บท 33: A Pact in Darkness
Zac, ensnared in a state of immobility, endeavored to summon his fortitude. Converging his lethal determination with his indomitable will, he sought to repel the mounting pressure. However, he found himself only just capable of withstanding it when an even more formidable force descended upon him, leaving him utterly powerless.
In the ensuing moments, the oppressive weight lifted abruptly, vanishing as swiftly as it had materialized. Zac, in response, drew a profound breath, akin to one liberated from the clutches of suffocation.
Observing Zac falling behind, Carmen inquired, "Is something amiss, Zac?"
Zac redirected his attention towards Carmen, noting that she appeared oblivious to the recent events. Responding with a nonchalant "Nothing," he proceeded to trail after her. Meanwhile, Bella, positioned at her side, regarded Zac with an inquisitive expression. Initiating a telepathic exchange, Zac engaged her, his countenance now marked by a serious demeanor.
"You sensed that, correct?" Zac queried solemnly. Bella, confirming his suspicions, affirmed, "Indeed, I detected a significant energy surge, albeit brief." Observing the elderly guard seated nearby, eyes closed and seemingly unperturbed, Zac marveled at the subtlety of the situation. Were it not for the palpable pressure Zac had experienced and Bella's validation, one might dismiss the occurrence as mere illusion.
"Your assessment is astute; that elderly gentleman harbors complexity," Zac asserted gravely. In mutual understanding, Bella nodded, and together they resumed their journey, advancing toward the next section of weaponry with a newfound awareness of the challenges that lay ahead.
As they departed, the elderly man's eyes flickered open once more. "Impressive youngster. Clearly, my elder brother's estimation of him is well-founded," he mused aloud. Regarding the young duo's departure, he couldn't help but acknowledge the astuteness displayed by Zac. Regarding the accompanying young woman, he noted with a discerning gaze, "She detected my presence despite not being the one directly subjected to the pressure."
A mysterious glint illuminated his eyes, hinting at concealed depths of insight. Unbeknownst to him, however, was the fact that a fragment of Bella's soul resided within Zac's soul sea. Consequently, she too shared in the experience of the pressure Zac confronted, her perceptiveness extending beyond the physical confines of her immediate surroundings.
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Within the confines of the Radiant Armament section, Carmen gestured towards an array of weaponry, instructing, "You are entitled to select two weapons of your choice." Bella's attention, however, was immediately captivated by a vibrant, multicolored robe. She approached it, picking it up for closer inspection. The garment, upon scrutiny, revealed itself to be composed of a myriad of multi-colored feathers, prompting Bella's unyielding fascination.
"This is the Radiant Plume Battle Skirt," Carmen elucidated, her tone carrying a note of reverence. "A recent addition to our armory, boasting a level 6 Radiant Stage classification. Its capabilities rival those of peak Radiant Stage weapons. Remarkably, it not only serves as supple armor but also aids in the absorption of elemental attacks, converting them into usable energy."
Without a moment's hesitation, Bella declared, "I'll take this." Carmen, evidently anticipating her choice, continued, "Then you should also consider these Radiant Sky Boots," gesturing toward a pair of equally multicolored boots. Intriguingly, they were crafted from the feathers of a creature known as the Radiant Sky Hawk.
"Forming a matching set with the battle skirt, these boots enhance the user's movement speed. Beyond that, the additional capabilities are yours to discover," Carmen suggested, adding an air of mystery to the potential benefits awaiting Bella.
Amidst the ongoing conversation between Bella and Carmen, Zac had quietly made his choices, opting for an unassuming yet subtly intriguing set. His selected armor, appearing dark and unadorned at first glance, revealed its intricacies upon closer inspection, adorned with unfinished, delicate carvings. Complementing this, his boots, though black in hue, exuded a certain elegance.
Carmen, keenly observing Zac's choices, provided insights into their properties. "The boots, known as Dark Raven, boast a level six Radiant stage classification, offering a balance of style and functionality. However, the armor," she advised with a touch of disappointment, "falls short of its potential. Crafted from a material hinting at a rank surpassing Radiant Stage, the armor's value is marred by ill-fated attempts to inscribe runes onto a low-level base, rendering it practically useless beyond the defensive attributes inherent to the material."
Inquisitively, Bella questioned Zac's decision, "Weren't you initially considering new blades?" Zac, with a thoughtful expression, replied, "True, but nothing in the blade selection appealed to me. Surprisingly, this armor resonated with me, so I opted for it."
Carmen, concluding the weapon selection process, redirected their focus. "Now that your armaments are chosen, it's time to prepare for the impending journey," she declared, guiding them towards their respective quarters with an air of finality.
