Chapter 63: Onyx
Author's Note:
...Hello?
Don't mind me, just hopping back after being gone for a few...more than a few days.
But don't worry, it was for good reason. Since my life is quite chaotic at the moment, I took some time to stack some chapters.
The reason I did this is...
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If not, then enjoy the two chapters I'll be uploading.
And from now on, it's constant updates, one chapter a day like usual. Thank you all for waiting.
Now, enjoy!
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'The fall…of Aurelius?'
Isaac was confused. He started to question whether he may have heard that incorrectly and if the fatigue was finally catching up to him.
"In one month, on September 24th, every follower will assemble in Ashton City. On September 24th, Aurelius will fall, and the prophecy will be fulfilled."
As if the recording could read Isaac's thoughts, it repeated itself as a complicated expression showed on Isaac's face.
"Hail Onyx."
As these last words rang out, the recording cut.
'This…is complicated.'
Isaac remembered Jayne speaking of new orders they were assigned. This was most likely it.
'One month is too close.'
Isaac said, looking at his watch that showed the date to be the 25th of August.
Although the message was straightforward, Isaac couldn't help but scratch his head on a few points.
Firstly, what exactly was the prophecy?
'I'm starting to think this organisation is more of a cult.'
With the way they spoke, from the 'Hail Onyx', to their 'Creations' and now the Prophecy, it certainly seemed that way.
Additionally, Isaac raised an eyebrow upon hearing where they were to assemble.
Ashton City. Though named a city, the landmass of it could be considered that of a large town.
Although the home to Inheritors was called Spawn, it was separated into a few cities. Four to be exact.
'More like four boroughs.'
Firstly was Ashton City, located in the south of Spawn.
On the opposite side, the North, was Praxis City, also where the Hearts Guild was located.
Ravenwood was simply considered a forest and was located in the corner, North East, of Spawn.
Meanwhile, the West and East were named Avalon and Kentford respectively.
But what had Isaac so confused was that Aurelius was nowhere near Ashton. It was closer to Praxis and Avalon.
'Why Ashton? It would be idiotic to assemble there and move as an army to Aurelius.'
Isaac scratched his head. He didn't know what to make of the situation.
Usually, he wouldn't involve himself in the Onyx's plan, after all, he was far too weak to do anything about them.
However, now, his life was most likely on the line.
'Then there's Oliver and Zach.'
This was the first time Isaac had thought of a Scenario where they'd die. He didn't know he'd feel this way, nor was he completely sure what he was feeling.
But he did know one thing.
'I don't want that to happen.'
After all, they were going to accomplish their goals together. What good was their toast if they suddenly died?
-BZZZ
As Isaac thought this, his eyes snapped back to the black cube as it buzzed, the same distorted voice speaking once again.
"This following message is directed toward the Priests of Onyx."
'Priest? Isn't that what Jayne called herself?'
"Our informant within Aurelius is keeping in contact. It isn't long until the first stage of the prophecy begins. Perhaps in a few days."
'A few days?'
"In that time, you are to assemble our Creations from Ravenwood. That will be all. Hail Onyx!"
Isaac blinked as the voice subsided.
'This is why Jayne and Wayne were in the Red Zone. If this message was directed towards multiple Priests, I'm surprised I didn't meet more.'
Additionally, it was clear Onyx wanted to use the Terrors Isaac had seen in Ravenwood for this attack, making this matter all the more serious.
Even a single one of those Red Zone Terrors could single-handedly wipe out the first years.
Now it was to he expected there would be multiple.
As Isaac thought, the voice spoke once again.
"This following message is directed toward the Bishops of Onyx…"
-BRZZZP
The audio cut as Isaac's room returned to its previous silence.
'There's more. But it seems Jayne didn't earn the privilege to keep listening.'
Despite all that had happened and the countless questions that were running through Isaac's mind, two things were clear.
Firstly…
'In one month, I have to get as strong as possible.'
But that wouldn't be enough.
No matter how hard Isaac trained, he couldn't be prepared to fight even a single Red Zone Terror and confidently say he'd win, much less multiple.
Therefore, Isaac needed a plan.
And for a plan, he needed to have more information.
Secondly, from all the questions Isaac had asked himself, he hadn't asked himself who their informant was.
This was because he had a plausible theory.
Staring at a watch on his desk, his eyes narrowed.
'Xavier Hall.'
***
"Hey, Isaac. Wake up."
A boy with overgrown and messy black hair sat on his chair before a desk, his head hung backwards as he drooled and snored loudly.
