Chapter 141 - Reverence?
Amelia was more than a little shocked to see the sudden appearance of the Black cloaked Figure who must have moved at such a speed that she had not been able to follow and when she looked to her side, her mother's natural expression made It even more evident that this figure was not one to be trifled with.
Emily on the other hand was studying the cloaked figure but soon concluded that there was nothing she could discern. Not gender and definitely not cultivation.
That was worrying.
Even if she and Amelia were not targeted, she doubted her daughter would simply remain idle when Hal was up against an opponent he could not defeat.
...
Meanwhile,
Hal and Melinda stood side by side and observed the figure whose head was covered with a hood and made it impossible to discern facial features, other than the crimson eyes.
In an almost instinctual manner, the two reached into themselves and took control of their Bloodlines and it was then they could infer something else about the figure.
For Hal, it was a pull. A kind of force of attraction that told him (even though he had guessed so already) that this was a demon or at least a human attempting to become one.
For Melinda, it was the opposite. It was repulsion and a drive to beat the figure into oblivion.
Neither of them let down their guard.
The figure surveyed them as well before...
"Haha hahaha" it laughed loudly.
"How cute!" It said before it vanished from their sights.
Hal's eyes widened,
"Melinda" he called but the golden-eyed beauty was already leaping backward just as the figure appeared with a fist straight through the after image she had left behind.
"Hmm," The figure was impressed, having not expected Hal to pinpoint who he was attacking. The girl was impressive too.
Then it vanished again and at a speed even faster than before, punched at Hal who despite not having time to predict his opponent's next attack, had raised his arms to defend his face and reinforced them as best he could without taking on the lesser Devil form.
*Bam*
Despite the figure being fast enough to change its choice of attack spot, it still hit those arms all the same...
*Crack*
...and the force of it pushed the arms into his face and broke his nose with an audible crack. His hands had not suffered much damage.
His assailant was obviously showcasing superiority in both strength and control of said strength.
If this mysterious figure were to get serious, Hal was not certain he and Melinda could win even with all their cards.
The blow to his face forced his head back and almost caused him to fall had he not executed an impressive spin that kept him on his feet.
Or more accurately, on one knee.
As the blood flowed down his face, Hal narrowed his eyes at his enemy and Melinda was back at his side and assisting him to stand.
"Impressive. Simply Marvellous. But how can I expect anything less? You're the Devil after all"
Hal's eyes widened and Melinda's did as well. This person could not possibly know Hal was a Devil, could they?
"What are you talking about"
Hal said in a clear tone of voice as his nose wound had already healed and it did not swell and hinder his speech.
The Black cloaked figure laughed loudly once again and said in their gender-neutral voice.
"Oh don't play coy with me. You're the Devil, aren't you? It's what you called yourself after killing the Holgers, is it not?"
Hal calmed down, as he noted that this person knew nothing about his Devil Bloodline. Merely referring to what he had once called himself.
Taking Hal's sudden quiet, after such a revelation, as shock, the Black cloaked figure continued,
"Come on. It wasn't hard to figure out, especially after discovering how powerful a Runemaster you are. But to nickname yourself a Devil, while cool is a little ambitious, don't you think? That name carries with it a lot of expectations"
This time, Hal was quiet because he could note reverence in the Figure's words when referring to Devils and the Figure's next words made it even more clear,
"Killing the Holgers was an impressive feat. It revitalized things as they were starting to get dull but to call yourself a Devil. What a sacrilege! How dare you!" The figure roared in anger.
The transition from what had seemed to be peaceful talk to this strong hostility was sudden but neither Hal nor Melinda were caught off guard and well prepared for another attack.
The figure sighed,
"Everything has been going so well. You're the only unknown variable. Your actions throw things away from their path. It can be annoying but also quite interesting"
Hal took a deep breath and yelled,
"Bullshit!"
For the first time, there was surprise in the crimson eyes of the Black cloaked figure,
"What?"
Hal shrugged,
"I said Bullshit. I have nothing to do with all you have said. Stop thinking that just because you are shrouded in mystery, you can say anything you want"
"So you deny it? You're that much of a coward"
"Since when does bring courageous require me to admit to what I haven't done"
Hal had already decided to deny all these claims. While there was no need for 'proof' when you want someone dead in this world, the fact that this individual had boasted about figuring out everything told Hal that killing him was not the aim today.
Easy as it would be to kill him, this Figure was more interested in being right. Without physical evidence, all that they had come up with was mere speculation.
Also, what about the Malevolent one?
So far the cloaked figure had accused Hal of being 'The Devil' and killing the Holgers but had not said a word about him being the Malevolent one and stealing from the confluence.
Hal smiled in his mind.
He was still being underestimated.
He could use that.
"Deny all you want but the evidence all points to you! Your master was not in his store on that day" The figure said.
Hal shrugged again,
"Circumstantial evidence at best. Did you check to see if I was in my home on that day?" He asked with a smirk.
The figure was silent.
It was true they had not checked for a mere apprentice.
"You see? Contrary to what you think, My master and I were here, practicing Runemastering. You have to admit that this place has more space than his store. It's more comfortable too. I believe he told you something similar when your dogs went to his store"
The figure was far from being convinced of Hal's innocence but now there was doubt.
"You have a private force. That much is clear. You were the one who interfered in the Plebeian assaults"
Hal sighed,
"I don't deny that I am now training men of my own. As you can see (he gestured to Castor and the other guards) they are still improving. I am far from being the only one doing this. Suspect me all you want but once again, you cannot prove it.
You're reaching, Cloakey"
The Figure blanked and then cackled,
"Hahahaha. I don't need proof. My suspicion and superior strength are enough to convict you and... Kill you"
Hal clenched his fist and smiled forcefully,
"I don't doubt that. So, why not go right ahead. Kill me!"
Melinda paused at this development and looked at him as she pulled his robe subtly as though to say 'what the hell are you doing?'
Hal patted her hand in a comforting manner that calmed her before he continued,
"Kill me! Come on, don't waste time"
The figure's eyes widened,
"I will!"
Hal smiled,
"Of course you will. But when you do kill me, do it with the knowledge that you were wrong. You could not prove your claims"
The Figure snorted,
"I can torture the truth out of you"
Hal smiled uncomfortably.
'What is with you and taking risks?' Grimoire berated.
'This is my only hope. This opponent is much too overwhelming and I did not expect a confrontation so soon. I need time. Thankfully I still have my mouth' Hal said.
'That could very well be your downfall' Grimoire said.
'Or it could be my salvation'
To the Cloaked figure, Hal said with melancholy,
"Of course you can, but can you really call what you get from me through torture, Truth?
I mean I'm guessing you are a very good torturer. The Spanish inquisition has got nothing on you so it is sure to very painful. I'll probably tell you anything to end that pain.
Including implicating myself. So just know that whatever I say at that moment is absolutely false and only to free myself from your clutches"
The figure groaned and Hal could hear the gritting of teeth.
Then it bent and picked up Lillian from the ground,
"It would be a shame to kill you right now. Things are getting interesting because of you. But do know this Hal Payne, whatever you do, you can never ruin my plans.
"Gladden yourself with figuring out the plans of those small flies and forever bite your nails in frustration at never knowing mine"
And with that the Figure left with Lillian, traveling so fast that they quickly escaped Hal's Astral perception range.
Hal watched them leave and grinned.
'Idiot. I already know what you're planning'
'You mean you suspect it?' Grimoire piped.
'Yes. But unlike our cloaked friend, a suspicion is more than enough for me'
Chapter 142 - Do You Want My Help?
"Come on" Melinda said with a frown and tugged Hal's arm to pull him into the Mansion.
"Are you upset?" He asked with a smile and made to pull her face closer to him.
Melinda looked away with a snort.
"Oh come on, Baby girl" He said and pulled his arm away from her grasp to wound it around her waist.
Melinda did not resist him but her face was still turned away,
"That was reckless" She finally said.
"I know" he said.
It was not much of an apology but Melinda accepted it as the best she could get for now.
She stayed still long enough for him to finally connect his lips to the side of her face.
*Peck*
Melinda snorted again as though it disregard the gesture but her true emotions were betrayed by the rosiness of her cheeks.
"Hem hem" a light cough suddenly sounded behind them and the two turned.
"It's alright to be lovey-dovey but at least have the decency to do it in the privacy of your home" Emily said with her arms folded beneath her breasts.
The words were chastising but the tone was not.
Hal smiled lightly,
"Oh dearest Mother-in-law, how are you on this fine day" He said while stretching out his free arm.
Amelia smiled and dashed to his side and let the arm wound around her waist.
Watching it all happen, Emily pouted in a teasing manner,
"We came here together and you left me the instant you could. Oh, the woe of being a Mother. I've become the third wheel"
Hal smirked,
"Well, my chest is still free, you're welcome to occupy it" he said.
Emily narrowed her eyes with a smile,
"Tempting. But I'll pass"
Hal shrugged before ordering Castor and the others to clean up the place and fix the damaged walls and fence as well as the Gate.
The guards were upset that once again, they were merely spectators to their Master and Mistress' distress, the fixing of damages was good to keep their minds away from dwelling in it.
After all, they were cultivating as best they could, and soon they would have the rewards of their diligence. They were sure of it.
"Let's continue this inside. After you, mother-in-law"
Emily smiled and walked ahead of them. Hal and the girls followed.
