Yoko's Point of View
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The evening was truly magical; even Erina seemed to have enjoyed it, and above all, Nia was happy for a moment before going to bed. I spent the rest of the night studying before my mother called me late at night.
"Yes, Mom? Do you need something?" I asked, softly opening the door to her room, careful not to wake my father. In the dim light of the room, I saw her, already in her robe, sitting on the edge of the bed, her gaze thoughtful, fixed on nothing.
"Come sit next to me, Yoko," she said, patting the bed. What could she possibly have to say at such a time? Was she upset that I brought new friends without warning? Or because I didn't help Nia with dinner? I approached quietly before sitting beside her.
"Is something... wrong?" I asked, a hint of worry in my voice.
"You haven't told me the truth about Nia..." she began. I knew she would eventually find out everything, but not this quickly.
"Uh..." I started hesitantly. After a sigh, I told her the whole truth. "Nia is a Moore rejected by her family. She ran a shop not far from here. It was the only way for her to support herself and her grandmother. But... Marlow Moore attacked her yesterday. Areyos arrived in time to save her..." I explained, pausing. My mother's face was struck with deep sadness. I took a breath before continuing. "Unfortunately, her grandmother was forced to take her own life in front of Nia's eyes. And from what she told me, when she was still little, her mother, unable to care for her and feeling she was too much of a burden, suggested she commit suicide to free herself from this world before killing herself in front of Nia, instead of sending her back to her father," I added, holding back tears.
"My God..." my mother murmured, her voice trembling and eyes glistening with emotion. "How can a child endure so much suffering at such a young age?"
"She's incredibly strong," I answered, my voice full of conviction. "It's her will to live that allowed her to stand up to Marlow's thugs despite the injuries they inflicted on her. I want to protect Nia with all my heart and all my strength. So if you think her presence is too much of a burden, I'm ready to --". I didn't get to finish my sentence. A sudden slap rang out, and the sting on my cheek silenced me instantly. My father stirred slightly in his sleep but didn't wake up.
"Shut up, Yoko," said my mother, her tone slightly annoyed but more affectionate than severe. "I'm not a monster. Have you forgotten we've already raised two girls in this house?" She paused to wipe a tear from her cheek. "Nia can stay here as long as she wants. She will never be a burden to us." Her voice was trembling, but it was full of determination.
I lowered my head, ashamed. "I'm sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have said that... Forgive me," I whispered. She immediately took me into her arms, holding me close.
"Be for Nia what Megan was for you," she said, her voice gentle but firm. Her words pierced my heart, and I couldn't hold back my tears. I broke down sobbing, nestled against her.
"I will be, Mom," I said, my voice muffled by tears. "I'll become strong for her... and for you."
After a few moments, she released her embrace and wiped my wet cheeks. "One more thing," she added, a warm smile softening her expression. "Tell Nia that I don't mind her calling me 'Mom'. On the contrary, I would be delighted."
I nodded, a shy smile lighting up my face. As I left the room, my heart felt light, and I was eager to share this beautiful news with Nia. But when I entered my room, I was surprised. She wasn't there. Instead, a letter awaited me, delicately placed on my bed.
Nia Moore's Point of View
------------------------------
Since awakening to my Aegyl nature, I feel like I can hear and see much better. Although I was in Yoko's room, I could clearly hear her conversation with her mother. I trembled under the sheets, fearing Mrs. Belserion wouldn't want to keep me. Hearing Yoko talk about my grandmother and what happened yesterday saddened me again. Tears ran down my cheeks, caught between courage, hope, and sadness. As they continued to recount what happened to me yesterday, a hand was placed on my head.
"Nia?"
I recognize that voice. It's Areyos. I sat up, emerging from under the covers, forgetting to wipe my tears. He was dressed in a black coat with black fur lining the inside, cuffs, and collar, embroidered with black threads.
"Yes, Rey," I answered. "What are you doing here at midnight? Shouldn't you be with Yoko?" I asked. He wiped my tears, a gentle smile on his lips, then got up and placed a piece of paper on Yoko's bed.
"What's that?" I asked.
"I'm letting Yoko know I'll be back," he replied. "Come, let's go for a walk outside," he added.
"Now?" I asked as he moved closer to the window through which he had entered. He nodded at me to follow.
"I'm coming," I said, getting out of bed. Unlike other times, Areyos floated in the air without having to propel himself with flames under his feet. I followed, sprouting my wings.
"Your wings are beautiful," he said, suspended in the air, one hand in his pocket, the moon shining behind him.