Standing over him was a similarly aged boy with thick glasses that made his eyes seem wider than they were, a combover and freckles, and he was growing increasingly annoyed with being ignored.
-SMACK
"What the f…!"
Isaac fell off his chair as he held his stinging cheek.
"You sleep like a rock! I've been trying to wake you up for the last ten minutes!" Oliver pointed as he spoke in a frustrated tone.
"Did you just slap me?!" Isaac asked, his voice rising a few pitches.
"Guys, we might be late if we spend too much time here."
Seeing Zach peek his head through the door, Isaac glanced at his watch, only to see the time.
'Oh, you've gotta be kidding me. The one time I decided to sleep.'
Although Isaac didn't need sleep, it wasn't infinite. At least, not while he was suppressing so much of the Zobae.
After a few days of staying up, he'd typically collapse due to exhaustion.
And after the weekend Isaac had had, he couldn't help but ignore his reasoning and take a short nap with an hour left of class.
"What's all this?" Oliver asked, seeing all the books stacked on Isaac's desk.
Thankfully, he'd gotten rid of anything from his adventure in Ravenwood.
"That? I've just been researching verses." Isaac replied, stuffing himself into a shirt.
Oliver grabbed one of the books, holding it before him.
"'The World of Hunter x Hunter'? Why are you reading this, didn't you already spend your first scenario in this verse?" Oliver and Zach went through the books, seeing which ones were interesting.
"Yeah, but I just wanted to know the level of knowledge Spawn had on each Verse."
The result?
Basic information one could gather within a day of being inside the verse.
For example, in summary, the book on Hunter X Hunter mentioned the Hunter's association, Nen, the beasts in the world, some information on important figures like Netero and the Zoldycks, and finally the V6 nations.
Nothing on the legacy of the Freecs, let alone Don, nothing on Zigg specifically or the Kurta and not a single mention of the Dark Continent.
Though they gave a detailed description for each point they provided, Isaac found it to be largely underwhelming.
'Though, it was refreshing to read.'
Maybe it was nostalgia, or maybe the fact that Isaac had realised the information on the Hunter X Hunter verse was limited.
'It's likely some important individuals hide some information and events in the verse.'
There were likely only a handful of individuals who even knew what the Dark Continent was and probably none that had travelled there like Isaac.
Isaac felt as though he was reminded of why he was hiding his strength in the first place.
If he revealed his Scarlet Eyes and everything he knew, people would start to question how it was possible.
He would be forced to take the verification process most individuals went through when exiting their Scenario.
His whole secrets would then be revealed.
SSS completion rank, Dark Continent and everything else.
Then…
'I'd probably die.'
Isaac sighed. It was depressing to think about, to say the least.
This was why he needed to wait till he was stronger.
"One Piece too?" Zach asked, turning the book.
"Yeah." Isaac chuckled.
Although, he was only able to get through those two books.
He was starting to get sick of being clueless all the time. This was a nice change of pace.
As for the book on One Piece…
'Too much. I was barely able to make it through.'
The world, not just one PS, but two, the marines, pirates, world government, the different races and different islands.
'Islands in the skies and fishmen? That's freakin' awesome.'
Although the thick book took most of his time, he enjoyed getting through it.
Especially since he remembered some of the scenes from the dreams he used to have before his first scenario.
"Alright, I'm ready!" Isaac declared as the three walked out, leaving the dorm.
"Hey, I have a question. How am I supposed to know what someone's PS is or their abilities? There are so many, and fighting my opponent without knowing anything about them seems unwise."
Isaac asked, to which Zach nodded, he too seemed to question this.
Thankfully, they had Oliver with them.
"Well, we know Mana and Magic are the most common PS, but outside that, being in Aurelius and Spawn, you should soon reach a level where you can identify most abilities from sight or other senses."
"However, the two of you, having healing abilities, should find it easy to stall long enough to gain some insight. And Isaac is a Wanderer, so he's a complete wild card."
Zach nodded, agreeing as asked a few more questions.
'Hmmm.'
Isaac was unsatisfied with the answer. He needed a more definitive way to identify information about his opponent.
He'd have saved immense time not figuring out what the Juggernaut's ability was and he'd have been smarter about avoiding Merlin's spells if he knew beforehand.
"Even so, I don't think any amount of experience will ever prepare me for waking you from sleep. What time did you sleep anyway?" Oliver snorted as he glanced at Isaac from the side of his eye.
A vein bulged on Isaac's neck as he creaked his head around to the side like a rusty robot.
"Are you still going on about that?" Isaac hissed.
