Thursday, 26th August:
Lucian awoke with a grin, seemingly having savored a night of profound rest. After freshening up in his bathroom and making a change of clothes in his room, he eyed the seldom-used cane with a touch of disdain.
Walking with this, even though it looks cool, always feels weird. If only it had a more practical use.
Checking his mailbox, he found a fresh letter and read it with a certain familiarity.
"Good day young man," the message began in a familiar tone.
"This is Whitebeard. Turns out someone needs protection services, and I thought of you. Why not drop by today, before 15:00? We'll have a talk about it then."
Hmm, it doesn't say how much I'll earn but it probably isn't a little sum of money.
...
At Whitebeard's Bar, 11:11:
Lucian gave a firm knock on the door leading to Whitebeard's private sanctum.
The door swung open, revealing Whitebeard's weathered face, a grin etching across his features as he greeted, "You've made it, young man." His hand found its way to Lucian's shoulder, a comforting weight.
They settled into the room, the air thick with the scent of aged wood and faint traces of cigar smoke. Whitebeard leaned forward, his voice carrying the weight of purpose. "A lady requires protection, and she's willing to part with 2 valling notes for a day's worth."
Lucian's gaze sharpened, concern etching his features. "What's the nature of the threat?"
Whitebeard's eyes held a glint of somber resolve. "She's being shadowed, likely by a Believer. She's taken further measures, hiring a private detective to unmask her pursuer."
Lucian's brow furrowed in thoughtful consideration. "Why not entrust this to the authorities? Or..." he hesitated.
Whitebeard's response was measured and grave. "She is, herself, a Believer. Involving official channels could be a perilous path for her."
Understanding now danced in Lucian's eyes. "I see."
I wonder who she is.
"Very well. I accept the offer. Where should I proceed?" Lucian inquired.
Whitebeard supplied the location, his voice steady. "Sentorio Street, Mansion 1."
A flicker of recognition crossed Lucian's face. "Wait, isn't that the address of the Artisan... no, the Artin family..." he said, a hint of intrigue in his tone.
Whitebeard showed a hint of surprise. "Oh, you know them? That might work to your advantage."
Would it truly? If my affiliation as a Believer becomes known, who's to say there isn't another psychotic family akin to the Barts.
Is it wise to take this? They only know me as Lucian Wright, the pianist, nothing beyond that.
But if I don't take risks, what progress can I hope for? I want the strength to protect those I care about.
"Very well. I'll be heading there now. Thank you for recommending me. Is there any compensation you require?" Lucian said.
Whitebeard's eyes shined, "If you could, I'd like to know now about the core. How you gained it, where, and any other details."
Lucian hesitated for a moment, then began to recount the chilling events that transpired in his room. He described the intruder's audacious entry, the unique revolver, and how he had used it in self-defense. He didn't include details about the tense struggle and his powers.
He decided to share information about the revolver excluding it being thrown in the void, hoping it might shed some light. After all, it no longer existed, and he yearned to glean any insights that Whitebeard might offer.
Whitebeard pondered deeply, remarking, "Fascinating. It appears he possessed an artifact meant for divination, though it seems to have operated with grave inaccuracies. As for your revolver, young man, it seems you lost a truly valuable item."
If I'm grasping this correctly, the man had an artifact with him that fused with his core upon his death, facilitated by the revolver.
...
Sentorio Street, Mansion 1:
As he strolled along, Selena's voice echoed in his thoughts, urging him to demonstrate his powers to Aether Artin and potentially sway her towards becoming a devotee of the Moon.
Selena is downright crazy, expecting strangers to just accept a new religion.
What am I? A prophet Haha.
Upon arrival, he knocked on the imposing door, which swung open to reveal a vigilant servant.
"Good day. May I ask who you are?" the servant inquired.
"I'm Lucian Wright, here to meet Aether Artin," Lucian replied.
"And your purpose?" The servant's tone held a note of caution.
"I've come to offer my services as a bodyguard," Lucian stated.
The servant motioned him inside, leading him to the living room, which was to the right of the grand entrance. There, he found Aether Artin, alone and at ease. As Lucian entered, she rose gracefully, assuming a posture of refined elegance.
"Hello, Lucian. To what do I owe this visit?" she inquired.
"I've heard that you're in need of protection," Lucian explained.
Aether stifled a laugh, her amusement carefully concealed. "Aren't you a pianist?" she queried.
Lucian took the lead in their conversation, gesturing for her to take a seat as he did the same. "Firstly, I would appreciate if all the servants could excuse us," he requested.
Aether made a subtle gesture, directing the staff to leave them in privacy.
Taking a measured breath, Lucian extended his hand, conjuring a tendril of shadow that darted toward Aether. It made contact with her forehead, the initial speed leaving her little time to react. Her eyes widened in astonishment.
"Oh my, you're a Believer," she exclaimed.