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In a dimly lit chamber within the castle, Vanessa, adorned with a cold countenance, occupied a luxuriously decorated chair. Her gaze was unwavering, her demeanor calculating. This woman, none other than Vanessa, held the esteemed position of Grand Elder Victor's wife and was also the mother of the late Dimitri. Positioned before her, a man, head slightly bowed, bore a demeanor of utmost respect.
"Craig, it has come to my attention that you nurse a deep-seated grievance against Clarisse, Elise, and that child, attributing their actions to the demise of your nephew," Vanessa spoke, a sly smile playing on her lips. Craig, the very head of the Louis family, perspired nervously as he responded, "Madam, I assure you, I harbor no ill intentions towards the main family."
Dispelling the pretense, Vanessa remarked, "No need to feign innocence in my presence. I, too, find those individuals detestable. Regrettably, our hands are tied in dealing with them." Frustration crept into Vanessa's expression as she continued, "However, I can afford you an opportunity to exact revenge on that young man," she declared, her tone carrying a subtle undercurrent of intrigue.
Craig stood in astonishment, grappling with a torrent of thoughts. "Is this a genuine offer, or a meticulous test of my loyalty by the main family?" Various conjectures raced through his mind, leaving him in a state of bewilderment. Vanessa, attuned to Craig's internal turmoil, swiftly discerned his suspicions.
Dispelling any doubts, she asserted, "There's no need for excessive contemplation. I'm not conducting any tests of loyalty. You may not be privy to this information due to the main family's stringent control over news, but my son Dimitri met his end through execution. And the catalyst for that tragic fate was none other than that young troublemaker." As Vanessa disclosed this revelation, a ferocious and malevolent expression swept across her face, accompanied by an emanation of palpable killing intent that exerted pressure on Craig.
Regaining composure, Vanessa continued, "You can verify the truth independently if you so desire. I've heard that those two sisters and the boy along with his companion are embarking on a journey to the battlefield. Seize this opportunity to eliminate him along their path," she suggested with a calculated calmness, leaving the weight of her proposition hanging in the air.
Vanessa, harboring a desire to rid herself of both Clarisse and Elise, recognized the futility of enlisting Craig for such a task, knowing he would vehemently refuse harm against a main family member. Fixing her gaze on Craig, she expounded, "Undoubtedly, there will be formidable protection around them. However, I assure you, you needn't concern yourself with that guardian. I will dispatch someone capable to impede their protector, affording you the opportune moment to eliminate the young troublemaker."
Craig, still hesitating, weighed the gravity of the decision before him, contemplating the potential consequences for his family. Sensing his inner conflict, Vanessa sought to sweeten the deal. "I've been made aware of the challenges your family has faced since its descent from power," she remarked, her tone calculated. Leaning into persuasion, Vanessa continued, "Should you succeed in disposing of that troublesome individual, I personally guarantee the restoration of your clan to its former standing or, perhaps," she added after a pause, "even an elevation beyond its previous glory."
Craig's eyes glittered at the prospect, the allure of reclaiming his family's prestige proving irresistible. Without hesitation, he accepted the proposition, cognizant that such an opportunity might not present itself again. The precarious situation his family faced only reinforced the urgency of his decision, compelling Craig to enter into this consequential alliance.
Exiting the room, Craig deftly retrieved a purple crystal attached to a pendant around his neck—a Videre Crystal, a sophisticated device adept at capturing and storing real-time scenes for later playback. Activating it covertly upon entering Vanessa's chamber, Craig wore a sly smile, secure in the additional leverage afforded by the discreetly recorded evidence. This calculated move not only acted as insurance against potential lapses on Vanessa's part but also showcased his meticulous and strategic approach to negotiations.
As the crystalline images of his family's imminent resurgence played out in his mind, Craig's resolve solidified. He envisioned a future where he could rectify the injustices endured by his family during their downturn. Clasping the Videre Crystal in his hand, the anticipation of retribution blended seamlessly with the promise of restoration, molding Craig's determination to settle old scores and carve out a new, triumphant path for his lineage.
Within Vanessa's chamber, a contrasting scene unfolded as another act played out. "Hmph, a mere ant seeking my patronage. Delusional," Vanessa remarked with evident irritation. "Sally," she called out. In response to her summons, a cloaked figure adorned in black robes embellished with crimson patterns materialized before her.
"Yes, Madam," Sally acknowledged.
Handing the figure a parchment, Vanessa instructed, "Firstly, go to the Shadow Wing branch and submit this request." Vanessa continued, "Given that the task is merely to delay an individual rather than execute them, the charges should not be exorbitant. Utilize the funds provided for unforeseen contingencies. Once completed, tail the individual who just departed. Ensure he fulfills his task competently, and then dispose of him discreetly. It is imperative that the trail remains untraceable back to us." With a sense of calculated efficiency, Vanessa orchestrated her clandestine machinations.
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