Jack stared at the bronze key, stunned. 'How…?' the question echoed briefly in his mind before being overtaken by something else—a smirk crept across his face, twisting the disbelief into something far more dangerous.
'It doesn't matter how I got it. What matters is that I have it. Three more keys, and I'll be unstoppable.' He clenched the key tightly in his palm, feeling the cool metal press into his skin.
The system, once a strange companion, now seemed like a blessing in disguise. 'Maybe it's trying to speed things up for me, give me the edge I need before the real threats arrive.'
Jack's thoughts shifted. He knew what was coming—Haraus, the looming threat that cast its shadow over his every move. 'I need to be ready, stronger than anyone expects. When Haraus comes, I'll be ten times more powerful… or I'm dead.'
But his plotting was abruptly interrupted. A soft touch on his shoulder sent a shock through his body, his nerves firing with an instinctive jolt. Jack spun around, ready to strike.
It was only when his eyes fell on the figure that he relaxed, exhaling the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. 'Elian,' he thought, relief flooding in. His older stepsister stood before him, her presence a stark contrast to the chaotic plans swirling in his head.
Despite the tension ebbing away, Jack's irritation flared up again. 'Still… you don't have the right to touch me, filth.' He brushed her hand off with a sharp motion.
"What is it?" His voice was cold as he met her gaze.
Elian chuckled at his reaction, shaking her head. "Calm down, you little brat. Mom said to get you," she said, still amused. Jack felt his irritation deepen, but he kept his mouth shut.
He regarded Elian for a moment. She was the only person in the household he had any tolerance for. 'The rest of them are fools,' he thought, a sneer forming at the corner of his mouth. Unlike the others, Elian had never treated him poorly. In fact, she'd shown him something resembling genuine affection—something alien to him. But that didn't mean he'd give her special treatment.
"What for?" he asked, managing to rein in his temper.
"The lady of the church will be here soon. She's coming to bless both you and Arin."
The reminder hit him like a slap. He'd been so consumed by his quests, so lost in his plans for survival and power, that he'd completely forgotten about the day's upcoming event.
'Blessings? More like curses,' Jack thought bitterly. 'You all place your faith in that little wretch, and for what? Empty rituals.' The urge to scoff at their beliefs burned in his chest, but Jack knew better. He had to play his part, for now. He couldn't afford to draw too much attention—not until he was strong enough to handle the consequences.
"Oh," Jack said smoothly, masking his disdain. "I'll be there soon."
"Hurry up. Dad's waiting." Elian turned away, her long gown flowing behind her as she walked down the brightly lit hallway. Her footsteps were soft but deliberate, echoing through the stillness as she disappeared into the distance.
Jack watched her go, then opened his hand to look at the key once more. He stared at it for a moment, feeling the weight of it, before slipping it into his pocket. 'Soon,' he thought, and then followed Elian's path.
As he walked through the quiet halls, the distant sound of trumpets reached his ears, growing louder with each step. 'So she's finally here. The so-called Lady of the Church.' Jack's lip curled in disdain. 'Let's see what tricks she's brought with her this time.'
---
The streets of Neon City were packed, a sea of people gathered to catch a glimpse of the revered figure of the church. A path had been cleared in the center, and down this avenue came a grand procession.
At the front marched foot soldiers in gleaming silver armor, their polished surfaces reflecting the midday sun. Beneath their armor, white robes billowed with each step, the fabric pure and unstained.
Behind them, another line of soldiers, these mounted on horses. Their armor was similarly bright, but adorned with golden embroidery—a mark of their higher rank. They moved in perfect unison, their horses' hooves clopping rhythmically on the stone streets.
Finally, at the rear, a carriage drawn by two pristine white horses made its way through the crowd. Inside, unseen but deeply felt, was the Lady of the Church herself—a figure spoken of in whispers, revered and feared alike. The aura radiating from the white carriage was palpable, a calming, serene energy that seemed to soothe the very air around it.
"It's her! The Lady of the Church!" one villager cried.
"Yes, she's here again!" another voice echoed.
"My lady, please bless us!" A chorus of pleas erupted from the crowd, each voice yearning for attention, for a glimpse of salvation.
Many strained to peer through the carriage's small window, desperate to see the face of the woman within. They believed that even the briefest glance of her divine visage could cleanse their souls, granting them passage through the shadowy realm of wandering spirits.
But their eager eyes were met with a white, translucent veil, shielding the Lady from the masses. Her presence was felt, but she remained distant, untouchable, as if existing in a different plane altogether.
One of the riders slowed his horse, pulling alongside the carriage. "My lady, we'll be arriving at King Aldermond's castle shortly. I trust you are prepared?" His voice was respectful, his head slightly bowed.
There was a pause, but the soldier waited patiently.
"I am ready," a soft, melodic voice answered from within the carriage, each word a note in a hauntingly beautiful symphony. "I must also inform King Aldermond of my mother's passing. He has been a great support to our cause, and I wish to thank him."
The soldier nodded. "Very well, my lady," he replied before urging his horse forward once more.
Inside the carriage, a young man with sharp blue eyes watched the veiled figure opposite him. His gaze was unwavering, filled with curiosity and skepticism.
"Are you certain your vision is correct?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence.
The Lady's calm demeanor didn't falter. "Do you doubt my power of divination?" she asked, her voice as steady as ever, though there was a hint of reproach beneath the words. "I may not yet possess my mother's full strength, but I am not without my own gifts. I assure you, there is a demon in this kingdom. I have come to vanquish it."
Her words were laced with disgust, the mere thought of the demon's presence in her world offensive to her very being.
'Mother, I will cleanse this world of all evil. Even… those people.'