Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 217: A being possessing divinity

Chapter 217: A being possessing divinity

"Sir!" A middle-aged man donning the familiar colors of the D.O.D. stood outside the command tent, taking a moment to salute as he called out to the occupants within.

It didn’t take long before signs of movement were heard within after which the tent entrance opened to reveal the white-haired Family head, his grizzled expression leaving the middle-aged man flustered for a moment.

"You have news for me?" The man inquired.

The middle-aged man quickly recovered as he saluted. "Yes sir!"

"Has the reinforcement from Angelica arrived?"

"Indeed Commander."

"Lead the way."

"Aye!"

***

By the time the white-haired Family head arrived at where the airship had docked, Anastasia, Arthur, and Anderson had gathered at the site with the unexpected presence of Natasha standing at the corner.

Exchanging a glance with Natasha, the man stepped forward to stand at the forefront, Father Anderson acknowledging his presence with a greeting.

Nodding imperceptibly, he watched as a group of priests in white, led by one in a black cassock approached them.

"May the Only One illuminate your path." The priest leading the group greeted with his arms spread out before crossing them in an X.

The man nodded casually as he commented. "I didn’t think you’d be the one they would send, Marcus."

The leading priest referred to as Marcus chuckled slightly as he replied. "It’s good to see you too, Sir Lionel."

"I presume your flight was a pleasant affair."

"Indeed it was." Father Marcus replied before regarding Ana. "Great to see you again, Lady Ana."

"Nice to meet you," Ana replied with as fake a smile as she could muster.

Either because he didn’t notice this or rather he didn’t care, Marcus shifted his attention to Arthur before finally landing on Anderson who seemed slightly uncomfortable at his presence.

"Brother Anderson, I didn’t expect that even as a beloved of the Only One God, you’d fail so miserably at protecting his children."

"..." Anderson remained quiet, knowing fully well a response would only result in more jeers.

Chuckling lightly, Marcus remarked. "Now then, I believe it is time we head toward Evergarden Forest to get rid of the abominations that have corrupted this land."

Just as Lionel was about to respond, Natasha spoke up. "Everyone, if I may."

Undoubtedly, attention was quickly directed at her lone figure.

Gulping hard, Natasha remarked. "Before the expedition, I have something to say."

Silence reigned as everyone present waited for her to continue.

"After rigorous research, Ambrose and I came up with a few conjectures concerning this matter and other matters concerning BoneHaven destruction.

"During Basar and the Evil Eye cult’s attack, everyone present would confess to the manifestation of a dark curtain around BoneHaven that plunged the city into darkness for a while."

"And so?" Father Anderson inquired, slightly incensed due to the humiliation he’d just suffered from Marcus.

Natasha coughed dryly before continuing. "The darkness domain can be linked to the Draconian lineage of Vampires but knowing what we know, it’s impossible for any to be alive now, which leaves two conjectures; Either the creator of the curtain utilized distorted darkness from the Abyss Wheel or is an Apostle of a deity of darkness."

"No, there’s a third." A voice was heard, drawing attention away from Natasha to the new entrant.

Ambrose, using a cane to support himself, approached the group, his gait measured while holding a brown file.

"What’s the third?" Lionel asked.

"The Mantle of Darkness." Ambrose calmly replied.

Father Marcus chuckled at this point, amused by the situation. "The Mantle is sealed within the Labyrinth of Dread, how could it have come from Popolis to appear here?... And need I remind you that the city of Popolis was built precisely to ensure the Labyrinth would never be entered without the knowledge of our forces?"

"What if Popolis is no more?"

"..." Marcus furrowed his brow, turning silent for a moment.

Noticing this, Anderson inquired in his place. "What are you talking about?"

"I’ve been investigating BoneHaven’s destruction for a while now, getting in touch with as many merchants as possible and they all gave me the same information about Popolis... they can’t remember what they did there. It’s almost like it’s there but it’s not there as well. I dare say that is sufficient evidence to guess that there is foul play."

At this point, a tense atmosphere had already settled on the gathering, each one left to ponder Ambrose’s words and their implications.

"I also got in touch with those in the Headquarters..." Ambrose continued but sensing Lionel’s gaze, quickly added. "...Using Lady Ana’s name, to inquire about our correspondence with Popolis. There has been none in months yet no one thought to check on the situation of a city that’s known to border an aspect of God?... Need I say more?"

"Ana..." Lionel glanced at Ana, the latter in deep thought, her expression differing from her usual demeanor.

"It makes sense now. I’ve been to the Labyrinth and the aura given off by the dark curtain on that day was similar to it. How did I not think of this?"

"It is most likely the handiwork of the third party truly responsible for BoneHaven destruction." Ambrose was quick to respond.

"... Partial concealment..." Ana muttered.

"That is something the origin of darkness should be capable of." Arthur finally spoke, his voice filled with an unusual gravitas.

Lionel pursed his lips before remarking with furrowed brows. "If it is as you’ve said, that means, the Labyrinth has been compromised and the Mantle stolen by a figure that has already begun to move."

"No human can theoretically hold the power of an aspect of God, leaving only one possibility..." Ana muttered, trailing off as she beheld the Family head’s gaze, the latter of which let out an annoyed sigh.

"A being possessing divinity."

Taking the opportunity, Ambrose finished. "The destruction of BoneHaven might have been the first step toward the awakening of a deity."

***

In the unfinished alabaster temple with imposing pillars, Abraham laid on the altar, his current state the perfect definition of tranquil.

Unmoving for a moment, it didn’t take long before his finger twitched and a moment later, the corners of his lips curled into a sinister smile.