Capítulo 60: Chapter 60: Welcome Ceremony
*After the party given in his name when Dagfinn returned home, Philotas asked him where he had been and why he had been missing for so long. The young boy wanted to lie at first but he decided to tell him everything, after all he had no reason to hide something like that from him and it would help him to take action in the future*.
-I see, where is your sister... I mean Phina.
*Dagfinn chuckled slightly*.
- It's okay, you can say it. She sleeps quietly these events have shaken her a lot.
-I see you took good care of her, I'm proud of you.
* Dagfinn felt a certain pride in being complimented like that. He tried to hide his smile but he ended up blushing and Philotas who saw him ended up hugging him and ruffling his hair*.
-Haha you're cute like that, don't change a bit.
*Phina slept soundly, the prince was not going to betray his secret. Shortly before leaving, when she had hugged him, she had whispered in his ear*.
-If my brother ever finds out what I did one way or another I will make your life miserable.
*Prince Emory was surprised. Behind her angelic smile hides a real Harpy and he saw it in the cell. Time passed and more than a week passed. This little incident had ended up being passed over in silence. That day Dagfinn was done with harbor business when he returned home to find Nisos and Brett training in the yard.*
-Raise your arms well, you are angry, you lack the technique.
*Brett threw himself on Nisos who mowed him down and he fell in the sand*.
- Go small.
-He won't learn anything if you keep ridiculing him like that. *Fit Dagfinn*.
-Oh hi mini-boss. Don't worry, it's just a little sparring. You can join us if you want.
-I'm non-violent you know.
*Nisos and Brett looked away so as not to giggle*.
- If not, do you really intend to stay? *Dagfinn asked Brett*.
-I did the math, I'm not going to go back to the slapsticks being poor. I'm going to get a bit richer as a mercenary and then we'll see.
-The group of Nisos may be a mercenary group in appearance but it is also our private army, depending on the circumstances you could be asked to perform tasks that go against human morality.
-Wow Mini-Boss slowly I teach him the basics of the job step by step.
*Dagfinn walked up to him and looked him straight in the eye*.
- But I am asking him now. What will you do when I order you something like this?
*Brett was paralyzed to see Dagfinn talking like that, especially since he knew his true nature. He swallowed and answered simply*.
- You're the boss.
*Dagfinn smiled and patted him on the shoulder*.
-Relax my friend I tease you. I was joking.
- Yeah haha...
*Then Dagfinn walked away with a smile, Brett looked at him as he saw his sister hug him*.
-He's freaking out.
-He sure is. *Nisos replied*. That's why he is the mini-boss. The boss is even more terrifying.
-Mister Philotas? *He wondered*.
-Rule number 1 the boss must always smile. An iron mask on the face and an armor on the heart. It is only with his family that he opens up.
- On this point his son is very much like him. Do you have any advice for me otherwise?
-Yes. Only one. Never ask them questions about work, just obey orders. This is the secret to a long and happy life. Let's go back.
*Nisos gets on his guard and Brett too*.
-I was talking about advice for the sword *He thought*.
*In the evening Philotas summoned his children to his office. Dagfinn and Phina found him with a serious look that contrasted a lot with the look he was used to showing*.
- What is it, father, you seem anxious. *Said Phina*.
- Has something happened to one of our overseas subsidiaries? *Asked Dagfinn*.
-No, none of that. But I think it's time I talked to you about something serious.
*The two young people stared at each other surprised at the serious tone he used then stared at him again*.
-We are listening to you.
-I have been working for more than 10 years already with an occult group called the Cult of Azuros. A group of religious fanatics. In short they are not very bad but they have only one idea in mind to impose their religion everywhere as well as their rule. And this religion banishes the very existence of Killicks.
*Phina turned to Dagfinn whom she grabbed by the hand*.
-Don't worry, no one knows your true identity even if Nisos suspects something. I am one of the high-ranking executives of this cult as I provide them with much of their gold and equipment. In exchange, they find me business opportunities everywhere.
-I see it's a kind of secret society.
-They have followers everywhere and they have been trying for a decade to embed themselves in the heart of Adrun's power, unfortunately without success because the government here is not favorable to them.