"let's race to Heroes Park" he said. "The last one there is a chicken," he said, starting the race. "Hey! Wait, you're cheating, haha," I said, trying to catch up. He flew fast, doing aerial acrobatics that I hurried to mimic, forgetting my troubles for a moment. It feels good to fly, this view of the city thousands of meters below, this freedom, the wind caressing my face, and especially, this being in front of me, clad in black but dissipating the darkness of my existence like a soft light.
"Why did you come back, Rey? You have school tomorrow," I shouted. He looked at me with a tender smile before looking forward.
"I couldn't sleep without making sure you were okay," he answered. We landed in the park, in front of the monoliths bearing the names of war heroes.
"You didn't have to... Thank you, Areyos, thank you for everything," I said, touched.
"You're my little sister; I must ensure you're okay," he said before becoming more serious, staring intently at one of the monoliths.
"You know... I didn't get the chance to know my parents," he began. "I wouldn't say my mother abandoned me, far from it; she entrusted me to her friend when I was just a baby. My father, he died in the war, maybe killed by Thaleus Sendaris, a man I admire despite everything..." he said, his voice calm.
"I'm sorry, Areyos..."
"Don't be. I'm not telling you this to compare our situations but rather to say that even with a difficult childhood, you can always make it through. You've always managed so far, and we'll help you make it through again," he explained, before resting his eyes on Thaleus Sendaris's monolith again.
"I'll find a new job to earn more money and rebuild the store, I promise," I said, determined.
"I've already rebuilt your store. Erina helped with the stained glass. We reinforced the entire store with our Ki. Erina made sure the whole area from the Belserion house to the store is safe for you. All the thugs in the alleys are obliged to protect or help you if needed. You're safe now," he explained.
"Is that true!? When did you rebuild it? And how did Erina convince them to treat me with courtesy?"
"I rebuilt it using my earthbending while passing by, and Erina helped with her glassbending before continuing on her way. As for convincing the thugs..." he paused before finishing his sentence, "Let's just say it's in their best interest to obey Erina Shelter."
"You're incredible."
"Thank you, Nia. I want you to prove to your grandmother that she was right and to your mother that she was wrong. I'll give you the power that Marlow Moore has. I don't know how yet, but the power of money will dance in your hands, and the Moores will realize the mistake they made by rejecting you..." he said, pausing before finishing. "I promise you."
"Areyos...I...I don't know what to say," I said, smiling, tears of joy streaming down my cheeks. He hugged me and kissed my forehead, a sign of protection.
"But won't it be dangerous to go back to the store? What if Marlow shows up in person?" I asked suddenly.
"Don't worry, Erina made sure nothing would happen to you. She confirmed it to me an hour ago by message; Marlow is no longer a threat to you, but he won't get away with this," he reassured me.
"How did she do that!?" I exclaimed.
"Ha ha, that's not your problem. Think instead about a way to become as rich as the Moores in general. Show them you don't need their money to rise," he said.
Touched by his faith in me, I approached and gave him another hug, then looked into his eyes with admiration, a smile on my lips. I then touched the tip of his nose with my finger, "Tag, you're it," I said, sprouting my wings and immediately flying towards home.
He watched me with a confident smile, hands in his pockets, before following.
Erina Shelter's Point of View, 2 hours earlier in the evening
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Melios dropped me off at the manor's gate before leaving. Now that the streets are safe for Nia, there's still Marlow Moore, who could attack again at any moment. I needed to ask Kayn for help. But he might ask questions and investigate my interest in protecting Nia. I don't want him to know about Nia's existence because he might eliminate her if he thinks she could be a weak point for me. I entered the manor, calm and dimly lit. My seismic sense didn't allow me to detect my brother or father's presence; they were... special.
"Good evening, Miss Erina, I hope you're well," greeted the head butler.
"I'm fine, Ofnir. Are my father and brother here?"
"Yes, they're in the crypt under the manor," he replied.
"But I thought we weren't allowed to go there," I said, surprised.
"It seems Lord Demios has changed his mind," said Ofnir. Under the manor, since I was little, there's been a crypt. My father always forbade us from approaching it. I've always been curious about what was behind it. As I grew up, I tried everything, from throwing rocks at the door, using my seismic sense to identify what was behind the crypt, or even my earthbending to open the large, heavy stone doors of the crypt, but to no avail; those doors, maybe even the entire crypt, were made of celestial stones.
As I decided whether to wait for them or join them in the crypt, memories of my father's and Kayn's conversation when I was younger came back to me. I remember when he turned 18, my father revealed a secret about the crypt to him. I could see how troubled Kayn was after hearing the crypt's secret. It was the first and only time I saw Kayn disturbed.
