Chapter 80
Ethan followed the address given to him by Mr. Ross via text; it was actually near the warehouse location , but considering the last even that compromised Ethan's safety, Mr. Ross cleverly used that situation to sell the property, and the new owner converted it to a rentable storage unit. The person that facilitated the buying and building was actually a member of Mr. Ross staff personnel. While the construction was happening, confirmation concerning people watching the area was confirmed and recorded on a daily basis.
While this was happening a thousand miles from where the warehouse once stood, Varinka never wasted time in fulfilling her plans as she went back to their home country and wreaked havoc on the elders and killing everything that stood on her path, finally gaining power in running the Romanov family business and finally expanding their control, while Victor supported her with enough manpower and weapons for them to take the seat of power. News concerning the bloodbath never reached public awareness.
Varinka's thirst for power and control only grew stronger as she solidified her position within the family business. With Victor by her side, she became a force to be reckoned with, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake. The brutal actions taken by Varinka and Victor remained hidden from the public eye, allowing them to continue their reign unchallenged.
The very organization was uprooted from the very ground, and Varinka and Victor appointed themselves as the new masters as they retained a few elders that surrendered to them . This event happened before the flesh eating spiders attacked the main city. Varinka and Victor's ruthless takeover of the organization sent shockwaves through the underworld, solidifying their power and influence. The arrival of the flesh-eating spiders only added to the chaos and uncertainty that now gripped the main city.
While the world was still moving on its own , many power groups are now mobilizing their own force in dealing with internal conflict, as if the wind of change finally blew directly in their direction. As the old ways that do not comply with the world's drastic change are now being forced out, like the Romanov family
While the 12 Apostles that manage the globe in the shadows were exempted from this because they were the embodiment of world change and innovation , their hold over their seat of power is still strong, and their way of managing the world affairs' was never stagnant , the 12 Apostles continue to wield influence and shape world events behind the scenes.
Unlike those who serve under them, the fear of losing control made these groups retain their structure and power dynamics, never wanting to adapt to the changing times. The creatures that came out of the pages of old folklore changed the dynamics of how mankind can survive this.
War has often been a means through which countries seek to resolve conflicts, assert dominance, or pursue national interests. From territorial disputes to ideological battles, nations have utilized warfare as a strategy to gain resources, access new markets, or solidify their geopolitical standing. Throughout history, wars have been driven by a myriad of factors, including economic pressures, colonial ambitions, and the desire for self-determination. The outcomes of these conflicts have shaped borders, influenced political systems, and altered the course of national narratives.
Moreover, wars can serve as catalysts for change within countries. They often lead to significant social and political transformations as governments mobilize resources and society unites against a common enemy. For instance, the two World Wars of the 20th century propelled advancements in technology and industry while also challenging existing social hierarchies and gender roles. However, the toll of war is profound, leaving lasting scars on both nations and individuals, igniting cycles of violence and resentment that can persist for generations.
This is also the reason why Grand Patriarch Leonhardt Maier Siegert conducted their family meeting, as they also felt the sudden change, a sign that they have been waiting for: the accumulated vast resources will soon come to play a crucial role in the upcoming conflict.
The family meeting was an opportunity to strategize and prepare for the inevitable challenges that lay ahead, ensuring their resources were utilized effectively to protect their interests and secure their legacy in the face of uncertainty.
Katarine , Monica, and even Lush Coco are exempted because they had already awakened their powers at a very young age; Monica's power was mind control , while Lush Coco was shapeshiting, and Katarine, the youngest to manifest her powers to an overwhelming and nearly uncontrollable degree before, was able to create and manipulate fire herself based on her emotion.
The made up curse was created to lessen her burden and try to give sense to what was happening to her; the personally that she created nearly consumed her mind, but when Ethan came, the fulfillment of the great prophecy can now be achieved. Ethan, with his ability to absorb and neutralize her rage, was the missing piece needed to bring balance and harmony to Katarines emotion.
The three unique abilities set them apart from the rest of the clan's younger members, making them valuable assets in the fight against any potential threats that may arise. As they continue to train and develop their skills, the Siegert secondary clan pillars have high hopes for their future contributions to the clan's strength and influence.