In the lounge,
Hal, Melinda, and Amelia sat on the sofa and Emily sat opposite them on a luxurious looking chair that was hardly ever in use.
A maid walked in with a tray on which was a wine and wine goblets that she balanced in her hand and placed on the table before she bowed to Hal, Melinda and Amelia. After this, she gestured respectively at Emily before she retreated from the room.
As she left, another maid walked in and served snacks in the shape of cakes after which she repeated the previous Maid's respective actions and retreated from the room as well.
"Hmm" Emily said as the Maid retreated.
Hal raised his brow,
"I'm sorry but they are to defer only to me and my women, everyone else only receives gestures"
"Hmm" Emily repeated but this time with a smile.
The first time she had made the sound was because she had noticed something in the Maid's attire that told her that they were also training to become experts.
While that was not an uncommon practice where she was from, Hal's home had to be the only place where the Maids were given such an opportunity.
Also, there was much more than respect in their gaze for Hal and Melinda, there was also a sense of total devotion.
Hal cleared his throat as Amelia took to wiping the blood off his face with a handkerchief which she had added a little water to.
Melinda was touching his ribs to see how much they had healed and if it would be prudent for him to take a healing pill.
"So, I know Amelia must have missed me, but what brings you here, Emily?"
After taking a sip of the wine she had been served, Emily smiled,
"I thought it appropriate to say thank you for helping the Horst scions. Especially Frank"
Hal smiled,
"You don't need to thank me. They were Amelia's family so of course, I assisted them"
Emily watched his smile and to take a leaf out of his book, she called 'Bullshit' in her mind. From what she could infer, the only person Hal was interested in within the Horst family was Amelia and she was quite certain he would not raise a finger to help them unless he so wished.
It had nothing to do with the fact that they were related to Amelia, it was just him doing what he wanted to do. She was willing to bet, he must have gotten something from helping them.
That said, he had helped them all the same and that was all that truly mattered.
Hal on the other hand was considering denying that he had anything to do with Frank's safety, the last thing he needed was for them to think Frank was now in his service.
However, if they believed the prophecy, such a train of thought was inevitable, and denying it would only give it more credence.
Best to let things run their course.
After all, once he begins to order Frank around, keeping it a secret would be a pipe dream and borderline foolishness that was of no necessity.
"Is that really all, Mother-in-law? You are sure you did not come here because you miss my company"
Emily scoffed,
"Why would I miss your company? Besides, you should know, it's rude to flirt with me in front of my daughter"
Hal tsked in false irritation,
"Flirting? Way to put a label on things. We're just conversing"
"And I don't mind" Amelia said in a trilling voice as she massaged Hal's chest.
Melinda just kept studying Emily with a piercing look that the sexy mother of two could not fully ignore but endeavored to. It was as though Melinda was trying to see something beyond the surface.
Emily smiled at her daughter,
"Of course you don't mind. Anyway, I came here to verbally profer appreciation but who would have guessed you have so many enemies"
Hal's eyes widened,
"I know right? I was as surprised as you were. I mean Lillian was expected but the Cloaked one must be scared of my success. Kept accusing me of things"
"Things you are guilty of" Emily piped.
"Undoubtedly" Hal said with a smile.
Emily was at first taken aback that he would admit it to her. Even though she knew with certainty already, to hear it from his lips was either an act of trust or an act of surrender but she would go with the former as she had no interest in going against him anyway.
The lechery in his eyes, however, ruined what could have been a wonderful moment.
It was still good though.
"This of course is the one the Plebeians serve right?" Melinda said and Hal nodded.
"The Plebeians serve a Master?" Amelia asked.
"They surely do. It's one of the main reasons they have banded together to overthrow the Great Families and also the cause of their spontaneous increase in cultivation."
"And this Master has taken a special interest in you" It was more of a statement of fact than a question.
She could not care less if the Great Families lost their hegemony and as Ford was already aware, she was not planning to raise a finger to help them but the fact that Hal was being targeted was not something she could be indifferent about.
She could not understand why and settled with the explanation that it was because he was involved with her daughter.
"Apparently so," Hal said with a sigh and his head slumped to the side to fall on Melinda's chest.
The Golden eyed beauty stroked his head as she thought of Contingencies and plans they had put in place against the Plebeians and their Master. Wondering if it would be enough.
"I don't think you will sit around and await their coming assaults, will you? Malevolent One" she said with a smirk.
At those words, Amelia piped up and looked into Hal's face. Well aware that the name referred to the one who had robbed her father and the Great family heads and also aware (while doubtful) that it was Hal.
Hal looked down at her and winked, confirming it.
Their relationship truly was a complicated one.
But it only made it more exciting to her. She was far from interested in ostracizing him for the things he had done or was bound to do in the future.
She snuggled even more into his side and gripped him tighter. This was where she wished to be.
Emily saw all this and sighed in her mind. It was obvious that her daughter was smitten.
Even then, she continued,
"Surely all the wealth you got must come in handy"
Hal sighed,
"Gold can buy a lot but it can't buy me time. Which is what I need at the moment"
"Would you like my help?" Emily said and her tone this time was different.
Amelia noticed the change and smiled into Hal's side. Emily did not notice this as she was now looking at Hal and they started at each other unblinking for a few seconds.
"Pfft. I don't believe you offer your help a lot" Hal said with a light chuckle.
"No, I don't"
Emily giggled and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, an act that caused Amelia's eyes to widen slightly.
Melinda noticed it as well and smirked while she stroked Hal's head that still lay on her bosom.
Hal smiled at Emily as the only one with the decency to not show that he had noticed it as well,
"I appreciate it but I think I have everything under control. After all, what is life without a challenge"
Meanwhile...
In a certain Estate, a Man was just receiving the news that his wife had attacked his bastard son and was eventually taken away by an unknown figure.
Needless to say, so many objects in his study became victims of his frustration, confusion and anger.
Chapter 143 - Memories Of The Past.
It could be strange how news could circulate in a city this quickly such that 60 percent of the 100 million denizens already knew of the altercation at the high-end part of the city.
They not only knew there had been an altercation, they also knew those that had been involved and in the midst of discussing the battle between Mother and Son, hardly anyone made mention of the unknown figure that had taken her away.
It was almost as though they could not commit It to memory.
Although it could be argued that a mother enacting vengeance for the death of her son was far juicier than some individual who no one knew anything about.
Besides, that someone could very well be part of the Payne forces sent by Gregory Payne to retrieve his wife.
The only ones who took this mysterious individual seriously and were genuinely curious of their identity were the Great family heads who had already encountered an unknown individual.
Could this be the Malevolent One?
If it was, then was that not proof that Gregory was involved with their mysterious Bandit.
However, it was all mere speculation, this two individuals could very well be distinct.
But then, just how many unknown forces were at work in this city?
This was a question the Great Family heads had taken to ask themselves.
The Plebeians on the other hand, knew it was their master and the fact that they had revealed themselves in public was confusing to them.
Were they finally going to take an active stance?
How glorious it would be if the Master was!
-
Payne Estate...
Gregory sat in his partially damaged Study that was a testament to his messed-up emotions and situation. What he felt the most at that moment was most likely embarrassment.
Checking the room his wife had been cultivating in, it was clear that she had not been there in a long while and it was humiliating that he had no idea.
He wanted to give her some space to grieve the death of their son and also space from himself. Very well aware that she blamed him. Which was to be expected as he blamed himself as well.
After he had vent out his pent-up feelings on the study furniture, he sat down and with a sigh, he thought to how it had all started.
Eighteen years ago, he, Lillian and Rad had been a happy family. His ambitions were totally upon becoming the City's mayor.
He had inherited the position of Family head after the death of his father Four years prior and his ambition was fresh and strong. So was the incentive to make the Payne Family the Greatest of the Great families.
It was then that SHE came and with her trickery, seduction and sweet talk, she wheedled her way into his life, stole something precious and left just as suddenly as she had arrived.
Leaving him with a broken relationship with his wife that he needed to fix.
Two years later, she had a one-year-old delivered to him with only one letter saying,
"No matter what, do not dare to kill him"
The reality that not only had she played with him, she also had the audacity to ask him to take care of her bastard child was almost too much for Gregory to bear and despite the warning, he very much wished to kill the child.
But he didn't.
He let him grow.
The decision had put even more strain on the relationship he had worked to repair with Lillian two years before but she eventually settled with not bothering with the child.
Ignoring him in the entirety and focusing on her own son who was proving himself to be just as diligent as his father.
The boy who he had named Hal had never shown any interest in martial arts or Cultivation. Something Gregory had not expected considering the background he suspected that Witch had.
Gregory never had any love for the boy and those blue eyes that reminded him so much of her only made it worse so he decided to be a detached father.
Placing emphasis on discipline that borderline abuse and only made the boy even more introverted than he already was.
Soon the boy attained the proper age to begin to sense Cosmic energy and embark on the road of cultivation.
Despite his dislike for the boy, Gregory could not help but feel expectant. After all, if this boy could prove to be a talent, it could prove useful for the family in the future.
Gregory shook his head on the chair he sat and covered his face with his palms.
How could he not have known that considering the mother who had birthed the boy, disappointment was very much in his future?
The boy was unable to step on the path of cultivation and further inquiry revealed that it was because his meridians were damaged from birth.
At first, Gregory refused to accept reality and hoped it could be rectified but that soon proved impossible.