"And if you could hurry Mr. Klaus, please. It seems he has forgotten that Mr. Marlow Moore is waiting to discuss," added Ofnir in a serene tone.
"Marlow Moore is here?!" I asked, my gaze piercing. I hadn't noticed him with my seismic sense. He probably had a magic ring to prevent detection by seismic waves. It wouldn't surprise me given the magical technology he possesses. I headed towards the meeting room. He was there, sitting, talking with his butler.
"Well, well, little Erina Shelter, how you've grown," he said with a smug smile.
"And you? You're no longer at an age where you attack little girls, as far as I know," I said with a provocative smile.
"What are you talking about?" he said, his smile disappearing instantly.
"You dared to release your dogs in my brother's territory. And we can't say they went unnoticed. A 14-year-old girl was hurt; it seems she's also a Moore, what solidarity," I began sarcastically, before my smile faded too. "I don't care what happens to a Moore, but stooping to chase a little girl in a Shelter's territory and failing miserably while being incredibly indiscreet by leaving the bodies of your dogs in my favorite store in ruins, I wonder why my brother lowered himself to work with you, Marlow Moore," I finished with a smirk. Marlow shot me an enraged look.
"Erina, that's enough!" said Kayn, approaching, his elegant and imposing figure emerging from the hallway's darkness, his stride calm and assured.
"Good evening, big brother, I was just reminding Mr. Marlow that Shelters don't work with incompetents," I said.
"Since when are you interested in the family business?" he asked in a neutral tone.
"Since I was little, you know that. But since neither Father nor you want me to have a territory, I might as well enforce yours," I responded. Kayn looked at me impassively, his face unreadable. My heart started beating faster. He simply gave me a brief answer.
"Leave, we'll talk among adults." That was all Kayn. He rarely listens to what I have to say. He still considers me a child despite my intellectual feats.
"You should listen to me more often, Kayn; I'm not a kid anymore. Conquest is one thing, preservation another. I'm just trying to uphold the rules you and Father established regarding territories," I said, meeting his gaze.
"Erina, your attention to detail doesn't escape me, quite the contrary. But owning a territory is far too dangerous for you, as is getting involved in the business..." Kayn said in a neutral tone, his gaze piercing mine. As I was losing hope, Kayn continued. "But I think, just for this time, I'll grant you the right to impose a disciplinary sanction on my guest." He said. Marlow's surprised look fell on Kayn as he continued. "Depending on your decision, I'll judge if you've become mature enough to listen to more often, so think carefully," he said, his voice calm and firm. It was the first time he'd given me such an opportunity. I needed to find a sanction that would keep Nia safe without suggesting I was desperately trying to protect her, but also one that would show Kayn that my words carry significant weight in the family business. After a brief moment of thought, I had it.
"A psychological sanction," I declared, my voice resonating with calm assurance. I perceived a spark of surprise in Kayn's gaze, though he remained impassive. I took a breath before continuing:
"No matter what Marlow came here to achieve, he must accept his pitiful failure with humility. If his goal was to kill the shopkeeper of the store he destroyed, then let her live with the defeat of knowing she escaped his grasp. If his only intention was to destroy buildings, let him be responsible for rebuilding them. And for each target he failed to reach, let him endure the bitterness of seeing them live, triumphant, despite his efforts."
I paused, locking eyes with Marlow before adding:
"Let him learn a crucial lesson: no matter his ambitions, they will never come to fruition without the approval of the Shelter voice."
The words, heavy with meaning, hung in the air for a moment, charged with palpable tension. Faced with such humiliation, Marlow rose in rage.
"You little--" Marlow began, enraged, when my brother's killing intent overwhelmed him, forcing him to sit back down, causing his butler to faint in the process.
"Watch your tongue, Marlow," my brother said, an ominous purple aura emanating from his body. Marlow's face immediately changed from rage to fear, his body trembling.
"Your request has been heard, Erina," he said, leaving doubt in the air. Had he accepted the sentence I proposed? Kayn looked at Marlow before continuing his sentence. "He won't risk opposing a sanction I approve." He added, his voice concealing a sweet threat. For the first time, I felt like I was being listened to as an adult. I withdrew from the meeting room to head to my room. As I walked down the dimly lit corridor, a hand briefly rested on my head.