Lucian retracted the shadow, allowing it to meld back into his hand. "Yes," he confirmed.
Aether's mind raced with thoughts, pondering Lucian's sudden appearance and the string of events that led them to this moment. Despite her initial reservations, she chose to place her trust in him.
"I am being stalked, possibly by a Believer. You're to protect me from now until tomorrow, unless otherwise stated," she declared, her tone a mix of urgency and determination.
"Alright. Firstly, tell me, who are you in Pact with?" Lucian inquired, his eyes locked onto hers.
She hesitated, then made the decision to reveal, "Goddesses of Lust and Love."
Isn't that the primary deity that the 'Everlasting Bliss' believes in...
"Hmm alright."
He remained by her side until the clock struck 17:00. With a determined glint in her eyes, Aether instructed him to discreetly shadow her. She outlined her plan - to draw out the stalker by presenting herself as bait, thereby setting the stage for Lucian and the private detective to confront and apprehend the perpetrator.
Didn't she hire me as a bodyguard. Her ad really was misleading.
The scene unfolded in the waning light of the evening, the cobbled streets dappled in the glow of gas lamps, casting long shadows across the stones. Lucian, adept at the art of stealth, followed Aether with the practiced grace of a shadow dancer. His focus was sharp, honed by Lucy's teachings, enabling him to remain concealed from prying eyes.
As minutes slipped by, the night descended, enshrouding the streets in a cool, nocturnal embrace. Lucian strained to spot the elusive private detective, but he remained concealed, a phantom lurking in the shadows.
Suddenly, a figure emerged, cloaked in darkness, making its way towards Aether. Lucian tensed, ready to spring into action, but the encounter proved to be a false alarm. However, a palpable tension hung in the air, signaling that the real adversary was near.
From the left, a man materialized, donning an inconspicuous attire, blending seamlessly with the night. His advance was abruptly halted by a sudden burst of blinding light. Aether, poised for action, readied herself for what came next.
Blinded momentarily, Lucian sprinted toward the unfolding commotion. His senses returned just in time to witness the emergence of Lucy Hall, brandishing a gleaming silver knife. Intent on striking, Lucy's attack narrowly missed as the man vanished into shadow.
Lucian and Lucy exchanged a bewildered glance, their voices echoing in unison, "What the hell?" Lucy's nod signaled a shared plan. Lucian, obediently, lowered his head and closed his eyes.
Lucy conjured another brilliant flare, revealing the concealed figure. Aether's ethereal hum cascaded through the air towards the man, an enchanting serenade that ensnared the would-be assailant in its bewitching embrace.
Seizing the opportunity, Lucian extended his shadow, ensnaring the man's legs and toppling him to the cobbled street. Struggling against the dark tendrils, the man's efforts were futile; he was at Lucian's mercy.
Lucy swiftly took out her Darlee, stabbing it into the man's arm with practiced efficiency. The threat neutralized, a sense of triumph permeated the dimly lit streets, a testament to the synchronized efforts of Lucian, Lucy, and Aether.
They exchanged glances, each harboring a silent inquiry about the other's presence and the inexplicable turn of events. Their unspoken questions were abruptly silenced by the sudden emergence of a dark figure looming behind Lucian.
The shadow materialized into the man from the earlier false alarm, striking with ruthless swiftness. The blade met Lucian's back in a flash, jolting him. He turned around swiftly, catching only the assailant's shadow retreating into the shrouded embrace of the night.
Summoning his inner power, Lucian channeled his aura, his fingernails elongating into formidable, razor-sharp nails. He stood poised, ready to fend off the assailant's inevitable return.
Meanwhile, Lucy stood vigil over the incapacitated man, torn between aiding Lucian and maintaining her post. Aether, recognizing the urgency, swiftly joined Lucy, their backs pressed together, vigilant and prepared.
Minutes felt like an eternity as they held their defensive stance, their senses heightened. The tension eased as they grew confident the assailant had vanished into the shadows.
With a burst of determination, Lucy dashed towards Lucian, concern etched across her features. "Are you alright? Has it healed?" she inquired urgently.
Lucian nodded, but her skepticism prompted her to take matters into her own hands. Gently, she lifted his suit jacket and shirt, exposing the healing wound. It was serious, but not life-threatening.
"I'll tend to your clothes later," she reassured, her focus unwavering.
They approached the slumbering figure on the cobbled street, Lucian's curiosity piqued. "How did you manage to put him to sleep?" he inquired.
Lucy met his question with a determined look. "I'll explain later," she replied, turning her attention to Aether. "What shall we do with him?"
Aether took charge, asserting, "I'll handle this. He'll be securely confined. Thank you both for your assistance."
Lucian and Lucy agreed, and they bid farewell to Aether, retreating a short distance before resuming their conversation.
"Could we talk about this further at my house?" Lucy proposed, craning her neck slightly to meet Lucian's gaze.
