"Of course, sir. I'll send the confirmation and appointment time to your device right now," she promised, giving him a final reassuring smile.
Ding!
A notification popped up on his phone, blue light flickering on his face as he read the message.
---
Dear Sir,
We are pleased to confirm your appointment with Mr. Hrwateek at 5:30 A.M. This information is being sent at [5:12 A.M]. Should you encounter any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
The Revenant Consortium
---
Afterwards, Zuxe paid fifty thousand Aether to the receptionist and sat on a nearby chair, staring at a clock hanging on the wall. As the clock struck 5:30 A.M., two guards came to him, asking Zuxe to follow them.
Leading the way, they entered the shade descent, and the guards at the entrance didn't stop them.
Zuxe climbed the stairs, which then revealed well-lit corridors, a soft recessing neon light illuminating the space without being harsh.
The walls were adorned with minimalist art and intricate carvings.
Occasional glass panels revealed glimpses into different rooms, bringing emptiness.
As they passed, the sound of soft footsteps echoed more loudly against the floor.
After a short walk, they reached the door.
"Here we are, Mr. Zuxe," one of the guards added with a polite nod, before both stepped aside.
The door creaked slightly as Zuxe entered the room.
The office was spacious, with high ceilings and soft, diffused light casting a calm ambiance over the polished decor.
As he stepped inside, the attendant, Mr. Hrwateek, rose immediately, bowing slightly out of respect.
He appeared to be in his forties, with tousled jet-black hair that stood out like a chaotic halo and piercing amber eyes.
His attire was a striking long, flowing coat with asymmetrical cuts, layered over a fitted tunic covered in ornate designs.
"Welcome, Mr. Zuxe," he greeted, his expression shifting momentarily, a hint of surprise as he registered the young boy's presence.
"Please have a seat," he gestured, inviting Zuxe to sit in the chair.
"It's not every day we receive a new client your age. How may I assist you?"
Zuxe met Hrwateek's gaze, a mix of curiosity in his expression.
"I wanted to discuss my interest in your services," Zuxe said sarcastically, as unspoken tension filled the air.
"I've come to learn about... certain things."
"Mr. Zuxe, I must remind you that what we discuss here is not for public ears," he said, glancing at the closed door.
Zuxe nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"I'm aware," he replied, his voice low but steady.
Hrwateek raised an eyebrow, impressed by the boy's maturity. Initially, he thought that some spoiled kid had come in order to flex their wealth and resources through connections.
He thought of dealing with him easily, but now various thoughts began to cloud his mind.
"I hope you are also aware of what happens to those who leak the topics discussed here," Hrwateek said in a sly voice.
Zuxe simply nodded, letting him continue.
"Very well, then..." He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he gauged the boy's resolve. "Let's talk specifics."
Zuxe leaned forward slightly, his small hands resting on the table, fingers steepled.
For a moment, the room fell silent, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
Zuxe's eyes narrowed, preparing to say something that could shake the foundation of their discussion.
His mouth moved deliberately, crafting the sentence that would send shockwaves through the air, though no sound escaped.
"...CURSE OF BINDING," he mouthed, eyes locked on Hrwateek.
Hrwateek's eyes widened in disbelief, the color draining from his face as he realized the implications of Zuxe's unspoken words. His expression shifted instantly—shock, then disbelief, then a cold, furious understanding.
Hrwateek barely registered the moment as he sprang up from his chair, his soul pressure erupting like a tidal wave, flooding the room with an oppressive force.
In one fluid motion, he drew a sleek, obsidian-edged sword from his side, swinging it in a deadly arc aiming to sever his neck.
But at the last moment, Zuxe raised his hand, his expression calm and almost indifferent.
He held his thumb and index finger apart, a small swirling black void appearing between them.
The blade met the void with a sudden halt, killing the sword's momentum, freezing inches away from the boy's neck.
As the sword pressed against the void, Zuxe's fingers trembled, the black void barely able to contain the pressure of the blade's force.
The weight of Hrwateek's soul pressure pressed down on Zuxe like a mountain, but he remained indifferent.
'H-How in the world can a child like him stop my strike with full strength?'
'This is it,' Zuxe thought, his jaw clenching against the strain. 'He's only using brute strength? No soul essence or technique at all.'
He could feel his muscles screaming under the intensity. The pressure radiating from Hrwateek was almost primal, raw power that felt like it could break him in half if he slipped even slightly.
But despite the force, he kept his expression calm, refusing to show any sign of struggle.
'He should at least be a Rank Six exorcist,' Zuxe noted.
Hrwateek's face twisted in surprise as he realized the weapon had been stopped by the strange energy between Zuxe's fingers.
The boy met his gaze, his expression calm and unbothered, a faint smirk touching his lips.
"Is that how you handle those who know too much?"
he asked, his fingers shook, but he kept his gaze steady, refusing to let the person before him see the toll it was taking on him.
Hrwateek's sneer deepened, and without replying, he drew a second sword, swinging it toward Zuxe's other side in a swift arc.
But Zuxe was ready; in a blur, his free hand moved, unsheathing his own katana to meet the strike.
Steel clashed against steel, an overwhelming shockwave of force shot through Zuxe's arm, nearly dislocating and numbing his grip.
A dull ache spread from his wrist up to his shoulder, and his bones felt like they were broken.
'He isn't even trying to kill me seriously... or else I would be dead the very moment he swung the sword.'
Zuxe thought before he pursed his lips, his body protesting.
"You wouldn't want to kill a member of the Arcane clan,"
he said, subtly angling his katana so that the crest of his clan glinted in the dim light.
"Who is going to stop me???"
---
Leave a review and send powerstones and also I wanted to know if I should apply for a contract or let the editors send it...