"Nice sanction, you've grown... Erina," a calm and powerful voice said before moving away. It was my father who had just passed by me. Even walking in a hallway just the two of us, I couldn't perceive his presence; I saw him without understanding it was him, nothing trivial for the ultimate assassin.
"Thank you, Father," I said, my breath short betraying my surprise. Once in my room, I contacted Rey to share the news. Nia was now safe from Marlow Moore.
Kayn Shelter's Point of View
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My sister had become much more mature than I had anticipated. I had planned that by keeping her away from the risks associated with the criminal world and treating her like a child, she would develop her analytical capabilities and quick thinking, perhaps to act behind my back and accomplish great things to prove her worth. She learned to be extremely cautious because she knew that at the slightest mistake, she wouldn't be allowed out of the manor again. She analyzes each of our decisions with Father from a distance, knowing all our rules regarding territories. She's cunning. That's good. I'm proud of her.
In any case, the millionaire who was covering up our activities on the Aegyl floating continent was eliminated tonight by the Black Lightning's hand. That idiot was involved in the massive exportation of food reserves from the Aegyl continent to Sylvestria, an action that would make it seem like a decision by Elios Kaltaris, which could eventually lead to a civil war among the Aegyls. No wonder the Phantom Order sent Black Lightning to eliminate him. He should have stuck to the business I gave him instead of serving other masters. This story with Marlow comes at the right time; he'll have a chance to redeem himself.
"Never dare to raise your voice in front of my sister again, is that clear, Marlow?"
"It's very clear... Kayn," he said in a trembling voice.
"Good news for you, you can make up for today's mistake," I said, sitting in my chair. Servants came to serve us wine.
"What can I do for you?"
"The millionaire who was covering up our activities has been linked to another criminal affair. So he's out of service. I need you to replace him and establish a completely legal network on Aegyl territory. The last thing I need is Diana Sendaris, alias Black Lightning, interfering in my business."
"That shouldn't be a problem. I'll need less than 5 years to set everything up. But why would someone as powerful as you need territories?"
"Some information can only be acquired when our targets trust us. And besides, there are far more intrigues in the shadows than in the light. When the demons attacked 17 years ago, one race remained mysteriously unharmed despite being in the path of the demonic army," I said, my eyes lost in my glass, deep in thought.
"Are you talking about humans? Do you think they had something to do with the demon invasion?"
"It's Father's intuition... he feels it deeply."
"I think Ghost is wrong. Humans are too weak to control a demon army. Moreover, if we look further into the past, 30 years ago, during the first demonic invasion led by Demon King Zamos, eliminated by Thaleus Sendaris, humans were indeed attacked. Why would they risk manipulating creatures capable of slaughtering gods?" exclaimed Marlow. I remained silent for a few moments, my eyes still fixed on my glass, letting the intensity of the question hang in the air before answering.
"Not everyone is gifted with intelligence. And humans embody this reality perfectly," I began, taking a long sip from my glass.
"I don't understand; there are geniuses among them. Their magic, which they call technology, is fascinating. I've spent a considerable amount of time among them; I know what I'm talking about," Marlow retorted.
"Indeed, their technology is impressive. But their geniuses are often marginalized, while idiots rise to power. The result? Their continent fractures into multiple kingdoms, each with its own ideals. This division breeds resource inequalities, pushing some to steal for survival, thereby sparking wars that hinder their collective development. Others, to maintain their dominance, stoke these conflicts, watching their own race sink into misery, making these kingdoms dependent on those who started the fire.
Their media prioritize entertainment and useless opinions, overshadowing real issues, manipulated by their own leaders. Though kings change, they often elect fools, seduced by promises or fanaticism. So yes, humans generally lack brilliance. Their foolishness is a thought they exploit to the extreme, fueling their cruelty towards their kind as well," I explained.
"I'll grant you that, it's true. But what's the connection to the demons?"
"It's not impossible they discovered how to summon them into our world, with the goal of conquering other races," I said, my gaze piercing, straightening up from my seat. "After all, the Twilight Order, famous for overthrowing governments, is made up of humans..."
Marlow looked perplexed by this revelation. He was beginning to grasp the depth of human cunning and the importance of having informants everywhere.
"I see... that explains why they haven't formed any alliances with the elves, the Aegyls, or the Metaryons," he said.
"Exactly. The Aegyl continent has been restless lately, and I need all the information I can get, especially if humans play a role. I've ensured you receive all properties of the killed millionaire. Your reputation keeps you safe from suspicion."
"Understood. I'll establish a network on the Aegyl continent."
"Very well. I'll contact you for more details regarding what I expect from you." I said before finishing my drink.
