In a secluded, dimly lit office filled with holographic screens, a man sat majestically in a leather-coated chair. His black leather suit glistened faintly in the glow of the screens. His face remained obscured by shadows as his sharp eyes locked onto a video playing on one of the holograms.
The room was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of the technology surrounding him. Suddenly, the door slid open with a soft hiss. A figure entered cautiously, her heels clicking against the polished floor. The man's gaze hardened instantly, an almost tangible aura of menace enveloping the room. The figure hesitated, shivering under his cold scrutiny.
It was a woman dressed in an immaculate white suit that accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her golden hair framed a delicate face, but her beauty was more intimidating than inviting. She was Ria, the man's personal assistant, and despite her confidence in most situations, standing before him was always a challenge.
"Good day, si—"
"Did I give you permission to come in?" His voice sliced through her words like a blade, cold and merciless.
Ria froze, swallowing hard. "I... I'm sorry, sir." Her voice wavered, and she lowered her gaze, her usual composure shaken.
The man leaned forward slightly, his tone dropping to an icy growl. "The next time you cross boundaries... it will be your worst nightmare."
"Yes, master," Ria whispered, the weight of his words pressing heavily on her.
The man remained silent, his piercing eyes locked on her. Finally, he waved a hand, a subtle gesture granting her permission to speak.
"I have surveillance footage of the attack from three days ago," Ria began, her voice steadier now. With a flick of her wrist, she activated another holographic screen, replacing the one the man had been watching.
The screen displayed grainy footage of an eerie figure moving through the shadows of the city. The man leaned back into his chair, his expression unreadable as he analyzed the video. Minutes passed in silence until the video ended.
"So we have an intruder," he said at last, his tone as sharp as his focus.
"Yes, sir," Ria confirmed.
"Do we know of any other outposts that might attempt such a thing?" he asked, his mind already calculating potential motives and threats.
"No, sir. We are currently at peace with the other outposts," Ria replied confidently.
The man frowned, his sharp features barely visible in the dim light. Of course, they wouldn't risk it without something significant to gain, he thought to himself.
"Do any of the other guild masters know about this?" he asked, his piercing gaze shifting to Ria.
"No, sir. We're the only ones who possess this tape," she assured him.
"Good. Keep it that way," he ordered. "Replace the guard and destroy any other footage."
"Yes, sir," Ria replied without hesitation.
The man steepled his fingers, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the screen. The figure in the footage was unlike anything he had seen before.
"It's not human," he muttered, almost to himself.
"Ria," he called, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Yes, sir?"
"I have an assignment for you." The man stood, his tall figure finally stepping into the faint glow of the holograms. His face emerged from the shadows, revealing striking blue eyes and jet-black hair. His features were flawless, almost unnaturally handsome, exuding an aura of power and dominance.
He approached Ria, each step deliberate. Despite her attempts to maintain a professional demeanor, she couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down her spine. His presence was overwhelming.
"I want you to find this figure," he said, his voice low and commanding.
Ria's lips parted slightly, but she remained silent as he tilted her chin upward with a single finger, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Find this figure and capture them," he continued, his smirk cold and predatory. "You can do that, can't you?"
"Yes, sir," Ria replied firmly, her tone devoid of hesitation.
"Good." He released her chin and turned back to his chair. "All resources are at your disposal. Do not fail me."
"Yes, sir," Ria said, bowing slightly before leaving the room. The darkness enveloped the office once more as the door slid shut behind her.
The man's attention returned to the holographic screen, his intense gaze fixated on the strange figure. His mind churned with possibilities, piecing together fragments of an elusive puzzle.
"Pray I don't find you," he murmured, a devilish smile curling his lips.
---
Back at the Academy
Days had passed since the guild's warning, but Darian found himself preoccupied with his own struggles. He sat in the back of the classroom, his chin resting on his desk as he stared blankly ahead. His mind raced with frustration.
Why won't it work? he thought, recalling the skill he had unlocked. Despite days of practice, he had yet to master it.
Asking a teacher was out of the question. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to himself. Possessing a second talent was unheard of and would raise far too many questions.
"Argh," he sighed inwardly, burying his face in his arms. He tuned out the droning lecture at the front of the room.
Suddenly, the voice of their beast tutor, Amelia Rose, snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Everyone, we have a surprise today," she announced with a smile.
Darian glanced up lazily. Amelia was a striking woman in her thirties, with an air of authority that demanded respect. Her beauty and confidence made her the envy of the women in the academy and the object of fascination for many of the men.
The door to the classroom opened, and two figures stepped inside. A wave of energy rippled through the room, sending an unexpected jolt through Darian. His heart pounded, and his instincts screamed at him to stay alert.
What is this feeling? he wondered, sitting up straight. It was as though he was in the presence of a superior being.
His gaze locked onto the first figure. She was breathtaking. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, and her golden eyes glowed like embers. Every step she took was graceful, commanding attention without effort.
The classroom erupted into whispers as the boys openly gawked at her beauty.
"This is Zara Noelle," Amelia introduced her.
Darian's chest tightened as a familiar sound rang in his ears.
Ding!!
[Alert! Descendant Located]
[Advice: Commence Bonding]