The confirmation that the majority of their clan members were now awakened ability users, but these individuals were not required to join the knight association nor lend their powers to save the weak. They only have one purpose, and that is to follow the command of the four Siegert pillars.
Those sixty newly awakened combat type ability users will now gain secretly training under the guidance of the Siegert secondary clan pillars, honing their skills and preparing for whatever threats may come to their family.
With their loyalty to the pillars that must not be unquestioned, the clan's power and influence in the supernatural world were poised to be used, as everything changed when one fateful evening, as crimson clouds veiled on the waning moon, an unexpected visitor breached the Siegert family mansion underground sanctum,
A small mortal male child was named Anthony. Clad in school garments that whispered tales of distant realms, he approached with hesitant steps. His eyes sparkled with an unsettling mixture of innocence and knowing far beyond his years.
"Greetings, my dear friend, it's been a while."
Anthony spoke to Leonhardt when they met beneath the flickering lumens of bioluminescent flora surrounding the Council Hall.
"It's been ages."
The patriarch's brows furrowed as he studied her delicate features—the ghostly visage reminiscent not only of childhood but also shadows long past. Seeing this particular person was not a good sign, the fact it was able to cross over.
"You should not be here."
He replied cautiously; recognition flickered through his mind like static electricity.
"Those who watch over the sphere will surely react to you crossing over."
But the young Anthony persisted undeterred by authority or fear.
"Honestly,"
He continued while glancing at his surroundings with curiosity akin to wonderment mixed with dread.
"The wall that protects this pitiful place is really sturdy; I made numerous attempts to breach it for nearly twenty years. Luck was not on my side "
"The flaming one eyes are always looking, I had to time my action carefully to avoid detection."
His words hung heavily between them like thunderclouds poised for release. Leonhardt felt a chill grip his mind; this was no ordinary child—he was imbued with power and rank nerly similar to him.
"In my twenty-two years," he continued breathlessly as if recounting some cosmic tale spun in whispers among stars lost to time itself.
"Attempting even to create a small opening was futile."
He paused, then leaned closer as though confiding secrets meant only for him alone.
"Until a few days ago."
"I felt a surge of power from this mortal side; it was similar to the being written on the Sigillum Dei.."
"the being that came through Ein Sof ("infinite space")."
"Kinda felt similar but I'm not sure; I never bother to investigate; I just cross over to this realm as fast as I can."
"This was the only vessal I could enter,"
" bear with it."
The name struck him like lightning: Hananel or Haniel, illuminating hidden fears buried deep within his consciousness, a very elusive and unpredictable being whose influence permeated every corner where even darkness and chaos thrived. A genderless entity that possesses the body of a handsome man but the face of a beautiful woman, or the other way around.
"That power…"
He hesitated momentarily before continuing with awe, lacing his voice.
"That powerful unseen firemana was able to shattered this world sphere, it was so potent the flaming one noticed it at once and proceeded to fix the weaken seal, but it left a small dent on its protective wall."
Leonhardt's pulse quickened at her revelation—an alarm bell ringing through layers upon layers of reality.
"And because of this,"
Anthony pressed forward earnestly while clutching something unseen against her chest—perhaps hope or despair entwined together in fragile unity.
"I have finally found a way to break through before the sphere could heal itself again."
"What do you want?"
Leonhardt Maier Siegert demanded suddenly; urgency tinged his tone as anticipation clawed at him relentlessly.
"Anyway,"
He said matter-of-factly while extending an ethereal hand toward him—the gesture somehow revealing more than mere flesh—it shimmered faintly like stardust caught in moonlight trapped between worlds yet unformed yet infinite possibilities ahead.
"Here is one of the seven lords' messages for you; receive it."
"Who among the seven lords?"
Leonhardt Maier Siegert asked, his curiosity piqued by the mention of the seven lords. leaving Leonhardt to ponder the significance of the message and its sender.
"Sorry, I don't have the answer to your question."
" I am just a mare messenger."
The figure finally spoke, their voice barely above a whisper.