"I've had a better experience waking Inheritors from their Scenarios."
"Oh please, now you're just lying."
"I'm not! Tell him, Zach. Tell him about that story I told you. Go on, tell him." Oliver nudged Zach who nervously chuckled.
"I'd rather not get involved." Zach waved his hands in rejection.
"Aha, busted." Isaac laughed.
"You heard him, he just doesn't wanna get involved. It still doesn't change the fact your drool runs up your nose."
"Oh yeah? Well, you slap like a bi…"
"Um, guys. This is my turn."
Isaac and Oliver had been talking for so long that they'd reached the main building without even realising it.
The two of them waved off Zach and they walked to their class.
"What time did you come back last night? I didn't hear you come in." Oliver asked.
'I doubt you would even if I did. After all, you'd have heard the box if so.'
"I climbed in through the window, I didn't want to disturb you guys."
Oliver nodded.
"How was your weekend?"
"Good."
Oliver paused, glancing at Isaac from the corner of his eye.
He didn't want to pry, however, upon hearing his father speak of an incident in Ravenwood last night, and remembering the questions Isaac had asked…was it really a coincidence?
'Oh, stop it. Isaac is an F-rank. Even if he did enter Ravenwood, he must have entered with a party, otherwise…well he wouldn't be here right now.'
One-half of his brain ran wild with theories. The disappearance during Silver's hunt and now this.
However, the logical side of his brain calmed him down.
Isaac was a simple F-Rank, one who was smart. If he did enter Ravenwood, it was with precautions, and he certainly had nothing to do with that incident.
'Maybe he didn't even enter Ravenwood. He might have visited the Arena.'
Although Oliver tried to stop himself from being nosy, he knew he had a curious mind.
However, if the crazy part of Oliver's brain was correct, he had one word to describe Isaac.
'Cool. So cool.'
Secretly Strong F-Rank. That was a headline.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Isaac asked, sliding open the door as they prepared to enter the class.
"Oh, nothing, just…my future as a professor." Oliver blurted out whatever came to mind.
"Are you rethinking it?"
This seemed to catch Oliver's attention, as he regained his composure.
"Oh no, of course not. I've simply updated my goal a little."
Although Oliver did speak without thinking to save himself from acting weird, this happened to be something he thought a lot about.
"When I become a professor, I'll try my best to reach a position of power that will allow me to shut down whatever is happening is Setction Z…"
"Hey, be quiet."
Isaac nudged Oliver, looking around to check if anyone had heard them as they stood at the door.
But as usual, the class was loud and most of the students could be seen huddled around the Golden Six.
Well, maybe the Golden Five, seeing as no one wanted to suffer the cold rejection of Lucy as she read quietly.
"Oh, sorry."
Isaac sighed.
"It's fine." He replied as they both walked in, taking their seats at the back of the class.
"You see, if everything Zach says is true, then it's no place for Inheritors."
"That doesn't seem like a bad idea. Maybe I can help Zach turn back into a human." Isaac replied, thinking of some ways where that could be possible.
Despite not knowing anything that could perform such a feat at the moment, he kept a reminder to keep his eye out for anything that did.
"Great! Then he won't have anything to worry about." Oliver smiled.
As they spoke, it wasn't long until Orion, the usual hunch in his back, hands in his pocket and typical black shirt and black sweatpants attire, walked in as everyone took their seats.
"Hello, children. Boy, do I have a fun class planned for you today." His words seemed joyful, yet his lethargic tone made it seem as though he was being sarcastic.
But everyone had already gotten used to this.
"Lots of fighting today, so warm yourselves up and crack your knuckles. Let's go."
As Orion prepared to walk out, he looked back, only to see the class still seated, staring at him confusedly.
"Um, Mr Orion, aren't you going to take attendance first?" Ava asked, to which Orion looked back and forth.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot."
Orion walked back, picking up the clipboard from the desk and flipping through the pages.
"What do you think he has planned for us?" Isaac whispered, turning his head to Oliver.
However, as he did, he noticed the boy with his head in his arms, presumably sleeping.
'Yes! This is my chance for payback…'
Isaac rubbed his hands together like a greedy goblin, however, he paused upon noticing something.
There was something different.
Isaac could feel it.
Oliver wasn't just sleeping.
After a few seconds, Isaac's eyes widened. He'd felt this…no, he'd experienced this before.
'He's entered his Scenario!'
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Next chapter title: Assessing the Golden Six [1]
I kinda have no right to ask for this, but I'll do it for old times sake.
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