It was at that time that he remembered the note he had received,
"No matter what, do not dare to kill him"
He clenched his fists in anger as it all became clear to him.
She knew.
That Witch knew and it was why she had issued that warning.
Had she been the one who destroyed those meridians?
Huh, what did it matter? He had been fooled again.
Fooled into raising a bastard and useless son who could never be of any benefit to him.
After that moment, Gregory left the boy to his own devices, whatever they might be, in hope that his anger would be kept under control when they saw each other less.
Alas,
As the years went by, despite the reduction in the time they saw and faced one another, Gregory's anger remained the same and he eventually had the boy sold and also defied the warnings, which he now believed were merely to scare him, to poison the boy by proxy.
His eyes were red with pain and regret.
Not because he had tried to kill his son but because he had fallen prey to that witch's seduction and fathered that son that had now upended his life.
Then Gregory raised his head and there was resolution in his eyes.
This was no time to feel sorry for himself.
It was time to press forward.
He would find Lillian and she would forgive him, he would kill Hal and defeat the other families to become the Mayor.
He would not allow that Witch that was already gone from his life, ruin his plans and his ambitions.
That said it was still quite troubling that Hal could have healed his meridians when it was said to be impossible. Since the boy could accomplish that, then he needed to be cautious.
Once he, Gregory had him in his grasps, then he would find out all of his secrets.
They were bound to be valuable secrets as well, valuable enough to make the Payne Family the Greatest of the Great families.
Gregory's eyes lit up,
"How could I not have seen it? Hahahaha. That bastard is the answer. I get him and all things will fall in place"
Little did he know that the recovered Burt was listening on the outside of the study and was quick to relay it all to his Master.
...
Horst Manor...
*Click* *Clack* *Click* *Clack*
Emily walked into the Manor having just alighted from the Carriage that had driven her and Amelia to Hal and Melinda's Mansion.
She was a little dissatisfied that Amelia had decided to stay even though she had expected it. She could not truly understand why she felt that way.
It was an emotion she had heard of but never truly felt and she refused to admit it (even to herself) that she was jealous.
Especially not of her daughter.
She had ended up saying more than she planned to say to Hal once they were inside the mansion but she had enjoyed every minute of it.
Even if her offer to help had been rejected.
The conversation had gone even further than that and she had offered more than once. Each time, she was turned down politely.
"Humph" She released an annoyed sound as she walked the manor corridors,
"If you don't want my help, then you won't get it"
Then she thought back to those Deep blue eyes that were very much like his Mother's. She wondered if he knew how much he resembled the woman known famously as 'The Witch'.
And what was with Melinda's suddenly Golden eyes? It gave her the chills.
"Emily. It's quite late" Said a voice from behind and she turned to see Ford.
"Yes, I suppose it is. I'll very much like to go to bed now" Emily said and made to turn away when Ford's voice sounded again,
"Was Amelia not with you?" Ford asked, very much aware of where the two had gone.
"Oh, She decided to stay behind" Emily said with a smirk.
"What?" Ford exclaimed.
"You say that a lot" Emily chuckled.
"How could you, as a responsible mother let her stay in the home of that pervert. At this hour!" He said in a loud voice and a gesture at the Darkness of nightfall outside.
Emily paused and turned to face him fully,
"Are you suggesting that I'm not a good mother?" She asked in a cold voice.
"N-n-no, I wouldn't dare" He stammered.
Emily's expression became normal and teasing again,
"Oh, that's good. Well *Clap* off to bed"
"B-But what about Amelia?" Ford asked as she made to walk away.
"She'll be fine. More than fine, I presume. I was the one who suggested she stay behind" Emily said with a shrug.
"You did?" Ford was stunned.
Emily nodded in a 'compassionate' manner,
"I did it for you. Imagine if they came here to do it and this time you're sober. This is the best solution for everyone." She said and turned to head to bed, leaving a speechless Ford behind.
Chapter 144 - Amelia's Request. R-18
The Mansion...
Melinda had excused herself soon after Emily left. The day's events had been sudden to say the least but she and Hal knew there was not much they could do at the moment.
In the morning, they would converse on what next but at the moment, the most pressing matter for her was to refine the essence within the seed that was still trapped in her pussy.
The strength of the Black cloaked figure had been overwhelming and reckless as it was, Hal's talking was what had given them the time they needed.
Cultivating and getting stronger was even more urgent now.
She retreated to the Time warped Chamber where Marla and Rita were already awake and refining the essence they had gotten from Hal.
From the seriousness on their face, Melinda could tell that they had sensed or at least caught the very end of the altercation. The fact that they had held it together and focused on cultivating instead of coming outside and possibly making things more difficult, was comforting to her.
Once they were all done with the refinement, she would relay the day's events to them.
-
Meanwhile,
Hal and Amelia lay on his bed, he was pecking different parts of her body with his Erogenous kisses that were lighting the flame of passion within her, little by little.
Even so, Amelia still had the clarity of mind to ask,
"Um Hal, should we really be doing this shortly after your ribs were broken"
Hal chuckled mid-pecks,
"It would take much more than a few cracked ribs for me to not ravish you"
'Also, they are all healed" He added in his mind.
Amelia's clothes were already gone and so was his, she could feel the hard contours of his muscular frame and he could feel the suppleness of her skin.
It was intoxicating to them both.
Hal was at her navel and made a big sport of blowing air into it.
The feeling of which tickled and pleasured her.
So much so that she giggled and curled up her toes.
Every part of her body was touched with reverence and itched her as she craved even more and more of what Hal was prepared to give.
He went lower until he was before her already moist pussy which he ignored and licked at her inner thighs instead.
As much as she would have preferred him to dive in directly into her warm and tight cave, she was already aware of just how much Hal loved leaving the pussy for last. So she would be patient no matter how torturously slow he was to get there.
She would not plead for him to lick it.
She would not beg for him to stick it in.
She would not surrender so early and would outlast him.
These were the ambitious thoughts that encircled her head as Hal circled the area of her pussy but never got too close.
Hal could tell what her intentions were and he admired her for having such high goals.
However, she was still much too naive if she thought those wishes were realistic.
Licking her thighs clean of juices, Hal went closer to the clit that was erect with pleasure already while also reaching upward to her bountiful, well above average mounds which he took to massaging.
The pleasure she felt from that touch...
"Mmmh"
...caused Amelia to moan but it had just been a distraction for the real attack.
Her eyes widened suddenly and she gripped the bedsheets when she felt incredibly stimulated as Hal grazed her erect clit with his teeth.
Or at least she thought it was his teeth.
She was not totally sure as she had not expected that sharp part of his mouth to bring her pleasure.
"Annngggghhhh"
*Squirt*
The juices sprayed out of her pussy as she orgasmed immediately. Hal caught every single drop and did not allow any of it to go to waste.
Amelia twitched occasionally and spasmed as well as she came down from the high which only left her wanting more.
While the orgasm had been major and pleasurable, it made the itch she was already feeling even worse and much to her chagrin, she found herself opening up her mouth,
"Please lick it. Stick it in" She said because even as Hal lapped up her sprayed juices, he did not focus his attention sufficiently on her pussy, merely lapping it lightly.
She needed it to be more aggressive and knew she would get that as long as she asked.
Hal smiled and delved in, licking at her pussy lips for all it was worth. His tongue dipped inside and licked the walls.
As Amelia felt the intrusion inside of her right cave, she smiled.
It was hard to be disappointed in herself when asking him was bringing her this much pleasure.
Also,
Was it her imagination or was Hal's tongue getting longer?
It actually was.
Lost in sexual euphoria, his bloodline was making alterations to his body structure and providing him more means to please a woman.
Of course, at that moment, Hal could care less about the why and was far more interested in the fact that it was making Amelia feel even better and that in turn was making him feel even better.
The tongue became tapered at the end and reached even deeper inside her.
Amelia could feel her whole insides heating up from pleasure. Hal withdrew one of his hands from her breasts and used his index and middle fingers to tease her clit.
At that time, Amelia was feeling pleasure from her breast, clit, pussy lips and the inside of said pussy.
She quickly succumbed to sensory overload and became prone to orgasmic fits which included flailing of legs, clenching of bedsheets and curling of toes.
"Mmmnngghhh"
She moaned and Hal did not let up as he continued licking her and rode out that Mega-orgasm.
The moment it was over, aside from the occasional jerking of legs, Hal pulled out his tongue and it returned to its normal shape. He knelt before her pussy that looked to him, as beautiful as a flower.
Amelia opened her eyes, which she had shut in the throes of climax and looked at him watching her with his intense blue eyes.
It was obvious what was next and she was very much up to it so she sat up and pulled him to lie down on the bed.
"Your ribs are still mending. Let me take care of you" She said and started to stroke his cock as Hal released his pheromone fog that quickly saturated the room.
Hal could have told her right then that his ribs were healed but he was quite sure she would still proceed with this position. Consideration for his 'injuries' was merely a cover so that she could do what she wants.
He smiled as she went to stroking his Semi-erect cock with all seriousness and whispered,
"Next time you want to ride me, just ask"
Amelia blushed but still held her head high,
"I'll keep that in mind"
Hal placed his hands behind his head and rested on it in a casual pose as Amelia fully went to work on him.
This was her first time attempting to pleasure a man and it was no secret to Hal that she was nervous but it was nice to see her shake it off and lower head to engulf it.
