[Ailith POV]
As Viviana starts the footage, the first thing I witness is a finger delicately moving the frame upwards. The image is initially blurry as if someone had been moving the camera.
It becomes clear that the camera was placed on someone's chest, in a room covered in dark red light. In this dimly lit room, a figure is standing in the camera frame. The atmosphere is tense, and the room is filled with an eerie silence. Suddenly, a voice breaks the silence, saying, "Hear me out, Z, K, and L."
A strict voice echoes, "We are on a mission, and this mission is highly confidential. Our goal is to collaborate with individuals from space and the magical realm. In this unique endeavour, a different species from outer space will be joining forces with magical beings known as Mages. Our role is to assist them in their mission and secure a particular specimen."
"The specimen in question is incredibly special," emphasizes the voice.
"Here is the image of the specimen." As the soldier sees the image, the commander asks, "Did you get it?" The frame shakes a little in response. Suddenly, a loud voice echoes in the jet, sounding like a thunderbolt. "Yes, sir!" is the prompt reply.
"Reduce the volume," I whisper.
"Yes, Highness."
I focus again on the footage that is being played.
The television broadcast begins with a soldier, dressed in military attire, engaging in a discussion about strategy and the fascinating world of mages and various species. The camera's focus is solely on these individuals, capturing their every word and expression.
As time passes, the anticipation grows, but nothing significant occurs. However, just as the wait becomes tiresome, two mysterious figures enter the frame, dressed in black robes. They approach the camera with an air of intrigue.
As I observe the scene unfolding before me, the commander stands in front, with the mysterious mage beside him. Both individuals take a moment to introduce themselves.
First, the commander reaches out his hand for a handshake, and the mage, who appears to be a teenager, reciprocates the gesture by extending their hand.
"I am Commander ALPHA," the commander declares confidently, his voice filled with authority. "I am the leader of Team Alpha from Astrogene."
The words hang in the air for a moment, leaving a sense of intrigue and curiosity among those present. The commander's introduction indicates that he holds a significant position within the organization and commands respect from their team members.
The mage, on the other hand, remains silent, his youthful appearance contrasting with the commander's seasoned presence.
"My humble greeting to Commander Alpha,"
"I am Harry Blackwood, an S-rank Mage. It is an honour to be in your presence."
"I would like to introduce my nephew, Roven Blackwood, an A-rank mage and my disciple. He possesses the unique ability to manipulate shadows, like me."
"I must say, it is good that you have arrived at the perfect time. Should we wait for the arrival of the other members of the team from space?" Alpha inquires.
To that, Harry responds, "There is no need to wait. They will arrive at the right time."
"Ah! So it seems we are ready to commence the mission."
"Yes," then Harry Blackwood says,
"Let me clear something up, We need memories and a specimen. And you also need a specimen. And the members of space need memories."
The commander looks at the Mage Harry and says in a serious tone, "Yes, you are right, so."
Harry abruptly changes the subject, saying, "Ah, nothing. Just wanted to know your goal. Can't you kidnap that specimen alone? It's just a small family."
"You'll know when the time comes."
The room fell into tense silence as the commander's words hung in the air, a heavy atmosphere of anticipation enveloping the space.
No one dared break the silence, fully aware of the consequences that would accompany interrupting the commander's authoritative presence.
Without missing a beat, Commander Alpha continued, his voice slicing through the air like a sharp blade. "Anyways, let's discuss this later," he declared, leaving no room for argument.
Addressing Harry directly, his voice taking on a dangerous undertone, he asked, "You possess the knowledge of shadow magic. Let us move as one, disappearing into the depths of darkness."
In perfect synchrony, the commander took a step back, gradually melding into his own elongated shadow. One by one, the remaining individuals in the room mirrored his actions, their forms seamlessly vanishing into the depths of their shadowy reflections.
As the darkness receded, a subtle transformation unveiled itself. It was as if a veil had been lifted, exposing glimpses of a hidden realm.
The scene before us resembled a desolate and eerie landscape, where light failed to breach its boundaries. It felt as though a camera had been strategically positioned in a place untouched by illumination, casting an oppressive and gloomy aura.
The air hung heavy with an unsettling stillness, occasionally broken by distant echoes of a voice.
An ethereal glow illuminated the surroundings as a holographic projection flickered to life.
The screen revealed itself to be an assemblage of obsidian blue-tinted photographs, emanating a solemn luminescence that intensified the existing darkness rather than illuminating it.
The scene within the holographic window abruptly shifted, revealing the movement of a shadow from an external perspective. It became evident that we were observing the shadow's motion from an outside vantage point.
As the camera lens focused on the holographic display, a family of four materialized within the frame. Two children, presumably around ten years old, stood alongside an adult man and woman.
The appearance of four individuals in the hologram contradicted the previous claim that the family consisted of only three members. It raised questions about the accuracy of the initial statement and left a sense of uncertainty lingering in the air.
The holographic window honed in on the family, projecting their figures as if they were merely ten meters away. The shadow cast by the mage served as the focal point. Among them, the child with fiery red eyes drew the most attention.
"The red-eyed child on the screen is our target," the commander's voice reverberated through the room. The camera shifted, attempting to capture the origin of the voice, but nothing materialized.
Only the holographic window remained visible within the frame. Suddenly, the broadcasting screen transformed once again, and another voice echoed, filling the room:
"The orange-eyed child, Onver, is our prey."