-Adrun took the bird of Azur not Azuros right? It's confusing. *Said Dagfinn*.
- But why are you telling us about it today, father? *Asked Phina*.
-It's because I intend to introduce you, both as a members.
*The two young people widened their eyes*.
- Us as a member of the cult?
-If you were kidnapped and what's more in my house it's because these people didn't know you were my daughter, at least that's what I want to believe because by doing that they clearly challenged my authority. Going after my family is unforgivable so I intend to put the dots on the i's.
- I see it is therefore a question of giving them a lesson. *Said Phina*. They need to learn who we are and also remember our family.
*Looks up and stares at the half torn crest just behind the desk*.
-And also Phina, it's your mother who introduced them to me. If I haven't left them it's because I suspect her murder to be among them.
*Phina's face tightened and she began to feel a tingle of it, Dagfinn hugged her and tried to comfort her*.
-It's fine, Finn, I'm fine.
-I'm going to ask you both to be strong, it will be a test for both of you.
- Yes father we are ready. *They answered*.
* The two young peoples therefore met the next day in an unknown place, their last memory was that they had a family meal and that they ended up falling asleep, even Dagfinn which surprised him because it was supposed to be impossible with human poison. But when he saw the feathers he understood*.
- A relic.
*When he woke up he found himself in a cave with lights. He and Phina stood in the center of a circle-shaped slab. Around them were several people in noble attire, others in armor, probably soldiers. Some had armor from Adrun and others from other countries. Dagfinn realized he had landed right in the middle of a worship meeting.
-Fiiiinn. *Phina said in a worried voice*.
-Don't worry, everything will be fine as long as you stay with me.
*Most of them were masked but some didn't care to show their faces, especially these two warriors, a man and a woman with red hair who wore armor from the land of Osmandis. The man was very tall with an imposing build with his golden pupils like his armor with red contrasts and patterns reminiscent of astronomy. The woman too was tall with similar armor, no doubt they were related. Enemies of Adrun who obviously also found themselves in this place. There were also two guards at the entrance, a woman with dark skin but slim compared to the other and a tall man over 2 meters tall. Both wearing shining silver armor. They were guarding the door as if to prevent them from fleeing, on the exact opposite was a woman with raven black hair wearing a hooded coat. She wore a black turtleneck top and black pants with boots. The man on his right had the same outfit and had an unshaven beard. As they looked around they saw their father in the group. He was standing with a pretty hard stare*.
-Father *cried Phina*
-Don't come any closer. Stay in the circle my daughter.
*They obeyed without question. It was then that a person entered the crypt. She wore a white silk outfit with silver embellishments and wide shoulder pads. She also wore a mask adorned with crow feathers covering up to her nose, purple lipstick. When he arrived everyone bowed to him. Except Philotas*.
- How rude.
-Looks like the guy is too pissed off to show respect.
*This person was the grand master of the cult of Azuros also called the Prophet*.
-I see you are not feeling well today Philotas. *says the prophet*. What is it?
*Her voice was effeminate like her curves and the fingers of her right hand had long fake nails of golden color*.
-I'm waiting for you to tell me. *he says calmly*.
*Everyone stood up and resumed their seats. Philotas remained standing alone.
-Before coming to you, I would like us to first take stock of our latest activities.
-Let's avoid banalities, I'm in a hurry. *he says*.
*Everyone looked at him with a bad eye in front of his lack of manners, it didn't look like him*.
- Eight days ago some men broke into my residence and tried to kidnap my daughter.
- This is very annoying. *Said the master*.
- Men of the cult.
*Despite having a mask you could feel the master suddenly upset*.
-Really ? *He says in a more serious tone*.
*The master glanced at the raven-haired woman*.
-I ordered a mission to capture the Prince of Adrun in order to pressure his brother to join us and support us. But never...
-It turns out that the said prince was in my house. *fits Philotas*. And your men took my daughter away too.
-She was probably in the same room as him. Please don't hold it against us, the procedure dictates that...
- The procedure requires that you notify me when you invest my domain.
-It's a secret mission Philotas you weren't supposed to know about.
-And when your men would have killed my daughter you would have notify me Alaya?
-Enough. *Simply says the master*.