Her fellatio was sloppy but it was to be expected as she was not only an amateur but was also only interested in tasting the tool and making it slick.
Once she was done, she placed it at her entrance and lowered herself on it at a high speed,
*Pah*
"Nngghh"
She moaned and squirmed as it lit up her insides while passing through as deep as it could. The force behind her slam was enough to push Hal's cock into her to the hilt and she loved it.
Even while remaining still, she could still feel the pleasure but as she craved the thrusting pleasure more, she raised herself and slammed back down again...
*Pah*
"Nnngh"
...and again...
*Pah*
...and again...
*Pah*
...and again.
Being her first time doing this, Hal had to say, she was doing a good job. It was obvious she was enjoying herself despite the slow stokes but she was also squeezing him so tight that he would have burst a nut right then, had it not being for his exceptional self-control.
"Try going faster. You'll like it even more" He said.
Amelia smiled and took to trying that.
It was slow at first but the pace definitely picked up and soon, Amelia was going wild on him. Riding his as thoughts were a bull.
*Pah* *Pah* *Pah*
"Ohh, ohhh yeesss. I love it."
*Smack* *Smack* *Smack*
"Mmmghhh. So good"
*Squelch* *Squelch* *Squelch*
"Oh, it's making me so wet"
That was stating the obvious. The whole of Hal's pelvis was wet with her juices which her body continued to secrete at top speed.
The witness aided in penetration and Hal was very excited to see her leaking so much.
Amelia was obviously getting impatient.
Her slams steadily became faster and aggressive and the traction of her pussy walls became tighter.
It was clear that it was all to milk Hal of his seed.
She had had multiple orgasms already, a lot of them were major and yet she never faltered once it was over, all for the final prize. One she would not be denied.
"Oh that reminds me, I have a request" She said.
Hal chuckled mildly,
"What is it?"
"Nothing much. I just need you to fuck my Mom" she said with a ravenous smile that coupled with her words pushed Hal over the edge he had been teetering.
"Ohhh" He groaned and spewed copious amount of jizz deep inside her pussy.
"Finally! That feels so good" Amelia groaned in unison as she climaxed and squeezed around him even tighter.
Chapter 145 - To Regain Lost Momentum.
Unknown Location...
The Master's Den
Lillian woke up in a groggy manner and was quite surprised to find herself sitting on a bed. A quick look at her surroundings and she finally took in that she was back with her benefactor and said benefactor was not happy.
The Master stood a few distances away from the bed and glared at her in annoyance.
Lillian gulped, she knew she should not have gone after Hal. Not yet at least. Not when it seemed the Master was becoming more interested in him.
But that was what had scared her. The thought that she could end up having to cohabit with her son's killer was worrying.
"I told you to wait" The tone was quiet and there was seemingly no edge to it and yet the pressure bore down on Lillian.
Not enough to suffocate her of course, but just enough to make her fearful.
That said, Lillian remained confident,
"You said I could go after him after the competition" she said reminding him of the conversation they once had.
The Master sighed,
"Even so, you could have waited for me to give you the all-clear. I just received news from San that Hal Payne is already a capable Rune Master, well past the Second Rank.
San's interest in the news had paled due to the death of the Plebeian forces who went into the forest but it was the information that finally made everything clear to me."
At this revelation, Lillian's eyes widened. While she knew Hal was a Runemaster and must be quite capable as Master Swanson's apprentice, she never would have guessed he could have ranked up so far, so fast.
Since when was it that easy?
The Master continued,
"I was going to relay that information to you and how convinced I am that Hal was primarily involved in the death of the Holgers when I realized you were gone already"
This time Lillian lowered her head, she could understand that she had truly been reckless. To make things even worse, Hal had not made use of Runemastering at all and she had still been forced to use a fourth-grade skill which was just as detrimental to her as to her opponent.
Not to mention that there was also that look on Hal's face as he saw her begin to use the skill that clearly felt dangerous. There was pity in his eyes and that had only made Lillian even angrier.
But now that it was over and she could think back to it,
Why had his strikes felt good?
And why was it that she seemed to crave even more if that touch?
She quickly shook her head, surely she must be going insane.
"I'm sorry" she said with a bow.
The Master snorted,
"I have no use for your apologies, instead show it in your actions. Disobey me and act on your own without my permission again and I will kill you myself"
The Crimson eyes which were the only part Lillian could make out of the Master's features flashed and she jumped in fear.
Maybe, she really had overstepped.
The Master then sighed,
"I have to say, it was quite an interesting revelation. It would seem your Stepson is not a small fly after all. In fact, he seems more dangerous than your husband"
Lillian perked up,
"What? Because he's a capable Runemaster, *snort* I doubt it" She said.
It could be interpreted as the lingering emotions she felt towards Gregory or it could be interpreted as her having more information about him, whatever it was, the Master just laughed and shook his head to disagree.
"Actually, your stepson is much more dangerous but worry not. As long as you are with me, you will have your revenge"
Lillian would have loved to smile at that moment but for some reason, her thoughts and emotions on the matter were quite jumbled up.
The Master watched as her thoughts wandered and the crimson eyes narrowed into slits as they could not help but wonder,
Had things changed for Lillian?
And if things had, then what had caused it?
...
Fidwud Family Home...
The Plebeian Families had converged for another meeting to discuss the events of the day and the steps moving forward.
The atmosphere was heavy as a lot of them did not consider the day's events as victory whole others were simply cranky that this meeting had not been shifted to the next day when they were all quite rested.
From the moment they had converged, San had been quiet and simply stared off into space. The fully recovered Evian stood behind him. Straight as an arrow.
There was probably no one else that was affected by the failure as much as San who had proposed the plans.
Seeing as it seemed San would simply ignore the gathered and wallow in his thoughts...
"Hem hem"
...Bale cleared his throat to draw the attention of the Fidwud Family head.
"Are we just going to sit here or do you have something to say?" he said with impatience.
He was part of the group that was cranky at being called to converge when it could have been scheduled for the next day.
At the sound of his voice, San visibly paused and looked up at Bale.
The two made eye contact but Bale refused to be intimidated and forced to back down.
San eventually sighed and said,
"I'm sorry, I was lost in thought..."
"We could see that" Tod said gruffly, taking courage in his friend's defiance.
San ignored the interruption and continued,
"Today, we won and we lost but I believe we have been dwelling too much on the loss. While it is true that we lost capable men, it is also true that we dealt the Great families even more loss than we got."
When sending Men after the Great family scions, while they had selected capable men, those men did not really amount to a good percentage of the true strength of their forces.
Losing them was definitely felt but dwelling upon it was far from healthy, especially since there was still much to plan.
"Everything until now has been merely to cripple the strength of the Great families, pending the complete outbreak of war. On that front, we succeeded and can at least rest easy that we will hold the initiative and launch the first strike of the war.
As we all know, the one who holds the initiative is more guaranteed to win. Until we do this, there is a small expedition we need to prepare for"
At this murmurs and whispers broke out as the plebeian heads wondered what it was and if this was not just another avenue in which they would lose more men.
The only ones not involved in the outbreaking conversations other than San were Baret and Ian who knew what San was about to say.
Seeing as the conversation was not dying out, San raised his hand in a bid for silence,
"What is this expedition?" Bale asked with his arms folded.
San smiled before it was replaced with a deep melancholy that was impossible to say whether true or false,
"We have discovered the identity of the one who killed our comrades, the Holgers"
San had expected Conversations to break out after he dropped this piece of news but instead it was a deathly silence that pervaded.
The silence was eventually broken by Tod who took a deep breath,
"Who was it?" He asked.
He did not bother to inquire if San was sure because while he did not particularly like San, in the present climate, such a question would be rude and interpreted as a lack of interest in bringing the culprit to justice.
There was time to question the legitimacy once the identity of the individual was revealed.
"Hal Payne" San said in a quiet voice that all could hear.
"What?!" Tod was not the only one who exclaimed. Almost every one of them was shocked by this revelation that they did not yet believe.
After all, the boy in question was still a teenager, surely, he couldn't possibly be involved in this 'Adult event'.
San waved his hand and Evian retreated from the Conference Hall. He returned soon after with the two apprentices of Runemasters Baret and Ian.
The two were soon told to tell of all they had witnessed which they did, including how Hal had surrounded the whole area in an Array and when it faded, the burning bodies of the Plebeian forces were all that was left.
From the tale, the Plebeian heads could understand how San had come to his conclusion on Hal being the culprit. Of course, Swanson must have been involved as well but once they went after his apprentice, they were bound to get him as well.
However, they were a little worried about attacking considering his obvious prowess which meant if they would confront him, they needed to do so with a lot of Cultivators at the Cosmic Armament realm.
Even more, than they had sent to the Confluence.
It was going to be a big expedition but if all went well, they could take care of Eugene Swanson as well because he was sure not to ally with the Plebeians and very likely to assist the Great families should he decide to not simply be passive.
San was satisfied to see that the tale was enough to get their cooperation. This would be his redemption through which he would regain the momentum he felt he had lost.
...
Meanwhile,
In the Mansion...
Hal and Amelia were still at it. Hal had taken to keeping her request in a part of his mind not to be revised until after he had thoroughly exhausted her stamina.
Amelia clung even tighter to him with her arms, legs and pussy walls as Hal suckled on her breasts and nibbled at her nipple lightly with his teeth as he pounded her into the sweet arms of orgasmic bliss.
