Bab 16: Face Off
As the tension hung thick in the air, Damien couldn't help but crack a sly smile, the kind of grin that would make Cheshire Cat jealous. He leaned in, fixing his gaze on the sisters, and with a wink, he chimed, "Don't you worry, I promise I won't harm our mysterious guest here. But you know, curiosity killed the cat, and I must satisfy my own. Besides, I owe him a thank you for saving my two precious princesses."
The sisters, their faces finally relaxing, exchanged a knowing look. Elise practically bounced on her heels, enthusiasm bubbling up in her like a shaken soda can. "Alright, Uncle," she chirped, "We'll bring him to your personal training ground, no problem!"
Damien nodded, a playful glint in his eye. "Perfect," he replied, his voice brimming with anticipation, "Let's make it there, then."
"Sure thing!" Elise and Clarisse chimed together before setting off, Elise practically skipping away, humming a happy tune. But Clarisse, ever the sharp-eyed one, couldn't shake off a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. Why did her uncle choose the personal training ground for a simple meet and greet? He wasn't the type to break promises but doubts lingered.
Outside the castle, the sisters headed towards "The Crimson Elegance", where they had arranged to rendezvous with Zac.
On Zac's side of the story, he stood outside the building, the designated meeting point Clarisse had mentioned. Nestled on the city's outskirts, the place seemed like a centuries-old tavern. The facade appeared deceptively quaint, a forgotten relic from a distant era, marked by a creaky wooden sign reading "The Crimson Elegance." Ordinary words, but the longer Zac stared, the more he felt drawn into an enigmatic abyss.
"Zac... Zac..." Suddenly, a voice broke the trance, and he snapped back to reality. It was Bella, who had nestled in Zac's pocket, waking him from his reverie.
"This place is no joke," Zac mumbled, his gaze cautious. He dared not look at the signboard again. Slowly, he pushed the door open and ventured inside.
Stepping across the threshold, he found himself transported to a world of enigmatic beauty and muted elegance. It defied all logic, a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, dimly lit by antique lamps casting shadows on polished wooden floors.
The decor oozed history, whispering tales of forgotten battles and lost love stories through ancient tapestries adorning the walls. The hushed reverence of the patrons, a mix of vampires and curious travelers, hung in the air. It wasn't a place for raucous revelry, but a sanctuary for souls seeking refuge from the harsh world beyond.
As Zac entered, the patrons glanced his way, momentarily curious about the newcomer in the black hooded robes. But soon, they returned to their own whispered conversations, unfazed. Visitors who concealed their identities weren't uncommon.
Zac found a quiet corner and settled there. His eyes fell upon an old man at the counter, seemingly the owner. He had the air of someone who had lived through centuries, though time had etched its marks. His eyes, closed while holding a walking stick, hinted at a light doze.
Two vampires, a man, and a woman who seemed to be in their early thirties, bustled about the place. They seemed like siblings, sharing more than just blood. The old man, with closed eyes, was studying Zac closely through his Soulsense from the moment Zac had been drawn to the signboard.
As Zac sat, he felt an intense gaze upon him, even though the old man's eyes remained closed. He scanned the room but found only one source of scrutiny – the old man. The stare persisted for a while, vanishing as abruptly as it had begun. Zac waited for Elise and Clarisse, pondering the reason behind the sister's choice of such a meeting place.
Time ticked away until the door swung open, and the sisters entered the tavern. A brief glance from the patrons was followed by a return to their activities, indicating the sisters were well-known here. They spotted Zac, walking over to his corner and taking their seats.
Their arrival prompted a second round of looks from the other patrons as they gave Zac a glance, but they soon lost interest. "Hello, little brother," Elise greeted with a warm smile, while Clarisse, though quieter, exuded curiosity. "Big sister is back. What have you been up to in the meantime?"
"I just went to the library to gather information about this place," Zac replied. "I've learned about the vampire races, the seven main families, their powers, and their businesses. But information about the Blood Queen's castle remains elusive."
