.
Rejis sat down instantly, obeying Jareth's command.
Jareth took a deep breath, calming himself, and said gently, "Regis, my son, calm down and tell me your problems," patting Regis's back.
Regis sniffled and managed to say, "Who is your son? My father is still alive."
Jareth, taken aback, realized his mistake and said, "Yes, yes, you're right in everything. Now, tell me what happened."
Everyone gathered around them, eager to listen to Regis's story.
Regis, still teary-eyed, began, "It was a long, long time ago... I... I..."
Jareth interrupted, "Just tell already."
The others chimed in, saying, "Don't be afraid, boy. Just say what you want."
Regis mustered the courage to continue, "I have a sister. She is really pretty, bold, and carefree when I'm around..."
Everyone listened attentively.
Regis continued, "Our life was going well, and nothing was wrong. Then, one day, my sister met a boy who was handsome, smart, and strong. She fell in love with him, but he was an orphan. My sister liked him, and my father also approved. They had an engagement first, and then..."
Jareth guessed, "Then he betrayed your sister?"
Regis corrected him, "No... he didn't."
Jareth asked, "Then what happened?"
Regis replied, "We were poor, and for the marriage, we needed money. My brother-in-law got an offer for a high price, so he didn't think much and accepted the mission. He told us that he would come back, but... but... there was no news of him. After a long time, when there was still no news, I wanted to go look for him, but my father didn't give permission... then..."
Jareth prompted, "Then what?"
Regis continued, "Then one night, someone set our house on fire. We were sleeping and didn't notice at first until the fire got out of control. I was the only one who woke up and had the strength to act. First, I took my father outside, and then I went back into the house to rescue my sister. But while making our way out, the ceiling collapsed. I threw my sister out to other people to protect her first, and I got trapped inside the fire... I... I was too scared."
Jareth assured him, "It's enough, we-"
Regis sobbed, "No, I will tell you. Then, at that time, I was trapped inside the house, full of fire. I didn't know what to do until all the ceilings broke and fell on me. At that moment, until I was saved, my face had already been burned and disfigured. My hair and body were also burned. After a long rest, I was able to stand on my feet again, but my face... my face... it's not like before. So, I wear a mask to not remember that night. After that, I wasn't able to bear seeing my sister so sad and depressed every day. So, I ran out to find my brother-in-law. But if you still don't believe me, I will take off my mask to let you see." He reached for his mask.
Jareth cried and held Regis's hand. "We trust you."
Jareth and everyone there stood up, saddened by Regis's story. Some even started to cry.
Jareth assured Regis and patted his back. "Boy, you are brave."
Regis thought to himself, "Yeah, the trick worked. now no one wil doubt me." feeling a sense of relief.
On the roof of the left side of a tall building, Lilyana and Gina stood, listening to Regis's story.
Gina asked Lilyana, "Do you believe what he said?"
Lilyana replied, "It was half truth."
Gina stepped forward, concerned. "Half? Then he is dangerous. He is hiding something."
Lilyana gestured for Gina to stop. "Don't worry, he is good."
Gina questioned, "How can you say that?"
Lilyana assured her, "I know, I can tell. I will keep an eye on him, and as time goes on, we will know more." She smiled and turned to face Gina.
Gina, still worried, reluctantly said, "Alright."
Inside, Gina thought to herself, "I'm just worried about you, Lilyana."
Gina followed Lilyana, and they disappeared from the scene
A few days passed, and Regis became acquainted with the werewolf community in Iguazu City. He learned about their customs, traditions, and their way of life. The werewolves were intrigued by Regis's kind-hearted nature and his determination to overcome his tragic past. As they spent more time together, Regis became quite friendly with the other members of the Werewolf Council except Jareth.
Meanwhile, Calista and Remus made preparations to attend the upcoming conference where they hoped to meet Eminence, the powerful individual who supposedly had control over the dimensional channels. They were determined to find out the truth behind Regis's disappearance and the secrets of the dimensional channels.