Chapter 146 - Meeting Of The House Of Hal.
Once Amelia finally fell asleep after their vigorous copulation, Hal sat crosslegged and he refined the essence he had gotten from his dual cultivating sessions.
He was pleased to see himself move ever closer to the formation of his Cosmic Armament and already had an idea that would speed things along.
Burt had already delivered the news of Gregory's ecstatic joy upon his epiphany and Evian had relayed to him, what the plans of the Plebeians were.
Even though he had expected their eventual arrival, the news was still useful to him because he now knew when they were coming.
Two days from now.
It would take that long because they did not wish for their visit to be tied to that of the Mysterious figure -who was their master- and Lillian.
Also, they wanted to take that time to prepare efficiently so as not to fall prey to a possible ambush.
Attacks were coming to Hal and his faction from two sides. While there was going to be a difference in the time of arrival, it did not change the potential danger.
But even so, Hal could not help but smile.
For one thing, all their plans were not sure to be effective since he knew of it already and also because Gregory's potential attack reminded him that it was high time he paid a visit to the Payne Family Elites.
...
Morning at the Mansion...
Once Amelia was awake, Hal passed on a Dual cultivation technique to her and noted her lack of surprise at the type of technique. It was clear to him that she knew what it was already.
"This is incredible. Where did you get it?" She asked with a smile, to which Hal answered,
"I stole it"
"Classic you" she said with a giggle.
While she had not shown it, she also wished to become stronger. At the rate he was growing in strength, he was bound to be beyond her reach soon.
She perused the technique but decided not to refine the essence just yet. While she wished to get stronger, she was not in that much of a rush.
Besides, now that they were awake, it was time to talk about what she had asked during intercourse.
"So what do you think of my request?" She said with a smirk.
Hal did not bother to ask her what she was talking about as he never could have forgotten.
"About me 'fucking' your mother"
Amelia blushed deeply,
"Why did you have to use that word?"
Hal chuckled,
"Because it's the word you used"
Amelia blushed even deeper. How could he not be a little more tactful? She had used that word in the throes of pleasure. She surely was not that bold to use it otherwise.
"Ugh. While you were quite crass, yes that's what I was talking about"
Hal looked at her with a slight smile but said nothing.
A few seconds passed and with each, Amelia's embarrassment grew.
"Say something. And don't you dare act as though it's an unreasonable request you pervert. You've definitely thought of it already.
This is just me giving you the go-ahead"
Hal chuckled,
"I try my best to flirt with a lot of women. Does that mean I want to sleep with all of them?" He asked with his head cocked to the side.
"Yes! Maybe for other men, it's harmless. But not for you. If you flirt, then you want it" Amelia said.
Hal looked thoughtful for a moment before he said,
"You know what? You just might be right"
Amelia looked victorious and was about to say something else when Hal interrupted,
"I am curious though. What could make you so interested in hurting your father?"
This time Hal spoke in a normal voice that was devoid of playfulness. It was clear to Amelia that he was serious.
And Hal was.
Personally, he could not care less what happened to Ford Horst and he would take Emily for his own without care for how it would make the Horst patriarch feel.
But that was Hal.
He did not see why Amelia would not care either.
Amelia sighed,
"It's a long story but let me just say that the only thing the two of them have in common is my brother and me.
My Dad holds on to the hope that one day, he can do the impossible and capture Mom's heart but unfortunately for him, Mom's upbringing makes it so that there is only one way that it can be done and Dad is not up to the task"
While that one way was left unsaid, Hal felt he could make an accurate guess but he would not ask further.
Amelia took a deep breath before she continued,
"Call it twisted but it is because I love them both that I want this to happen. If my mom can finally be happy. And I mean truly happy, then maybe Dad would stop pining after her and move on to find his own happiness"
Hal looked at Amelia whose eyes were starting to get teary and pulled her against his chest.
He was not going to call it twisted. He felt it was loving.
Amelia wrapped her arms around him and snuggled even more into his chest.
"It's not Dad's fault that he's not up to the task. Mom has a condition..." At this point, Amelia suddenly went quiet.
Hal smiled, he could tell that whatever this condition was, telling it to a third party would be like a breach of trust between her and her mother so he did not ask her to speak of it.
Condition or not, if he wanted Emily, he would have her.
Amelia looked up at him,
"So, will you do it?"
Hal shrugged,
"Who knows?"
"That's not an answer" Amelia said and Hal laughed before he kissed the top of her head.
Amelia pouted into his chest because she could tell that he wanted to do it but just did not want to make a formal declaration of promise.
Hal smiled. Since she had not mentioned it, it was clear that she had no idea her father had already bet his soul that it would be impossible for him to capture Emily's heart.
He must have known of Emily's condition or at least have had an idea.
'I wonder what it is' Hal thought.
Hal gave Amelia a beautiful new gown which he told her she would wear to breakfast. Also telling her the number of those who would be present for that breakfast.
"There will be a meeting after breakfast" he told her.
"What is it about?" Amelia asked.
"It's all about the steps we will be taking to neutralize the attacks that are coming to us. Also how we are going to neutralize all the Great and Plebeian families and come out on top in the coming war.
Why? Do you wish to participate?" He asked in a teasing voice.
Amelia however took it seriously as though he had really been insinuating she not be part.
"Of course I wish to participate. You are not going to do this without me"
Hal smiled at her resolution and how she could easily gloss over the fact that her family was part of the families to be neutralized.
He was sure she was not overlooking it. She was merely trustful that he would not hurt her for his ambitions.
All those who had been cultivating the day before were done and Hal had the maids prepare what was akin to a feast (by sheer amount) and set up the largest Hall in the Mansion as the dining location of the day.
It was the first time such would be done and all the ladies knew it had to be about more than simple breakfast.
Even though the meal could not qualify as 'Simple' with the number of delicacies served.
The table was quickly set and the chairs were quickly filled.
Hal sat at the head of the table with Melinda at his right and Rita at his left, other than those two, the closest to him was Marla and Amelia.
Once they had finished eating and the plates cleared away, Hal cleared his throat and all attention was immediately directed at him although to be fair, the ladies could hardly keep their eyes off him either way.
Amelia was especially attentive.
"So, in a few days, we will be visited by the Plebeians who plan to accuse me formally for killing the Holgers and then execute me.
They plan to do the same for all those with me."
The ladies from Pleasure Inn all looked at each other but the fear in their eyes was not for their own safety but his,
"Husband, is that really so?" Asked Nevaveh as she pushed a lock of her brown hair away from her face.
(Nevaeh is one of the ladies in Pleasure inn and a lot of them will be mentioned moving forward. If you wish to know their names, check the creator's thoughts below this chapter)
Hal smiled at her,
"I'm afraid it is my dear but not to worry, they can try but can never succeed in taking me away from you all. There are more sisters to be brought into the fold after all"
Nevaeh and some of her sisters sitting by her side nodded seriously at Hal's words. It was clear that they took Hal's words seriously.
"That said, I am open to suggestions. This, after all, concerns more than just me. It affects all of us. Should we merely focus on defending ourselves or do we pay them back in kind?" Hal asked in a quiet tone of voice.
Almost as soon as he was done speaking, Marla's voice rang out,
"It's obvious that we need to kill them. They dared to storm our home. Why should we just defend? Let's show them the consequences of acting against the house of Hal"
Melinda smiled,
"I second that" she said and turned to Marla "Impressive reasoning. I knew we thought alike."
Looking at Marla receiving commendation from the Lady that was obviously closest to Hal, the other ladies (except Rita) who had the same thought grit their teeth at not speaking up faster.
And to make things worse...
"Well said"
...Hal commended her as well.
Chapter 147 - A Fan Of Theatrics.
Hal smiled as he noticed their reactions, but he liked Marla's suggestion.
Whether they stuck to defense or attack, it was of no difference in the long run, however, the moment they attacked, even if they were vindicated, they would still be marked for killing Plebeian men.
That said, if they simply stuck to defense, it would be taken as a weakness. Which in this world was a crime punishable by death.
Rita cleared her throat,
"While I do see that as the best option, I have to ask as you know the situations with the Plebeians best Hal. Do we have the manpower to launch a successful attack with no losses"
Camilla looked down at her hands,
"That's a little ambitious, don't you think?"
"What is?" Rita asked.
There was no animosity in the question, she merely wanted to know what the other lady was referring to.
Camilla looked up,
"Well, every participating party in a war sacrifices something for victory. I just felt it was a little ambitious to think we would not lose anything"
Rita's eyes narrowed but it was clear that she was mulling over those words and could see the truth in them.
Hal placed his elbows on the table and the tip of his fingers touched just above his lips.
"It's ambitious but possible. Compared to other wars we are likely to fight in the future, this City's civil war is more like a skirmish. If we can't even be victorious while keeping our forces intact, then it is almost a guarantee that we'll be slaughtered in all those bigger and larger scale wars"
At the mention of even more wars in the future, the ladies turned to him and Irina spoke up,
"More wars?"
Hal nodded solemnly, It would seem the Masked Lady had not given them a glimpse of life outside of this city,
"Yes Irina, More wars. This very continent is at war with the Dystopian continent and in view of that conflict, this city's Civil war does not even qualify as a skirmish.