"Of course," he agreed readily.
...
They settled in the living room, Lucy illuminating the space with the soft, flickering glow of a gas lamp.
Lucy pondered for a moment, then spoke, "I'm not sure where to begin."
"Alright. A few days ago, I became a member of the Sunners. Since then, I've gained valuable insights and acquired some useful items..."
"Wait, why, when and how?" he interrupted her.
"It was a task bestowed by our Moon Goddess, Selena," Lucy explained, forming a crescent shape with her hand over her heart.
She's really devoted to her huh.
"Go on," he encouraged.
Just as she was about to continue, their eyes both turned pure white, and they found themselves transported to 'Her' realm, a place reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture but grander. The structures were now adorned with gold, arches connecting marble pillars, each embellished with intricate patterns.
The long table was now fashioned from marble, with one half in pristine white and the other in deep, elegant black. At the white end sat Selena, now seated in a throne befitting her status.
On the opposing side, Lucian occupied a throne equal in size and grandeur to Selena's own.
Flanking both sides were smaller thrones, four on each side of the table, dividing it between black and white.
Huh, this place is different.
Lucy perched on one of the smaller thrones on the white side, her eyes wide with wonder. The words "Praise the Moon" slipped from her lips in a subconscious moment of awe.
Selena, her presence ethereal and graceful, emitted a soft, enchanting chuckle. "From now on, we shall convene here every Sunday at *00:00*," she declared.
"In addition, I have a task for both of you," her voice carried an otherworldly weight,
"Convert Aether Artin."
They nodded in unison. The realm began to fracture, and when they opened their eyes, they found themselves back in the real world, gazing at each other with a shared sense of purpose.
"Tomorrow?" he asked.
"Alright, I arrive home around 15:30, unless anything unexpected comes up," she replied.
"Ah, let me carry on. Apologies, I'm still quite taken aback by that place," she confessed.
She narrated the entire sequence of events from the moment she received the task until she encountered the others, then proceeded.
"I came to know two Pact names under the God of Sun."
"Pact 2: Lightbringer. This one bestows even greater mastery over light. It can be used to purify malevolence, darkness or shadows."
Hm, isn't that what she had done.
"Pact 3: Sword of Light. With this Pact, you can summon a small, nimble sword of pure light. It also increases your physical prowess, enhancing speed and strength."
Pact 3 really boosts you.
"Didn't you use light tonight, against the man hidden in shadows?" he inquired.
"Yes! I've advanced," she exclaimed.
"With the assistance of the Sunners?" he probed.
"Yes, I was ready long before, but the ritual was the missing piece," she explained.
Wait, I only did the ritual once I have to ask why later.
"And how did you put the man to sleep?" he asked curiously.
"I used Darlee. It's got a special tranquilizing poison," she explained, retrieving the small dart from her pocket.
Darlee resembled a miniature dart with a wooden body housing the potent toxin and a slender needle designed for piercing the skin.
Horse tranquillizers?
...
At home, 22:55.
Lucian entered the door with deliberate quietude, mindful of the slumbering household.
After changing into fresh attire, he settled onto his bed, seeking well-earned rest.
Even with 6 valling notes and 6 valka notes, it's still insufficient for acquiring cores. I must also buy a new revolver and its holster.
Turning to his ethereal guide, he called, "Selena."
Her otherworldly voice responded, "Yes?"
"Where can I find my former revolver?" he inquired.
"It resides within your void. Access eludes you for now, as your strength is still budding," she explained.
A sense of reassurance coursed through him.
Next, he sought clarification on the unique nature of his advancement.
"Why did one ritual suffice for me, while Lucy needed a separate one for her progress? I find this confusing."
With unwavering certainty, Selena conveyed, "Lesser Gods often grant advancement without the need for formal rituals."
So she's definitely a Lesser God who currently has only two devotees including me.
This insight settled upon Lucian, shedding light on the nuances of his burgeoning capabilities.
That makes sense I guess. Lesser Gods are more in contact with their Believers since there aren't that many of them(Believers). While the major Gods, from various kingdoms require a ritual in order to advance since their God isn't in contact with them?
As he teetered on the edge of slumber, Lucian's eyes transformed into pools of pure white, whisking him away to a realm of vivid images. In this ethereal landscape, he witnessed Sigma shadowing him after he left the bar, only for the scene to shift, revealing Sigma observing as Lucian entered the Price residence under the veil of night.
Then, a new image materialized before him, displaying the date 28th of August, 20:05, etched in blood upon the Price family's front door.
A surge of determination coursed through him. "He... I'm going to end him," he vowed.
The images shattered, and Lucian found himself back in the tangible world. He took a solid ten minutes to collect his thoughts and emotions, before whispering a heartfelt gratitude.
"Praise the Moon. Thank you for revealing this to me."