The sisters shared Zac's frustration. "Our clan elders know more about the war and the Queen, but they keep it tightly sealed," Elise grumbled. Suddenly, she remembered something that sent her into a fit of excitement. "Oh, by the way, Louis is dead, and his branch got punished. Clan leader wiped out all their achievements and contributions."
Zac's eyes registered surprise. Not because he cared about Louis or his branch, but because it was a stark reminder of the ruthless power dynamics in this world. "Only with enough power can I survive," he whispered to himself, realizing that strength was the ultimate currency in this realm.
"Okay, now what's your next plan?" Clarisse inquired, pulling Zac from his contemplation.
Zac took a deep breath, regrouping his thoughts. "I'm heading to the Vampire-Werewolf battlefield. I need to get stronger, and that's the best place for it."
"No...."Elise erupted, jumping to her feet. Her shout caused the other patrons to glance their way before returning to their conversations. Clarisse intervened, calming her sister and stating, "Elise, please, sit down."
"I agree with what Elise said," Clarisse added. "It's too dangerous for you at your level. Normally, only Grandmasters and those who have awakened are allowed there. Rarely do Masters venture in, and they are even formidable people who can fight above their level. I know you're strong, but you'll be facing Grandmaster-level werewolves when you're just a Disciple."
Zac stared deeply into Clarisse's eyes, and her resolute determination stared right back. "Alright," she sighed and continued, "Ok, at least wait for us. I'm about to break through to Grandmaster, and Elise is on the verge of becoming a Master. When we're ready, we'll go with you to the battlefield. It's better than going alone to unfamiliar territory. We've been taught how to survive there, and you can use the time to consolidate your cultivation."
Clarisse's proposal settled it. Zac saw the wisdom in her words, and he knew he'd be safer with companions who understood the battlefield.
"And one more thing," Clarisse calmly interjected, her voice carrying the weight of authority, "Our clan leader wishes to meet with you."
Zac's reaction was immediate. Tension coursed through him, and his mind raced with a barrage of questions. Why did their clan leader want to meet someone he'd never crossed paths with before? It was a puzzling enigma that set his thoughts adrift into a sea of uncertainty.
However, Clarisse wasted no time dispelling his concerns. Her voice remained composed and reassuring. "Do not dwell on it," she advised. "Our clan leader is our uncle, and his interest in you stems from gratitude for your role in saving us."
While her words eased some of Zac's apprehension, a lingering sense of unease remained in the depths of his thoughts, an unshakable sense that the journey ahead might hold unexpected twists.
The trio got up, and as they exited the tavern, Zac couldn't shake off the feeling that he was still too weak.
As they left, the sisters greeted the old man at the counter. "Hello, Grandpa Van," they chimed.
The old man, with a small smile, opened his eyes. Zac, even as he stood slightly apart, sensed the gaze directed at him. The old man's remarks left Zac astonished; he had accurately deduced Zac's age despite his robe.
Elise introduced Zac; her tone cheerful as she pulled him forward. "This is Zac, our friend."
Zac's eyes met those of the old man, feeling as if he were being drawn into an abyss. This time, he guarded his Soulsea, resisting the force that sought to pull him in. With Bella's assistance, Zac regained control over his own consciousness.
The old man, seemingly pleased, repeated, "Not bad, not bad." This strange encounter went unnoticed by the sisters, and they wondered what Grandpa Van was commenting on.
As they left, Zac's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked the sisters, "Who is that old man?"
"Grandpa Van?" Elise answered. "I don't know much about his history. He's a senior in our clan, though. He lost his powers after an injury and started this tavern. I've heard he's a highly respected figure in our clan. He treats us well."
Zac remained silent, mulling over his interaction with the enigmatic old man. He didn't share his thoughts, but he knew that Grandpa Van was anything but powerless.
Inside the personal training ground, Damien waited, confident that Clarisse and Elise would bring Zac to him. "They should be here anytime now," he mused, though anticipation gnawed at him.
The door swung open, and the trio entered. Zac and Damien met at the center; their eyes locked in an intense standoff. Zac, now without his cloak, donned his military suit, while Damien's eyes sparkled with electric energy.
Suddenly, a storm of murderous intent erupted from Damien, and he lunged towards Zac, all smiles vanishing in an instant.
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
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