But that's in the future and not of our concern for now. We need to deal with the issues in this city and we need to do it soon"
One of the ladies from pleasure inn raised her hand and Hal smiled,
"You don't have to raise your hand Layla, speak your mind"
"Well, I was just wondering what the urgency was?" She said.
Hal took a deep breath
"Well, within this month, things are bound to escalate and the war is bound to begin, however, we have no guarantee that left to their devices, the warring families would not overextend its duration..."
Hal paused and turned to Melinda,
"Also... You want to tell them?"
Melinda sat up straight,
"In one month, we will receive an Envoy from my family. By that time, everything in this city must be settled or they'll settle it for us" she said.
Amelia piped,
"Your family?" She asked.
Her tone was one of wonder. Even though Emily had already informed her that Melinda was not from this city, where exactly she was from and who she was, wasn't something she knew or could share.
Melinda smiled but it had a bitter edge to it,
"My family is from this Duchy but the trip from the capital is quite long and because of the absence of certain factors, we have a month to put it all to bed while strengthening ourselves in the process.
If the Envoy arrives during the war and finds the city in disarray, they will most likely be tempted to interfere. The trip might be long but calling for reinforcement to subdue will take a very short time"
Only a few people on the scene understood what Melinda was talking about and the true urgency behind her words, Amelia and Rita were one of them.
Even so, if Hal considered the situation urgent, then they were quite convinced it was.
And it truly was.
"I don't care about the wishes of the warring families and we need to make it all end on our terms. It can be argued that the war and the state of this city is none of the Envoy's business but I doubt they will miss this chance to showcase superiority.
Luckily you have all made progress"
He smiled at the ladies and they all sat straight with the pride of accomplishment.
Camilla and Irina had formed their Cosmic Armament and advanced to the Cosmic Armament realm while the other ladies had advanced to the peak of the Cosmic Pearl realm and moved ever closer to the Cosmic Armament realm.
"Um, what about this Master that we've only just heard of?" Hazel asked.
Once they were awake, Melinda had relayed to them all that had happened during the competition and the quick-witted ones could already tell just how big a threat a mysterious enemy could be.
After all, Hal had also wielded the same mysteriousness to perpetrate acts against the Great and Plebeian families.
Melinda also told them that Hal had a pretty good idea what the Master was after in the City.
"Well, that is another issue..." Hal began.
"Is he going to interfere?" Irina asked.
"What makes you think it's a he?" Rita asked.
"Nothing. I was just saying" Irina said in a quiet voice and looked to Hal.
"Don't look at me, I'm just as clueless as you. I know nothing about this master. But I do know that he or she will not interfere,"
Not to talk of everyone else, even Melinda looked confused,
"Are they just going to sit around and watch us kill their subordinates? I find that hard to believe" she said.
"Me too," Rita said.
Hal chuckled darkly,
"Well, I see it as pretty straightforward. Not only will the Master not interfere, but I am also very convinced they will wish we kill as many as we can"
Marla's eyes widened,
"You don't mean..."
"Yes, I do Marla. The Plebeians are all pigs being fattened for slaughter"
Silence...
Everyone became quiet as they let Hal's words hang in the air. Even Marla who had guessed correctly looked... Stunned.
Hal let the silence remain for a while to allow them to process what they had heard as best they could before he said,
"When the attack was happening in the Homes of the Great families and many were killed. I had the blood knights present at the scene attempt to detect Blood essence but they could only sense it evaporating faster than they could possi.
And I have it on good authority that this Master was siphoning it"
Hal rested his back on his chair and sat up straight before he continued,
"When I faced Borus and learned of his experiences, I discovered and told him that his technique was merely a long process of turning him into a cauldron.
It was then that I began to wonder why a Master who was able to instigate the Plebeians to rise up and fight against the Great Families and all the while providing them with expensive resources would have no interest in ruling them.
At first, I truly considered that it was an act of generosity to help them break free of the status quo"
Hal chuckled as though to mock his own naive thoughts before he continued,
"Well, it did not take long for me to put the pieces together and so I can confidently say, the Master will not interfere in the Killing of the Plebeian forces but will not sit idly by if their essence is stolen.
They have spent a lot in turning the Plebeians into prime material for harvesting"
Melinda's eyes narrowed,
"But where is the assurance that the Plebeians will lose. After all, they need to lose for this Master to reap their essence. Not just that, they need to lose woefully"
As she said this, a lot of the ladies gathered nodded in agreement. This part of the issue was a little perplexing but Hal's certainty remained unchanged.
"Well, like I already said, this is merely a guess, a conjecture that I have come to through studies of the situation. But if I am correct, the Master's plan is not complete and I am confident of this because I can now infer that he or she is a control freak or at least controlling enough to want everything to go the way they have planned."
Hal stretched his hand and a portal opened. Out of it slithered Sassy who was quick to coil upon his seat so that Hal could stroke her head.
"This is Sassy" Hal introduced and told them all about Sassy, including a failsafe imprint, etched within her mind that once activated would guarantee total subservience.
He only left the imprint because removing it would most probably alert the Master.
"If a failsafe was put inside Sassy, then I believe there is fail-safe in the Plebeians as well. One that once activated could allow spontaneous essence absorption."
"If that is so, why does there need to be a war. Why not simply feed them and once they are ripe and juicy, kill them with this failsafe" Amelia said.
Hal smiled at her while stroking Sassy's head,
"'Juicy'. One of my most favorite words. Well done Amelia. You see, as efficient as spontaneous absorption is bound to be, it is also bound to be boring."
"Boring?" Camilla asked in an incredulous tone.
Hal smiled and turned a fraction in Melinda's direction,
"What do you think?"
Melinda nodded,
"I agree that it's plausible" She said and reminded the Ladies of what the Master had said;
'Things are getting interesting because of you'
Hal then smiled at Camilla,
"Yes Camilla, Boring. Because as it turns out, the plotting Plebeian Master is a fan of Theatrics"
Chapter 148 - A Letter To The Mayor.
"Theatrics?" Rita asked.
Hal nodded,
"Whoever this is, has the resources they need to get what they want but are not in too much of a rush. And thanks to their controlling nature, they prefer to take a backseat and watch all of us, and by that I mean everyone involved in the upcoming war, entertain them"
From the looks on the ladies' faces, it was clear that this was more annoying to them than the fact that this Master planned to refine the Plebeians.
Hal continued,
"If the Plebeians should win, I highly doubt the Master will be disappointed. On the contrary, they are likely to see it as a fitting end to the tale of two factions in the same city"
Amelia narrowed her eyes,
"But to manipulate people in such a way... Is it just for pleasure or is there a much deeper vendetta?" She asked this mostly to herself and was not really expecting an answer but as Hal had heard her question, he replied,
"It's hatred. Whoever it is, equates those of this city, Nay, this continent to livestock. The plots don't seem compassionate to me. I'm willing to bet this Master has ties to this continent.
Also, it is very likely that, after using the essence gotten here to become stronger, they might migrate to bigger cities and continue with similar plots"
Hal really did not care what happened to the Plebeians and might have even decided to remain passive, if it had not been that he had now obviously become a part of this Master's entertainment.
He grinned in a wicked manner,
'You want entertainment? You'll get it'
Sassy looked at the ladies one by one, occasionally flicking out her tongue. Her curiosity was evident. She slid away from Hal and slithered towards Melinda by his side.
Melinda smiled at her approach and let her coil around her arm while also stroking the Viper's beautiful scales.
"I didn't know you liked snakes" Hal said with a smile.
"Neither did I. But I have nothing against her"
Camilla and Irina shared a look and it was not about the Viper that now flicked its tongue in their direction but about the issues that they now faced.
Hal felt and saw their distress and stretched a wave of calm over the hearts of the ladies bound to him through their contracts,
"There is no need to worry. Fortunately, we only have two attacks incoming and our enemies are not working together but personally moving towards their own aim.
The Plebeians want 'Justice' and Gregory wants my secret. The most imminent of these two issues is that of the Plebeians. So before they arrive, I will need to form my Cosmic Armament and that is why we will have an orgy..."
Silence...
It was not that what Hal had said was surprising.
It absolutely was not.
However, it was the tone with which he said it that they were unaccustomed to. It was a tone that lacked lechery and was completely serious.
Then he said,
"But, Of course, this is not because I'm lustful. I'm just being diligent. This is diligent work"
Amelia blushed deeply.
"Who do you think you're kidding?" Rita said and Hal's smile returned as he struggled to continue looking serious.
"What do you girls take me for, a horndog?" He asked with a look to Melinda who smirked as she had once used that same word.
"Yes" Irina said.
"But in a good way" Camilla piped.
Hal covered his face with his beautiful hand and Melinda rubbed his back as though to console him,
"Where am I going to put my face?" The words were so thick with dejection that the ladies were almost worried about him but then he looked up with a smile and said,
"Well, I can't let that get me down. To the Time Warped Chamber"
The ladies did not wait for him to say it a second time as they rose from their chair and moved to the chamber with excitement evident in their steps. They had not been with him for days and would very much like to feel the pleasure again.
Soon only Hal, Marla, Amelia, Rita and Melinda were left in the Dining Hall.
"Would you like to return home? Your father might be getting worried" Hal said with a teasing smile.
Amelia scoffed at his smile. As though she could leave now that the flames of lust were once again burning within her pussy.
She and Hal had spent a lot of hours in bed and only stopped early that morning but as soon as she was awake, she already wanted more. It was as though Hal was a meal she could never get tired of.