*That single word killed the tension between the two and they both bowed to apologize. The woman's name was Shiki Alaya, a master assassin entrusted with the dark duties of the cult. Her elite fighter are trained to kill Killicks*.
-This mission cost us 2 relics bearer including the crystal of toten in which we had great hope in the future. The prince is still at large and he must have wind of our existence. *Explained the master*. But he's only a child, we'll deal with him in due time. However, we are here on urgent business.
*Everyone started staring at the kids again*.
- A witness claimed that one of your children was a Killick.
*Dagfinn and Phina widened their eyes*.
- This witness says that the Killick in question would have torn off his arm after having mastered him. A normal child wouldn't be able to, but a Killick *Suggests the master*.
- If what you say is true, why are my two children on the stage? *asked Philotas*
-It's simple if your son is a demon, why not your daughter? And even more so, yourself.
*A crowd of hateful looks then turned to Philotas*.
-And what proof do you have.
-I'm here.
*Unexpectedly a tall woman with red hair and dark skin appeared. Dagfinn was shocked to see her still alive after the landslide, especially since she had lost an arm. But she was there very much alive and her relic was with her*.
-Shuri my child, can you tell me which of these two children did this to you?
-The boy with blond hair grandmaster. Beneath his air of an innocent little guy hides in fact a demon.
*everyone looked at her skeptically*.
-It does not make sense. *Phina shouted*. And from you to me looking at you it's more like you the Killick isn't it?
-Shut up little piss, I know what I saw. *She says showing her amputated arm*.
*Phina retracted slightly*.
-It does not change anything any of the Killicks of the attack could do it.
-She's right Shuri it's not proof. *Said the master*. However, there is another interesting factor. Magic.
-Magic ? *say Philotas*.
*That last look Dagfinn looks worried. The master approached Dagfinn who had shivers down his spine then he took his arm and showed a tattoo *
-All Killicks marked with the enslavement seal have a mark on their body.
- Philotas you traitor. *One of the armored men said menacingly*.
-However. *The master continued*. This mark varies in shape from one Killick to another, so it is not sufficient proof.
*The tension suddenly dropped but people remained wary*.
-However...
*He reached his hand with his golden claws and slightly tore Dagfinn's hand, suddenly a blue energy escaped. It was immaculate and deep enough to cover the circle at 80%. We could have thought of Efrat at the time but this energy was in fact *.
-Did you have that much on you? Philotas *said the master in a cheerful voice*. Your son is a prodigy.
-It's... What is it? *Dagfinn asked in shock*.
- Mana my son. A lot of magic sleeps in you.
-What... But it's impossible, it's probably the aura of a demon. *Shuri yelled*.
-You did say that the aura of the Killick who attacked you was green, didn't you? *Asked Shiki*.
-Yes, but...
*The master then turned to Phina but no sooner had he touched her than a black and dark aura poured into the room like whips. All the masters on the spot took fright and unsheathed their sword, the interaction lasted only 5 seconds and the grand master stopped short *.
-You my daughter... *Said the master*. Do not change.
*Ruffles her hair then turns to the congregation*.
- Well it is clear that everything indicates that this youngster is healthy. The enslavement seal prevents Killicks from using magic, therefore this child being capable and with such a large amount of mana cannot be a Killick.
*Philotas heaved a sigh of relief. He wasn't prepared for it, but it looks like Dagfinn was safe*.
-However. *Said the master again*. There is a test that does not lie.
-Don't tell me he thinks what I think. *thinks Dagfinn to himself*.
*The master clapped his hands and summoned a man with a chalice and a dagger*.
-As you all know, the blood of Killick allows them to create nameless atrocities throughout the world. Creepy mutants that only fuel Adrun's death machine.
-You won't dare. *Shouted Philotas*.
-It is a question of proving the innocence of your son Philotas.
-Really ? Or are you just giving us a talk on the Killicks.
-Relax Philotas.
-If I didn't know you i would think you try to hife something to me. Rathnea come my girl.
*The woman in silver armor leapt inside the circle and overpowered the struggling Dagfinn. The master then took his palm and cut it off before putting it in the chalice*.
-Good.
- No stop. *Dagfinn shouted*.
