Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 240: First entry

Chapter 240: First entry

Lionel stood before an empty metal pod with wires crisscrossing the floor.

His expression was shadowed due to a lack of lighting but he seemed to be distressed as he inspected the area.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching was heard before a young woman appeared at the entrance.

"Sir!" She saluted.

Lionel regarded her for a moment before replying. "At ease."

"Thank you, sir."

"You were the one that called in the anomalies in Krobridge, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"What’s your name?"

"Melissa, sir."

Lionel nodded. "Have you finished questioning the department executives?"

"Yes sir."

"And?"

"... The situation is quite unsettling. From what I could glean from their rambling, Krobridge had nearly witnessed the advent of a Blood God, some sort of being the vampires sought to create at the expense of the lives of every person in the city."

"And the resident guardian?" Lionel asked. "Was she not aware of this?"

"She seemed to have been one of the casualties of the battle to save the city."

Sighing helplessly, Lionel inquired further. "Give me an estimate of the casualties."

"Most of the vampire populace are dead with a noticeable absence of Vampires of the Blood lineage."

"I didn’t expect to come across such unfortunate circumstances in my search for Ana," Lionel muttered before adding with a grimace. "This situation doesn’t bode well for the Accords."

"Sir?"

"Prepare a channel. I need to communicate with the other patriarchs. We have to be prepared for any retaliation based on what’s happened here."

"Alright, sir." Melissa turned to leave only to pause as she recalled something.

"Is there an issue?" Lionel asked, having noticed her hesitation.

Turning back awkwardly, Melissa replied. "There is an important piece of information that the executives wished for me to convey to you."

"What is it?"

"... They said the Dark Lord has risen and he may have been the reason Krobridge wasn’t destroyed."

"... What?"

***

"It’s been roughly 100 days since I arrived in this new world. There hasn’t been a day that passed when I didn’t think of you both, that I didn’t yearn for your company. Isabella, Mary-Jane... I miss you both dearly. I don’t know if I can make it back, this world terrifies me in ways you could never imagine. I fear that I may not survive and even if I do, that I will forget you so I have decided to write a journal... I’m sure MJ would call it a diary. Maybe it is...

"Regardless, if I do survive, I hope this journal helps me remember why I began this journey. I love you both so much. I hope you think about me the same way I think about you. Till we meet again.

"Love, your Onion, Alexander."

***

Tap...tap

Alex opened his eyes to find himself in a familiar garden with tall trees and eye-catching greenery.

Ahead, seated on a boulder with an apple in hand, Adam watched him with amusement.

"You survived." He remarked.

Alex nodded. "If not for your help, I may not have been standing here."

"It was your plan, all I did was go along with it."

"In any case, I offer my thanks."

"Bah, don’t be so formal. I thought we were best of friends."

"... I don’t think so."

"Ah." Coughing awkwardly, Adam quickly changed the subject. "I believe you are here to complete the deal."

"Yes."

"Alright. I was shocked that you’d suggest allowing you to access two Locks despite having not completed the trials but I guess with everything you’ve done, it’s all good."

"I guess I was lucky."

Adam chuckled. "Only you would say such a bizarre event would be lucky."

With that, he turned toward the arched gate behind and uttered two distinct words in a language unknown to Alex.

Soon, two Locks receded revealing the floating words underneath.

"Hero and Shepherd," Alex muttered as he stared at the words.

Adam nodded as he explained. "Though I would say your understanding of Hero is unsatisfactory, you still decided to be the hero, even if it were just to save your skin."

"The path of a hero isn’t exactly straightforward."

"True, but still... hah, just forget it." Adam sighed as he continued. "As for Shepherd, you were able to save the citizens of Krobridge and lead them toward a haven. This goes in line with the trial which requires you to herd those in danger toward greener pastures."

With his hands in his pocket, Alex replied. "So I believe there is no longer a need for you to brand my soul."

"Unfortunately," Adam replied as he shook his head. "I looked forward to buying your soul from the Emissary."

"... What’s the next trial?" Alex sensibly changed topics, restraining the twitching of his lips.

Adam’s lips curled slightly as he replied. "You aren’t ready."

"What?" Alex raised a brow.

"Take the time to get into the two Locks you’ve received. Once done, you can return. As for now, I won’t be giving any more trials."

"But..."

"You should return now, Alex. I look forward to seeing you soon."

"You can’t just..."

"Bye."

Whoosh

A gust of wind rushed out of nowhere and swallowed up Alex before sending him away.

Letting out a sigh, Adam massaged his neck while grumbling. "Scary monster. You can be an error but don’t be a monster as well."

***

Nadia found herself in a familiar space and a familiar body.

Unlike her normal appearance, she seemed younger here, likely in her adolescent years.

Looking about the room which was adorned with various expensive materials and jewels, Nadia quickly figured out her current location.

It was her mother’s resting area

She glanced ahead where a dark-skinned woman wearing a loose robe lay on a large bed with two shirtless men standing on either side, slowly motioning with giant palm fronds to produce a constant flow of cool air.

Her mother, a dark-haired beauty with a voluminous bust, laid like a queen and scrutinized her before reaching out to beckon Nadia to come close.

Pulling her over, she made her sit on the bed before inquiring softly.

’Tell me, child, what bothers you?’

Initially hesitating, Nadia spoke up. ’...Mum, why do you hate dad so much?’

’Hmm?’

’He always tries to make you happy but you only make him do more work and beat him up. Is that okay?’

Nadia’s mother chuckled in amusement only to realize that the little girl was serious.

Gripped by slight annoyance, she grabbed Nadia’s arm and made her meet her fierce gaze.

’Men are tools to be used. How can you feel sorry for a tool?... How can you worry about a tool?... All you have to do is use it. That is the first rule to becoming a true woman of Judah.’

’...But...’

’Not another word!... Now, for your insolence, I believe a punishment is due.’

’Mother...’

’Take her away. I believe lying down on black sand would help to teach you some sense.’

’No, I don’t want to...’ Try as Nadia may, the men servicing her mother moved over and grabbed her, pulling her along without mercy.

’No, no...Mother!’

***

"Hah!" Nadia awoke, her breathing uneven and her forehead wet with perspiration.

Gulping hard, she closed her eyes to do away with the dream she had.

Some time passed but finally, she managed to calm down.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes to find herself staring at an unfamiliar roof.

She blinked a few times, trying to make sense of where she was but found herself unable to do so.

Finally, she sat up only to realize that the room she was in had nothing apart from the bed she was on.

Rubbing her temples, Nadia muttered softly. "Where am I?"

As she struggled with the slight headache assailing her, a strong urge to drink blood welled up within her, leaving her slightly disoriented.

Struggling to stand, she made it to the door and opened it only to pause as her eyes dilated and breath escaped her lungs at the sight ahead.

It wasn’t that it was terrifying... On the contrary, there was nothing at all!