"You just need this to get stronger. How would it look if I left you right now? In your time of need no less" She said with rosy cheeks.
Rita and Melinda chuckled while Hal's eyes widened,
"You're learning fast" he said as Marla leaped up from her seat with excited claps and went to tug Amelia's arm and lead her to the Time warped Chamber.
"This is going to be so much fun" She said and the two of them soon left the Hall.
Hal opened the portal to the forest habitat again and Sassy slid into it after one last curious look at Hal and the ladies now by his side.
"Well, shall we be off?" He said and held out his hands to the two.
They took it with a smile,
"You're insatiable" Melinda said.
Hal chuckled,
"You say that like it's a bad thing"
...
Meanwhile...
Edgar Castle...
While Hal moved forward and acted diligently to get stronger and turn the tides of the upcoming war in his favor, Hector was being told the news of the infiltration of his forces by the Blood Knights.
Karon stood by his side and informed him of all that had happened in the forest, trying his best to not sound as though he were criticizing Darryl but that was still how it came out.
Hector sighed. He did not blame Darryl. While it was indeed Darryl's duty to weed out the spies, it was also a delicate process that if not done cautiously could lead to them sending off allies and keeping traitors.
It was far from being an operation that could be completed within three days which had been the amount of time Darryl had to work before the Competition.
Also, Darryl had been making progress, having successfully weeded out some bad eggs and replaced them with men he swore could be trusted.
Although Karon was skeptical, Hector was convinced that those Blood Knights that had been mixed in with the Plebeian men must have been those Darryl had not gotten around to weeding at the time.
Besides, there were a lot of responsibilities for Darryl in recent days. Marlon and his wife Olivia were planning a remarriage and it was all Marlon could think about at the moment.
Hector let him focus on it as he had only just recovered from the injury sustained at the Confluence. At first, Hector had wondered if Darryl was going to complain about the decision. After all, he had also only just recovered as well, but his eldest son said nothing.
He took care of his duties to the very best of his abilities, it seemed to him what he could to help his Brother and support Marlon's decision on his future.
Hector was so proud and did not feel his son should be blamed for the infiltration.
He blamed Hal Payne who had no respect for his (Hector's) home security. While the intention might have been good (which he was still doubtful of), it was disrespectful and there needed to be consequences.
The issue could easily have been buried as there was no other family who knew what had happened, however, Hector felt that if he was silent on the matter, Hal could believe he was beyond reproach.
So he took Karon's suggestion of taking away the one-year immunity and tweaked it a little.
So instead of taking it away, he would send Hal a formal warning, that unless there was cooperation between their two parties, Hal was not to repeat what he had done.
He had only just completed the letter which he told Karon to have a messenger deliver it when a guard came to deliver a letter.
"A messenger left this with us and said it was to be delivered directly to you" he said.
"And did you recognize the messenger?" Hector asked, wondering if it was from one of the other Great family heads whose main messengers were quite known.
"No, I did not." The guard said.
Karon who had not yet left to have the message to Hal sent looked angry,
"And you took the letter. It could be an explosive rune set to explode when opened or something even more troublesome"
The Guard flinched at being reprimanded but still managed to speak as he stretched the letter to the Mayor,
"I-i-it seems really important"
The letter was pointed towards Hector and he could see what was boldly written on it,
"To The Mayor
From The Alchemist"
Seeing that title, he was startled and grabbed the letter. If it truly was from that elusive alchemist then that it was important was a gross understatement.
"My Lord, allow me to inspect it first" Karon offered but...
*Rip*
...In his excitement, Hector had already torn open the letter and beheld the message written within it from the one who could guarantee his victory in the coming war.
Chapter 149 - The Alchemist
Because of the rarity of Di-Astral sense, also known as Spiritual sense, no one had it in Salmon city. Or more accurately, no one had discovered it in Salmon City.
After all, it takes certain special conditions for someone to unlock the ability to use Spiritual sense. So it was quite possible that there was someone in Salmon city who possessed the rare ability but lacked the (even rarer) opportunity to unlock it.
That said, there were alchemists from neighboring cities who took trips and for a steep price, would be prepared to refine pills for clients.
However, since they had been having such visits from alchemists and also made trips themselves to neighboring cuties to purchase those pills, they had never met an Alchemist as talented and obviously high ranked as the one that had eluded them all this while.
This particular alchemist loved to make regular trips to the city and it was even believed that they loved the city's atmosphere enough to reside in it, even though there was no evidence to support this claim.
They would never dare to spy on the Alchemist's home for fear of losing their favor.
All the Great family heads had worked hard to rope the Alchemist into their party.
It was the first sign that there was never true cooperation among them. Because even when the Confluence still stood, they all worked in secret towards their own ends.
Hector Himself knew that while it was his habit to say he was only doing so for the protection of his family and those he would leave behind when he died, the truth was that he did not want to lose the power he now held. At least not until he was dead and could no longer lead.
There was nervousness and uncertainty as he began to read the letter and he could not possibly be blamed. After all, this was someone that had denied him audience all this while, where was the guarantee that this was not to shut him down again.
Although, if that was so, then that Alchemist must have a cruel sense of humor;
'Oh I have ignored you all this while and I have now decided to contact you and shut you down in writing'
Hector shivered. That would be sick!
Anyway,
The letter read;
Lord Edgar,
I was wondering if you would please visit my home this afternoon. I believe we have much to discuss and I sincerely apologize for snubbing you all this while.
I will have an explanation for you should you decide to honor my invitation although I am not sure you would find it reasonable or pleasing.
Below is my address, I look forward to meeting you.
-
Below really was the Alchemist's address and as Hector read it, his excitement grew even more than before. Surely, this was it. This was his opportunity.
Finally, things were looking up!
"Um, My lord, you look excited, may I inquire why?"
Hector stretched the letter to his right-hand man who read through it and frowned lightly,
"My lord, I don't think you should go"
Hector looked up at him,
"Why not?" He asked.
Karon cleared his throat,
"Well, I feel like this is an insult to you" he said.
"An insult? What do you mean?" Hector asked as he turned towards the window that looked out of the castle.
"Well, pardon me for saying my lord, but this 'Alchemist' has ignored you all this while. Every message you have sent, politely, to request audience has fallen on deaf ears and it is clear that whoever this is, has no respect for you.
And now, this letter was delivered, not personally. The messenger did not even have the courtesy to hand it to you in person and merely left it with the guard outside.
This letter itself seems another insult. Even though it's polite, it's obvious that the writer has no respect for you at all. Even calling you, the Mayor of this city, out to their home. To their turf.
I think if they were truly sorry for their misconduct, they should at least give you the honor you are due and politely pay you a visit"
Karon ended his words with a bow, worried that he had crossed a line.
Hector sighed,
"Do you think I don't know all that? Do you think I haven't thought about it?"
Hector took a deep breath as he surveyed the city from his Castle tower vantage,
"All you have said is right and the gods know that I have thought of the same things. However, I am the one who requires something from The Alchemist and as such, I am the one who must request and make compromises.
It is the reality of this world.
Besides, because the Alchemist resides in this city, of which I am still doubtful, does not mean that I govern them. Not everyone is as humble and respectful as Master Swanson."
When Karon had been making his points, there was a lot Hector had planned to say in reply but he felt it was better to keep them kept away.
That the Alchemist had sent him this letter and scheduled a meeting (even if Hector would have to go to their home turf) was something he believed to be a huge honor.
And he would gladly let go of his pride for what he wants.
"I'm sorry I spoke out of line, My Lord" Karon bowed deeply.
"Hahahaha, No you did not. Now prepare for our departure" Hector said.
-
At noon, Hector entered into a carriage and Karon sat next to him inside as they were driven towards the Alchemist's home.
They left guards behind because Hector did not want to display hostility to the one who could prove to be his salvation.
Darryl watched the Carriage pull away and sighed. His father was so diligent in pursuit of his goals and the protection of the Edgar Family. He truly hoped he could pull through in the upcoming war.
...
The Edgar carriage arrived at the front of the Alchemist home that turned out to be a Mansion. One of the largest in the City and was known to belong to a Plebeian family.
This did not raise a red flag for him, because as Mayor, he knew that the Plebeians were the best to go to in regards to real estate in this city.
What did raise a red flag of awareness for him was when he noticed that his carriage was far from being the only one in front of the Mansion's large and closed gate. He could easily spot the carriages of the other Great families; Krast, Horst, and Payne.
Just as he was surprised to find them there, the other Great family heads inside the carriages were surprised by the arrival and eventual completion of their Great family set
"What the Hell?" Hector could not help but swear.
Was this not the end of any wish to ally with the Alchemist in secret?
Were they going to have to bid for the Alchemist's products?
Or even more implausible,
Were they going to have to bid on the Alchemist themselves?
Looking at their Great Family colleagues, confusion was not the only thing on their faces. There was anger. Anger that they had been tricked.
Suddenly, the gates opened and out of it walked out someone who looked to be a servant at the house and must have been the one who delivered the messages or at least one of the messengers if they were more than one, which there were bound to be.
He waved them in and the carriages moved at a slow pace and into the Mansion's large compound.
There were a lot of servants at work in the compound and it was quickly obvious that the Mansion was only recently put into use. All the servants had a sense of duty but that was where it ended.