With trembling fingers wrought heavy with fate's burden resting upon them both too precariously under celestial alignments shaping destinies unseen until now the air thickened around them, drawing close enough so they might share breaths laden with understanding woven into threads binding time itself across endless aeons lived too often forgotten amid fleeting existence cloaked behind veils obscured evermore...
"I Dark Commander Leonhardt,"
He proclaimed solemnly yet reverently, almost sounding incantatory against ancient echoes swirling all around them, rising higher than any tempest conceived ever possible, borne from fires ignited long ago when chaos reigned unchecked wild free without restraint tethered only by mortal will seeking balance always elusive...
"Eldest son born unto great Red General Rollos Siegert shall accept message delivered directly from one of the seven Lords himself."
The proclamation sent tremors coursing through Leonhardt's core as shadows danced violently along walls once thought immutable fractured now irreparably reshaped forevermore beneath weighty truths thrust forth unveiled into sight, bringing clarity alongside confusion merging seamlessly, casting doubt over everything known, established, founded, solid ground shifting sands eroded away, leaving nothing but void awaiting reclamation, rebirth, renewal, and the inevitable cycle.
Anthony smiles softly, revealing innocence amidst darkness. Weary of realities, possibly leading to a resumed conflict that they started many years ago when this world was still young.
As dawn broke over Siegert mansion, lavender skies poured warmth, weaving gold. Lifes together, amidst uncertainty, whispered promises and secrets. As the young child vanishes, their family tasks must now be synchronized rhythmically, and he needs to reveal their true nature and eagerness to finally take action after many years.
This was the very reason why Grand Patriarch Leonhardt Maier Siegert comanded his entire family to attend the meeting; their endless waiting finally gained some clarity as the young looking boy indeed came from their home world, and without a doubt the wall protecting and preserving this realm finally weakened.
The question on his mind now is: who really made the seal weak? Was it Katarine's own blood and kin?
Or somebody on the other side that never once moved. Hearing the name Haniel was not a surprise, as rumors of the powerful being had been circulating in the mortal realm hidden for centuries. Even living a life as a normal person.
Haniel was overly powerful; even the seven lords showed respect toward this ambiguous being.
The war that made the sky tremble was nothing to this being; without direct command, Haniel never waged war to any of its fallen Brethren
Haniel was unlike any of the Serap she was created to be malleable either an Archangel or Seraphim, but still bear the mark of the unquestioned commitment and ardently toward the singular supreme being.
Haniel's presence commanded attention and reverence, with a sense of power that surpassed even the mightiest of celestial beings. Despite being eccentric, secretive, elusive and unpredictable in nature Haniel's was an unmeasurable force to be reckoned with that was undeniable even among their enemies.
The Grand Patriarch knew that uncovering the truth behind the weakening seal would require a delicate balance of diplomacy and strategy. It never dawned on him that the man who opened Katarine's heart might be the person he was looking for.
He was now questioning the validity of the prophecy concerning his descendant: to be the one who will inherit the Devine flame, this person will pave the way to unseal the gate; after man failed attempts, Katarine
Her emotion and heart were the only things preventing Katarine from truly controlling her flame to finally evolve into the highest form that could cut open the fabric of space and time and finally connect to their home world without breaking a divine law. The war that will end all wars was still lingering among the framework of fate and destiny; the only question was when,
Deep down, Grand Patriarch Leonhardt Maier Siegert and his entire main clan grew tired of remaining in this world and waiting for the inevitable clash that would determine the fate of all realms. Their patience was wearing thin as they yearned to be free from their allegiance toward the unified agreed commanding of the seven lords.
Meeting one of the seven messengers was a wake up call that the war will soon resume, and even with all the material wealth they accumulate, their victory is not guaranteed. The Grand Patriarch knew that their time for action was approaching, and they needed to escape, and the only way to do that is to return to their true domain, as they were untouchable as they were direct lineage toward the Akkadian sleeping primordial queen demon Lilitu.
They answered the call to arms when Asmodeus asked Lilith to render her support in the conflict; at first she never wanted to, as her domain and blood line weren't affected. But Asmodeus secretly put Lilith to sleep and shapeshifted to look like her and commanded her force to help with a war. General Rollos was the only warrior who was suspicious; the information concerning this act came in late as they were sealed and trapped in the mortal realm.