- So who wants to volunteer? *asked the master*. Shiki are you okay?
-No thank you.
-And you Philotas is your son after all it would be like drinking your own blood.
*The man gave a disgusted look*.
-And you Shuri you seem convinced that this young boy is a Killick. Prove it to us, sacrifice yourself for the cause.
-I refuse to turn into a creature of the night.
-I will do it. *Phina shouted*.
-Oh... Interesting.
-Phina No. *Shouted Philotas and Dagfinn*.
-I will do it.
- Well you surprise me girl.
*She took the chalice in her hands then she looked at the bottom. Dagfinn nodded to her not to drink and so did his father. She swallowed then emptied the cup cusec*.
-NO...
-You see, I didn't...
*She began to cough lightly and fell to her knees*.
- Phina. *Dagfinn shouted*.
-Here is what is surprising...
-I'm fine. *She said standing up*. I had just never drunk human blood. It tastes weird.
*The whole assembly was amazed. The red-haired General Osmande began to laugh out loud*.
- All this circus for that. In the end the liar is you Shuri. *he says*. You're trying to mask your incompetence by blaming it on a harmless 10-year-old. You have fallen very low. By-product of Killick.
*All eyes were on her again and she didn't know what to do. Rathnea let go of Dagfinn, who rushed to his sister*.
- Look what you did, these poor children are traumatized by your fault.
- But... But no... I swear to you this boy is a Killick.
- Shut up you witch. *shouted a guy in the crowd*. You should already consider yourself lucky that we took pity on you.
- With your appearance you should have died a long time ago.
*As she suffered the name calling and slander Shuri looked at Dagfinn and his sister. They smirked and stared amusedly at Shuri. In anger she drew her relic and rushed at full speed on them*.
-Rathnea.
-Yes Master.
*Shuri punched but she ducked and in the same motion slashed her before grabbing her by the wrist and with a single grip and crushed her to the floor. She took her relic away from her slowly and plunged her blade into her stomach*.
-Damn. She overpowered her too easily. *Dagfinn thinks looking at her skin.* A Killick? Not a relic bearer.
*The master then made the children get down and brought them to their father who hugged them tightly*.
-You were great. *he whispered to them*.
-In the name of this assembly of masters of the cult, I offer you my most sincere apologies.
-I accept your...
-No fucking way. *say Dagfinn*.
-Oh ?
-I do not agree. Lately all you've been doing is insulting me, my dad and my family. I don't want any excuses, we're a merchant family but we can bite you know.
-Oh ? And what does the young master of the GottWald family want from us.
-It's simple financial compensation from all the masters here. The more consistent it is, the more sincere it will be. The minimum is set at 500 gold coins.
Ndt: There is Bronze, Silver and Gold coins for money in this World. 100 Bronze = 1 Silver. 10 silver = 1 Gold. Silver is the money of middle class and Healthy people while the rest of the society deal with bronze coins. Gold is then for Noble and royalty.
-500... But they don't care about us.
* It started to gossip in the group but the master silenced them with a wave of the hand. Then he leaned down and took Dagfinn's hand before kissing it.
-You will have your compensation. Followed by a letter of apology from all the masters. And for me...
*The master came forward and kissed him which surprised everyone in the assembly. Phina blushed in embarrassment covered her face with her fingers*.
- Well, how are you?
-I...I...I...I...You...
*In the crowd the two red-maned generals stood up. The first woman who hadn't said a single word. Then the next man who was taller than the average man. He approached Dagfinn and he frowned. The kid hid his hands in his coat so as not to show his claws. He also closed his mouth so his fangs wouldn't stick out. The man just placed a bracelet of his golden armor in front of him*.
-Here is my compensation young man.
*Then he put down a dagger*.
- And here is my respect. *Ruffles his hair*. If one day you pass Osmandis ask after me.
*Then he leaves*.
-The last time I had this reaction was against the human king. *Said Dagfinn to himself*. But there it was worse I almost jumped on him. Damn this cult hides monsters everywhere. And the woman next to him looks just as dangerous to me.
*He watched as they left the room while the guard let them pass and then the prophet told them*.
-Welcome to our big family.
*To be continued*.
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