There was no strong sense of loyalty, at least not as far as any of the Family heads had seen.
It would seem that the Alchemist simply bought or rented the Mansion and employed help which meant they were most likely alone.
At first, this made a few of them confident in being able to sway opinion in their favor by displaying dominating strength but they all soon came to the thought that if the Alchemist could come to this city on their own, then they must be very capable.
Even the strongest among them, Hector, did not have any thoughts of bullying whoever this Alchemist was.
They disembarked from their carriages and followed the servants to the room that must have been prepared beforehand for all of them and yet there was an extra seat.
The chairs were six so the Family heads sat and whoever came with them stood behind their back.
For Gregory, it was Burt. For Edvard, it was Karmen and for Ford, it was Fidel.
"The Alchemist will be with you in a while" said one of the servants and left while another offered snacks which they all declined as they were already filled with anticipation for the elusive Alchemist.
And so...
An hour went by...
And then another...
And then another...
After three hours, the Great Family heads were beginning to regret turning down the snacks not because they were hungry, but because it would have been a welcome change to the boredom they were feeling at the moment.
And then...
*Bang!*
From a chamber out of sight, an explosive sound echoed and reached the ears of the Family heads who leaped up in alertness when...
*Click* *Clack* *Click* *Clack*
...a woman walked in with a violet fog clinging to her form-fitting black dress.
The woman was tall, quite like a model but her assets which were accentuated by her tight dress were quite ample and as she walked into the room, they jiggled lightly.
The lady whose body was smelling of pill fragrance (most likely caused by the violet fog) sat in the chair at the head of the table and faced them fully with her back-length black hair and bangs that covered her left eye.
She smiled sweetly,
"Sorry, for keeping you waiting, I was refining a pill. I hope you understand. I would hate to spend so much time apologizing since as I already stated in my letter,
We have much to discuss"
Chapter 150 - People Just Like You.
The Alchemist was a woman.
For a whole minute after she sat down, Edvard just stared at her. He had to admit that when he thought about the Alchemist, he either pictured a Man or did not bother to factor in gender at all.
But this woman before him,
This woman was stunning!
Of course, Melinda was more beautiful to him and his heart was still set on her even after she had slapped him because of the Boy toy.
Although it could be argued that Melinda and this woman had their own unique beauties. For one thing, this woman's beauty seemed dark and that had nothing to do with her clothes.
Edvard prides himself on his ability to distinguish the different qualities of beautiful women. He had chosen Karmen to stay close to him because her beauty was wild and dangerous.
She was just the type he wanted watching his back.
And the few times he had seen her spar convinced him of that beyond all reasonable doubt.
Back to the female Alchemist who eyed them all with her green eye (as the other was covered with her bangs),
There was just something about her that immediately disarmed Krast and he practically lost all ability of speech.
Also, was that a red twinge he saw in her eye?
"Have you been crying?" He blurted out.
The Alchemist looked taken aback before she seemed to realize what Edvard must have been referring to and so she rubbed at her eyes lightly,
"A little of the smoke got into my eye. Alchemy is quite a delicate process that can turn dangerous if one is not careful" she said with a friendly smile that caused Edvard to catch his breath.
Seeing this, Ford rolled his eyes,
"Simmer down, you man-whore"
Despite having been insulted, Edvard ignored those words but did visibly attempt to compose himself.
The Alchemist giggled,
"Oh you guys are so cute, My name is Arya" she said.
'She's even got a beautiful name. Is she not too perfect?' Edvard smiled off into space for a while before catching himself.
"Well, miss Arya, can you explain all this?" Gregory said in a gruff manner.
"Explain what? I don't quite follow" Arya said as she blinked the only visible eye.
Gregory snorted and gestured to the gathering as a whole,
"All this. Why are we all here? I, for one have been attempting to get an audience with you all this while and you've turned me down constantly. Now that you seem to have given me some consideration, I come to your home and find out I am not the only one"
The other Great Family heads, while quiet also agreed with Gregory's dissatisfaction.
Arya cocked her head in his direction,
"Hmm, I see. Well, you can't truly blame me for not granting any of you audience. At the time, I did not wish to get in the middle of your conflict.
You were all requesting my assistance and because if I were to assist all the Great families, the situation would simply remain the same, I assumed that you would all want me to work with only one of you"
She was right. That was what they wanted and now they thought about it, staying away from the conflict seemed a pretty reasonable thing to do.
Not to any of their advantage of course, but reasonable for her.
"So what has changed now?" Asked Hector who was the oldest and the calmest of all the gathered individuals.
"*sigh* I realized I was being an Idiot. How was it any of my business if you all want to kill each other? Why should I care that providing services to all of you would only make the situation the same?
The only thing that should concern me and be my business is to capitalize on your conflict and make a lot of profit"
Arya completed her words and her smile went from sweet to greedy, and the transition only served to make her look even more beautiful.
Alas,
At that moment, all the Family heads were trapped in a limbo of emotions where they were trying to figure out the situation.
What just happened?
They asked themselves and why was the once sweet-looking Alchemist now looking at them like they were about to be drained to their very last drop or more accurately, to their last coin.
"You do know that by telling us all this, we now know what you're planning and can simply get up and leave" Ford said as he stood to his feet.
Arya's smile widened,
"Oh is that so? Then feel free. You are welcome to some snacks on your way out" She said with a casual wave of her hand.
What a joke.
They were here for her help, even if they all left right now, they were bound to return behind each other's backs.
Slowly, he sat back on his seat.
Arya glanced at the empty chair by his side and groaned,
"When the hell is he going to get here?" She said with impatience.
"Who?" Edward asked.
"Oh just the sixth person in this meeting, Hal Payne" she said and eyes widened all around.
"What? You invited him?" Edward asked in outrage but Arya just smiled.
"Of course I did, he put himself in the spotlight during the auction, I couldn't just ignore him when I want to make some gold"
"You were at the Auction?" Hector asked.
Arya nodded with a smile.
Hector groaned with dissatisfaction,
"I have heard that Money does not mean much to Alchemists because they care more about the pursuit of Alchemical knowledge"
Arya blanked and then,
"Bwahahahaha. Who told you that crap? They are people just like you. The ones that act aloof as though they have no use for wealth only do so because they already large amount of it. Filthy hypocrites.
I, on the other hand, will give it to you straight. I only have my alchemical skills to make money and now that I have knocked some sense into myself, it is high-time I milk you suckers" Arya said and laughed some more.
The Great family heads had to admit to themselves that they were quite embarrassed. But even then they could not leave. All this was merely a prelude. She was obviously stalling for some reason as she had not yet told them why she really called them here.
A messenger walked in and at first seemed to wonder if he should deliver his news, when Arya saw his behavior, she waved for him to speak up.
The messenger cast a quick look at the gathered men before clearing his throat to speak,
"I was unable to deliver the message"
"Why not?" Arya frowned.
"Well, the guards at his Mansion would not even take the letter from my hand, saying that their Master was busy and he would be busy for the next few days" the Messenger said with a smile.
"Why did you not leave it there?" Arya asked.
"Well, the guard said he could not take the message on behalf of his Master and I would need to return when his master was no longer busy, even if the message was from...an Alchemist" The messenger said.
"Well, that's absurd" Edvard said.
Even if Hal was busy, it was a common courtesy that the guard holds it down for him. Also once the guard knew who sent the letter, there should at least be respect towards such a distinguished profession. Even if she was turning out to be a money-hungry bitch!
Hector's eyes narrowed. Edvard's outburst was understandable because there was found to be bad blood between him and Hal since the latter was with Melinda who he had set his eye on but what made no sense to Hector about the whole situation with the letter was that,
Before coming here, Karon had a letter delivered to Hal and while it had been said that Hal was busy, the letter was held down for when the Master of the house could peruse it.
So, while he believed it impossible, he was suspecting that the letter had only been turned down because it had been from the Alchemist.
But that couldn't be, right?
That would assume Hal had known the Alchemist would be delivering a message and that was impossible.
If only Hector, like Karmen, Burt and Fidel, knew that distance was not a barrier to communication between Hal and his men.
Speaking of Karmen, the image of her Master being such a badass was making it hard for her to stop smiling.
Luckily, no one noticed.
Arya rapped her fingers against the table for a while before she smiled at the servant,
"Okay then. You may leave"
Once the messenger was gone, She turned to the Great Family heads,
"Now let us talk about business and before we dive in, I need you to know I will not be receiving any land or territory as payment. I don't see the benefit of owning property in this city. For all transactions. I.. Want... Gold"
'Well that settles it, she definitely rented this Mansion' Karon thought.
Other than Edvard, all the other Family heads, including elderly Hector Edgar, wealthiest of the Four, sat straighter in their seats.
Edvard leaned forward,
"Um, miss Arya, are you not upset with the attitude of Hal Payne and his men. I mean, he's only a teenager and just because he made it into the pants of a beautiful and well-off woman, he feels he can disrespect people like you"
Karmen nearly face palmed herself at this idiot's words but declined to do so as it might ruin her cover.
Arta smiled at him,
"Oh not to worry about Master Payne. I will be visiting him in a few days. We will hash things out and he can tell me then why he turned me down"
Edward did not like the look in her eyes when she said 'turned me down'. It was almost a different kind of hungry.
Also, she was visiting him?
Personally?
Since when did Hal Payne deserve the courtesy they, as Great family heads, did not qualify to receive.