"I'll head to the continent first thing tomorrow morning. Goodbye, Kayn."
Zaymon Kaltaris's Point of View
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"Your Highness, the situation has severely deteriorated on the Aegyl continent; we're on the brink of civil war," reported Sylvestria's chief general, Eldranor, with alarming gravity to the King.
"What happened?!" exclaimed Elios, his face marked by urgency.
"Rumors are circulating that you ordered the destruction of Aegyl fields and the massive transfer of their food reserves to Sylvestria," Eldranor added.
"I never gave such an order! Find the responsible party!" ordered Elios, his voice vibrating with anger and confusion.
"Black Lightning took care of it. It was a millionaire who had invested all his fortune in transporting that enormous amount of food to our kingdom. When we tried to return the food to the Aegyls, two combined magic circles, one orange and one dark blue, appeared in the sky, covering the entire area where the food was waiting to be sent back."
"A combined area elemental magic with area psychic magic..." I mused aloud.
"These are level 5 and 6 magics combined for a unique effect. Only an extremely powerful mage could achieve such a feat. I understand the Aegyls' suspicions. Only those who have reached the secret transformation of the elves can use 'super magic'," I explained.
"That's correct, Your Highness. And unfortunately, only the King, Queen of Sylvestria, and yourself are capable of this feat, making all three of you suspects," confirmed Eldranor.
"How dare you make such an accusation, Eldranor?!" cried Merea, my daughter, her eyes blazing.
"Calm down, Merea. Eldranor is right. Until we identify the culprit, in the eyes of the elves and the Aegyls, we're all suspects..." I said to Merea before turning to Elios. "Especially you, Elios. The Aegyls already thought you were neglecting them; this will only confirm their fears."
I saw worry invade his face. His bad reputation wasn't helping him in this critical hour.
Klaus Varray's Point of View
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Now that my team is enrolled at the academy, I can put my plan into action. Just as I had finished my shower, I received a direct call on my phone from Noma Sendaris, my partner.
"What is it, Noma?" I said in a sharp tone.
"I'm beginning operations on the Aegyl continent. Bliss Orathion helped me sow doubt among the Aegyls," she informed me.
"Bliss Orathion? Who's that?"
"A friend of my father's. Thanks to him, a civil war might break out soon. It'll facilitate our plans. And on your end?"
"Let's say a certain Melios Drimdess saw my face using a level 4 magic."
"Another Drimdess?" she exclaimed.
"What do you mean, 'another Drimdess'?"
"Torm Drimdess is Diana Sendaris's accomplice, Black Lightning. He took out all my men before Diana dealt with the millionaire I hypnotized to transfer all the food I stole from the Aegyls to the elves. He excels in deadly psychic magics. And apparently, he was the only known Drimdess until you mentioned Melios," she explained.
"That's normal. Melios works with Erina Shelter, so it's no surprise you have no information on him. They're nuisances that need to be eliminated."
"Wait, wait, are you going after Erina Shelter!?"
"I'm not that foolish; even I wouldn't dare provoke Ghost. I need to find a way to keep them occupied. That's why I brought the other Devas here. With my clones, I plan to keep the army busy while I continue my plans."
"But without Reiner, it'll be complicated to get the information you're looking for."
"Don't worry, I have another high-placed mole in the army," I said with a smile.
"Very well. I'll ask Bliss to enchant your multifunction accessories and the rest of the team's remotely to protect against seismic detection and psychic magics," said Noma.
"Thanks, Noma, I'll call you back, sleep well," I said before hanging up. I then sent the magical code of our multifunction accessories to Noma, so she could send it to Bliss to establish a magical link that would install this new magical parameter in our gadgets. I was about to lie down on the bed, the moonlight piercing through the darkness of my room via my window. I sent one last group message to Anos, Zayren, and his sister Zyriel. Through my own reversed psychic vision, I was able to see through Melios's psychic vision to discover he was the one spying on me for a long time. If he's connected to Erina Shelter, it's highly likely she asked him to follow me. And another thing, by touching Reiner's clone, I saw in one of his memories Areyos Orionis and Erina Shelter, the night of the King Peacock's death. Knowing the intelligence of these two, it's not impossible they lied when questioned about their presence at the academy at that time. And if Areyos Orionis is involved, Kaiser Mendoris is too. Yoko Belserion could be but I don't think she'll pose a problem. I sent a short and concise message:
| Here are the potentially dangerous targets for the mission:
Melios Drimdess
Erina Shelter
Areyos Orionis
Kaiser Mendoris |
To be continued...